Hitchcock County Hometown History Week of January 23, 2025
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
News of 1905
The Trenton Register
120 Years Ago
Trenton News Notes
Were you prepared for that cold spell? It came quite sudden like, didn’t it?
***
There is not a vacant house to rent in this village and several people are looking after houses. We certainly think it would be a paying investment for someone with a little idle money to erect some houses to rent.
***
Mrs. Ann Coffelt moved to the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Haegen, northwest of town, the latter part of last week.
***
L.L. Felker, of dray line No. 2, came out Wednesday morning, with a brand new up-to-date dray wagon, which was manufactured at the shop of our blacksmith and wagon maker, Lee Coon.
***
The Knights of the Maccabees installed the following officers for the ensuing term at their regular meeting, Monday night: W.D. Otis, commander; C.W. Bosserman, record keeper; Fred Lockwood, chaplain; Will Day, sergeant; Dr. A.H. Thomas, physician; C.W. Benedict, master-at-arms; Ralph Otis, 1st master of the guards; J.L. Pember, sentinel and Joe Filbert, picket, after which an elegant lunch was served and a social time had.
***
The M.W.A. Lodge of this Village installed their newly elected officers, last Thursday night, for the ensuing year. The following are the names of the officers and the positions they hold: Frank Dennis, venerable counsel; A. Dillman, worthy advisor; A. Gillaspie, banker; C.L. Allen, clerk; Frank Miller, escort; Marion Benjamin, sentry; Jas O’Connell, member board of managers; Dr. A.H. Thomas, physician.
Stratton Local News
The report that Ovid Kellogg had gone to McCook and taken unto himself a wife has turned out to be another case of imagination on the part of someone.
***
The large $10.00 doll, raffled off by D.N. Strayer, was won by Charles Thomas, who refused to sell it and carried it home as an unexpected joy to his little daughters.
***
Quite a number of Thomas Rife’s young friends gave him a surprise last Sunday, by suddenly appearing by the wagon load at his home northwest of town. The occasion was Tom’s birthday and the young people report a pleasant visit.
***
We are pleased to note that our young friend, Raleigh Rife, who is attending Doane College at Crete won second place in an oratorical contest at that place, last Friday evening. There were four contestants and the subject which Raleigh orated on was “Individualism.”
News of 1935
The Republican Leader
90 Years Ago
Warm Weather Routed by Icy Winds Sunday
Winter struck with full force here last Saturday night. A decided change to colder weather was evident all day Saturday and by night an icy northeast wind was blowing a fair gale. Business houses closed early to allow proprietors and clerks to go home early and sit beside warm fires. The cold and wind increased during the night sending the temperatures down to an early morning reading of 16 below zero. There was no letup Sunday morning and all day the wind blew hard and cold, driving the temperatures downward. Sunday it was almost impossible to heat homes even with furnaces, to a comfortable temperature. Water pipes froze and in some instances burst, flooding bathrooms and basements. Monday morning the lowest temperature reported was 20 degrees below which is very unusual in this climate. Pyles Cafe was closed all day Monday while plumbers thawed out and mended frozen pipes. The Commercial Hotel, barber shops, doctors’ offices and many residences had similar troubles on account of the cold. The cold snap came most unexpectedly after a very mild winter and scarcely anyone had given a thought to possible frigid weather or frozen water pipes. One of the remarkable things about the cold spell was the quick change to warmer weather. Considerable moderation took place Monday and Tuesday noon; the air was warm and balmy again. Only about an inch of snow fell here and this was well piled in heaps by the wind. Stock is said not to have suffered greatly because of the short duration of the storm and lack of moisture accompanying same.
F.L. Winship Resigns
F.L. Winship, principal of the Trenton High School, placed his resignation with the school board Tuesday to take effect Friday night, and he and Mrs. Winship expect to leave Saturday for their new home in Central City, where Mr. Winship has been elected principal of the high school. The change gives Mr. Winship a larger town and school to work in and a much larger salary. Mr. Winship came to Trenton nearly four years ago from Pleasanton to take the principalship of the Trenton High School and has served continuously in this capacity. He has also had charge of History and Dramatics in the high school, having achieved much distinction in the latter with the many first class plays put on during his time here. Mr. Winship is counted one of the outstanding school men in Nebraska, his many friends here regretting to see him leave our school system, but wish him the best of success in his new home. The school board expects to have the vacancy in the Trenton High School filled in time for classes next Monday morning..
Suffers Paralysis Stroke
J.D. Filbert, 76, is very ill at his home here following a stroke of paralysis Monday afternoon and another one Tuesday morning. The stroke Tuesday morning was the third to come to him and his condition is considered very grave. His entire left side is affected. He still has some vision and can talk a little and eat soft foods and liquids. Mr. Filbert was striken while in his shoe shop when he attempted to walk across the room to hand some money to Rueben Reutzel, who has been doing the shoe repair work for several months. Mr. Reutzel noticed Mr. Filbert was not very steady on his feet and reached his side just in time to keep him from falling to the floor. Medical aid was summoned and Mr. Filbert was taken to his home, where he is being cared for by his brother, W.P. Filbert and Frank Patton. Some one of his nephews from west of Trenton arrange to be with him every day. His sister, Mrs. W.L. Losey of Stratton came down Monday evening, but is unable to stay at the Filbert home all the time. Mr. Filbert’s health has been steadily failing for several years and quite rapidly the past four months.
Rehabilitation Work in County
The Hitchcock County Rehabilitation Committee reports that the work of getting those now on relief on a self supporting basis is going ahead as fast as possible. Between forty and fifty applications for a farm and federal assistance to help folks get back on a self supporting basis are now on file and more are coming every day from heads of families who are anxious to get a little home of their own and something to do that they may get off the dole. The applications must each be carefully judged by the committee then must be okayed by federal higher ups before any of them can be placed on a farm. For the first cases that are taken care of, the committee proposes to rent farms and stock them for the applications. A team, a cow and some chickens and perhaps a hog or two will be furnished so that the man and his family so placed will be able to make their living. And they will have to succeed or they will taken off and someone else given a chance. When the supply of farms is exhausted, a tract of land will be purchased and divided up into eight acre farms, one farm to a family. Dobie house will be built on these and everything necessary to work with will be furnished the man and his family. These plans are expected to be fully working by the time spring work should begin in this county, so that the relief roll by that time should be materially diminished. This project is in the hands of S.J. Adkins, who is the head of the committee, County Commissioner O.G. Smith, John Ward and O.A. Martin of Palisade, Mrs. Vida Martin of Stratton and Mrs. Carrie Bailey County Relief worker. These are all working under the federal district manager, Mr. Conrad of McCook.
News of 1945
The Trenton Register
80 Years Ago
Snowfall Over Week-End
Some three to four inches of wet snow blanketed this section of the country over the week-end, bringing a total of 0.43 of an inch of moisture, according to the gauge at the State bank. The snow started early Friday morning, and continued most of the day. Late Saturday afternoon, more snow began falling and the fall was unabated until around noon Sunday. There was no wind with either snowstorm and the heavy moisture content of both snows, which covered the pastures and fields without drifting, will prove very beneficial, as the top-soil was beginning to show the need for moisture. Mild temperatures and bright sunshine have prevailed during the forepart of the week.
Has Card From Sister Who Is Jap Prisoner
Mrs. Ida M. Marshall received a post card last week from her sister, Elvessa A. Stewart, who is a prisoner of the Japanese, at Philippine Internment Camp No. 1. Miss Steward wrote that her health was fair and stated: “doubtless you received my card sent in April. Have no mail from any of you. Am hoping for word. Weigh 109 pounds.” The card, dated June 28, 1944, was signed in her own handwriting. This is the first time direct word has been received by any of her relatives since Miss Steward was taken prisoner with other civilians shortly after Pearl Harbor. Miss Stewart was a teacher in the Philippines at the time the Japanese conquered the islands.
Trenton Girl Weds Pilot at McCook Base
Miss Della Mae Haines, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Haines, became the bride of Staff Sergeant Bill Koppinger at Oberlin, Kansas, on January 17th, their attendants being Miss Erma Keller of Trenton and Jim Allison of the McCook Air Field. Sgt. Koppinger, whose home is in North Dakota, is an L-Pilot at the McCook Field. The couple plan to live in McCook if suitable living quarters can be found. Congratulations are extended to the bride and groom.
Resigns as President of the Woman’s Club
At a meting of the executive officers of the Trenton Woman’s Club Saturday afternoon, Mrs. W.E. Taylor tendered her resignation as club president. Her duties as Visitor at the county assistance office prevent her from continuing to serve in this capacity. Mrs. Norris Enders, vice president, has assumed the office until another president can be elected. The next meeting of the club will be held Tuesday, February 6th, at the home of Mrs. L.L. Darby. This will be a Library Tea and Miss Ethel Gramly will be guest speaker.
News of 1955
The Trenton Register
70 Years Ago
Injured in Texas Auto Mishap
Word was received in Trenton early this week that Mrs. John Baker and her daughter, Mary, were in the hospital at Dumas, Texas, with injuries resulting from a head-on collision near Bivens Station, Texas. Mrs. Baker and Mary were following the family trailer and pickup when a pickup side-swiped the trailer and plowed head-on into their automobile. Mr. Baker and John Jr., were riding in the pickup and pulling the trailer and Mrs. Baker and Mary were following in the car. They had left Trenton on Saturday about noon and were en route to Hobbs, New Mexico to make their home. Mrs. Baker is suffering from a broken shoulder, broken clavicle, broken arm, and three broken ribs and a chest puncture. Mary sustained a fractured vertebrae in her neck, and a broken left ankle. At last reports Mary is resting comfortably in the hospital but Mrs. Baker is suffering extreme pain from her injuries. Mr. Baker was employed on the pipeline work at Trenton this fall and they lived in their trailer at the Fuller Trailer park. They have stayed in Trenton in order that Mary could finish her first semester work at Trenton High. Their car was completely demolished and much damage was done to the family trailer.
While the Cat’s Here
A mild January thaw saw water running in the gutters this week and for the first time since the first snow after Christmas the Trenton main street is relatively free of ice. It’s good to see the water running.
Soo-Paw Open for Business
Mr. and Mrs. V.B. Burd and Mr. H.B. Chipman announce this week that they will open the west wing of their new Soo-Paw Motel on the intersection of Highways 34 and 25 on Tuesday, February 1st. They are also announcing that a gala “Open House” will be held at the new location next Sunday, January 30 from 10:00am to 8:00pm. At that time they want to show their new business to the public and will serve coffee and donuts throughout the showing time. Everyone is invited to view this structure, Southwest Nebraska’s most modern motel. With the furniture arriving last Friday, the owners and operators of the new Soo-Paw were able to put half of the new tourist stop into operation. This included six completed units, on the west side of the office. In these units they offer one family size unit, two 18×18 two bed units and two 15×28 single bed units. Each of these six bed units include a 6×8 bath and shower. Started in April with the moving of the two-story dwelling of Mr. and Mrs. Burd across the highway northwest from its former location, the completed new structure measured 240 feet from the west to east ends and when completed will have six more units on the east side of the office station. Herman Schnabel, local contractor, has done the major part of the building and wherever was possible services and materials were secured from Trenton workmen and suppliers. The initial work of the construction men was the basement and moving Burd house from the former location southeast of the highway and the construction of the utility tunnel which runs from the basement of the main house in both sections of the length of the motel. This tunnel has all the utility connections for the new structure including lights, water, heating and air conditioning. The tunnel 4×6 feet with a concrete floor and the sides are constructed of concrete blocks. In the matter of the separate units, each has its own fuse and own water and heating cutoffs in order that at such time as any the fixtures in any one unit is not functioning properly, all others will be working. The hot water used in the taps of the motel are instant hot, because of a new type of water heater that continually moves the water in the pipes. The Trenton Plumber Shop made all the water, heating, air conditioning and bath installations in the new structure. The heating system is a hot water type and a U.S. Standard. This is also hooked in with a 5-ton Copeland Chiller for use in air conditioning in the summer months. This chiller keeps water circulating constantly at 40 degrees for cooking use. The novel part of the heating and chilling systems is that they are controlled by a new type Minneapolis-Honeywell winter and summer thermostat and the same radiation unit is used for both heating and cooling. All you have to do for comfort is to set the dial and the problem is solved automatically.
News of 1965
The Trenton Register
60 Years Ago
Wins Betty Crocker Award
Eunice A. Nealeigh has been named Trenton High School’s 1965 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow. She scored highest in a written examination taken by senior girls December 1 and is now eligible for state and national honors.
Trentonites Win Bowling Tournament
Some of our Trenton Bowlers are a pretty happy bunch this week, having won the City Bowling Tournament in Benkelman over the weekend. Bringing home the honors were Tink Reynolds, Leo Frank, Dick Ward, Doug Wilkinson, and Forrest Hite. Reynolds and Hite also won the doubles in the tournament and Frank and Wilkinson placed fourth. Wilkinson placed fifth in the singles and Reynolds was second in all events.
Has Accident in Kansas
Nate Bragg, Trenton, came out without so much as a scratch last Friday afternoon when his car went off a 30 foot embankment north of Phillipsburg, Kansas. Nate, who had left home early Friday morning for Phillipsburg on business, had just started home about 6:00 pm in the rain. He hit a patch of ice, when he started to slow down for another car. His car plunged down the embankment and hit a cement abutment. Nate spent the night in Phillipsburg and caught a ride home Saturday afternoon, leaving his car there for badly needed repairs.
Bernard-Janousek Engagement Told
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bernard of Imperial announce the engagement of their daughter, Sheryl Kay, to Larry J. Janousek of Trenton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vencle Janousek. A June wedding is planned. Sheryl is a member of the senior class of Chase County High School.
SNOW
We finally got the much needed snow that everyone in this vicinity has been wishing for last Friday night when close to a foot of snow fell, bringing nearly an inch of moisture. The official report at the Dam site shows 7.5 inches of snow but residents of Trenton are sure that at least a foot of snow fell here in town. Light snow began falling late in the afternoon and by 7:00 in the evening it was really coming down. At 7:45 the Palisade-Trenton basketball game which was in process, was called off so that the buses could start home. The people who were in the school building watching the game were surprised to walk out and find about four inches of snow on the ground and the snow coming down so thick and fast that you could hardly see where you were going. The Palisade buses and several cars could not make it up the hill until chains were put on. It continued to snow most of the night and into the morning Saturday, the sun coming out about noon. There was very little wind with the snow and it didn’t get too cold and the near inch of moisture was welcome.
News of 1995
The Hitchcock County News
30 Years Ago
Stratton Hosts Quiz Bowl
Stratton Schools hosted the Hitchcock County Elementary Quiz Bowl on January 18. Grade school students in each of the four county school systems competed in a series of six tests. Each test was a collaborative effort among a three man team. The students were given 10 minutes to complete each part, with exams being scored by area teachers. The tests covered the subjects of Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Problem Solving, Science, and Current Events. Teams were age oriented for 3rd-4th grades, 5th-6th grades, and 7th-8th grades. Winning teams for the quiz bowl were 3rd-4th grades – Trenton with team members Derek Rupp, Corbin Schoenberger, and Luke Alig; 5th-6th grades – Stratton with team members Joey Henderson, Ryan Downing, and Josh Hamilton; and 7th-8th grades – Stratton with team members – Neelee Glasco, Marci Zahl, and Megan O’Byrne. Championship plaques were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Goodenberger. Mrs. Goodenberger presented the plaques. Students participating in the quiz bowl were: Culbertson: Bryce Cook, J.J. Roschewski, Ross Oberg, Brandon Hagan, Briana Barger, John Eisenhart, Jeff Barger, Marianne Hock, and Jeff Fox. Stratton: Kevin Forch, Kelsi Zahl, Jon Reed, Josh Hamilton, Joey Henderson, Ryan Downing, Neelee Glaso, Marci Zahl, and Megan O’Byrne. Trenton: Derek Rupp, Corbin Schoenberger, Luke Alig, Cliff Thompson, Jill Hidy, Ryan Calson, Mark Rouse, Josh Lewis, and Heather Chance. Wauneta-Palisade: Stacey Alberts, Seth Alberts, Aaron Lawless, Eric Padilla, Chawnta Duram, Clint Barger, Alicia Bailey, Jeff Taylor, and Kevin Kaiser.
Poem Certified as Semi-Finalist
An original poem by Linda Plourd Lilienthal of Culbertson has been certified as a semi finalist in the National Library of Poetry’s 1994 North American Open Poetry Contest. “The National Library of Poetry, founded in 1982 to promote the artistic accomplishments of contemporary poets, is the largest organization of its kind in the world.” Mrs. Lilienthal’s poem will automatically be entered into the final competition held in the summer of 1995. The poem will be published in a forthcoming anthology A Moment in Time (Library of Congress ISBN 1-56167-266-1).