HITCHCOCK COUNTY -HOMETOWN HISTORY – WEEK OF JANUARY 15, 2026
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News of 1926
The Trenton Register
100 Years Ago
Crushes Ankle Bones
Orin Kent had the misfortune to slip and fall on the frozen ground, while hauling corn last week, and the wheels of the wagon passed over his right ankle, crushing the bones. Very painful, and causes him to take a forced vacation from work. His brother, Austin, is doing double duty with farm work while Orin learns to travel with crutches.
Miles-Hall
Glen K. Hall and Miss Opal Miles motored to Atwood, Kansas, last Friday afternoon and were united in marriage by the County Judge at that place. The bride is the youngest daughter of Fred Miles and wife of Trenton, and is a Senior in High School. The groom is a son of Mrs. N.T. Hall of this village and “Hally” needs no introduction to our people. The wedding was a surprise to relatives and friends and news of the event was not learned until Monday. They will make their home with the groom’s mother. The Register extends best wishes for happiness, to the newlyweds.
Car Takes Plunge: Driver Uninjured
Art Helm met with an auto accident Monday evening, which fortunately was not more serious. He was driving west on the road near the Frank McConnell place, where Alva Lawson resides. The road has recently been changed at this point. The grade has been made about 80 rods farther south and the bridge across the creek has been moved south the same distance. Evidently Mr. Helm was not aware of the change and as it was after dark, he drove directly on and plunged off the bank into the creek. The car was damaged considerably but was not overturned by the plunge and Mr. Helm was uninjured. Mr. Lawson heard the crash and anticipating the cause, went to Mr. Helm’s assistance.
Freshman Class Issue “(N)Evergreen”
The Freshmen Class of Trenton High School this week issued a four column four page paper, which they called “The (N)Evergreen.” This is the first high school paper ever issued in Trenton and it was undertaken by the Freshmen as part of their English work under the direction of their instructor, Miss Vira Hildreth. The purpose of the paper was to show the work of the Freshmen in this department, and to determine whether or not the High School might regularly publish a paper of their own. The paper is very interesting from a literary standpoint, is well arranged, and reflects much credit upon the Freshman class and their instructor. Trenton business firms assisted the students in their venture by use of of the adversing columns. The staff was as follows: Editor, Edna Blue; assistant Editor, Frances Hinkle; Business Mgr., Stanley Ruopp; Special Reporter, Burr Tarvin; Advertising Mgr., Wilbur Haegen; Athletic Editors, Arlene and Merton Powell; Social Editor, Grace Ritchie; Joke Editors, Paul Darby, Frances Horvath, and Norman Leopold; Other Reporters, Entire Class.
Shooting Affray in Kansas
Considerable publicity has been given a shooting affray which occurred in Rawlins County, Kansas, 19 miles southwest of Stratton, last Friday morning. The facts are that Joe Frazier shot Mason Conner and the affair took place in the barn at the Conner farm. Mr. Conner was not seriously wounded and was able to be about the next day. It seems that authorities and the neighborhood in general have been unable as yet to ascertain the cause of the act. Frazier was released on $4000 bond and the trial wil be held at Atwood January 18th.
News of 1946
The Trenton Register
80 Years Ago
Modern Fire Truck Ready for Service
At long last, Trenton has a modern, fully equipped fire truck, ready to serve the community in case of fire. It replaces the old, antiquated hose carts and other out-dated equipment that has been in service for many years. The new truck was made possible through the financial assistance of the Village Board and long, long hours of labor donated by members of the Volunteer Fire Department in building and equipping the truck. An all-steel body, patterned after factory-made fire trucks, has been built on the Chevrolet 1.5 ton truck chassis, and the 500 gallon pump, purchased from the U.S. government, is mounted directly behind the cab. A water storage tank of nearly 300 gallon capacity, for aid in fighting rural fires was built under the floor of the truck. Included with the government-purchased pump are many items of the latest fire-fighting equipment including one 14-foot roof ladder, one 24 foot extension ladder, 200 feet of 1.5 inch hose, 400 feet of 2.5 inch hose, two 10 foot lengths of hard suction hose, as well as nozzles, rope, wrenches, first-aid kit, and other items. The Fire Department has also purchased the latest type fog nozzle, a siren and blinker light which is mounted on the left-front fender, two adjustable spotlights that are fitted on the rear of the truck, and all of this equipment, together with nearly 1000 feet of fire hose previously owned by the town, has been conveniently and compactly mounted on the truck. The entire truck has been painted white, with attractive red trimmings and the words “Trenton Fire Dept.” are printed in red on each door of the cab. It is equipment of which the Fire Department and town can be justly proud, and with weather permitting, the fire laddies plan frequent drills in the near future in order to familiarize themselves with all of the equipment and to develop top-notch efficency with the new truck and apparatus. For the present the new truck will be housed in the driveway at the Ken Miller Implement Co. Several members of the department will have keys to the building and Ken, who is a member of the department, has given assurance that the driveway will be kept clear, so the the truck will be “ready to roll” at all hours of the day or night.
Taken to State Hospital
Roy Robinson, a transient, was lodged in the county jail early Monday morning by Marshal Elby Ungles, after creating a disturbance most of the night at the Commercial Hotel. His continued strange behavior after being placed in jail led to the belief that he had become mentally unbalanced. The County Insanity Board, at a hearing Monday evening, adjudged Robinson insane. From a letter found in his clothing, relatives were located in Oiltown, Oklahoma, but since they were not able to come to Trenton immediately to take the unfortunate man back with them, he was committed temporarily to the State Hospital at Hastings and was taken there Tuesday by Marshal Ungles.
New Lutheran Pastor
Rev. A.L. Kohtz, pastor of the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Culbertson will begin serving as pastor of the Grace Lutheran Church here on Sunday, January 13th. He will conduct services in the evening, starting at 7:30. Rev. Kohtz will serve both the Culbertson and Trenton Churches, and he will continue to reside in Culbertson.
Miss Louise Creighton Wed John Pollman
At a marriage ceremony performed Sunday by Rev. E.G. Hughes at the Methodist parsonage here, Miss Louise Creighton became the bride of John Pollman. Ray Creighton Jr. and Mrs. Albert Coburn were the attendants. A reception for the newlyweds and for Mr. and Mrs. Albert Coburn, recently wed, was held on Monday evening in the Congregational Church basement. Ms. Pollman is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Crieghton, is a graduate of Trenton High School and since graduation has been employed in the Creighton store. The groom is a young farmer living northeast of Trenton, and was recently discharged from the Army, following a long period of overseas service.
New FSA Supervisor for Trenton Office
In keeping with the policy of the Farm Security Administration to give positions to all former employees who have been in the military service, Roy Shaffer, supervisor of the Trenton office for the past 1.5 years, will be replaced on February 1st by Lloyd Hahn, former FSA supervisor at Imperial, who has recently been released from the Army. Hahn, who is married, will arrive in Trenton January 15th, and Mr. Shaffer will remain in the office until February 1st to assist the new supervisor and Miss Dora Mae White as clerk-typist. Mr. Shaffer, who has been in the employ of the FSA for a little more than three years, has no definite plans for the future at present. He and Mrs. Shaffer have many friends in this community during their comparatively brief residence, who will regret their departure, but wish for them the best of everything wherever they may decide to locate.
Locals/Personals
A birthday dinner, honoring C.E. Chipman on the occasion of his 90th birthday, was enjoyed Wednesday at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Clayton Ailes. A birthday cake, with “90” in colored frosting was a feature of the dinner. In addition to the Ailes family and the honor guest, Harry Chipman, was present. In the afternoon, grandpa Chipman and Mrs. Ailes went to Benkelman to visit “Bub” Burd, who is a patient at the hospital there. “Bub” expects to be able to return home close of the week.
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Edward H. Sitzman and Gail Crowell both of Culbertson were issued a marriage license Wednesday by County Judge W.L. Mote.
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A real estate transaction of importance was completed last week, with the purchase of the Holston farm of 1040 acres northwest of town by Clarence Taul for a consideration of $26,000.
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The bill boards which have stood for several years at the rear of the former Citizens Bank Building, were torn down Wednesday by workmen from the sign company that owned them. The boards have been anything but attractive for the past year or so, so their removal occasions no regret.
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Last week’s Stratton News reported that Dr. Kenneth Brown, wife and daughter were due to arrive in Stratton this week, where the Dr. planned to resume his practice of medicine after serving three years overseas as an Army doctor.
News of 1966
The Hitchcock County News
60 Years Ago
Engagement Announced
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Kleint have announced the engagement of their daughter, Audrey Ann, to John W. Strauss, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Strauss of Lexington. Miss Kleint is a graduate of the Lexington High School and has been employed at the Community Hospital office since graduation. Mr. Strauss is a graduate of the Lexington High School and attended Kearney State College, and is now engaged in farming. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Kleint of Herndon, Kansas; maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meints, Culbertson.
Have New Daughter
Mr. and Mrs. Don Benisek formerly of Trenton and now living in Sidney, proudly announce the birth of their third daughter, Kristi Louise, on January 7th and weighing in at six pounds four ounces. Kristi was the first baby of the new year in Cheyenne County and will be showered with many gifts from the local merchants. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Rowley and Mr. and Mrs. Louie Benisek all of Alliance are the grandparents.
To Wed in McCook
Mr. and Mrs. C.G. Hutchinson of Trenton have announced the marriage of their daughter, Bonnie Jean, to Charles A. Clermont of McCook, January 7th. A simple ceremony at 8:00 o’clock in the evening in the home of her sister, Mrs. Delmar Trembly in McCook was officiated at by the Rev. William Lemmon. The couple will make their home in McCook.
News of 1976
The Hitchcock County News
50 Years Ago
Culbertson’s Bicentennial Flag Presentation
Around 300 people turned out Sunday for the presentation of the Bicentennial flag at the High School auditorium at Culbertson. Guest speaker was Mrs. Virgina Smith, Congresswoman for the 3rd district, who talked about the past 200 years in our nation and of her hopes for the next 100 years. She presented the community of Culbertson with an American flag which had flown over the White House just two weeks ago. Roger Sample, Chairman of the Community Improvement Program, sponsors of the Culbertson Bicentennial, welcomed those attending and acted as Master of Ceremonies. The colors were advanced by members of the VFW and the American Legion, under the command of John Lilienthal. The Culbertson High School Band, in their attractive blue uniforms, added color to the program and played several appropriate numbers throughout the program. Ray Jackson, Culbertson’s music instructor, directed the band as well as the Junior High School Chorus who sang several numbers, inviting the audience to sing along with them when they sang “God Bless America.” Several Songs were also sung by the quartet composed of Everett Kern, George Butherus, Milton Hegwood and Harvey Bauer. Special guests were seven Senior Citizens, 80 years of age or older, who were given recognition by Mayor James Hoyt. Mr. Hoyt asked these people to stand up and accept the Flag with him as it was presented by Don Searcy, State Director of the Bicentennial. Senior citizens honored were: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gohl Sr., John Weiderspahn, Mrs. Elizabeth Fahrenbruch, Jim Keeler, Mrs. Elmer Reynolds and Anton Mickish. In presenting the flag to Culbertson, Searcy praised the people of the community for their efforts and willingness to give of their time and talents in commemorating the 200th birthday of our nation and assuring a good start for our country in Century III. Upon receiving the flag, Roger Sample and Jim Hoyt then hoisted the flag on a pole there on stage for the occasion and Hoyt carried it from the stage following the retiring of the colors by the color guard. A social hour followed with coffee and cookies served by members of the C.I.P.
Bicentennial Sophomore
Mary Jo Lewis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lewis has been named the Bicentennial Sophomore at Trenton High School. This Bicentennial Leadership award is sponsored by the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the United States Jaycees. It is endorsed by the Council of Chief State School Officers American Association of School Administrators, National Catholic Education Association and the National Association of Independent Schools in association with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Other outstanding sophomore students included: Doug Solko, Don Frederick, Jerri Bosley, Cindy Cantrall, Debbie Anderson, Carol Steinbrink, Peggy Carlson, Ron Wertz, and Linda Binkey.
Trenton Students Nominated to Society
Five seniors at Trenton High School and two juniors have received nominations to The Society of Distinguished American High School Students. They are junior, Steve Frederick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Frederick; seniors Jim Hagan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hagan and Bill Carlson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Carlson; junior, Marty Baudier, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Jim Baudier; seniors Paula Bosley, daughter of Mrs. Stannis Bosley; Rick Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brown; Duane Madsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Madsen. Two colleges, Hastings and Wesleyan, are affiliated with this program. The mentioned students are eligible for scholarships to the above colleges and several southern colleges.
News of 1986
The Hitchcock County News
40 Years Ago
Local Student Typing Contest Competitor
Steve Hernandez, a sophomore at Trenton High School has been selected to compete in the Olympia National Scholastic Typing Contest. The typing contest will occur at the state and national levels. Each participating school will select one student to represent it in the state championship. The typing test for this level of competition will be administered by designated business education teachers at each school. The competition for the national championship will take place in April at each contestant’s school and will be performed on Olympia typewriters supplied by Olympia. The test will include a timed writing and a timed production test of a standard business letter, a tabulation from a rough draft, and full page memorandum.
Old Building Razed
On Friday afternoon, the old creamery building owned by the Hitchcock County Historical Society was razed. The museum acquired the old creamery building July 9, 1982 and has been using the same for storage of equipment since then. The road crew of the county did the work and hauled the old structure to the city dump. The building owned by the Museum was razed to make way for a new 30×50 foot, metal building which will be constructed on that site soon. The building will be white and have 12 foot walls (all insulated), and small windows. Contract was let to low bidder on the project in the reopening of the bids to Pottoff Coyote Canyons.