Historical Times

Published by the Historical Society of Stanton County

Volume 4, Number 1

June 2005

Letter from the Editor

Here it is the fourth year of our publication. I thought by now I would have found someone to take over this job. Until such good fortune arrives I will continue my twice-a-year effort to gather enough stories to fill at least four pages.

We started our yearlong celebration with our display at the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center in Norfolk during the months of January and February. On the 22nd of June, the anniversary of our founding, 40 years ago in 1965, we celebrated with an evening meal at the Senior Center in Pilger, Nebraska. See stories and photos in this issue about these memorable events.

Roland Jensen, Editor

Two Month Display a First

For the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center in Norfolk, it was more than just a new exhibit; it was the beginning of a new philosophy in exhibits as well. The Elkhorn Valley area includes 22 counties in Northeast Nebraska. Mel Hintz of Norfolk suggested a way to share the Museum’s spotlight with them. The plan is to feature one of the 22 counties with a museum display in January through February of each year.

The Stanton County exhibit was a combination of two exhibits from the Stanton Heritage Museum and the Pilger Museum.

Beginning with an open house on Sunday, January 9th, Stanton County became the first to be featured in the Dorothy Verges LaBarre Gallery in the museum in Norfolk. Well over 150 people attended the Grand Opening, which included Dr. Adams, the Mayor of Norfolk. (Click to see photo)

Historical Society Celebrates 40th Year

The Historical Society of Stanton County celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a dinner at the Pilger Senior Center. Over 90 people from as far as away as the states of Missouri and Washington came to take part in the festivities. (Click to see photo) Becky Frerichs was the MC.

Progress reports were given by Roland Jensen, Elaine Fuller, Loren Fuller and Ray Kingsley. Roland gave the five-year update on the Pilger Museum and Agricultural Annex. He told of the new AC/heating system that had been installed in the main museum building. Also, Ken Peters from Omaha who, donated his time and materials, upgraded the electrical system. New sidewalks and a new flagpole were installed thanks to funds from the Civic Improvement Club of Pilger. A concrete pad was installed thanks to funds provided by JD Alexander and labor partially donated by Terry Schulz. Roland concluded by saying the remodeling of the Ag Annex is a work in progress.

Elaine Fuller reported on the Historical EUB Church in Stanton. She told of how the church had its annual services in June. Weddings have been held. She reported that the roof needs to be redone.

Loren Fuller noted that because of the generous donations of Stantonites, our Heritage Museum is becoming truly representative of the heritage of Stanton and Stanton County. He related that progress is being made at the Stanton Heritage Museum with displays on both floors receiving great comments from the more 800 visitors that have come by.

Ray Kingsley said the restored Rural Schoolhouse is nearing completion. All that's left is finishing up the electrical wiring by Don Heller and sanding the floor. Should be ready to put the desks in and have a school day in conjunction with Stanton Heritage Days.

Gloria Koch spoke of many volunteers that over the years have made the Historical Society what it is today. Especially honored were four of six living charter members: Edith Lammli, Helen Carroll, and Morris and Ruth Vogel. Edith (Click to see photo) told of how the first organizational meeting started the Society on June 22, 1965. Marian Wolverton Beckman was honored for her large monetary contribution that enabled the Society to start an endowment fund. Myrna Vollbrecht was also honored for her efforts in getting District 13's rural schoolhouse moved into Stanton and starting the restoration of the building with funds from the Melcher Golf Tournament, the "Remember A Teacher" and "Buy a Brick" campaigns.

Connie Eckert, a teacher from Zion St. John's school, brought six of her students who were captivated by all the history being related.

Cherrie Beam-Clarke, a Living History Storyteller (Click to see photo) entertained the audience with her story of an immigrant's journey from Ireland to Nebraska in the 1800's.

The 40th Anniversary sign shown in the above photo was made by Marguerite Marshall.

Many attendees came dressed in pioneer era clothing as depicted in this photo of Gloria Koch and Marguerite Marshall (Click to see photo) who greeted the guests as they arrived at the Pilger Senior Center.

This is an event that will be remembered when we celebrate our 50th in the year 2015.

Historical Marker Removed

Historical Society of Stanton County has removed the Historical Marker at the Pilger Rest Area and is in the process of having it refinished. After 35 years, it is badly weathered and has a bullet dent. The refinished marker will be re-dedicated at a special ceremony.

Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy will attend the re-dedication and speak at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2005. Many area dignitaries have been invited. They will have an opportunity to view the plans for a $1.3 million dollar RV Park that will be on display at the ceremony.

Photo: (Click to see photo) Don Sprieck (center) of the Historical Society is assisted by Shannon Kurpgeweit (left) and Darrell Hansen (right) both of the Stanton County Bridge Unit.

The Tractor That Makes Square Turns

The first “Square Turn” Tractor was built in the machine shop of A.T. Kenny and A.J. Colwell of Norfolk, Nebraska in 1914. The two inventors worked untiringly in the shop and in the field until they had produced a one-man tractor that would turn short and square; that would get close to fence corners; that would carry the plows below and in full view of the operator and that would handle as easy as a team of horses. The invention was called the “Giant Grip Drive” – a new type of transmission never before used in any piece of machinery. Its simplicity, flexibility of control, and durability and freedom from repair costs has made it the center of interest at eight National Tractor Demonstrations.

No other farm tractor is so easy and natural to drive as the Square Turn. Pull left lever to turn left; pull right lever to turn right; pull half-way back to stop and all the way back to back up. No hard to turn steering wheel or pedals to push.

The Square Turn Tractor turns completely around in 5 seconds. The driver’s seat rotates 180 degrees to allow the forward and backward driving. It is simple to operate and it is said anyone can learn to drive the Square Turn in 10 minutes.

The factory operated in Norfolk, Nebraska until World War I forced the government to place restrictions on steel. The company dissolved in 1925. One of three existing Square Turn Tractors in existence is in the Elkhorn Valley Museum in Norfolk.

Note: Quoted from a booklet entitled “Norfolk’s Very Own Square Turn Tractor” by Nancy Zaruba and Karen Rogt of the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center, Norfolk, Nebraska.

Photo: (Click to see photo) The man on the Square Turn Tractor is Walter A. Schultze and the man on the front binder is Walter’s father, Fritz Schultze. The man on the second binder has not been identified. On the back of the snapshot was written, “When Walter was courting Ruth.” Walter married Ruth Moderow in 1922. The Square Turn Tractors were built in Norfolk from 1915 to 1922. Note: Milford and Gloria Koch brought the picture to the Stanton Heritage Museum. The tractor was used on the Schultze homesteaded farm. Carl Schultze homesteaded in the year 1865 followed by his son, Fritz Schultze, followed by Walter Schultze and son-in-law, Milford Koch and his wife, Gloria (Schultze) Koch.

Irene Augusta Wolverton

September 22, 1911 to March 27, 2005

The Historical Society of Stanton County has lost a mainstay and dedicated historian in Irene (Kirschmer) Wolverton, who passed away on March 27, 2005 (Click to see photo). Irene was a “Pillar” of the Society for many years. She served as President and on the Board of Directors at many different times and was very generous with her time at the Pilger Museum, being there to welcome visitors as well as times when there was cleaning to do or artifacts to arrange in proper order. She served on many committees and was chairman of several projects to benefit the Society or to commemorate special events.

As a lasting tribute to the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976, she helped organize construction of the beautiful red, white and blue quilt, which is displayed in the Stanton Heritage Museum. The quilt is covered with names of individuals and business in Stanton County who participated by making a contribution to have their names embroidered on it, as a lasting memorial. Another successful project due to her leadership was the Open House at the Pilger Museum with special pioneer crafts demonstrated during the Pilger Centennial celebration.

Over the years, Irene arranged for many programs that were presented at the meetings of the Society and also volunteered her home for the location of some of the meetings. She could always be counted on being at the meetings if she was in town and in good health.

It would be impossible to list all of her many contributions to the Historical Society. The organization depended heavily on Irene for advice, leadership and labor to preserve the proud heritage of Stanton County.

We will remember Irene for her unselfish deeds beyond the field of personal gain, in furthering the aims and goals of the Historical Society of Stanton County.

Some notes from her obituary: Irene was born September 22, 1911 at Firesteel, South Dakota, to Albert and Lena (Weigel) Kirschmer. She was baptized and confirmed at Orchard, NE. She attended Pierce County Rural School District #36 and Holt County Rural School prior to graduating from Norfolk High School in 1928. On June 4, 1932, she married Marion Leo Wolverton. Irene taught rural school near Creighton, NE prior to her marriage. In 1951, she returned to teaching at Stanton County Rural School District #47. She attained a teaching degree in 1966 at Wayne State College and taught in schools at Beemer, Pilger and Stanton for 20 years. After furthering her education at the University of Nebraska, she spent five years teaching special education, retiring in 1976.

Photo: (Click to see photo) Taken on June 21, 1970 at the Historical Marker Dedication at the Pilger Rest Area. Left to right: Robert Miller, Mayor, Village of Pilger; Dr. H.S. Tennant, Mayor, City of Stanton; Henry J. Schulz, Stanton; Tom Hansen, Stanton; Mrs. Walter Nelson, President, Historical Society of Stanton County; Gayle Miller, Pilger; Marvin Kivett, Director of Nebraska State Historical Society; Lawrence Lovett, Chaplain of Pilger American Legion Post 69; Charles Caskey, County Attorney; and Charles Sharp III, grandson of 1st Stanton County Homesteader.

Rural Schoolhouse Progress

Thanks to a lot of hard work by Society members Carol and Ray Kingsley, the restoration project is moving along steadily. In the photo (Click to see photo), Carol is painting the quarter round that will be installed when the sanding and oiling of the floors is completed on June 30th. The electrical wiring and re-installation of the original light fixtures is complete thanks to the efforts of Don Heller. Milford Koch keeps the newly sodded school yard lawn neatly trimmed, after the sprinkler system keeps the grass green.

They are all working hard to have the schoolhouse open, complete with student and teacher desks, during the Stanton 4th of July festivities.

Bette Melcher will be on hand to ring the school bell to signal the start of the parade down Ivy Street on the 4th of the July.