HITCHCOCK COUNTY – HOMETOWN HISTORY – WEEK OF JUNE 11, 2026
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News of 1926
The Trenton Register
100 Years Ago
Party for Burton Clark
Tuesday afternoon, Neva Otis entertained thirteen little folks in honor of Burton Clark, who will leave soon for his new home in Fort Morgan, Colorado. The afternoon was spent in playing games and working puzzles and at four o’clock the hostess, assisted by the Misses Veda Otis and Garnette Rambeaux, served delicious refreshments of ice cream and wafers. About five o’clock the children departed for home, giving “Bud” their best wishes for success and happiness in his new home. Those present were Alberta and Yvonne Towle, Bonnie Jean Allen, Barbara Weyl, Vida Newport, Merle and Ethel Brown, Dale Thuman, Willard and Melvin Bowman, Cloyd Kemp, Truman Silver and Burton Clark.
Bonds Carry
The $11,000 bond issue for the construction and maintenance of an artificial ice plant for Trenton was emphatically authorized at the bond election Tuesday. One hundred eighty votes were cast and only eight were against the bonds. An overwhelming majority, and the Village Board had previously contracted with the U.S. Bond Company for their sale, providing they carried at election. The bonds are to be issued in denominations of $1000 or multiples thereof and will draw interest at the rate of four and one-half percent, payable semi-annually. Construction will begin immediately and it is expected that the plant will be in operation and delivering ice by the latter part of July. Ice will be sold at the plant for 50 cents per hundred with some additional charge for delivery. A representative of the Baker Ice Machine Co. is expected this Thursday to make further contract with the Board.
Equity Warehouse Practically Completed
Contractor Kemp and his gang are completing the Equity Exchange warehouse this week. This building is 46 by 72 feet, 10 feet to plate, laid with concrete blocks, gables sheathed and covered with rock faced galvanized iron, roof sheathed and overed with channel-drain galvanized iron roofing. This is a very substantial and economical structure, being practicably fire-proof and wind-proof and will be a great aid to the Equity in handling their large and ever-growing implement business. The Equity will hold a stockholders meeting in the new building Tuesday evening at eight pm.
Trenton Local News
Mrs. Wm. Boyle who was so seriously burned a number of weeks ago, is not making very satisfactory recovery. Two nurses are caring for her and her condition is critical. She suffers much from the nervous shock.
Miss Dorothy Thomas, who was graduated from the State University Saturday, received the Sociology and will be an assistant in this department next year. She will continue studying at the University to attain her Master’s degree. Trenton friends congratulate her upon this honor.
The house on the Mrs. John Boyd farm was moved to her lot east of the Dave Leopold residence in Trenton, Tuesday. Fred Rotter was in charge of the moving and a tractor was used to do the pulling. The work commenced Monday and some difficulties were encountered on the hill west of Art Goudies’, so that the moving was not completed till Tuesday morning. Mrs. Boyd expects to reside in this house and will rent her other property purchased from B.O. Kipp.
The foundation has been run on the new Congregational Church building and a car of tile was unloaded this week. The building will make noticable progress from thenceforth.
Storkland News
Elloisie Alza Wellett arrived June 3 to make her home with Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Wellett. The little lady weighed eight pounds and has already assumed a place of first importance in the Wellett household. Mrs. Ida Singleton of Palisade is caring for mother and babe and both are doing splendidly.
Charlie Hall and wife have a daughter born May 24th.
Albert Williamson and wife are the parents of a daughter, Vera Mae, who arrived May 25th. Fay Thomas and wife have a daughter born June 7th.
News of 1946
The Trenton Register
80 Years Ago
Rains Continue-Damage Crops-Roads
The “rainy season” is in Southwest Nebraska. Following the Memorial Day deluge last week on the 10th Anniversary of the distaterous 1935 flood, which brought up to six inches of rain in the territory south and east of Trenton, the weather cleared for a few days. Saturday night the “rain maker” went into action again, with a steady downpour that evening which recorded .45 of an inch of moisture in Trenton. After a day of intermittent clouds, mist and clear skies Sunday, another heavy rain Sunday night brought .90 of an inch of moisture here, with up to three inches again deluging much of the territory south and east of town, causing further heavy damage to corn fields, washing out the bridge near the Roy Brown farm, and one or two other small bridges and culverts on county roads. Another .42 of an inch came late Monday night, making the total precipitation in Trenton for the week, 1.77 inches. The weather continues cloudy and threatening, with indications of more rain. Likewise, temperatures continue much below normal for this time of year.
Eighth Grade Commencement
In the rush of work last week, The Register overlooked the report of the Rural Eighth Grade graduation exercises held at the high school auditorium in Trenton, Saturday afternoon, May 23rd. There were 54 graduates from 32 Districts in the county, and County Supt. Ida M. Marshall, with the assistance of her rural teachers, arranged and presented an enjoyable program to a large group of patrons, pupils and interested persons form every part of the county. Lack of space prevents publication of the full list of graduates and their teachers. Honor Roll students were Ruth Terrell, Beulah Grafel, Donald Leller, Mary Lou Magorian, Evelyn Stupka, Maurice Miller, Hilmere Deines, and James Sis.
Nuptials Solemnized
Miss Florence Lewis, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Lewis, became the bride of Cpl. G. Neil Ripenburg of the McCook Army Air Base, at high noon on Sunday, June 3rd. The single ring ceremony was performed at the Church of God by the pastor, Rev. J.C. Germany, in the presence of some 200 guests. Preceding the ceremony, Miss Mildred League of Grand Island sang “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” The bride who was attended by Miss Verlene Barnes, was dressed in a gown of white chiffon and lace, and carried a bouquet of talisman and red roses. Her veil was of finger tip length. The groom was attended by Ralph Lewis, a brother of the bride. A special guest at the wedding was Mrs. Ruth Ripenburg of Flint, Michigan, mother of the groom. Mrs. Ripenburg is a graduate of the Trenton High School with the Class of 1942 and was a rural school teacher for several years after graduation. The past years she attended a church school at Gordon for several months and since that time has been at home with her parents. The newly married couple will make their home in Trenton in a trailer house located back of Alt’s Cabin Camp. Congratulation are extended to Cpl. and Mrs. Ripenburg.
News of 1956
The Trenton Register
70 Years Ago
Frakes-Hidy
Rachel Frakes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Frakes, and Wayne Hidy exchanged wedding vows Wednesday eve. May 16, in the Trenton Church of God in the presence of 150 guests. The Rev. Earl Osnes read the lines of the double ring ceremony. Mrs. Morris Brown, Culbertson, played the nuptial music and accompanied Miss Shirley McCann, Hayes Center, who sang “Alway”, “O, Promise Me” and the “Wedding Prayer.” Given in marriage by her father. The bride wore a gown of nylon tulle over satin. The skirt was designed with tiers of Chantilly lace. The long tapered sleeves of the bodice and the high neckline were designed of lace. The fingertip veil of tulle edged in lace fell from a crown of seed pearls and iridescents. She carried a bouquet of red roses. Geraldine Frakes was her sister’s Maid of Honor. Her gown was blue tulle over taffeta. Bridesmaids were Miss Joyce Hidy and Miss Shirley Hidy. Miss Arda Hidy and Miss Donna Hidy lighted the candles. Mrs. Cornie Robison was in charge of the guest book. Barbara Hidy, in pink net and taffeta, was flower girl. Leland Frakes, brother of the bride, carried the rings on a satin heartshaped pillow. Roy Hidy, brother of the groom was Best Man. Bernard Frakes brother of the bride, and Larry Osnes, were the other attendants. Assisting with the reception in the church parlors were Mrs. Jay Terrell, Mrs. Jasper Cole, Mrs. Russell Marks and Miss Mamie Hidy. Mrs. Bob Hidy cut the cake and Miss Alice Nealeigh poured the punch. For her wedding trip in the Ozarks, Mrs. Hidy wore a gray suit with white accessories. The couple will make their home in O’Neill, where the groom is employed.
News of 1966
The Hitchcock County News
60 Years Ago
Engagements Announced
Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Shreve of Wheat Ridge announce the engagement of their daughter, Barbara, to Denly Joseph Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson of Culbertson. Miss Shreve, a 1963 graduate of Wheat Ridge High is a junior history major at Colorado State College. Thompson is a 1962 graduate of Culbertson High School, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from CSC May 29th. Wedding plans are indefinite.
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Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bauer announce the engagement of their daughter Carol Ellen to Patrick J. Casey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander B. Casey, Jr., of Ellinwood, Kansas. Miss Bauer is a graduate of Trenton High School. She is a sophomore, majoring in history at Fort Hays, Kansas State College. Mr. Casey is a graduate of Ellinwood Rural High School and served in the U.S. Army. He attended Fort Hays State and is now employed with Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. A summer wedding is being planned.
New Equipment Being Used
A Stryker Stainless Steel Portable Plaster Casting Cabinet has recently been added to the Hitchcock County Hospital for the purpose of serving our patients. This equipment was purchased from Memorial Funds. This casting cabinet consists of an accessable matieral for all types of casts. It is portable and can be transported to all patient rooms for the services of the Physicians. Memorial Funds are donated in memory of a loved one and from the various clubs in the county. These funds are used to purchase new equipment.
News of 1976
The Hitchcock County News
50 Years Ago
Break-In at Drive-In
Local authorities are investigating a break-in last Thursday evening at the Dairy Creme in Trenton. A small TV set and some cigarettes were apparently the only items taken, but a considerable amount of damage was done and food and supplies destroyed. The person or persons who broke into the place scattered food, candy bars, potato chips, etc. about the place and ran the syrups and drink mixes out on the floor. They were apparently more concerned with making a mess than with taking things. The Dari Creme was closed for a day while family and friends helped the McDonalds clean.
News Office Moved
The Hitchcock County News has a new location and this week’s issue is being printed from it for the first time. After several months of hard work, lots of paint and “elbow grease” we were finally able to move enough of the equipment to the new location to put out the paper this week. We aren’t all settled yet and have a lot more to move, but give us a few more weeks and we won’t be operating from the two locations. Around the first of the year we purchased the former Drug Store building. This is the first time in quite a few years that the news office has been on Main Street. The added space, better lighting and location will not only afford a better place for us to work, but we hope to be able to offer our customers better service. We are expanding our Commercial Printing Department and hope to have more to offer in that line. Stop in and see us.
News of 1986
The Hitchcock County News
40 Years Ago
English Cyclists Stop in Trenton
A pair of young English cyclists, biking around the world stopped in Trenton Friday and stayed till Sunday morning. The youthful pair are doing a bit for the cancer research fund in hopes of stamping out the disease because some of their relatives were taken by the disease. The two were Robett Collins, 23, and Leon Unczur, 29, both of Nottingham, England which is about 60 miles northwest of London. To make the trip, both boys saved up enough money to do it, but found that the only way they could do what what they wanted to do, see the world, was by biking it. Nor were they cycling enthusiasts, having got into the cycling 18 months ago when they knew they were going to make a trip. But like other Britishers, they walk a lot and walk to work. Well, they left London and flew into Newark, NJ, on St. George Patron Saints Day in England. Each had a Dawes 18 gear bicycle a touring bike they ordered special from the factory. On this they carry 75 pounds of equipment such as spare parts and minimum amount of clothing. They jokingly said they had one set on, one in the wash and a ready change. They wear regular cycling shorts which were specially padded in the seat and crotch for comfort for the long grueling miles they will be covering. They average from 50 to 70 miles a day and stay at various roadside parks and camping areas. Also on the bikes are sleeping bags, a small stove 10.5 inches high and a small compact cook-plate-utensil set that nests together into a small package of light weight aluminum. First of all they hit Trenton with troubles with their bicycles. They had taken them apart prior to trek here and got them together wrong. They were on the corner where Red and Marie Upton live having a look at their bicycles. At that time Lewis Evert, school principal, came along on his motorcycle. He asked the boys if they were having trouble. When they said they were having some trouble, he told them to see the local paper reporter and give him their story, which they did. Most of the afternoon was spent visiting with the two out-going lads from England. Since this reporter had spent two years in England during WWII, there was a lot of questions asked by this reporter about England today and how they viewed the royalty as the expensive part of their government. They were then taken to the Upton home to see if Maire was there, but she had gone to McCook. But she got a hold of them later in the day and gave them a tour of the county, the lake area, Massacre Canyon Monument, the Hitchcock County Museum until around 10pm that evening. The boys stayed over another night and left early Sunday morning on their way to Benkelman where they thought they would drop south to 36 and go into Denver from there. But they were not certain of this when they were told how sparsely inhabited it was should they have trouble. Getting back to their trip, They went from Newark to New York City for a tour there, then on to Albany and Niagra Falls which they found fascinating. From the Falls they went to Toronto, Canada, where one of them had an uncle. They went from there to Detroit and on to Chicago. In the Windy City they visited shops, cultural centers and of course visited with the people. They had previously planned their route but are deviating from it where there is something interesting in America to see. They visited Omaha next then took 6-34 on to Trenton. From Denver they plan to cross the Rockies to the Grand Canyon, then on to Las Vegas for a visit and finally to the west coast for visits in Los Angeles and on up to San Fransisco. From San Fransisco, they will fly to Singapore for a visit in Malaysia as well as Thailand where they expect language to be a problem. From there they will fly from Bangkok to Calcutta, India. Leon said he had always wanted to visit the Taj Mahal at Agra, India. From Pakistan they will go over to Saudi Arabia on their way to Egypt. They will not visit Lybia! From Egypt they will sail to Greece and tour Europe on their bikes before returning home in September of 1987.
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