One who has pride in the past will soon
have a future of which to be proud

Volume 3, Number 2 December 2004

Letter from the Editor

The voters of America have spoken. It was great to see democracy at work once again in this country. Now, whether we are Democrat or Republican, we must work together to continue and maintain our rich and historical heritage for the generations to follow.
Beginning in January of 2005, our Society will start a year-long calender of events to celebrate 40 years of continuous activity which began on June 22, 1965. Major events planned include: (1) a two-month (January-February, 2005) display of Stanton and Pilger Museums artifacts in the LaBarre Gallery at the Elkhorn Valley Museum in Norfolk; (2) a grand opening of the restored rural schoolhouse (Stanton Heritage Day - April, 2005); (3) a celebration float in the July 4th parade in Stanton; and (4) a grand opening of the renovated Agriculture Annex in Pilger to include a restored log cabin (Pilger Days - July, 2005).
Our efforts to raise funds in 2005 will focus on updating the electrical system and installing heat/air conditioning in the Stanton Heritage Museum. You can help by sending in your contribution using the attached form.

Roland Jensen, Editor

Rare Photos Surface

The Historical Society recently received rare photos of the Chinese filling station (click to see photo) that once stood along the west side of highway 15 at the south edge of Pilger. Thanks to John and Marlene Thor of Wisner for sending them to us for safekeeping at the Pilger Museum. If there are more pictures of this landmark of yesteryear we would be pleased to see them.

Relic From 1931 Pilger Schoolhouse Fire
by Irma Juelke Malcom

This paper punch (click to see photo) was found on the grounds where my classroom had been. My desk had been burned in half and nothing was left but ruin. It was there I salvaged this burnt old Apex paper punch.
It went home with me and stayed with me for [over] 72 years, a treasure that accompanied me through 5 years of teaching in rural schools in Madison and Stanton Counties. It helped to construct booklets made by my students for illustrating poems, geographic and other lessons. This trusty old punch and the little golden fasteners helped make neat articles for county fair exhibits and got us 6 blue ribbons one year.
Then for 3 years it went back into my "keeper box" while I served my country in the USNR [United States Naval Reserve]. This time I was a "link trainer," an instructor teaching instrument flight to aviation cadets and to pilots at Naval Air Stations in Corpus Christi, Texas, and John Rogers-Hickam Field in T.H. (now Hawaii).
Finally, in 1946, this little punch went with me to my new home in Oviedo, Florida, along with all my belongings, which were now under the Malcolm name. Eventually it served in 2 Boy Scout Troops, a Brownie Troop, and impressed 8 grand children with its power.
It never failed me. Bless this faithful little servant. It needs to go back home to be in [Pilger Museum] Nebraska with old friends. Thanks Irma.

History is 'Safe' at Museum
by Tina Kremlacek

The Stanton County Treasurer's safe (click to see photo) has been donated to the Stanton Heritage Museum by Jim Mandl. He acquired the safe in 1976 when the old courthouse was being torn down. The chairman of the County Commissioners told him that if he wanted the old safe, he had better get it before it ended up in the pile of rubble.
It took an effort to get the safe down from the second floor of the building. Workers laid planks on the floor to get it to the top of the stairs without it falling through due to its weight. They then slid the safe down the stairs, then attached it to a wrecker. Mandl said as the safe was being lifted, the front end of the wrecker raised up. Two men passing by inquired about the ordeal, to which Mandl replied, "I'm taking a safe with no money in it." The two men then stood on the front of the wrecker to hold it down, and the safe was moved to Mandl's home north of Oak Street. Later, it was moved to his home on Eighth Street.
Mandl said he wanted to store the safe in his basement, but after resistance from his wife, it landed in the garage where it housed parts and tools manuals.
The Safe is now at home in the Heritage Museum after being moved there with a pay loader. Thanks, Jim.

Merry-Go-Round Installed at School

A merry-go-round (click to see photo) was recently installed at the restored rural schoohouse in Stanton, thanks to Maury Spence who transported it from Pilger. It brings back memories of schoolyard fun of years gone by.

Art Catlin - Radio/TV Repair Pioneer
by Tina Kremlacek

Art Catlin long known in the Stanton area for expertise in repairing radio and television equipment, has donated many of his radios and testing equipment to the Stanton Heritage Museum. As one of the charter members of the Historical Society of Stanton County, Art felt the museum would be a good place to display some of the books, radios, tools, and memorabilia.
Art ran a TV repair shop in Stanton for over 30 years, from about 1947 to 1980. The shop was located on the site where the First National Bank is now, near 11th and Ivy.
Art's parents, Perlee and Mable Catlin, had moved to Stanton from Owego, N.Y. in 1937 to join his father's sister, Mrs. Will Woodruff, and her husband Will who had resided here many years. Art's aunt Mae Woodruff and Will were rural school teachers here for many years. Ultimately, the two families lived together in the stone house on 4th and Kingwood.
His trade started as a boy in the 8th grade putting together crystal radios as a hobby. In high school he worked with radios with tubes. After Art graduated from Stanton High School in 1937, he attended Milford Trade School, where he received an Amateur Radio License.
He began working for the Civil Service as an inspector of radios for the military. Before moving back to Stanton he worked part-time in Schenectady for the first FM radio station to have commercial advertising on it.
In July of 1947, Art acquired the first TV in Stanton, a 7" black and white TV. He recalls many people coming to view the TV with him. Soon after many TV's were purchased in the area. A large console TV would cost about $400 to $500, and a small TV about $200.
Art did most of the warranty work for Gaddie Hardware. Sometimes brand new TVs did not work! When Art fixed them, the companies would pay for the tube that needed to be replaced but not the labor. That was until the companies received so many complaints. Art then started to send his bills to the companies. Some did pay for his labor.
Most of the repairs were the result of bad tubes. Although drugstores in larger cities had tube testers for people to use, there were none in this area. Art made housecalls for large units and smaller TVs were brought to his shop. He carried many cases filled with tubes and equipment. He recalls that eventually there were more than 1,000 different kinds of tubes.
By1980, radios and TVs had become much more reliable and cost efficient, so Art retired; but he still did some repairs from time to time.
The Stanton Heritage Museum has set up a special display of Art's memorabilia (click to see photo). In addition, many historical items from his Aunt Mae Woodruff are being placed throughout the museum.

Evelyn Joy Schellpeper
October 30, 1919 - October 5, 2004

The Historical Society of Stanton County has lost a dear friend and devoted worker in Evelyn (Perkins) Schellpeper, who passed away on October 5, 2004. Evelyn (click to see photo) was the first president of Society. Always generous with her time and energy, she helped organize the Society and then worked with members and the Board of Directors, guiding the club with a sure hand as they planned fundraising events, developed displays, and looked for places to display historical artifacts.
In 1966, when Evelyn served on the Stanton County Centennial Committee, she discovered one of the Society's first fund-raising projects, an educational game called "Stake-A-Homestead," based on the actual Homestead Act, patented by Mrs. A. C. Woster, Plattsmouth, and developed for the Nebraska Centennial.
As part of the Stanton County Centennial, she arranged a county-wide bus tour of historical sites in the county, sponsored by the Historical Society on August 4, 1966. An air-conditioned bus carried forty-four people over 90 miles, through every precinct in Stanton County.
In October, 1966, the Articles of Incorporation were filed, and Evelyn's training in parliamentary procedure were an asset in developing the required by-laws.
In 1970, Evelyn and Dorothy Smithberger coordinated the gathering of historical information about Stanton County since 1943. Members of the Stanton Woman's Club researched all of the Stanton Registers from 1943 to 1969. People from all the organizations, business, and churches in Pilger and Stanton gathered information. Then Evelyn and Dorothy wrote it into chapters that matched the writing style of Meroe Outhouse's "History of Stanton County," to bring Meroe's work up to date. This became another fund-raiser for the new Society.
Evelyn played a major part in planning the Stanton Heritage Museum. Always eager to listen, discuss ideas, and give advice based on her past experience, she was able to identify people who knew about historical events or who could help with projects. She has donated many family artifacts to both museums.
Evelyn's ability to draw many people together in a project was one of her many strengths. As an example, she developed a pageant, "Illuminating the Past, Igniting the Future: History of Stanton County," which told much of Stanton County's early history. Nearly 100 people participated in the many scenes depicting the early days, including the music and costumes of the many nationalities here. Her concern for each person, her optimism as she directed each scene, her well crafted script, and her detailed planning made this project and many others come to fruition successfully.

Olga Elizabeth (Hansen) Christensen
April 11, 1918 - November 11, 2004

Olga (click to see photo) was a charter member of the Historical Society of Stanton County. She served as President of the Society for two years and various other positions, as well as an active supporter throughout her 39 year membership.
Born Olga Elizabeth Hansen to Hans Peter and Christine (Christiansen) Hansen, she was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Pilger, NE. Olga attended Stanton County Rural School District 18 until the 3rd grade and then attended Pilger Public School, graduating in 1936. She worked as a domestic aide for families in Stanton and Wayne Counties.
On November 25, 1940, she married Emil Christensen in Harlan, IA. For several years Olga and Emil operated hardware stores in Pilger and West Point and operated a trucking firm as well. They were the first to stock TV sets in the immediate area and pioneered the TV sales in many local households.
Olga always loved dogs, so when they engaged in farming north of Pilger, she enjoyed participating in a coon hound venture. Emil and his brother Pete did a lot of coon hunting and went on numerous field trials.
Olga was always an enthusiastic participant in her husband's ventures. This was especially true after Emil was elected Sheriff of Stanton County. She served as Deputy Sheriff, had a private investigator's license, and was a member of the Police Association of Nebraska. Olga also belonged to the International Listening Association and World Communication Association.
An avid nature lover, Olga enjoyed gardening and attending to her flowers. She also enjoyed three grandchildren, visiting with people, traveling and reading.
A mother of one daugher Melissa and three sons Keith, Lee and Lowell, Olga was a good friend and neighbor. Olga was known for her ever-ready smile, sense of humor and general good nature. She will be missed by her family, friends and members of the Historical Society.

Stake-A-Homestead Game
by Louise Boyd

Several years ago, when former County School Superintendent Bess Waring decided to make the move to Stanton Nursing Home, she auctioned some of her possessions.
We bought a stack of games and puzzles. One of the games was Stake-A-Homestead, created by Mrs. A.C. Woster of Cass County, NE in 1964.
Since all four of my grandparents and my husband's grandparents came to Nebraska as youngsters with their parents, this game caught our eye. We played it with our grand children as soon as possible. Then when my mother played it with her great grand children, she put her "stamp of approval" on it. She related to the children stories of their ancestors. This created an awareness of history's connection to them and their family.
After we sold our business in 1997 and I started volunteering at Stanton Elementary. Fourth graders devote a part of the year to learning about Nebraska and its history. It seemed to me that they might enjoy the "Stake-A-Homestead" game. When I offered to play it with the classes, the teachers said "sure." It has now become a tradition at Stanton schools.
We have grandchildren around the state in several towns. When they have reached fourth grade, they ask their teachers if Grandma can come and play the Homestead Game. I've been invited back to some school again with no grandchild in class.
This past winter I had to go to Wisconsin to play "the game" because one of my families moved before fourth grade. Wisconsin had Homesteaders, but don't study them. They only know about lumber jacks! While there I met an illustrator of some of the "Little House" books.
When we play the game we always talk about the situations. The facts are presented by me, with other resources to help the youngsters know more about those periods of history. Each player has a land tract that is divided into 8 sections. Cards are drawn that help to develop the homestead, such as houses, crops, and animals. Some cards have hardships that set back the progress. It takes an hour to cover the five years of "proving up".
The youngsters always enjoy the game, say it's fun and ask to play it again. My grandkids play it often, at my home and we take it to family reunions.
I remind everyone that we all had ancestors alive during any period of history. They might or might not have been involved in a specific event. Isn't it fun and interesting to know? This game sparks those questions.
Note: This game was one of the first fundraisers for the Historical Society when it first organized in 1965. Games were bought on consignment then sold by the members.

What Happened To The Log Cabin

The log cabin once belonged to Lige Klima's grandfather Otto Klima. It was moved in 1970 from the Wilbur Kollath property (it had been moved into Pilger in 1906 and was considered to be 100 years old at that time) to the Pilger Museum grounds by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Koehlmoos. It last stood on the west side of the Pilger museum (click to see photo) then was taken apart by Lige Klima and stored for nearly 30 years. This was necessary to clear the way for building the Pilger Museum Annex. Most everyone forgot about it until a couple of years ago. Its existence was brought up at a Society meeting. After getting permission from the Lige Klima estate administrator, Mary Rogge, it was removed from its long storage and relocated to the county building in Pilger. It was hoped that a plan could be devised to rebuild it but the markings that Lige put on the logs when he disassembled it could not be deciphered. Then, the county building was condemned and the logs had to be moved to the Pilger Museum Annex. Another year went by before the log cabin was brought up again at a Society meeting. Since the logs were beginning to deteriorate, it was decided to use what could be salvaged to build a smaller cabin (two walls) inside the Museum Annex. This effort is currently underway in conjunction with the renovation of the Annex as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration with a projected completion date of July, 2005.

Pilger Rest Area Improvement Status

Stanton County Commissioners have managed to keep the rest area clean and functional for daily travelers on Highway 275. Pop machines have been installed to produce some revenue. The City of Norfolk granted $4,000 toward the operation with the remaining operating funds coming from Inheritance Tax. The Village of Pilger provides water testing, minor repairs and sewage disposal.
The roadway for the 36 RV parking spaces has been surveyed and is ready for grading.
Grant writers are working to start the process of obtaining funding for improvements. A funding raising campaign will start early in 2005. The Historical Society will continue to accept contributions via this newsletter.
Loren Fuller and Roland Jensen are Historical Society representatives on the Pilger Rest Area Governoring Board - questions may be directed to them.

Doctor Peters
by Loren Fuller

Dr. William R. Peters came to Stanton in 1903 and practiced family medicine with Dr. A. C. Beard until the First World War. After the war started he was assigned to the Nebraska Base Hospital No. 49 which was organized September 1917. This unit was mobilized March 1918 in Omaha and trained at Fort Des Moines, Iowa until July 4, 1918. They moved to Camp Mills, NY where they sailed for Liverpool, England, on July 14, 1918 - arriving July 31. They crossed the channel to Cherbourg on August 3, 1918. The unit entrained at Allerey, Department of Soan et Loire.

The hospital received its first wounded on Aug. 26, 1918. Hospital No. 49 was designed as a 1,000 bed hospital for mental and nervous disorders but they had as many as 1,950 patients at one time. They had 2,562 surgical cases, 506 operations, 1,902 medical and 430 gassed cases. The field hospital closed January 20, 1919. The medical team sailed from Brest, April 12, 1919, arriving in New York April 23, 1919. The unit was demobilized on May 7, 1919.
Dr. Peters' practice was located in the Peters building, built in 1925, which is still in use on Ivy Street as "Hair's the Latest." His home was two blocks west.

Collected World War I battlefield artifacts on display at the Stanton Heritage Museum include his dress uniform (click to see photo), gas masks, canteens, broom handle pistol, bayonets, trench knife, helmets (German, British, French, Prussian), grenades, shrapnel, and associated photographs. These items were on display in his office until his demise in 1927 and were in storage until 2001 when his daughter, Virginia (Peters) Marsh of Central City, graciously donated the collection to the Stanton Heritage Museum (click to see photo).

Letters to the Editor

There being no specific letters, am I to assume that content of our newsletters are meeting with your needs and your approval. Please don't hesitate to critique and make suggestions to help us improve. Thank you.

New Lifetime Members

The following have been added to our list of lifetime members: Deanna Copeland, Jack and Shari Chace, LaRayne Meyer, Midwest Bank NA, William and Cara Vokmor and Lorraine Benson. Letters of Congratulations and Lifetime membership cards have been sent to each new member for their one-time contribution of $100 or more.

Mystery Photo Identified

The photo (click to see photo) in the last issue of the Historical Times newsletter was correctly identified by Anthony Bernbeck who writes:
"After seeing the photo in your newletter I concluded that it is of the bombing range southeast of Stanton. The one I know about is located in the northwest quarter of section 2 in Butterfly Precinct. I rented the pasture from Dick Grube and Jim Ball. The photo reprint was not that clear and it was hard to decipher which direction the shot was from. I just don't remember the lateral lines in the target. But the target in Grube's pasture was pock marked with small depressions from the chalk bombs.
The watchtower was located north and east of the target on what was Bert Armbruster's pasture now owned by Con Bernbeck. The cement pads for the tower are still there. This is located in Stanton Precinct section 35 southeast quarter.
Bert told me while he was still alive that his windmill (located just a quarter mile from the tower and in sight) was one of the few that didn't get bombed by the fighter pilots. He thought the target [was] just too boring and they were looking for bigger game!
To the best of my knowledge, the pilots flew from Sioux City and then passed over Stanton. This was in the 1940's.
I have found 3 or 4 bombs, part of a canteen and some other odds and ends. What is left of the bombs [are] tail fins and smashed tin - one still has part of the detonator. If the Society would want to display this part of Stanton history I would be willing to donate what I have found."
Thanks Anthony - you will get a free subscription to our Newsletter. We will consider your offer of donating items for display.