HITCHCOCK COUNTY – HOMETOWN HISTORY – WEEK OF DECEMBER 11, 2025
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News of 1935
The Republican Leader
90 Years Ago
Camp Creek Lake Will Be Completed Next Spring
A.T. McCoy received word this week the Camp Creek Lake west of Trenton was in line for completion as a PWA project carries with the approval at a grant of $3,600 to finance the work of rebuilding the dam and lake. This project was under construction last spring when the floods came and took out the dam. The financial loss to the promotors of Camp Creek Lake was heavy and a new federal approval of the project was necessary before work could be resumed. It may now be possible to get this lake ready for use during the coming summer as a resort. Mr. McCoy also reports that federal approval has been given to the building of a addition to the grandstands at the Pow Wow Grounds and work on this is likely to be started within a short time.
House Being Moved to New Place
As we go to press Thursday afternoon, the R.S. Otis residence has nearly reached its new location directly across the street west of the Methodist Church. The Otis family abandoned their home last May 31, when the flood water from the river surrounded the house and ran into it several feet deep. They felt they could not live in that location and endure the worry of another high water. The Otis family have been renting a home while waiting to decide on a location to move their house to. The new location is considered one of the prettiest in Trenton. A full basement has been built thereon and the house will probably reach there Friday. Quite a few improvements on the house are planned and when ready for occupancy this will be one of the nice residences of Trenton.
One Hundred Sixty Acres Sells
The Jack Maloney farm southwest of town sold last Thursday to Harry Ford for $4,000 for the one hundred sixty acres. This is considered a very fair price for this land, which is mostly level. Several weeks ago this farm had been rented to Chris O’Byrne for this coming year and this rental contract will continue.
New Bridges to Start Soon
Surveying for the new bridge across the Republican River has been in progress this week and is practically completed as we go to press Thursday afternoon. G.L. Decker, working for the Monarch Construction Company of Blair is the surveyor. In place of the old bridge which was washed away by the flood of last May, there will be built two new spans of bridge over two new channels of the river which were cut by flood water, the old channel of the river being entirely filled up with sand and rubbish at the time of the high water. The first bridge nearest to town will be built some distance north of where the old river channel was. This span will be 310 feet long, will be built of treated timber and will afford a crossing over a wide channel which since the flood, carries considerable water when the river is high, but ordinarily this channel is dry. The second bridge will be 320 feet long and will span the main channel of the river which is some distance south of where the old main channel flowed. This bridge will be constructed of steel and will have a concrete floor. These two bridges, when completed, are considered, will be adequate to take care of any high water which may come down the Republican River. They will both be very substantial as well as good looking. The old channel of the river was entirely filled up at the time of the flood from a point near the F.E. McConnell farm on the west to a point nearly south of the W.W. Barritt farm home on the east. At each of these points the river again takes the old channel. Between the two bridges there will be built a span of grading with clay surfacing. This will afford protection to both bridges in case of high water, and make an easy escape for flood water without detriment to the bridges and can easily be replaced if washed out. Mr. McKane, the contractor in charge of the work of building the bridges is expected in Trenton any day to begin actual construction of these bridges. All of the common labor on the project will be done by men on relief rolls, first in Hitchcock County and then from adjoining counties. Surveyor Decker and Contractor McKane have office room in the basement of the town hall. It will probably be three months before these bridges will be open to traffic.
News of 1945
The Republican Leader
80 Years Ago
News Briefs Here and There
One of the largest real estate deals consummated during the year took place last week when the Post Bros. ranch, northwest of Stratton, was sold to W.M. Sheidt of Friend. The ranch, one of the largest holdings in southwest Nebraska, consists of 2,400 acres, and had been owned by the Post family for more than 50 years. The consideration was $108,480, and the deal was handled by Roy Pettijohn, realtor of Arapahoe. The Post brothers were cousins of the immortalized Miley Post, famous aviator killed in an Alaskan plane crash, with Will Rogers as passenger. They are also relatives of the famous cereal king, creator of the popular Post Toasties.
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Stratton News- Dr. L.B. Brown accompanied by his wife and son, Jack, expect to leave Monday for San Maria, California where the doctor will enter a Hospital and place himself under the care of Dr. John Stewart, his former associate here. “Doc” has not been well for the past couple of years, but had hoped to “hang on” until Dr. Kenneth Brown got back from the Army. But the heavy load of caring for the sick of the community alone and his state of health has gotten to the place where it is imperative that he cease work. He needs complete rest and is going to try to get it.
Doctor Offices in New Quarters
The offices of Dr. J.E. Prest are now located in the former location of the Trenton Style Shoppe, just across the hall from his former quarters which have been convenient and attractively arranged. Krotter and Wellett, owners of the building, plan to utilize the portion of the building vacated by the doctor for a modern furniture display room. They plan to connect this addition with a large doorway through the south wall of their present store.
Spontaneous Combustion Causes Coal Shed Fire
A fire in the Krotter and Wellett coal sheds, just west of the T.W. Jones elevator, about mid-morning last Saturday, caused damage estimated at several hundred dollars. The blaze started from the inside, in the middle bin, which was about two-thirds full of stoker coal, and was believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion. In addition to the coal loss in the three bins, the entire top of the shed was destroyed by the flames, as was the upper part of the bin walls, and partitions between the bins. The Trenton Lumber Co. bins on the west were only slightly damaged. The fire department responded quickly and had the blaze under control shortly after the water was turned on.
To Have Formal Opening
F.W. “Frosty” Quick, owner and manager of the Quick Implement Service, is announcing the formal opening of his new store on Saturday, December 8th. The IHC line of Farm Machines and repairs will be handled and this enterprising young business man has spared no expense in his endeavor to make this one of the best farm implement stores in this territory. In the sales department, “Frosty” will be assisted by Harve “Beefy” Keller, veteran of World War II, and Lee Steinke is in charge of the repair shop department. Re-Opening Station The Alt Oil Co., service station, which has been closed since Lawrence Alt, one of the brother members of the firm, went to the Army, will reopen again this Saturday, according to announcement made in their ad in this issue. Herman and Lawrence Alt will be in charge.
News of 1955
The Republican Leader
70 Years Ago
Moisture in Weekend Blizzard
Starting about 7:00 Friday evening with a light rain which froze as it hit, the weekend storm brought about five inches of snow, some moisture to the county and headaches to the travelers on the highways. The roads were slick enough that Dave Coolidge, road department engineer at McCook called off the snowplows and crews Saturday afternoon to avoid further accidents. Motorists were advised to stay off the roads which were cleared Saturday night. Country roads were impassible by noon Saturday with the drifts caused by the blowing snow. Sunday, county crews went to work and most of the arterial county roads were opened Monday. Temperatures during the snow and later hovered around the zero mark that night and went even lower Sunday evening. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week a warming trend occurred and much of the snow melted. Water ran down the main street of Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. The moisture was much needed here as the extreme warm fall had made the ground surface very dry. On most fields snow layed and the fields were not so barren as is usually the product of snow and Nebraska winds. Temperatures for the month of November and thus far in December have been below normal.
Two Make Admirals in Nebraska Navy
Two Trenton men have attained the rank of Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. Thus “mythical organization” has many members throughout the state, which receive their commissions direct from the Governor of the State. “Newly Commissioned Admirals” are George Carlyle and Roger Thuman of Trenton, who last summer made a 1,200 mile trip from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Nebraska City in a 26 foot Larson Voyager powered by a 25 horsepower outboard motor. Uniformity is the rule in the “Nebraska Navy” and all members have the rank of Admiral. There is no pulling of rank in this organization. The title of Admiral is usually passed to a political figure or someone who has distinguished himself in service to Nebraska. This is one of the few instances in which the title was bestowed on anyone for their sailing ability. George and Rog received their certificates of commission and their pocket cards, signed by Governor Victor Anderson, indicating they hold the rank of Admiral in Nebraska’s “land locked” Navy.
News of 1965
The Hitchcock County News
60 Years Ago
Tour Kansas Trade School
Thirteen junior and senior boys accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Buhler, Mrs. Louis Solko and Mrs. Kenneth Bauer made a tour of the trade school located at Goodland, Kansas. The tour was conducted by Mr. George Long, school director. Mr. Long talked to the students about the different courses, discipline, costs, employment after graduation part-time employment while going to school and housing facilities. The students were then allowed to visit all the classrooms and shops and to observe the students at work. Goodland offers courses in business, auto body, auto mechanic, carpentry, electricity, technical drafting and farm mechanics. Making the trip were: Dean Buhler, Richard Terrell, Jerry Nichols, Dennis Weber, Merlin, Schaffer, Dick Cole, Tom Hovey, Bob Reiners, Wayne Carter, Johnny Miller, David Belleau, Art Solko and Chuck Hutchinson. It is hoped that this type of field trip will help students to decide on furthering their education after graduation from high school.
Honored as 50 Year Member
Mrs. Josephine Fleming was honored by the R.N.A. Camp 1867 for 50 years of faithful membership. Mrs. Fleming was unable to be present at the meeting so the officers of the camp presented the 50-year membership pin to her at her home. Marshal Racine presented her with a Card of Honor and the pin and congratulated her on the honor. This is the second 50-year pin earned by faithful membership in the past few years. Mrs. Margaret Roose is the other recipient of the award.
County NFO Members Attend National Convention
Back from the greatest farm convention in history, Wayne Romine, Hitchcock County NFO president, pronounced that collective barganing for agriculture is secure and the National Farmers Organization is secure. Attending from the County were: Wayne Romine, Jack Sandman, Erwin Cushing, Mr. and Mrs. Owen McCollam, and Loyd Trimpey. “Successful Bargaining, The NFO Way” was the theme of the two-day national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, December 1st and 2nd, attended by six delegates from this county, part of a record breaking 10,000 voting delegation from 25 states.
News of 1995
The Hitchcock County News
30 Years Ago
Retires After 33-Years
Roy Skraback was the guest of honor at an open house held Monday, December 4. The event celebrated his retirement after 33-years with Farmers Co-Op Grain and Supply in Culbertson. Friends, relatives and loyal customers dropped by throughout the day to visit and wish Roy well as he begins his retirement. They were treated to rolls, cake, and coffee compliments of the Co-Op. Farmers Co-Op General Manager, Kent Reimers was on hand to present Roy with a gold watch. The watch was engraved with “Thanks Roy for 33 years of service.” Said Reimers, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish to express our thanks for 33 years of outstanding service to the Co-Op and to Culbertson” Roy was born south of Stratton and has lived all of his adult life in Trenton. He served two years in the U.S. Army and 10 years as a heavy equipment operator before joining the Co-Op on November 3, 19652. His first three years with the Culbertson branch of Farmers Co-Op he drove the propane truck. He became manager of the branch in 1965. As manager, Roy did a little bit of everything, from janitorial work to being his own secretary/bookkeeper. Of course, most of his time was spent in the usual duties of running a full service station. During his time with the Co-Op, he has worked under six general managers, and eight bookkeepers. He has watched families grow, children leave the community, and eventually return to their roots. On the downside, Roy has also watched several Culbertson businesses close their doors, never to reopen. Even the Co-Op has downsized since Roy began his employment. When he joined the company, the Culbertson Co-Op boasted six employees. Currently two men keep the enterprise going. Roy is looking forward to beginning this new phase of life and has exciting plans for the future. First on his agenda. is a trip to Alaska where he will spend his time fishing and panning for gold with his brother. Roy and his wife, Margaret, will make the trip by car to enjoy the beautiful scenery every mile of the way. While Margaret will be able to stay only 15 days because of other responsibilities as dispatcher for the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s office, Roy will enjoy two months of relaxation and soaking up the beauty of Alaska. Roy and Margaret are planning a trip to Florida to visit Margaret’s brother in two years. Sailing and deep sea fishing are the planned highlights for this excursion. In between times, Roy will busy himself with hunting, fishing, shingling, and remodeling their home. Rick McDonald will replace Roy as manager at the Culbertson branch.
Installs New Elevator
After four weeks of construction installation of an elevator in St. James Catholic Church in Trenton is complete. The elevator, with stops at basement, ground and church levels, will allow the parish’s disabled and elderly full access to the church’s many activities. The 750 pound capacity elevator will accomodate one wheelchair and one attendant per trip. It is equipped with an emergency phone, required by law. Access is available to the elevator from two sides. A donation from a former parishioner started the fund drive. Parish donations, dinners and Bingo projects helped defray remaining costs and necessary remodeling, according to Father Philip Luther. The elevator is installed on the southwest corder of the church building. A new ground level door and lowering the existing floor three feet were required to complete the project. A shaft was constructed with a three level access. The entire vestibule was rewired and replastered in order to blend the exterior of the shaft into the church’s interior design. The work was completed by Harvey Esslinger Construction. Gordon Marquette was project general contractor.