Early Polk County Fair Memories by R C Riley
R C Riley recalls Polk County history from 1879 fair to 1890s drought and rustling politics. He describes Judge Snyder’s victory on a dirt mile track, his family’s farm labor, and the era’s money values. He notes 25 cent corn and 50 cent spring wheat, a $500 rainmaker, and a 1880 Osceola courthouse fire.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
R. C. Riley
Polk County
Judge Snyder
Osceola
Calbrook
Riley
Clarks
Missouri Valley
Sioux City
Omaha
Drouth
Nance
Mickey
Mr. Riley
Jim Powers
Corral
Central City
Priceless Pearl Theme at Lutheran Church Sunday
The Luther Church announces The Priceless Pearl as the Sunday sermon for the 18th Sunday after Trinity. Sunday School and Bible Classes begin at 10, Morning Worship at 11, with an evening hymn service concluding the Lord's Prayer series. Choir rehearsal Tuesday at 7 30. Lutheran League meets Thursday October 20 in parlor hosted by Will Pierson Nelson families and Miss Anna Nelson. Special guest speaker. Choir plans October 30 candlelight service in commemoration of the Reformation. Reserve the date.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lutheran Church
Luther League
Will Pierson
Albert Nelson
Anna Nelson
John Oberg
Methodist Church Schedule Highlights and District Events
The church offers Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. led by Elmo Berck, Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. with the sermon The Church In The World Today. Evening activities include Epworth League sessions and a 7:00 p.m. covered dish supper. A Working Conference follows at 8:00 p.m. Next week includes a District Retreat in Aurora and a W F M S District Convention in Hastings with Friday Ladies Aid events.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Methodist Church
Elmo Berck
Epworth League
Epworth
Aurora
W.F.M.S. Hastings
Nebraska
Ladies Aid Service Committee
P. B. Campbell
Chas. Greenwood
Dewey Sigler
Flora Fentress
D. W. Adair
Albert C Monkman
Stop Sign Notice Drives City Traffic Enforcement
Residents are urged to stop fully at city route highway signs or face prosecution for violations.
Mrs Nelson Visits Lincoln Relatives This Weekend
Mrs Raymond Nelson and her little daughter from Lincoln arrived Saturday to visit grandparents Mr and Mrs James Dunn and other relatives for a time.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Raymond Nelson
Daughter
Lincoln
James Dunn
Osceola Bulldogs dominate Polk for second conference win
The Osceola Bulldogs defeated Polk 21 to 0 on the Polk field to secure their second Goldenrod Conference victory. Inexperienced but improving, Osceola relied on alert defense and strong line play, with touchdowns from a fumbled recovery and a fast lineman on a kickoff, plus steady backfield plunges.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Osceola
Polk
Bulldog
Bob Mills
Donald Schmoker
Bulldogs
Silver Creek
Ulyssey
Four H Tree Planters Demonstrate Windbreak Success
Polk county 4-H forestry clubs report 80 percent tree survival in windbreak plantings during 1938. Johnny Zohner of Shelby started with 26 broadleaf and 7 evergreen trees, now 33 live. Frank Bard near Osceola planted 200 broadleaf and 100 evergreens, with 190 broadleaf and 83 evergreens remaining. Proper cultivation and ground preparation are key, including crosswise plowing and snow fence on the north side.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Polk County Farm
Agricultural Extension Service
County Farm Bureau
Johnny Zohner
Shelby
John
Frank Bard
Osceola
Minister studies slot machines payback and local impact
A Bloomfield minister borrowed a slot machine to test win odds and show how payouts work. He found about 56 cents returned per dollar spent, with a 45 percent take by the machine. Estimated local revenue from six machines in Bloomfield would be 4000 to 5000 dollars yearly to owners, while 50 machines in Knox county could yield about 1500 dollars annually for old age funds, leaving county residents with 8.12 dollars each per year. He warns against spending 20,000 dollars to gain 1500 dollars a year in revenue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bloomfield
Knox County
Zelasny Iwan wed at St Marys in Duncan
Mis Laurene Zelasny daughter of Mr and Mrs James Zelasny and Henry Iwan son of Mr and Mrs John Iwan were united in marriage at St Marys Church on Monday October 10 at 8 o clock a Nuptial High Mass officiated by Father Edward Jowarski Immediate relatives were entertained at the brides home during the day and in the evening a reception and dance at Duncan Hall The couple will reside on a farm three miles south of Duncan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Zelasny
Duncan Hall
Duncan
Nellie G. Benson Withdraws From Polk County Clerk Race
Mrs Nellie G Benson announces her withdrawal from the Democratic nomination for Polk County Clerk. She cites personal reasons and extends thanks to supporters for their confidence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Democratic Party
Nellie G. Benson
Local Visitors and Travels Around Shelby and Nearby Towns
Shelby residents and guests share weekend trips and visits. Families journey to Omaha Beatrice Spalding and Ulysses while relatives gather in Shelby to visit, attend hospital care, and host social events.
Nordberg Home Hosts Extended Family Reunion in Stromsburg
A Stromsburg family reunion honoring Mrs. V. J. Wallin of Bolivia Bolivia South America was held at Mr and Mrs A F Nordbergs home. Attendees included Dr Charles Rydberg of Litchfield Mrs F W Amick and son Carl Hastings Mrs L A Erickson and extended Nordberg family.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
A. F. Nordberg
V. J. Wallin
Bolivia
South America
Charles Rydberg
Litchfield
F. W. Amick
Carl
Hastings
L. A. Erickson
Frank Nordberg
Bob
Ralph Nordberg
Don Nordberg
Ralph Tschauner
Claudia
Claremore
Oklahoma
Tschauner
C. P. Nelson
H. R. Lind
Albert Carlson
Betty
Lincoln
Chas. Lind
Lind
Wm. Schapers
Edmund Lunner
Hartford
Fire destroys farm home of Maurice Lindburg near Polk
A Monday morning fire completely destroyed Maurice Lindburg’s vacant farm home one mile south of Polk. Strong south winds fed the blaze, threatening nearby structures but volunteers saved the garage and chicken house. The Lindburgs lost all belongings, leaving them without clothing or shelter. insurance partially covered the loss.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maurice Lindburg
Polk
Lindburg
Kansas City
Wedding at Lincoln for Miss Maxine Wentz and Kenneth Hill
Community members attending the Lincoln Sunday wedding include A. E. Anderson Morris Dunn W F Dunn C R Collins LeRoy Rhodes W O Hansen Osceola John Mattgon O Garrold Anderson Stromsburg Marie Madison Polk and more. The bride is the daughter of Harry Wentz of Lincoln and granddaughter of Nels Anderson formerly of Osceola.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lincoln
Maxine Wentz
Kenneth W. Hill
A. E. Anderson
Morris Dunn
W. F. Dunn
C. R. Collins
LeRoy Rhodes
W. O. Hansen
Osceola
John Mattgon
O'Garrold Anderson
Stromsburg
Marie Madison
Polk
Harry Wentz
Nels Anderson
Victor Prevails In Hemp High Prairie Basketball Clash
Hackberry High Prairie traveled to Victor last Friday and lost 15 to 9 as Victor claimed the win. Community notes list numerous local visits and family updates including medical care, hospital stays, and weekend trips across Shelby Osceola Rising City Guthrie Center Hordville Osceola Lincoln and Lincoln areas with multiple households hosting or visiting relatives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
High Prairie School
Victor
Emil Peterson
Peterson
Josephine Ray
Kearney
Alvin Burke
J. L. Hurd
Columbus
Rolland Beatty
Auburn
L. M. Albrecht
Wilbur Sargent
Erickson
George Steever
Imogene Hurd
Alice Marie Powell
Neola
Barbara Jo Deay
Osceola
Maurine Peterson
Lincoln
F. M. Leibee
Shelby
Herman Anderson
Stromysburg
S. W. Peterson
John Rosenberry
J. R. ‘Rosenberry
Ed Rosenberry
L. L. Hoffer
Albert Blevins
Russell Bleving
Elmer Wolburt
Guthrie Center
Iowa
Tony Heimer
Ray Thomas
Rising City
O. R. Hennings
Dwight Newcomer
Charles Newcomer
Hattie Newcomer
Dwight
Lloyd Lindgren
Charles Lindgren
Hordville
Fairview and Valley Methodist Churches Services and Meetings
Sunday School times set for Valley 10 30 a m and Fairview 11 00 a m. Rev Hamilton preaches Fairview 10 a m and Valley 11 20 a m. Fairview Ladies meet with Mrs George Mace Wednesday afternoon. Valley Ladies meet with Mrs Viola Wieseman October 19. W D Hamilton Pastor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hamilton
Fairview
Valley
George Mace
Viola Wieseman
W. D. Hamilton
Wesley Chapel Church Aid Meeting Friday Evening
The Wesley Chapel Church Aid plans a Friday evening gathering at the church with County Superintendent Olive McBeth presenting her reading titled Hiawatha. Attendees are asked to bring a pie.
Shelby Drops Lead in Goldenrod Conference
A 0-0 tie between Shelby and Clarks on October 7 pushed Shelby to third place in the Goldenrod Conference. Osceola now leads after beating Polk 21 to 0 while Silver Creek defeated Ulysses to exit the conference. Current standings are listed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shelby
Goldenrod
Clarks
Osceola
Polk
Silver Creek
Ulysses
Death of Nelson Scott in Hawthorne Nebraska ties to Osceola roots
Friends report Nelson Scott died in Hawthorne California on October 2 1938 at age 79 he would have turned 80 on October 11 He left a daughter Mrs Ray Armstrong Hawthorne California her son Edgar and a niece Mrs M H Guiles Beatrice Nebraska The body was laid to rest October 5 in Inglewood Cemetery beside his wife who predeceased him and his son Clyde who died earlier in life
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nelson Scott
Hawthorne
California
Osceola
Ray Armstrong
Calif
Edgar
M. H. Guiles
Beatrice
Nebraska
Inglewood
Clyde
Weekend News From St. Andrews Area
Miss Leona Henggeler cared for her ill uncle Edward Henggeler in Shelby. Fort Crook’s Tommy Anderson visited the Nick Eller home. Father Walter led services at St. Andrews. Mrs. Rudolph Nitsch visited Lincoln to see her sons Bernard and Lawrence Bernt in hospital. Bernard recovering from ankle surgery. Arthur Gabriel and Oswald Bernt Jr. found work in Oakland. Rev. Beranak assisted at St. Marys Church and visited St. Andrews. Nick Eller family hosted dinner with John Cerny. Hubert Jaax and Ludwig Schrier visited Bellwood. Victoria Stetz of Monroe visits her aunt Mrs. John Staroscik.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Leona Henggeler
Shelby
Edward Henggeler
Tommy Anderson
Fort Crook
Nick Eller
Walter
Schuyler
St. Andrews
Rudolph Nitsch
Lincoln
Bernard
Lawrence Bernt
Arthur Gabriel
Oswald Bernt Jr
Oakland
Rev
Beranak
Touhy
St. Mary’s Church
John Cerny
Hubert Jaax
Ludwig Schrier
Bellwood
Victoria _ Stetz of
Monroe
John Staroscik
Presbyterian Church Sunday School and Merry Workers
Sunday School meets at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Merry Workers hold Thursday afternoon sessions in the church parlors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Presbyterian Church
Fairview Socials Include Dinners Visits and Parties
Mrs Mina Buchta hosted Sunday dinner with Hilbert and George Buchta and families Calmar Dunn and Miss Margaret McFadden of Osceola. Mrs Lester McCormick and daughter returned from Brady Nebraska after a week with her parents aided by Aubrey Warren. Mrs Mina Buchta and Mrs George Buchta visited ill Aunt Mrs Iva Towslee in Silver Creek. Wesley Glenn of Alda Nebraska visited Wm Dake and learned he is the daughter of Rev L Lohr of Grand Island. Tom Meacham hosted Sunday evening with Lawrence Meacham of Clarks and George Heinemeyer. Carol Buchta attended a surprise birthday party for Mrs Howard Thompson at Sam Cadwell home. Ladies Aid meets at Mrs George Mace home Thursday instead of Wednesday to join Silver Creek M E Church for a quilt show and chicken supper.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mina Buchta
Hilbert Buchta
George Buchta
Calmar Dunn
Margaret McFadden
Osceola
Lester McCormick
Brady
Nebr
Aubrey Warren
Iva Towslee
Silver Creek
Wesley Glenn
Alda
Wm. Dake
L. Lohr
Grand Island
Tom Meacham
Lawrence Meacham
Clarks
George Heinemeyer
Carol Buchta
Howard Thompson
Sam Cadwell
Ladies Aid
George Mace
Aid
Silver Creek M. E. Church
Local Happenings and Social Visits Across Polk County
Oliver Johnson and family visited Miss Darlene Johnson at Bryan Memorial hospital in Lincoln on Monday. Tractor demonstration by P T Wurtz & Son drew about 150 farmers last Thursday afternoon at the H. H. Hahn farm. Numerous residents from nearby towns visited relatives and attended games and gatherings including Bethel Benjamin of Long Beach California, the Crete York game in York, and birthday observances for Mrs. Ed Johnson in York.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oliver Johnson
Donald Johnson
Demaris
Elwyn Johnson
Darlene Johnson
Bryan Memorial Hospital
Lincoln
P. T. Wurtz & Son
H. H. Hahn
Bethel Benjamin
Long Beach
California
A. W. Shafer
Wallace Sandell
Joseph Johnson
Leroy Samuelson
Joan
Jamies Stroupe
Marlene
Oscar
Albert Sundberg
Doyle
Donna Lee
Crete York
York
Rolland Swanson
Stromsburg
A. E. Swanson
Harry Johnson
Aurora
Edna Hahn
N. E. McNeely
Henry Smith
Anna Blase
Near Hordville
Carl Wilshusen
Joe Lindahl
Hordville
Axel Flodman
Claude Brown
Near Stromsburg
David Dornburgh
Karl Detloff
Grand Island
Rev
Elmer Peterson
Loup City
Polk
Petone
Polk County To Hold Corn Husking Contest For Polk County
Polk county will host an official corn husking contest sponsored by the Stromsburg Community Club on October 21 at 10 a.m. on Arthur Morrill farm south of Stromsburg. Town 939 Hybrid corn is expected to yield 35 to 40 bushels per acre. The event includes a 80 minute program, a turkey shoot, a Genoa vs Stromsburg football game at 2 p.m., and three cash prizes plus merchant donations for all participants. First twelve entrants are listed with a waiting list for others.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Polk County
Stromsburg
Morrill
Howard Peterson
Morrill Farm
Genoa
Jim Branting
Husk
Lawrence Larson
Polk
Curstis Flodman
Alfred Teegerstrom
Gresham
Russel Anderson
Paul Jones
Elmer Berger
Osceola
Marvin Mace
Clarks
Pheasant Season Opens Next Sunday for Local Hunters
Local hunters are urged to polish firearms as pheasant season opens Sunday and runs until November 1. Observers report bumper pheasant numbers this year, prompting cautious behavior to avoid trespassing on private property without permission from farmers who keep livestock and seek quiet use of their land.
Polk County farmers elect new farm program committee
Precinct meetings elected chairmen and vice chairmen with a third member to a community committee plus two alternates. Delegates to the county convention named. At the October 7 convention the county committee was chosen with Robert C. Taddiken as chairman Herman A. Jones as vice chairman and John M. Staroscik as third member. Jennievee Cook named secretary with Howard L. Peterson as ex officio and educational director and Wilbert H. Smith as treasurer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
A.C.P
Polk County
Pleasant Home
Willard L
Lindburg Island
Alex C. Pedraza
Hackberry
Robert C. Taddiken
Valley
Fred J. Dunn
Clear Creek
George McMeekin
Osceola
Lloyd E. Treadway
Stromsburg
Wendell R. Swanson
Canada
Ray J. McBeth
Platte
Herman A. Jones
Wanted Work by Day or Week in Osceola Nebr
Mrs. Lydia Addison of Osceola Nebraska seeks help with general nursing and housework on a flexible schedule by day week or month. The notice offers employment for a capable caregiver in a rural community setting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lydia Addison
Osceola, Nebr
Also Mentioned on This Page
Adolph Alt
Edmund Bernt
Helen Glatter
Glatter
University Hospital
Frank Kline
Mary
Rose Conway
Margaret Gondringer
Spalding
Webr
James Conway
Ronald Agnew and Son
Hubert the
Joe Strubing
Dale
Garrison
Margaret Fillinger
Seward
Ed Carter
van Nuys
J. L. Carter
Daugher
Nellie Carter
Lena Shay
Bradshaw
Maple Leaf Club
Monica Schott
Sev Xou
jyUsSeId Siovisia
EIS
Toy Wyman
Fairview and
Valley Methodist Churches
the Valley Church
Fairview Church
Wesley Chapel
Olive McBeth
Lula Burns
Leonard Ericson
Ruth Koehler
W. G. Herrman
Walter Koehler
Fred Huggler
Abbie Zang
Nels Swanson
Leonard
Charles Huggler
Edmund Gabel
Alfred Gabel
Joe Mick
Richard Merrick
Leon Merrick
F. E. Merrick
Alvin Merrick
A. J. Herrman
Hugh Schmoker
Ed Schott
al Schott
James McBeth
James Mowbray
Robert
Harry McBeth
Leona Fillinger
Elaine Treadway
Leo Albers
Harold Cockson
Harold Cockson Jr
Cockson Sr
Osceola Market
Serre
COX Deemer Onsen Ems
Tara
Tenecee
Sl. Andrews
Augusta Johnson
August Hanquist
Eugene Jones
Ed Johnson
Rose
Vergil Bush
Harold Lentz
Martin
Walter Kupke
Hardville
Emalyne Deuker
Berniece Blase
Charles Carlson
Herman Fredrickson
Enoch Boden
Marvin Fredrickson
Ruth Boden
Algene Flodman
Wm. Zeitgelbein
Martin Smith
Art Dose
Lester Rhode
Mr. Smith
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!