HITCHCOCK COUNTY – HOMETOWN HISTORY – WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2026
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News of 1926
The Trenton Register
100 Years Ago
Wedded in New Mexico
Friends in Trenton have received announcement of the marriage of Morton F. Thomas and Miss Julia Emmeline Curry at Silver City, New Mexico on Christmas Day. They will make their home at Santa Rita, New Mexico where Morton is engaged in electrical engineering work. Morton is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Thomas, former Trenton residents, now of Lincoln. The Register extends congratulations and best wishes.
Cars Collide
The Ford coupe driven by George Kliren collided with a Hudson driven by a Mr. Ross, who resides north of railroad, Friday afternoon. Kliren was knocked unconscious and was considerably bruised and shaken up. His car was badly damaged. Mr. Ross’ car was only slightly damaged and he was uninjured. No cause for the accident except that both were driving at a good rate of speed and neither saw the other coming until too late.
Commercial Club Have Oyster Supper
The membership contest in the Commercial Club was brought to a close last Friday evening, when the losing side entertained the winners and the new members at an Oyster Supper, held in the Club room. It was a genuine “stag” affair and the losers are to be complimented on the supper which they prepared, and the manner in which it was served. The attendance was very large there being over a hundred business men and farmers present to enjoy the evening together. A spirit of harmony prevailed and everyone showed a great interest in the Commercial Club work. A business session followed the supper, reports from several committees being heard, and some other matters talked over. The Band questions was brought up for discussion and after talking it over, and in compliance with a request made by the Band that officers be appointed by the Club outside of the regular Band, President Holmes appointed J.W. Ireland as President of the organization, authorizing him the select his own Secretary-Treasurer. It was also decided to place T.W. Britton in charge of the Junior Band, and the Band Committee of the Commercial Club will endeavor to secure a Resident band leader for the Senior Band. After the business session, everyone present was given an opportunity to say a few words. Nearly all responded, and were unanimous in their opinion that if the interest shown Friday night could be maintained during the coming year, that the Commercial Club would be one of the biggest forces in the community. Much stress was also placed upon the co-operation of the farmers and business men. It was a very enjoyable affair, and one of the best mixers ever held by the business men and farmers.
Louthan-Meguire
W. Anderson Meguire and Miss Ethel Louthan were united in marriage at McCook, January 17, 1926, by Rev. A.L. Zink. The groom is a son of G.W. Meguire and the bride of a daughter of Mrs. C.A. Louthan, all of Stratton vicinity. They were entertained at a wedding supper at the G.W. Meguire home Tuesday evening, and later a party of friends came in and enjoyed a dance till a late hour. The best wishes go out to this young couple for a happy wedded life.
News of 1946
The Trenton Register
80 Years Ago
News Briefs Here and There
Seven Stratton young people narrowly escaped death a couple of weeks ago when their car failed to make a turn in the road and rolled over two and a half times before it came to a rest on its top. The accident occurred at the corner north of the former Wm. Wedlake farm a few miles east of Stratton. It is a bad corner, a sharp left hand turn which cannot be seen until one is right onto it, and there are no warning road signs. The young people, who were en route to Palisade to a basketball game, suffered numerous cuts, bruises, and from shock, and the car was completely wrecked.
Otis Store Sold: Gambles Opening Here
A business transaction is being completed this week whereby the Otis Hardware Co. store, one of Trenton’s oldest business establishments, will go out of existence, and a new Gamble Store will open in the same location in the near future. The stock of the Otis Store is being purchased from Ralph Otis, and the building, owned by W.D. Otis, is being leased, by Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Nelson of Curtis. Mr. Nelson recently received his discharge from the Army after four years of service. The Nelson’s have obtained living quarters in part of the Alda Adams residence in the north part of town. The Nelsons’ plan to dispose of most of the stock of the Otis Store, and as soon as possible, which will probably be from six weeks to two months, will re-open with a Gamble Store. As stated above, the Otis Store has been a part of Trenton since its early beginnings, being established by W.H. Otis, father of Bill and Ralph. His sons soon joined the enterprise, and the name “Otis” has been synonymous with Trenton ever since. A few years ago, Bill disposed of his interest in the stock to Ralph, who continued to do business at the same old stand until the building was sold to G.R. Creighton in the latter part of 1943. The store was then moved across the street next to Robinson’s Cash Market, to the old post office building, owned by Bill Otis, where Ralph has since operated the business. Ralph, who has been associated with the store since 1912, tells The Register that he has never had a real vacation in all that time, and his many friends in this community and throughout Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas will join in the hope that Ralph will have an opportunity to do some real “loafing,” now that he has been relieved of the responsibilities of operating a business establishment. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson is extended a warm welcome to the community, and to the business circles of the town. Their new Gamble store, when opened , should still further enhance Trenton’s favorable position as a trade center in this territory.
Farms in Territory Now “Hooked Up”
Approximately 200 farm homes in Hitchcock, Hayes, and western part of Red Willow County are now being served with REA. The transmission line was energized, Monday, January 7th, 1946. Twenty-two miles of transmission line and one hundred fifty-four miles of distribution line extends from McCook on the east to the western part of Hitchcock County. The farms served lie north of the Republican River. The plan to obtain electricity for farm home through REA had its beginning in the fall of 1940 in Hitchcock County. The first applications were signed during the spring of 1941 by members of the Hitchcock County AAA. Harry Andrews president of High Line Electric Association of Holyoke, Colorado, held rural meetings with the AAA Committee in nearly every precinct of Hitchcock County. During the spring of 1941, a District meeting was held in McCook and Hitchcock County was divided into two groups for organization under REA. Those farmers living south of the river were to be served by the REA with headquarters in McCook and those living north of the river were to form a new organization. The task of completing this organization was borne by Dale T. Carse, a member of the AAA Committee with the aid of local precinct committeemen. The organization of a new REA offered many difficulties and many obstacles had to be overcome. The late Senator George W. Norris, the father of all REA gave much needed inspiration and support. It was always his hope that rural people would be able to enjoy the benefits of electricity at reasonable rates. Mr. Carse says that one of the happiest days of his life was Monday, January 7, 1946, when the switch was turned on and farm homes were being lighted. The most difficult days are over. A board of directors consisting of nine farmers will now take over the management of this new REA District. The board has hired a superintendent and lineman with head quarters at Palisade. The organization will continue to expand. The job will not be completed until every farm in the District is served. Eventually this organization will be owned by the farmers it serves. REA has proven its ability to pay out and return to the Government the principal and interest on its load.
(Palisade Times)
A year and a week after the first poles were set, the farm belonging to John Fries was energized with Rural Electrification electricity, to put into actual operation the extensive system here known as the Southwest Electric Membership Corporation. To Jon Fries, Beverly Farmer,went the signal honor of being the first to be hooked up to the system, as the Fries farm corners the sub-station plot two wiles west of Beverly. Dale Carse, Hitchcock farmer was on hand to witness the energizing of the substation and the consequent hooking up to the line of the first user. The substation was energized Monday of this week, and Tuesday morning about nine o’clock the first farm had electricity. By midweek, around fifty farms of the 170 in the first contracted district will have been hooked on to the lines. To date, about half of the farms are not quite ready to tie in – although most of them are wired. C.W. Edmunds, Sheridan, Wyoming and Ralph Drullinger, Chadron are in Palisade and will be superintendent and lineman respectively on the system. Power for the farms in this vicinity comes from North Platte, to McCook thence to the substation at Beverly, and out over the distribution lines. More than a thousand potential users will eventually be in the various districts in Southwest Nebraska and will be hooked up as fast as lines can be built.
News of 1956
The Trenton Register
70 Years Ago
Monument Bill Passes First Hearing
Congressman Phil Weaver has announced that the Subcommittee of Public Lands of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee has approved his bill H.R. 6022 which provides for the relocation of the Massacre Canyon Monument located east of Trenton. This 35 foot shaft erected in 1935 commemorates the last major Indian Battle in the United States between the Sioux and Pawnee nations. When highway 34 was relocated, it left the monument isolated about a. mile from the highway. As the site of the monument has always been a popular tourist attraction, the Trenton Chamber of Commerce enlisted the aid of Reb. Congressman Phil Weaver of the 1st Congressional District to introduce this bill to provide the funds for moving the shaft. The new location will be easily accessible to the new road and will again become a tourist attraction. The Nebraska State Historical Society as well as the people of Trenton, were interested in seeing that this very significant bit of American history be situated in a prominent location to attract the attention of the American public, and a means to preserve some of the history on the State of Nebraska. The approval of the Subcommittee represents the completion of the first step towards the passage of the bill.
News of 1966
The Hitchcock County News
60 Years Ago
Engagement Announced
The approaching marriage of Miss Katerine Lee Schnase to John A. Horvath has been announced by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd C. Schnase of Gibbon, parents of the future bride. Miss Schnase attends Kearney State Teachers College where she is affiliated with the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Her fiance, son of Mrs. Ellen Horvath of McCook also attends Kearney State College. He is affiliated with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. A January 29 wedding is being planned.
Sell Store in Trenton
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Smith have announced this week that they have sold their store to Mrs. Edith Rotter and are retiring from the business which they have operated in Trenton for the past 20 years. Edith is no stranger to their community having been in business in Trenton for several years. She will continue to operate this fine quality store and will be looking forward to serving her many friends.
Among Kearney State Students in Honor Music Recital
Janet Steinke, Culbertson, was one of thirteen Kearney State music students who appeared in an honors musical recital Wednesday in the Administration Auditorium. Miss Steinke, a junior, played the piano. Those performing were chosen by music department faculty as the outstanding selections from this semester’s series of afternoon student recitals.
Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. August Bretling of Trenton, former residents of McCook, were guests of honor at a 50th wedding anniversary observance held at the Peace Lutheran Church in McCook on December 26. More that 130 attended the event. Hosts for the reception were their two daughters and sons-in-laws. A program was put on by the grandchildren, two nieces and a great-nephew. The cake was baked by a granddaughter. Others helping with the serving were their children, relatives and close friends of the family. Mrs. Bretling is the former Clara Baumback.
Culbertson Youth Winner at Denver Stock Show
Doug Schlegel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darold Schlegel, was one of the winners of the calf catching contest at the stock show in Denver Sunday. Doug was one of 16 boys chosen to enter the arean with eight calves. As a winner, he received a calf which he is to feed and care for and then exhibit at the show next year for judging. Tim Schlegel, brother of Doug, placed third in the Beef Production Contest with the calf he won at the show last year. Tim placed second in total gain with a gain of 890 pounds on his Hereford steer, and was in the top ten contestants on sponsor relationship and quality of the steer returned to the show. In regular competition in the Junior Show, Doug Schlegel placed fourth with a steer in the Shorthorn Junior Yearling Class and Tim placed fifth with a steer in the Shorthorn Late Summer Yearling Class. Other exhibitors from the county were Jim, Tom, and Ricky Gohl of Culbertson with Angus steers.
Meet Trenton’s Newest Business Woman
Carolyn McCollam, daughter of Don McCollam, Trenton, is a 1963 graduate of Trenton High School. She attended the Hastings Beauty Academy at Hastings, returning to Trenton upon graduation. Carolyn opened her shop in the Prest building on Trenton’s Main Street on January 3rd holding an open house on the 15th. We at the News office join with all of your friend, Carolyn in wishing you success in your work.
News of 1976
The Hitchcock County News
50 Years Ago
Announce Engagement
Mr. Wilbur Hartman, McDonald, Kansas, and Mrs. Velda Hartman, McCook, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Pat, to Frank Stehno, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Stehno, Stratton. Miss Hartman is a graduate of McDonald High School and is presently employed at the Community Hospital. Her fiance is a graduate of Stratton High School and McCook College. Plans are being made for an April 3 wedding. The bride elect is a granddaughter of Raymond Hartman, Atwood and Mr. Stehno is the grandson of Mrs. Rosie Janousek, Stratton. Frank is presently employed in farming.
Honored in Lincoln
Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Riley of Trenton were honored at the Nebraska Agricultural Progress Conference. Glenn Kreuscher, Director of the State Department of Agriculture was present for the ceremony. The Rileys recently attended the conference sponsored by the State Department of Agriculture in Lincoln where they were recognized for their contributions to agriculture.
Charged with Manslaughter
As a result of a coroner’s jury inquest, which was held last Tuesday, a juvenile petition has been filed in Hitchcock County Court, charging a 12-year old Trenton boy with manslaughter in the December 29th shooting of Charles M. Brown Jr., 19, of Trenton. No date has been set for a hearing and the name of the boy has not been released at this time.
Betty Crocker Search Winner
Mark Hackert has been named Palisade Schools 1975-76 Betty Crocker Family Leader of Tomorrow. Mark Hackert won the honor by competing with other seniors in the written knowledge and attitude examination on December 2nd. He will receive a certificate from General Mills, sponsor of the annual educational scholarship program, and become eligible for state and national honors.
News of 1986
The Hitchcock County News
40 Years Ago
Named Successful Businessman
Roy League of Stratton, owner of League Builders Supply in Benkelman and Stratton, was named the Successful Small Businessman of the Year in the out-of-town region by the McCook Chamber of Commerce. Roy was presented with a certificate acknowledging this accomplishment Wednesday night at the Elks Club in McCook at the Chamber’s annual meeting and awards ceremony dinner. Each year the Chamber selects a “successful businessman” in McCook and one from the outlying area. Nominations are drawn from Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas. Selection for the award is based on the history of the business, the service it provides to the people of the area, and involvement in community activities. Roy has been in the lumberyard business for almost 40 years. He started by scooping coal for a lumberyard in 1947. Ten years later he became manager of the yard, a position he has held for close to 20 years. In 1978, Roy bought the Stratton lumberyard from C.U. Lionberger, and shortly thereafter expanded the business to include retail sales and construction. In ‘79, he bought the Krotter lumberyard in Benkelman. Over the years Roy has continued to expand his facilities as well as his services to the community and the surrounding area. Last week Roy was recognized for these contributions to the community when he was named the Successful Small Businessman of the Year outside McCook. Congratulations Roy!
Stratton 100 Years Old
Tuesday, January 14, 1986, commemorated 100 years to the day, the acceptance of a petition to incorporate the Village of Stratton. This very special day in the town’s history was celebrated with as much splendor and festivity as it rightly deserved. This kickoff celebration included a quilt show, a Boy Scout’s open house, an art exhibit, and a pancake supper. The evening was wrapped up with a centennial show presented by the Sweet Adelines. The Quilt show was held in the basement of the United Methodist Church. The Boy Scout Troop 219 held their open house Tuesday afternoon in the Veterans Memorial Hall. Close to 400 participated in the pancake supper in the basement of the V.M. Hall. Cooking the pancakes were members of the Stratton Community Club. Vic Kisela of Stratton provided the music.