10 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021
AREA NEWS
[CLAY COUNTY IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR] by Jerry Johnson • The Sutton Historical Society
SUTTON 150TH NEWS
Luther French received a letter dated Aug. 8, 1871, informing him that the Postmaster General ordered a post office be established in Sutton and appointed him to be Sutton’s first postmaster–guaranteeing a legal existence for the town. French’s initial salary was $12 per year. (“The German Russians—Those Who Came to Sutton” by James R. Griess, page 191.) Thurlow Weed brought a carload of lumber from Lincoln on Aug. 23, 1871, the first in the county. He managed the lumber business of Monnell, Lashley & Weed for some time. On the next day, the 24th, John M. Gray shipped his carload of lumber from Lincoln founding Sutton’s second lumber yard. (The Centennial Sketch of Clay County, July 4, 1876, page 2.) The Gray yard was northwest of the intersection of Maple Street and Way Avenue including today’s site of the Sutton Museum. Lumber yards were critical in a new town especially if plans called for permanent dwellings. The third week of the month is song lyrics week. Do you remember “The 59th Street Bridge Song?” It goes: “Slow down, you move too fast “You got to make the morning last “Just kicking down the cobblestones “Looking for fun and feeling groovy “Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy.” Oh. You thought that was called “Feeling groovy?” Only its nickname. Written by Paul Simon, the song appeared on the Simon and Garfunkel 1966 album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme.” The bridge referred to is the 3,724-foot-long Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge over the East River and Roosevelt Island connecting the NY borough of Queens with the Upper East Side of Manhattan between 59th and 60th streets. Later lyrics include a greeting to a lamppost and conclude with “Life, I love you. All is groovy.”
1996 - 25 YEARS AGO
CCN HISTORY FILES | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
Former Clay County News publisher Don Russell poses in this file photo beside a radiation warning sign during his two-day stint on the nuclear submarine USS Nebraska in August 1996. One of the sub’s crewmembers, Timothy Blase, listed Edgar as his hometown.
lary of the Glenvil Grocery. The T-60 tank from the Nebraska National Guard went on display in the Clay Center Park. Zack Miller built the concrete pad for the tank as part of an Eagle Scout project. Senior Chief David L. Anderson, a 1973 graduate of Clay Center High retired after a 23-year career in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service. Chief Anderson’s family planned to remain in their Connecticut home until a daughter graduate from high school when a return to the Cornhusker state was a possibility. Among several changes announced by the Nebraska School Activities Association was the plan to hold all seven championship final football games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Volleyball received much of the attention in the list of changes. Featured business: McDowell Auction Service in Trumbull. President Clinton signed The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act making it easier to obtain and keep health insurance.
1971 - 50 YEARS AGO
The building housing the Navy EM2 Timothy Blase of United Church of Christ in Edgar, then living in Georgia, Clay Center, formerly home was the subject of an article of the Union Church and built about his duty station–the in 1887, was decommissioned nuclear submarine USS Nebprior to razing the structure. raska. Blase, his wife Kelly Then Rev. Carl F. Kemper and daughter Cassidy made led the groundbreaking visits back home to Edgar ceremony for a new United every six months to visit his Church of Christ building. father and stepmother, Mr. Fast Construction of Hastings and Mrs. Harvey Blase and his was the contractor for the new brother Paul. The article was building; two York firms won by Clay County News publiscontracts for the mechanical, her Don Russell who was one plumbing, and heating work. of 18 Nebraskans spending a The total cost was a bit more couple of days on, rather, in than $100,000. the USS Nebraska. Dennis Ketcham of the A traveling saleswoman was Baldwin Co. was featured at arrested by the Edgar police a Centennial Concert at the for theft from two Edgar resiorgan of the Sutton Federated dents. Glenvil police arrested Church. four individuals for the burg-
The finale for the Sutton Centennial celebration was an Aug. 27 Centennial Pageant under the direction of Mrs. Erna England with a chorus directed by Kenneth Kauk. The Sutton American Legion announced plans for contact bridge marathon over the fall and winter months. Edgar received a $50,000 federal grant for a new community swimming pool from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in the Department of Interior David Murman of Glenvil took first place in the 4-H dairy cattle judging contest and would lead a party of four judges heading to the state fair. Featured business: Johnson Cash-Way Lumber Company in Hastings, a frequent advertiser in the county paper, this week with a half page ad for more than a dozen carpet products. Anti-war protestors associated with the Catholic Left raided draft offices in Buffalo, NY, and Camden, NJ. Twenty-five protestors were arrested. Laura Baugh, age 16, won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Golf tournament, the youngest winner ever, obviously.
1946 - 75 YEARS AGO
Showers cooled the county after days of high temps. Edgar, Fairfield, and Clay Center were among 13 towns visited by 25 carloads of Nelson boosters touting the Nuckolls County Fair and Homecoming Jubilee. The Nelson school band led the revelers. Recent successful muskrat trapping forced state officials to close out the trapping season in all but the sandhills and panhandle. Sixteen-year-old Miss Jackie Huckfeldt became the youngest first-time solo pilot at the Clay Center Municipal Airport. The Deweese Picnic drew its largest crowd ever, selling more than 1,200 tickets to the chicken supper. Mr. and Mrs. Burdell Downey purchased the Koehler Grocery in Harvard. Mr. Downey had been a carpenter for three a half years with the Maxon Construction Company at the Naval Ammunition Depot. Fairfield residents began publicizing the Fairfield Fall Festival in late September by wearing colorful sombreros, available for 65 cents at Hoevet’s Garage, Evans’ Store, and Bunk’s Café. Lee McAllister was the new coach in Harvard calling for all boys who intended to participate in football, basketball, wrestling, boxing, baseball, and track to report to the school for physicals from Dr. Nuss of Sutton. The Nelson & Peterson business in Ong closed after 46 years serving the community. Col. R.W. Nuss, formerly of Sutton, was due to report to Manila, Philippines. He had been stationed in Wichita, KS. Mrs. Winn Dixson, wife of Sergeant Winn Dixson died at a Lincoln hospital just days after being diagnosed with polio. She was the only polio death in the county in the current epidemic. Featured business: Goosic’s Market in Fairfield listing their produce this week. Congressman Carl Curtis made a campaign swing through the county celebrating his 1,174 to 112 primary election win in Clay County.
1921 - 100 YEARS AGO
The Old Settlers section of the County Picnic was to feature men who had lived in the
county for more than 45 years. Township captains were listed in the article—which will be posted to the Sutton Museum blog. Chas. H. Epperson, Jr., Editor and Publisher of The Clay County Republican newspaper in Clay Center announced the paper would cease publication on Sept. 1. Clay Center was also served by the Clay County Sun newspaper, Fred B. Howard, Owner. The Clay Center Chautauqua was scheduled for Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 21–25 with a larger program planned than in prior years. The Royal Café in Clay Center (opposite the courthouse) had a vacation suggestion: take along a fresh box of cigars–Robt. Burns, White Owl, Little Bobbie, etc. The Spring Ranch carnival was in town for three days. A good crowd took in the evening concerts by the DeFord orchestra, and several politicians gave talks. Featured business: Peerless Pipeless Furnaces, H.M. Hanson owner in Clay Center. The most successful furnace of its style–large radiating surface, double insulted casings, large feed door, independent gratet. (Not sure what that is all about.) A French aviator was able to sustain a speed of 200 miles per hour for a short time. The reporter speculated that the limit of speed was probably far from being reached.
1896 - 125 YEARS AGO
The front page of The Clay County Patriot newspaper carried the lyrics for the song “Bryan, Free Silver and Good Times,” written for, and sung at the Bryan rally in Clay Center on Aug. 15, 1896. It was sung to the tune of “Going to Weep No More.” There were 4 versus, the chorus: “Then fare ye well, we’re going “To join that Silver band; “Goodbye, McKinley, we will not be sold; “You said you were for silver, “But you had to show your hand, “And you tried to sell us out for British gold!” A tiny item in county papers reminded us that the Royal Highlanders, a new fraternal order was organized in Aurora in August 1896. This article about them is eight years old: http://suttonhistoricalsociety.blogspot. com/2014/02/the-royal-highlanders_28.html A group in Clay Center purchased a $200 circus tent and planned to make it available to all political parties. Edgar Republicans organized a McKinley and Hobart club at a meeting in the Howard building. Featured business: Thomas H. Matters, Law and Collections in Harvard, office over First National Bank. This was the same Thomas Matters who would later be involved in the demise of the First National Bank of Sutton. He was charged with a crime, convicted, sentenced to prison, but was pardoned by President Harding in 1921.
1846 - 175 YEARS AGO
General Stephen Kearney’s troops captured the city of Santa Fe and a few days later the U.S. annexed New Mexico. Our photo this week commemorates Don Russell’s twoday tour, along with 17 other Nebraskans on the nuclear submarine USS Nebraska 25 years ago. We probably should have used a photo of Seaman Blase, but this temptation was overwhelming.
CLAY COUNTY NEWS
[ IN MEMORIAM ] Raymond “Ray” Boehler October 18, 1943 ~ July 26, 2021 Raymond “Ray” D. Boehler, 77, of Grand Island passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 29, at All Faiths Funeral Home of Grand Island. Services in Ray’s honor were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 30, at All Faiths Funeral Home. Dan Naranjo officiated and burial took place at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. All Faiths Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Ray was born on Oct. 18, 1943, in Clay County, NE, son of William and Vera (Fuehrer) Boehler. He grew up in Sutton and graduated from Sutton High School in 1962. On Feb. 21, 1965, he married Doniele Hajek, they made their home in Lincoln before settling in Grand Island. Ray was self-employed as a dry waller for many years. Ray and Doniele ran the Trade Winds Marina on Sherman Lake for several years. He began to drive truck for JIL Asphalt. Ray and Doniele owned and operated Floret Flowers and Gifts for 18 years. Ray enjoyed keeping busy and had several odd jobs after retirement. Ray was a member of the Saddle Club, and an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother, Arnie. Deer hunting trips with his son, grandsons, and the entire 42 Crew were special to Ray. Many evenings were spent enjoying classic western movies, Molly B Polka, and Lawrence Welk. Ray loved the yearly Estes trips with his family, and was so proud to attend his grandchildren’s events. All of Ray’s family and friends knew him for his strength and support. He is survived by his wife, Doniele, of Grand Island; children, Rod Boehler of Grand Island, and Ranelle (Ron) Smith of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Justin (Mari) Boehler of Grand Island, Alex (Emily) Boehler of Martell, Amelia (Kyle) Mustion of Grand Island, Jade Smith and Jasmine Smith of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kash and Rilyn Boehler of Grand Island, and Mya and Berkley Mustion of Grand Island; brother, Maynard (Marilyn) Boehler of Papillion; sisters, Leoma Sisel of Sutton, and Marcella Ochsner of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Lajeanne Boehler of Hastings; along with numerous extended family and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence and Arnie Boehler; grandson, Jeremy Boehler; brother-in-law, Joe Sisel; sister-in-law, Rose Boehler; nephews, Ron Boehler and Bill Hofmann. Condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com
Rose Mary Brennfoerder August 16, 1938 ~ August 12, 2021 Rose Mary Brennfoerder of Edgar, daughter of Tiny (Swartz) Johnson and Bart Johnson, was born Aug. 16, 1938, in Emporia, KS. She departed us on Aug. 12, 2021, at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband, Ron; sons, Jim (Mary) Shipley and Scott (Jill) Shipley; daughter, Vicki Novak; sisters, Betty, Joann, Josephine, Linda, Charlene and Darlene; brother, Mike; grandchildren, Jessica, Ben, Jacey, Brady, Katie, Raleigh, Craig and Audra; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Reagan, Dax and Etta; many cousins, nieces and nephews, stepchildren, and dear friends. Rose is preceded in death by her husband, Roland (Perk) Shipley; mother, Tiny Swartz Johnson and father, Bart Johnson. Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Edgar. Pastor David King will be officiating. Private family burial will be held in the Edgar Cemetery. A book signing will be held on Friday, Aug. 20 at the funeral home from noon to 7 p.m., with the family present from 5-7 p.m. to greet callers. In lieu of flowers, family suggests to please make donation to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family at wmsfh.com. Williams Funeral Home of Edgar is in charge of the arrangements.
Youth Crop Scouting Winners BY BRANDY VANDEWALLE, CLAY/FILLMORE COUNTY EXT.
Nebraska Extension has worked hard to push through the struggles of 2020 and 2021. From moving everything online suddenly to slowly bringing in-person events back the past two years have been a roller-coaster. This year’s Youth Crop Scouting Competition was able to be held in person at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center. Teams were able to talk with Extension staff and scout real plots at the Research Center. This competition is a great experience for those wanting to work in many different fields of agriculture. This competition provides a fun competitive environment where teams can receive hands-on learning about all aspects of crop scouting. Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Kornhusker Kids team coached by Chris Schiller. Team members were James Rolf, Ethan Kreikemeier, Kaleb Hasenkamp, Levi Schiller, and Ian Schiller. Second place went to Arlington FFA team coached by Kali Agler. Team members were Braden Monke and Aaron Fuchs, the team received $250. Third place with a $100 cash award was Colfax County 4-H No. 1 team coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Hayden Bailey,
Josh Eisenmann, Eliza Bailey, and Mic Sayers. Also participating was West Elk Creek 4-H Club coached by Jon Schmid. Team members include Wesley Schmid, Cameron Werner, Levi Othmer, Reese Badertscher and Sophie Schmid. Colfax County 4-H No. 2 team was coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Daphne Jedlicka, Cody Jedlicka, and Callen Jedlicka. Continuing this year was an online session of “Ask an Agronomist” where Nebraska Extension agronomists and specialists presented basic information that could be as part of the competition which allowed more interaction between the judges and participants. An online regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky teams. Participants from Kornhusker Kids 4-H and Arlington FFA will compete representing their county and the state of Nebraska in September. The 2021 Youth Crop Scouting Competition was sponsored by the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association and Ward Laboratories in collaboration with Nebraska Extension. For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.
