1 10 1803 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/27/2326/148-1.jpg 8efa4e68eebf0d3e5c1432db4917ca0d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries 1980's Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource An obituary for Eva Adolf Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1989 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Adolf, Eva 1892-1989 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Eva Adolf as taken from the Burlington Record in 1989. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Burlington Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries 1980's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Txt/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Burlington Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/405/Bethune.pdf 4874ea5184ac1a8b81811debde07b4c3 PDF Text Text HISTORY OF BETHUNE \r.i t-al -,u:J I \PA @ t& T24l | :6J Fa3 ii* zltydoa /rbrry (Z€45e) t4GCog t/ C. 17'/- lt-{z';<z l, t& /) I l'2 t^ \ a) *; A--' \./rt | :a - --J- B-:- lrf HISTORY OF BETHUNE tu .'t:' :1;i. /6 i j"t ' ,'€cus to Indianole, Nebraska stopping at the old Benkelman Ranch near the present town of T242 a 640 l- &sl*& ,?efce - : )- -*-- I Aas/tn w :!.:: &'a :r/@ I | Taurbu4 I I t6a 3\ ?40 Aaa F€, ,t& &tlet .{& -( G,-L; ',*h"fr Satah R nr*fAleaza 82d I '% /-tzz" fi fu4'/2. ,1 lecunlu ,/ny 6, Ctaner ,6d /60 ; T/te Eelhune Iou Ca u*,r, "eQ.ge ./60 L jao n /Ya4 A -l$ 'fugerze t60 5E l4amer #v;r \1@ YunzgSo f.*ry/A ./@ lol/izs I /t)//tbaza '-;;; z (/tnlen- I ":{:'4 :{-l | ["* ^rt't q5rt Chzs $_ a. /uo/i, fpabr ffi f. klt .': - ,/f\ : -_ : -_ +_ -:; t& .J@ F.n h? t$o , lii*". b/ler.$i -{60 ?..F€ frank L1", 32O -, -u.6t 160 t.f 6jc 77?lmer rc cr-\r L(J .i. .:.. ..'-dtli... t t t.,'O.: lt24 r I 4/66;r l"ftxtzvaod '.1 I Bethune, Bethune being French for farmer or farming. Dutch Jake shot Buffalo and also trapped fur animals. He would take the hides tt// Ri/4r Schoa/ land 35 634 fup.-"* ,*._ I 36 64a , \ 1908 water tower serving the Rock Island R.R., Bethune. St. Francis. Kansas. He would visit with Mr. Benkelman. Mr. Benkelman would say "Vee 3ehtz Laundsman?", which became the name Part 1 Bethune first got it's name in 1886 from the first settlers and first trappers. Dutch Jake, an indian who lived in a cave Northeast of Bethune, used to tell people he lived by Lost Man Creek (presently called Landsman Creek). It was to French trappers he told of lor "Landsman Creek", October 3, 1928, the United States Geographic Board rendered this decision regarding the creek in Kit Carson County to be the "Landsman Creek". When the Rock Island Railroad was built through Bethune in September 1888, railway sectionmen built a section house just West of town. The section foreman, J. B. Pfaffley, moved into the house in 1897 with his wife and daughter Erma. Erma later became Postmaster from 1920 to 1962. An Indian burial ground was located Northeast of Bethune on the Landsman �.: now lives on First Avenue and Main Street. In 1932, Bank failure and depression caused the bank to close it's doors. Later a store was run in the bank building by Arthur Cassen. Mr. Kingsbury ran the store later, and Walter Seelhoff after him unitl it closed it's doors and was torn down. Across the street and to the North, Mr. Carr and Bill Stutz also had l a store. Among the businesses built in Bethune in the early 1900's was a lumber yard opened by Carl Alexander. A hardware store owned by Carl Alexander, was located west of the lumberyard. These were located across the street from what is now the Bethune Grain elevator. A Farmers elevator was built by the 'l1l'i t. ,: ,t;., farmers and run by Tom Dillon; It burned in 1925, was rebuilt in 1926 and enlarged in 1936 and again in 1949. Cora Lovelace opened a Cafe in her home, which operated until 1940. This was located next to the Yersin store. On the north side of the Cafe, a pool hall was opened. Jim Erveu built the Hotel in 1920. This was next to the pool hall and Bank building. Bill Chapman bought it, later his son Earl bought it. Ethel Smith ran a Telephone office and soda. by Clara Mayers Aerial photo of Bethune about 1950. Several graves were explored in 1920 by several pioneers. They found Indian blankets, tomahawks, knives and various trinkets. In 1889, Elbert County was divided and Bethune fell in the portion forming Kit Carson County. Bethune established the first school district in Kit Carson County in 1889. The first school board members were Sam Beidelman and Dr. C.A. Gillette whose office was located in Bethune. The school house occupied the Southwest corner of the present school grounds. A well there supplied water for all the town residents. Mrs. Della Hendricks, who later became County Superintendent, was Bethune's first school teacher. In 1926 a new school house was constructed on eight acres purchased from Mr. Delaney. The HISTORY OF BETHUNE townspeople and those of surrounding areas decided to add two years of high school to the curriculum. Luella O'Hare and Ray Boggs taught the first high school classes in the T243 school year t927-28. The school had six teachers and 90 students. .U,r.. l:i:t. :irtlr.' ::l'i Bethune's first store was a combination General Store and Post Office owned by William Yersin in 1910. It was a small sod building located south of the present townsite on the south side of Highway 24. "fhe ,"'i "li' _r l.t ..- ':.. store was moved in 1916, it was then located where the Duane Monroe home now stands on the corner of Pikes Peak and Main Street. The Bethune State Bank opened it's doors in 1916. The Bank president and owner was J.J. Delaney with William Steur, cashier. It was located where the Dean Fisher familv '::l', aiti,',,%. )....,:tat: \"1 1i,: ::.:. ,''rl .:.i..r,. :l:ltil lri.l.. r'r:l .,::1..'\liili: :li, ']]:: . ::ir::,,i,.'::ii'. 2 lt::i:l '::,;:l t,* ,.,.,ti! ryl Earl Chapman's first garage 1925. t -.# Part 2 Fountain in the Chapman Hotel. Tom Davis started agarage in 1920 on what is now Pikes Peak Avenue West of the Monroe ,i; First store and post office in Bethune, Yersin Store. home. It had living quarters above it at the time, it still stands. The Barber Shop was built by Everett Blackburn, it was on First Avenue and Main Street across from the first Post Office. In 1921, the livery barn was built. �rtr::i:.r li:.t. rt }till&.iitr, '; ',11. ';1,;1;11; twice a day. Mail was hung so a catcher on the mail car of the train could pick it up as the train went by. Ted Knodel, who had been carrying mail as a tri-weekly on the south route since September 1924, took over Route 1 and carried until July 1965 when he retired. Albert Amman carried Route 2. the triweekly route since 1936. The routes consolidated in 1966 to an 86-mile route, which covered both the north and south routes. Albert Amman continued to carry until 1971, when he retired. The route was then changed to a Highway Contract Route and Carl Adolf Jr. became the mail carrier. Bethune has again grown in the last few years from a population of 52 in 1962 to around 200 in 1985. It has one garage owned and run by Johnny Johnson, the Bethune Grain Co. owned and run by Charles Schulte, Onahue Trucking Co. run by Bill Powell, and ofcourse the Post Office and school. Bethune has an accredited school with grades ranging from Kindergarden through twelve. James Poole has been the superintendent since 1964. The following is a recollection of some Celebrating Armistice Day in the 1920's on Main Street in Bethune. It was where the David Richards home now stands on Second Avenue and A Street. The Baptists held Sunday School and Church services in the school house until 1924. Then they had Mr. Arnet build the church. In L927 it was purchased by the Evangelical Congregation. The pastor from Stratton held services. The town of Bethune was incorporated in L926. ln t924, The Post Office was built. Erma (Pfaffley) Cordonnier was the first Postmaster until March 1962 when she retired. Clord Meyer built the present Post Office in 1962. Clara Meyer served as Postmaster from April 1, 1962 until April 1985, when she retired. Kathy Witzel is the new Postmaster since April 1, 1985. The townspeople built a City Park by their water tower, later a new park was started northeast of it's former site. The townspeople called their growing town "The Land of Opportunity" and put up a sign proclaiming that fact West of town. It drew customers and visitors. But the depression and bank failure in 1932 brought a marked halt to Bethune's upward climb. People were forced to sell out and move away, rapidly decreasing the population. By 1936 Bethune still had a hardware store, lumber yard, general store, two cafe's, a railroad depot, two grain elevators, a filling station, and two garages. Because the County seat was in Burlington, most people went there to do their trading. Eventually most businesses went out of business. The first mail carrier was Jesse McFarland. He carried Route 1 starting in July 1911, a 36 mile route by one horse and top buggy. Later a regular mail wagon such as was in use at that time, was used and drove two horses. He resigned in 1915. Tom Dillon carried until 1920. Roy Smith took over and carried until his death in 1935. In the early years, it would take two days to get mail delivered if there was a lot of snow. Mail came by a fast train people, and their families, who might not now have any connection in Kit Carson County. John & Gladys Argebright, Orla Anderson, H. H. Ernest, "Billy" Lamm, John Robinson, C. C. Tony, Mike Golden, Hugh Rouse, Charles Hopson, Dr. Dickey, L. Youtsey, L. Doughty, Ed Chipman, "Shorty" Stephen, Bertha King, Harry Roberson, C. L. Spahr, Dvoraks, Charles & Johnny Day, Noah SydeBotham, Fred Kasten, C. W. Sawyer, Fred Buchholz, Roy Smith, John Burns, Debakeys, Amos & Ida Holland, Charles Chandler, Walt & Anita Baer, Charles & George Baer, Thomas Davis, Elwood Richards, Cora Lovelace, Bill & Norma Negus, Art & Mary Haviland, Bruce Davis, Bill ZiegIer, Fletcher Vilott, Austin Johnson, Truman Hightower, B. K. Springer, Bill Stutz, Balls, Carl Mitchel, Harry Brogun, Jake Gramm, Charles Evens, Robert Wilburn, Critchfields, Leo & Nan Kindsvater, Floren Kuhn, Ralph Humrick, Henry Fanslow, John & Jesse Thomas, "Shorty" Stockwell, Henry & Esther Daum, Preston Simer, "Swede" Johnson, Iver & Ever Iverson, Eugene & Iris Taylor, Claude Zimmerman, Clark Rutter, Logan Stitt, J. J. Delaney, Charles Short, Bob Gaddy, Ericksons, Brownawells, Sanstedts, Lynns, Art & Fern Cassen, Millers, Clotiers, Henry Kline, Herb Kukuk, Glen Chapman, Ed Bower, Truman Hooker, Emil & Pauline Knodel, Fred Rock, E. H. Mitchel, Harold & Velora Hopkins, E. L. Kingsbury, Floyd Mills, Bill Ratuke, Oscar Olson, Ira Rowbothan, Chance Humphry, John Halter, John Kible, Mrs. Connor, Joe Reese, "Rusty" Evans. I'm sure that being gone from Bethune for over 30 years has dimmed my memory and some have been forgotten. by Clara Meyer and Donald L. Chapman Bethune Lumber Company. In the 1920's when Bill Stutz worked there. �across from Hotel and a little south. On the south side of the building it had a hitch rack, where farmers gathered. Also there were horse shoe pits on the south side. The farmers BUSINESS IN BETHUNE T244 These are memories of Dean A. Chapman, 2nd son of Earl & Blanche Chapman born in Burlington in 1921. Grocery Stores: Dan Carr, east of Main St., Bethune Grain Co. owned by Charlie Schulte,1988. came in from the settlement and south of town. They would arrive at about 10:00 AM and leave around 3:00 to 4:00 PM. They traded produce, eggs, chickens and cream. This store was later run by August Helcher, who after a couple years moved across the street west. Art Cassen purchased the store from Helcher's widow. He later moved the store to the Bethune State Bank Building. This store was then run by Mr. Kingsbury during W.W.2, then was sold to Walter Seelhoff, and then closed in 1954. W. T. Chapman ran a store in the front of the Hotel from 1920 till 1935. Bill Yearsin ran a store just south of the Post Office, later sold to Bill Stutz, later sold to Charles Helcher, brother of August Helcher, who later changed it to a Shoe & Clothing store. This building was later used for a residential use. Black Smith Shops: O. J. Speaks due west of Bank building. J. G. Walgamott built his shop just east of Earl Chapman's Garage on *w,*"*Enm srnr,slB ",*iryFj, . .,),,, Elevator. Creameries: The first Creamery was next door, east of Tom Davis Garage. Art Gramm ran one across the street, south of the Davis Garage. Kingsbury built a creamery between the Bank and the Hotel. Elevators: The first was the Robinson elevator across the street, south of the Davis Garage, run by Ben Pyle, later leased by Henry Daum. The Farmers Elevator was on the south end of Main Street, first run by Thomas Dillon, then owned by Henry Daum, later sold to the Bethune Co-op. The East Elevator was built in the late 1930's by O. E. Powell, run by Preston Symer, later sold to Bethune Co-op. Garages: The first was built by Tom Davis, probably built in the late teens, who had Walt Baer as a partner, with Charles Dvorak as salesman and mechanic. They sold ChevroIets. This garage closed in 1934. The second garage was built by Earl Chapman (who was a mechanic for Evans Brothers in Burlington, later Sim Hudson Motor Co.). This small building was just west of Post Office. Earl's second garage was built in 1925 across the street east of the lumber yard, on the north side of the old highway. Along with his garage, he furnished electrical power for the Town of Bethune. Each home was allowed one sixty watt bulb. He would at 5:00 P.M. fill and start the generator and it would run until it ran out of gas, which usually lasted dkmo,., from 9:00 to 10:00 in the evening. Each family helped pay for the gas, this was a one cylinder Delco plant. In 1931 Earl built the building on US 24. In 1956 Earl and his sons Dean, Vernon, Donald and son-in-law Neil Springer, moved this business to Paonia Co. The Bethune business was sold to Bill Storrer. This building later burned. Filling Stations: Both garages sold gas. In 1932, Tom Davis built a new station on U.S. 24, on the south west edge of town, later run by Fred Kasten, Bill Wilcox and others.. In 1932 Glen Chapman opened up a station in the old barber shop across the street from the Post Office. Bethune had the oldest Conoco bulk gasoline agency in CO in numbers of years. Earl Chapman was the agent from 1924 Bethune State Bank check, 1920's. i to 1956. {F,r"*- The poolhall, recreation parlor and barber shop was just south of the Nebraska Hotel and was run by Bill Evens. The Bethune State Bank was started by J.J. Delaney in 1916. William C. Steur was the last cashier, and the bank closed in 1931. EA,ffiH ': i,:.,, . t :t.: the old highway, just across from the East i. :... ,e4* by Don Chapman : BETHUNE POST OFFICE T245 Route 1 started in July 1909 as a 36 mile Route with Mr. Jess McFarland as carrier. He carried the mail in a top buggy pulled by one :::it .. e.. -# horse. Later, he got a regular mail wagon. These wagons were in use at the time and were pulled by two horses. Mr. McFarland resigned in April of 1915. Tom Dillon started carrying the mail and continued until 1920 *%*{-q - when he resigned. Martin Stahlecker was the temporary carrier taking over the duties until Chapman Garage. Don Chapman, Leo Kindsvater and Vern Chapman. Roy Smith took the route on. He delivered �Yersin, September L2, t9L0; Edward L. Newton, June2,l9ll;Albert L. Bell, January 18, 1917; William H. Yersin, April 20, 1917; Erma Cordonnier, October 18, 1920; Clara Meyer, April 1,1962;and Kathy Witzel, April covered by insurance. The Burlington Call, November L2. 1925. by Anna Strobel 1, 1985. A poem composed by Mrs. C. W. Sawyer of Burlington paid tribute to Mrs. Erma Cordonnier, retiring postmaster at Bethune. Mrs. Cordonnier recently retired after 42 years service in postal department. The Poem follows: RETIRED In eastern Colorado in the town ofBethune In the year 1920, two months after June, A new postmaster started her career, Her name - Mrs. Erma Cordonnier. At that time the mail had to go Thru rain. sleet. hail or snow. Smith, Knodel, then Amman, on the RFD Carried the mail to and from the country. When Erma wished to take off a day or more Thru 41 years she had subs galore. Pfaffly, Ardueser, Evans and Casten, Woods, Chapman, Helscher and Batson. Klein, Knodel, Springer and Taylor. The last two, Bucholz and Sawyer. March 31. 1962. Erma retired. 41 long years she had worked and perspiRoy Smith delivering the mail out of Bethune, Colorado. about 1935. red; So, Erma, it's time to say adieu And all our best wishes go with you. by Clara Meyer FARMERS ELEVATOR T246 i"%.*;". \d! *- New Bethune Post Office opened in October of 1986, Kathy Witzel Postmistress. the mail until he died in October of 1935. A fire Wednesday morning completely destroyed the Farmers Elevator at Bethune, Colorado. The building caught fire from a stove in the office and as there was no water system in the town the flames made rapid headway. A call for help was phoned to Burlington and the fireman with both trucks left at once, but the damage was wrought when they arrived at the scene of the fire ten miles away. About ten thousand bushel of wheat stored in the elevator was practically all damaged. It was reported that the loss was Claude Zimmerman was temporary carrier for a year, then Ted Knodel took over the route on September 8, 1936. The route had been extended to 43.6 miles by that time. T247 In 1899, Bethune Colorado organized the first school district in Kit Carson County. The original school was located on the west side of County Road 40, directly west of the present school grounds. Dr. C. A. Gillette and Sam Beidelman were the first school board members. Mrs. Della Hendricks was their first teacher. In 1926 it was decided to purchase eight acres of land from a Mr. Delaney, and it was on this land that the present schoolhouse sits, being completed in 1928. It was decided that there would be two years ofhigh school taught in this new school, so they began to teach Freshman and Sophomores along with the grade school. Luella O'Hare and Ray Boggs taught the first high school classes in 1927-28. At that time there were a total of 6 teachers and 90 students. The first class to "graduate" from Bethune School was in 1930. A basement was dug east of the school and this was used as the cafeteria for many years. Later, the old Prairie Star School from south of Bethune was moved onto this basement. The upper floor was used for a teacherage, the basement for the cafeteria, and the middle floor as the Superintendent's home. In 1955 the cafeteria was moved to the main school building, and a beautiful large gymnasium was added to the west side of the original schoolhouse. InIg74,a separate shop building was added, also on the west side. Mr. Orin Pankratz was the first to call this "home". Kindergarten was instituted in 1g74. The year 1978 saw Bethune School become accredited, under the direction and guidance of Mr. James Poole. Bethune School fielded its first football team in 1983 to add to the volleyball, basketball and track programs already in progress. New additions to the school also include a . Route 2 started on Septembet L7,1924 as a 36 mile tri-weekly with Ted Knodel as carrier until September 8, 1936 when he was transferred to Route 1. Albert Amman who was the temporary carrier, took on the route and delivered the mail until May 7, 1966 when the routes were consolidated. Albert continued carrying the mail until September 30, 1971. Albert Weiss was temporary carrier until the Star Route was established on November L, 1972. Carl Adolf Jr. was awarded the contract for the Star Route and is the present mail carrier. Postmasters through the years were Sam- uel Beidelman, January 1889; Josephine Parody, July 23, 1890; Emma Mutchmore, September 19, 1890; John Griswold, December 8, 1891; Mary E. Braden, September 27, t892; Margaret Gruwell, June 4, 1896; Nancy Root, April 5, 1899; John Lamb, October 15, t901; William Blake, September 17, 1906; Iohn McFarland, March 1"5, 1909; William H. BETHUNE SCHOOL Farmer's Elevator at Bethune, burned to the ground. �Humrich, Don Noxon, Arthur Adolf, Eugene Rowbothem, Mary (Smith) Stahlecker, Maxine (Helcher) McCoy, Ethel (Kasten) Dragiff, Irene (Adolf) McAuliff; 1937 - Aletha lll'i (Woods) Taylor, Delores (Chapman) Grant, Raymond Ray, Iris (Rouse) Taylor; 1938 Gladys (Adolf) Patterson, Nina (Dunlap) Lanham, Harry Olson, Anna Dvorak, Dean Chapman, Stanford Ernest; 1939 - Hilda (Ratenka) Vilott, Loren Ardueser, Fern (Knodel) Gremm, Norman Meyer, Mary Louise (Dillon) Schemfsll' 1940 - Wallace Eslinger, Gladys (Schaal) Byington, Harold Rouse, Stanley Sydebotham, Virgil King; 1941 - Robert Knodel, Blanche (Stolz) Beckstrom, Vernon Chapman, Janet (Dillon) Toland, John Burns; 1942 - Velma (Eslinger) Sweet, Sylvia (Kiebel) Malone, Mabel (Meyer) Bishop; 1943 - Raymond Knodel, Doris (Gulden) Travis, Helen (Gulden) ,r;*1r;l111,.;r,11, .,.1.11.:.,11'' 11'.1 Schaal, Eleanor (Ardueser) Dreitz, Dixie (Wood) Conkey, Ruth (Spahn) Jensen, Rueben Zeigler; L944 - Alvin Buchholz, Steve Sydebotham, John Critchfield, Owen Powell; 1945 - George Baer, Viola (Humrich) Critchfield, Lewis Parsons, Elsie (Miller) Powell, Dr. Earl Berens, Thelma (Kirkendall) Young, .'.''.'l:.'.::..il'rr' I:":,l Mary Louise (Dreitz) Waechter; 1946 - Bethune Public School, grades K through 12. 1988 Joanne (Guy) Wolf, Russell Knodel, Peggy (Wood) Jensen, Ardith Gulden, Rona (Spahr) Shaner; L947 - Donald Chapman, William Stolz, Roberta (Guy) Kindred, Eleanor (Knodel) Thomas; 1948 - Norman Kramer, Marge (Chapman) Springer, Lorena (Kramer) Buchholz, Ivan Amman, Ruby (Buchholz) Butterfield;1949 - Gene Amman, Jeanette (Knodel) Amman, Henry Stolz, Melvin Berens, Della (Adolf) Pugh; 1950 - Max Kramer, Clarine (Stahlecker) Fergus; 1951 - Eva (Adolf) Wood, Marvin Buchholz, Maureen (Amman) Felger, Ernest Ziegler, Gerald Johnson. Paul Knodel: 1952 - Lucille (Schlichenmayer) Krnmer, James Miles, Esther (Richards) Young, Bob Young, Vernon Stolz, Ed Kramer; 1953 - Wesley Eslinger, Eilert Weiss, Willard Stahlecker, Delos Amman, Irene (Kramer) Hilt, Bill Stewart, Allan Adolf, Ernest Adolf, Hazel (Hicks) Adolf; 1954 - Lela:rd Ernest, Loyd Knodel, Lester Powell, Aldene (Weiss) Beringer, Bethune School looking east. large library, computer room, upgraded office space, and an addition on the Superintendent's home. A large grassed area was made into a new playground with new equipment installed in 1984. It should be noted that Mr. James Poole, Superintendent, and his wife, Nora came to the Bethune School District in 1964. a position he holds to the present day. In 1988, there are 105 students attending Bethune School with 12 teachers on the staff. The school board consists ofFrank Ruhs, Art Waitman, Pat Williams, James Cummons, and George Stahlecker. by Marylyn Hasart BETHUNE SCHOOL GRADUATES T248 1931 - Hilda (Adolf) Ziegler, Agnes (Dvo- rak) Berthiaume, Janet (Mitchell) Moore; L932 - Amanda (Adolf) Richards, Leona (Adolf) Hefner, Harold Chipman, Crystal (Hartsook) Schlosser; 1933 - Ethel (Chipman) Pearce, Dallas Chipman, Howard Rouse, Carlos Dillon, Lillian (Dvorak) Wil- der, Pauline (Sandstedt) Dillon, Dorothy (Erickson) Rictichy, David Richards; 1934 Earl Perry, Lester Mitchell; 1935 - Marie (Perry) Hasenbalg, Alvin Ernest, Eleanor (Ernest) Varce, Dale Chapman, Opal (Esling- er) Schaal, Melvin Eslinger; 1936 - Dale Geraldine (Schlichenmayer) Carter, Duaine Richards, Phyllis (Waitman) Brown, Narieta (Ziegler) Hines, Kenneth McArthur, Darlene (Ziegler) Hendricks, Paul Jacobs, Edna (Schall) Fross, Bonnie (Johnson) Moorhead, Alfred Schritter; 1955 - Philip Stolz; 1956 Phyllis (Schlichenmayer) Hall, James Schlichenmayer, Donna Kay (Richards) Powell, Barbara (Schick) Briggs, Viva (Eslinger) Witzel, Margie (Stahlecker) Schneider, Leo Rutter, Geraldine (Zieeler) Weiss, Eileen (Waitman) Wahl, Leroy Arends; 1957 - Alice (Knodel) Gramm, Verlin Taylor, Louise (Adolf) Schlichenmayer, Rose Marie (Leik- am) Gwinn, Dorsey Carroll; 1958 - Iva (Stahlecker) Crist, Elaine (McArthur) Taylor, Donald Ziegler, Norman Arends, Arlene (Waitman) Nider, Bonnie (Matthies) Covey, Leona (Leikam) Brunmeir, Arthur Waitman; 1959 - Delmar Zeigler, Beulah (Stahlecker) Lambert, Mary (McArthur) Harris, Jerry Meyer; 1960 - Charlene (Taylor) Robinson, Roy Schlichenmayer, Jerome Warner, Maryln (Schick) Tofoya, Dr. Larry Weiss, Doris (Kramer) Barchanger, Ralph Stolz, Nolan Carroll, Judy (Schlichenmayer) Carroll, Clord Adolf, Virgil Eslinger, Celestina (Leikam) Brown; 1961 - Wilford Adolf, David Corliss, Darlene (Ruhs) Yates, Sue �(Dower) McDonald, Betty (McArthur) Barker, Annette (Stahlecker) Scherre, Ivan Stahlecker; L962 - Art Taylor, Marie (Schaal) Eslinger, Clord Meyer, Ruth Corliss, Julia (Leikam) Fox, Joan (Adolf) Carroll; 1963 - Linda (Taylor) Barnhart, Evelyn (Ruhs) Kelly, Ruby (Eslinger) Hundertmark, Mary (Richards) Colglazier, George Gramm, Dennis Moore, Paulette (Powell) Brachtenbach, Phoebe (Schauer) Friston, Jerry Jenkins; 1964 - Jane (Guy) Downing, Margaret (Kaplan) Stripes, Dorothy (Meyer) Soward, Elizabeth (Blagg) Wolfe, Frank Ruhs, Dennis Arends; 1965 - Gerald Ardueser, Annabel (Eslinger) Nickolson, Edwin Guy, Jerry Guy, David Hillman, Peggy (Matthies) Clark, Rick Young, Fred Zeigler; 1966 - Linda (Moore) Stolz, Fred Shauer, Marsha (Carroll) Rau, James Rau, Timothy Ardueser, Jean Stahlecker, Elaine (Weiss) Morrow, John Kuhn, Dale Schlichenmayer; 1967 - Grant Guy, Dianne (Stolz) Cox, Virginia (Leikam) Wright, Carl Schaal, Tom Rau, Troy Williams, Allan Weiss, Fred Matthies; 1968 - Janis Ardueser, Linda (Guy) Rau, Linda (Matthies) McDaniel, Linda (Schlichen- mayer) Coles, Everett Matthies, Eric Martell, Roy Williams; 1969 - Art Martell, Carolyn (Matthies) Martell, Terry Young, Rita (VanTassel) Hendon, Joe Leikam, Kathy (Dreitz) Hermann, Arlinda (Adolf) Thomas, Ronald Gramm, Anne (Guy) Cody, Don Kraus; 1970 - Velda Adolf, Karen (Adolf) Baird, Dale Jenkins, Lynne Powell, Jackie (Williams) Critchfield, Terry Weisshaar; 1971 - Loraine (Ardueser) Beeson, Judy (Dreitz) Garrison, Carl Jenkins, James Dobler, Bill Kraus, Victor Bill Powell, Fred Gramm, Roy Schlichenmayer, Beverly (Weiss) Ruhs; 1972 Nina (Elsey) Powell, Ellen (Guy) Eastin, Dean Matthies, Gene Matthies; 1973 - JoAnn (Gramm) Barber, Kathy (Kramer) Jenkins, Sherry (Kramer) Friesth, Pat Williams, Eugene Weiss, Ernest VanTassell, Verlin Corliss, Doyle Adolf; 1974 - Judy (Kramer) Whipple, Betty (Matthies) Ganser, Randy Dreitz, Tom Schlichenmayer, Raymond Dobler; 1975 - Mark Beringer, Curt Graham, Trudy (Elsey) Powell, Sandra (Hardwick) Wade; 1976 - Nadine Corliss, Lacey (Hansen) Stokley, Dalene (Knodel) Enyart, Glen Heidschmidt, Kerry Stahlecker, Millie (Leikam) Brawley, Steve Kramer, Kathy (Adolf) Witzel; 1977 - Wayne Adolf, Ronnie Dreitz, David Rutledge, Vicky (Crouse) Cox, Ralene (Dobler) Adams, Carol (Kindred) Keil, Shelly (Powell) Mangus, Karen (VanTassel) Loganbill, Pam (Kramer) Mills; 19?8 - Pam (Adolf) Burton, Connie (Beringer) Peterson, Brent Crouse, Scott Crouse, Lisa (Hardwick) White, Cecilia (Leikam) Criswell, David Poole, Dan Wahl; 1979 - Scott Powell, Barry Crouse, Stanley Kramer, Lori (Brown) Nordorf, Janet (Poole) Cure, Tammy (Crites) McGuire, Brenda Hanson, Maurice (Dreitz) Weyerman; 1980 - Tryn (Hendricks) Pizel, Dora Crouse, Sharla (Beringer) Troyer, - Charlene (Adolf) Flock, Lisa (Beechley) Mullis, Lisa Monroe, Lora (VanTassell) Burnet, Robin (Smith) Smith, Kenneth McArthur, Dawn (Harrell) Kramer, Matt Corcoran, Rick Monroe, Jerry Loeffler; 1985 - John Stolz, James Eslinger, Rhonda Waitman, Greg Zieglet, James Stolz, Mike Price, Nancy Weiss; 1986 - Angie Davis, Deanna Stahlecker, Debra Waitman, Michael Crites, Deanne (Dreitz) Heskitt, Darron Lightle, Dawn Adolf, Esther Schlichenmayer; 1987 Shelle Davis, Deanna K. Stahlecker, James Stahlecker, Scott Webb. by Amanda Richards INTRODUCTION TO BETHUNE CHURCHES T249 the pastor, and served until November 1902. Rev. Newman H. Hawkins served for the year 1903. On March lst, 1094, B. S. Hughes came as pastor, and served for six months. On account of removals it was thought best to suspend all services at Bethune and the few members left attended S. S. and church at Claremont until the Spring of 1906. When the community began again to be resettled the Sunday School was reorganized. In September 1906, Rev. J. L. Read who was pastor at Claremont and Seibert was called to become pastor of the Bethune Church and regular services were resumed. How long the work continued is not known. The Congregational Church at Bethune, like the one at Claremont and Seibert was destined to not make a go of it due to the lack of financial help from a Conference or General Church which would have enabled the work to have kept going Iong enough to become strong enough to be Bethune are the Evangelical United Brethern Church in Bethune. now abandoned, Imman- self-supporting. The Colorado Conference of the Evangelical Church had a number of school house congregations to the south and west of Congregational Church both located north of Bethune. There was a Nazarene Church located on the correction line south of Bethune. The site Central, Bethel and Smoky Angle, and was attracted to Bethune as hopeful territory for missionary operations. However, before it became possible for them to enter the field, the Baptist Gospel Car was taken in for a The churches included in the history of uel Lutheran Church and Hope United Church of Christ formerly know as Hope consisted of the church building and a cemetary behind the church yard. Agnes Beeson remembers attending some of the services held there when she was a girl and lived about five miles away. There is a fence around the graveyard and may be a grave left there. The church was moved off in about 1950. Immanuel Lutheran Church is mentioned in the book "White Churches of the Plains" by Robert Hickman Adams. Hope United Church of Christ and Immanuel Lutheran Church are still active serving the community and drawing members from Burlington and other towns near them. EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH T250 Church work was started in the Bethune Community on October 19th, 1900. A Congregational Church was organized in the school house by Rev. Sanderson with five charter members, five more soon thereafter Adam Burkey, Bill Crites, Douglas Stolz, Mary (Campbell) Holcomb; 1981 - Todd Hendricks, David Price, Danny Leoffler, Allan Matthies, Monte Arends, Sandy (Atkins) Adolf, Gina (Crouse) Hines, Teresa Crouse, Sharon (Poole) Greene; 1982 - Deb Yates, Margaret (Meyer) Robben, Monte Carroll; 1983 - Deb (Arends) Miller, Penny (Zieglet) Aeschilman, Rita Leoffler, Tim Campbell, Patricia McArthur, Kristy (Poole) Liming, Mark Crouse, Roger Stahlecker, Nathan Kramer, Carla (Eslinger) Foth; 1984 joining. The Rev. M. A. Bevier was called as Bethune E.U.B. Church. 1940's. Bethune such as First Central, Second special meeting, and pursuant thereto regular services were held. A baptist minister was stationed to the place, though there were less than a dozen charter members, and as far as is known, never any more. These people soon undertook to build a new church in Bethune at a cost of $3,000, soliciting aid in the community and where funds were available. Because of local conditions the Baptist friends felt necessitated to withdraw from the field, leaving the town without a pastor and open to any Protestant denomination ready and willing to take up the work. For a while there were no services of any kind conducted in the church. Less than two years after the church was built, The Colorado Conference of the Evangelical Church was asked to place Bethune on their list of appointments. This urgent invitation was accepted. The Bethune people again organized a Sunday School in the consolidated school building with the Evan- gelical Church representatives including President Elder B. Barthel present. The people were very anxious that they be served regularly provided such arrangements could be made in the interim of conference sessions. Consequently the Brethren R. D. Dexheimer and Leslie E. Gabael of Seibert were asked to serve this new point for the remainder of the year as time would permit. In the spring of 1928 these same brethren were by Conference appointed to serve Bethune in connection'with the Seibert Charge. In about six months it was considered expedient that the Services of Worship be changed from the school house to the church building. This permission the Baptist headquarters in Denver cheerfully granted. Initial steps were taken January 1, 1929 in a regularly announced meeting, with the thought of receiving members and effecting an Evangelical Organization. Subsequently 32 charter members were received. Later the Colorado Conference Trustees purchased the church property from the Baptist State for �the consideration of $850.00. On Sunday February 24,L929, this commodious building was dedicated by President Elder B. Barthel as an Evangelical Church. The Pastor's assisted in the services. Though the weather was cold and stormy was the attendance good. More than 9400.00 was secured in cash and pledges that day toward the purchase price of the property. At conference in the Spring of 1929, Rev. Leslie E. Gabel was appointed to serve Bethune along with the school house congre- gations to the southwest such as First Central, etc. The next year this circuit was without a pastor. In the Spring of 1931, Rev. Edward J. Ness was appointed to serve the south country school house congregations, and Rev. Wm. R. Van Devender was appointed to serve Bethune and Stratton, living at Stratton. In the Spring of 1935, Rev. J. Ness was assigned the Bethune and Stratton Congregations in addition to the South Country School House Congregations. One pastor continued to be appointed to all these churches including Bethune until 1945-1946. That year the Rev. Delbert C. Paulson was appointed, and the churches at First Central, Smokey Angle and Bethel discontinued. Annual Conference in the Spring of 1946 ordered these churches liquidated. Membership was transferred to either the Stratton or the Bethune Churches, depending on the wishes of the members. The membership of persons who could not be contacted were transferred to the Bethune Church roll. In 1952-1953 the Bethune Council with the Pastor V. J. Lamm removed 21 of these names "without certificate" when they were unable to contact them. From the Spring of 1946, Bethune has shared with Stratton the services of a pastor as a charge with the minister residing at Stratton. During the pastorate of Rev. Francis M. Bayles, Jr. from 1949 - 1952 great improvements in the physical property were made. The flat roof was removed and built up to a peak which improved appeilances and stopped leaks in the ceiling. Also the interior ofthe sanctuary was completely redecorated. A gas fired heating system has replaced the ineffective coal and oil units. The basement was plastered and decorated and modernized with cesspool, gas range and kitchen cabinets so that an adequate room is now available. The entire exterior was painted and the windows reputtied. Sidewalks were laid and the stairs repaired. Rev. Edward J. Ness directed a week of meetings in December of 1949 after which a number of members were received. Rev. B. Barthel came to lead in a week of revival prior to Easter in l95L and our hearts were made to rejoice in the Lord. Rev. Marvin M. Hudson conducted a meeting to strengthen the Sunday School program in the fall of 1952. Rev. C. P. Gates of the Oregon-Wash- ington Conference was to have come for meetings in the Spring of 1.953 but due to ill health couldn't and Rev. C. G. Bartsch held a weeks'meeting in March 1953. In February 1955, Rev. Ralph C. Hiness held a weeks' meeting. During Holy Week the last of March 1956, Rev. W. C. Lasater preached. Due to drought conditions it was not attempted to hold a revival meeting each year. The physical property was further improv- ed in the winter of 1952-1953 with the purchase and installing of six pews for the sanctuary to replace the chairs previously use. The floors were sanded and refinished before the pews were installed. Plans were made to build on a four room Sunday School addition north of the church during 19b41955. These plans were not carried out due to the drought which not only made it impossible to raise the needed money but caused a number of our church families to move from the community. This drought continued until the summer of 1957 when rains came and a good feed crop was raised which however did not help the farmers in their need for cash. The moisture in the Spring of 1957 caused plaster on the ceiling to fall. This was repaired and the entire sanctuary re-decorated. Mr. Ammonn who lives west of the church deeded the two lots north ofthe church to the church as a gift. This was much appreciated as more space was needed if it becomes possible to build onto the church for Sunday School purposes. Friendly relations were established with our sister church, The Hope Congregational Church north of Bethune, in 1960. The two women's groups invited each other to a meeting for fellowship. January 1st and Good Friday in 1961 and 1962 were utilized to have Union New Years and Good Friday Commu- nion Services, one at one church and the other at the other, alternating. October 25-29, L96l "Four Days for God" services were held under the leadership of Rev. Carl Anderson, Pastor of the Ravenna Blvd. United Presbyterian Church, Seattle, Washington, with an average attendance of 38 and 6 conversions, 1 dedication and 1 reclamation. As a result of these meetings, 8 new members were received into the church and a mid-week prayer service was started with an average attendance over the following months of 17. In January and February 1962, the pews were removed from the sanctuary and the floor sanded, then 10 coats ofseal and 3 coats of wax applied. Carpeting was laid on the chancel floor. The basement walls and ceilings were painted and plans made to put tiling on the basement floor. Annual Conference Session, June 1964, transferred Rev. U. J. Lamm and family to the Peetz congregation, to assume his duties there on July lst. In the reading of the assignments by Bishop W. Maynard Sparks, Stratton-Bethune was left "to be supplied", due to a serious shortage of ministerial supply in the Rocky Mountain Conference. This caused much concern for the Bethune congregation, as well as Stratton, as no indication could be given when the pulpit could be supplied with a regular minister. Mr. Lorin Lindstrom of Sterling, Colorado supplied one Sunday; Rev. Harold Maxwell, Professor of Religion at Westmore College, working on his PhD in Denver this summer, supplied on Sunday. Dr. Wm. L. Young, Conf. Supt. supplied several Sundays. Finally, after consultation, the decision was made by the Conference Cabinet to transfer Rev. David B. Finley from the Niwot Congregation to the Stratton-Bethune charge, to take over his duties here, August 1, 1964. This left Niwot to be supplied. October, 1965, saw the church building reshingled. This was a very much needed project. November 1, 1967, Bethune Church was re- aligned on a circuit with the Methodist Church of Burlington. The Rev. Ole Aarvold, Pastor. Thus ended a long history of alignment with the Stratton Church. Stratton was re-aligned with Zion Church of Kirk. This change was made necessary because of the severe shortage of ministerial supply in Rocky Mountain Conference which left Kirk without ministerial supply until this arrangement was made. This continues a policy in our Conference that has seen several Methodist - E.U.B. yoked circuits, as the Union of the two churches approaches. In June of 1969, Rev. Willis C. Wisehart was appointed to the Burlington-Bethune charge. Some consideration had been given to closing the church at a Church Conference in May 1969 due to declining population. It was decided to continue for another vear and then evaluate this situation. A speciai congregational meeting was held on September 10, 1970 at which time it was voted to close the church as of October 1, 1970. The last service was held at 9:30 A.M. on September 27 and, a basket dinner was served at noon. The Trustees were authorized, to dispose of the property under the direction of the Rockv Mountain Conference Board of Trustees. This brings to a close a spiritual pilgrimage and ministry of more then forty years of service, by Betty Guy IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH T25l The pioneers who came to live north of Bethune and Burlington establishing the "Settlement" community soon gathered to worship and have christian fellowship because they missed their religious services, needed instruction for their children and there were babies to be baptized. They gathered together and arrangements were made to start worship services in the home of Mr. Christian Dobler which was located near the center of the community. Because there was no pastor, one was selected to read a sermon using their books and Bibles that they brought with them. These services were held every Sunday and were called "Lesegottesdienst" or reading services. The fathers Dobler and Strobel took turns reading the sermons and leading the meetings. These services did not satisfy these people; therefore, they called Rev. Maier who served another church 15 miles northeast called the Evangelical Lutheran Salem Church in the summer of 1890. Rev. Maier served them every third Sunday and they held their Lesegottesdienst on the other Sundays. This was the official beginning ofour congregation. The first child baptized was A. W. Adolf. Mathis Schaal and Eva Baltzer was the first couple to be manied and Daniel Adolf was the first person buried in the summer of 1892 and Rev. Leupp was called that fall. The following are some of the families that settled in this community: Baltzer, Stutz, Bauer, Dobler, Schaal, Strobel, Adolf, Win- ters, Haefner, Fanslau, Bauder, Jacober. Kramer, Wahl, Stahlecker, Schmidke, Gramm, Weber, Zeigler, Weisshaar, Amman, Knodel, Weiss, Stolz, Schlichenmayer, Gowagner, and others that came later. �Iw fl:l:::. ,it.'] call and came in January, 1930. He also served St. Paul's in Burlington and because he chose to live in town, the parsonage was now vacant. One bright event came to the congregation in 1932 with the ordination of Rev. Ernest Stolz, a child of the congregation. The church remained strong despite the difficult times brought on by the depression and drought. They were able to maintain t. .A '6.lhl li:':lll er€ w I rs* a{tl .f9r ffi : their pastor by sharing food etc. The sunday school was conducted in two languages, the German consisting of three classes and the American with five classes along with a large Bible class which were held each Sunday. *s. 3iil & I Worship services were conducted in German for many years with the transition to the English services being made in the 1940's. Activities and special events were the annual ( I 3t'4&) Children's Day with the making of homemade ice cream in huge wooden freezers, the church picnic, the annual Mission Festival held in the fall, and the Children's Christmas program held on Christmas eve. The last two Immanuel Lutheran Church located north of Bethune. This picture shows the group that gathered to celebrate their 90th anniversary in July of 1980. in July of 1909 and was followed by Rev. Martin Jensen. Recorded in the Dakota Free Press, November 8, 1909, Immanuel's congregation had 17 voting members and a total membership of 287. In 1911 congregational differences brought about the separation of several members and they established Hope Congre- gational Church located 1 mile north of Immanuels. Rev. Jensen left during the summer of 1912 and Rev. V. Brun came in 1913 and in the spring of that year Immanuels bought their first organ. Rev. G. Adolf came in the spring of 1916 and was followed by Rev. Otto Kloeckner in 1921. The 1920's were prosperous as a nation and April, 1985, after worship services. In the spring of 1893 these pioneers decided to build a church, 24'x40'x10', out of rock. Each married family had to haul eight loads and the single members had to haul four Ioads of rock. Mr. Dobler was the carpenter and all work was donated. Rev. Leupp laid the corner stone and in the latter part of October the church was dedicated. Rev. Leupp and Rev. Jansen officiated. Sam Schall Sr. was confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1894. This was the first confirmation class in the rock church. The church was incorporated on September 7, 1902. In the spring of that year the congregation decided to build a new parsonage, 30'x 30', one story with four rooms. The dedication was in the fall and Rev. Jansen was the first pastor to live in the new home. He went to St. Francis, Kansas and helped start Salem Lutheran Church north and west of St. Francis in 1901. He left in May of 1902 and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Ackerman who came in the summer and remained until May of 1906. Rev. Stein was called and he left community with many changes coming about. As the congregation grew in number it was decided to build a new larger church. It was to be 32' x 60' with a steeple 55' high. Mr. Schmidt was the main contractor and was finished at a cost of $7500. The alter, pulpit, and lectern were hand made by Mr. Schmidt. Thorwald's statue of Jesus was placed on the altar and the spun brass bell, cast by Stuckstede and Bros. of St. Louis, Missouri, 1926 was hung in the bell tower. The benches were hand made by Jacob Hasart Sr. The congregation supplied much of the labor with Mr. Zeiglet, Mr. Adolf, Mr. Hasart and Rev. Kloeckner in charge. The day of dedication was well attended with pastors A. Bishop, G. Bergstrasser and O. Kloeckner presiding. Rev.. Kloeckner was given a gift of gold coins from the congrega- tion for his untiring efforts in getting the project completed. When the church was completed it was debt free and valued at $10,000. The dedication was on September 26,1926 and the offering was over $360. The first couple married in the church was Daniel and Naomi Adolf on the following Wednesday. events being a part of the congregation's activities as long a can be remembered. Immanuel Lutheran church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1940 and during these past 50 years in this congregation 531 were baptized, 231 confirmed, 64 couples married, and 109 died. On January 1, 1940 the church had 63 voting members, 241 souls, 60 sunday school children, and 145 communicants. The church council consisted of six members as follows:: A.W. Adolf, Jake Hasart, Fred ZiegIer, Crist Kramer, and George Wiedman. Organist for the English service was Mrs. Woebler and Ed Stahlecker played for the German service for the last 29 years. There were about 25 to 30 men from the congregation who were drafted into the military services and all returned. In 1944 the church remodled the sanctuary consisting of the removal of the arches and the round dias. The metal wall panels were removed and replaced with new wall siding along with new drapes being hung. In 1945 they enlarged the basement by excavating under the building and adding much needed fellowship space, sunday school area and kitchen facilities. That year the old organ was presented to Mr. Ed Stahlecker for his many years of faithful service as a new piano was purchased. Mr. Rudolf Schlichenmayer became the pianist. By this time worship was conducted in English to meet the needs of a changing congregation. Rev. Woebler left after serving faithfully for 17 years with Rev. L.C. Johnson coming in 1947 to serve Immanuel and St. Paul's. Many changes were made while he was pastor. The brown hymnals were purchased, Vacation Bible School was started, Luther League for the youth was organized and the Ladies Aid was started. The Brotherhood was organized in the 1950's. New altar hangings were made of wine velveteen with gold fringe. May 21, 1950 finds the congregation cele- brating their 60th anniversary with guest speakers Rev. H.L. Woebler of Loveland, Colorado addressing the afternoon service in 1928 and died August 17, 1931 and was laid German and Dr. E.G. Fritschel, District President. Special music was presented by the choirs from neighboring Lutheran congregations from the Tri-State Conference the church. The congregation was without a pastor until Rev. H.L. Woebler accepted the note that Immanuel Lutheran Church of Bethune was the oldest active American Rev. Kloeckner also served St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Burlington during his pastorate here. He resigned in November of to rest in Immanuel's cemetery just west of and our own choir. It is of special interest to �Lutheran Church in the State of Colorado at that time. The Central District of the A.L.C. of which Colorado is a part, presented a bronze plaque to the congregation to memorialize their 60th anniversary. There were 50 active families in the congregation with a total of 198 souls. Improvements and changes made during this time were the connecting to the REA and improving the electrical system in 1951. The League had the candle holders and Communion ware gold plated. In 1953 the church was enlarged with bathrooms and sunday school rooms being added. Rev. Johnson left in June of 1954. The congregation decided that they needed to be independent and could support a pastor of their own so in 1955 they built a new parsonage south ofthe church and called Rev. A.F. Boese who came in 1955 and served the congregation through the drought of the 50's. The interior of the church and the furnishings were painted and the wood floor refinished. Due to the involvement in the Korean War several members of our church went to serve their country and all returned home. Two sons of the congregation joined the ministry of the ACL with Ivan R. Amman being ordained in 1956 and Henry Stolz was ordained in 1957 with services being held at Immanuel. Pastor Boese died in 1960 and his loss will be remembered as he served for six years and was our first pastor to live in the new parsonage. Rev. Herbert Schauer came in June of 1962. At this time church records show that in 1964 we had a baptized member- ship of 231, and 166 confirmed. During the 50's and 60's many of the young people left the community to find employment as farms were getting larger and fewer people were needed to till the land. Many members now Iive in Burlington and faithfully come to worship services and in 1960 the Ladies Aid became the American Lutheran Church Woman with all confirmed women as members. This was brought about with the merger of the American Lutheran Church with several other Lutheran bodies creating the new organization. The red hymnals were purchased in 1963. Immanuel celebrated their 75th anniversary on May 9, 1965 with guest speakers: Rev. Henry Stolz, Minden, Nebraska and Dr. E.G. Fritschel, President of the Central District. A taped message from Rev. Ivan Amman, Missionary, Territory of New Guinea was purchased a used organ in 1978 from the church in Benkelman. Nebraska and the new green hymnals were bought. Jean Weisshaar is providing music and guidance for the men's choir with Lois Jacobson as our organist with younger members assisting in the music for worship. The basement was remodled and redecorated during the winter of 1979 and the church and steeple were painted on the outside. As of January 1, 1980 membership consists of 63 active families, 228 baptized. and 178 confirmed. We began 1980 by celebrating our 90th anniversary with our first day of celebration on May 4 with Rev. Ivan Amman, Randolf, Nebraska as guest speaker for the morning service. Music for the day was provided by our own men's choir and a German Quartette from St. Francis, and by the Hope United Church of Christ choir. Mr. A.W. Adolf shared some memories from the past. A reception was held in the afternoon for the friends who were able to come and share in the fellowship of this event. Attendance for morning services was about 188 and 258 for the afternoon program. On July 27,1980, Immanuel held its Heritage Day Celebration. Bringing us the message for the morning service was Pastor Henry Stolz with Pastor Henry Thorburg and Pastor Howard Jacobson conducting the German and English worship service commerating our past. Many worshippers arrived in their buggies and wagons and riding horses and driving old cars with many people dressed in period clothing to help set the atmosphere for the day. The church was overflowing with worshippers numbering over 350 for the morning and afternoon services. Everyone gathered on the south side of the church where a group picture was taken. The afternoon program consisted of special music and a slide presentation covering events from the past 90 years and special historical events of interest were shared. Everyone shared in a huge basket dinner with the crowd overflowing outdoors as the weather was just perfect. Events held were the horseshoe games and the beard growing contest with refreshments of homemade ice cream and cookies being served and enjoyed by all creating a warmth of christian fellowship that was shared by all and will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Pastor's Fred Schauer and Greg Adolf visited us in August and our annual Mission Festival was held on September 28 with Bishop Archie Madsen, President of the presented. Mrs. Eulalia Schauer was pianist with music by several choirs from the community. Our congregation was once again called to supply young men for service in the Vietnam War with all returning home safely. The church steeple was repaired and painted Central District of the ALC bringing the morning message and the afternoon slide in the late 1960's. Rev. E. Martell came in 1967. New carpeting was purchased to cover the sanctuary windows were replaced with colored glass and the sound system was updated. As ofJanuary 1, 1988 we are a part of the new Evangelical floor and the living and dining rooms of the parsonage. New altar paraments were made ofraw silk in the colors ofthe church year and the red velveteen backdrop was hung in 1968. Rev. Henry Thorburg came to Immanuel in 1973. In 1974 Fred Schauer, former member, chose Immanuel for his ordination. In 1976 the congregation held a special service celebrating the Bi-Centenial of our nation. Pianists were Louise Schlichenmayer, Karen Ziegler and Janet Weisshaar Willis. In 1977 Rev. Howard Jacobson accepted our call and arrived in Januarv. The church presentation on his trip to Africa. Rev. Michael Greenwalt accepted our call in September of 1983 and left in the fall of 1987. During this time the upper part of the Lutheran Church in America due to the merger of three large Lutheran bodies. Membership consists of 2l9baptized and 162 confirmed members. Pastor Dennis Mueller is serving as supply pastor and pianists are Jean Weisshaar, Gladys Stolz, Eulalia Mueller and guitarists James Lightle and Roger Weisshaar providing music for our services. If those first pioneers could be with us now, they would see that their dream of freedom and a home of their own became a reality in the presence of this congregation and com- munity today. May our God who has so faithfully showered His blessings upon us be Praised! by Marlyn Hasart HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST T252 Hope United Church of Christ was organized in a School house 11 miles north and 1 mile east of Bethune, Colorado, on Aug. 31, 1911 in what was then called Yale, CO. At this time a group of 11 families gathered with the Pastors F. Sattler, G. Schmidt and J. Wagner who helped with the organization of the "German Evangelical Congregational Hoffnungs Church" as it was originally named. The names of those charter member families were: Andreas and Beata Bauer. Margareta, Martin and Mathilda; Christian and Christina Gramm, Gottlieb and Eliz- abeth; Jacob and Emma Gramm; Gottlieb and Christina Knodel, Edward and Gottlieb; Gustave and Christina Paster, and Katherina; Matthias and Eva Schaal, Edward and John; Anna Magdalena Schmidke and Emma; Samuel and Bertha Schmidke Jr.; Christian and Dorothea Strobel, Lydia, Emil, Pauline and Christ: Friedrich and Maria Stutz, Lydia, Ida and Whilimina; Joseph and Margareta Weisshaar. On January 18, 1912 the congregation voted to build a church and this task was undertaken immediately. The first church building was a small one-room frame structure which stood some 250 feet west and north of the present brick church. It was completed and dedicated, together with the cemetary, on Feb. 18, 1912, only one month after it was started, on land donated by John Dobler Sr. In 1923 he added to this parcel so that a parsonage could be built adjacent to the church. The details of the construction are as follows: Building funds were obtained in the sum of $150.00 from the Congregational Building and Loan Association; member donations were collected in the sum of $316.75. This was a total of $466.75 which was also the construction cost. Needless to say, many hours of dedicated volunteer labor went into the building. Christian Dobler was the carpenter. A pump organ was purchased on November 20,l9l4,atacost of 975.00. The first organists were William Stutz and Doro- thy Schaal. For several years the congregation was served by student pastors during the summer months, and the rest of the time reading of sermons by the elders of the church for the worship services. The elders and older members also helped conduct the Sunday School for the children which always preceeded the morning worship service. The afternoon hours were devoted to Christian Endeavor for the Youth and immediately following an hour of prayer and singing. Christian Endeavor especially gave the youth the opportunity to use and develop their talents, formulate and express their thoughts on a given subject, based on the study of the Bible. The prayer meeting or hour of prayer was an outgrowth of the revival meetings conducted by the Evangelist Rev. John Schwabenland. This filled a real need and the deep spiritual longing of these first pioneer families. The �able at that time. Rev. J.P. Flemmer was then called to Hope Church and he was the first to call the new parsonage "home". This was erected on a site north of the present church in 1923, being dedicated on July 15 of that year. Rev. Flemmer came direct from Redfield, So. Dak. Seminary in the summer of 1922 and boarded ,t\ at the home of the Jacob and Katherina Strobel family until the new parsonage was completed. Rev. Flemmer was married to Marie Fahrenbruch on May 16 and so he and his new bride began their life together in the new parsonage and served the church until L925. ;)!.::: t :1:l . *.-'I . &:Ws'ry' -i ,, " " ::6 Hope United Church of Christ formerly Hope Congregational Church, 1912 student pastors that served the young church during the first six summer months from 1912 to 1917 were: John Rothenberger, Karl Haemmelmand, J. Peter Wagner, R. Otto, A. Selmikeit and V. Pietzko. Then in 1918 Rev. Karl Haemmelmann was called to serve as the first full-time pastor. He remained to served the church until 1922. During his ministry, the yearly salary paid was $500.00. It is also interesting to note that the first Mission Fest offering was $50.50. A joyous occasion took place when Rev. Haemmelmann and Minnie Stutz were married here at Hope Church as Minnie was a charter member of the new church. They lived approximately three miles south of the church on land they purchased, which had an adobe house standing on it. The church came together and helped them set up housekeeping since no parsonage was avail- The brick church was built in 1928, a beautiful sight on the plains north of Bethune. During the ministry of Rev. C.E. Maedche the congregation voted to erect a new church. The basic contract was awarded to Mr. J.A. Haughey of Burlington, Colorado. He completed this work for $5,494.00. The total cost of the finished structure was $7,500.00 in- cluding furnishings. The new church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God on September 2,1928. Present at this dedication were Rev. Mssr. J. Peter Wagner, J.P. Flemmer, J. Rothenberger, H.J. Stroh and Theodore Strobel, all of whom assisted in the dedication service. Present also were pastors from Burlington, Co. churches who brought greetings in the English language, Rev. Alley, Methodist Church and Rev. Tyner, First Christian Church. Rev. Maedche served Hope Church longer than any previous minister, 8 years, terminating his pastorate in 1934. Rev. and Mrs. Maedche lost their oldest son during their tenure here and he is buried in Hope cemetary. On a more joyous note Rev. Maedche had the privilege of officiating at the marriage of John and Margaret Weisshaar, being the last couple married in the little frame church, and John Gramm and Frieda Adolf, the first couple in the new church. In a note which was found written in John Strobel's personal handwriting, some of the costs of the church were broken down as follows: Brick (25,000)-$29.50/thousand- $73?.50. Tile-$90.00/thousand-$94.00. Cem- ent for basement, side steps-$320.00. Seats (each)-$4.25. 3 Art stained glass windows- ;r;t .rlilijr,rrj.!:!1i..'::l:r:,., ],:tl ll::.:. l.ltl,.. ,,1., :l':],.' :r':,,':, :ti.::; .' a)a',,,a: : ::,.,:,t;. i . ,,,:t,, . ,:::, l.',,.. ",,]j,' $402.00. In 1935 Rev. John and Julia Hoelzer came to Hope Church and they ministered through the difficult depression and dust-bowl years. A number of families left during this time to find better opportunities to make a living, which made it more difficult for those that remained to maintain the church. However, the Ladies Missionary and Aid Society was organized the first year the Rev. Hoelzers were at Hope, and the 25th Anniversary of the church was celebrated the following year, August 29-30, 1936. Rev. J.F. Reister filled the pulpit from 1939 to L942. Rev. H.G. Pfeiff began his ministery in 1943 and it was during this time the church became self-supporting. Previously, the church had received financial assistance from the Board of Home Missions. In 1944-46, during the ministry of Rev. D. Schurr, the church came very close to being consumed by fire. Lightning struck close to the church and the wiring carried cunent to the furnace room where a fire was started. Fortunately, this was discovered and did very little damage. Student Arthur Siewart served during his Christmas vacation from Yankton College. Rev. J. Rothenberger called Hope The parsonage, church and cemetary of Hope United Church of Christ, 1950's. Church his home from 1947-1950; he had �previously served as the first student pastor in 1912. In 1951 Rev. Wm. R. Schafer came to serve the church and was ordained here. He served the church until 1953. During the ministry of Rev. H.E. Wilske, (1953-1959), the parsonage was moved to Burlington, Co. It was completely remodeled and still remains at 325-16th St. During 1960 and 1961, the church was served by several supply pastors including students E. Schoessler, Rev. B. Barthel, P. Kreuzenstein and V. Schively. On Aug. 26-27,t961, Hope Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary. There were over 250 members and guests present for this occasion. It was during this same year that the congregation voted to accept the constitution of the United Church of Christ. Rev. John Eversole was at Hope from 1962-1963. Rev. Arthur Hoffman served from 1964 to 1968 and during this time (1967) a new organ was purchased by Mr. Jake Schaal. This was a surprise to everyone when they came to church for Mission Fest Sunday that year. During the ministery of Rev. Virgil Kellogg, it was voted to build an addition over the south entrance of the church. This also provided an extra Sunday School room. This was the year 1970. Rev. Kellogg became ill and passed away during his calling at Hope Church. Students R. Freeman, Ron Wunsch and Rev. H. Griffith then filled the pulpit. Rev. Ruben Isaak came to the church in 1971. At this time extensive remodeling was undertaken with carpet being Iaid in the sanctuary and side room. Linoleum was put in the basement. Rev. Isaak eventually left Hope Church due to the prolonged illness and death of his wife, Alta. Under his ministry, however, many new members were added to the role of the church and many were baptized in the name of the Lord. During Rev. Isaak's absence, Rev. Howard Johnson filled the pulpit. Rev. Isaak returned to the church in 1978 retiring as a full-time pastor at the end ofthis year. Rev. Loren Swanson served Hope from 1979-1981. The Dr. Rev. Albert Wetzel was called to the church in 1982 and served the church through 1986, along with his wife Rosemary and daughter Julie. In 1982, during his installation as pastor at the Hope Church, he was also recognized for serving 25 years in the ministry. It was under his direction and guidance that we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Hope United Church of Christ. It was noted that in celebrating this joyous occasion, new pews had been added to the sanctuary and remodeling of the kitchen completed. Two of the charter members are still living. They are Christ Strobel and Mathilda (Hohn) Mitchell, as well as 8 of the charter family's children, who were Sunday School age and under at the time of the organization. They are: Eva (Knodel) Schaal; Margaret (Weisshaar) Strobel; Pauline (Gramm) Schaal; William Stutz; Emil Schmidke; Emma (Schmidke) McDowell; Anna (Bauer) Hays; and Edward Bauer. On Easter Sunday, April lg, 1987, Pastor Ted Meter first served Hope Church. He and his wife, Betty, arrived from North Dakota and were surprised to be greeted by an extensively remodeled and modernized parsonage. At this writing, Meters are actively and busily involved in the work ofthe church serving the Lord. Registered thus far in the church records: 255 Baptisms; 183 Confirmations; 73 marriages; 88 Funerals; and 104 Families. OUR CHURCH SCHOOL- The purpose of the Sunday School is to teach the children the Bible stories that would mold their lives into law abiding and God fearing citizens. In the beginning it was conducted in the German language and children were taught the German ABCs and how to write in German. The memorizing of Bible verses and studying of Bible stories taught them about the love of God and singing the song "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so," has helped them to love God and also to love their fellowmen. The first week in June a week of Vacation Bible School is held and children bring their money for a missionary in a foreign land, and a program at the end to tell what they have learned during the week. One of the highlights of the year is the Sunday School picnic on a Sunday in July in a grove of trees by the river and singing of the hymn "Shall We Gather at the River" and an open air church service. After the service we share a potluck dinner and freezers of homemade ice cream. Also games and visiting makes for a day of good Christian fellowship. Near Thanksgiving time, recitations and parts for drills are handed out for the Christmas program on Christmas eve. The program ends with a pageant and a nativity scene to commemorate the birth of the Savior of the world. PAIRS & SPARES- Pairs and Spares was organized in 1982, under the direction ofRev. and Mrs. Albert Wetzel. The group is open to anyone, and presently consists of the younger married and singles of the church. Meetings are held in various members'homes on the third sunday evening of the month. Fellowship consists of Bible study and sharing views on controversial issues concerning Christian living. During the summer months we take advantage of the various outdoor activities. Our goal is to further our education in Jesus Christ and His teachings, and use it to walk closer with Him in our everyday lives. THE MUSICAL DEPARTMENT- It ap- parently started as a mixed choir in the early years (1912-13), and later Rev. Flemmer started a men's quartet, consisting of himself, John Dobler, Bill Stutz, and Ted Knodel. From there it has blossomed into a larger men's choir that has lasted until the present time with various choir directors through the years. The church has been fortunate to always have two or three, or more, accompanists available. There is also a host oftalented singers as demonstrated in the congregational singing each Sunday. At the present time there is a men's choir that sings in the winter months. In the summer and fall a mixed choir sings, or special numbers are provided by various members of the church. There have been cantatas and concerts performed at the church. Most of the cantatas were performed with Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Hope Church combined. A lot of dedication and hard work have made the music at Hope Church an important and necessary part of the church and has been very instrumental in the growth of the church. MISSIONARY AND AID SOCIETY- The first official meeting was held on July 1, 1935, at the church. Some of the highlights of this meeting are: The name of the organization shall be called the "Missionary and Aid Society". Meetings shall be held the first Thursday of the month. The motto will be "Alle Eure Dinge Lasset in der Liebe Geshehen" (Let All Your Efforts Be Motivated bv Charity and Love). The present motto is "Wi No Longer Strangers Are". All 2l ladies present were recognized as "charter members". They were Christina Gramm, Magdalena Dobler, Julia Hoelzer, Carolina Schaal, Emma M. Schaal, Lena Strobel, Emma Schaal, Edna Dobler, Pauline Schaal, Martha Gramm, Margaret Strobel, Lydia Gramm, Frieda Gramm, Christina Knodel. Pauline Stahlecker, Martha Adolf. Anna Strobel, Martha Schlichenmayer, Pauline C. Schaal, Lydia Adolf and Rev. John Hoelzer. The first meeting held in English was on Feb. 2, 1950. This group was organized to be mission dedicated to help the needy in the community and foreign missions. The aid celebrated its 25th Anniversary in June 1960 and the 50th Anniversary in June 1985. AND THEY WENT FORTH- Three young men have gone forth from the Hope Church into the full-time service of the Church. THEODORE. C. STROBEL graduated from Redfield Seminary and was ordained in 1921 in Canada, where he served a church parish for about three years. Ted also served churches in Colorado and the Dakotas, as well as on the West Coast, for the past 50 years, the last 10 years as interim pastor. DR. WALTER E. DOBLER graduated from Yankton School ofTheology, Yankton, South Dakota. He then attended the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Cen- ter, Mass. where he completed residence requirements for his Doctorate degree. He was ordained in 1942 at the American FallsTwin Falls, Idaho parish. Dr. Dobler was appointed to the faculty of the Yankton School of Theology as a Professor of German Language and Literature. He served several churches throughout the Northern and Eastern areas of the United States. Dr. Dobler was Associate Conference Minister for the western area of the Missouri Conference. HERBERT R. SCHAAL graduated from Yankton School of Theology. He was ordained in Crook, Colorado in 1966. In 1958 he was commissioned as missionary to our work in Concordia Entre Rio Argentina, South America. He served as Superintendent ofthe work there, including the School of Theology in which ministers were trained for both Brazil and Argentina. He and wife Doris served in Argentina f.or L2 years and then served several churches in the United States. In addition to these persons, yet another young lady from Hope Church has served for many years as a ministers wife, namely, Minnie (Stutz) Haemmelmann. Two of her sons and a daughter, as well as a grandson, are also in full-time christian service. AND THEY FOLLOW AFTER- Dr. Robert Strobel, son of Rev. Theo. Strobel was Professor of Religious Education at United Theological Seminary for 25 years from the very beginning, and his wife, Alice, as Admis- sions Secretary during those years. Robert also served in the Air Force as Chaplin for many years, and Betty, daughter of Rev. Strobel also was active in church work for many years as the wife of Rev. Ernest Sprenger. Rev. David Dobler, son of Dr. Walter Dobler is also in the ministry and presently serving in Alaska. Patty (Schaal) Browning, daughter of Rev. Herbert Schaal and her husband, Steve, are scrving in the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (College Campus Ministry) presently at Seattle, � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bethune Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource The history of the Town of Bethune as recorded in the History of Kit Carson Count book. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/30/1128/Chester_Anderson_Biography.pdf 7727812b0cce24bbe419d120894f73f5 PDF Text Text ���������� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries 1990's Description An account of the resource Obituaries for the decade between 1990-1999 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Biography for Chester William Andersen. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1994 Subject The topic of the resource Biography Genealogy Andersen, Chester 1908-1995 Hugo, Colorado Description An account of the resource A brief biography of Chester "Chet" William Andersen starting at his birth in 1908 in Burlington, CO and ending with his death in 1995. A note with the biography mentioned his father (Andrew Larsen Andersen) and his mother (Marie Elizabeth Nielsen) and mentions Chester's daughter Anne Marie Andersen (b. 1930's) Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Toni (granddaughter to Chester) Language A language of the resource English Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries 1990 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/408/Burlington_1.pdf 083a638f79792f48f279ea0279d16959 PDF Text Text treasury. The state's general school and county tax amounts to only fourteen mills. Wash. The church has continued its strong missionary program and Mission Fest is always a highlight of the church year. Hope Church still has a strong commitment to the work of the Lord and this we will pass on to future generations in the hope that a small bit of this history will bring them closer to the origins of their church and the dedication needed to work together in God's family. by Mrs. Emil Strobel BURLINGTON T253 It is 38 miles from Burlington to Sherman Center; 35 mi. to cheyenne Wells; 60 mi. to Haigler, Nebr.; 55 mi. to Wallace, Kan.; 168 mi. to Denver. It is plain to be seen that Burlington is the only town near the center A view of l4th Street looking north with the old Christian Church building (the IOOF Hall) to the far right. This picture is later because of the water tower far center. of this vast tract of tillable land. Elbert county is in good condition financially, in fact it is in the best condition of any county in the state. The county's paper sells at par, the county is out of debt and has money in the Every officer in the county, except sheriff is a Democrat. One thousand people depend upon Burlington for a trading point. There will be five times that number before the "leaves begin to turn" this fall.-May 20, 1887 Colorado with her gold and silver mines, her coal, her iron, her wood, her stock interests, and last, but not least, her undeveloped agricultural resources will in a few years become one of the richest states in the Union. No place astonished the traveler so much as Burlington. Only four weeks old and today almost every branch of business repre- sented, but sti[ there is room for more. Travelers and land seekers dailey crowd the shops and eating houses and many others undergo the painful task of standing up all night or holding down the soft side of a pine floor. Land is going fast and in a short time the area of government land in Elbert county will be of very small proportions. The bounteous rainfall we have enjoyed this spring has virtually made the road to success a solid stone and the tread of progress more than sure. Labor and capital move hand in hand, and their social union the joy of all. Everybody is satisfied. No one is grumbling, and east Elbert county's boom will continue.June 3. 1887 The following information was obtained from copies of the Cheyenne Wells Gazette as notated below. The paper was issued on Saturdays. Mail Route Information: June 4, 1887: "A new Post Office has been established at Burlington in Elbert county." State News. August 6, 1887: "Burlington gets a carrier with mail but once a week. The contract has been let to a Mr. Watters of that place." December 22, 1888: "The mail route from this place across to Burlington will be discontinued after Jan. lst." Stage Line Information: March 24, 1888: "The daily stage line between Cheyenne Wells and Burlington is now in operation. The time is Mayor and Town council, city of Burlington, 1889, L. to R.: E.T. Lemieux, T.G. Price, R.L. Hubbard, T.J. Jones, Mayor, Robert Clark, D. Kavanaugh, and George W. Talley. reduced an hour and the driver doubles the road, making seventy miles in twenty-four hours." April 7, 1888: "The daily hack to Burlington is a great convenience to travelers to the inland queen." May 26, 1888: "Joe Burger is now driving the Burlington hack." September 22, 1888: "The Burlington stage line is reduced to a one-horse concern in a very delapidated condition." Freighting: Panarama view looking north and a little west. Far center is the depot with it prominate chimney and railroad boxcars on track. The house in center would be located just north of Neil's Furniture Store building. �w4. W. {4 1;r '..l"Yrt :J .1.s..,,, iW..., .,i Burlington, very early 1900's of 14th Street, notice the windmills and board sidewalks. Photo is taken looking south with Montezuma Hotel on the left. January 14, 1888: "Last Wednesday afternoon Jake Pierce, a freighter living 20 miles north, was on his way to Burlington with a buffalo calf was shipped to Denver Sunday by a Burlington farmer." load of coal. Going down a grade at Wells and Cave kept by John B. White, in attempting to set the brake on his wagon, he was thrown off the side; his left arm catching the wheel by Janice Salmans was badly broken near the shoulder. The fractured member was set by Dr. Crum, and Pierce departed for his home the following morning." Note: The Wells and Cave mentioned were in Sec. 28-13-44 of Cheyenne county. John B. White ran a store there. Prior to the county divisions in 1889 this would have been in Elbert county. Citizens: "A live l4th Street, early 1900's, building on left could be where the Burlington Bakery is now with narrow board walks. �:a, rr.,it r, ,ri:.l1i:::,,, I ,:l'::t::t . .i:t,:t, i One of Burlington's first hardware stores was operated by D. Kavanaugh. lr.:r)i: The good old day's of a cow in every back yard even on l4the Street. Notice the Courthouse just left of center in background with newly planted trees around it. PIONEER LIFE ON THE PRAIRIE Later small buildings were erected and The creamery, notice bare light bulb hanging from ceiiing. now known as "Old Burlington," but for- office. settlement made just east of the main street of Burlington, about three-fourths of a mile, T254 merly called Lowell. 'Ihe first store in this settlement was owned by Charles Lamb; later Abe Hendricks started a small store in a building which he had erected and which was moved to New Burlington in 1888, and is now occupied by the Burlington Call printing HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BURLINGTON The first settlement was mostly a tent city about one mile west of the present city limits, and on what is now the John Lueken farm. *"-,d$ .$rx! The first school in Burlington was held in a small vacant building on what is now North Main Street. The teacher was Miss (Molly) Daves, who had a homestead adjoining the town. The first Postmaster was E.T. Lemieux, '' This picture was taken in 1905-06, shows a complete view of Burlington at that time. The photo was taken from the roof of the schoolhouse facing west. The street on the left is Senter Street. Do you recognize the lovely old homes? Part 1 see part 2. tn :.,r..**.aa--a Ill L- ^dr+Y-"{ [-.s $q Part 2 Notice the windmills and the small trees. At the extreme right you can see the depot and the only elevator ,Q!. �appolntect rn May, IUU/. Eugene Worcnester was the first editor, printing the "Burlington Blade" the first newspaper in Burlington. The Printing shop was in a building located where the Sim Hudson Garage now stands. R.S. Newell and associates bought the school section in which New Burlington is now located, and which was the expected Rock Island Depot site at that time. When the Railroad was built through the County in 1888. all the business houses where moved from Old Burlington to New Burlington, and rebuilt along the intersection of Senter Avenue and Fourteenth Streets, the present business section. Daniel Kavanaugh was the # ;j ,.,,$ {t I ,,,' v L,'_ ;$ c, ,u :, q{ first Hardware merchant; T.F. Sutton was the first Mayor, and the Board of Trustees were: T.G. Price, H.E. Neal, Daniel Kav- anaugh, H. Wilson, M.E. Cook (who operated the first drugstore) and G.W. Talley. The first physician was Dr. C.A. Gillette, who rode horseback for many a mile over blizzard swept prairies to care for the sick and suffering, and often times bring to the world another "pioneer" who was to carry on the work of building a new community. by Della Gamble Hendricks BURLINGTON, T255 T-8, R-44, both tracts of land being in Elbert County, Colorado. These were both preemp- tion filings, and after six months residence both men proved up on their claims, their final receipts being dated February 23, L887 and February 15, 1887 respectively. Other parties, who were located on land near what rfe tl i a:@ r.*tl: hardware, Skyland Beauty Shop, Lee's Barber Shop and Marion's. the tract just west of the golf course, Rachel E. Van Winkle on the present golf course, Ed. F. and George Bevelhimer on the half section across the road to the south, S.M. Mayfield on the quarter section south of the Court House, and P.A. Troutfetter on the quarter north of Mr. Kavanaugh. In July, 1886 Dan Kavanaugh filed on the SW % S-31, T-8, R-43 and about the same time Chas H. Dicks filed on the SE 1A S-34, -- About 1910 with McCurdy's meat market and the Record Printing Office on left of picture. This is the block which now holds Zimbelman's, Gracie's, The Prescription Center and Sound Center, Snyder's in now Burlington were A.L. Teagarden on TOWN OF COLORADO "..'-. At this time the surveys for the Rock Island Railroad were still being made and no one knew just where the new railroad would go. About September in 1887 the line of the new railroad was determined and a town was laid out in the SE % of S-34, T-8, R-43, where the John Lueken farm is now located. Quite a little city sprang up with a few frame buildings and many tents. Among those located in tents was Mavnard E. Cooke who operated a drug store. This store was later the moved to Old Burlington, then to the present site of the Dunn Garage and later to the Weinandt and Brown building, where it is still continued. This is probably the oldest business in the county and during the fifty years has had only four different managements. The men in control of the Rock Island Railroad (or Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad as it was the known) decided that a town should be located where Burlington is at present and purchased a tract of school Iand from the State and laid out the town. The town was platted and owned by Mr. R.S. Newell and C.F. Jilson, Trustee. Mr. Jilson was trustee for a group of Rock Island officials and controlled 51 percent ofthe town site. Previous to this time the town of Lowell had been laid out in what we now know as "Old Burlington" and by a compromise :rilrrl 'i*,,,.. ',:,)a?;:. r:i'], ::li. fll!:ll i**"@' This picture was taken in 1902 of the Burlington, Colorado town band. The large 2 story building in backcentei of picture is the Stockgrowers Bank building. Left to right: 1. F.N. King, 2. Hainline, 4. Harvey Cluphf, 5 Hubert Buchle, 9. Firm Moore, 13 Harrison, 15, Roy Hills. arrangement the settlers on Sec. 34 moved their business establishments to Lowell, which was replatted and the name changed to Burlington. This proved to be a very short lived affair as the town of New Burlington, with its depot, drew all the business houses from Burlington. Among the buildings moved to the new site were the Montezuma Hotel, the Ned Brown pump house, Buchanan Cream Station, Wilson Printing office and the corner building adjoining, and the Dunn Cream station. At first the business houses were arranged along Senter Avenue and a line of small buildings occupied by cafes and small stores fronted the main stem where the Vogt residence and the telephone office now stands. For a long time the Block from the Montezuma south and that across the street were the principal business locations. The Ned Brown building was one of the first pretentious buildings erected and that was practically the only building on that side of Main street north of Senter Avenue. Eight separate plats have gone to make up the building of Burlington. First was the plat of Burlington on the present Lueken farm �lL&l. ::t, r lt il'f.a.& *.1" that he "was a wolf'and it was his night to howl. He generally would end up in the city Bastille repenting at leisure. During the year 1887 while Lowell, afterwards Burlington was growing up there were about forty buildings in the town. The Burlington Blade was the first newspaper and was owned and operated by the Townsite Company in the name of Senter and Donelon and with E.P. Worcester as Editor. The first issue came out on May 13, 1887 and was printed at Eustis, Kansas on the press of the Eustis "Dark Horse". This paper advertised the town of Lowell as the "future County Seat of Eastern Colorado." The Rock Island railroad was , *tt;s?6r.6c.uo, Burlington, Colorado, May 19, f 9f 5. The Montezuma Hotel is on the left. The F.L. Aten building on the right us now occupied by Marion's Shoe and Dress Shop. west of town, which was abandoned and consolidated with (Old) Burlington, second was the platting of Burlington as "Lowell". Later this was replatted and Burlington was consolidated with it. Cleveland Addition was platted between the Railroad track and Burlington. New Burlington was laid out and covers the present business section of Burlington. First Addition was laid out on 240 acres to the west of New Burlington. Brown's Addition runs for a half mile along the west side of Highway No. 385 and north of the Railroad. Burlington Annex was laid out south of the highway. When the Town was incorporated the quarter section including the cemetery were included but were later separated from the corporation. by H.G. Hoskin TOWN OF BURLINGTON, COLORADO from Cheyenne Wells and from points on the B. & M railroad. Mail came from Cheyenne Wells and later from St. Francis, Kansas. The big event in the life of the town was, of course, the completion of the railroad and I believe that the first regular train went through sometime in September 1888. Some of the early merchants were Charles Lamb, who operated a general store, D. Kavanaugh, who had a hardware store about where Snyders hardware is now located, and the lumber yard, which is now the Herman Lumber Company, and others whom I will already on its way and the B., & M. Railroad was to pass thro'the town on its direct way from St. Francis to Pueblo. Surveys had already been made and there was no question but that Burlington would be a railroad junction. People coming to the New Eldorado were advised to take the B. & M. to Haigler, or the U.P. to Cheyenne Wells and then come overland. Three hack lines brought people and supplies to town. The line to Haigler, operated by G. Dederick, who made daily trip, taking ten hours; Fry and Smith made daily trips to Sherman Center, Kansas (near the present town of Goodland) taking seven hours, and Bridge and Waters who made daily trips to Cheyenne Wells. E.T. Lemieur was appointed the first Postmaster, receiving his appointment in May, 1887. I am inclined to believe, that the first mail came from St. Francis, Kansas or Haigler by stage. Burlington is too young to have gone Among the leading business houses of the new town were Hubbard and Donelan, Real Estate, Insurance and Locating: Webb and Johnston, Real Estate, Insurance and Locating. Thomas Reed, Locator; Neal Brothers and Teagarden, Loans and Real Estate; Page through the old wild west days when cowboys and Leal, Real Estate and Locating. Kirk enumerate later. shot up the town and spent the years' earnings in a few hilarious days. From the first it was a very decorous community and only occasionally did some man get the idea Hiskey and Company, Real Estate; Frazer and Cunningham, Livery (Star Livery and Feed; H. Wilson, Flour and Feed; Barlow Bros., Banking; A.J. Carpenter, carpenter; D. T256 Before the railroad was completed goods and materials were brought to Burlington First Trades Day in Burlington, June 2 thru the 14. A gathering seeking shade under the porch of the Montezuma, early 1900's, note the fabulous hats the ladies are wearing. Trades Day looking south with Aten's Store on the right. �Kavanaugh, Hardware; Joseph Eck, Liquors, Northrup Brothers, Groceries; Charley Lamb, Groceries; Page and Leal, Burlington House, A.J. Senter of Colby, Kansas was President and H.E. Weld of Candy, Kansas was Secretary of the Townsite Company. The first Hotel was a two story affair 30 x ll,ri., :,],::]'ll r.. .:.::1r., 600 feet, but I have no record of the landlord. So far as I know, this building was afterwards moved to Burlington and became the Montezuma Hotel. On May 17, 1887 the first traveling man reached the town of Burlington and sold a bill of goods to Abe Hendricks, who opened a General Store. On May 30, 1887, E.F. Bevelhimer, living west ofthe town, celebrated the first anniversary of his locating in the new country and thus gives us the date of one of the very first settlers on the Divide in the neighborhood of Burlington. Nearly all of Burlington helped him celebrate this occasion. Among business men who located within the next two years we find the following: G.W. Talley, Livery; S.K. King, Land and Loans; Bent and Mettev. by H.G. Hoskin ,:;:.., .::)aaaa:.rl *,rx8lr. l!,ri: r.r::::i;:- This is the old livery barn in Burlington which was operated by Elmer Harrison and Uncle Bud Yarnell. Photo was taken on July 4, 1900. Lt'*. .,::i1 ry% .:rp. '":: "'-. 3r ?r,ry ,"r lff . { Forth of July parade in Burlington, early 1900's. .a_ :> rb -.- ... l ,!a -.i ', lj t/: I i,l ""' a; Ir,'1 ..t I :lf t trl 'Jr 4, --/- ".t": 'l -/i\r\(/1, ,r.,. ;r\'")r-. �1920's, inside the livery barn, your favorite garage. p i,3 Main Street (14th St.) F.L. Wren, Spot Cash Store on left with Les Gain's Drug Store and Hainline's Barber Shop. To the right, A.L. Anderson's Garage and the Montezuma Hotel. TOWN OF BURLINGTON, COLORADO ::i!; :; t1 i-$ with Mayor T.F. Sutton presiding. The Trustees were T.G. Price, H.E. Neal, D. Kavanaugh, M. Wilson, M.E. Cooke and C.W. Tallev. The Armory built in L927, is standing today. Remember the dances held here? T257 Their first action was to elect the following city officers, to wit: T. Ellis Browne, Recorder; S.K. King, Attorney; A. Douthit, Marshal; I.D. Cary, Treasurer and M.P. Worcester, as Farm Loans, Burlington Lumber Company; Neal Brothers and Cement, Attorneys; Northrup and Penfold, Groceries (Change from Northrup Brothers) I.B. Cary and Company, Land; Bean, Jeweler; City Drug Store; Palace Saloon; B.F. Kaiser, Blacksmith; T.J. Jones, Attorney; Clements and Edwards, Attorneys. The State Bank was organized with the following directors: R.S. Newell, President; D.S. Harris, Vice President; J.E. Barlow, Cashier; C.H. Brown; F.K. Brown. On August 16, 1888 the first Board of Trustees of Burlington met in regular session Big snow in 1923, Della Hendricks writes on back of photo, "I could not visit schools until April." Magistrate. Three Ordinances were passed, the first referring to City officers, their duties, salaries and bonds; the second relating to animals running at large and the third as to the meeting of the Board of Trustees. At the second meeting held on August 27, 1888, ordinance No.4 relating to misdemeanors and ordinance No. 6 relating to drays, hackmen, etc, were passed and Ordinances No. 5 and 7 were laid over. Dog tags were ordered. At the third meeting held the next day, Ordinances No. 5 and 7 were duly passed. The first related to saloons and the second to nuisances. The town marshal, A. Duthit, w ttzr 11 * I:1 : resigned and was allowed his salary of $5.00 which was the first money paid out by the city. E.P. Worcester of the Burlington Blade presented a bill for printing in connection with the organization of the city, in the sum of $48.45; T.G. Price presented a bill for $23.80 for services as election judge and for carrying ballotbox and returns to Kiowa; J.E. Barlow presented a bill for $42.00 for funds advanced to the County Judge of Elbert County at Kiowa, and dl bills were allowed. On September 11, 188, a saloon license was granted to C.H. Mattox and on the next day one was granted to W.T. Campbell. On the 17th of September Trustees Price, Cooke and Neal were appointed a Committee to see about a cemetery matters. At the same time they were instructed to look into the matter of a calaboose. On the 22nd of September the Cemetery Committee was authorized to employ a surveyor to lay out the ten acres in the Northwest corner of the NE % of Sec. 36, T-8, R-44, which had been given to the City by the Townsite Company, to fence the seme to see to the title. Armistice Day Parade with the American Legion marching by, 1936. The first relief expense paid by the City was on November 19. 1888 when the Trustees �Charlie Davis pool hall in Burlington. Davis is identified as the middle man in the group of three gathered around the pool table. If taken during Prohibition days 1918-1936, bottles on right contained only soft drinks or near beer. trough to be installed. The new Board elected in 1890 composed of C.A. Gilmore, Mayor; D. Kavanaugh, Richard Clarke, B.S. Barndollar, M.E. Cooke, W.W. Paisley and M.S. Murphy as Burlington City Park in the 1920's, remember the "fountain" in the center of the park? Trustees. allowed a bill for $7.00 for board, lodging and telegrams for two boys who had been on the the town under the neme of First Addition On September 9, 1890, 240 acres on the west side of New Burlington were annexed to city's hands for three days. At the next meeting, as the warrant had not been issued, the City fathers apparently thought better about the item and instructed the Clerk to turn the bill over to the County. A variety of matters came before the Board of Trustees in the next few months, among which were the following: Asking the different fraternal orders about having a part of the cemetery set aside for their use. Petitions for a new County, which Burlington wished to be 30 miles square; adopting the name Fair View for the Ceme- tery; setting a price for cemetery lots and setting aside a Potter's Field. Securing a site for a calaboose, etc. At the election in April 1889, a new Board was elected consisting of D. Kavanaugh, G.W. Talley, G. Myers, Robert Clarke, LB. Cary and T.G. Price as Trustees and T.J. Jones ag Mayor. As this time bids were asked for the construction of sidewalks and the successful bidder agreed to build sidewalks for 22 cents a running foot for sidewalks 2 feet wide and 29 cents for walks 3 feet wide. At a meeting on September 17, 1889 bids for city printing were received from the Kit Burlington in the early 1930's. Taken from the water tower, notice the newer buildings. Carson County Advocate, the Burlington Bommerang and the by II.G. Hoskin TOWN OF BURLINGTON, COLORADO T268 Burlington Blade, and the Blade, backed by the Townsite Company, took the job. Mr. G.W. Talley presented a bill for services as Marshall and the clerk shows in his records that the bill was sent back to Mr. Talley with a request that it be "itemized". In April 1890, the Board made arrangem- ents with the Railroad Company to secure water from their well and ordered a city horse View of Burlington from the top of the courthouse. Left the John Guthrie home, Burt Ragan home, chautauqua tent. 2nd row: John Esch, J. Upton, Grant Mann's barn. 3rd row: E. Hoskins Sr. home, Roscoe Hotel and the Frank Mann Building. �to Burlington. A part of this tract had been homesteaded by Rachel Van Winkle and a part had been purchased by the Townsite Company from the State of Colorado. This Iand was sold at first for $3,000 and by successive transfers to different parties fi- nally reached a price of $50,000. This was laid out in 83 blocks containing approximately 2500 lots and the owners began an intensive campaign to give away the lots. Advertisements were run in the Police Gazette, and lots were given to people in every section of the Union. An additional tract was laid out in the E Vz of t}:,e E % of Section 36, and was given away under the same plan. An Abstract of Title was furnished with each lot free of all charges but was incorporated in the deed of conveyance to the victim. All he was asked to do was to have the deed recorded in the office ofthe County Recorder. The advertising consisted of letters from parties who had been given lots and which they had later sold for as much as $250 per lot. For a while business was good. Something over a thousand lots were given away and each party getting a lot paid the promoter $5.00 as a recording fee. He then split with the other promoters. About this time the Postal Department began to investigate the matter and the whole thing collapsed. Along in 1890 and for several years there after the town adopted a unique method of killing two birds with one stone. The Rock Island was asking an annual payment of from $125 to $150 for water supplied to the town and the funds to pay the railroad the town would authorizethe sale ofa warrant for $250 to the highest bidder and the saloon keeper usually bought it in for 50 cents to 60 cents on the dollar. Then the town accepted the warrant at face in payment of the saloon license fee. This was regularly done up to 1897. Warrants were sold to John Hiller. E.E. Bevelhimer and Carter Gutshall and others. At the election held on april 8, 1898, Mrs. Annie Newell and Mrs. P.B. Godsman were elecf,ed as Trustees, and Mrs. Jennie Long was elected by the Board as City Clerk. In TOWN OF BURLINGTON, COLORADO T259 and several horses were destroyed along with the barn. During this year the windmill and water tanks were removed from the middle of Main Street. A well was dug and the windmill was placed over it and the first efforts made to improve the cemetery. Also at this time, the Town Council started on an orgy of spending by raising the Town Clerk's salary to 95.00 per month. Every indication pointed to the fact that the town was growing up. Cement sidewalks, quarantine regulations, ordering all hogs out of town, taking the windmill and tank out of Main Street, all pointed to some kind of a new birth. A new and modern Hotel was projected to built by a group of citizens and the town was asked to deed the two lots that had been obtained from Mr. Newell to the Hotel Cooperation and take stock in payment. A The depot in the 1940's. The newly Organized Stock Growers Bank was named as the meeting place. The Town Clerk received a tremendous salary of $2.00 per month. On May 11, 1903, the Town bought 300 feet of 1 % inch fire hose and a cart and this was the beginning of the world famous Fire Department. In December, 1903 an epidemic of scarlet fever ravaged the country taking several lives, and the Mayor of Burlington issued a proclamation forbidding any person who had been exposed to the fever from entering the town and appointing a special officer to enforce the order. In the spring of 1904, an epidemic of small pox broke out and raged for several months. At the 1906 election, George O. Gates was elected Mayor and during his administration the first cement sidewalk was laid. Also. the Town had its first serious fire when the old Boyles Livery Barn, which was located on the corner just south of the John Penny home, was destroyed. Much valuable equipment call was issued for a special election for waterworks bonds. Mr. Winegar offered to trade block 8 to the town for the two lots owned by the town, and after some argument the offer was accepted. Waterworks bond was carried by a decisive vote. Apparently Burlington was no longer a train stop for the Rock Island railroad. It had grown up. by H.G.Iloskin NEW BURLINGTON BUSINESSES T260 April 1961, activity reached a peak in Burlington during the past week. In addition to the new businesses, several new homes are under construction in every section of the town. T.W. Backlund announced this week that he would open Thursday March 20 at his new location just east of the V.F.W. Post Home on Rose Ave. Backlund's formerlv located on May, for some reason, Mrs. Godsman resig- ned as trustee and was immediately reelected to the same place by the board. The Townsite Company deeded the two lots north of the present Winegar building to the city as a site for town buildings. These are the lots later traded to Mr. Winegar for the '' city park site. Apparently no election was held in the years 1899, 1900 and 1901. There were no meetings of the Board of Trustees from April 2, 1900 to October 1, 1900. At the election held in April 2, 1900, Mrs. Boyles and Etta Rogers were candidates for a position on the Board of Trustees and the election resulted in a draw. The two ladies drew straws for the office and Mrs. Boyles was the lucky party. The other members of the Board were J.W. Sparks, Mayor; A.W. Winegar, A.V. Jessee, J.S. Penfold, J.L. Eaches and Mrs. Maggie Sparks. W.D. Selder was elected as Town Treasurer. E.C. Baker as Town Clerk. by H.G. Hoskins Burlington Depot built in the 1890's. The ladies of Burlington would carry their lunches and wait for the trains to come in so they could visit with the passengers while the train filled with water. This way they kept up with the news of the world around them. �Celebrating the end of World War II in August of 1945. View taken from top of elevator, many new cars were damaged in this accident. 14the St., will continue with the Dodge line of trucks and cars with Case, Farmhand, and Oliver farm equipment as well as complete maintenance. The new structure, a Stan- Steel building, was constructed by Wes Holmes Const. Co. of Burlington. The parts department and offices are Iocated in the south of the building along with the showroom and the shop is located in the rear with access doors on the east. King Motor Co., too will move in the near future from its present location at 502 14the St. to the building formerly occupied by Jack's Body Shop at 1700 Rose Ave. "The move amounts to better service to customers as we will have a much larger working space," Gathering scrap for the war effort. Perry Wilson and John Esch are on the right. said V.R. (Bud) King, owner, earlier this Train derailment near the Burlington Co-op in the week when questioned about the construc- 1950's. tion. On to the front of the large quonset structure. Charlie Sholes and the Foster Lumber Co. have begun the erection of a super structure 70 feet by 36 feet, which will house the show room and offices. The rear quonset, where the parts department and shop will be located is approximately 40 feet by 80 feet. King Motor Co. offers Buick and Pontiac cars and GMC trucks as well as irrigation motors. The move will enable the firm to keep the used cars along with the rest of the business, instead of seperated as in the past. King reported that the switch in business address should be completed by May 1. Construction was begun early Mon. morning, March 27,by a crew from the Burlington Building and Supply co. at a site just east of King Motor Co. to house Jack's Body and Repair Shop. Jack Cheslock, owner and operator of the shop, reported the building; 36 feet by 80 feet to be finished by May L. Work also began Mar. 20, on a new office A "dirty thirties" dust storm is moving in. You are looking north on rnain street. Note the Bank of Burlington on far right of photo. Exact year is unknown. building for R.C. Beethe, M.D., who is presently located in offices at 411 14the Street. The site of the new office which will be at the corner of 15the and Lowell, in the lot just east of the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital. Dr. Beethe stated that he �,::i,rrtta :r- .rt rai ,.:: ..:,..,a:.,..,:a.,::: w &i*;, . 'r:., ,:. I -"t -r" Burlington Golf course and Prairie Pines Country Club. Late fall of 1987. From the period of time starting about 1910 through the 1920's we can see the development of Burlington move forward rlii. r,ri 1; :i',,.,: .r, . ... .,t:; ,;,;1.., 1::,,.; ,:l rl: ....r 'r,r. .1. . .... ;:.y; and climaxing during the 1920's. The construction of the buildings that are remaining today such as the buildings on the four corners of 14th and Senter Street and the Winegar building, the Davis Garage where Ben Franklin Store is now, the Penny Burlington's first swimming pool on the corner of Senter and 18th Street built in 1935-37 as a WPA project needed a new office with better lighting and BURLINGTON HISTORY newer facilities. The building is being built by L.C. Kelly and Sons of Denver. Another new establishment which will be open to the public soon is the V and L DriveIn Cafe, owned and operated by Virgil Dixon, and located at the corner of Highways 24 and' 385 in Burlington. The building and the booths were constructed by the Colorado Mobile Homes of Stratton, with Dixon doing the finish work himself. The drive-in will celebrate its grand opening this Sat. April 1, with free coffee and doughnuts to adults and free ice cream cones to the children. The drive-in will seat 20 people inside, will feature everything from steaks to sandwiches with fountain service as well. The establishment will be open from 6 am. to 10 pm. each day and the phone number is 271. by Janice Salmans T261 sURLINGTON aleurag lo Colorado rAMOLjS w, . FqN IHTAT ..C AT TLT . b:, Welcome to Burlington' 1956' . t: building where Vance's Decorating is pres- ently located and most of the other buildings up and down "Main Street" as it was called then were constructed during this period. What a legacy of that time is left for us. 1917 brought on the threat of the first World War and the registration lists that were published were a reminder of the population that was present in the county and towns in this area. The rural population was much higher in proportion to the cities than it is today proving that if the agriculture industry prospered the towns prospered too. That can be proved today. Fun activities were the annual County Fair, Chautauquas, community variety shows and productions, and the movies. Saturday night band concerts came into being sometime during this period of time as Saturday was always the day to go to town bringing people into Burlington to conduct business and purchase needed items and recreation. There were two newspapers in town at this time owned and operated by George Wilkinson and Pat Wilson. They were always taking on the "Devil's Advocate" with each other and during this time the activities of the Ku Klux KIan were taking hold in the area causing a lot of division in the community even having political repercussions which took years to heal. The coming of Louis Vogt to Burlington early in this century, brought an era of culture that Burlington had not had before. 1926 Feb. 9 "Othello" 1927 Feb. 7 "Hamlet" 1928 Feb. 23 "Comedy of Errors" 1929 Feb. 14 "The Merchant of Venice" 1930 Feb. 26 "Macbeth" :r:.:ii, rl],!1.r;ial t ,....t::..: 1931 Feb. 19 "Othello" (at Colorado Springs) 1932 Feb. 10 "As You Like It" The above plays were well attended by people all over the county and beyond. Mr. Vogt built a two-story house east of the Montezuma hotel and the building now called "The Midway". 14th Street in 1956 looking north, taken by Willard Gross. �,a;ii. i.lr::) :l:irrr .: i.r,.i, ili i"* l::'6 Ss r- !!i i;; r.:;.11i* This picture was taken in November 1957. Looking south over the Town of Burlington. Fair grounds are in the lower right corner of the picture. The wide street with all the cars parked on it is 14th Street (Main Street). Note old water tower at north end of street. ffi'*v'' ;**' x:w a \*e . :a" * '=.--;-".-l f. .,..:',' ,:,: *Jei ':'*'lo 74t_:7, -1 nl'J. tj. I - r'.r:' '.a �*,,*,"sfflT' ': #ft+fl; ii, l;l \-*"' This picture was taken in October, 1g58. Vantage is looking north with Highway 24 in foreground. 14th Street is in center of photo. Note the K.C.C. Memorial Hospital and the Armory in middle of picture. BURLINGTON HISTORY The County Commissioners bought the T262 Carousel in 1928 which proved to very detrimental to their political careers at the time and under circumstances bevond their control. Today proves that there is always a rainbow after the storm with the counties Carousel recognized as an Historic Landmark of the nation. It's location in Burlington has helped the town as well as the county. The 30's will always live in the hearts of those who lived through them with the f financial losses from the closing of the Stock Growers Bank as well and the drought that set in this area. Even small towns suffer when there are national disasters. In this area the loss of revenue from the agriculture sector made for hard times on "Main Street" too. With the price of corn going to an all time low of 25 cents per bushel - and some only received 10 cents per bushel - it was no wonder that people burned corn instead of coal. For entertainment many people went out to the country and hunted rabbits and also looked for arrow heads and other Indian artifacts that had been uncovered by the raging winds removing the soil from the plains surrounding Burlington. Some people traded arrowheads for groceries. Politics, of course, can always provide us with entertain- . ,::,:' r.ii{i :i:r l;,i$': ti:a, .:.!irr,,, r,:i*l':' ,t,t:l ment and in 1936 a bet was made concerning the outcome of the 1936 election. As a result the town and community was given a gteat celebration with a barbeque, parade and dance. For more insight read about it in this * :r.' --'';. ''i::'' ''r.1:''r' East side of 14th Street with the Winegar building on the right. The Bakery, the Satin Petticote, Midway Theatre, Willies Flower Shoppe, Sears and the Bank of Burlington at end of block. February 1988. section. WPA projects in Burlington consisted of construction of the curbs and gutters in New Burlington. The Community Center with the gym was built and "out houses" were built �The Abbott House This is the largest home in Burlington, Colorado. It was built by the late William Abbott at a cost of $10,000 in the early 1900's. Nine apartments with two baths, heated by a Holland furnace. The house has 2t/z stories with a basement. A strictly modern home. If you buy this you are sure of living for life. It is completely furnished. Beautiful blue grass Looking south we find W.B. Drug, Mode-o-Day, Homm-Attorney, Coast to Coast, Heinz Office and Supply, The Family Practice, Vance's Decorating, and Peoples Natural Gas Co. on the east side of the street and Marion's, Lee's Barber shop and Skyland Beauty Salon, Snyder's Hardware, The Sound Center and The Prescription Center, Gracie's Crafts, Zimbelman's Jewelry, The Burlington Record and Equitable Savings, on the west. and given to the country schools. There were other small projects too but the best one was would be used. Everyone felt a part ofthe war effort. the construction of the swimming pool in 1935-37. This provided the town with lots of enjoyment for many years until the new pool was built in the 1960's. The 1940's found us again preparing for yard and hundreds of perennial flowers, shrubs and trees surround the house. A three apartment garage is adjacent to the house. Will sell on terms or take smaller house or clear land for part payment on same. This is a very desirable apartment house or would make a wonderful hospital. This ad was found in 'oHenry's Scrapbook." We do not know the year but this house is still standing and now owned by Mrs. Orma Turner. It is still a very beautiful home. war and do you remember hearing the sirens and pulling all the shades so that the town was all dark? Our imaginations went wild. Everyone helped with the scrap drives, gathering newspapers for the paper drives, Old Historic Building Changes Hands Penny Bros., became the owners of the building, just north of their store, which now houses the creamery operated by C.J. Buchanan. The purchase was made from Jacobs and Milburn, who bought the ancient landmark smashing cans and saving anything that at a land sale, held by the county. The history of the building, which is to be raised, to make roorn for an implement department of their store, is varied indeed. According to historian, H.G. Hoskin, it was a store operated bv C.A. Lamb, from 1887-1892. John Hillers took over the place for a saloon from 18931895. Later, Roscoe made it into a hotel, pool room, and soft drink parlor; from which status, it began to be leased as apartments, and cream stations. Several operators of cream stations preceded Mr. Buchanan, who has been there 3 or 4 years. This building was one of Burlington's first buildings that was erected in June, 1887. But it's passing will likely cause little regret, since l:]l;ltr.r',, 'rr. '.:i;;t{;a.i... . ' l|r.i .:ll;l:,' : r":i];r:r'ltlii]l I f''.'t-t ' ;' 't--;',,t,,''t",'ctt**;. *:i:.lt,., ,. t,' ., ',r ":"r'' " " "'' '" : i, :r,r";i;iti:i..rir:.. . '. t.:.1,r, '11,11, . ,.:,3rll' The west side of the street showing Ben Franklin, Men's Shop, Orth's, Nunn-Attorney, and The Corner cut. Februarv 1988. the Penney's will build a modern store adjoining the brick building now housing their hardware and implement building. Old Burlington Business Dr. H.M. Hayes purchased the two-story brick building on 14th St., last Saturday, in which the Burlington Hospital is located. The building also contained the Burlington Bakery, and the Red and White Grocery Store. Feb. 10. 1944. �Reed Motor Co., tractors and farn equipment Looking north we find many of the same buildings as seen in the 1940 but fronts are kept up to date and several new buildings Heritage Savings, are seen along with stop lighLs. We have come of age! Dave's Welding Shop, owned and operated by Dave Sielsky. $Yr l "'r1.,,1l.:, C.D. Reed, owner and operator of Reed Motor Co. : r1,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1.l ,',l',:.l *l ',r',ir ;f$;f,' @ .:.- il "\ '-i ;tit ..i, ;d1 ' , |,@t"'rt' 1fr:'.,,,1i ti::r!i:,i, ,'11 The Bank of Burlington with its new exterior and the potted trees give 14the Street a prosperous look. BURLINGTON HISTORY Burlington Construction Co., Guy Ancell, operator. T263 Going to the movies at the Midway Theater and munching popcorn from the sack and watching the newsreels reporting on the war will never be forgotten. It seemed that most everyone attended them and remember the Saturday Afternoon Matinee watching Roy Rogers movies. Those were the days and the cost was 12 cents at one time. Remember the bon-fire celebrating the end of the war? Tradgedy hit the community with the disaster striking the Smoky Hill Community when the tornado destroying homes, schools and crops. The town of Burlington pitched in Sim Hudson Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Cadillac. Christenberry's Welding and Radiator Shop. �re il Marinello Beauty Salon. Dorotha Hemmond, owner, Located in Montezuma Hotel. Burlington Telephone Office, located behind Montezuma Hotel. Guthrie Electric Shop, owned and operated by John Guthrie. This building was the original schoolhouse for the Burlington area. Carter's Produce, owned and operated by Floyd and Estie Carter. Buyers of cream and farm fresh eggs. Hotel West, located on Senter Street was once a thriving hotel and later on, a restaurant. Cowan's Produce, located on Senter Street, buyers ofcream and eggs. Lowell and Fern Cowan were the proprietors. $ {si Local Telephone operators at work. Behind the desk is Elsie Nass, and operators from left to right are marie Wood Smith, Peg Roberts, and Bonnie Warren Shamburg Real Estate, later managed by son, Bob Shamburg. Kit Carson County Abstract Co. Henry Hoskin, Abstractor. Also the home of Twrell-Hoskin Farnsworth Hendricks. Insurance. -'l Rose's Beauty Salon, operated by Rose patterson. Ebert Lynn, one ofthe original barbers in the town of burlington. He also bought animal hides during the earlier days of the town. and gathered together and helped clean up after the storm. With the dry 1930's behind them the farmers were experiencing good crops and with it brought better times for the towns. Land prices which saw a bottom of $1.50 were now bring $40, $50, and even $60 per acre. New homes were constructed and business could afford to renovate their stores and build new fronts so that main street really took on a new look. Albert Kirshmer built a one-half million bushel elevator which we thought was huge. Thomas & Thomas, Attorneys at Law. Thornton H. Thomas and Richard D. Thomas. Combine crews filled the town during harvest through July and we wondered if it was safe to go out at night with so many people about. The late 40's saw the building of the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital in Burlington which has served the community very well all these years. This was a great community effort with farmers donating wheat, clubs donated money and labor for furnishing the rooms and lots of labor in the actual building was donated, a really wonderful coming together of individuals to provide a needed �Hendricks Mortuary, Wm. R. Hendricks, County Coroner. Chuck's Service, Mobil Service operated by Chuck J.C. Pennev Co. Siehr. resource in the county. Burlington became the headquarters for many of the construction personal who were involved with the building of Bonny Dam. This influx of people made a housing shortage and the construction of houses on Bonny Drive remain with us today reminding us of this time. The Kit Carson County Courthouse was renovated and an addition added in 1950 at the cost of $190,000.00. This was a beautiful building after the construction was finished and is serving us well in 1988. The grandstand at the fairgrounds was also constructed we'e*% wwwwtrv&&&K. ITTT iih .,ffi Fl ,r MW :,:.'1'.':rllll U.S. Post Office Neil's Furniture, Neil Willirms owner. during this time and has been used for the fairs and other activities through the years with 1988 seeing the area in front of the grandstand landscaped to compliment Carousel park and provide a very attractive area for everyone to enjoy. BURLINGTON HISTORY T284 Safeway Store, Don Thompson manager. Harrison's Ford and Mercury, Hobart Harrison, Owner. \-sv :.@j f :'':,,,,{ &.' re. ; i"-;. :;__ , .,...t,,.,t ..,::.,:. ..;;:.;.* K, n dll ,ra I ffi Esch Lumber Company, owned and operated by John Esch. Tom Ambler Hardware, owned and operated by Tom and Midge Ambler Loyd's Cleaners and Clothiers, Mac Loyd, owner. Office of R.C. Beethe, M.D., Physician and Sur3urlington Locker Service, owned and operated by lliff Hoschouer. Wilbur Larson, manager of J.C. Penney Co. Where do you go today for a display of hats such as this? geon. �''H$t H! W-B Liquor in the Wilson Building on main street. Ben Franklin Store, managed by Petty Family. DeHollander's Shoe Store. G.E. DeHollander, owner. The Burlington Record, John Hudler. ''' ,,::':a: :.-:.'al ,, .: ':: Publisher. .,::: :::: :::ai -4 Standish Drug Co., John Standish, owner. ,.f A.B. Morrow, Appliances and Propane Gas. Knapp's Plumbing, Doren Knapp owner. Ww l;* Gnmbles, owned and operated by John and Faye Dr. H.M. Hayes, Physician and Surgeon. Brvner. Wilson's Gift Shop, Bessie Wilson owner. The most frightening happening was the return of the dry years to Eastern Colorado. It brought back fears of the drougth of the thirties. 1954 was the dryest year ever recorded in the history of keeping precipitation records. With the drought alway comes the horrendous winds that whip the soil into the air and create dust clouds that spawn so Kelly's Pool Hall. Williams Cafe, Lon Williams, Mgr. Recreation Basement was teen gathering place managed by Shorty Vance. {*LALVI t4 %up from Goodland, Kansas or picking up a station if the clouds were just right and ,ti. watching wrestling on Saturday nights? The changes of social habits brought about with the coming of television were never contemplated at the time. Remember Jim Gernhart .:;:;i*: ::t:.:tg. xH* .tttllt ii:i]il:1: a.::.,.ta:::,L -:.. '"t' Calvin Supply, Asa Calvin, owner. much emotional havoc and physical discomfort, that they are is never forgotten. Thanks to more advanced technology and the advent of irrigation and better farming practices and regulations this dry period did not leave the scars of the thirties for most people. The advent of television coming to town was really exciting. Remember watching the screen waiting for something to be broadcast Hayes Building conducting and celebrating his own funeral and then advertising it? The 1960's rang in a new era with so many advancements and the new crop of sugar beets that would create an environment that brought great expansion of implement dealerships, irrigation equipment and building of new businesses in Burlington. In 1965 Plateatr Natrrral Gas Oomnanv camc to town and �constructed pipe lines to serve the town and rural areas. They built a new office with the "Blue Flame Room" adjacent the business area. This was a community room and was used by the community free of charge for many years and filled a need that existed for family gatherings as well as public meetings. Word was received that our cherished Rock Island Railroad was taking out bankruptcy and would be no more. The end of what was our beginning, became a redity. After much work and hopes of keeping the rail service active the end came for the Rock Island. Later thanks to the hard work of many businesses in the area, Kyle Railroad was organized and purchased part of the track serving this area and once again in the 80's we see boxcars filled with grain moving on the rails. The completion of I-70 was realized after years of bumper to bumper traffic out here on the plains. The new high school was built in south Burlington and the new swimming pool and Parmer Park became a new source of enjoyment. Pralle Electric Shop Jack's Cleaners, owned and operated by Jack and Eunice Boyles King Motor Co., V.R. King owner. BURLINGTON HISTORY Langston's Style Shop, Walter and Hazel Langston. owners. T286 State Farm Insurance Office, S.T. Jarrett, Agent. Adolf Shoe Shop, Emmanuel Adolf, owner. Park's Jewelry and Watch Repair, H.H. Park, owner. Dunn Motor Co, A.B. Dunn owner. gaiiidi. ,..,-:.. Burlington Bakery, Harold and Gladys Clouse, rtt.r, .l.i.r. I ..:i!*u:r r, . t' 1 .,._,r. ownerg. Midway Theatre, Neil Beezley, owner. Lusch Cleaning and Laundry, alongwith Milestone giving altitude of Burlington The Middle school was built in 1971 on the west side of town. The Prairie Pines Country Club and new gold course made their appear- ance along with many new homes and a greatly expanded business community within the town. New residential areas were being filled on all sides of Burlington. New buildings were now being constructed on 14the Street changing the skyline of town making it have a up and coming look yet still having some of the old landmarks visible as you glance down the street. The 70's saw the peak of agri-business in Red & White Grocery Store, Earl and Albert Zick, owners. Burlington Dress Shop, Pauline Kloeckner, owner. �65 HAOO263!. 93 263 2A L 607. PAGE It PICTURS * grss. 63 tclPanng Halduare, Appl{a Red Front Grocery, owned and operated by the Yergin Fnmily. Park's Barber Shop, Charlie Park, barber and owner. -{f} ".k''i Penny Bros. Hardware, Appliances and Implements. Bill Yersin, owner and operator of Red Front Market. Dr. Glenn S. Flatt, Dentist, Hemmond Bros. Real Egtate and Insurance, and Harold Boland, Insurance. Masonic Hall, former building occupied by First Christian Church. this area. Land prices were at an all time high and housing costs climbed as well as interest rates in the late 70's. As we look back over this period of 100 years we see a similar pattern that has a habit of repeating itself but we can never believe that it will happen again and so in the 1980's we find that many reversals have visited us but many new things have come into being by the foresight of men and women who have a persistent belief in this community. The joint effort of town and county W-B Drug Store. Duckwall's, # 'tii'i:r brought about the Burlington-Kit Carson County Airport which culminated in a huge grand opening in the fall of 1984. Much effort was put in this project as well as in the courting of the State of Colorado for the construction of a prison facility in the community. The greatest "party" was held when Bur- J.M. McDonald, Burlington's first Department Store. Located on the ground floor ofthe Montezu- D.D. Lahey, M.D., Physician and Surgeon. ma Hotel. lington opened all doors and celebrated "Mike Lounge Day'in 1985. A hometown boy makes good is indeed reason to have such a gala occasion for everyone to participate in. The parade was one of the best in history as well as the tremendous turn out for the barbeque at the High School grounds. Truly a day to remember. The idea of "Old Town" was conceived and acted upon and today we see a fabulous tourist attraction that will hopefully provide lots of enjoyment for the community as well as visitors from around the world. It is hard to write that the stress of the agriculture industry has greatly effected this Wj.r:l% Carper's Cafe, George and Frances Carper owners. -....:.,.-r..,.i...:. . . Felzien's Cleaners and Clothine. Harold and Cecil Felzien. owners. community as well as the farmers and ranchers surrounding it but it must be noted that this areir on the great high plains has given birth to a populace that is very tough and persevering and we just don't give up �very easily and hopefully the fall of land values and real estate in Burlington has seen the bottom and is on the upswing again soon. We have experienced some of the worst blizzards and hailstorms in history these last few years and yet we repair our homes and businesses, try new ideas, reorganize, try new ventures, and take the challenge of the future with new hope. t w it*,::l;*i''i'*';qt'P: .i:.ata BURLINGTON HISTORY Strobel's Texaco, A.E. Strobel manager. Sloan's Motel, Everett and Eunice Sloan, owners. Hi-Lo Motel, J.M. Powers, manager. Miller's Phillips 66 Service. RyIe Walters Garage Fonest Miller, owner of Miller's Phillips 66 T266 The Rock Shop, owned and operated by Ralph Binard. Later became W-B Liquor, owned and operated by Cecil and Harold Felzien. Service. 'lr.'.,i.,''.l i.,:i.li.iiilll'iil..i',,i ' ,. ,',,,.r.'.:,,t,i:.i;.,irlrl.,;r., ,,,. .-r'$ Binard's's Conoco Service, Ralph Binard owner. Highway Cafe and Service, Thelma and Kenny Gray, operators. Stevens Cafe, managed by Mrs. J.V. Landers. Ellsworth Pontiac, Lee Ellsworth owner' Stevens Motel, also managed by Mrs. J.V. Landers. Chat'n Chew Cafe, Freda Schlichenmayer proprietor. It is my hope that this short overview of this community will bring back memories to you and that you will fill in the many blank spaces that have not been recorded. Time is always a factor and we do the best with what we have and hope that you will forgive us for our failings as we know that there were some very important events that have not been recorded because they have not come to mind or have not been recorded by someone over the years for our use. Without ths sqmpilation of newspaper �clippings, pictures, and other articles and the writings of Henry Hoskin, Bonny Gould, Mable Park, Irene Boger, and many others who have opened up their picture albums, keepsakes, and have shared them with us, this history could never have been accomplished by this writer. Many happenings that were not mentioned is this writing may be found in the pictures accompanying this article. We are grateful to Willard Gross and the Bank of Burlington for the record of the town in 1956 that we are sharing with you. Pictures can say so much more than words. V.F.W. Post Home. Burlington Liquor, Arthur Wittmuss proprietor. Sinclair Service, Bud Bolin manager. Dairy Queen, R.V. Johnston, owner. BURLINGTON MAYORS T2B7 Dillon Oil Co.. H.C. Dillon owner. Busby's Frontier Service Skelly Service, Junction of Highway 24 and Lincoln. Hi-Lo Jr. Motel, J.M. Powere, manager. Lyle Busby, owner of Busby's Frontier Service. Smith's Service, E.H. Smith owner. H.G. Hoskin 1912-13 T.G. Price 1914 F.L. Bergen 1916-18 Hank Schell 1919-20 George O. Gates 1921 John S. Boggs to Sept. 1922 F.W. Kukuk from Oct. tg22 to Mav 192b C.D. Reed 1925 C.E. Roller 1926 O.H. Loomis 1927 Beeson Oil Co. T.F. Sutton 1888 T.J. Jones 1889 C.A. Gilmore 1890 H.E. Metting 1891 J.W. Sparks 1902-03 Wyatt Boger 1904 William Abbott 1905-06 George O. Gates 1908-10 Burlington Building and Supply, Kenneth Bishop and Wesley Holmes, owners. J.M. Swenson 1928 R.E. Hook 1929 Orin P. Penny 1930-31 J.W. Alexander 1932 J.D. Brown 1934 T.W. Backlund 1936 Wm. H. Jacobs 1938 J.M. Chalfant 1942 �Henry Hoskin 1946 R.W. Plummer 1948 Harold McArthur 1950 R.C. Binard 1956 Harold McArthur 1958 Gene Williamson 1960 Harold McArthur 1964 Bill Yersin 1968 Rol Hudler l970-Currently mayor in 1988 and serving the longest term in the history of Burlington. Hart-Bartlett Sturdevant Grain Co., Carl Bauder, Burlington Livestock Sales Co., Ditus Brox. owners Manager. and operators. Gassner's Conoco Bulk Delivery R.I. Gassner, Aerial view of Burlington Basebal Park and Kit OUTLYING BURLINGTON BUSINESSES T268 owner. Carson County Fairgrounds. New Burlington Equite Co-op Elevator, located on Railroad Ave. Standard Oil Co., Bill and Russ Wilcox, owners. Dickineon's Grocery Store, Wm. Dickinson owner. G.R. Schlosser of Schlosser's Concrete. Gold Bond Hatchery, C.G. Gould, owner. Plains Grain Co., Jim Rawson, Mgr. Skate Bowl, skating rink and bowling alley, owned and operated by C.G. Gould. Standard Milling Company built by A.G. Kirschmer. Old Burlington Equity Co-op Elevator and Feed Facility at the north end of 14the St. �--g %" The Country Ware House owned and operated by the Fundingsland farnily. This building was the original Fost€r Lumber Company building. Foster Lumber Company near the downtown area. Gordon Hamit, Mgr. fi Baker-Pischke Ford, owned and operated by Bob Baker and George Pischke. Kit Carson Motel, located on Highway 24 in east ... - -.- t\: t- . i r,r i. it&r ir i L i t: l ltl ti ,{,., l:, .ii !' .L tl 1r.., 1l -- l: ::t:t - - : _:a:'' 'I li,.i il :i: ;ll : ii T269 Burlington. I iii CURRENT MAP OF BURLINGTON lr. _:i: �tl IIOLD BURLINGTON I MAP BURLIIiIGTON Furnished by 6 R. L. WILKINSON COUNTY ASSESSOR Kit Carson CountY c! cl'Rso[ cffiIY FAIR MOUtr}S ffiffiffi ffitrif', Wffi HH FllF=1 F44 EA wl,ffi brs Effi wFe ffiH :tZE Wffi ffiffiffi ffi AB "ffiffi ffi ffiwffiffi :HH' i- Old Map of Burlington - 1920's MUNICIPAL POWER PLANT T27r Prior to the year of 1920, the town of Burlington was served electrically by a franchise gas and electric company which was privately owned. Carbide gas was used for Burlington Light and Power Plant as it was in 1956. some street lighting and cooking. Electricity was used for main street lighting and some residential lighting. In 1920, the consumer demand for electric- ity had increased tremendously and the privately owned franchise asked the town to assume control of the operation as it was not possible for them to keep up with the demand. Pete Cha-bers, left and Frank Sulivan stand by boiler for first steam engines in the Burlington Power Plant. The plant had two Corliss steo- engines to produce electricity installed in 1920. In January of 1920, the town installed two Corliss steam engines with coolers. Cost of the two engines totaled $44,493. In 1921, the town completed the building which now houses the generators we use for stand by purposes only. It was constructed at a cost of $14,604.92. Two additions have been added to the building since it was completed. The steamers purchased in 1920 proved to be adequate until 1933 when the town council purchased two Fairbanks Morse diesels at a anst nf IRAO OOO Onc diasel wns s f.wo cvlinder �140 horse power and the other a four cylinder, 180 horse power engine. In 1937 a 6 cylinder Fairbanks Morse was installed at a cost of $38,900. and in 1947 another Fairbanks Morse unit was purchased for $82,000. A switch board was purchased for $25,000. In October of 1950 another Fair- banks Morse unit was purchased for $151,500. In March of 1960 a White eight cylinder was bought for $233,137. The city purchased an Enterprise 12 cylinder at the cost of$405,000 with the present switchboard being purchased at the same time. August of 1969 saw another Enterprise installed at a total of $4357,310. Burlington is one of six towns and cities in Colorado that own their own electrical facili- ties in the 1960's. The late 70's brought changes that resulted in purchasing power from Public Service of Colorado. by Les Mclain BANKS IN BURLINGTON This picture was taken around 1912-15. The gentleman is Henry G. Hoskin, father of Henry Y. Hoskin who owns the Kit Carson County Abstract Co. The bank was the Stockgrowers State Bank. T272 One of the first "classie" buildings on Main Street, Organized in 1901. Bert Ragan, right, in tellers window. This is the State Bank Building where the Stock Growers bank moved into after the Stat€ bank closed. Now Bank of Burlington. Stock Growers State Bank Earlv 1900's Burlington State Bank - organized in 1908 Officers: Frank Mann - President Wyatt Boger - Vice President Geo. Gates - Cashier Bank failed December 1922 Stock Growers State Bank organized by Winegar and Weare in 1901 W.D. Selder Cashier. At first a private Bank. In 1910 named Stock Growers. Warren Shamburg came from Goodland in 1915, to be the cashier. Bank failed October 3, 1931. Bank of Burlington organized by a group of citizens and Mrs. Tubbs. The Earliest Banks were: Bank of Burlington 1887 The Bank was owned by parties from Illinois. It voluntarily suspended in 1890 and paid depositors in full. The Robert Clark Bank was the first Bank after 1890 and after Robert Clark became ill, Albert Clark paid depositors in full and closed the bank. The former Hainline building occupies the site of Clark's Bank. The First National Bank organized by E.G. Coombs in 1919, suspended and accounts transferred to Stock Growers. no losses. by Editors The Stock Growers Bank was located in the building on the corner of Senter and 14 Street where The Corner Cut is now. Standing at the counter is E.C. Baker on the left and W.D. Selder on the right. Others are unknown. �WINEGAR BUILDING T273 Iowa. After Selder sold out, Winegar continued under the name of A.W. Winegar Real Estate Company. The company was one of the oldest business firms in town and operated out of the Winegar Building until 1928. the Fundingsland Real Estate Office, and Dr. Courtney's office. Later during the 1940's the The First National Bank of Burlington, run by Winegar's son-in-law, Edwin S. Combs, was located in half of the ground floor space when it opened in 1907, and the Penfold in the building. Grocery Store, one of the first grocery stores in town, occupied the other half. In 1917, Winegar added on to the rear of the building for apartments. A second alteration in 1920 resulted in the front portico and The Courtney (Winegar) building in the 1950's. The Winegar Building is significant for its association with A.W. Winegar, one of the original settlers in Burlington, and a prominent businessman, and as a landmark struc- ture in Burlington. Burlington, located on the outermost eastern edge ofthe state was incorporated in 1888 and is the largest town (1985 population: 3116) in Kit Carson County. It is located in the heart of deep well irrigation, and is a trade center as sell as a center for agriculture, enclosed second story porch. No further alterations occurred on the building, and except for the replacement of some window panes with glass brick, the building appears exactly as it did during the 1920's. The Real Estate business became poor during the late 1920's, and in 1928, the Capital Life Insurance Company was forced to foreclose on A.W. Winegar. The building Selder and others, he started the First Emmigration Company in the county for the purpose ofacquiring land cheaply and selling to immigrates from kansas, Nebraska and by M. Hasart THE BURLINGTON SCHOOL SYSTEM T274 founded in 1901 by H.G. Weare, W.D. Selder, and A.W. Winegar. The bank was the first eastern Colorado, namely the town of Burlington, school opened on Dec. 26th of 1887. One of the rooms of the Montezuma Hotel served the purpose with Mary Davis as the business in Burlington and remained a private bank until 1910. The Depression was hard on the residents effects of the Dust Bowl Era. As was often the case, businesses closed and banks failed. commercial district. Built in 190 by A.W. Winegar at the cost of $30,000, the building is unique with its classical detailing and light colored brick. A.W. Winegar was instrumental in the establishment of Burlington. along with W.d. years, the building has served as apartments for Mexican immigrates. The building is now vacant and has been vandalized. Following a meeting to organize a school district in the newly established area of economically depressed, Burlington has nev- largest and one of the oldest structures in the to Daniel McCraken who in turn sold the building to Gray Hooper in 1978. In recent two local businessmen. Shamburg was the manager of the Stock Growers State Bank, and businesses in Burlington, as it came at the same time the farmers were fighting the er grown into a major city. It's three block commercial district is dominated by small, plain, one and two story brick structures. The Winegar Building occupies a corner location at the center of town, and is the Dr. Courtney continued to own the build- ing and operate his doctor's office on the second floor until in 1970's when he sold it was sold to C.D. Reed and Warren Shamburg, cattle, medical services, education, and recre- ation for the eastern plains. While not VFW held its meetings and activities in the basement of the building. During the 1950's, the National Farm Loan Office was housed The Stock Growers State Bank failed in 1931 and Warren Shamburg was forced to convey his share of the Winegar Building to the State Bank commission who was in charge of the liquidation of the bank. The Deputy Banking Commissioner turned around and sold the half interest to C.D. Reed for $500 in 1932. During Reed's ownership, Doctor Robinson operated a hospital on the second floor of the building. Reed sold the building in 1943 to Dr. Roy F. Courtney who had moved to Burlington at the start of World War II. At the time, occupants of the building included J.A. Ragan, who ran a cream station, first teacher. Thirty-five youngsters were "herded" to school that opening day by their parents in hopes that it would, to dome degree, curb the "prairie wild spirit". At least they would know the children's whereabouts, and by chance something useful might be taught during the duration of the term. Ranging in ages from six to sixteen, most of them came from the small town, with a few coming from the homes of settlers around Burlington. The school was established under very trying circumstances. Burlington, located in the eastern part of the state, was over one hundred miles from the county seat, which was then Kiowa, Colorado. There was no direct rail lines, and the wagon roads were poor to say the least. Laws at this time did not provide for the building of schools, the payment ofsalaries, erpenses, and free books in the same manner as later became law and 1::" .rllfr.fiit,'iii..l '. Main street in the 1920's with the Winegar building at left of picture. rule. Nevertheless, the children were present in numbers, every settler and town resident providing their full quota, and the children did need some education. A small frame building was built in 1890, measuring about 18x30 feet. Rows of pine desks, extended in one piece clear across the room, with a bench built on the front for the next row of students. It took a teacher of more than average ability to manage eight grades of children, fresh from the prairies, many with cactus in their shoeless feet. The playground was an open lot with unlimited amounts of buffalo grass, laced occasionally with a cactus or two. Many modes of entertainment originated from this "lot", such as show and tcll with your favorite pet prairie dog, someone else bringing their pet coyote pup, or sometimes an owl or even an occasional rattlesnake. Since many of the children rode their native ponies to school, an occasional pony race during recess was not uncommon. A wise, teacher, while not approving, had to look upon these things with apparent interest, and await the time when the objection could be eliminated. This mode of education sufficed until the � https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/408/Burlington_2.pdf 197c3bd517666d3feecfe85ccaad75ec PDF Text Text students were already meeting in other meeting places in the town. The north half of the school building was erected in 1916, with another similar half being added in 1919, under the contractor of the late J.A. Haughey. This addition doubled the capacity of the building, as well as modernized it to the tune of $150,000. The building now housed all 12 grades, Home Economics, as well as a gymnasium. After only 2 years of use, in January of 1923, it was destroyed by fire. The books and equipment from 3 of the 26 furnished roome were saved. Many of the townspeople, as well as the local fire department, answered the alarme thatwere sounded, helping in any way possible. Since there was no pumper available, with the low water pressure they were unable to get water to the top floor, and by morning the magnificent structure was de- Burlington School before it burned in 1924. stroyed. However, the pioneering spirit of the community was still alive, and school reopened on January 14, with classes being held in Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railroad announced that the Rock Island route would build their line through Burlington to Colorado Springs and Denver. After much surveying, the route was set to run just north of the old town of Burlington. When the county was organized on May the District Courtroom of the Courthouse, the Methodist and the Christian churches, 3,1889, an election was held. The issues were building a courthouse for $5,000 and/or a schoolhouse for $4,000. Both measures passed. Free lots had to be given for schools, churches, as well as a courthouse. Roff & Roff were the contractors chosen to build the two-story building our of brick. C.A. Eatinger, who had filed a homestead southeast of Burlington on the Beaver Creek, was one of the workmen hired to burn the brick on the south side of Beaver Creek south and east ofBurlington. In later years he wrote, "I feel I have an interest in your school. The contractor dsqemped without paying his help." The first record of a graduation was in 1908, being from the eighth grade. by Bonnie Witzel BURLINGTON SCHOOLS During the school year 1911-1912 the total enrollment was 129 students, with 13 eighth grade graduates. Highschool students numbered 15, but no graduates as yet. The next year enrollment reached 155 with 7 students completing the eighth grade and 3 graduating from highschool. Highschool enrollment climbed to 26. 1914-1915 brought a total of 173 students with 30 of them in highschool. In a period of 5 years the school enrollment had increased more than 50 percent. Upon consolidation of districts 16 and 18, it was determined that a larger facility was certainly needed, as some of the gradeschool Co. purchased 4 new schoolbuses to transport rural children to school. By 1930 the enrollment had climbed to 348 student. During the 1930's the Mabel Parke family donated a block of real estate to be used as a football field and for the vocational Agriculture Department. This property was used until the new highschool was built, and was known as Walters-Hudson Field. December 20, L945, brought about the only serious bus accident in the history of the school. A 1941 Chevrolet cloth topped bus with 13 children and a driver rolled south of T275 The first school b0ilding at Burlington, was later the Guthrie Electric Shop, located east ofthe Hotel West. One of the first four school buses used to transport the students from rural areag. They were furnished by C.D. Reed of Reed Motor Company. the Odd Fellows and American Legion Halls, The school was rebuilt and opened the following fall. Enrollment had grown to 400 students, and was taken care ofwith a faculty of 16 teachers. A new superintendent, N.N. Stevenson, was hired at a salary of 92600. September of 1923 introduced Physical Training into the regular cirriculum with a regular teacher. All students were required to take the course. This same year C.D. Reed of Reed Motor The first half of the school building was erected in 1916. This facility replaced the 2-story brick building which was built for $4000. �tary force behind this construction was the five ladies on the Library Board whose determination made a dream come true. Carolyn King, Pearl Schell, Estella Penny, Bessie Wilson and Minta Coleman worked tirelessly on the board for many years. The first Burlington Public Library was established by the Inter Sese Club in 1921 and was located in the old school building near the current sight of the Community Center and Elementary School on 11th Street and Senter. It was operated there until a fire burned the school over Christmas vacation in 1923. Most of the books were saved. It reopened in 1924 in a city owned structure once used as a power house located at 608 l4the Street near the old train depot which is now the Radio Room and City Police Department at the north end of 14th Street. The remains of the school building, following a late night fire in January of 1923. The completely remodeled school had only been in use for 2 years at the time. Burlington on then Highway 51 (now 385), injuring several of the children. Fortunately all recovered. The contract for bus transportation was to Sim Hudson Mtr. Co. The fall of 1960-61, the school was changed from a Class B school to Class A through state reorganization. In 1961 the district became District RE-6J with the final consolidation of the districts. In 1965 all class A schools became Class AA. A special bond election was held in May of 1963 with the proposal of a new grade and highschool facility of $895,000. Maher-Bonny Construction of Aurora was the successful bidder. The highschool was relocated south of Highway 24, and was put into operation in January of 1965. in 1971 the bid for the proposed Middle School, to be located in west Burlington, went to Carson-Crider & Speicher of Wray. Hobart Harrison, through contract with the Burlington School system, furnished bus transportation from 1946 until 1971. Follow- Program. Our community has indeed been fortunate in the past, to have had people who were able to see the possibilities and the capabilities of children. We have educated future businessmen, farmers, doctors, lawyers, secretaries, homemakers, and yes, an astronaut. Does this make any one of them more special than the rest ofthem? Certainly not, because each has excelled in their own realm in their own way. Why? Because our forefathers had a vision, and they pursued it. Yes, they felt we all needed an education to face the world. by Bonnie Witzel BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY T276 1959, Quo Vadis club with president Crystal Schlosser was in charge of the program and hostess for the day. Accepting the building for the town was Mayor Harold McArthur. Mrs. Esther Winfrey was the librarian, preceeded by Mrs. H.G. Hoskin serving as librarian from 1923 until 1945 and Miss Phyllis DeHollander who served in this capacity for several years. Since 1975 the library has improved with help and ideas from librarians, their assistants, the Library Boards, state and public. several grants, individual and club donations as well as money making activities. Fannie Hoschouer took over as librarian after Esther Winfrey retired in 1962 and served until 1984. Della Yersin was appointed and approved by the Library Board and City Council at that time. Special programs for adults are planned through out the year. Some of these are By 1973 enrollment had reached 1011 students from kindergarten through 12the grade. Through 100 years, the cirriculum hag The old Library at the north end of 14th Street. The l5the day of February marked the laying of the cornerstone at the new home of the Burlington Public Library on the corner of 15the Street and Senter. Ethel Sloan, president of Zonta Club, was master of ceremonies and responsible for the program for this cornerstone ceremony. This club also provided the contents of the time capsule that was to be placed inside the cornerstone that day. thanks to the dedication of their directors. The Zonta Club joined all other service clubs ofthe area along with private donations the need, as has the Gifted and Talented contributing funds towards the construction of this fine library. The single most contribu- Special Education has been developed to fill In 1958 with little help from the City of Burlington and only a handful of interested people, the five ladies on the Library board did everything necessary to secure construction loans for their dream project, "A new Library". William McKinnley helped draft the plans for the building with the Burlington Construction Company actually doing the work. At a cost of $20,000.00 the new Library was finished. The furnishings cost $4,700.00 and the time to move in was here. Dedication of this new facility was April 12, with thank yous to the City Council, state, hired. Model U.N. teams have entertained and excelled beyond their greatest expectations, to expand and upgrade books and materials. The budget has grown through the years ing negotiations with him, a contract was drawn and the district purchased 13 buses and 1 wrecker for $45,000. In 1972 a Bus Garage was erected adjacent to the High School, and a transportation director was changed somewhat. Not only are the 3 R's still being taught, but a variety of other classes are being offered. Recess pony races have changed to athletics, and group singing has become concert band and choir. Burlington High School has had the honor of being State Football Champs in 1940, 1945, 1946 and 1947 and then again in 1976; State Basketball Champs in 1948; and State Wrestling Cha-ps in 1973 and 1974. This channeled lots of energy in right directions, thanks to the dedicated coaches. Band and Choirs have performed throughout the state and have received outstanding ratings, thanks to dedicated musicians. Drama, speech and In 1925, the town counsel and the Library Board agreed to let the city support the Library through taxation - so a mill or two was set aside for this purpose which helped National Library Weeks, displays, club meetings and book sales. The section which used to house museum items has been turned into the childrens reading room. It now has a weekly story time and there is a special summer reading program. Both are very popular and well attended. New check out opportunities have been added. A few of the ones now available are large print books, music and story tapes, cake pans, games and cameras. The typewriter and copy machine are available for public use. You are all invited to come in to brouse around. Look at the aquariums and talk with Dell's bird Dewey. Perhaps you may even find a book that you would like to check out. Our gratitude goes out to those who worked �Burlington Post Office 65 Year* Xgo* . ,'.:..: . ,1:: . .t;.'.A74.X F ..:,::.:.a:.:;:.,:;r.t-?a:".::.:,at:.::., Early Post Office was located in C.A. Lamb's Store. Ihe first regular train service began in Sep. of 1888. Mail service by trains continued until the early 50's, when conveyance was changed EURI"IIICTOI{ to truck and highway contracts. In the early IIBRARY 1960's, contracting was given to the air lines 0RcANllfD t92l tRfcTtD ts59 and Airmail was the mode of transporting mail 200 miles or more away from major airports. Mail inside of the 200 mile radius was by Contract Highway routes. In April 1887, a Post Office was located in the OId Burlington cite, (about where Hitchcock's is now located. at the time the site was *.'.. tl&aa:;:t:,t* known as Lowell. When the two towns . ......44.,.. ".,tle;:nr\e' .a,. 7t'f't 1,*ttir i l:,!a€:i l;;d6tr *tz ti:iiL|.:: Zonta Club officers and members, L. to R.: Mabel Park, Zonta speaker from Denver, Mary Vogt, hazel Hudson, dorothea Hammond, Ella Farwell, Ruth Morrow Billenwillms, Hazel Langston, Davie Powell, Ethel Sloan and Clara Lovd. merged the name of Burlington was given to the new township.) The Honorable Eugene T. Lemieux was commissioned to serve as the first Postmaster on April 29, 1887, and he served until May 15, 1889. The Post Office was moved to New Burlington in the month of August. During the early days Burlington was supplied and serviced nine other offices, Bonny, Newton, Norford, Wallett, Yale, Hale, Hermes, Beliot, and Cole. Only one of .^:)";,;*; these towns still exist today. This being Hale, in which the Post Office closed in 1984. Mail for those offices was delivered by horseback and buggy. Carriers of that day were: Frank Little; Berton Little; Earl James; John McCracken; Bud Yarnell; H.O. Brown; V.O. Corkly and Robert Boyles. One of the carriers is remembered as having an enclosed brggy, painted white with the wording "U.S. MALE", painted in red lettering on both sides. Joe Boyles remembers sorting mail at the "Tuttle Post Office" into pigeon holed cases open on both sides, so that the postal patron could help themselves. The location of the new Post Office was in the l\{orrow Appliance Building, (known today as 347 l4the St.) In 1890, under the postmastership of David Carnahan, the Post Office was again relocated to a cite on the east side of Main St. (near Carper's Cafe), now known as 372 14the St. February 15, 1959, Laying of the cornerstone ceremonies. L. to R.: Carolyn King, Pearl Schell, Estella Penny, Bessie Wilson, Esther Winfrey and Ethel Sloan. so hard to establish this Library that serves this community now and in the years to come. by Carolyn Sloan Hansen and Betty Nider BURLINGTON POST OFFICE T277 In the beginning of the establishrnent of a new township in the year of 1887, the first Burlington Post Office was established under Postmaster Charles a. Lamb was instrumental in relocating the office in 1894, to 340 14the St. in an old frame hotel, called the Girard-Ross building, (present day Coast to Coast). Then in 1897, Postmaster Fred A. King moved it to the Wilson Gift Shop, now 2430 Lowell Ave. Annie Newell was the first woman to be commissioned as Postmaster, to serve in August 21, 1897, she served until Aug. of 1901. The office was then housed in the Dunn's Creamery. the administration of President Grover A. During the term of Postmaster Charles Greglow, the office was again moved, to the old Odd Fellows Hall and remained here until Cleveland and Postmaster General William 1915. F. Vilas. Transportation in the early years Postmaster Rhoda Yersin, accepted and moved into the first building specifically built for Postal use in 1917. "Another first for was by stage coach and wagons, later on it was transported by the railroad, around 1887. �women!" The Post Office remained at this location until 1922, when growth again necessitated a larger office space. The contract was awarded to Louis Vogt, for the construction of a new building to house the Post Office and it's employees. The building was erected at 474 t4the St. (Burlington Bakery now), and the office remained here for 26 years, with Robert L. Wilkenson as the Postmaster. Rural Free delivery was established in the area in 1917, during the tenure of Mr. Wilkenson. The first Rural carriers were: Hugh B. Morgan, Ed O. Smith, and A.E. Calvin. Rural delivery has grown from humble beginnings to 601 families, as indicated by records still available. Today the rural delivery system has 446 families. In 1948. the office was moved across the street to 451 14the St. (Men's Shop) under the Postmistress Mary E. Vogt. It remained at this location for 10 years. The Post Office was elevated to Second Class, Jan. 1, 1948. The Post Office was relocated in 1958 to its present location at 1490 Martin Ave. The building was erected by C.D. Skoles, in 1958 and was then leased to the Post Office Dept. It was dedicated on April 11, 1959, during the Administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield. Dedication address was given by W.D. Brewer, Regional Operations Director, USPO Dept. Denver, Co. Keys and Flag were presented to Postmaster Mary E. Vogt. The Burlington Post Office, under the administration of Dale E. Pralle, Jan 1, 1969, was elevated to First Class. Mr. Paralle served until 1976. Revenue for the year of 1968 was $79,179.26, and grew to $171,406.96 during his tenure. The revenue is a very good indicator when the growth is such that it should trigger a new review of space needed and this began in 1977. Revenues grew to fiscal year 85 to $306,858.00. Plans for a new building which started in 1977 still have not come to pass. In 1980, Postmaster Melcher, concluded the crotiminous boundary program which then changed the delivery system to include all of the State to the Kansas border, starting from Rd. 41 to Rd. 60. Rural routes are now traveling 129,048 miles annually. RRl, 142.7 miles, RR 3, 143.0 miles and RR 4, t40.6 miles, 303 delivery days a year. City delivery has grown to 1449 deliveries, served by 2 city carriers, present day: John E. Perry 701 and Clyde Schaal, 702. During the tenure of Postmaster Albert "Al" Melcher, from 1977 to 1986, 10 years of effort have not seen the goals set for this new facility. In April 1, 1984, the contract and lease for the old Safeway building, 270 l4the St., set the remodeling and completion by the glow, Rhoda Yersin, Robert L. Wilkenson, Michal Vogt, Mary A. Vogt, Dale Pralle, Albert Melcher, and Joe Rosengrants. Officers in charge who have served during PM. vacancies were: Lowell "Bud" Hartwig, Wayne F. Wilcoxen, Micheal Grossman, Keith Bowhan, Larry Schweers, and Maria Dollar. Employees of the Burlington Post Office from 1977 through 1988: Retirees: Eugene Williamson, (Dis) Earl Perry, Shirley Fundingsland, Laurel Alleman, Howard Pickerill and Cecil Felzien; Promoted: Geraldine L. Troyer, S.P.O. 1984 and served in that capacity until 5-01-84, when she wa promoted to Postmaster Stratton, Co.; Linda Boyd, promoted to S.P.O. 1984, presently serves in that position; Kathy Witzel to Postmaster Bethune, CO. 1985; Terri Billemwillms, to serve as Officer In Charge, Cheyenne Wells, Co. April 1986 through Sep. 1986; Transfers: Cathy Minter to Loveland, Co.; Michelle Gergen to Estes park, Co. 1983; Sandra Schmatjen to Colorado Springs, C. 1986; Pam Morrell, resigned. New Hires 1977 thru 1988: Cathy Minter, Debra Knapp, Michelle Gergen, Sandra Schmatjen, John Perry, Clyde Schaal, Terri Billemwillms, Charles Turner, Alan Billemwillms, Daniel R. Thompson, Bernie Collette, Linda Boyd, Aaron Nutter, Steve Chalfant, and Tom Cash. Present day employees and job titles: Linda Boyd, S.P.O.; William Stolz, Dist. Clk; Terri Billemwillms, window clerk; Charles Centennial celebration set for May 7, 1988. Cancellation for that day, plus running the Cancellation Burlington, Co. 'A Century of Pioneers'from Jan. 15, 1988 to June 15, 1988. Postmaster of Burlington Post Office from 1887-1986 were: The Honorables Eugene T. Lemieux, Joseph M. Leal, Robert L. Hubbard, David Carnahan, Charles A. Lamb, Fred W. King, Annie Newell, Charles Gre- appointed. December 6, 1908. The constitution and by laws were presented and adopted and two new members were added, B.B. Landers and Albert Real. A committee was appointed to appear before the city council and ask their approval of the new organization as the official fire department for the city. The city council unanimously approved the action and took steps toward buying equipment. The first dance by the department was held in May and netted the department the sum of $31.30 which was set aside for the purpose of aiding the town in buying the needed equipment. On July 4, 1909, the department took charge ofthe celebration and pulled offa very creditable days sports. The election for the issuance of water bonds to build the water supply system was held on april 20, 1908 with the result that the bonds were voted by 47 to 18 against. In July, the city council authorized the sale of 97,000 in bonds and the erection of a steel tower and tank. The top of the tank was to be 100 feet in the air and the tank was to hold 60.000 gallons of water. The 7,000 bonds were sold to the Central Savings Bank of Denver for 97 cents on the dollar and the contract for the tower tank and distributing system was given to the Des Moines Bridge and Iron Company on their bonds. Carriers: Larry winslow, RR 1; Cecil Felzein, Retired, Peter Thompson, RR3; Leonard Koop, RR 4, Rural Subs. Alan Bellemwillms, RR 4; Gordon Hamit, retired, Tom Cash, RR 3: and Steve Chalfant, RR 1. As the town had no fire fighting equipment, the council bought 800 feet of hose at 36 cents per foot and a two wheeled cart for $80. A hose house was erected in the rear of the Montezuma hotel and on July 19, 1909, the hose cart was installed in its new house. Burlington now had a fire department, hose Debra Knapp, PTF carrier 701; Bernie Collette, PTF carrier 702 retired; Rural bid of $8.800. The town then sold 94,000 more house, hose cart and everything a city had except a fire. We should add that the hose house cost $41.75. BURLINGTON'S VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. T278 A rather interesting incident happened in August 1909 when the city council ordered the city water commissioner, who had charge of the pumps, tanks and mains, that he flush both tank and mains as soon as he had received a new barrel of gasoline. Evidently the city was out of gas. As the consumption of water for domestic purposes was very light in Burlington. There was very little circulation on the riser pipe, and in December 1909, the riser pipe froze up and the city was out of water for several days while the repairs were being made. In the spring of 1910, the fire department was given some new material by the city and a fire bell was purchased by the city. The old bell was located on a tower just east of the present Sim Hudson garage. Two taps on the Oct. 1987 on the remodeling of the Safeway The Burlington Post Office will have a special the next meeting and a committee was Turner, PTF window clerk; Gwen Chalfant, PTF window Dis. clerk; John Perry, city carrier 701; Clyde Schaal, city carrier 702; fall of 1985. After many delays, construction began in store at 249 14the St. The work is being done by Rhoades Construction of Castle Rock, Co. Completion date is set for early in the spring of 1988. It is to be completed in time for the H.G. Hoskin are still active after 50 years of volunteer service. Frank Boldt elected sec. at bell called the city council together, three Burlington Fire Department building, 1956. taps called the fire department to a meeting and a continuous ringing meant a fire. Later the calls for meetings were dropped and a system of taps that designated the The organization meeting of the Bur- location of hydrant nearest the fire was adopted and was very successful. This old lington's fire Department was held November 18, 1908. Those present were: J.G. Upton, Phil Reichard, Frank Boldt, Albert Guthrie, Walter Clark, H.G. Hoskin, O. Rogers, W.H. Yersin, Art Abbott, R. Wilkinson and Ed Hoskin. Of these. Albert Guthrie. Ed Hoskin and bell served for many years and rang continuously on the first Armistice Day. As soon as one ringer retired, another took his place. Later the bell was sold to Kanorado and now serves them. There never was a more hair raising sound heard in Burlington than the boom of that old bell in the middle of a dark �night. At present the fire alarms are sent out by a siren on the city clerk's office. The present -1938- equipment consists of the red Reo truck which carried 800 feet of hose with ladders, hooks hand extinguishers, helmets and various types of equipment; the Ford truck which canies the pumper and small quantity of hose which can throw water over any structure in town, and the chemical speed wagon, which is intended more for county fires than for other purposes. For a small city this is a well balanced equipment, although many of the firemen feel that a new truck combining the features of the three now is use would be very fine. Among the early spectacular fires was the one at the old Coakley auditorium, which stood where the new armory now is. Lightning struck the buildingjust over one corner ofthe stage and ran down inside the building. At the time a traveling company was putting on one of their plays and they simply waited until the firemen put out the fire and then went on with the play. Another memorable fire was the old red brick school house. A janitor had left a bucket of hot ashes in the hallway and the floor caught fire from it. While the fire was not very bad and was easily extinguished, the firemen pulled the hose cart through an eight foot drift of snow to get to the school house. The storm was so bad that walking was difficult, but to bull the narrow tired hose cart with 400 feet of hose through the drifts was real labor. The three worst fires in Burlington's history were those at the court house, December 1907; the school house, January 8, L924; and the OK Barn on the corner north of the E.C. Baker residence. Several horses were killed in this fire and it was a heavy loss to the owners. The present organization consists of twenty six active members, with John Guthrie as chief and four honorary members. The honorary members are E.C. Baker, Arthur Wilson. W.A. Hudler and G.S. Flatt. These men pay $3.00 a year dues and are guests at all the dire department functions. The functions are the annual ball on St. Patrick's Day, the banquet in the winter and the picnic in the mid summer. More businessmen tainer out of Denver. The program included a vocal soloist, a ballroom and acrobatic dancing duo and a magician. Later the firemen and guests went to the firemen's hall, where coffee and doughnuts were served, equipment inspected, and the firemen, some of them tragic, some of the equipment. On December 16, 1945, The Montezuma hotel fire kept the firemen busy for several hours. The hotel was full that night, but all escaped. One person was unaccounted for, but later it was found that he had simply gone comical. home. old timers enjoyed fighting fires all over again. Many fond memories were recalled by Give List of Charter Members Of the original 13 charter members. only two, E.E. Hoskin and V.O. Coakley, were there for the 50the anniversary. According to the firemen's minutes books. the charter members were J.G. Upton, Paul Reichart, Albert Guthrie, Frank Boldt, Walter Clark, H.G. Hoskin, C.G. Wilcox, O. Rogers, W.H. Yersin, A. Abbott, R.L. Wilkinson (first chief, Mr. Hoskin and Mr. Coakley. The department was organized November 8, 1908. A history of the Burlington volunteer fire department is also a history of the town, for the growth of one demands the expansion of the other. Danger of fire in the early days of the town necessitated the formation of a department of combat the flames, usually a severe fire emphasizing the need for additional members or equipment. In 1906, before the department was organized, the livery barn located where the the town has ever had. The first water supply with which to fight fires was furnished from two cisterns, one located on the Standish Drug corner, the other in front of Carper's cafe. Water was pumped by hand with two men on either side of the hand car arrangement. Water was also carried by bucket brigade. County Court House Burns in 1906 the county court house burned, with very few of the records being saved. Water was carried from a well. located on the Fred Kiefer corner. In 1908, the fire department was organized, with the motto "we never lose both the house and the lot." The fire bell was located east of the Sim Hudson Motor company garage. The first annual firemen's ball was held May 4, 1909, and showed a profit of $31.30. purchase of a new fire truck was being 1957 considered. department celebrated their 50the anniversary Saturday night, when they gathered at the high school gym for a banquet and program. Approximately 100 firemen, their ladies and guest attended the event, with special guest being the three top officers of the state fireman's association, Judge and Mrs. Neal Horan; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Becker, and Ernie Anderson, all of Denver. Appearing briefly on the program, the state officers commended the local department for their fine organization, pointed out some of the problems of the state group, and outlined future plans now under coneideration. Chief Russell McArthur introduced several of the guest, while Don Chadwick acted as master of ceremonies and read a history of the department. Following the banquet and program, the firemen and their guests enjoyed several numbers presented by professional enter- July 13, 1946, the firemen made the last of several runs to Shank's Cafe, with a loss estimated at $7,500. The rural fire protection district was formed in 1952, and what is known as the red truck was purchased. The new firemen's hall came soon afterwards. Perhaps the most outstanding civic improvement made by the firemen, in addition to their regular responsibilities, was the installation of street signs for the town. Other projects which the firemen have sponsored for year to year are first aid, water fights and contest, and the annual life they give to Santa. by Myra L. Davis BURLINGTON FOLLIES 1926 Plains Equipment Company now stands, operated by Uncle Billy Boyles, burned, and was considered by many as the hottest fire should be honorary members as we feel the present members get more than their money's worth. Firemen Observe 50the Anniversary 1907Members of the Burlington Volunteer Fire In 1942 the department bought another truck, this time a Chewolet, and the following year a resuscitator was added to the Fire signals were adopted in L923, and the On January 7, L924, the school house burned to the tune of $150.000. Firemen thought later they might have saved the school, if they had had enough water pressure. The department stated to grow, with the (See photo next page.) T279 1. H.D. Klinker. with doll 2. E.C. Baker. with doll 3. Whitey Harry Yount 4. Frank Weber 5. Gordon Burr 6. Ralph Boggs 7. Mac McFadden, Charlie Chaplin 8. John Askey, Fauntleroy 9. Bruckner 10. Frank Spahr, Bridesmaid 11. Donald Smith, Bridesmaid 12. George Haywood, Chorus Girl 13. Roy Romberg, Chorus Girl 14. Dr. E.J. Remington 15. Alfred (Pete) Jennings, Baby 16. Richard Floyd, Mammy 17. Director 18. 19. Royden e. Hook, uniformed 20. Robert L. Wilkinson 21. Dr. O.M. Cassell 22. Lester Goins 23. Grant Stettler 24. Dr. Frank L. Bergen, Father of Bride 25. J.R. Walter 26. Ear. J. McCarty, Bride 27. Pawin Penny, Groom 28. Orin Milburn purchase of a Ford pumper, and then a White 29. J.M. Heffner chemical truck. Pumper Helps Rock Island The year 1929 was a busy one for the firemen. The Rock Island had a wreck near Flagler, and the pumper was sent over for two or three days. In August of that year the DeHollander Produce experienced a bad fire, "Dutch" later giving a banquet for the firemen in appreciation of their fine work. The White Eagle oil fire also occurred that year, with $10,000 damage and loss. The fire at the old hospital building was the next important event in the firemen's history, 30. Clyde Guthrie 31. A.W. Winegar 32. William Hendricks 33. Sidney P. godsman, uniformed 34. 35. Dr. Glenn S. Flatt 36. Rev. Benjamin Eitelgorge 37. Ted W. Backlund 38. Henry J. Wagner 39. Edward Hoskin, Jr. 40. Frank Williams. Tom Mix 41. Orville Swaim 42. George Cockrell 43. Mel Beidelman, in kilts 44. George Danforth, Jr. followed by a response to an alarm sent in from the town of Vona in 1936. �.l ! * ,:.S" Cf,r,1g.,'.r::,,.';' ll:.'l,1,::,''.,:l11,,,:.,,t'!tt:t,.:tl:i :,,r:ll:la . ,i::ll.ll f :,'r' }:rl:;,;'l -,1 * glil, ,,\ll:;l 22. Billy Marquis 25. Roy Upton 26. Sm. Boyles 23. 27. Nanny Hoskin 24. 28. Maxine Abbott 21. Hugh Marquis 45. 46. Fred Goldsby 4?. Lonnie Sturdivant 48. John Guthrie 49. Cecil D. Reed. BURLINGTON CORNET BAND CIRCA L9T2 1. Helen McCloud 2. Vince Ruddell 3. Verda Cook 4. Nelle Burr 5. Allice Mae Bogart 6. 7. Dorothy Bergen 8. Macil Roberts 9. Marjorie Abbott 10. 11. 12. Lorene Baker 13. Ila Castle 14. Amber Hudson 15. Dolly Barker 16. Ora Baker 17. Martha Abbott 18. 19. Russell Brand 20. "Bus" Rhule T280 �29. 30. Harriet Bassett 31. Puts (Clifford) Rathbun 32. Alin Stevenson November 14the Burlington Colorado. "BRING TIN CUPS Starting with a big FREE LUNCH at noon, then . . "FREE PICTURE SHOW-From Noon 33. Jimmy Barker until Midnight, Featuring, 'The Devil is a 34. Sissy' 35. "FOUR BANDS-Parade at 2:30 P.M. Four bands-St. Francis, Kansas 55-piece band, Goodland band, Stratton band and Burlington band "TWO FREE DANCES-One at the New Armory, with music by Jerry Petty's orchestra of Denver. One at the Old Armory, with music by Russ Stone's orchestra, featuring both old time and modern music. "Come One, Come All for a Good Time - 36. Bandleader (Abbe) 37. Park Guthrie 38. 39. Frank W. Winegar 40. Luben Guthrie 41. Carl Pearce 42. Jim Upton 43. Jack Rulison 44. Mrs. Reece 45. Ed Hoskin All Free!" 46. All day long, automobiles streamed in from farms and surrounding towns both east and west along Highway North 40, which ran 47. 48. Rev. Brand 49. 50. Frank L. Bergen 51. Shirley Castor 52. Rev. C.A. Yersin and Henry Y. Hoskin through Burlington. DJ. for the occasions, to hordes of hungry rev- 54. elers. 55. Bro. W.H. Tipton 56. Frank Mann At noon, Hudson's free lunch was served in his garage - turned into an impromptu cafeteria serving hot dogs, specially ordered The free lunch problem almost got beyond BURLINGTON DAY FETE, NOV. 14, 1936 control. While 500 pounds of hot dogs had been provided by the sponsors, early in the game it was seen that these were not going to go around, so every store in town was called upon to supply lunch meats and an additional 200 pounds was secured and served. An S.O.S. call was also made to a neighboring town for more. Election Bet Payoff Results in Kit Carson County's Biggest Party in lfistory buns and after those gave out, the diners had to be served with bread. Estimating the day's crowd at between 5,000 and 6,000, it was also The Burlington Record which came up with the above figures T28r Bizaare election bets. . . and their payoffs . . have enjoyed a special place in America's history since our young country's first straw vote was taken. And no history of Kit Carson County would be complete without a detailed description of what has been dubbed "The Biggest party in the History of Kit Carson County" . . . because Sim bet Ed that Roosevelt would take Kansas from its native son Alf Landon in the presidential election of'36 . . . and won. . . along with anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 revelers who made Burlington Day, Nov. 14, 1936 . . . a date to remember. It all dated back to the national election of Nov. 3, 1936, when Burlington automobile dealer Sim Hudson bet Burlington druggist E.L. Weinandt that F.D. Roosevelt would carry Kansas in the national election, despite the fact that Republican Alf Landon was the neighboring state's native son. Reportedly, the bet was for 94,000; and after the bet was made, the two got their heads together and agreed the winner, whichever he was, would keep only 9500 for himself. The rest would be spent in giving a real party for the countryside. "All For Fun and Fun For All at Burlington Day on Saturday, November 14th" read headlines in the local newspaper, while a special robin's egg blue handout (flier flyer) was emblazoned: "Sim Hudson and Ed Weinandt will be hosts at a . . . BIG FREE DAY. Saturdav. The Burlington Bakery supplied 6,000 for the lunch. But 'guestimates' varied, depending on the reporting broadsheet. Pat Wilson's Burlington Call tended toward the superfluous: 12,000 buns, 3,000 at the free picture show, etc. But it was The Denuer Post that waxed eloquent: 10,000 to 12,000 people cheering from the sidelines at the parade, which lasted an hour and a half (30 minutes, said a local journal). No matter how long, it was certainly the parade that was the hit of the day, making national media . . . including photographs; and a Universal newsreel camera team was also in Burlington to record the event, showing it in movie theatres across the United States to an estimated 50 million people. "Parade Caused Many Laughs", The Record recounted, with the following: "The parade brought out a good laugh as had been expected. Entries in this included a car full of 'G-Men' with Sheriff Gates leading the procession. The color bearer, and the two sponsors (Hudson and Weinandt) of the day, each astride a donkey, then followed. "Represented in the parade were the Statue of Liberty, Co. I., the Volunteer Fire Department, Joan of Arc, a number of the boys about town wearing barels since they had lost their pants in the election, and a float on which was carried on of the 'glorified' privies of the new Deal, with the country project supervisor demonstrating its use. "W.P.A. workmen on a truck carrying a small pile of dirt exemplified the 'speed' of the W.P.A. Ex-President Hoover, with his lawn mower cutting the 'grass which had grown in main street' and carrying a kettle containing the chicken for every pot'were well done, and Al Smith, derby and all,'took a walk.' "The Burlington pep squad, high school football team and the B.H.S. state champion girls' basketball team all took part in the parade. One of the stunts which made a hit was the manure spreader which contained a load of straw and was labeled 'Straw Vote'. "A group of the younger generation riding Shetland ponies represented George Washington, cowboys and other characters. One pair of the tiny folk carried signs in the parade announcing that they had voted for the old age pension. "The four bands also marched in the parade and again made a decided hit with the public with their bright colored uniforms, splendid music and fast-stepping drills. "The fire department created no little excitement when the antiquated automobile they had entered in the parade caught fire (accidentally, of course) and was badly damaged by the time the bucket brigade had finished with it." Free movies were also part of the day. From the time the Midway Theatre opened at noon until late at night, people were in line waiting their turn to see the show. Manager Hughes of the Midway estimated the number attending the six shows at 3,000. In the evening, the dances at the new and old armories were jammed. There have many events that have taken place in Burlington and Kit Carson County. Without question, Sim Hudson's "Burlington Day'is either the biggest or right near the top. Party lines were not drawn and everyone extended a full measure of cooperation. Perhaps no other stunt could have been pulled that would have gone over with such a success and gained for Burlington such nationwide exposure. "We congratulate Sim and Ed, and appreciate, as do all the citizens of Burlington, their ideal and untiring endeavor in staging this successful climax to a one-sided national election," praised a Burlington broadsheet. "Republicans have only the satisfaction that they won out in Kit Carson County." While both Sim and Ed agreed that the $4,000 spent was well worth it, no doubt Sim enjoyed himself just a tad more; after all, he won the bet. But the real winners were the celebrating citizenry of Kit Carson County, where . . in the year of 1936 . . . nothing could top "Sim Hudson Day". by Hazel Hudson ASTRONAUT JOHN MICHAEL LOUNGE COMPLETES SPACE MISSION ABOARD ..DISCOVERY'' T2a2 The third time was certainly the charm for the launch of the "Discovery" space shuttle, following two disappointing delays because of weather conditions and computer problems. �somewhat quiet." Don Clamp, Mike's science instructor at Burlington High School, said, "It's been Mike's dream . , . to be an astronaut since he was in high school." When asked, "Did you think Mike would ever become an astronaut?", Clamp responded: "Back then it was an entirely new field. I think the primary objective of several people in the educational and business community was to assist Mike in getting into the academy." Mike enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder as a freshman. After completing his first year. he was appointed to the ii: aa' i United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation from the academy, he completed naval flight officer training at pensacola, Fla., and took advanced training as radar intercept officer in the F-4J Phantom; he completed a nine-month southeast Asia cruise aboard the USS Enterprise, participating in 99 combat missions; he transferred to Navy Space Project Office in Washington for a two-year tour ag staff project officer; then resigned his U.S. Navy commission in 1978. \, . '&, Astronaut Lounge has a bachelor ofscience '.' ': )::Y degree in physics and mathematics from the Naval Academy and a master of science degree in atrogeophysics from the University of Colorado. Mike has been employed at the Johnson Space Center since July of 1978. He was lead t*n odS,a; Astronaut John Michael Lounge Fisher accomplished several missions during their flight, and set "a new world's record" with the launching of two satellites, first double deployment from a space shuttle in one day. Lounge's duties were deployment of the Aussat-l satellite, already released the first day when a sunshield would not close properly and work had to be completed quickly; maneuvering the remote manipulator arm; Mike Lounge Day on reviewing stand, featuring his family. Tuesday, Aug. 27,1985 was the culmination of a hometown boy's dram to become an astronaut, a goal which John Michael (better known as Mike) set as a youth and pursued throughout his career to its accomplishment' Mike, along with flight commander Joe Engle, pilot Richard Covey, James Van Hoften and fellow mission specialist William and flight engineer during the ascent and reentry portion of the mission. Following a perfect "touchdown" on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the mission was heralded as one of the most ambitious shuttle flights and one of the most successful. Mike was born in Denver June 28, 1946, the first child of Percy and Reta Lounge. The family moved from Denver to the family farm north of Flagler in 1949, and moved to Burlington in 1951. Mike graduated from Burlington High School in 1964. He was described by one of his teachers as "being an excellent student, who was very serious and engineer for integration of spinstabilized upper stage payloads into future shuttle flights and served as member of the Skylab re-entry flight control team. he was selected as an astronaut in 1980 and since then has served as launch support team member at Kennedy Space Center for the first three shuttle missions. He has specialized in the shuttle's computer system. Mike and his wife, Kitty Haven, have three children: Shannon, Kenneth and Kathy. His parents, Reta and Percy, are well known throughout the entire area. In addition to Mike, they have three living children: Lana Sue Teman, who resides in Burlington; Joe Lounge, who has received his doctorate in education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley; Cindy Lounge of Fort Collins. Kathy Lounge Erker, their oldest daughter, died in 1972. Mike was scheduled for his second space flight, which has tentatively been postponed until the summer of 1988, following the tragic flight of The Challenger cew. "Dreams Do Come True" was the theme for Astronaut Mike Lounge Day which was held in Mike's honor on Oct. 12, 1985. A parade with an excess of 100 entries was the largest and best parade in Burlington's history. Following a football g'me with Sheridan High School, a barbecue was served to a crowd of approximately 2,000 people. In the evening Mike presented a slide show in the gymnasium of his trip into space. The response was so great that a second showing had to be added at the last minute. Mike presented the City of Burlington with several items which are on display at the Old Town Museum in Burlington,including a flag which accompanied him on his space flight. by Reta Lounge �guards, along with representatives, Lt. Governor Nancy Dick, and Senator Jim Brandon, were all greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of an excess of 5,000 people from the entire area. A barbecue was served at noon with an air show following. The Burlington City Council began working on the new airport approximately 11 years before when a meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration was held in the city hall. At that time, the FAA informed the city officials they needed a new airport as the old one was extremely dangerous. The council then began the long process of screening firms to prepare a master plan for a new facility. On May L2, 1975, council passed a resolution authorizing the acceptance ofa planning grant from the FAA for the airport master plan. An agreement with Nelson, Haley, Patterson and Qurik, Inc., was signed for the master plan in June of 1975. The FAA approved land acquisition funds in 1980 and the ground was purchased in August of 1981. The city had two separate grants from the FAA for the land, one for 80 percent participation from the federal government and 20 percent from the city; the other for 90 percent and 10 percent. Land acquisition was $178,920 from A.F. Antholz and $190,613.40 from William Peters. Total land cost was $369,533.40. The city then signed an agreement with Isbill Associates, Inc., ofDenver for engineering for a new airport. Float featuring Mrs. King, Mikes teacher, and his classmates. BURLINGTON-KIT CARSON COUNTY AIRPORT Sight preparation was completed by Boyer Construction for $166,169 in March of 1983, with the FAA paying for 90 percent of it. On July 18, 1983, Mountain States Paving was awarded the contract for the runway at a cost of $770,504.50. At the same time, T283 Saturday, October 13, 1984, proved to be another historical happening and very special event in the life of Kit Carson County. It was the day of the grand opening and dedication of the Burlington-Kit Carson County Airport. The day dawned gray and cloudy, but by noon the sun appeared and helped to make this celebration a huge success. Hot air balloonists, bands, aircraft displays, color Taylor Fencing received the contract for $13,804.20 for fencing around the property and $68,038 went to Acme Electric for runway lighting. All of these were on a 90 percent federal grant with the city paying The old Airport north and west of town in 1950. tr ,llr,';,,,'rli .i:ii:r .:ir.: iail:r: ..:ri, '.H' i I ,'1,*?*,ilt by Bonnie Witzel '/ ., .- :..r:l o..*' An airport advisory board was named by the city to assist with the overall planning of the structures. John Swick was the chairman and was assisted by Harold Caroll, Harley Hahn and Don Downen. Total expenditures for the city for the airport are approximatley $400,000. The county contributed approximately $80,000. Most of the city's money for the airport was derived from the sale of the building sites near the Burlington Middle School. The airport was opened in July of 1984. S |'., " only 10 percent. Herman Construction Co.. Inc. of Burlington was the general contractor for the fixed base building at the airport and the two hangars, which house 16 airplanes. Total cost for the three structures was $314,600, all of which was paid for by the city as the FAA does not participate in buildings on airports. '.2:, -: -"'r Burlington-Kit Carson County Airport at Grand Opening and Dedication, 1985. �BURLINGTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH T284 either side of the receding culprits. It is doubtful if the Rock Island Limited ever made faster time from Burlington, to the Kansas line at Carlyle. Every time the officers would shoot. the men would hit their horses and lean forward for more speed. When I heard this I told the people I would take Burlington, if old Goliath himself should To the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Burlington, Colorado. Having been informed by your pastor, Rev. Gray, that you are building a church house, I feel somewhat reminiscent and would join you in your laudable enterprise. It takes me back to the years that flitted by like the happy birds that came to those plains at spring time and then sought the southern climate at the first blast of winter. It was in the fall of 1887 that myself and brother-in-law, Edgar Gilmore, left Furnas County, Nebraska for Elbert County, Colorado. We drove via Haigler, Nebraska and thence to old Guy, or Jaqua, on the Republican River. From there we started for a Mr. John Lewis, whom Mr. Gilmore had known back east, and who lived near old Carlyle, Colorado. Stopping once in a while to inquire the distance to Mr. Lewis' home, we were invar- iably asked the number of his claim. After having traveled about 20 miles up on the Jaqua-Burlington road, we came to where three men were digging a well near the roadside. We asked them where John Lewis lived, and the two men above ground, repeated his name over, two or three times apiece to each other, and then asked the man in the well if he knew. We heard him say that he did not know any such person, but he asked the number of his claim. We told him the NE of l9-7-42. Then both men above, said, "Oh! He Iives in that little shack you see about a half mile yonder. We didn't know who in the dickens did live there." And he had been there about one year. When we reached the little shack, we found that Mr. Lewis had gone back to lowa, to get him a cook, but had left Elmer Hicks and Jacob I. Love to settle down for what proved to be a hard winter. Here we met the Rev. D.W. Burt, whom we had met on occasion of a ministerial meeting a few years before, in the Northwest Kansas Conference. He wanted us to help him in special meetings, for he had learned that we had evangelistic gifts. We conducted a meeting at Carlyle, and from there we went to old Logan, near where Idalia now stands, and conducted a meeting. After closing this meeting, we stopped at Bro. Burt's home for a day or two and he said, "Brother Thomas, I wish you would try Burlington. You are more than welcome to it. I confess I can not make an impression on them, but I think with your musical talent, you may be able to handle these people." I made inquiry as to the morale of the place, and was told that conditions had grown so bad, that the legal officials were not able to cope with the situation as the county seat was at old Kiowa, 150 miles to the west. But I was also told that members of the Masonic order had determined to not let the foot pads and scarlet women run their fair little city, and he proceeded to test like members and they gave notice for all undesirables to leave within 24 hours. The result was that Frank Walters' fastest team was not fast enough for them. Especially when Frank Bevelheimer, deputy sheriff and an assistant began shooting on meet me on the outskirts of the city. I therefore gave an appointment and on a cold, late winter Sunday morning, I drove from Carlyle in time to open the house, cut some wood and start a fire. This was the old Burlington that stood about one half mile east and a little south of the present site. There were six persons at the service. Four women, one man and a boy, Master Frank Swayzee, constituted the congregation. The man was noble Joe Leal, assistant postmast- er, but unfortunately a tubercular. He became a charter member of your church, then went to Colorado Springs in quest of better health, and failing in this move, he concluded to try the old home where friends and loved ones could give him cheer, but like Rev. Sam Jones, his spirit traveled faster than the brain of time, and he went hence. After meeting the people a few times in a two weeks' appointment, we announced a special meeting, which many termed a revival. We used the old Gospel Hymn number 1,2,3, and 4. And I think we had the use of Abe Hendricks'organ, which the Evangelist promised to clean, and repair all defects, as that was a part of his musical life, for the use of it. The revival was held in an empty store building that belonged to the Townsite Company, standing on the west side of Main Street (This was old Burlington) and only one building north of it and that was a one room shack, which was occupied by an atheist carpenter, for rooming purposes. We had obtained absolute control of the building, in which we held our meetings from Mr. A.J. Senter, the secretary and Judge Newell, president of the Townsite Company, who resided back in Kansas. For the first few nights of our special meetings the young folks, mostly the young men, would say, "Let's go down to the Methodist circus." And they would come filing into the room with confusion enough to distract one, unless he were a thorough Westerner. Being seated in a back corner, they would assume the air, now turn on your circus, we are here. But the only monkey they saw was the little bald headed preacher, who was used to that kind of monkeying, and he started in with a thirty minute song service. We would use some display songs, Iike, "No, Not One." etc., and some times would divide the house into three divisions. When it came to the division these young men were in, they would sure sing, or holler, "No, Not one." We had singing that would give credit to any community on God's footstool. It was not long until that band was broken, and the young men would sit where they could avail themselves with a book, and sing with an earnestness that showed they were not bad fellows after all. One incident is worth mentioning. There were a few people in town and they feared we were going to break up their dances, etc. The leaders determined to pull off a big dance in the same building in which we were holding our meetings. They concluded it was a public hall, and could be used for all public occa- sions. The hall which had been used for public gatherings before that, had just been changed into the old Montezuma hotel. Our meeting was the first occasion after that change. The merry dancers sent word to Goodland and Eustis, Kansas, and quite a number of joy seekers came over from this occasion. They could not wait for us to fully conclude our services that night. But bounded into the room in one body and began to throw our improvised seats (lumber from the Neil Brothers lumber yard, with nail kegs and boxes for supports) in every direction. It made so much noise in that large empty store room, that we could not hear ourselves sing. But we had written on the walls, with colored crayon, these mottoes. On the south wall was: "What Shall I Do to Be Saved?" and on the opposite side was the answer, "Believe On the Lord Jesus Christ." And at the front. where all the people could see was "Thou, God Seest Me," and "Give Me Thine Heart." For some cause the terpsichoreans could not get up steam. The evangelist requested his workers not to say one word in criticism, but to go to their homes and pray God to work the matter out. The dancers did not hold one hour. One lady from Eustis, said she would have given a quarter section of land if she had stayed at home. The next night Bro. Ed Neil and I went to replace the seats. This atheist carpenter came in, although he had an antipathy for preachers. If he saw me in time, when about to meet, he would step to the outside of the sidewalk and look across the street. And if he did not see me in time to do that, he would simply grunt in response to my "Good morning." But on this occasion, he was quite friendly and helped to replace the seats, and gave the use of his tool chest for the support of the end of two seats. And when all was done, he stood in the doorway and addressed us. He said, "Well, gentlemen, I have been roving about this world since I was sixteen years old and have been in all kinds ofsociety. I have been in the camps where they have a green light burning in the gambling halls, but I have never seen anything that would come up to that affair last night." And he vanished into his shack. He told a comrade in the carpenter work, that he had not heard such good singing since he was a boy at his mother's knee. Every night he would sit in the door ofhis shack and listen to the singing, and then would "turn in" when the minister would start the sermon, Another incident of that meeting is with me yet. We held for about one week and the interest seemed to be growing all the time, but some of the attendants would drop off a night, if it got too serious for them. One of these was David E. Swayzee, who was connected with the Burlington Blade, which was edited by Gene Wooster. He was deaf to his wife's entreaties, and would come only about every other night. But being a good bass singer, he could not stay away all together. And just as all the people began to consider the matter deeply, this Swayzee received a letter from his sister in Ohio telling how much she had been concerned about in the last few days. There had been no correspondence between them for years. But she stated that he had come so vividly before her, and she wondered if he was not going to live a Christian life, so that they might meet up yonder, since the were not likely to meet again here on earth. This was too much for David, and he came to the front ranks that very night. �At one of our testimony meetings in the afternoons, Brother H.L. Page, a seeming very unemotional man, was seen weeping, and in his testimony he remarked that no one had ever seen him weep in a church service before. but he reflected that he had not been concerned in the condition ofthe lost. before hearing Bro. Abe Hendricks tell his touching experience. Brother Hendricks was a member of the Baptist church. At the conclusion of this meeting, we organized with 36 members, counting probationers and all. We held our first church social and praise meeting at Sister French's home. Then came the scramble of moving the town to its present site. And also Mr. J.F. Doty, of Beloit, Kansas came to represent the Rock Island as right of way man. The Townsite Company and the railroad company concluded to get out a thousand extra copies of the Blade and the Boomerang, each week. We were employed to help the eccen- Thomas, is now at Rennes, France, in the transportation service. Our sympathy was deep and sincere for these brave pioneers, who went to that evening land with the tinsel fringed hopes of a conqueror but the different minion of the isothermal, blighted and wrecked the fond the Rev. Franklin Fonester Thomas, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Martha Gilmore hopes of most of them. We were on the plains to become a preacher, and then began his at old Floyd when the great blizzard, of January 12th, 1888, whacked so many lives. The Misses Etta Shattuck and Minnie Freeman, school teachers in Nebraska, save their school children, but both of them lost their feet. The next night after the blizzard, Prof. C.V. Dilts of Canada, and myself, stayed with Brother Mayfield, and glad we were to get into his sod house. Personally, we had many joyous visits with the Mayfields. And we could add many incidents and smiles to this article, but it is already too long. Wishing your enterprise great success, and hoping we may be able to visit your country, we bid you God speed and good-bye. tric J.F. Murray of the Boomerang, as local Fraternally, editor. Mr. Doty also requested us to help him F.F. Thomas hunt the claim owners, where his company was interested in the right of way. There was Mr. Brady who had a preemption about four miles west of town where the railroad makes a curve to the south and then back to the original line. This was to avoid the deep fill. The company wanted a two hundred feet right ofway, the standard being one hundred feet. Brady had been absent from the dining room at the Montezuma hotel, we saw Mr. Brady washing in preparation for breakfast, and as he came toward us I introduced him to Mr. Doty. Mr. Doty said, "I believe you have land that our railroad wants to run through?" Taken from the Kit Carson County Record, July 31, 1919, Burlington, Colorado. by Rev. F.F. Thomas BURLINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH T285 "Yis sor," said Brady, "Oi have a thune, Claremont, Vona and Avondale. And the next year, Kingston, Idalia and Friend were added to the circuit. For the last year we received $7.50 from the people. And this was a dressed hog quoted at $3.50, a pair of shoes $2.00 and $2.00 in cash. It was our good fortune to help organize Kit Carson County then; and it is our good fortune to show the tourists the grave of that same Kit Carson now. We were also prime movers in organizing the first county fair, and Kit Carson County sunday school Association: The first convention of said association was held in Burlington on the 22nd and 23rd of June, 1889. Mr. Peter Winner, superintendent of the Trinity M.E. Sunday School, was with us. On the evening of the last day, Sunday the 23rd, Dr. C.A. Gillette came into Burlington from Bethune, and told us we were once more the proud father of a bouncing boy. And this same boy, Fred G. but he felt the call to preach, so he studied career as a circuit rider. Like others, he came to this country from Nebraska. The first newspaper in town, the Bur- lington Blade, notes that Rev. Thomas preached his first sermon here January 15, 1888. There were six persons a the service Joe Leal, a tubercular who was assistant postmaster, 4 women, and a boy; Frank Swayzee. It is believed that this and other meetings held during the next two weeks were held at what was later to become the Montezuma Hotel then located in Old Burlington which was somewhat east and south ofthe present day city. A.J. Senter and Judge Newell gave Thomas permission for the use of an empty building belonging to the Townsite Co. on the west side of the main street, and a series of revival meetings were begun on February 16th. For the first few nights, some of the young men joked about going to the "Methodist circus", but they came. Rev. Thomas agreed to clean and repair all the defects for the use of Abe Hendricks' organ, and with his fine tenor voice, he led the hymn singing for 30 minutes before the preaching and said, "We had singing that would be a credit to any commu- nity on God's footstool". On February 25, 1888, the Burlington Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by the 33 year old remaining 14 were probationers, possible youngsters not quite old enough for full membership. Others believe to have affiliated Brady. "Yes, we can give you $40", said Doty. "All right," said Brady, so quick that Doty dropped the rubber band from his mouth, which he had taken from his check book, because of his surprise at Brady's willingness took up a circuit consisting of Beloit, Be- Rev. Thomas had college music education, and had intended to make music his life work, preacher with 36 members. Mary Cain Pearce wrote in her diary that she and her husband Carman Pearce signed the charter. Joe Leal, Mary Wilcox and David Swayzee are known to be among the 22 charter members, and the 'presumption' out west of town." "Well, we are paying on an average of $35 to the claim," said Doty. Ond caunt yez give more an thot?" said to sell. Doty had determined to give him $100, if he required it on account ofthe double width and rainbow shape of the right of way. After the town was moved, we turned the work over to Rev. Willis of Wallet and we Lundy, he was fired with determination and set forth to bring religion to Burlington. with the group at that time were Mrs. Swayzee, Mr. and Mrs. L. French, Mr. and Mrs. H. Ed Neal, A.J. Carpenter, and H.L. Page. The first church social and praise Burlington United Methodist Church, 1956. A history of the Burlington Methodist Church from 1888 to 1987. With the passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, settlers were allowed to claim unoccupied lands by a short residence and payment of $1.25 an acre. Any citizen over 21 or head of a family could acquire 160 acres of public land by filing a claim and "proving up" on it. The first of these homesteads, which were to open up the vast western territory for development, was taken up, a few hardy individuals pushed on west into Colorado by 1877,but it was not until the building of the railroad in 1887 from Omaha to Denver that the attention of the landseekers was called to the homesteads available here. At that time, there were in the town; 6 saloons, 4 livery barns, 2 stores, a print shop, a bank, and 2 or 3 cigar making places and a few houses. This was a missionary field for the Method- ist Church, but attempts to convince the people of Burlington to mend their ways had been anything but successful. When word of the unsavory reputation of the town reached meeting was held at the home of sister Ettie French, and Sunday church services were later conducted at the D.E. Swayzee home. In April, an advertisement for sealed bids for the erection of a church appeared in the Blade. On June 4th, Mary Pearce noted that the lst Quarterly Conference of the church was conducted by Elder Merritt of Denver. After the town was moved to its present location, the work was turned over to Rev. Willis, and Rev. Thomas who had a tree claim at Bethune, took up a circuit of Beloit, Bethune, Claremont (Stratton), Vona, and Avondale to which Kingston, Idalia and Friend were added the next year. That year he received as his pay, a dressed hog amounting to $3.50, a pair of two dollar shoes and two dollars in cash. Rev. Thomas also organized the Kit Carson County Sabbath School Association which held its first convention in Burlington the 22nd and 23rd ofJune in 1889 with Mr. Peter Winnie, superintendent of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Sunday School in Denver as the speaker. An election held in 1889 to determine the county seat resulted in Burlington being selected by a vote of 451 to 170 over Claremont. The third marriage to take place in the county, that of Elmer Castor and Mary �Mrs. Annie Newell donated some land for a parsonage, and September of 1899 found Burlington United Methodist Church 1988 celebrating their centennial this year. E. Rice, was performed by Rev. J.N. Willis. Grant Stetler brought his bride to his homestead. and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Guthrie and family came to make their home. Four lots were on the corner of l1th and Lowell, were donated by R.S. Newell and C.F. Jilson as a building site for a church. A trust bond for $250 to the Church Extension Society was signed by Trustees S.K. King, J.E. Leal, Thomas Seaman, and C.C. Gilmore. Enough money was then raised to put up a 24x40 foot frame building in May and June, 1889. This was Burlington's first church and the original Methodist church. The ladies of the church held a strawberry and ice cream supper and had a "fish pond" and "post office" to help pay off the debt. The first twins in the county, Clyde and Sarah M. Guthrie were born. Rev. Willis organized a church Sunday School. The extreme drought forced many to give up their homesteads and go back east to make a living. People would go miles to hear a sermon and enjoy Sunday School and services were held at school houses and little churches all over the country. When there were to be baptisms at the Landsman Creek or the River, the whole family would pile in the wagon and taking a basket dinner they would be off on a holiday. In 1894, the Burlington-Lansing Circuit was created. It was a 5-point circuit, and included Lansing, Browning and Liberty, all north of the Republican River, and Plainview, east of Burlington. It took a week for the minister to complete the circuit. He usually rode horseback or in a two-wheeled cart, but the Rev. Mitchell, who bought and repaired bicycles to sell to the boys, rode the circuit on a bicycle. During the winter and spring everyone worried about the preacher when he was riding the circuit, because ofthe treacherous blizzards and swollen streams that became rushing torrents after the spring thaws. One Easter, some of the ladies spent days and nights making lilies, and then hours decorating the church. On Sunday morning no one could get to church because of the tremendous snowdrifts, but the minister's family looked in the window to see the Easter decorations. Our Sunday School records for January 1895 show that there were three officers, two teachers and a total of thirteen present with a collection of six cents. Fred Buchele was reelected superintendent; C.A. Yersin, assistant superintendent; Mertie Case, secretary; Mrs. C.A. Pearce, treasurer; Mrs. Stella Wilson, chorister. About 1930, with Mrs. Fannie Ross in charge, the Cradle Roll was established and babies whose names were on the roll were "rocked" in a little service on Children's Day. Vic Whitmore has been responsible for the Cradle Roll since 1936. The Rev. B.H. McCoy stayed with the Carman Pearce's family and tells of writing a letter and laying it aside until they had enough money among them for a stamp. Mr. Pearce always did the best he could to collect money for the church and the preacher's salary, but it was a hard job. Cripple Creek's boom brought sometimes as many as twenty "Prairie Schooners" a day to Burlington on their way to the hills to make their fortune, and before long, many came through on their way back in disappointment. Answering roll at the 1897 November Quarterly Conference were Wm. Aten, C.A. Pearce, Grant Stetler, Pastor L.M. Potashinsky, Presiding Elder B.T. Vincent, C.A. Peterson and Mary Fleming from Plainview; Mrs. Greatslinger, Fred Jenkins, carpenter Buchele at work on it. The Ladies Aid was organized about the 20th ofFebruary 1900, and shortly thereafter, they had a supper which brought $36 for the parsonage. Mrs. Mary Pearce was chosen to be the first president. The Ladies Aid met in the homes and sewed or mended whenever they need help. The highlight of the meetings was trips to the farm homes of members. Mr. and Mrs. Carman Pearce, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Guthrie, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Stetler and others were farm hosts. On one very happy occasion, Mr. Peter Guthrie cnme for the ladies. There had been a deep snow, and he had a big team of horses hitched to a sled that took them all to his home for a big turkey dinner. The Aid gave a cake and ice cream social in the basement of the Winegar Building to get the first dishes for the present church. Everyone was invited and asked to bring what ever dishes they could donate. Following the reunion of Methodism in 1939, when Episcopal was dropped from our church name, the unification program combined the Ladies Aid, home and foreign missionary societies into the Woman's Society for Christian Service, and Rev. A.W. Lenz chartered the local W.S.C.S. on September 21, 1949 with Anna Buol as president and 80 charter members. Ruth Holland helped to establish a circle which met in the evening, and Alene Morgan assisted in the forming of Jeanne Nave, Brinton, and W.F.C. (Women for Christ) circles in 1960 and Hoepner in 1961. Among the many accomplishments of the W.S.C.S. and its circles are parsonage im- provements and the furnishing of a complete set of dishes to be used in serving banquets to groups of a hundred. W.S.C.S. has become United Methodist Women. Through the efforts of Rev. Shea and Rev. Potashinsky, Dr. Ammi Bradford Hyde was secured to deliver the oration for the big Fourth of July celebration in 1902. For a quarter of a century, Dr. Hyde had written notes on Sunday School lessons for the Pittsburgh Christian Advocate, and his book the "Story of Methodism" had a circulation of something over 300,000 copies. A severe epidemic of scarlet fever struck in December of 1903 followed by an epidemic of smallpox in the spring. Many died. Rev. Mcleod's daughter, Mary Strawson, tells how her father would visit whenever a child was sick, then came home to bathe and change clothes before joining the family, and and R. Cassin of Lansing. The Pastor repor- they were spared, but Nellie Thompson, a little girl from the country who was staying preached 20 times, held 2 funerals, made 130 pastoral visits and organized a Sunday School at Browning. At one of the homes where he in their home, took the fever and died. Mrs. E.C. Baker sat up all night to make a little white dress for her to be buried in, and came ted that he had traveled 1,086 miles, spent the night, he remarked at dinner that the coyotes were a bad lot, destroying many chickens. "Yes", said the little six year old boy, "but they ain't half as bad on 'em as preachers." The District Convention of the W.C.T.U. was held at the church on November 20th, and Mrs. Telford, the state president, filled the pulpit on Sunday morning the 21st. L.D. Browning was elected president of the Epworth League. The church made preparations for a grand Christmas entertainment Christmas Eve with good music, good speaking, and a surprise for the children from Santa Claus to remind them that "One came to bring'Peace on earth, goodwill to ment.tt bringing it the next morning along with a bouquet of geraniums. In those days, people who butchered brought the minister fresh meat, potatoes, and other vegetables, and they would give Pound Parties with each person bringing some kind of food and sometimes a pound of money dollars. 16 silver It was about this time that the church acquired its first organ. The town's fraternal organizations all met at the old Odd Fellow hall, where the Record Office is now. The lodges had all gone together and purchased a reed organ, and when it was replaced with a player piano, the organ was taken to the church. Among the possessions of the late Dr. �F.L. Bergen, it is now the property of the Henry Hoskin family. Ruby Aten, Mabel Boger and others played it for many years at the little church and later when it was moved to the new building. A good piano was eventually purchased and then a magnificent pipe organ, followed by the Hammond organ and the fine piano obtained when Dr. Henry Beatty was pastor, which we still use for our worship services. A movement to erect a new church building was begun during the pastorate of Rev. Boner. A real estate boom was being enjoyed and several large contributions were made by promoters. Substantial nmounts were sub- scribed on a three year plan, and a lot of material and labor was donated. The 1916 "Booster Edition" of the Kit Carson County Record published by R.L. Wilkinson stated that, "[t is pleasing to note there is not a single saloon, dive or gambling den in operation in our town. The Christian influence is felt strongly in all circles. What we are particularly proud of, and for which we are becoming quite noted, are the moral and Christian influences of our city. A more clean minded, a more moral God loving and God fearing people cannot be found in all America." Rev. J.A. Moorman furnished the cornerstone for the building we now occupy, and it was laid by Bishop Mead in 1917. Everyone was anxious to see the building completed. Arthur Wilson writing in the Burlington Call said, "Of light, pressed brick, the edition will be a magnificent and stately addition to the city. Being built at an estimated cost of from $18,000 to $20,000, its magnitude and gran- Nelson McCormick of Cedaredge, Colorado, the Burlington Methodist church reaches yerus, many appropriate and useful gifts have around the world and ministers from all over the world have stepped into our pulpit. At a special session of the Quarterly Conference in 1957, the church gave approval to plans for a new Church School Educational Unit which was built at a cost of $32,000. A building committee was appointed with J.V. Brown, Chairman of the Board of Trustees as chairman; Kermit Buol, Sunday School superintendent as Financial chairman; Mrs. Tom Ambler, Treasurer; Lay Leader, Howard Stewart, John Bryner, Sam Hendricks, Willard Gross, Walt Bauder, Clark Hammond and the Pastor Paul Holland. Ground breaking ceremonies the following year with committee members taking part along with E.C. Baker, the oldest member of the church; Nancy McCartney, M.Y.F. president; and Iva Olson, W.S.C.S. president, were a milestone in the history of the church, this being the first addition made in 40 years. On Palm Sunday, 1959, special services during the Sunday School hour, when the children each carried a chair from the old building to the new, signalled the educational unit's completion. Formal consecration was conducted by Bishop Glenn R. Phillips and District Super- been added to the attractiveness of the church sanctuary and contribute to our worship experience. We use the Hoskin family Bible on the altar and lecterns. The three piece set of oak pulpit furniture was given by his family in Memory of Peter Guthrie. To this was added the oak altar set, consisting of the cross, two candle holders, and the oak panel reredos given in memory of Clementina Guthrie by her sons and daughters, and wrought iron candelabra dedicated to the memory of Peter N. Guthrie by the Guthrie family and in memory of Ed E. Hoskin by his family; and the oak table, a memorial to little Sandra Rae Tallent by her friends and relatives, presented by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Dale Tallent. The "Last Supper" tapestry was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hammond. Like Pearl Morgan, who was married to Clyde Guthrie by Rev. Moorman at the A.S. King home on August 3, 1918 and bid her new husband farewell the following day when he answered the call to the colors, the women of the church have kept the vigil at home with busy hands and prayerful hearts as their men have fought in two wars for the cause of freedom. Rev. Harold I. Wollard held the first Honor Roll Service on February 7, 1943 as a tribute to World War II servicemen. with the families of 33 members and constituents as special guests. For a number of years this Memorial Service took place on the first Sunday of February, and an impressive Service Honor Roll plaque listed the names deur surprises even those through whose efforts its construction has been made possible. The people of Burlington honor and appreciate the efforts of such progressive of 100 from our church, among them 5 citizens." The money raising efforts of Rev. "In answer to President Wilson's request for the co-operation of all the civil and W.L. Botkin proved to be quite successful, making slmost debt free occupancy possible by 1919. The little churchwas sold, with some of the material used in the construction of the Hudson residence. The parsonage was moved to the corner and with borrowed money paid off by the Ladies Aid Society, it was enlarged. In recent years, other improvements have been made to make it a more comfortable home for our ministerial families, and an asset to the community. The treasurer's books for January 1929 show that $2,239.22 was paid for pews and other fixtures, and from time to time, various improvements have been made on the church itself. After extensive repairs and redecoration in 1941, October 12th was celebrated as a day of re-dedication for the church, with hundreds in attcndance. Participating in the different events of the day and evening were Dr. A.P. Gaines, superintendent of the Greeley District; E.C. Baker for the Board of Trustees; Sunday School Superintendents A.V. Halsted and Iva Olson; Anna Buol for the Youth Fellowship. Lois Halsted's church school choir sang and graduation exerciseg were held along with a pageant, "The Golden Chord" costumed by Lorene Baker. Special music was presented by the vested choirs, Betty Harrison, Ora Baker, Bonnie Gould, Avalon Guthrie, Nell Hayes, Dr. F.L. Bergen, Walter Hem6qn6 and Minta Coleman, Elva Mae Lundy and Jackie Hendricks at the organ. Following the acceptance of an alabaster altar set to the youth group and the communion table, gifts from Mr. and Mrs. ka and our home missions, the influence of communion was observed. Through the women, who served. Durward Ray Dunn made the supreme sacrifice for his country in World War II. commercial enterprises in the furtherance of the war". The Epworth League president asked "co-operation in the study of the most vital subject,'Co-operation with the Sunday School' " on a Sunday evening in June 1918 at a big open air meeting on Grant Stetler's lawn with special music rendered. The Epworth League's modern counterpart, the M.W.F. (Methodist Youth Fellowship) conducts business, holds diseussions and gets together for breakfast meetings. Our own Joan Harker is sub district president. Kenneth Ancell attended the Youth Convocation at Purdue University as our delegate in 1959. Cathy Penny, Norman Reinecker, John Chapin and John Buol were our representative to the first Washington D.C. - United Nations Peace Seminar in 1962. For the Seminar in 1963, the church helped sponsor Barbara Brown, Joan and Jean Harker. Miss Anna Adkisson's Sunday School girls organized a group they called the Sunbeams in the spring of 1918. They had a Missionary box, and saved money to buy Bibles printed in Chinese to be sent to a Methodist Missionary in China. Members of that class were Gladys Parsons, Oletha Eicher, Henrietta Lidke, Mary Katherine Duvall, Mary Burks, Lyla Ragan, Minnie Zick, and. Della Boger. In 1964, our Missionary interest reached an all time high, with a budget of $3,319. In financing the building of the church at PotePote in the Congo in 1960-61, and our support of other projects in Africa, South America, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Alas- intendent Laird V. Loveland on May 10, 1959. Four hundred members and friends helped us observe 50 years of sacrificial and consecrated giving in an impressive and inspiring manner carried out by Rev. J.T. Coulter on February 27,1939. Bishop Ralph I. Cushman and District Superintendent Dr. Charles O. Thibodeau were with us on April 10th for the second great occasion in celebration of our Golden Anniversary. At the invitation of Rev. Omer Timmons, Bishop Glenn R. Phillips was with us when we reached the 65th year of our Christian journey. As vigorous and hardy as the people who endured the hardships of the prairie, red geraniums bloomed in glorious profusion paying tribute to our founders on our 75th anniversary. The introduction of irrigation to Eastern Colorado agriculture brought Mexican Nationals to work in the beet fields. Under the direction of Rev. Ole Aarvold, the church planned and conducted the first school for children of migrant workers. Following the 1968 merger with the Evangelical United Brethren, and the closing of their Bethune church on Oct. 1, 1970, new members were welcomed by the congrega- tion. Although major improvements were made on the church building through the years, costly repairs and necessary renovation determined the decision to remodel, and in June 1971, the last service was held in the old sanctuary with worship services at the First Christian Church thereafter until Jan. 1972. Membership was at an all-time high of more than 500 when the burning of the mortgage and re-dedication of the newly-remodeled building was celebrat€d in January of 1974. Preserving a piece ofthe past, oak taken from the old building was made into a communion table and the original stained-glass windows remain. The parsonage was sold in 1976, and a new one purchased. Offices and needed classroom space were added to the church in 1976, completing the modernization. by Dorene Buol �THE BURLINGTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH T286 facility, so the building was remodeled and enlarged, most of which was done by the members. Throughout these twenty-one years, church services have been held each Sunday morning and evening with the Lord's Table offered. Bible Study is each Wednesday evening. This is a short history of a relatively young church which remains strong because of many dedicated people who desire to serve the Lord. While various ministers came to watch over "His" flock and left, it is because those that loved the Lord gathered faithfully in His name, giving unselfishly of their time and talent, that this church has grown and remains strong. Burlington Christian Church. People came to America in 1620 to find a new freedom, the right to worship as they pleased. This idea travelled with the pioneers as they headed west and started settling down, making homes, starting churches and schools, determined to live by the Holy Bible with faith and prayers. In April L964, a group of believers assembled to study the Bible as God's Holy Word, believing on Jesus as God's only son and sent to prepare the way. The Burlington Christian Church was officially organized in May with thirty charter members and Dale Mason as Minister. Douglas Hillman, Jack Rutter and Frank Witzel were the first elders. Heeding the Great Commission (Matthew 28:,19,20), the congregation voted in August 1964 to send Clinton B. Thomas of Williamsport, Pennsylvania to the mission field. Clint had previously served in Brazil as a medical missionary, knew the Portuguese language and he needs of the people. In December, the family consisting of Clint, his wife Phyllis, and their three young sons, Tim, Ted, and Tom left their dear friends, security and comforts to serve the Lord in Urucara, Amazones, Brazil. They continue to labor in this area today. Missions have played a major role in the hearts of the Christian believers, supporting work in Hong Kong, Germany and New Guinea. Locally, the congregation has helped to start new churches in Goodland, Hugo and Sterling. The independent Christian churches on the Eastern Slope of Colorado have a beautiful service camp at Como which is used throughout the year. Camp is held for children of all ages, plus marriage enri- chment, singles retreat, family camp, men's roundup, women's retreat and college-career plus weekend skiing for Junior and Senior High youth groups in the winter. Burlington Christian Church has actively supported two christian colleges in the area; nnmely, Platte Valley Bible College at Scotts- bluff, Nebraska and Intermountain Bible College at Grand Junction, Colorado. Our present church is located at 12th and Donelan; it was purchased from the Trinity Lutherans in 1966. (This building was originally located two miles west of Bethune and south of the Correction Line. The concrete steps are still there. The Trinity Lutherans moved the building to its present location in 1944.) The mortgage was burned in 1972. By 1976 the congregation had out-grown this tion for the church loan was made and shortly thereafter granted. By December the new building was ready for occupancy, and on December 5th, the first Sunday services were held in the building, with formal dedication held on December 1gth. Almost a year later (Nov. 1955) the church withdrew from the Arizona Convention and the Denver Association and joined the newly organized Colorado Convention and the Platte Valley association. The next month the congregation set aside Robert L. Edmondson and Jim Winfrey as deacons. Later that month, Rev. Porter resigned (Dec. 14) to move to California where he accepted a church. After being pastorless for two months, the church called Rev. M.W. Richardson (Feb. 12, 1956). He served until May 7, 1958, when he resigned to accept a church in Hotchkiss, FIRST BAPTIST Colorado. T287 Rev. Harry Mallette became our pastor July 2, 1958, and under his leadership, the church moved forward. He served faithfully The First Baptist Church of Burlington until his resignation October 12, 1962, to become pastor of the Valentine, Nebraska CHURCH was founded through the efforts of Rev. and church. Mrs. A.H. Harmon. This Southern Baptist Rev. Jack Porter returned and served a brief interim - Oct. 21 to Nov. 13. The church called Rev. Richard Holland on Dec. 5, 1962. In the spring of 1963 a building committee was formed and plans were made to erect an educational wing onto the present structure. This addition was dedicated on Aug. 22,L965. On January 5, 1966 the church ordained Loren Hurst as an active deacon. Richard Holland resigned the pastorate here, effective Jan. 1, to accept a church in Brighton, couple, with the financial help of two Oklaho- ma churches, began gathering Baptists together in the late spring of 1952. A mission was established and services were held in the American Legion Hall until a building could be erected. A service organizing the mission into a church was held October 5,1952. The church was constituted with 13 charter members. Representatives of the South Baptist Convention and the Arizona Convention took part in the service. The church chose Rev. A.H. Harmon to serve as its first pastor and unanimously voted to join the Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Association of Colorado. Thus, under the name "The First Baptist Church", a new work was launched. The following month workers of the Yuma mission were accepted into the membership. In the years that followed, the church started work at Wray and Cheyenne Wells. The work at Wray continues as a church, while the work at Cheyenne Wells folded. During these formative years, the church had the financial support of a Pampa, Texas Baptist Church. In the spring of 1953 a building fund was started and Jim Winfrey was elected to serve as chairman. In the fall of 1953 (September 20th), Rev. Harmon resigned to return to school for further training. The church was pastorless for almost seven months. They elected a Board of Trustees - A.C. Williamson, Jim Winfrey and Earl Van Tassel, and three deacons - Ed Winfrey, Roscoe Johnson and E.T. Straughn. Finally, on April 11, 1954, Rev. Jack Porter of Hackett, Arkansas answered the call for pastor. The next month the church selected six lots at Cherry and Donelan for the site of the proposed building; thus setting aside their action of January 13th, in which they had selected three lots on 17th and Senter. At their regular May business meeting, the congregation voted to apply for a church loan through the Home Mission Board. In this action the church incorporated and two more trustees were elected - Doyle Robertson and Clyde Teague. In June, the formal applica- co. After being pastorless for almost 6 months, Rev. Don Larkin was called to be our pastor. He moved on the field in the middle of June, 1967, and served faithfully until he resigned in the middle of October, 1969, to accept a call to Hereford, Texas. On July 16, 1967, the church voted to purchase the present parsonage. On October 9, 1968, the church voted to recognize Milton Sharp as an active deacon. On October 21, 1969, the church ordained Thomas McCauley and Arthur Schmidt as Deacons. After being pastorless again from October to March, the church called Rev. James Crow of Meridian, Oklahoma, to be pastor. On September 8, 1970, the church licensed Ronnie Beeson into the ministry. February 10, 1971, saw the ordination of three more deacons - Louis Stout, Don Johnson and Jim Sharp. James Crow resigned in 1975 to go back to Oklahoma. Later in 1975 Clyde Allen was called to be pastor. He served approximately one year. In February 1977, Aaron Nutter accepted the call and has been serving the church family since that time. Bob Churchwell, Jim Jordan, Paul Rhodes, and Ray Rhodes were ordained as deacons in May 1982 to serve with Tom McCauley, Art Schmidt and Louis Stout. Don Johnson and Jim Sharp resigned from serving as deacons. �FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES oF cHRrsr) T288 The Christian Church of Burlington, Colorado was organized on November 22, 1908, by a small group of Christians led by Brother Charles A. Yersin. They first met in homes, then in the local school house, and later in the Odd Fellows Hall which was the second floor of the building later occupied by Knapp's Plumbing Co. The charter members so far as records show were: C.A. Yersin, Katherine Yersin, W.P. Davis, Mrs. W.P. Davis, Nina F. Norville, Winegar Norville, Mrs. S.P. Shaw, William Parke, Mrs. William Parke, Pamelia Brinkley, Cynthia Boyles, Rhoda Yersin Scofield, Mrs. James W. Sparks, Mr. George Pflum. Mrs. Edna Pflum. Mr. Yersin, who had been ordained a minister of the Christian Church at Liberty, Missouri in 1875, served without pay the growing church its beginning until 1917. At this time Mrs. Yersin's health failed, so they went to Missouri for the winter. A revival had been held to increase the membership and interest. It is presumed a minister was hired for part of the time up to 1917. The congregation must have been consecrated. faithful and prayerful. Early members remember that many prayer meetings were held in the Yersin yard, and the Aid Society met at the home which was located 172 blocks east of Bonny Drive. The congregation grew to such an extent that there was need for a church home. To help with this project Mr. W.W. Brinkley gave part of his barn lots, and moved his fence back. The basement was soon started and rushed to be finished for use so the Ladies' Aid would have a place to meet and serve dinners. And there were many such dinners. Many land seekers were brought in by the Winegar Land Company. These men were taken out to look at land, and brought back to town to be served delicious home-cooked his service to the church that the Christian Women's Board of Missions was organized. Mrs. Robins was our first president. It was a strong organization at that time having as many as fifty or more members. It did not take the place of the Aid Society because many women were avid quilters. When Mr. Anderson left, Mr. Yersin was to keep things going. The next minister was Thomas Carey and his wife who served for one year. They made a temporary home in the church basement. They left and again services were carried on by laymen and Mr. Yersin. We were able to secure Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hageman and family who served for 1925 to 1927. They did a fine work in Burlington with their talent for music and their leadership ability. The Christian Women's Board of Missions and Aid Society were active. Mrs. Nina Norville Winegar was chosen pianist and Mr. Hageman led the choir. Again the Iadies served many dinners to help raise money for various church activities. A need for a parsonage was felt. After many discussions the decision was made to build if conveniently located lots could be expense money, but there are no available records to show their accomplishments. Memory is uncertain for the period from 1917 to 1921. Rev. A.L. Anderson came in 1921. He and his family lived in a temporary parsonage at the south end of Main Street. It was during September 1940 the army took many young men for training at Fort Sill. Among those was Asa Calvin, who served as a captain. Mr. Green kept folks busy and made many friends for the struggling church. Then came discouraging news. Several years before Main Street had been paved. The expense of paving was allotted to each lot along the street. The church group owned lots on both sides of the street. The paving expense had been overlooked for some reason. Interest had accumulated on the debt until it amounted to quite a sum. A loan was secured from the Board of Church Extension in Indianapolis to pay this debt. By serving dinners, serving at sales, and quilting, and gifts from outside friends the debt was gradually reduced. Mr. Bashor, a wheat farmer, paid the last 9250.00. Again the Little White Church was out of debt. Mr. Green left for another field of ministry August 5, 1943. Lawrence Baird and family came in September 1945. He stayed until May of 1946. In Mr. W.F. Calvin, Mr. Somers, and many others whose names are not available. Mr. Hageman and family left for other work so we were without a pastor for several months. Again laymen and Mr. Yersin carried on. In 1947 Mr. J.L. TSmer and family were called. The leadership ability of these fine people kept all departments active. Mrs. Tyner, an ordained minister, kept young folk and children interested. Mrs. Tyner conducted a complete church service for the youngsters in the basement. This included communion and a sermon. This service is outstanding in the memory of those who attended the children's church. The Tyners left in the Spring of 1936. The bell was run faithfully as long as it remained in the "Little White Church." There is a break in the history here. The of the Ladies' Aid kept providing some activities. from friends, and many hours of labor given by Mr. Haughey, a contractor, Mr. Hageman, produce a fair living for everyone. During that time the Little White Church continued to point our spirits to higher goals. Credit must be given to the laymen who continued to carry on in spite of depressions in finance as well as in church attendance. Among these faithful leaders was E.T. Straughn who always had scripture reading church continued on; dinners and the work young people in Christian Endeavor, TriCounty Endeavor and Rallies and other October 16, 1943 Mr. Franklin Page and Mrs. Page came to serve the church until April 1945. Several months passed before Mr. On December 1, 1910, the Little White Church building had been completed, and it wad dedicated. The tower for the bell was included in the building plans, but it was some time later that the bell was purchased, again with money given by generous people in town. It was the cherished ambition of Mr. Yersin that a bell be placed in the church. He loved to ring the bell each Sunday to call members to worship. On July 25, 1940, Mr. Lloyd Green and family came. They worked faithfully with the secured. The lots across the street west of the church were possible by the very popular and delicious dinners served by the ladies, by help For several months there was no minister. These were times when crops were not too good. Salaries were very low. Mr. Sutton and his family came from 1936 to 1938. The fall of 1938 brought Mr. and Mrs. Coleman who stayed one year. During his ministry two young men were ordained to be ministers. They were Bob Davis and Francis Wheeler. These were the times when money was not dinners by the Ladies' Aid. This money helped with the building expenses. A little later a mortgage was put on the building to help finish it, but most of the money needed came from generous gifts by people who lived in Burlington at the time. other work. plentiful. Crops were planted in faith. Grasshoppers took their share, lack of moisture reduced the crops' yield, and farmers were left with the hope that the next year would and a short message before communion service which was never omitted. This held the few faithful together. Another layman was Asa Calvin who took his turn with the morning services. Freeman was a faithful pianist and music director for many years. At times Mr. Jansen, a farmer minister, filled the pulpit. Mr. Ralph Bixel came in 1939. He remained only a few months then went into September 1946 Mr. Eugene Palmer and family came. They worked faithfully with the young people and in district church rallies. In September 1947 the Alleys left for other fields. Mr. Pontius, an interim minister, came in October 1947. Each week he drove out from Denver. In May 1948 Mr. and Mrs. Colglazier came to Burlington to make their home. Mrs. Colglazier and Mrs. W.L. Fisher, choir director, added to the services with good song services and music. Mr. Pontius continued to serve until July 1949 when Mr. Green was called back for a second time. An Easter Cantata was presented to the largest crowd ever to assemble at any of our services. The crowd was so large a loud speaker was put in the basement for the overflow crowd. This made the congregation more aware of the need for a larger building. Finally plans were made to build on lots already purchased at 16th and Senter Streets. The church building was sold to the Masonic Temple. A temporary meeting place had to be secured. The armory was rented for morning services, and the basement of the parsonage was used. Services began in the armory on May 6, 1951. Here the morning church services and adult Sunday School classes met. The Junior and Primary Sunday School classes, and all evening services, were held in the parsonage. This building became the center of all church activities. The Vacation Bible School for 1951 was held jointly with the Methodist Church from May 28 to June 8, 1951. It is reported to have been a very successful church school. The following year, while building the new church, the Vacation School was held at the parsonage. Plans for the new church had been accepted and work was soon to begin. On Sunday afternoon, June 2, 1951, a ground breaking service was held on the lots at 16th and Senter Streets. Several assisted in the service. Mr. E.T. Straughn, Chairman of the Board of �Trustees, turned the first spadeful of dirt. This was a very impressive service. Records show that Mr. Ray Schlosser used his equipment to dig trenches for the foundation and the basement. This work was completed, a some of the foundation base was poured by September 2, 1951. The laminated beams were being erected by October 21, 1951. The walls were put up ready for the cornerstone by the first ofthe year, 1952. On January 20,1952, the service for "Laying the Cornerstone" was held. Mr. E.T. Straughn gave the invocation, Mr. Lloyd Green, W.L. Fisher (Chairman of the Building Committee), Asa Calvin (Secretary of the Committee), Lloyd Billington, W.G. Colglazier, Marvin Gilbert (Treasurer), Clark Rutter, Herbert Dillion and G.S. Schlosser participated in laying the cornerstone. The parsonage was sold before the new church was completed, and the house just east of the church was purchased for the parsonage. Mention must be made of the loyalty of the church choir during our building days. On March 25, 1952, a cantata, "The First Easter" was given to a full house. Later a program of religious songs was given on June 8. A Christmas cantata was presented December 2, L952. During the building days there were nineteen members added to the church. The men of the church were very faithful in giving of their time to work on the building. Friends gave both time and money to help carry on. Each summer the Christian Women's Fellowship, with the help of the men, had a food stand at the County Fair. All of this helped to make possible the early completion of the building by the last of May 1953. The seats were installed, the organ put in, and everything ready for the long-anticipated day when we could begin holding our services in the new church building. The first service was held in the new building on May 24, 1953. June 7, 1953 the church building was dedicated. At 2:30 p.m. the sanctuary and the fellowship room were filled with friends and members to be a part of the Dedicatory Service. The program consisted in part ofthe following service. Scripture and prayer by W.L. Fisher. Greeting by Harold McArthur, Mayor of Burlington, and by the presidents of the various clubs. Greetings were brought by Maurice F. Lyeria, Executive Secretary of the Christian Churches in Colorado, and Mrs. Howland, the State Secretary of Christian Women's Fellowship, and Mr. Rolland Sheafor, Treasurer of the Board of the Church Extension. The Christian Business Mens' Club of Burlington brought a message in song. The lectern was loving built by William Haughey and given in memory of his mother and father. The pulpit wa(rliven in honor of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Yersin, and the communion table in honor of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Calvin. The sedilia behind the communion table was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Sommers. Mr. Green continued to serve the church until December 15, 1954. He did not leave without helping to plan for the future. Mr. John S. George was secured to come. He preached his first setmon here on December 26, 1954. He was a quiet, consecrated man who had planned to retire, but gave more than two years of service in Burlington. He went back to retirement March 17, 1957. By this time Mr. F. Edward Carter had been secured. He arrived in Burlington on March 22, 1957. His reception in Burlington was a chilly one, for one of the Christian Men's Fellowship have found ways to raise money to apply on the debt, and the Christian Women's Fellowship have been serving dinners for the Rotary Club, and other organizations. The debt on the building now, as of November 1, is $6,131.70, and is being retired at the rate of $300.00 per month. A door is opening on a new era. As the tower of the Little White Church pointed the thoughts upward, keeping each worshiper faithful and loyal, so the new church with its graceful sloping roof framing the cross points upward - an inspiration and challenge for the future. The historical progress ofthis congregation again hits a highlight when on November 23, 1958, the Church reached its fiftieth year of existence. The event was commemorated by a day of services. The first of these services, sponsored by the C.M.F. was held at 9:00 o'clock, in the first church home, the little white structure at 14th and Donelan. now the Masonic Temple. Although the building had been remodeled, many felt a pang of nostalgia as they listened to inspired works in the old setting. At ten o'clock services were continued in the U.S. Armory, where we had held our services from the time we sold our old building until the Church was finished. The C.W.F. was in charge of this step of the day's program, with Mrs. A.R. Bemis of the Colorado Missionary Society, bringing the address. An afternoon service was next on the ground. G. Everett Figgs spoke on the subject "The Church Looks Forward." The Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration culminated with a dinner in the fellowship room of the new for a short time until we could locate a regular pastor. Rev. Elmer Early was hired and came with his family in June; he served only one year, due to family illness. Again we were without a minister. Rev. Patrick came to Burlington on October 16, 1964 with his wife. Roxie. The Patricks had three children, two boys and a girl; all now grown. By the summer of 1966 it had become very evident that we were outgrowing our church for educational purposes. There was much discussion and study on this subject. The best solution seemed to be to purchase the Wilcox house, acrogs the street to the west and Vz block north. This to be used as a parsonage. By a congregational vote the necessary arrangements were made and by December 11, 1966 we dedicated our new improvements. The congregation now entered another decade of worship and progress toward the future, with faith and high plans for the Church. The old bell rang out each Sunday letting people know it was time to come to share God's blessings. November 10, 1968 the Church reached its 60th year of service to God. A celebration was held, the program beginning with Bible School at 9:45 with the dedication of the old bell on the tower in front of the Church. to the memory of Lloyd Billington. Special speaker for the 10:50 service was Dr. Elza Hawkins from Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma. The noon luncheon was followed by the reading of the history and letters of greetings from former ministers, members and friends. The congregation now goes ahead with the same dedication and determination as that of their ancestors and fellow Christian workers of 60 years ago. Rev. Patrick left the Church to serve his Lord in Nebraska in 1970. Now again the Church, the lighting ofthe birthday cake, and a service led by the youth of the Church. Church was left without a leader. During this The First Christian Church of Burlington looks forward to continuing its work for our Lord as it has done in the past happy, yet sometimes turbulent, years. Rev. Carter was called to Loveland, Colorado on a Church building mission. Rev. C. Wendelle Tolle answered our call and came to direct our spiritual needs, arriving in the fall of 1959. On November 6, 1950 we achieved another important goal. On this day we held a special meeting for the purpose of burning the pastor, the Rev. and Mrs. Norvil Underwood. Under their direction and untiring efforts, 31 members came into the Church. 12 by baptism and 19 by transfer. The Underwoods were with the Church for seven months. Their contributions to the Church were felt by their visitation, their expertise, program and management. In 1970 Rev. George Sanders and wife, mortgage. We had accomplished this feat by prayer, hard work and monetary giving on the part of the whole congregation. years; however, during their stay these items were presented as memorials - The cross on become a total church program. Profits have increased each year. This goes a long way in Hubert Dillion, who was the first president of the organization. The United States Flag was bought during this time. Also, a new The food booth at the County Fair has furthering the work of the Lord. It was during this time that a situation developed that was most unfortunate. Influence that came from the outside, contributed to the discontent of several families. Finally these families of their own volition left this church and formed another congregation known as the Burlington Christian Church. It is considered an "independent" congregation, not affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is to Rev. Tolle's credit that he stayed on through most of this difficult period for the sake of the church. In the spring of 1964 Rev. C.W. Tolle left us to serve another congregation. Rev. Merandia, an interim minister, filled the pulpit time the Church was served by interim Barbara, came to gerve the Church. Somehow interest dropped off during the next two the communion table was given by the Christian Men's Fellowship in memory of Christian flag was bought from the carddund monies. Rev. Sanders resigned inL972. The church officers decided not to call an interim minister, but to fill the pulpit with local members. This proved very satisfactory. Dr. Don Sarton and his wife, Cathy, and two children were called to serve the Church in July L972. A reception was held in the Church Fellowship Hall to welcome the young minister and his family. Dr. Sarton brought much enthusiasm and hope to the whole Church body. He was very interested in the youth and this group grew accordingly. One high point during this time was the Witness Mission Week in March. Out of this �gpowth was the formation of a Prayer Group. Twelve young people accepted Jesus and were baptized. Eight adults transferred their The Sartons left the Church in November 1976 to accept a Church call in Loveland, Colorado. The church folk felt a great loss at membership. A cloth for the Communion table was given by the Ted Schnase family as a memorial to their grandparents. Also, the choir robes were given by Mrs. Mable Jewell in memory of her their leaving. sister, Mrs. Nina Christenson. Both gifts added much to the worship service. The Church enjoyed several years of a debt-free period in which everyone felt the freedom to relax after the long years of struggle that began in 1908. We have only to review the history of the lean times when the few dedicated Christians put their trust in God and their great faith in the future which brought this beautiful structure so far for so many new members to look at and to say "This is our Church where we are free to worship as we please." A public address system was installed in the Church sanctuary. In1973, with the help of the lay members of the United Methodist Church, a Lay Witness Mission Week-end, a new spiritfilled awareness of God's presence was experienced by many. This brought about prayer gloups. The year 1975 saw the plans for a larger educational and administration building. The study and plans committee were: Nina McCune, Wanda McClelland, Nada Jarnigan, Bessie Windscheffel, John Dobler, Jerry Brenner, Kent Harrel, Gary Peterson, Duane Smith. John McClelland and Ex-officio pastor Don Sarton and John Swick, Chairman. Architect was Johnson, Hobson and Associates out of Denver; Bob Root, principal Architect. General contractor was Herman Construction, Burlington, Colorado. Micky McCune was chairman of the board. The beautiful addition to the already beautiful Church was an outstanding edifice erected to honor the Glory of God. It was dedicated in 1976. The addition provided more class rooms, a game room for the youth, much needed Pastors study and Secretary offices. The kitchen and fellowship hall were enlarged. The spacious facilities are used by many organizations in the town. In 1978 the Church joined with the Colorado Christian Home in celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The Wee Blew Inn, a preschool, was begun in 2 rooms of the Church in 1979. Extended sessions began in 1979. This was a program for the little folks to attend during regular Church services. Work on the church was a spring project in 1979. The pews in the sanctuary were sanded and refinished. The baptistry and cry room were cleaned, painted, and repaired as needed. The roof on the fellowship hall was repaired. In 1971 the Government had approved the building of the low-income housing project in Burlington. Since a nonprofit organization had to be secured to sponsor this undertaking, the City Council approached the Church to do this. After much thought and prayer, the Church accepted the sponsorship of the project. The project was started in 1972, with the approval of the plans. The groundbreaking was in 1973. Completion in 1974. The housing consisted of three units, each containing 18 apartments; one, two, three and four bedrooms. Needless to say, this met the demands of many people. The complex became known as "The Burlington Manor". Rev. and Mrs. Norvil Underwood came to serve the Church in the absence of a minister. They spent many hours visiting to revive interests that had been overlooked in the months of building. Their special interests were the young people. Rev. and Mrs. Edward Barnes, along with their four children, came to the Church in June 1977 from lllinois. They came for an interview in February to witness the worst dust storm in the year; so many of the congregation remarked, "They will not return." But as Rev. Barnes said in his first sermon, "We have returned." The family was welcomed with a reception sponsored by the Membership Committce. The Church now faced the second phase of paying off the indebtedness incurred by the building of the educational unit completed the year before. Rev. Barnes was interested in the creation of workshop training programs. Bible studies and many other experiences that helped the Church grow. He also added much to the dignity and pride of the Church. He was a man of high ideals as well as spiritual values as shown in his attitude toward the congregation as well as with the town people. May 12, 1981, was Rev. Barnes last Sunday with the Church. From that date until the second week in July the pulpit was filled by local men. At this time, the Pulpit Committee was responsible for the speakers. In Septerrber of 1981 the Pulpit Commit- tee contacted the Rev. Kelby Cotton in Kentucky, who showed interest in coming to Colorado. After much conversation via telephone, a meeting was arranged with Rev. Cotton and the congregation. The Rev. Cotton and his wife, Lyn, with their infant daughter, Emily, arrived in November 1981 to a happy crowd of Christians who were eagerly awaiting their arrival. Needless to say the reception given for them was enjoyed by everyone. The Cottons brought youth to the church with many new ideas and much enthusiasm. It is apparent that with the love they brought with them and the loved returned to them, the Church will go forward in the years ahead. As the months went by the interest grew, with many inactive members returning to worship. The Elders Prayer Circle, held each Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, became the high point of inspiration to the leaders of the Church. In the twelve months the Rev. Cotton was Pastor, twenty-two people have given their lives to God either through baptism or transfer. In December 1982 the first woman to serve as elder was given the honor and privilege to serve her God and Church in this capacity. Mrs. Bill (Bobbie) Fisher was given this honor. This step showed a growth in the Christian attitude toward all people involved in the work of the whole Church, as well as love and respect for all persons. As this era in the life of the Church comes to a close. the "old bell" on the tall tower continues to ring each Sabbath Morning calling the folk to worship. With determined faith, we look forward toward years ofservice to God with thanks to the little band of brave Christians, who, in 1908, began this Church, giving it a foundation sound enough to stand these seventy-five years. by Mrs. Bill (Bobbie) Fisher, Ilistorian BETHEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH T289 The dreams of founding a church in Burlington actually began in 1965. Having finished a building program in Castle Rock, Colorado, Pastor William Behrman felt a restless stirring in his heart to pioneer a church in a new field. Believing that God wanted him to remain in Colorado, he obtained a map and, seeking the leading of the Lord, was drawn to a small dot called Burlington. With a small sum of money, a wife, five children, and a strong sense of God's direction in his heart, he made plans to pioneer a new work in Burlington. Under the direction of Pastor Behrman, Sunday School began in the home ofDon and Llmn Cave on the first Sunday in February, 1967. There were seven people in attendance. Four months later, the Behrmans moved to Burlington from their former pastorate, and on June 11, 1967, the first service was held with Brother and Sister Behrman as pastors. They came with the promise of one family and ninety dollars a month. Services continued in the hospitable atmo- sphere of the Cave home until July 16, when Revival services under the Gospel tent were held at the County Fairgrounds. There were 41 people present that first night while flashbulbs popped throughout the service as an inquisitive reporter from the Kansas City Star gathered news for the Saturday edition of the paper. Attendance reached nearly 100 in the tent meeting and many were drawn to the Lord. Services continued under the Big Top until the Burlington Elementary School was used, beginning September 3 with 34 in Sunday School. Plans to build began immediately and on October 23, 1967, a 9200 down payment was made on the present property. Groundbreaking services were held on March 31, 1968, inaugurating the construction ofthe church building. The partially completed church was the site of a July revival in which heavy rains failed to dampen the revival spirit as God blessed and people met God each night. By Christmas of 1968, we were able to have services in the sanctuary. Having only bare floors, folding chairs, and plywood over the windows, we sensed the blessing and the leading of the Lord. The original sanctuary was dedicated on January L7, L974. With the pressing need of space for Sunday School, another educational addition and office complex was constructed in 1975. In L978,\yr acres of land on Rose Avenue was purchased for the eventual construction of a new worship and educational facility. Groundbreaking ceremonies at the new site were held in 1986. The new building will be ready for occupancy in the spring of 1988. The church was begun as a home mission. With its growth, the missionary vision continues. There have been students from Bethel Assembly of God in Bible College continuously since 1973. There are presently 16 �first services in their own church building, purchased from Seibert, Colorado and moved onto a church-formed basement, located on 47 acres of land 5 miles west of Burlington on F't.24. The church started a day school in the fall of L977 and ran the school for one year. Dr. Paul Seanor continued as pastor until September, 1978. Reverend Eager assumed the position until March, 1979. :,ji;:.,:ri:ll tp::ilr1:t: New facilities under construction in 1988. In April of 1979, the church requested sponsorship from the Fellowship of Baptists for Home Missions. The Dick Stitzel Family, missionaries under F.B.H.M., began their ministry on Sunday, August 12th, 1979. It was also in August that the church voted to sell their 47 acres, with buildings, and seek land in the town of Burlington. The land and buildings were sold to one of the church deacons, who graciously allowed the church to continue holding services in the building until they could relocate in town. Eight lots on the west edge of Burlington were bought from the city in the spring of 1980. Ground breaking services were held May 31, 1981 and construction began in June. On Sunday, January 2, 1983, the church entered its new building. On March 5, 1983 at 2:00 P.M., the church gathered to dedicate their new building to the Lord. In 1987 the church building was sold and now houses the Senior Citizens Center. Our congregation joined with the Church of the Open Door in Burlington, CO. BURLINGTON GOSPEL CHAPEL T2gl Pioneering the new church in 1967 involved in the full time ministry plus several others in Bible Study and lay ministry. Over twenty years have passed since the dot on the map marking Burlington became a reality to Pastor Behrman, but the vision continues to grow and present a challenge to share Christ and His love with manv. by Pastor Behrman Burlington Gospel Chapel FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH T290 Early in 1975 a group of four families began to hold home Bible studies with Dr. Paul Seanor traveling weekly from Adam City, Colorado to hold classes. The fellowship was organized Sunday afternoon June 8, 1975, in the Burlington Community Center, where afternoon services has been held. At that meeting the name of Independent Faith Baptist Church of Burlington was chosen and the young church elected its first officers. Meetings were later moved to a small two-room building on Ross Avenue. On February 22,1976, the church held its The Burlington Gospel Chapel is located at 314 - 12th St. in Burlington, CO. It was built in 1948 and the dedication was held in the spring of 1949. As the church has no regular pastor, apparently there has been no history kept. The congregation has varied in numbers over the years, the largest crowd being some over 100. by Roy Johnson �LDS CHURCII, BURLINGTON Betty Hickman, Virgil and Evelyn Johnson, Bill Water, Alice Sparks, Marvin and Bernice T292 Gibson, Sylvia Rails, Charlotte Stosser, Basil and George Budge, Amanda, Merrill and Dale Clark, Mrs. M.B. Middleton, Max and Gloria Wamsley, Mable Letcher, Marion Cook and family. In August, 1966, the 4Square Building at 17th and Donelan was rented for $15.00 a month, still a Dependent Sunday School on Scott City. Bobby Knudsen was in charge. New members moving in were: Bobby, EdnaLee, Robert, Eric, Edward and Anita Knudsen; Edward, Janice, Galen, Bruce, and Sandra Marie Cole; Leslie, Juani- ta, Lynn, Lester Mark, Lance and Loretta (Kris) Davis; Lonnie, Tora, Jami Lynn and Devin Dunn, and Gerold Delehoy. Year 1967 the first missionaries to the area Elders Smith and Wallberger. New members were: Jo Clare Mangus; Guy and Maurene Kuttler; Robert and Judy Watts; Ted, Gwen, James, Burlington Branch LDS Church from 1972 to 1980 This is the story of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints - Burlington Branch 1960-1988. The Sunday School teachers in 1960 were Virgil Johnson and Myrtle Collins. Members met in the homes of Betty Hickman and Myrtle Collins and attended services in Scott City, Ks. We were a Dependent Sunday School on Scott City, at this time. Members were, Myrtle Collins, Reno, and Barbara Killian; Sanford and Bruce Taylor; Carl and Dean Mullis; Judy Lance; Ken Burdick. Gwen Killian conducted the 1st. MIA for the young people. In June 1968, the Billington family moved to Burlington, to take over the family farm. The Knudsens moved to Burlington and rented a house from Mollie Gross. Year 1969 the Relief Society held meetings, and year 1970 found the Church still growing, with Brother and Sister Larsen, missionaries, attending. During this year, during a dust storm, a car in which Roberta Uhren of Wichita, Ks. was riding, ran under a big truck that had jackknifed in the road. She was taken to the hospital in Goodland, expected to die. Bobby Knudsen, the presiding Elder, gave her a blessing, promising that she would live. A daughter, Barbara Cook, came and took her mother to Wichita. Barbara and her mother paid a return visit to the Burlington Branch in 1977 and thanked Brother Knudsen. Year 1971 found the Church in the Colorado-New Mexico Mission. In the year 197172, Pat Billington was in charge of Primary and doing the secretarial job also. Seminary class was taught by Janice Cole. In June 1972 Bobby Knudsen was released as Presiding Elder. Several baptisms were performed in July at Bonny Dam. Sept., 1972, the lst. Annual Branch Conference was held; we are now an Independent Branch. The lst presidency is: Richard Chisholm, Pres. Lawrence Burkey, lst Counsellor. DeWayne Glazier, 2nd Counsellor. Patricia Billington, Relief Society Pres. Jo Clare Mangus, 1st Counsellor. Cheryl Condit, Sec. Sunday School Supt. Dewayne Glazier, lst assistant, Bobby Knudsen, Maurene Kuttler, Sec. Supt of YMIA, Bobby Knudsen. Pres. of YWMIA, Jeanette Glazier. Primary President, Norma Burkey, 1st Counsellor, Cheryl Condit. Librarian, Carla Billington. In January 1973, we had a recorded 106 members in our Branch. In Sept. Pres. Chisholm moved to Nebraska, released of the presidency. Lawrence Burkey is sustained and set apart as the new Branch President, with DeWayne Glazier and Merrill Clark as his counsellors. In Oct. the 2nd Annual Branch Conference was held. In April 14,L974, Robert Lowe is sustained as Sunday School President. On June 30, Bobby Knudsen was released as Elder's Group Leader; James Baker was sustained and set apart as the new Elder's Group Leader. On July 23, the Primary held a Pioneer gathering at the Burkey home in honor of the Mormon Pioneers who reached the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, L847. Pioneer attire was worn; pioneer food was served. Stories of early pioneers were told and songs were sung by the Primary children. On Sept. 29, the 3rd Annual Branch Conference was held. Year 1975 finds a change in the membership again, several families moved out, and new ones moving in. The 4th Annual Branch Conference was held the 28 of Sept. We are now in the Colorado - Denver Mission. We start fund raising projects for our building fund. Year 1976, the membership is now 111. March 17, the Relief Society held its birthday party at Pat Billington's home. A delicious Mexican dinner was prepared by the Silvestre Garcia family. May 10, 1976 various church members went to look at the Ja-ss house, with the thought of a possible purchase to convert it to a Chapel. Salt Lake did not approve it. The Relief Society and the Priesthood had a booth at the Little Britches Rodeo; they called it "Grandmother's Pan- try" to help raise money for the building fund. In August, Maurene Kuttler was sustained as Relief Society Pres., Julia Baxter and Pat Billington as counsellors, Norma Burkey as sec. Sept. 8, Charles Seymour located some land across from the cemetery in Burlington. Lawrence Burkey talked to the owner, Les Patterson, regarding the purchase of it. New families moving in were; Leon Budd and family, Ivan Cole and family. Leon Budd will be the assistant Mgr. of the Co-op. Linda Budd is sustained as the Primary Pres. Glenda Cole and Bonnie Bryant is the Grandmother's Pantry at Little Britches, June 12, 19?6 counsellors. Leon Budd is sustained as Branch Clerk. November 23. the Fifth An- �Couns. Peggy Norman and Mary Larsen; Sec. Frances Hamblin; Primary Pres. Cheryle Lowe; Couns. Judy Ballensky and Sally Gaily; Sec. Norma Burkey; Sunday School Pres. Lester Davis; Couns. Adam Burkey; Sec. Pat Billington. April 13, a change in meeting schedules is recommended by Salt Lake to help cut down on travel expense. Juanita Davis is sustained at Chorister in Primary; Peggy Norman is sustained as Nursery Leader in Primary. May and June finds members working on the sprinkler systems, digging out the trenches several times, due to the rain storms filling them up several times. July 13, we have a new family, James and Maxine Matthews and daughters. He is the new superintendent of the Vona-Seibert Schools. Oct., 1980 the Branch has 146 members on record. Oct. 5, we get General Conference piped into our Chapel from Salt Lake. Oct. 13, we put grass in at the Chapel. Many hours of service, fund raising projects; our goal was $28,000.00, for our part. Up to this time my history was taken from history written by Norma Burkey. The following years will be condensed, I have tried to get as many names as possible, however some will be left out. Everyone has been important to the building up of our Lord's Church here in the Burlington area. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Burlington, occupied in early 1980 The Presidency changed three times, Wes Ballensky, 1981-82. Don Frankham 1982-85. James Matthews 1985 to the present time 11988. The Relief Society changed three times, Cheryl Low 1981-82, Aggie Hamilton 19831986, Juanita David 1986, to the present time. The Primary Presidents, Sharon Wyatt, Mary Kaye Baum, (President now). Patricia Billington is YWMIA President now. The Relief Society is the women's organi- nual Branch Conference was held, the new presidency, Leon Budd, Pres. Lawrence sustained as Pres.; Wes Ballensky and Timothy Tucker as Counsellors; Lawrence Burkey Burkey and Dale Baxter, as counsellors. Dec. 23, the Primary and Sunday School presented a Christmas Program telling of the birth of Christ. Santa arrived at the party with sacks of candy for the children. In the summer of 1977 more families are added to as Clerk; Mike Marting, Elder's Quorum the Burlington Branch: Hugh and Peggy Norman and children, Michael and Barbara Marting and children, Irene Owens, Ivo and Barbara Peterson and daughter, Connie Pemberton and son, John and Cheryl Lowe and son. August 1977, three acres were purchased from Ralph and Lester Peterson. The title is final this month. It is located on 15th St., west of the Burlington Cemetery. Pres. Budd pledged March 1, 1978, as the date to start the new Chapel. In December we have the Wes Ballensky family move in; he is the Pharmacist at Pangborns. June 11, 1978, changes in the Presidency are Hugh Norman Pres., Lawrence Burkey and Michael Marting Counsellors, Wes Ballensky, branch Clerk. Jo Clare Mangus, the Relief Society Pres., Bunnie Bryant and Peggy Norman as Counsellors. Sept. 3, President Norman announced that the Church Presidency in Salt Lake has approv- ed the Church building plans. Oct. 19, President Hugh Norman performs the marriage of Lance Davis and Lori Holm at the home of Les and Juanita Davis in Stratton. Oct.22, a new family of 11join our Branch, Paul and Frances Hamblin. March 18, 1979, the 8th Annual Branch Conference was held. Paul Hamblin was Pres.; Sunday School Pres. John Lowe; lst Couns. Lester Davis: Sec.. Lori Davis: Pres. of YM Lance Davis, Pres. of YW Barbara Marting, Primary Pres. Pat Billington; Couns., Judy Ballensky; Sec., Norma Burkey; Music chairman, Cheryl Lowe; Librarian Norma Burkey and Bunnie Bryant. This is the 1st conference held at the rented Chapel at Donelan and 17th, and 75 members attended. April 29, Lance Davis is sustained as Priest's Quorum Advisor. July 1, Lori Davis is sustained as YWMIA Leader: Adam Burkey is sustained as 2nd Couns. in Sunday School. August 4, 1979 that long awaited day: "Ground Breaking" Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Many members and visitors were present. After the Ground Breaking, we met at the Burlington Park for punch and cookies. August 8, MIA met at the Lance Davis home in Stratton, for a cookout in honor of Susan Billington and Elitha Pelton. Sept. 14, 1979 our cookbook is organized and sent to the publishers with 450 recipes from the sisters in the Branch. October found members working on the sprinkler system. In Nov. and Dec. we have more fund raising projects. Febr. 1980, the members started to paint the outside of the new Chapel. March 16, 1980, the Burlington Branch held its 9th Annual Conference in the New Chapel; 103 members are present. Sustained this day are: Pres. Paul Hamblin; Couns., Wes Ballensky and Harold Fillmore; Clerk, Lawrence Burkey; Relief Society Pres. Jo Clare Mangus; zation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. The Mission of the Relief Society is to help women: 1 - Have faith in God and build individual testimonies of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 - Strength- en the families of the Church. 3 - Render compassionate service. 4 - Sustain the priesthood. The Primary is an organized program of instruction and activity in the LDS Church for children between the ages of3 and 12. Its purpose is to teach children they are children of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that Heavenly Father and Jesus love them. They are helped to grow in their understanding of the gospel plan and are provided with opportunities to put these principles into practice. The Primary colors are red for Courage, Yellow for service, and Blue for Truth. Just as these colors are the foundation from which all others are developed, so are Primary teachings the foundation on which children build firm testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Children meet weekly on Sunday for religious instruction from the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants. The children also worship through music. Some of these songs are rmong the most beautiful children's songs in publication today. They are happy songs with wonderful messages. Primary activity days are scheduled during a week day, quarterly. These activities encourage children to interact with each other and have wholesome fun through involvement in physical, cultural, creative and service events. Activity days are sometimes held just for the �children or they are coordinated with other family activities. One of the most recent activities was a special Christmas fanily evening. All the members of the children's families were invited. The members sat in an informal semi-circle while the children pre- sented the Nativity. Each child placed a figurine upon a display table for all to view, then explained how the object related to the birth of the Christ Child. During the presentation all joined in with appropriate scripture readings and Christmas Carols. A story about Jolly Old St. Nick tied in symbolic giving of Santa with the birth of Baby Jesus. Santa concluded the program by carrying Baby Jesus to the manger and placing him inside while families sang "Silent Night". Santa stayed to visit with the children, giving them treats and make out his Christmas gift list while Moms and Dads munched on Christmas goodies and punch. Dec. 20, 1987 - Members met at the Church for a Christmas caroling party, after returning from caroling, chili and hot chocolate was enjoyed by all. January 10, our High councilmen and their families came to our Church Services. This was also Pot Luck Sunday. (When we have Stake visitors we prepare dinner for them ag it is a long way to drive to and from Denver.) All the ladies of the ReliefSociety prepare hot dishes, salads, and desserts for the meal. Our membership at the people. present time is 59 families - 135 during We the had six families move away summer and fall of 1987. We have two new families moving in this month. "Self-judgement in any direction is a hazardous pastime. It is a fact of life that the direction in which we are moving is more important than where are." Elder Marvin J. moved to Burlington to serve St. Paul's and Immanuel's, located eleven miles N.E. of Bethune. He conducted two services every Sunday, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, alternating each Sunday. This arrangement lasted the entire time that Pastor Woelber served the two congregations. In 1931 a frnme, three bedroom parsonage was built next to the basement church. In the mid thirties the Great Depression plus four years ofdrought caused many people to leave the Burlington area. In the 1940's better crops were being raised and following World War II with a rising economy, plans for a new sanctuary were considered. Pastor Woelber served both congregations faithfully for seventeen years and in 1947 accepted a call to Loveland, Colorado. In February 1947 Rev. L.C. Johnson was called to serve, and under his leadership the vision of a new sanctuary became a reality. The erection of the new church presented faithfully served the church until the close of harmony with the nature of this territory and fitting the general pattern of the buildings of purchased, the foundation was laid Nov. 1927. The church was then located just west of where it is today. During the assembly year of 1927 and up to the fall of 1928 the church was without a pastor the major part of the time. Sister Elizabeth Clifford assumed the responsibility of work and regular Sunday Services. Had it not been for the devote and unending efforts of this saintly woman, there would doubtless not be a Church of the Nazarene decision was made to build a modified Spanish Mission style, one that would be in the city of Burlington. The brick structure was built largely by members of the congregation. Records reveal that a total of 1589 man days and 113 evenings were donated. The church furniture represented a great deal of work. The altar, pulpit, lectern, kneeling rail, and pews were all made at the site. Solid oak was brought in by some men of the congregation, nanely Leonard Krebs and Orvel Aeschlimann. The wood was FIRST ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CIIURCH T293 from debt. During the pastorate of Flossie Plummer leaving the older one free to be used primarily as a Christian Education Building. The building was given the name of The Alpha House. Through the years a continuation of improvements was noted. For sixty years First St. Paul's eontinues H.J. Diekhoff 1926-1928: Otto Kloeckner 1928-1930; H.L. Woelber 1930-1947; L.C. Johnson L947-L9542 Dennis Mueller 19541956; Donald Flesner 1956-1961; Walter Rath 1961-1969; Roy Jorgensen 1969-1972; Keith Hedstrom L972-1977; Wayne Mesecher 1977- by Leona (Fanselau) TYiedman First St. Paul's Lutheran Church was affiliated with the United Lutheran Church of America. It was incorporated in 1926, and the Rev. H.J. Diekhoff was called to serve as a resident pastor. In the same year plans were laid to build a new church but financial conditions did not warrant completion, thus, only a basement structure with a flat roof was completed. In 1930 Pastor H.L. Woelber and family and Esther West in 1944-1949, these women with their own hands helped to dig the basement to move the church to its present location on the corner of Lowell Avenue and 15th Street. In 1984, Rev. Richard Messer and his family accepted the call to minister and have faithfully served our church ever since. Under his pastorate the church is now operating in the black and has a strong and faithful congregation. The Fellowship Hall was remodeled in 1986 and we currently have plans to remodel the sanctuary. Current members are: Rev. Richard and Elaine Messer; Rev. J.V. and Bessie Walden, Ida Ernest, Dixie Hasart, Ron and Cindy Richardson, Faith Hase, Gene and Betty Kirby and Annabel Taylor. 1986; Mary Wahto 1986. in charge. This organization then became On April 7, 1929 the church, under the held May 9, 1948. In 1968 a new brick parsonage was built motto remains, "May we help you?" Pastoral Ministry: C. Goede 1925-1926; organized on June 8, 1925 under the leadership of Rev. G.K. Wienke and Rev. C. Coede in Burlington. the building and furniture. Dedication was to provide the Burlington community with the Living Word of God and is a strong influence in the lives of many people. The Firet St. Paul's Lutheran Church. assembly year of June 1927. Plans were made immediately after organization and pledges taken to erect a church building, a lot being pastorate of Rev. Oren Maple, was dedicated to God and in Oct. 1929 the last note on the property was paid and the church set free of Arkansas. It took 972 months to complete by Juanita Davie Charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Patton, Mrs. Priscilla Linn, Marion Koutz, Fred Patton, Mrs. Olive Arnett, Mrs. Alice Ackerman, Mrs. Clara Fender, Mrs. Elizabeth Clifford, Iris Clifford, Miss Patton and Mrs. Joe Joos. Rev. Earl Manly was called as pastor and a spirit of cooperation and unity emongst a group ofpeople that is seldom paralleled. The trucked by farm trucks from the oak forest Ashton. The Church of the Nazarene. CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE T2S4 On Sept. L2, L926 the Burlington Church of the Nazarene was organized with 12 charter members, fruits of a revival held by Rev. C.W. and Florence Davis, District Superintendent and Evangelist for the Colorado District. Church pastors: Rev. Earl Manly, Rev. J.E. Zimmerman, Rev. Arthy Gossett, Sister Elizabeth Clifford, Rev. Oren Maple, Rev. J.E. Zimmerman, Rev. Edwin W. Reed, Rev. Harold Ripper, Rev. J.E. Shamblin, Supply pastor F.W. Holstein of Stratton, Rev. Harold McKelleps, Rev. A.C. Mize, Rev. Henry Goode, Rev. R.C. Bentley, Flossie Plummer and Esther West, Rev. Raymond Cotton, Rev. E. George Greiner, Gene Hudgens, Donald Hicks, Donald Guy, Henry Schott, Rev. Floyd Totten, Rev. Garfield Dixon, Supply pastor Orvel Gibson, Rev. Henry Schott, Supply pastor Rev. Townsend, Rev. Kenneth Jagger, Rev. Robert Bauer, Rev. Cleo Elsberry, Rev. Gerald Bell, Rev. Ray- �mond Burton, Rev. James P. Bailey, and Rev. Richard L. Messer. by Dixie Hasart SAINT CATIIERINE OF SIENNA T296 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH T295 Trinity Lutheran Church was organized on February 11, 1923. Seven families were St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church and rectory at 18th and Martin, Burlington. represented at this meeting. Prior to this time, Rev. F.W. Bierwagen of Flagler, Stratton and other points had conducted services in the homes of some of the members: W.J. Sellman, near Kanorado, Kansas; H.D. Klinker, J. Lueken, and Victor Olsen all of occasionally even baled hay for pews. Sometimes the services were held in the armory. Some of the early day families in the congregation were: the Vogts, Shannons, Westgarths, Dorings, Binards, Kellys, Dan- Burlington. Later, services were held at the Odd Fellows Hall, the basement of the Bank of Burlington, the basement of First St. Paul's The first Catholic services held in Burlington were in about 1910. Around that time, a small group of Catholic families succeeded iels, Eschs, Koenigs and Gergens. In 916, the small congregation, working with Father Keiffer, who was then pastor of St. Charles in Stratton, erected the main part of the frame and stucco church on the corner of 18th and Martin. Frank Hoffman applied stucco in 1939. Additions were added at a later date. The property was donated by A.W. Winegar. From then on Mass was usually celebrated once a week in Burlington, unless the pastor from Stratton was unable to get here because of the weather or bad roads. Priests from Stratton who ministered to the Burlington mission were: Fr. Kieffer, Fr. Schmidt, Fr. Munich, Fr. Ernest, Fr. Spehar, and Father Dinan. The parish continued to grow through the determined efforts of the Altar and Rosary Society whose members held various money making projects to furnish and maintain the church. A proud day was the purchase of the first electric organ. In 1950, on the promise from the archbish- Springs to hold services in Burlington about once a month. The services were held in homes. with chairs, wooden benches, and enough money to build the rectory. Fr. Dinan supervised the construction. Fr. Joseph Lane was the first resident Pastor in Burlington. Lutheran Church (A.L.C.) the Christian Church and the Nazarene Church of Bur- lington. An effort to obtain its own house of worship was initiated by the Rev. Beins and the members of 1930, but not until 1941 was a building fund established and the "God's Acre" plan was adopted to build up the fund. There was a resolution to build in September of 1943. However, a church from Southwest of Burlington was bought and moved into Burlington at l2th and Donelan and on November 26,L944 Trinity Lutheran Church was dedicated to the Glory of God. In 1948 The congregation was privileged to celebrate its 25th anniversary in that church. The Rev. F.W. Bierwagen served Trinity in the years 1920-192L. Rev. H.L. Buesing also served as student pastor during this period. Other pastors serving the congregation were Rev. Edmund Weber, Rev. C. Adam, then in 1925 Trinity installed its first pastor, the Rev. W. Wilk. Those who followed are Rev. H.R. Beeins, Rev. E.C. Schmidt, Rev. C.E. Kleber, Rev. Walter Malinsky, Rev. Walter J. Bartling, Rev. Dale Schultz, Rev. Ronald Leach, Rev. Alfred Schubkegel, Rev. Carl Cunningham, Rev. John Chovan, Rev. Douglas Lenser, Rev. Robert Graul, and Rev. David Ahlman. In 1963 The Stewardship Committee began working on plans for a new church since the congregation was out-growing the one they had. The property at 7th and Senter was Father Joseph Lane, first pastor at St. Catherine's in Burlington. Burlington, Co. in arranging for a priest from Colorado op of a resident pastor, the parish raised '.t purchased and ground breaking services were held on May 17, 1964. The cornerstone was laid on August 2, L964 and a local contractor was hired to do the building. On November 29, L964 Trinity's new house of worship was dedicated. On April 5, 1970 a special mortgage burning service was held. In September 1971 the old parsonage at 10th and Lowell was sold and a new parson- t:,:;:::;.1; :'::4,,i::t;) age was built at 365 gth St. It was finished in Mid-August of L972. St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Stratton, Colorado, was the mother church of Trinity and when they disbanded, the bell from the tower of that church was given to Trinity. A stand for it was built on the lawn of Trinity ir.:.li'l:l',] 'ii:u:arrrli and it was dedicated on Sunday, September . 19.1982. by Bill Deines The new church building completed in 19?6. �He became well known and loved in the community and was also a source of some awe, as he owned and flew his own airplane. Following Fr. Lane were Fr. Slattery, Fr. Gallagar, Fr. Mclnerney, Fr. Brunning, Fr. Sobiesczyk, Fr. Wm. Murphy, Fr. Edward Leonard, and now Fr. John Krenzke, in 1988. In recent years, when "standing room only" conditions sometimes resulted in spite of two services each weekend, it became apparent that some kind of building project would have to be undertaken. With Fr. Mclnerney's encouragement, the parish council, in 1969, established a parish building fund and held the first building drive. Regular monthly collections were taken for the building fund and many other fund raising activities were held by the parish, including the annual Mardi Gras and the lunch booth at the county fair. As the building fund grew, so did the needs of the congregation. After assessing the future needs of the parish, the parish council in 1974 received archdiocesan approval to purchase a larger property, and began plans for a combined church and pastor's apartment. A three fourths block of property was purchased from Pat Andrews on the east side of Burlington, and Henry DeNicola, an architect from Denver, was retained to design the structure. After final approval of the plans by the council and the Archdiocesan Building Commission, a contract was signed with Don Herman of Burlington to begin construction. Ground breaking ceremonies were held Sunday, August 31, 1975. The first Mass in the new church was July 3, 1976, and Archbishop Casey dedicated the church that year. Instrumental in bringing the congregation to this proud moment were the members of the parish council and the pastor Rev. W. Murphy. The parish council members during the two years the church was being built, who donated a tremendous amount of time and effort to this cause were: Phil Loos, Pres. of the council, and also Grand Knight of Burlington Knights of Columbus Council, Pete Strick, vice-pres. of the parish council; Darlene Dvorak, recording sec.; Mary Korbelik, financial sec.; Duane Ridder, financial chairman; Ernest Tomes, parish council organization coordinator; Joan Tomes, pres. of Altar and Rosary Society; Kathy Foos, religious education chairman; and Carl Dvorak, chairman of the parish stewardship progmm and building fund chairman. The mortgage was retired in December 1986. Future plans are to add a wing to be used for religious education and social activities. by Mrs. Carl Dvorak WILLIAM HOGATE POST 6497 T297 members. Lawrence J. Pugh served as the first Commander. Military Order of the Cootie Flatlander Pup Tent 19, Organized March 11, 1950, with 25 Charter members. Lawrence J. Pugh served as the first Seam Squirrel. Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars William Hogate Post 6491. Organized December 29,1947 with47 Charter members. Fern Reynolds served as the first President. Post home located at 48678 Snead Drive. Meeting nights for V.F.W. and Auxiliary members the first and third monday of each month. Cootie meeting nights the third Wednesday. by Gene Kirby The 80th Annual Convention of the Colorado Federation of Women's Clubs was held in Burlington,May 5-7,1975. Our project in 1976, was to donate the money to restore the Carousel, which was Kit Carson's Bicentennial project. We donate yearly to the Colorado Boys Ranch, Care, Penny Art, Minnie L. Hardin, M.S. Society, Burlington Public Library, and make tray favors for the local hospital for the month of December. The Burlington Women's Club and Inter Sese Club will host the Pikes Peak District Convention, Sat., April 16, 1988, in Bur- INTER SESE CLUB by Ina Gay T298 1914-1988 The InterSese Club was organized in 1914 and joined the State and General Federation in 1917. The members worked in and with the Red Cross during the war years of 1917-1g19. GREEN VALLEY EXTENSION CLUB T299 We sponsored the first Christmas tree in Burlington in 1919 and sacked a few treats. This has grown through the years and the club now sacks 1200 sacks of candy for this annual community project. Fruit baskets are also delivered to the shut-ins. In 1921, we sponsored the Burlington Library and $25.00 is donated yearly for the purchase of new books and a Memorial Book is placed on the Memorial shelf for deceased members. The club helped to beautify the City Park by planting and caring for the trees and also helped to beautify the court house Iawn. The annual Mother's Tea was started in 1923, with just the members mothers. Now over 250 invitations are hand delivered to all the ladies 65 and older within the city limits. Favors and refreshments are made by club members and the event is held the last meeting in April. 40th anniversary in May, 1986. L. to R.: Nola Mangus, Bernice Eberhart, Naomi Gilbert Walters, Bertha Hines and Alma Davis. In May 1930, the Inter Sese Club hosted the seventh annual Pikes Peak Dist. convention. Some of the events we have sponsored are: an Art Show during National Art Week in 1935; Placed an electric fountain in the City Park in 1937; started a Cemetery Improvement Association in 1941; Sponsored a Girl Scout Group and gave books to the Limon City Library; gave 9808.37 to the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital and articles of 6 &* clothing were sent to the Greek Orphan Relief in 1947. Several Memorial trees were planted on the Hospital grounds and money donated to a Nurses Scholarship Fund. We entered the contest "Build a Better Community" by sponsoring the Annual Easter Seal Sale and helped several crippled children receive Medical attention in 1948-49. During the World War II years, Inter Sese sent clothing packages to several families in Germany. In 1960-62, during the "Lets Share Happi- ness" we sent boxes of clothing to the Pueblo Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United State Hospital. A Pioneer Doll Contest was sponsored in 1964. The 50th Anniversary of The Burlington Charter was organized on March 6, 1946, William Hogate Post 6491. The post was orsanized with 61 Charter used as a Museum. lington. Veterans of Foreign T[ars States Two Heirloom Fairs were sponsored, and from this came the idea of a Museum in Burlington. While plans were being drawn up, the Penny family home was given to be Inter Sese was celebrated in 1964. We raised funds to purchase an ice maker for the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital in 1968, amountins to around Sl ^O00- 1987 members, L. to R.; Back row, Kathy Dowd, Jo Nell Monroe, Bernice Eberhart, Jeanne Gantz. Front, L. to R.; Lyla Davis Enyart, Naomi Gilbert Walters, Alma Davis, Mildred Hines and Minnie Schmidt. 1946-1986 The Green Valley Extension Club was organized Jan. 8, 1946 at the Green Valley School with Naomi Gilbert as President. Nell Schmidt, Vice Pres. Nola Mangus, Sec. Treas. Other members included Rose Korbel- ik, Persis Mangus, Bernice and Lena Eb- erhart, Gladys Demaree, Alma Davis, Esther Mtrlnh Fla*ho lfi-ao l\t"-+l- pi-^^. Itl^- �Our county made special "Tote Bage" for the National Extension Homemakers Meeting held in Estes Park in June of 1986. A carousel lion was the logo for the tote bag, and they were rated Outstanding. Lyle Enyart and Bernice Eberhart attended that National Meeting. For our 30 Anniv. we invited former members. On the 35th, we all went out to dinner at the Ramada Inn. In 1986, on our 40 Anniv. we invited some 40 former memberg to a very special party at the Prairie Pines Country Club. We did sort Back row, L. to r.; Nyla Loutzenhiser, Florence Mills, Katherine Diekman and Diana Miller. Front row. Eileene Morrell and Avis Schritter ence Duffey, Martha Kaestener, Julia Broad- sword, Ona Gillespie, and Leatha Sprinkle' Joining the next year were Lyla Davis, Viola Brown, Marjorie Jacobs, and Thelma Snelling. Bertha B. Wear was the County Exten- sion Agent and she was instrumental in getting the club organized. The club was active in all of the educational aspects of home economics, taking advantage of as many lessons as possible in the area of homes and families, making that the highest thought of every homemaker. Green Valley was also active in the County organization, of a replay of the activities during the forty years. Then we honored the 11 deceased members with a memorial service. The entertainment was re-doing some of the fun times, like the Negro Minstrel, The Mock Wedding, etc. The record of the 10th Anniv. was played and was enjoyed by all. Naomi Gilbert Walters was the only charter member and she was presented a corsage. Kathy Dowd was the Colorado Young Homemaker, served on the State Board, helped at the State Meeting in Sterling, June 16-19. Naomi Walters was the District I North Star Award winner. Lyla Enyart, Kathy Dowd and Bernice Eberhart attended that State Meet- and A Silly Style Show. Money was donated to many worthwhile causes. and we went all-out for the Cancer Fund. All but one of the members who have died. died of cancer. Donations were also ladies lounge, East Central Disability Center, Carson County History Book. Signed, The Green Valley Gals Every year they entertained another club or invited guests to a Special Tea in honor of National Homemakers Week. Among those festivities were a Mock Wedding, a Negro Minstrel, A Hobo Party, A Hawaiian Luau, A School Days Party, An International Tea, A Linkletter House Party, A Carnival, A May Pole Brunch, An Old Fashioned Tea, Making and Wearing Silly Hats, A Trip to Ireland, made to 4H, Girl Scouts, BoYs Ranch, Hospital incubator, baby things, Flight For Life, Grace Manor Rest Home, lap robes, Ft. Lyons, The Carousel, and for a nursing scholarship. There were baby showers, wedding showers, funeral dinners and House warmings. We assisted Bertha Wear on a trip to Hawaii in 1965. Each year we prepared a fair booth and received some Grand Qfiampions, Reserve Champions, and lots and lots of Blue ribbons. We made a float for homecoming and also an entry in the Mike Lounge Parade. A state bird quilt was made in 1951 and raffled off at the County Fair. On our 10th Anniversary, As it was just after World War II, we adopted a family in Holland that needed help due to the war. The Marshal Plan made it easy for us to pack a barrel with coffee, sugar, and cocoa, along with clothes and ship it overseas for less than $5.00. It was a very enjoyable project for many years. We later sent just money so they could buy the things that they needed. Mr. Rhoada, a fellow from Ireland, very kindly translated the letters for us. The Club had numerous projects such as the School Lunch Progrom, fair booth, 4-H Club, taking part in all County Council meetings, serving food at sales, Red Cross lessons, school eye exams, entertaining at other clubs, carnivals, and helping the men with the Gun Club, etc. Due to so many of the people moving to town or out of the community, plus several of the ladies that were left starting working outside the home, it was necessary to close out the club in about 1980. It will always be remembered as a bright spot in the neighbor- hood for nearly forty years. by Velma T[alstrom ing. Through the 40 years we have had some 46 members enrolled. We still have four of the ones who joined that first year - Naomi Walters, Lyla Enyart, Alma Davis and Bernice Eberhart. Other members on the roll in 1986 include, Minnie Schmidt, Mildred Hines, Eileene Morrell, Avis Schritter, JoNell Monroe, Kathy Dowd, Esther Wilcox, Irene Kennedy, Florence Mills, Katherine Diekman, Jeannie Gantz, Ina Gay, Nyla Loutzenhiser, Diana Miller and Oea Ann Payne. In those early years, this club was about the only social function for most of the homemakers, and it still remains one of the special get-to-gether times for most of us. We are members holding many of the county offices. the community. proud to be one of the entries in the Kit by Bernice Eberhart THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB BURLINGTON WOMEN'S CLUB T30r This club was organized as the Burlington Junior Club under the sponsorship of Inter Sese Club on January 28, 1938, and was federated the same year. There were nine charter members, none of whom are still in the club. However several of the early members are now finishing 42 to 46 years of membership. In 1941, the club grew up and became Burlington Woman's Club. In the same year we began to organize a junior club of our own became Quo Vadis Club. As we look back through the years, we see them filled with accomplishments, gleaming with warm ties of friendship and enhanced by personalities that have striven to make a great organization, always working for the betterment of the community, the nation, and the world. In the forty-eight years of the the KXXX Radio Station in Colby came out T300 club's existence many women have come and gone from our membership, blessing us for a time with their talents, their helpfulness, their inspiration, and their love. Many are the projects undertaken by the club in a wonderful spirit of fellowship. During World War II, with a definite goal and something vitally important to work for, our Mangus was presented the "Good Neighbor Award." We have it on a record and we play it at other Anniv. parties. We served lunch at farm sales, and had family picnics. We have an annual Birthday On February 4, L947, the ladies of the Smoky Hill Community met at the home of Bessie Ogle with the County Home Demon- Federation project of buying a bomber. We collected hundreds of pounds of silk and goodies for widowers of former members, and Matthews, Vice-President; and Velma Walstrom, Secretary. and did a "Hello Neighbor Party." Persis party, a christmas gift exchange, made helped deliver hot meals to shut-in senior citizens. Selling Texas Manor Fruit Cakes is a money making project since 1976. We collect Pennies for Friendship every meeting. A One-Act Play was presented by the club in 1952. It won first place in the county and then went to State where it won first place directors award. It was directed by Bernice Eberhart. stration Agent, Mrs. Bertha B. Wear, as the presiding officer until officers were elected. Elected was Bessie Ogle, President; Jane The charter members were Lettie Butterfield, Flo Chapin, Irma Collins, Alice Daniels, Flora Drager, Leona Guffy, Amanda Jansen, Jane Matthews, Wanda McClelland, Hazel Morton, Wilma Norton, Bessie Ogle, Ethel Pearce, Inez Richardson, Ruby Scott, Grace Sissell, and Velma Walstrom. Each year we added more members, and some moved from activities increased. We bought $15'700 worth of defense bonds to help the General nylon hose to be reused for parachutes, helped the Girl Scouts collect grease, and pounded out 11,000 pounds of tin cans so the tin could be salvaged. Members gave blood, donated to the War Chest, and also filled and shipped many kit bags for the soldier. A war bond auction was sponsored at which the auction of donated merchandise resulted in the sale of $65,750 worth of war bonds. We helped in the collection of used clothing to ship to war torn countries and helped in the Red Cross drives. Two destitute English families were adopted by the club. Packages �of clothing and food were sent to them for several years for which we received many letters of appreciation and thanks. For several of the early years the club sponsored the Christmas Seal carnpaign, but since 1950 our special project has been sponsoring the annual Heart Fund drive. The first year we collected $246 while the 1985 total was $2,732. Burlington Woman's Club has always supported the town library with our time and donation of books and money. Several members served on the library board, and volun- teers conducted a summer children's story hour. When Kit Carson County Hospital was built, the club raised $500 for furnishing a room, then more to tile the room and buy drapes. In later years we sponsored the Pink Ladies and held a raffle to raise money for landscaping the front hospital yard. Our special project for 1985 was carpeting the entry, reception room, and offices. Over the years the club has also donated to many other worthwhile causes such as polio, cancer, Red Cross, Easter Seals, Save the Children, and others. Contributions of gifts and money have been made to Colorado Boy's Ranch, and we have helped send a girl to Girls State for manyyears. The needy in Burlington have never been forgotten at Christmas time nor any time the need was known. The means to support these numerous projects has not come easily. With each member contributing her time, energy, and ingenuity, we have used many money making schemes from traveling teas to food sales, They were the post having the "largest and the smallest" persons in World War I. They were Rube Pratt and Jack Magee. In 1987 they were forced to turn in their charter because of the death of most of their membership. All members have good memories of the good times they had in the past. by Henry Hoskin, Final Adjutant. RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM T303 When Betty Goss was co-ordinator in 1973, the Burlington - Bethune R.S.V.P. was started. Very few records were kept then, however the following was found. Betty Hostetler was hired as director in July, 1973 and Betty Goss was co-ordinator. In Aug. 1973 Betty Goss was made the director and Nelda Hendricks the co-ordinator, Marlyn Bates somehow worked with Nelda. In 1974, Betty quit and Billi Haynes was hired as director. The Advisory Council by-laws were written at that time and better records were kept. Dorotha Hammond was hired as co-ordinator. In 1975, Billi Haynes quit and in June 1975, Ruth Kraxberger (now Loutzenhiser) was hired as director. Dorotha Hem6sn6 was co-ordinator till 1985, in May 1985, Linda Rower was hired as co-ordinator, she served till May 1987, then Sharon Zeigler was hired and she quit in Oct. 30, 1987 and Nov. 4, 1987, Betty Stoltz was hired and is the present co-ordinator. The first council members were Fred Kiefer, Ida Stone, Theresia Kramer, and Aldene Beringer. Some members changed, some quit, others passed away and at present members are: Carol Kosch, Josephine Strick, from rummage sales to auctions and raffles. The club has joined wholeheartedly in various community activities - participating in skit nights and talent shows and construction floats for parades, the last of which was for Mike Lounge Day in 1985. Over the years we have also enjoyed many cultural, educational and entertaining programs given by club members and guest speakers. This is the story of a cultural influence in a modern community. We believe that in concerted action lies strength for any cause we choose. We are grateful for the privilege always on the board. Club. In 19?3, Betty Goss trying in the Bethune area to get started met in the Imanuel of serving through Burlington Woman's by Sally Bauder and Dorothy Reinecker ARTHUR H. EVANS POST #60 T302 The American Legion Arthur H. Evans Post #60 of the American Legion was organized in 1917 in Burlington, Colorado. Every year since then they decorated the graves in the Burlington, Settlement, and Happy Hollow Cemeteries. They were forced to abandon the project about 1980 due to the lack of membership. For years they were instrumental in American Legion Baseball and all kinds of community activities. For years they were responsible for the Junior-Senior Prom in Burlington, Colorado. Lenora Young, May Vedsted, and Theresia Kramer, and the county commissioners are Lutheran Church basement, however no interest was shown. she then combined Burlington and Bethune and started to meet at the Blue Flame room, when that closed we met at Trinity Lutheran Church a few times then changed to the Christian Church. The S.O.S. Center opened in 1975 and after a year the R.S.V.P. started to meet in the S.O.S. Center once a month till 1983 when we started to meet twice a month so more work could be done. At the Blue Flame room small craft articles were made, Cyril Hoag started glass bottle crafts, with no success. A trip was made to the Wheatridge Home of Retarded Children in Wheatridge, Co., someone had donated quilt patches to the home, we were asked, would we sew crib blankets with the patches for them. That started our sewing projects, the men made wooden pull toys. No record was kept as to how many blankets were made, but two trips were made to take blankets, toys, and used clothing to the home. After those patches were used up, two orders of factory patches were ordered, then people heard that we were in need of patches and have been donating all the patches we need. After sewing crib blankets for several years we began making lap robes for the hospital, West Nursing Home, and Grace Manor. We also sewed bibs for Grace Manor. When those needs were filled, we began to sew quilts for the Boys Ranch at LaJunta. We made two trips taking 12 quilts each time, we also took homemade cookies on the last trip. When Linda was co-ordinator, we started to sew quilts for each client at the Dynamic Dimension Center, 17 in all. The last quilts were taken Sept. 22, 1987. Then we sewed 17 chair pads for them, before Sharon Zeigler quit. Besides that work we made other crafts for bazaars, sewed two quilts and hand quilted them to sell, also tied some quilts to sell and had bake sales and bazaars, to help buy materials we needed to finish quilts etc. The men helped build cupboards for the S.O.S. Center and helped with crafts. They started woodworking by making sewing kits; chickens; then roosters; lawn decorations; aggravation game boards (sold these for other materials needed); they also made a table and do whatever is needed even repair work of any kind. We had people working in school, some chauffeured people where needed, when there was no need for the bus, helped at Grace Manor to feed people and helped when they went on their trips. We helped with community programs; went with the S.O.S. Band, to sing; went to Senior Day at the Capitol; to the State Fair; the Circus in Denver; Ice Capades; and had picnics at Bonny Dam, at the park, and had hamburger fries. We served the wedding reception for Ted and Hazel Back- lund. We met at the Center and went to speakouts, the first speakout was at Burlington, an we went to Recognition Days once a year at Kit Carson and Lincoln county. The first Recognition Day was held at Flagler park in 1974, with a hamburger fry. The next year we had a picnic lunch in Flagler park. In 1976, it was held in the school gym, then in 1977, each county held their separate recognition day; with Kit Carson's being at the Seibert School. Burlington-Bethune made the corsages and table decorations. From 1978 on, it was held in Flagler school, a couple of times it was in the gym with snacks after the program. Then they started to serve lunch paid by R.S.V.P. and then have the program. It was well attended. Burlington-Bethune, with the help of the county commissioners, were able to get a bus, Aug. 6, 1987. The last few years we out grew the center, so started to look for a larger building, when a good hearted citizenhanded us a check to buy a nice big building, then we started to raise money for it. We were able to move in the basement of our building by Aug. 25, L987, with the R.S.V.P. doing the work, etc., we are now working towards getting the upstairs furnished with a kitchen for the meals. Beginning Jan. 1988, meals were served here. The building, now called the McArthur Senior Center, is located in the northwest part of Burlington, away from traffic, where there is plenty of parking space and also space for recreation. The Senior Citizens are happy to have their building and are thankful to everyone who helped in obtaining it. by Theresia Kramer �COMET REBEKAH LODGE Dortha H. Hammond, Ella Farwell, Eileen Stewart, Ines McArthur, Naomi Gilbert, BURLINGTON GARDEN CLUB Louise Holmes, Vivian Kiefer, Emma Mullis, Grace McNeill, Ruth Bauder, Alma Davis, T304 Beluah Schahrer, Gladys Clouse, Helen Kreoger, Ethel Stewart, Lucy Russman, Many will remember a certain date on May Gladys Farnsworth, Doris Hawthorne, Anna T305 On a February day in 1928, Bessie Wilson 18, 1910, as the day which Halley's Comet was Parnell, Avis Bader Schritter and Vivian invited Nannie Hoskin and,Lizzie Wilkinson expected to fall upon and destroy the earth. Keifer. A Poem written by a charter member, Mabel Boger follows: On the eighteenth of May, nineteen ten, A group of women, and also men Desiring to form a Rebekah Lodge For the good of mankind, and the Star to to help draw up plans for a garden club. They asked Helen Calvin, Pearl Schell, Selma Laymon, Martha Hudler, Pearl Vallin, Jean dodge. fined 100. The first year a major effort was made to encourage residents to beautify their yards and gardens with prizes given at the last of the season for the best looking gardens in It was at this time Sister Sallie St. Clair. President of the Rebekah Assembly of Colorado, Sister Ernestine V.G. Boggs, state secretary and Sister Minnie Cook, a former resident of this county, journeyed to Burlington to institute the local lodge. Charter members of the lodge were: Gertrude McCloid, Anna Stephenson, Anna F. Dunn, Etta M. Stetler, Mabel Boger and Grant Stephenson. It was Sisters St. Clair and Boggs who ruggested the name "Comet" referring to the calamity which was to befall all, and the Lodge's designated No. 1.23. Thus Comet Rebekah Lodge No. 123 was instituted with Anna Stephenson as its First Noble Grand and Anna Nightengale as Vice Grand. Other officers installed were: Gertrude McCloid, P.N.G.; Mabel Boger, Secretary; Ella Stetler, Treasurer; Mary E. Wilkenson, warden; Inez M. Chase, conductor; T.P. Hoskin, chaplin; J.G. Upton RSNG; Mary Williams, LSNG; Grant Stephenson, RSVP; Myrtle Danforth, LSVG; M. Bernice Chase, inside guardian; rnd Lewis B. Cline, outside guardian. Other members were: Ethel Burr, Gertrude Upton, Mary Haynes, Parmelia Brinkley, Grant Stetler, Amos Williams, Louis Chase, Melvin Winslow, Elida Christenson, Sara M. Winslow, Clytie Hoskin, Martha Potter, Wyatt Boger, John Pilling, Edward Hoskin, Sr. and Mary Winslow. The Comet Rebekahs withstood the Halley Comet calamity and is still withstanding lome 65 years later. The lodges comprising District No. 13 of the IOOF and Rebekah Lodges are as follows: Rebekah Lodges, Burlington, 123, Cheyenne Wells, No. 44, When Halley's own star was at its summit For want of a name, decided on "Comet". The number assigned it was one hundred twenty-three In spite of the Hoo-Doo, happy are we! Institution was had, the deed was done, In fair Colorado at Burlington. Local members who have been awarded 50year jewels for their continuous membership in Comet Rebekah Lodge of Burlington are: First to receive the distinction of achieving the 50-year goal was a charter member, Mabel Boger, who was honored and awarded the pin in May of 1960. Mabel served as the lodge's first secretary in 1910, and was Noble Grand for two terms in 1912 and 1915, as well as serving in other offices. She passed away August 10, 1966. Anna L. Buel was awarded the second 50year jewel in May 1972. Sister Anna served as Noble Grand for two terms in L927 and. 1932, as well as other offices including that of treasurer for 25 years. She also achieved other honors including one of the highest awards given by the IOOF and Rebekah orders, receiving the decoration ofchivalry by the Patriarchs Militant and LEAPM on Jun e 6, 1969 at the IOOF Temple in Fort Collins. Mrs. Buol passed away October 8, 1974. Sister Ethel Sawyer was also sent a 50-year jewel in 1972. She was residing in Bird City, Flagler, No. 1300, Limon, No. 35, and Seibert No. 128. Odd Fellows Lodges: Burlington No. [52, Cheyenne Wells No. 153, Flagler No. 135, Limon No. 179, and Seibert No. 37. The foundations upon which the order Kan., at the time. She has since passed away. Pearl Sturdevant received the fourth 50year jewel, which was sent to her in 1973 at her home in Pasco, Wash. Sister joined the Iocal lodge on July 16, 1923 when Maye rests, namely Friendship, Love and Truth, is Morgan was Noble Grand. She served in rs solid now as in the early days of its :onstruction; its principles, belief in a Sucreme Being, loyalty to your country under nhose flag we live, and fraternal of your fellow man, will always be living principles. Past Noble Grands of Rebekah Lodge No. [23 are: Anna Stephenson, Mabel Boger, Etta Stetler, Parmelia Brinkley, Thomasine Hoskin, Mary Haynes, Mabel Boger, Rhoda Yersin Schofield, Stella Nesmith Penny, Mary Wilkenson, Myrtle Danforth, Lillie N. Pilling, Anna L. Bergen, Gertrude Upton, Mary E. Baker, Etta Stetler, Bernice Chase, Iessie Gray, Rhoda Yersin Schofield, Maye 0. Morgan, Mary Chase Gassner, Phem KuKuk, Davie Powell, Pearl Sturdevant, {,nna Boul, Flora Klooze, Veta Jose, Maude Jmith, Clytie Hoskin, Anna Bergen, Anna Boul, Vera Magee Reeves, Dorthy Bergen )lson, Dorthea Goldsworthy, Clara Bauder Loyd, Bessie Goodhue, Alice Travis Shanron, Lela Plummer, Myrtle Aumiller, Alvina llafer, Opal Towers, Mamie Park, Clara Flak, Pearl Kockenteger Dawson, Ruth Ferseuth, Pearl Van Dorn Stepens, Mary Evans, Helen Ragan, Vera Walters, Florence Wigton, many offices and was Noble Grand in 1926. She moved to Boulder in the late 1930's and later to Washington. The most recent recipient of the 5O-year jewel was Sister Phern KuKuk of Loveland. It was presented to her on June 28,1974, at a meeting of Grace Rebekahs in Loveland, which she has attended since leaving Burlington in 1946. She joined Burlington Lodge in January of t924, serving as Noble Grand in 1925, as well as other offices. The jewel was pinned on her by another Comet Rebekah member who also resides in Loveland now and attends that lodge. by Vivian Kiefer Lomis and Beulah Hamilton to join their group and the Burlington Garden Club was formed. The dues were 500 a year and if any member was absent from a meeting she was town. The club gave flower seeds to the Camp Fire Girls and the Girl Scouts to enhance the competition. To further their efforts in 1931 the club held its first plant exchange which is still an annual project. In 1934 the club urged the Burlington City Council to adopt the gold zinnia as the city flower and after this was done, gold zinnias were planted widely in Burlington. In 1935 The Burlington Garden Club held its first flower show and the State Garden Club president, Mrs. Fish, served as the judge. Also that year the club spent 95.00 on vases to be used for taking flowers to the hospital and to those confined at home. Bessie Wilson and Della Hendricks were always interested in the world around them, so they urged the club to undertake a study of wild flowers. They spent many hours on field trips while Mr. Woodfin took about 70 pictures for them. In 1938 the Burlington Garden CIub sponsored the "Pioneer Parade and Flower Show" during the county fair which was then held in September. In 1951 the county commissioners asked the club to take charge of the floraculture booth on a permanent basis. In the early days of the club the emphasis had been on the appearance of the town and most of the programs had been about flowers and their culture. This changed during World War II when Victory Gardens were encouraged and the slogan was "Food for Victory, Flowers for Morale". From the beginning the club has had an abiding interest in birds. Once it sponsored a contest for the best bird house made by any boy or girl under 16 years of age. Another time it sought to protect birds by hanging bells on pet cats. There is a note that 17 bells were given out. There were also a few bird baths in town but interest in them increased when Mrs. Mead of Denver, wrote that she had a birth bath mold that she would loan to the club if it would pay the transportation costs. To cover these charges each member was assessed 150 and the club was able to send for the mold. A large number of bird baths were made and one of them is presently on the hospital grounds. In 1944 the Burlington Garden Club sponsored the Peconic Garden Club which had ten charter members. Later on a spot prepared by the county, The Burlington Garden Club erected a large fireplace as a memorial to those who served in the armed forces. There is a large bronze plaque on it designating it as the Blue Star Memorial. On �the site, the Burlington and Peconic clubs placed picnic tables and benches for the use of the public. Another project undertaken by the Burlington club is where Highway 24 comes into Burlington from the east at what we call the "Y". The State Highway Department in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Board designed a Wayside Park and recommended plantings for it. The club planted many trees, shrubs and flowers, particularly iris. Probably the largest project for which the club assumed responsibility was landscaping the grounds after the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital was built. The landscape plan, as drawn up by the women of the club received an award from the State Garden Club Federation in 1955 and won the National Award of Garden Clubs, June 6, 1956. This was one of two awards presented to any club west of the Mississippi River. It took five years to complete the job and in this time the club planted 46 evergreen trees, 10 deciduous trees, 117 shrubs, 14 vines and 250 English privit. Six benches were placed around the grounds. When the new Fair Grounds grandstand was built the county commissioners asked the club to suggest a color scheme and so it recommended the rainbow of colors that were used. Over the years the club has participated in many parades in conjunction with various community celebrations the last of which honored astronaut Mike Lounge in October, 1985. The club entered a float in that parade and won first place in its class. Over the past sixty years the club has been active in many community functions. A total of 202 women have participated in the club which presently has 30 active members. by Marion Janssen QUO VADrS FEDERATED WOMANS CLUB T306 To dispel the dark shadows ofwar, a social group known as the Merry Maids of Bur- lington Club was formed. These young women were invited to become a Federated Junior Club. With a membership of eight, Jubilee Juniors was granted a charter in March 1941, following admittance to the Federation at a board meeting in Denver on January 20, L941. Serving as advisors were Mrs. Iva Penny and later, Mrs. Ruth Milburn. On June 6, 1946, in a beautiful, formal candlelight service at the home of Mrs. J.C. Coleman, Pikes Peak District President, senior membership was conferred on a membership of nineteen. Quo Vadis, which means "whiter goest thou", was selected as the new club name. Charter members were Alice Pischke Boyles, Winifred Esch James, Betty Brown Chalfant, Lois Sandst€dt Bishop, Phyllis Sandstedt Eberhart, Mary Vailin Sample, Roma Ross Stanton, and Maxine Wilson Nixon. Throughout its existence the club has initiated and supported many worthwhile projects for community improvement, social welfare, and international understanding including hospital aid, organization of PTA and Girl Scouts, Christmas Seals, and Red Cross work. The Howdy Hostess Program was started in 1956 and continued for some twenty years. A scholarship was established in 1960 and a "Dollar for Scholars" benefit bridge and pinochle party was given. This became an annual fund raising event for the scholarship fund through 1964. Various other money making ideas were later used. Community Service Projects included preparing March of Dimes envelopes for mailing, filling sacks for Rotary Club for their annual Easter Egg Hunt, skits put on by the members for the Alumni Association, and preparing floats for various occasions such as Homecoming, and the Little Britches Rodeo Parade. In 1949, the club sponsored a room in the new hospital and the maternity ward was chosen. A total of $450 was given to advantages to the community and this club has left a positive influence on the commu- nity of Burlington. by Kathy Lundien AURORA CHAPTER #73, ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR T307 complete the room. Each year money was given to purchase some article needed for the ward. "Toys for Tots" was start€d in 1963 where a toy was given to any child who was admitted to the hospital. In 1968, members began conducting the door-to-door Arthritis Drive. Each year in which the club participated in this project they were recognized by the Arthritis Foundation for collecting the largest amount of money per club capita in the Tri-state area. During the club year 1958-59, Crystal Schlosser, who was president, took part in the new Library Dedication. The honor being hers because Quo Vadis raised the most money Aurora chapter of Eastern Star. L. to R.: Front. Florence Remington, Pat Wilson, Mary Gassner, Gladys Teselle, Clarence and Vera Magee. Row 2: Laura Jacobs, Nora Broune, Carolyn King, Anna Bergen, Peggy Wilson, Lois Halsted and Iva Penny. Row 3: Dorothy Bergen, Mary Curtiss, Bessie Guthrie and Alberta Swaim. toward furnishing the new library. They raised $94.00 by selling birthday and anniversary calendars. Money making projects were as follows: Annual Armistice Day Dance, which in 1945 netted $600 and $300 was donated to the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital Fund, the Mother-Daughter Banquet, Children's Mart, Traveling Food Basket, White Elephant Sale, Rummage Sales, Food and Candy Sales. The ladies did not always work, but did have a little fun on the nights when they entertained their husbands. The club had their first Husband's Party in 1953. Each year this continued. The early parties were held on April lst, and in the latter years was held in February. Another fun project was having Pixie Pals from 1950-53. Names were drawn and gifts presented on Birthdays and Anniversaries. Some of the club members to achieve high honors were as follows: Mildred Anderson served as district treasurer and junior vice president, Koy Snowbarger served as district recording secretary, and district president, Pam Levitt served as district recording secretary, Dorene Buol tied for second place in the CFWC Short Story Contest, Marjorie Robinson won first place in the state on her story on Geontology, Kathy Lundien served as district treasurer. Many of the club members served as district and state chairman of the various departments. In 1976 the club received a national award on OPERATION IDBNTIFAX (a crime prevention program). In May of 1982 this organization, regretfully, came to the conclusion that due to the many other activities which the members had there was no longer time for Quo Vadis and the club disbanded. The many activities which the club tried to accomplish were Being desirous of organizing a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a petition was circulated by "master masons and wives and daughters". On a Thursday evening in 190b, a large number of the petitioners met at the masonic lodge room and selected the officers to be recommended for appointment by the Worthy Grand Patron. Those present suggested names for the Chapter and, after much discussion, the name "Aurora" was adopted. That name was suggested by Wm. M. Long, who it seems had been much impressed by the brilliant displays of the Aurora Borealis, which had been visible here that fall. The awe-inspiring spectacle seemed a fitting name for the new Chapter. On December 29, 1905, Worthy Grand Patron W.L. Bush was present for the purpose of instituting Aurora Chapter. The dispensation was read, to be in force until the next meeting of Grand Chapter. A full set of officers was appointed, these chosen in accord with the wishes of the Chapter. Five new members were initiated during the first year. On August 27, 920 was sent to Grand Chapter with a petition for a charter. However, at the meeting of Grand Chapter the continuance of the dispensation of Aurora Chapter was authorized. On September 20, 1907, the Worthy Grand Matron met with the Chapter and delivered the Charter. That was a momentous occasion. The work was exem- plified for the Worthy Grand Matron, a practice which has been continued through the years. Some of our first regalia was described in the early minutes of the Chapter. In 1908 a "carpet" was purchased for $7.50. This carpet was known as a "floor cloth" and was placed on the floor of the labrinth for each meeting. Painted on it were the five stars and their �emblems in appropriate colors. Music has always been of great importance in our work, and the Chapter joined with three other organizations in purchasing an organ. Our share of the cost was $10.50. In 1926 the Chapter paid the Rebekah lodge $30.00 on the piano they purchased. Our own piano was later secured when we started meeting in our present Chapter room. has played an important part in our history and we hereby pay them tribute! by Marie lloskin It is interesting to know when various of SCOUTING IN BURLINGTON our past matrons and patrons with pins in 1924. At the time this was quite an expenditure, because we had to supply pins for all pins in previous matrons and patrons - 16 all. The dates for elections and installations Burlington in April, 1940, with the chartering of Troop 38. The chartering institution was the Burlington Rotary Club who has continually sponsored the program for the past 48 years. The first Scoutmaster was Lloyd Green, pastor of the First Christian Church. our customs were set. In 1929, an "instruction committee" was appointed. This later became the proficiency committee which became required in 1934. We began supplying have been changed several times, having been from November to May to September. Chapter dues have ranged from $2.50 to $12'50' The coin march began in 1921, with the money first being used to buy flowers for the sick. We began publishing year books in 1945. The last tradition to be added was that of giving 25 year pins which we began in 1951. During the early years, there were many trials concerning our meeting hall facilities. The janitor service was poor, regalia had to be moved and carried up flights of stairs to each meeting, and often there was no heat. Then, beginning in 1947, plans were made by the Masons for a new Masonic Temple. Our Chapter pitched in by operating a booth at the county fair for the next 6 years. In 1951 it was reported that the Masons had bought the Christian Church and would remodel it for a Masonic Temple. Then indeed did the Chapter give liberally of the money they had earned, for furniture and to help remodel and furnish the basement. August 25, 1951, the Grand Officers of Colorado came to Burlington and dedicated our Chapter room. It has always been a pleasure to welcome the Grand Officers to our Chapter and to entertain them with a banquet. Looking back we find that at a banquet in 1913 two turkeys cost $2.75 and a pound of coffee cost 300. In 1933 and 34, the banquets cost 500 per plate. By 1948 the cost had risen to $1.50 and today the cost is $8.00. In 1929 an assembly of the Rainbow for Girls was organized. An afternoon party was given for prospective girls and their mothers, to explain the order and encourage the girls. Burlington Assembly #24 was instituted January 25, 1930. Our Worthy Matron Vivian was a Charter member. In April 1978, shortly before official visit' new carpet was installed, new drapes purchased, new pedestals and a new altar cloth were added. Several garage sales and bazaars were held to raise funds for these projects. T308 The scouting program was started in Bill Haughey was his assistant and when Rev. Green Ieft Burlington, Bill became the Scoutmaster. In 1944 Jerry Penny became Burlington's first Eagle Scout. Walter Bauder was then drafted as Scoutmaster and he helped his sons, Don and Warren, earn their Eagle Badges in 1945. In June of 1945 Henry C. Beatty was appointed pastor of the Methodist Church and shortly thereafter assumed the duty of Scoutmaster. Scouting really grew in Burlington during his leadership and 4 of his Scouts earned their Eagle Badges. They were Mike Winningham in 1946, Jim Penny 1948, Bill Flatt 1949, and Dean Wigton in 1950. During the fifties various men served as Scoutmaster, they being Bruce Channell, Dick Thomas, John Bryner, Gene Pinalto, Elbert Akers, and Percy Lounge. In 1954 Burton Beahm became Burlington's 8th Eagle Scout. In the sixties, Scoutmasters were Percy Lounge, Wert Frerichs, Gary Long, Larry Schlasis, Frank Meggers, Kenneth Morrison, J.B. Beecham. and Milton Harrison. In 1964 Roger Beahm received his Eagle and was joined by Terry Buol in 1965. During the seventies, Scoutmasters were Kenneth King, Jim Timmie. Don Cornella, Lonnie Barlow, Jim Richardson, and Glen Davis with 10 Scouts earning their Eagle Badge. They were Randy Hertneky 1970, Harry Hertneky 1971, David Hahn 1973, Kurt Lucas 1975, David Hertneky 1977, Mike McCulloch 1977, the McCullock twins, Mark and Mitch in 1978, J.D. Richardson 1979, and George Hertneky in 1979. The troop had some excellent leadership during this period. In the eighties the Scoutmasters were Glen Davis, Rick Hiltman, Luis Rodriguez, Dwight Holmes, and Kevin Schott who is presently serving as Scoutmaster. During this period 5 Scouts became Eagles, they being Jason Currier 1981, Greg McCullough 1982, Jeff Currier 1982, Jay Tatkenhorst 1986, and Jon we presently use on our Altar was Sister Cromwell in 1987. The Burlington Troop has the distinction of having 2 families with 4 Eagles in each family, they being the Hertnekys and the McCullochs. There are also 4 other families with 2 Eagles, they being the Pennys, Bauders, Beahms, and Curriers. The Burlington Scout Troop has been very viable in our Eileen's when she served as Worthy Grand Matron and was presented to her by our Rainbow Assembly. Obviously it is possible to mention only a few of our members by name in this short resume of 80 years, but anyone who is now or ever has been a member of Aurora Chapter, Annual Easter Egg Hunt, and various clean up and paint up projects. They have manned the grandstand concession stand at Kit Carson County Fair for about 35 years and the Little Britches Rodeo since it started. During the past 80 years we have had several of our eisters serve as Grand Representatives, Grand Pages, District Instructors and various other committees. 3 sisters have served as Grand Officers. Sister Eileen Wiedman served as Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Colorado in 1970-71. The Bible community, helping with distribution of Christmas sacks. the Chamber of Commerce The profits from the concession stand has enabled many Scouts to go yearly to our Pikes Peak Council Camp at Camp Alexander. Other high adventure trips made by the Scouts over the years was a canoe trip into Canada in 1955 led by Willard Gross and Herman Rau. In 1960 another canoe trip led by Maddie Stubbs and Dr. Ray Beethe, and in 1965 another group led by Ron Stoner and Menil Amsbury. In 1970 a float trip down the Green River into Dinosaur National Park was led by Harry Hertneky, Weldon Vance, Curt Penny, and Bob Hendricks, then in L972 a wilderness trip into the San Juan Mountains Area led by Jim Timmie, Lewis Carlin, John Swick, and Bob Hendricks. In 1979 another float trip led by Merle Worden and Harry Hertneky, and in 1981 2 groups ofScouts took the float trip down the Green River, the first one by Jack Currier, Charles Walstrom, and Glen Lucas, and the second one by Glen Davis and Jim Morrison. The Cub Scout program was started in 1949, one year after the Boy Scout program, and has been serving the boys of the Burlington Community for 47 years. Again, the Burlington Rotary Club was the sponsoring institution ofPack 38. It is not known for sure who was the first Cubmaster, but it seems that Parvin Penny and Walter Bauder helped at that time. In June of 1945, Willard Gross moved to Burlington from Colby, Kansas where he had started their Cub Pack in 1941 and served as its Cubmaster for nearly 4 years. While in Colby he also helped organize the Cub Pack in Goodland and Oakley, Kansas. Immediately upon moving to Burlington he was recruited to be the Cubmaster of Pack 38, a position he held fot about 2r/z years. The records are not very complete as to who served as Cubmaster during the fifties and sixties. In the fifties Rev. Omer Timmons, Edward Varela, Martin Buol, and Jim Rawson served as leaders. In l96L Norman Travis was Cubmaster and in 1962 Dale Tallent was signed on and in 1963 through 1966 Willard again served 4 years, followed by Max Hahn. Leaders in the seventies were Dean Brown, LeRoy Arends, Glen Lucas, Lonnie Barlow, Hal Williams, and Phil Woodrick. Then came Pat Gergen in 1981, 1982, and 1983, followed by Obey Barnes in 1984 and 1985. Dale Hansen assumed the Cubmaster responsibility in 1986 and presently is serving in that capacity. There have been many dedicated Cubmasters, Webelo Leaders, Den Mothers, and Committeemen over the years. Many Cubs and parents have been involved in the annual Pinewood Derby and the Blue and Gold dinners and have supported the Cub program. Burlington also has had an Explorer Post from time to time. The records show a Post in 1966 with Ronald C. Stoner as Advisor. Sometime after that George Wells and LeRoy Arends were Advisors to a Post sponsored by the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The Burlington Rotary club has done much for Scouting over the years. They annually conduct the finance drive to raise funds for our Pikes Peak Council. The Council in turn gives service back to our community in providing training sessions for our leaders, a scout camp, literature, and makes sure that our program is on target and viable in our community. Each fall the Rotary Club hosts a free picnic at the football field which is used as a recruiting time to sign up new Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. In the late �forties the Rotary Club, with the help of the Town of Burlington, completed the "Scout Kiva" building which previously had been a cement water storage reservoir beneath the water tower at the North end of Main Street. This has been home to the Burlington Troop for over 40 years. It appears that in the near future, that the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts will have a new Scout home that will be built and donated by Harold McArthur. Probably the one individual who has promoted and done more for Scouting in Burlington than anyone else is Willard Gross. He has been a registered Scouter for nearly 47 years of which 43 years has been in Burlington. He is known as "Mr. Scouting" in our area. He has served many years on the Cub Scout and Boy Scout committees and in the absence of a Scoutmaster he has assumed that position to keep the program going. He is the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award a Scout Council may bestow upon a Scouter. He is also a recipient of the Award of Merit which was given by the Hi-Plains Scout District. Both of these awards are given for outstanding service to Scouting, for work with youth and participation in church, business, and community activities. The best known person to come out of Burlington's Scouting program is Mike Lounge who was a member of Troop 38 in the late fifties and early sixties. Mike was very active in Scouting and later received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He then joined the NASA program and became an astronaut. In 1985 he made 12? orbits of the earth in the "Discovery" Bpacecraft over an 8 day period and was honored in 1985 by the City of Burlington with a big parade, barbeque, football geme and other activities. Scouting has affected the lives ofhundreds of boys in Burlington and we feel it has helped them to "Do Their Best" and to "Be Prepared" for whatever task they undertook. I have looked at several old charters and registration papers to locate names and dates of those who have served. A lot of these papers are missing and I have done the best I can with what information I have to fill in the gaps. I may have missed leaders, but I assure you it has not been intentional. by Willard Gross ROTARY T309 Rotary was born in the city of Burlington on the night ofFeb. 23, 1905. Paul Harris and three of his friends, out of loneliness and the lack of fellowship between men of varied professional interests, developed a club. It was thus that Rotary was founded by men who recognized the need for fellowship as well as the need for securing additional business through contacts with other business men. It was soon discovered however, that the fellow- ship derived from their meetings was far On October 5, 1936, some Burlington businessmen held their first organizational meeting. Nineteen charter members were present and drafted a constitution and bylaws of the Burlington Rotary Club. Those Charter members were: Ned R. Brown, Claude Coleman, John J. Esch, Dr. Glen Flatt, William H. Jacobs, Henry P. Klutz, Elmer C. Baker, Walter H. King, T.W. Backlund, Hugh W. Gleason, Carl Hamilton, Harold Keese, Dr. M.E. Robinson, Louis Vogt, Harry Shank, Arthur Wilson, T.H. Thomas, Orin Penny, and C.D. Reed. From this group, a board of directors were elected and they in turn elected the first officers of the club. The first board and officers were: C.D. Reed, President; T.H. Thomas, vice-president; J.C. Coleman, secretary-treasurer; William H. Jacobs, sergeant of arms; John J. Esch, Henry Klutz, Dr. Glenn Flatt, Ned Brown, and Dr. Murray Robinson the board. Charter night was held at Shank's Cafe on Nov. 17, 1936. It was a gala evening and all members were there with their Anns. Goodland, our sponsor club, had 20 Rotarians with their wives, Denver 17, Colorado Springs 14, and Colby 9, along with District Governor Roy Weaver and Charley Aimes from Pueblo. Berny Vessey was on hand from the Colorado Springs Club and he got us offto a flying start in the singing department. We believe he was the prime reason why Burlington has always been known as the "Singing Club". In 1939-1940, the Aims and Objects committee recommended to the Club that they sponsor a Boy Scout Troop in Burlington, which was approved by the board. In 1941- 1942, Rotarian Glenn Flatt was named treasurer for the Boy Scout organization. The usual contribution was made to the community Christmas program and a committee of Jacobs, Rhoades and Hoskin were named to Club. The Walking Blood Bank for the new Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital was sponsored and funds were raised to buy an automatic elevator for the hospital. In 19531954, the club sponsored a drive to send lead pencils to the children in Syria. The Club had a rather unusual distinction in 1954-55, in that it had three sets of fathers and sons: John Buol with sons Kermit and Martin; Thornton Thomas with son Richard; and William Hendricks with son Bob. The Club was responsible for a very successful father's night with 100 local farmers in attendance. In 1959-60, the group sponsored the first all community talent show. New members for the year 1960-1961 were: Mel Semmel, Dale Kelly, Dr. Ben Jones, Dr. Clancy Ross and John Hudler was reinstated. In 1961-1962, the highlight ofthe year was the 25th anniversary of the club. 5 members of the 19 charter members were present. During the year the club caried out a bicycle safety program under the direction of Dale Hanna and Dr. Beethe. A total of 159 bicycles were inspected and licensed in Burlington. In the spring, a bicycle rodeo was held with over 100 boys and girls competing for prizes. The State Highway Patrol helped with the program. The main feature of the year 1963-64 came with the appearance of the Air Force Academy Band of 60 pieces. A packed house of more than 1000 persons heard the concert. In 1965-1966, the board voted to pay the expenses for seven boys to attend the Christian Athletes Convention in Estes Park. New members that year were: Fred Rock, C.W. Patrick, John Swick, and Brett Bell. The club assisted in sponsoring the F.C.A. boys group who attended a state conference, several exchange students from and to Aus- tralia and Farmer's Night sponsoring many Hoskin, Standish, Winningham, Fisher, farmers of the area. Rotary sponsored a circus in 1973 which proved to be well received. Nine new members were taken into the membership. Two charter members and past presidents, Cece Reed and Thornton Thomas passed away. The Boy Scout fund drive was the largest ever collected, $4,927,in 1976. Two members were taken in and the club presented a "Variety and Talent" show which was very successful. In1976-1977 nine new members joined the group. 1980 had a very successful Boy Scout fund drive with $5,338.00 collected and six new members were taken in. The annual Bell Bonfils Blood drive was started and has been an ongoing project through the 80's. The club has served the annual Pancake Feed at the Little Britches Rodeo as a fund raising project. The club gave tribute to Willard Gross, known as Mr. Scouting in this area and organized the "Rooster Roundup" a brainstorm of Rod Rawson in 1982-83. Over $6000.00 was raised by way of the roundup and has proven to be a great success through Pugh, Harrison, Bruner Penny, Houschouer, the 1980's. assist in this work. The Club also voted to make a contribution of $1 per member towards the purchase of an ambulance for war work. In 1942-1943, arrangements were approved for the holding of the annual boy scout carnival. During the year the club gave free movie tickets to the boys being inducted into the armed service. In 1943-1944. one of the main efforts of the year was the securing of a permanent meeting place for the Boy Scouts, being sponsored by the group. The board of directors voted to buy a piano for the club that year. The following year, since the war seemed to be drawing closer to an end, the Rotary decided to sponsor the hospital as a community project. tn 1945 and 46, much time was given to sponsoring the hospital for Burlington. New members were initiated into the club that year: Rev. Henry Beatty, Harold McArthur, Kermit Buol, Bob Shamburg, Henry Ardueser, Fundingsland, Zick and Powell. Projects for the year were limited by necessity due to the tremendous effort on the part of club members to carry to completion its one main project that of erecting the Kit more important than the making of sales. In the Rotary year 1960-61, the Burlington Club reached its greatest heights up to that time. The club was honored by having one of its members for district governor in District 547, Walter King, charter member and 8th president of the club was recipient of the Carson County Hospital. The brickwork rapidly neared completion and the cornerstone was laid in the spring of L947. At last the hospital was complete and the first patient was received in June 1948. In 1951-1952, the Burlington Rotary be- honor, c'me a 100% Rotary Foundation Fellowship OLD TOWN T310 Old Town had its beginning when Edgar Pratt went to Ernest McArthur to ask him about moving a barn to Burlington from the Charley Pizel place which is north of Kanorado, Kansas. They went to the fair grounds to � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Burlington Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource A history of the Town of Burlington as recorded in the book History of Kit Carson County Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/407/Businesses.pdf 03dd4dbd03db888ac7dfd0ba054723b8 PDF Text Text GREAT WESTERN TIRE CO. B1 The Great Western Tire Company was purchased in L977, from Keith Bracelin and Warren Cook, by Jerry Arendsee. Some of the past managers were Ken Moddlemog and Don McCune. The new and present manager is Dan Spain from Rapid City, South Dakota. Jerry Arendsee added 2 bays, one a line bay and the other a service bay in 1980. The office, showroom and warehouse were added later. They primarily sell Goodyear tires, but also sell Michelin and Dunlop and other tires and auto service. They employ about 6 employees on the average. A change of the time is the in this territory. The company also had a well-equipped retail station on Main Street, next door to Orin Penny. P.J. Remington was the local agent, who assumed control of the business on Januarv. 1929. D.G. LIQUORS/ROADRUNNER BAR AND CAFE 83 The First National Bank at Burlington new idea of the Radial tractor tire. This provides for a large tire business and the quality is good. Another sign of the times is the introduction of the computerized equipment on line, for the last ten years. is.s . by Marilyn Hasart OLD OIL BUSINESSES B2 In the van of the rapid advancement of Burlington's business interests was the White Eagle Oil Corporation, located in the northern part of the city, just east of the depot. This firm was exclusive distributor in this territory of the far-famed White Eagle gasoline, kerosene, and Keynoil and Mobiloil motor oils and greases. These products had been sought after by discriminating motorists. The local bulk station supplied the Bur- Iington retail station, also a number of independent dealers and large consumers in this locality, deliveries being made to all parts of the surrounding territory. R.E. Hook was the agent for the company. The Continental Oil Company was located on North Main Street, opposite the then City Hall. This company operated a modernly equipped filling station, and also had a large bulk station here. They handle Conoco gasoline, kerosene, motor oils, greases, and Esco and Germ processed oils, which had few equals on the market. The business was managed by R.W. Plummer. The Sinclair Service Station No. 1 was located on Main Street. This station made a specialty of the famous Sinclair gasoline, motor oils and greases. It was on April 1, 1929, when this company assumed control although it was originally established some time before that date. E.E. Hoskin was the manager. The history of the Sinclair Refining Company dates back to March 28,1923. The local bulk station, which is situated east of the Rock Island depot, handles the entire Sinclair line of petroleum products, which comprises Sinclair gasoline, Sinclair High Compression gasoline, kerosene, distillate, Opalene and Mobilene motor oils and greases. These products have been on the market for years. The Burlington station covers Kit Carson county, making deliveries by truck to a number of dealers as well as large consumers D.G. Liquors and Roadrunner Bar and Cafe in Stratton. . ahistoriclandmark Donald D. and Patricia C. Guernsey at present are conducting business as the Roadrunner Bar and Cafe, 2L7 Colorado Avenue, and D.G. Liquors at 211 Colorado Avenue, and live above the businesses at 2l7Vz Colorado Avenue. We purchased the Roadrunner May 1, 1980. Since we have moved to Stratton, we have sandblasted the exterior ofthe building, painted and remodeled the upstairs and downstairs, updating the electricity and bathrooms. The abstract of the property is quite interesting as it goes back to the 1880's, we presume, based on the abstract, the north half of our building was the first bank of Stratton. We still maintain the vault. The The First National Bank at Burlington, Drive-thru Facility. still holds, Mr. Harker has given direction to a growing viable bank which has helped finance the growth of irrigation, dryland farming, cattle feeding and the many service related businesses. More than twenty-five new businesses have received their financing original vault inspections were 1911 through 1922 and, are still on the vault doors. from the First National Bank. Drive-Up facilities were provided in 1980 to add more convenience for the customers by Patricia Guernsey by expanding the business hours. On line wire service for money transfers were also provided by the bank. In 1973 Mr. Harker was elected to the THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK AT BURLINGTON B4 The First National Bank at Burlington was organized and chartered in 1963 to meet the needs of a growing agriculture community. John E. Harker, a farmer and rancher of the area, saw the need for an additional financial institution to provide credit for this progres- sive industry of agriculture. A feasibility study made by the Denver University indicated that this assessment was correct and Mr. Harker then filed for a charter. It was granted by the Comptroller of Currency in August of 1963. Assuming the office of Chairman of The Board. an office which he Colorado Bankers Assn. representing District C-3. In 1976 he was elected to serve the office of President for the Association. During this time the EFT Bill became an Act. This was after many Iong hours from the beginning of the Task Force study to the final lobbying. Officers of the Bank have continued their education through attending The Colorado School of Banking, Colo. Agriculture Lending Forum, American Bankers Assn. Agriculture Meetings and various seminars given to update them in new banking regulations. The present officers are: President John E. Hark- er, Vice-President and Cashier Jimmie L. Jones, Vice-President Tim J. Weibel. The current directors are John Harker. R.C. Beethe, Jimmie L. Jones, Harold McArthur and Ray Rhoades. The First National Bank is the only locally owned financial institution in Burlington and has fifty local shareholders who have supported the bank �over the years and have seen it grow to totals of over thirty million. by Norene Harker A stockholders meeting was held in June of 1918 for the purpose of organizing a bank in Stratton, Colorado. Mr. E.W. Tarrant was the new building with an open house in October of 1962. In 1965, Mr. J.W. Borders Secretary, and they were employed to Iook H.E. Clark, President and Mr. Bob Best, Vice President. Through the remainder of the 60's and ?0's the Bank remained under the capable direction of Mr. H.E. Clark seeing its 50th anniversary in July of 1968, and continued to grow and prosper. Mr. H.E. Clark and stockholders sold the Bank in September of 1981. Mr. Robert L. Todd became President and Chairman of the Board upon the sale of the Bank with Mr. H.E. Clark remaining on the Board of Directors. The Bank continued to grow from its asset size of $18,000,000.00 through the early part of the 80's to approximately $25,000,000.00 before encountering named Chairman and Mr. M.E. Denver, after the affairs of the bank during its ORIN P. PENNY HARDWARE B5 formation. The Federal Reserve Bank Charter was issued on November 4, 1918, making official the creation of The First National Bank of Stratton. From the first meeting of June of 1918. Mr. E.W. Tarrant continued to watch the affairs of the Bank until his resignation in 1923 at which time Mr. J.W. Borders was elected President, Mr. D.E. Davis, Vice President and Mr. J.G. Ford as Cashier. In that same year Mr. R.H. Calverly was appointed Vice President and Director B&on, Orin P. Penny; Hardware, furniture, Undertaking; Burlington, Colorado The Burlington business was one of the largest and well stocked retail houses of its kind in eastern Colorado. The business was located in a modern brick structure which is finely adapted for the purpose it was intended and contains dimensions of about 50X140 feet with a basement half the size of the building. The stock was comprised of staple and heavy hardware, farm implements, cream separators, gasoline engines, Delco light plants, Frigidaire refrigerators, furniture, stoves, ranges, household necessities, rangers' supplies, and sporting goods. Orin P. Penny also ran a funeral parlor. with active management being tendered to Mr. R.H. Calverly on January 8, L924. In April of 1924 a call to raise money for STRATTON, coLoRADO 80836 L.L. Pugh was Chairman of the Board, Mr. the tough conditions of the agricultural economy in the'83-86 period. the purchase of shares through assessment of the current shareholders was not met by all of the stockholders and subsequently several of the existing bank officers and directors acquired additional stock of Mr. E.W. Tarrant. In June of 1926 Mr. Ford resigned from his cashier duties and Mr. R.H. Calverly was elected as Cashier. In October of 1926, total assets of the bank were $157,018.00. Today the Bank continues to grow and flourish and provide a stable source of funds and deposits for the community of Stratton and its surrounding territories in Kit Carson County. The Bank has seen both good and bad times but continues to be optimistic for the future of this fine community and the eastern plains of Colorado. The First National Bank of Stratton proudly claims its from the Director's minutes "We felt that it was better business to liquidate the by Mr. Robert L. Todd The bank continued to run through good and bad cycles during the L929 and early 30's culminating on May of 1934 with an excerpt Bank as the Bank was over capitalized now for the size of the town and the burden of taxes would be too great for a Bank of this size; but under general conditions it seems that there is no way but to take preferred stock" and hence was born a request for a Reconstruction Finance Loan to see the Bank through the dark days of the early 30's. In place as a cornerstone of Kit Carson County and will continue to provide a stable building base for the years to come. SOMEPLACE SPECIAL 87 December of 1936, the balance of the monies borrowed under the Reconstruction Finance Act were repaid to the U.S. Treasury and by L944t}ire Bank was once again free and clear. In 1940 deposits totaled $203,000.00. Significant growth in 1944 and 1945 resulted from the largest wheat crop the community had ever seen. Deposits had grown from $203,000.00 in 1940 to a little over THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK was the honorary Chairman of the Board, Mr. * - ::rl!:r -i'ir!irqix;;4; ., .- :-t:rr,:& ._ '...-.. 'trf.qs. " ll..:, liry,i ##n f* $2,233,000.00 by the end of L947. In January of 1946 Mr. H.K. Clark was elected Director and was further appointed to the position of Vice President in 1948. Mr. R.H. Calverly became President of the Bank in January of 1951 with Mr. H.E. Clark coming on the Board at the passing of his father in 1952. In 1955 Mr. H.E. Clark was elected as Vice President of the Bank and shortly thereafter Mr. Calverly resigned. Years 1955 and 1956 were some of the toughest years brought on by drought conditions in the local area and the Bank once again endured the rough times until some relief was provided through the ASCS Soil Bank program in 1957. Mr. Bob Best was elected Assistant Cashier along with Wanda Sweet in January of 1957. In early 1960 John G. Clark was elected as President of the Bank with J.W. Borders as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Clark resigned effective January 10, 1961, with Mr. L.L. Pugh being elected as President, Mr. H.E. Clark. Executive Vice President and Mr. Bob Best, Cashier. Savings interest was raised to The First National Bank, Stratton, Colorado 37o at that time. In November of 1961 discussion was undertaken concerning the building of a new bank building in Stratton. Dedication was made of Someplace Special, a Stratton clothing store Someplace Special is a clothing store in Stratton located in the same building at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Main Street which has housed a number of previous clothing stores within the past 40 years. The present owners, Dischners IGA, have been in �business there since the November. 1984 opening. by Marlyn Dischner STRATTON UPHOLSTERY AND SPORTTNG GOODS"TO OLD DRUG STORES IN BURLINGTON B8 The Busy Corner Fountain was located on L92L. now in what a modest way this tremendous industry was started, of how great its ramifications had become. This theatre was modern in construction; its equipment was the latest and was adistically decorated throughout. The house seating would accommodate 400 or more persons. The Midway theatre was an old established enterprise and in 1929, had been under the management of Orin Milburn and V.S. Hennen for about four years. They exhibited the latest in All Talking Main Street. This firm served all kinds of refreshing temperance beverages, ice cream, frozen dainties, sandwiches, light lunches, etc., also carried a line of druggists'sundries, toilet articles, stationery, fine candies, cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, kodaks, films, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, etc. Starting in business on Sept. 10, 1928, the Fountain was owned by E.G. Ormsbee. The Rexall Store had been located next to the Stock Growers State Bank, and met every requirement in its growing field. The place provided with specially designed fixtures and all stock was kept under glass and free from dirt, soot and moisture. They dealt in pure drugs, allied specialties and also did kodak developing and printing. A feature of the store was the up-to-date fountain. This firm consisted of E.L. Weinandt and J.D. Brown, both registered pharmacists. The only registered pharmacists in the city. One of their special lines was the famous Rexall family remedies and druggist sundries. The firm had been established since grown so rapidly that one seldom remembers Pictures tobe had from leading studios of the world, and no picture shown that could possible offend the most refined. Stratton Upholstery and Sporting Goods in 1988 STRATTON LIVESTOCK, TNC. Br2 To make a long story into a few paragraphs, we started out with a used furniture store and upholstery in the mid 1940's in Burlington. In 1951 we moved on a farm 13 miles north of Vona. When farming began going down hill, we decided to try our hand at upholstering again on the farm. In 1957 we set up our shop (across the street from our present location) in with the Red's Body Shop owned and operated by Red and Nita Lindsey. We drove to and from the farm each day. In 1958 we moved into Stratton and continued our upholstery in with the body shop. As our business grew too large for the same building, we moved across the street in BURLINGTON AUDITORIUM a building just south of our present location. At that time the building was owned by Bob Miller. At one time it housed a liquor store B9 The homestead boom of 1902 to 1906 was a reality, and more community activities were thus possible. Following the successful 1908 festival in the Auditorium were Shakespearean plays, roller skating and other projects until it was bought by Louis Vogt and the lumber used to build his new Midway - the present movie house, which still stands on Fourteenth Street. Most memorable event besides the first Fair in the auditorium was a huge land sale by A.W. Winegar, a well known early community Realtor and builder, who brought a train load of buyers from the east, importing rented cars from Denver to take them into the country. Hot winds curled the crops between the time the land sale was planned and the time the Easterners arrived, so only moderate returns were gleaned for his efforts; but some new settlers were coming all the time. Thus the need for events to keep them here. such as the Fair. operated by Charley Scholz. The old American Legion Hall used to be where Millers used car lot is located now. In 1962 we purchased the building to the north from Joe Evans who had a pool hall. When this building was built it was a bakery. There were brick ovens out behind where they baked their bread outdoors. Some of the bottom part is still visible today. The north part was a living quarters. At one time it was Phil's TV operated by Phil Helsel. We continued with our upholstery and added used furniture. In 1967 we got our first firearms license. Soon we added archery equipment. In a few years, by Ray selling archery equipment and trading for firearms, our store was built into what it is today "The Biggest Little Sporting Goods Store -in Colorado." by Ray and Lila Jones MIDWAY THEATRE COMPANY Btr Not many years ago, when the moving picture show opened its doors timidly, offering its exhibitions for an admission of not more than five or ten cents, one was inclined to laugh at its pretensions as a surveyor of public emusement. But the business has 1988 view of Stratton Livestock. Inc. In the spring of 1976, various individuals of the Stratton community agreed that the community needed a livestock market, and agreed to assist an individual in the construc- tion of a facility. Richard C. Engel was contacted and agreed to be this individual. These various persons, nineteen in all, agreed to finance $200,000.00 for the construction. Total cost when completed was $240,000.00. It was built during the year 1976, the first sale was in September 1976. Richard "Dick" Engel designed and oversaw the building of the facility. Much volun- teer labor went into the construction of the barn and corrals. Nearly all of the materials were purchased locally, most of them at cost. The businesses in Stratton knew they would also benefit greatly from this new business. The facility consists of a cinderblock building containing a sales pavilion which seats 221, office space and a restaurant which seats 45. A shed attached to the north contains the scales and some small pens. There is pen space for 5000 cattle, three main loading chutes, 3 pick-up loading chutes and an adjustable chute for loading hogs or calves. Dick owned and operated the business, known as Stratton Livestock Marketing Center, Inc. (changed in 1983 to Stratton Livestock, Inc.) from 1976 until June 1984. Elizabeth Engel was the office manager. From July 1984 until the end of December 1984 it was owned by Bill Hornung and managed by Harold Adolf; office manager was Donna Gwyn. In January 1985 LeRoy Herndon bought Stratton Livestock, Inc. and still owns and operates it at this time. Eleanor �Herndon is the office manager. The largest number of cattle for any one sale was in October 1980 when 4336 head were sold. The largest number for any one year was 1981, with 75,16? head of cattle sold. Records aren't available for hogs, horses or sheep. 1980-1982 were the years when the livestock numbers were at an all time high in this area. Since then, many people have sold their cow herds and run just calves and yearlings. Many of these cattle are brought in from other states such as Montana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas because there aren't enough in the local area to supply the needs of the area feedlots and grassland. When the barn first opened, the sale was on Monday. Later this was changed to Tuesday, with hogs on Wednesday. At the present hogs are sold on Tuesday at 10:30 This is the grocery store that was run by Chris & Myrtle Buchanan back in about 1930 to 1933, located at what is now 1461 Senter Street. a.m. and cattle Tues. at 12:30 p.m. There is a horse sale once a year and sheep sales about every two months to accommodate the growing number of sheep producers in the area. Auctioneers have been Pete Schlichenmayer and Tom Westrope assisted by Lyle Garner, Dick Engel, John Nichols, Bob Gates, Dick Homm and Ed Herndon. Veterinarian is Dr. Joe M. Bohnen, DVM Brand Inspectors are Les Davis, Paul Scott and Jim Palmer. Previous Brand Inspectors have been Don Pursley and Ed Humphreys. Present employees are: Office: Eleanor Herndon, manager; Donna Gwyn, assistant; Audrey Eisenhart; Rene Weibel; Virginia Malone; Charlene Gorton By 1923 his own order slips said "strictly cash" but we do not think that was adhered to closelv. Bringing the cows to the meat market for butchering. by W.H. Yersin. By the fall of 1929, it was about seven years old. and Susan Corliss Block: Tom Westrope, auctioneer; Lyle Garner, penback and auctioneer; Ed Hern- don weighmaster and auctioneer; Dick Hcrfrm auctioneer - hog sale; Sharon Powell, deighmaster and clerk. Ringmen: LeRoy Herndon, owner and operator; Wil Adolf Yards: William Cure; Beulah Garner; Gregg Laybourn; Charlene Mills; Leland Monroe; Loran Moore; Steve Stegman; Connie Stegman; John Hoyda; Albert Warkentine; Rueben Schreiner, Bud Matthews. Cafe: Cecelia Fox' manager; Gladys Beeson; Marilyn Pottorff; Trudy Herndon; Angela Isenbart; Dorothy Lucas. Custodians: Richard Flageolle and Kathy Herndon Field Representative: Joe Bohnen DISCHNER'S IGA 814 r,T:Wr, GEN$RAL MPR A.J. (Tony) Dischner entered the service in World War I. A few years after he returned, he purchased the N.H. Fuller general store located on the northeast end of today's Colorado Avenue in Stratton in 1921. At that time prices were not marked on items but carried in a clerk's head. Tony or a clerk wrote up all orders on a pad, and they would round up the requested items for the customers. Tony used many suppliers and was in effect a small wholesaler. There was no refrigeration in those days. by Eleanor Herndon OLD GROCERY STORES 1920's Bacon came in a slab; sugar, beans, dried fruit, cookies and vinegar came in bulk. Folks brought their own vinegar jug. Flour was in 50 pound cloth sacks. . . the source ofevery kitchen's dishtowels. Bulk cookies were a big item. Ed Dischner recalls the buying of eggs which were then traded for groceries and household items. At that time there were three or more cream stations in town, and most families were fed with cream and egg 813 The following is a listing of some of the past and present grocery stores in the Burlington vicinity. The Buchanan Cash Store is one of these, owned by C.J. Buchanan. One of the stores featured the famous Solitaire groceries exclusively. It was the grocery store of Carl Hamilton, owned by Mr. Hamilton. He had been in the grocery and meat business since 1918 or 1919 and was located at the location of Main Street for two years in 1929. Also located on Main Street, was The Red Front Grocery. This business was managed A.J. would love Dischner's IGA at 216 Colorado Avenue, Stratton Tony Dischner must have used N.H. Fuller order pads for a time. money. Tony extended a great deal of credit and he was able to operate with credit from the ware houses. In 1936 Dischner's dropped clothing from the general store line and became a grocery store strictly. In 195L much remodeling was done to accommodate the new innovation of carts for customers to �choose their own groceries. A new counter and shelving made the store like all new establishment. In 1963 Tony sold the store to his son, Ed, but he continued to work in the store until he took sick in 1964. Shortly, he passed away in January 1964 at age 75, after forty-three years ofserving Stratton households. In 1966 Dischner's moved to its present 216 Colorado Avenue site after buying the grocery business of Mel Hatfield, who had procured the grocery of John and Dick Buhr. Today Dischner's IGA is a very large grocery serving customers from a very wide area. by Ed Dischner AMBULANCE OF STRATTON Mary Schulte, Jan Halderman, John O'Brien, Greg Engle, and Rev. Bloomer the others are still active. Many people have helped in the support of our ambulance service, with money making projects, and money gifts which have helped to gain equipment and allowed continuing education. Things have changed a lot in the fourteen years of service, from our old stations wagons to our newest ambulance. We have also added a Fire/Rescue vehicle and extrication equipment. We sincerely apologize if we have missed any one that was associated with the ambulance. Your time and effort were appreciated. We would like to thank the community for its support. D&D CLEANERS 815 ness for ourselves. There wasn't much business, Burlington was just coming out of the Dirty 50's. The cleaners in Cheyenne Wells was closing so we started a route to Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson. We also had a route to Stratton, Vona, and Seibert. About 1960 the Flagler Cleaners was for sale, Dean, Freda and family moved to Flagler and we bought the Flagler Cleaners (I had lived and worked in Flagler in 19b4 at this cleaners.) Dean operated this plant for m€rny years. In 1958 we were charging about 600 for a pair of pants, 91.25 for a suit. Hangers, In 1973 Stratton got its first ambulance, and we became a part of the Kit Carson County Ambulance Service. The first one was an Oldsmobile station wagon. It was graduated to yet another station wagon, which was followed by a van. It was eventually replaced by a Cadillac, which was replaced by a Type I ambulance. It was first housed in the old fire house on Colorado Avenue, and later moved to the new fire house. Our first EMT's were Ace Woller, Louis and Lynna Pugh, Dick Wheeling, and Sherry Monroe. They were followed by Mrs. Harley Pottorff, Mrs. Bob Pottorff, Evelyn Schmidt, Joni Pottorfi Karen Fehrenbach. Marv Havens, Nona Woller and Janet Carnathan. As the years went on they were followed by KentJostes, Ron Curry, and Kevin Hubbard. In 1983 a new group took up the reins with Rev. Don Bloomer, Jim McConnell. Cindv McCombs, Marjo Shean, Janet Halderman. We continued to add to our ranks with Sonia Schuman, Mary Schulte, Melody Schulte, John O'Brien, Rob Coles, Greg Engle, and Ed Herndon. We have several drivers who help out: Kathy Woller, Rod Blackwelder, Don Peters, Pam Smith, Vern and Betty Dresher, and Mike Dreher. With the exception of of school look good. The future of our business depends on the economic condition of the area. by Dallas Stevens GAMBLES STORE Bl7 816 In 1958, I, Dallas Stevens, Doris. and our two daughters Dana and Debbie were in Brush, Co. I was working at Stars Cleaning Shop there. I had been in dry cleaning since 1952; my brother Dean was in construction in Brush also. A cleaning shop was for sale, Jack The Cleaners, and I talked Dean into coming with me back to Burlington and going into busi- Max Toland administering oxygen well groomed in 1987. Our young people out supplies, and cleaning fluid have gone up 700% since 1958. We had a period in the 60's when coin-op dry cleaning, polyester hurt the cleaning business (selling point for clothing stores, as polyester cleaned beautifully) but since those have passed, the materials popular in 1987 are about as they were in 1958, wool, silk, cotton, and rayon. Some of our early employees at the D&D Cleaners at 470 14th St. were my Mother, Alberta Sevens 1960-66, seamstresses were Mildred Bishop, Carrol Kosch, Reta Loun- ger, and my wife Doris. Over the years we have been a family business, and our children have all been trained and worked there through school years. Dana, Debbie, Diane, Devona, Dee and Derek. In 1975 we bought Felzien's Cleaners and moved to present location at 260 14th St. Irma Robertson worked for us 1975 -'82 as a seamstress. Devona Jensen, has worked since 1980-87. She, my wife and I operate it at this time. Over the years we have done cleaning for many generations, some of our customers have been with us for 30 years. Our trade area reaches from Arriba to Goodland and from Wray to Cheyenne Wells. The future looks good for our business, wool, silk, cotton are back, and people are Gambles Hardware, Stratton, celebrating 25 years in 1988. The Stratton Gambles Store was started bv Mr. and Mrs. George Heid around 1g48 in thl building south of the B and B Drug Store. Mrs. Heid sold the business after her husband's death to Mike and Alyce Lewis. In June 1963 Gene and Rosemary Jostes purchased the business from them. In 1966 thev purchased the building the store is presently in. It was formerly a dry goods store started in the 1920's by George Waters. He later sold this business to Bernard Waldron. who later sold it to Les Hatfield, who later sold the business to Leonard Dischner, who later sold it to Virgil Pugh all of whom in the many years operated it as a dry goods store. Virgil sold the store to Gene and Rosemary Jostes, who remodeled it and moved their hardware store there. This year of 1988 Gene and Rosemarv are celebrating their 25th year as owners and operators of the Gambles Store in Stratton. by Gene Jostes LIGHTLELOG Br8 James Lightle and his wife, Joyce, were involved in a cattle operation and managing a custom haying operation when an article appeared in the High Plains Journal which caught their eye and changed the direction of their business and life. This article explained a revolutionary process for converting the straw of cereal grains into a clean-burning material for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Lightle was impressed with the new process and recognized the marketing possibilities for a product that would contribute to the agricultural economy while it helped to keep the environment clean. After much research, it was decided to pursue this business. The couple was able to convince a banker and enough investors to support their venture, and by January of 1987, the Lightles had the money needed to �Dave's Brand Inn Iron J.B. Automotive in Stratton at a site with a colorful past Johnsons. Then after, it was the "Supper Club" until around 1975. At that time it became the Brand Inn lron. In August of 1985 it was changed to "Dave's Brand Inn Iron" and is presently owned by Dave and Marcia Eder. by Marcia Eder James Lightle, president of Lightlelog, Inc. of Burlington displays a bag of the finished product his firm is manufacturing. open Lightlelog, Inc. for business. Lightle says the biggest obstacle the business faces is the fact that the consumer knows very little about alternatives logs. However, he believes once they are educated about the benefits of burning straw logs, and more logs are circulated in the marketplace, the demand for the product should soar. Some of the major selling points of straw logs are their ability to burn cleanly, producing very little smoke. They leave a clean ash, high in potash, rather than the messy charcoal ash left by wood. The straw logs leave absolutely no creosote buildup in fireplaces and stoves. The current market price for a 40-lb bag of Lightlelog straw logs is $9.99. The 20-lb boxes sell for $6.99. Lightle points out the price is another area where straw logs have BURLINGTON FLOWER SHOP business that can benefit the consumer, the farmer, the processor and the local community. "Now, we just have to be patient and try to build interest." by James Lightle DAVE'S BRAND INN IRON 819 "Dave's Brand Inn Iron" was originally built in 1947 by Bill and Glen Holloway, Lewis Beck and Nick Stoffel. It was owned by Al and Lillie Young and named "Al and Lil's Bar and Cafe". In 1950 Charles Sholes 820 building and the long time ago post office was then an automotive mechanic's shop. Along with the automotive work he also ran a wrecker service. After his death, the business was purchased by Everett H. Duncan, who then sold the business to ArDale and Janet Schulte in 1980. The business was called D&S. JB Automotive is now owned by Jack A. Burian who purchased the building in 1986. The business employs three full time mechanics. It offers automobile repairs, tire service, and a 24 hour wrecker service. by Julie Smith KENNY'S SEED AND SUPPLY Christmastime at the Flower Shop Ba2 The Burlington Flower Shop has been in business for 25 years. It was started by Jim and Dixie Johnson in 1961. Some of the first services were the flower shop, greenhouse, and landscaping services. It is still located in the same location, on the north end of 14th Street. The business was sold to Evelyn Busby in 1977. Jean Swafford and Jatta Miller purchased the business in May of 1983. It is no longer a nursery as the green house was destroyed by a hail storm in 1981. The landscaping services were ceased when the Johnsons sold the business. by Jean Swafford built an addition on the south side and living J.B. AUTOMOTIVE quarters in the back. The bar was then moved to the south side and has not been changed since then. Dorothy Lucas who still resides in Stratton was one of AI and Lil's long time employees. In 1956 Al and Lil's Bar and Cafe was sold to Fay and Maime Jones. In the 1960's it was called "Johnny and $150.00 for the land where J.B. Automotive now sits. The office of the building now was once Eva Hamilton's post office from downtown. Byrd Cassity ran his station for many Betty's Supper Club", and operated by the famous customers: E.A. Richardson, Indiana poet laureate and Mr. Red Skelton. Byrd died in 1960 and his wife Dessie kept the station for several years after his death having others runs the business for her. In 1964 Anthony J. and Dolores K. Liebl bought the business and it became Joe's Used Cars. In 1969 Robert M. Miller owned the building which he used for storage. He sold the building and land to Gary and Diane Salmans in 1974. Gary added on to the the advantage over wood. The Lightles feel this is definitely a penny candy and pop. They had several BzL In 1936 Byrd and Dessie Cassity paid years. Cassity's Service Station sold gas, Kenneth Pottorff handles his dealership of several agricultural necessities of today from his Stratton Iandmark office. In 1964, Kenneth Pottorff became a Dekalb Seed Dealer, and like many seed dealers, operated the business at his farm southeast of Stratton along with his cattle and farming interests. In 1968 Kenny purchased the building on Colorado Avenue. The earliest business in the building that he has knowledge of was the Holloway Chewolet Garage. Then Shell �Grain had the building, using it for Grain storage until their business closed. Robert Miller then bought the building, which he sold to Kenny in November 1968. Kenney's seed business increased and foreseeing the opportunity to expand his business, he moved his seed and chemicals up town, opening up the business as Kenny's Dekalb Seeds. Mrs. Bob Pottorff was hired to work in the office in the south side of the building. The business was only open during the planting season, which was March through July. In March of 1969, Dorothy Lucas was hired to work in the office, as receptionist and salesperson until 1982, when she had to quit due to the illness of her husband. Myra Davis was hired to replace her. In 1971 Kenny's brother Loren Pottorff started working and is still working for his firm today. Late in 1969 the new office on the north side of the building was completed and we moved into it in the spring of 1970. Then additional offices were added int974, adding a bookkeeping office and an office for Kenny. The name was then changed to Kenny's Seed and Supply. In 1971 Kenny expanded the business, taking the dealership to sell Arcadian Fertilizer. He was the first to sell Liquid Fertilizer in this area. Kenny bought the lots on the corner ofFirst St. and Colorado Avenue from Andrew Selenke to put up storage tanks for fertilizer and the liquid feed. He then bought move was needed and Langston Style Shop CENTER north of the Midway Theatre and was B23 The Burlington Home Center opened its high school. The business grew and Al retired to become full time builder and retailer passing the services and knowledge he had on to the people in the area. the added storage area for a growing business. by Al and Norma Bandel LANGSTON STYLE SHOP 824 Kenny has seen many changes in the economy of the country that affects farmers and Businessmen alike. At the present time Kenny employs 5 people through the business. They are Loren Pottorff since 1971, Jo Bauman, bookkeeper since L977, Jan Schulte, receptionist and salesperson since 1985, Harry Fox and Jim Fox since 1986. by Dorothy Lucas The Orth's, Helmuth, Francis, Dennis, Jean and Sterling, 10 months. Taken in front of Orth's Department Store on their 28th anniversary. Orth's Department Store celebrated it's 28th anniversary in June of 1987. Helmuth, Francis, Dennis and Jean have, over the past 28 years, made their department store one of the largest independent stores in the tri-state area. The family opened its store 28 years ago in the building formerly occupied by J.C. Penney's. A modest store with only 2,b00 ployed for parts, sales and service of Zimmatic Sprinklers. In 1979-1986 Marc Pottorff worked as Zimmatic service man. In 1982 the business was closed in Burlington and the parts department was moved to the Stratton store. In 1978 the Richardson Farm Machinery During the past 20 years in business, B26 and in 1983 another 6,500 sq. ft. was added to house the mill shop and receiving dock and Burlington. Jo Bauman was employed as the bookkeeper and Royce Roemer was em- Avenue was purchased in 1981 from Jenny Zurcher and is used to display new and used machinery that is for sale. DEPARTMENT STORE enclose the building material and to add a drive through custom service lane. ln L977 Burlington Home Center, as it became known, joined Our Own Hardware ln 1977, Kenny became a dealer for In 1981 Kenny purchased the south halfof the lots where the old high school stood. In 1982 he erected a large Butler building to use for storage. The corner of 4th and Colorado ORTH'S The 40'x100' sq. ft. building was enlarged Lindsay Zimmatic Sprinkler systems, and bought the Gigot Valley building west of rzet, by Vanetta Pottorff to include a 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse to 1977. ammonia along with selling the liquid fertil- operated until 1973 when the store was closed after 25 years of business. Bandel for the purpose of supplying the specialty items he needed for the custom homes he was building during his summer break from teaching Industrial Arts at the replace the Tyro. The dealership of Compensator Liquid Feed was added this year also, along with adding a fertilizer blender building on the corner of First and Colorado in at his farm and began selling anhydrous found its home in the Hamilton Building, doors in the fall of 1974. It was started by Al a Tryco flotation applicator to apply the fertilizer. In 1973 he purchased a Big A to and Big Ox dealerships were added to the business. In 1986 Kenny put up storage tanks Again, because of more growth, a third BURLINGTON HOME Hazel and Walter Langston In 1948 Langston Style Shop had its beginning with Hazel working for Ed Hanten's Mens Shop, located north of Penny's Hardware. Mr. Hanten agreed that she could buy some dresses and sell them while working for him. She used racks made out of old water pipes to hang 12 dresses on. She added to her stock and in 1950, after Mr. Hanten closed his store, Hazel moved her merchandise across the street into a little shop in the front end of the north side of the present Burlington Record on Main Street where she had her first exclusive shop. At this time, Walter Langston retired from his job with the State Highway Department and became involved in the business. They were at this location for about three years, but because of growth another move was needed and they enlarged their stock and moved to the Hammond Building on Senter Avenue where they operated their business for the next six years. square feet, the store now consists ofapproximately 8,000 square feet. The Orths purchased the old Safeway store 25 years ago as they began to expand their operation to accommodate the people of the trade area. Approximately 14 years ago, they opened the basement of their structure which now houses mens and boys clothing. Continuing with their expansion 1? years ago, Orth's purchased the building formerly occupied by Western Auto and put in a complete fabric department. Helmuth and Francis originally opened as a Skogmos store 28 years ago. After being in business for approximately three years, they decided they could offer their customers a better line of merchandise at low prices by going independent. Their son, Dennis, joined the business 18 years ago. The Orth's moved to Burlington from St. Francis, Kansas 28 years ago with little clothing experience. Their operation now requires that they spend about 25 days a year doing nothing but attending various markets and purchasing merchandise for their customers. In a joint statement, the family said, "We certainly do appreciate the excellent response of all of the many people of our trade area. We have strived to give the people a complete department store that stresses quality merchandise at reasonable prices. In addition, we have made our store a'complete �family store where you can purchase all of your family's needs'in one facility." Helmuth continued, "We will attempt to give the people an even better department store over the next 20 Years." by Dennis Orth K-G ELECTRIC HATCHERY B26 The K-G Electric Hatchery, was a compar- atively new enterprise, having opened for business in February of 1930. The plant was modern in every detail, with Buckeye incubators. brooders and other requirements. They had a capacity for 50,000 chicks. A specialty was made of purebred stock and their aim was to raise bigger, stronger and better, grades of chicks at moderate prices. The Hatchery also carried a complete line of poultry supplies, with Purina Chow being the best. This business was run and managed by Mr. C.G. Gould. FLAGLER NEWS B27 the competing newspaper' The Flagler Progress, in 1918 and merged it with the News. The Borland's sold The News in 1923 to Philo F. Falb who published the paper until 1927, when the Borlands bought it back. They continued to publish it until 1931, when they sold it to T. and Grace Gaurd of Breckenridge. Mr. Gaurd had published the Summit County Journal and Mrs. Gaurd had taught school. After selling the Flagler News, Will Borland became a clerk in the Flagler Post Office and was active in the Democratic politics in the county. The Gaurds published The News until 1948 when they sold it to Clyde and Ruth Coulter, who came to Flagler after working on newspapers in the Chicago area. The Coulters are continuing to publish the paper in this their 40th year. The Gaurds relocated The Flagler News office twice, first in the its 75th year of publication. Flagler News files date back only to 1915 but it is believed the newspaper was started in 1913 as a Democratic paper to compete for legal publications with the existing weekly paper, the Republican Flagler Progress, a primary source of revenue for early newspapers was pubtishing legal notices regarding homesteads and it is probable that the News was founded to get a share of those legal notices. Founder and first publisher was E.H. Kruchten. He published the paper for a year and sold it to J.D. Heiny, who sold it to H.E.Wetherell, who operated it until 1915' when Will and Sarah Borland. Mr. Borland had worked as a printer in Brush while proving up on a homestead located south of Brush. (Will and Sarah Borland were the parents of Hal Borland, who graduated from Flagler High School in 1918 and became a nationally known journalist, columnist, and author. He is particularly known for his nature writings.) The Borlands purchased BATT REALTY B29 the newly built "Theatre Building" now occupied by the Witts Family Store. In about 1940 The Gaurds constructed the present building being occupied by The News and moved there. They also developed one of the most modern small town newspaper plants in the area. In 1938, they installed a photo engraving plant. After World War II, they put in a new Model 31 Linotype and a rebuilt 4- page Miehle newspaper press. The Coulters recently donated the press to the Old Town Museum in Burlington, where it can be seen in operation. The linotype is still being used for commercial purposes in the News office. New technology in recent years has revolutionized the printing of newspapers. Instead of hand set type and "hot metal" linotypes, newspapers now use "cold type" computers phed and printed on "offset" presses at a central printing plant. The Flagler News is now being prepared in Flagler but the actual printing is done at the Burlington Record. A second weekly newspaper, The Flagler Progtess, was published in the community from about 1908 until 1918, when it was The town of Flagler will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary in 1988 and its weekly newspaper, the Flagler News, will be marking 1920's. early 1930's from the basement of the "Bank Building" (now the "Otteman Building") to to set type. Pages are "pasted up", photogra- Flagler News, building constructed in 1940 by T. Guard. Burlington Ice and Bottling Co. (foreground) in published by the Will Borlands. There are no file copies of The Progress available in the community except for a few copies which have been saved by families of early residents. It is believed to have been founded and published by Charles E. Gibson. Its office was in the original Odd Fellows Building, on the south side of the building. BURLINGTON ICE AND BOTTLING CO. 828 Batt Realty dealt in real estate and oil leasing. This real estate office actually originated as Rose and Wall by Claus Rose, Jr. and Charles S. Wall. The office was in the old building owned by the Stratton State Bank, North 20 feet of lot 7, block 7, original Stratton. These two men purchased the building on August 19, L942. Claus Rose was elected County Treasurer and moved to Burlington. Charles Wall operated the real estate office from that time until it was sold to George Batt on September 9, 1946. George Batt immediately went into business with Swidbert A. Hornung, who purchased the building from George Batt on August 21,L952. "Swede" Hornung operated the business until his death on January 16, 1970. "Swede" was responsible for the influx of families from the Dodge City - Spearville, Kansas, area who still live in the Stratton area. Some of these families are: Cures, Downey, Bill Hornung, Schulte, Conrardy, Stegman, Torline, Grasser, Rueb, Kliesen, Pottorff, Shean, Warner, Dvorak, etc. Swede was a community-minded man and was into many projects, such as REA, the Stratton School relocation to the present site, the building of the present Catholic Church, the Post Office. He was an eternal optimist and a great believer in the future of the Stratton area among other things. The Burlington Ice and Bottling Company' was an institution that had a broad and steady growth from the date of its inception. The ice plant was established in 1922. It had an icemaking capacity of six tons evety 24 hours. The bottling plant was added in 1925' it was devoted to the manufacture of a full line of high grade soda waters, including all popular flavors, one of their specialties being lcal-Aid", (an orange drink). They were also the distributors of Hamm's, and Windsor Club Beer and Oxford CIub Ginger AIe. H.A. Keese, was the proprietor. by Edith Hornung �VANCE'S DECORATING CENTER crockery, variety goods, paints, oils and couNTY, P.C. B30 In June of 1983, Dennis and Dianne Vance decided to open a new business in Burlington, Colorado. Dennis had been a carpet installer and painter for 20 years. Dianne is a hairdresser by trade, but shared an interest with her husband to start a new business, thus Vance's was begun. From June 1983, to March 1985 the business was located at l46t Senter in Burlington. In this store the Vance's carried a line of unfinished furniture, carpet, and a unique gift section. In October of 1984 the Vance's added the Cook Paint line to their store. They remained at L46l Senter until March 1985. Even though these were stressed economical times, the Vance's had done fairlv well in their little store and decided to makl a move to a larger building, in a new location. They moved to 314 14th Street which many years ago was the old Red Front Grocerv Store. Shortly before Vance's moved to this location it was a T.V. repair store. The new business location was leased from John Penny. At the time of the move the name of the store was changed to Vance's Decorating Center. Moving from a very small location, to one almost double in size, Dennis and Dianne had room for expansion. From March 1985 to the present date, Sept. 198?, they are a full Iine decorating center. They carry in their store, Cook Paint, floor coverings, wallpaper, PANGBORN'S PHARMACY, PHOTO AND SOUND CENTER, INC. B32 Pangborn's Pharmacy was founded February 4, 1966, by Bill and Penny Pangborn at 347 - l4th Street, Burlington, Colorado. It began as a family business and remained one. Bill was the pharmacist and Penny helped with the clerking, was the bookkeeper, and managed the office. In 1975, following college graduation, their son, Tom, returned to Burlington and expanded the electronic section into a full service Sound Center/Radio Shack. Bill incorporated his hobby of photography into the business and "Pangborn's Pharmacy", Photo and Sound Center, Inc. was born. The business prospered and on April 1, 1987, twenty-one years after it began, the store was sold. by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pangborn Times are still not as flourishing as everyone would like, but the Vance's have managed to keep the business going, trying to please the public with their merchandise and their services. by Dennis and Dianne Vance VARIETY GOODS STORES IN 83r C.J. Copeland was located on Main Street. He had been established here eight and onehalfyears in 1929, and carried a well selected stock of variety goods. Goods of every kind including hundreds of articles that were both useful and ornamental, such as crockery, glassware, tinware, china, kitchen utensils. books, stationery, toilet articles, school supplies, radios, stoves, and ranges. Prominent among the number of business enterprises of Burlington was Ed. Purinton, whose neatly arranged store on Main Street was well stocked and well arranged. Mr. Purinton had been connected with the commercial life of Burlington for six years in 1929. The stock he carried comprised of furniture, rugs, linoleums, stoves, ranges, household necessities, kitchen utensils, Certified Public Accountants The business had its start in 1g6? when Larry Mich and John Lindell bought the tax practice of Bob Shamberg. The Burlington Record printed a story regarding the purchase and establishment of a new busineis to be operated under the name of Mich and Lindell, CPAs. The newspaper article indicated that Larry Mich would come down from Wray two days a week to manage the office initially but that the plans were to hire a full time accountant to man the office. I became a Certified Public Accountant in 1965 and at the time the article appeared in the Record I was employed by the U.S. General Accounting Office as an Auditor. That job required a great deal of travel so I was looking for a position with little or no travel. Burlington was my hometown so when I saw the article indicating that an accounting position was open I was very interested. I met with Larry Mich and, after some soul searching about the job and salary, accepted the position as office manager for Michand Lindell, CPAs. Our business then was much the same as nesses. 833 home. B34 it is today only not quite so complicated. We prepared tax returns, did bookkeeping and performed audits of a few towns and busi- STRATTON SPOTLIGHT NEWSPAPER window treatments, and custom draperies. Dennis still does his own carpet installation. The gift line is not as big now, and they carry mainly decorating accessory items for the BURLINGTON WINFREY AND varnishes. Home of the Golden Plains Insurance and Stratton Spotlight. The Stratton Spotlight, Stratton's weekly newspaper, began business on November 2b, 1982. Rick and Beverly Gaddy along with their son Travis moved to Stratton from Simla, Colorado to publish the new newspaper following the termination of the Stratton Press, which ceased publication on November 11, 1982. The Gaddy's attempted to purchase the Stratton Press, but decided a new publication would best serve the Strat- ton community. The Stratton Spotlight is located at L25 Colorado Avenue in the building owned by Ken and Pat Stegman, who operate Golden Plains Insurance from the same location. by Bev Gaddy In July 1969, Larry Mich bought out Mr. Lindell's interest and I bought into the business. The name of the business was changed to Mich and Winfrey, CPA's. The business was located at I4b7 Martin Ave. which is the office building across the street South of the Post Office. We occupied two rooms in the middle of the building. In 1980 Jerry County came to work for us. He became a CPA in 1981 and in December of that year he became a partner with me. We gllanged the name to Winfrey and County CPA's. In 1982 we formed a professional corporation to be known as Winfrev and County, P.C. Certified Public Accountants which is how we operate today. During the years we have expanded our business by buying other practices. In September 1980 we bought a practice with offices in Limon and Cheyenne Wells. Mr. James White became associated with me and he managed the Limon and Cheyenne Wells offices. Then in June 1981 we bought a practice in Flagler. We closed the office in Cheyenne Wells and moved everything to Flagler. We bought another practice in Hugo and combined that into the Limon office.- In July 1983, Jim White left us and we brought all three offices together under the Winfrey and County name with employees managing the Flagler and Limon offices. On December 1, 1985 we moved our office to 593 - 14th St (the old Esch Lumber Co. building). This move gave us much more room for expansion in the future. Our work continues to be primarily the preparation of income tax returns for people in the area. We also do bookkeeping and perform audits ofvarious schools, towns, and businesses around the area. In the future we plan and hope to continue �to serve the people in the area with the same services as we have provided in the past. the local manager was Dick Hendricks of by Noel Winfrey North 14th (Main) Street. This firm made a specialty of the popular Seiberling Special STRATTON SALE BARN 835 Burlington. The Gassner Tire Shop was located on Service Tires and tubes. Seiberling tires were sold with a one year guarantee. They also did steam vulcanizing, dealt in batteries, furnished tire service, and did car washing greasing. As of 1929, the business had been established ten or eleven years and had been under the ownership of R.I. Gassner for three years. Zimbelman's sponsor a soft ball team and is a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. by Calvin Zimbelman FLAGLER MILLINERY SHOP 838 The Flagler Millinery Shop was owned and ZIMBELMAN'S JEWELRY STORE 837 Calvin Zimbelman opened his business "Zimbelman's Jewelry" on June 17, 1960 on 14th Street in Burlington, Colorado. He located in the building south of the Midway Theater where Willies Flower Shoppe is located now. In 1964 Calvin with the help of family and operated by Bertha (Biggs) Nourse, the widow of Frederick Ray Nourse, Jr. He was the sister of Maude Williams, wife of Ellis Williams, son of Andrew and Alma Williams. The picture was taken in the twenties. Treva Williams, the daughter of Maude and Ellis, said she made beautiful hats. Treva graduated from Loretta Heights Academy in L922. While attending school there, she said her hats, made by Aunt Bertha, were the envy of many. by Margaret Clark friends built his present building with a lovely show room to display beautifuljewelry, distinctive gift ware, dishes and silver, watches and many other items. Robbie Lehnherr designed the building and Albert Zimbelman and Mr. Krien layed the blocks Stratton Sale Barn in the 1950's and bricks. Albert and Elmer Zimbelman helped finish the construction of the building. Calvin and family all helped to do the STRATTON SALE BARN finish work. In 1964 Zimbelman's Jewelry was robbed with $10.000 worth of merchandise stolen. Stratton Sale Barn Letterhead The Stratton Sale Barn, Iocated across the railroad tracks north, was owned, operated and built by Swede Horning and Lloyd Pugh. The Sale Barn was Iater sold to Bill Peters who operated the market for several years and closed it in 1955, due to the drought and low cattle numbers. Bill and Jean Scheopner bought the mar- HEINZ OFFICE SUPPLY, INC. 839 Melvin J. Heinz, and wife Frances, owners of Heinz Office Supply, Inc., founded the business in 1958, during a time when farming was poor and he needed another income to support his family. He wanted to create a The crime still remains unsolved and none of the items that were taken were recovered. There were no clues to be found and the crime was investigated by Roy Doughty. Calvin moved into the new place of business 1964. Employees over the years have been Maxine Andrews who worked here for 23 years and Cindy Kemp has been here for the cities. Melvin had, at one time, been a salesman for Monroe Calculator Co. in Wichita, KS, so he was familiar with the office supply business. He started out with a small shop in his 8 years. garage in Cheyenne Wells, Co. Melvin and his business that would enable his children to work and remain a part of the rural community, instead of having to find employment in ket from Bill Peters and had their first sale May 8, 1956. They operated the Stratton Sale Barn until April, 1968. Some of the employees who worked at the market for several ye€us were: Peter Schlichenmeyer, auctioneer; Kenny Scheierman, clerk, Mabel Scheiei.rnan, bookkeeper, Herschel Salmans, weighmaster, LeRoy Herndon Foreman. Others known to have worked at the sale were: Jim McConnell, Boots Wilson, and James Havens. Calista Swogger operated the cafe. f,* by Bill Scheopner TIRE SHOPS 836 "Keeping pace with the progress of the community" was the motto of the Hendricks Tire Shop, located on Main Street in Burlington. The business was established in June, 1927, and featured the well known Diamond tires. The general manager of this business was S.E. Hendricks of Denver. while lt i:'j'ii i,i** ":.;,,"iutif and Lyle Garner, ringmen, Chuck Fox, The Flagler Millinery Shop in the 1920's. �ity through the years. We will continue to try to serve them in the best way we can. by Kathy Killian OLD GRAIN COMPANIES IN BURLINGTON Heinz Office Supply, Inc. HAROLD McARTHUR APPRECIATION DAY B4l 840 "With a view to faithfully portraying the present development of Burlington, and in order to fully set forth the advantages with which our community is so richly endowed, we may be permitted to call special attention to the character and magnitude of a few representative concerns. In this connection it is fitting that we devote some space to the Swenson-Tooker Grain Company, which was established over three or four years ago in 1929." This advertising promoted Burlington. This firm was located a short distance east of the depot on the Rock Island tracks. They were wholesale and retail dealers in grain, feed and coal. They also had an elevator at Peconic, six miles east of Burlington. The Melvin J. Heinz and Jerry Heinz son, Jerry Heinz, sold typewriters, calculators and a small line of office supplies. They also repaired and served the machines they sold. They serviced most of the typewriters for the schools in the area. As the business grew, and Jerry finished his schooling, they decided to move the business to Burlington, CO in 1963. They started in a small store shared with another business in Burlington and eventually moved into a rented building on main street, and finally purchased a building on main street, where the store is presently located. Jerry Heinz managed the store until 1983, at which time Kathy (Heinz) Killian, daughter of Melvin Heinz, took over management. Kathy has been working for the business since 1973. Olympia, Royal, Underwood, Victor and Sharp are some of the main brands of machines sold and serviced by Heinz Office Supply over the past 30 years. After the move to Burlington in 1963, office furniture was added to the line, both new and used. In 1973, Melvin started another store in Goodland, KS. His daughter Sharon and her husband Mike Houk operated that store for him until 1983, when they purchased the store from him, and now they own and operate it. Between the two stores, Heinz Office Supply, Inc. has supplied employment for the support of 8 to 10 farnilies at a time in this area. In 1982, Melvin started his own leasing company, called Big H Leasing Co. He leases office equipment and furniture in Colorado and Kansas. The customers of Heinz Office Supply over the years have been from many communities in Kit Carson, Cheyenne and Lincoln Counties. They are greatly appreciated and have been responsible for our growth and prosper- business was under the management of R.V. Tooker. The Burlington Equity Exchange Company had an implement department and an elevator department. The implement dept. was located opposite the City Hall, on North 14th Street, and the elevator being located on North Main Street, near the depot. The organization came into being back in 1915. The two special lines of equipment featured at the implement dept. were: Massey-Harris and Minneapolis-Moline, with this department being managed by R.A. Hedding. The elevator dept. was devoted to the buying of grain and the sale of flour, commercial feed, bran, shorts, fence wire and posts, steem and domestic coal, all kinds of grain, seeds and salt. This dept. was under the management of D.H. Loomis. Very prominent among the grain dealers of eastern Colorado was the Roller Grain Company, located on the Rock Island tracks east of the depot. It was founded in about 1922 ot 1923. Their principal business was the buying and selling of grain, although they handled flour, feed and salt as a side line. The Roller Grain Company was managed bv C.E. Roller. The O'Donnell Grain Company, which was organized in July, 1927 was located just east of the depot on the tracks of the C.R.I.&P. Railway. F.J. O'Donnell was the manager. The O'Donnell Grain Co. dealt in the wholesale and retail sales of grain, livestock, flour, Forrest Miller as he presented Harold with his plaque citing him for his many "outstanding contributions for the city, county and the entire area." Forrest was the prime organizer for Harold McArthur Appreciation Day. Saturday, January 24, L981, was a very special day for a man who has devoted most it was Harold of his life to helping others McArthur Appreciation Day.- Harold and his wife, Ines, moved to Burlington from Flagler in 1945. There he was operating a John Deere dealership before assuming ownership of the one in Burlington which he purchased from Jack Chalfant. He also kept the Flagler facility open for a short time. The business was operated for many years where the City Hall is now located. In 1964 Harold moved to 2181 Rose Ave. and became one of the largest independent John Deere dealers in the United States. In 1984 he moved to his present location at 17777 Hwy. 385. This was accomplished by becoming a service center, a parts center, and a new farm equipment center for an area encompassing a radius of 100 miles. He has always kept up with the latest technology, and he has also helped several and feed. They also manufactured high grade feed. A few of their special lines were Purina Chows for livestock, hogs, and poultry, and other dealers in the area get started by providing them with financial assistance. One might think that accomplishing such Pure GoId Flour. a task would take all of one individual's time. Not so with Harold McArthur. He was mayor of Burlington for 12 years, has been on the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital board for 25 years. Harold is an original member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Burlington, is on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Boys Ranch, and an original member of the East Central Activities Center, now known as Dynamic Dimensions, and the list could go on and on. �Harold has helped many young farmers get started by loaning them equipment and money, and offering advice when asked for. As Jerry Brenner says, "I thought I knew a lot about farming when I took over the farm, but it didn't take me long to realize I needed a lot of help. Harold was always ready to help, not only myself, but all of the farmers". He has proven over the years that he is never too busy to help, no matter how large or small the task, such as helping someone who needs a fork lift to unload a truck or a railroad car. Kermit Buol, representing the Burlington Rotary Club, expressed the Club's gratitude for being an outstanding member. Carol Dvorak, representing the Board of Directors of the East Central Activities Center, expressed his gratitude to Harold for his generous assistance in making the center a reality. Not only giving money to the center, but by his personal presence on the board. Ted Wickham said, "I have been told several times that we would not have a hospital if it were not for Harold McArthur." Russ Wilcox also said, "He has donated a lot of the 'long green line' to the hospital, and I don't mean John Deere farm machinery. He has given thousands of dollars to the hospital over the years." Now it is six years Iater and we still find Harold contributing in many ways to the betterment of this community through con- tributions of the building for the Senior Citizens Center in Burlington and in helping the town get "Old Town" off to a great start. As long as he is able, we will see the imprint of Harold wherever there is a need. January 9, 1988 - Harold McArthur honored for being John Deere Dealer for 50 years. Last Saturday, January 9th, was a special day for the people of the area and for McArthur Implement Co. of Burlington. Saturday was the annual John Deere Day, and it also marked the 50th Anniversary of Harold McArthur being a John Deere Dealer. Harold was informed that he was the only dealer in the Kansas City division of Deere and Company (and quite possibly in the United Stated) that had been affiliated with them for 50 continuous years. "There are several dealerships that still retain the same name; however, none where the contract with Deere and Company was with the same man for 50 years," stated a spokesperson. Over 1000 people attended the free lunch provided by McArthur Implement Co. It was followed by a joint program (John Deere Day and recognition of McArthur). A crowd in excess of 700 filled the Burlington High School auditorium. McArthur expressed his gratitude to the firm's many customers over the years. "Without you (the customers) we certainly would not be here. We have appreciated your fine support over the past 50 years." Harold started as a John Deere dealer in 1938 in Flagler. His first location was where the present Case-IH dealership is located. He then moved to where the John Deere dealer in Flagler is now located. Harold moved his dealership to Burlington in 1945. The firm was located at 480 - 15th St., which is now serving as city hall for Burlington. The firm then moved to Rose Avenue in 1964 at the corner of Rose and Lincoln. In 1982, McArthur Implement Co. moved to its present location. Over the 50 years, McArthur has continued to expand, providing additional services for farmers over a wide area. Without question, Saturday was a very special day for McArthur. He has been affiliated with John Deere for one-third of the years the company has been in existence as Deere and Company celebrated its L50th anniversaryjust last year . . . The Burlington Record, Jan. 14, 1988. by Marlyn Hasart SNELL GRAIN CO. B'42 J.W. Borders began buying grain in 1910 in the days when horse and wagons were used to haul the golden berry and employees were paid one cent per bushel for hauling wheat coal an automatic fuel and which reduced to % the cost of coal in a home or business house. The Iron Fireman is also especially adapted for schools, churches, and public buildings. This business was originally established about 30 years ago in 1929 and had been under the present ownership about 10 years. John J. Esch was the president and manager, of this local enterprise. THE BANK OF BURLINGTON B'44 from the grain bins and loading it into boxcars for shipping. Borders was a buyer with the Snell Milling Co., Clay Center, Ks. for a period of approximately 10 years. The elevator at Stratton was built in 1912 and later one at Vona and then one at Flagler. In about 1926, The Snell Milling Co. decided to go out of business and the Snell Grain Co. of Colorado was organized and purchased the interests of The Snell Milling Co., in its Colorado elevators at Stratton, Vona, Flagler, and Arriba. Mr. Hillenkamp passed away around 1944, and at that time Floyd Borders, H.C. Harrison, and J.W.'s son-in-law of Arriba, then became active owners in the grain firm. The firm then purchased the two elevators at Hugo, which had been idle for a few years time. At this point, Ugene G. Brown and Richard Borders became active members of the firm. In 1954, the concrete elevator at Arriba was enlarged and a modern concrete elevator was built at Genoa and the Snell Grain Co. took over the three small frame elevators at that time. Bank of Burlington, 1930's. Mr. Borders had noted many changes during his 50 years of active management. New modern mechanized machinery has taken the place of the horse and buggy. OLD LUMBER COMPANIES IN BURLINGTON Bank of Burlington, 1956. 843 The Foster Lumber Company's yards and sheds cover about a half of a city block in Burlington. The Stock comprises of lumber, shingles, roofing, sash, doors, windows, brick, lime, cement, plaster, sewer pipe, drain tile, paints, oil, glass and anything necessary to build a house. The Burlington yard was managed by P.L. Bruner. The main headquarters were maintained in Kansas City, with yards in Kansas, Eastern Co., Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The Esch Lumber Company Inc. was located on 14th Street, opposite the City Hall. The stock in addition to lumber for buildings also carried fence posts and fencing wire. They had the exclusive agency in Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Cheyenne counties for the lron Fireman, the machine that made Bank of Burlington, 1988. The progress of the Burlington community and the success of The Bank of Burlington have moved forward together for 56 years come December 5, 1987. Eventful years, through bad times and the good, have taken place since the fall of 1931 when there were no banking facilities in Burlington. Realizing the need for such a service, George D. Tubbs, H.W. Gleason and his father, John E. Gleason, Benjamin B. Foster, George W. Foster, John M. Foster, Mrs. Anna Foster Ford, together with local �businessmen Orin Penny, P.L. Bruner, J.D. Brown, Ned R. Brown, E.L. Weinandt and John S. Boggs, organized and opened the bank at its present location. General conditions were not encouraging in the thirties, and the beginning was very modest, but by careful management and following of conservative banking principles, the bank has shown a steady growth. On opening day, its total assets were approximately $93,000. Thirteen years later it was $1,500,000. On December 5, 1956, when the bank celebrated its 25th anniversary, its assets were $2,800,000 and on its 50th anniversary they were $22,000,000 and are presently over $25,000,000. Following the death of H.W. Gleason in January, 1983 the bank was sold to Gary Brooks who became president and Leo Van Dittie who became chairman of the board. Mr. Brooks and Leo Van Dittie, along with his brother Jim. became directors of the bank, replacing 3 members of the Tubbs family. The Brooks and Van Dittie families are well known in Colorado Banking circles. The efforts to provide a safe and sound banking service to the people of this territory have been accomplished by the loyal support and friendship of the people of our community. This patronage is deeply appreciated by every officer, director and employee. From depression years, through cycles of good times and difficult times, the bank has kept its steady gain. With the rapid changes 1940, John Ellis, who was then serving as assistant cashier. was elevated to cashier of in agriculture, the money needs of both farmers and businessmen have increased the bank. He held this position until 1943 when he entered the military service, along with assistant cashier Bob Montgomery. At this time, L.L. Reinecker joined the bank as cashier and in 1949 was named executive vice immensely and the bank has strived to meet these needs. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have made The Bank of Burlington what it is today, and the officers and personnel president. George D. Tubbs, Jr., was elected president following the death of his father in look to the future with confidence and high resolve to continue to serve this community to the best of their abilitv. 1949. The Bank of Burlington has been in the same location for 50 years. It started out in the building that was the quarters of the former Stockgrowers Bank. In 1950 the building was remodeled inside and out and expanded in size. Its present building is now considered one of the most modern and beautiful buildings in Burlington. Consider- gasoline pump. His was the first pump in town. His first six week's business was a total of 50 gallons of kerosene. But Ray, the young man with a vision and the forward look, had gotten on the right track. From the single team and rattling wagon, he progressed. He added a few barrels to the cream cans. Then a tank wagon drawn by horses, of which he now had a dozen or more. Next came a truck with a tank, a somewhat crude affair minus a top to the cab, but it served. From the modest beginning has evolved the widespread business located in Vona since 1925, with the most modern tank trucks, a well equipped office, with branch offices in Kirk, Joes, and Cope. From that a 8-gallon-per week record he has gone to one-half million gallons in one year. He now takes the route to Kirk, Joes, and Cope in 2% hours where in the horse-drawn days it took 4 days. He built the tanks used by White Eagle and Conoco in Seibert. and took the first load of gas to Joes, Kirk and Cope. Mr. Ray A. Roberts married Leona Bell, daughter of early settler, Stephen Bell. They have two children, a son Lloyd and a by Willard Gross daughter. Ray is the son of George Roberts who came, with his wife and two sons, from Missouri to Colorado in 1908. They homesteaded four miles south of Seibert. Lloyd is in partnership with his father. RAY A. ROBERTS AND by Janice Salmans SON OIL CO. able new modern equipment has been added so that the bank can better serve its custom- B'45 ers. The bank is proud of its past and present employees, most who served for many years. Leland Reinecker served the bank as execu- STRATTON HEALTH CENTER B'46 tive officer for 38 years. He retired in January, 1981 and the following June was awarded a 50 year plaque from the Colorado Bankers Association for his 50 years of service to banking. He continues to serve on the board of directors, a position he has held for over 44 yearc. Willard Gross joined the bank as assistant cashier in June 1945. was named cashier in 1949, and executive vice president in January 1981, a position which he presently holds. He also has been a director of the bank for 42 Ray Roberts Oil Co., Seibert location. years. "Bud" Boyles, became associated with the bank in 1965 and was elected vice president and cashier in 1981, a position he Stratton's health care facilitv held until his retirement in January, 1986. Irene Wilcox served as assistant cashier for nearly 28 years, until her semi-retirement in January, 1981, and then continued as a parttime employee until March, 1987. Jerry L. Gross, son of Willard Gross, joined the bank in June, 1981 as assistant cashier Doctor Richard D. Ramos, Denver born, doctor of Chiropractic, came to Stratton in January 1956. Until this writing, he has practiced in Stratton continuously for thirtytwo years. He married Lolita Klotzbach, a Stratton born lady. They had five boys, and was named vice president and cashier in January, 1986. Other officers are Connie Witzel, assistant cashier with 31 years of service, Carol Zimbelman, assistant cashier, 14 years, and Rick Haynes, assistant vice president and ag loan officer, about 2 years. Other faithful employees are Margaret Smith, 19 years, Margie Mersch, 16 years, Mary Sue Woodrick, 8 years, and Carol Lucas, 6 years. Newer employees are Charlene Flock, David Carter, Tara Duerst and Fae Mehling. John and Gene Penny have served as directors of the bank for over 25 years. George D. Tubbs, Jr. was the bank's nresident and director for 34 vears. In Ray Roberts Oil Co., Vona location. Back in 1912 there were not many automobiles in Seibert, Colo. People had not begun to think much about them. "Filling stations" were hardly known. But a young fellow with 'more imagination than sense', some said, got the idea that after all, the horseless buggy might grow. So he decided to go in the business of furnishing fuel for motors. His first "equipment" was a team, some milk cans. and finallv an old Howser "blind" Richard, Michael, James, Ronald, and Daniel. Dr. Ramos also had two children from a previous marriage, Randlyn and Donald. Dr. Ramos started practice in the old Collins Hotel. Then he bought the old bank building on Colorado Avenue and practiced there for 16 years. At present he owns and operates the Stratton Health Center (pictured) which houses Dr. Cockerham D.D.S., Dr. Ramos, D.C., and Dr. Warwick, M.D. This health care facility is rare for a small rural community. For thirty years Dr. Ramos was the only doctor in town and provided much of the Drimarv care for the communitv. When asked �by big city colleagues why he would stay in a small community where there are no recreational facilities, he pointed out that "There are a lot of things Stratton doesn't have: smog, traffic problems, drugs in our schools, and crime on our streets." UNITED FARMERS MARKETING CORP.N' by Donna llake THE COLLINS HOTEL by Dr. Richard D. Ramos LTZ'S LITTLE BIT the ornamental concrete, other landscaping items will be offered in the future. B50 It was "the best hotel between Kansas City and Denver," wrote on local historian. Its beautiful landscaping, its fountains and its spacious accommodations attracted famous world travelers and local cowboys alike. It was the Collins Hotel, in Stratton, B'47 Colorado. The hotel was named after its builder and first owner, Joe Collins, an early day, Eastern Colorado "mover and shaker" who learned at The facilities of United Farmers Marketing Corp. west of Burlington. United Farmers Marketing Corporation is wholly owned and operated by dry bean growers in eastern Colorado. After several months of organizational meetings and Liz's Little Bit, near I-70, Stratton To begin with, I began by researching convenience stores over the country. The thought of building a convenience store, with the selling of gas, was taking shape in my mind. Then I drew up plans as to what would be suitable. but the location was another thing. I contacted our local banker and talked with others to find property available in the area near I-70. I found it was not as easy as I had thought it might be, but the proper place was found and purchased. Then the ground work began: upgrading and leveling done, the gas tanks were put in, followed by water and sewer lines. Then the concrete was poured for the foundation and floor. The building was purchased and it took about a month to arrive. While the building was being put up, the work went on measuring for gas Iines from tanks.to dispenser, getting the pumps in before the weather got too cold and bad; the island around the dispensers was poured with concrete. Then the weather began to get pretty cold and bad. So we were delayed in getting to finish all concrete work, but between snows it did get done in February. Inside work was being done and in the searching for finance, UFMC was established in October L7 ,t978. Through the sale of stock to bean producers in Yuma and Kit Carson counties and a construction loan from the First National Bank at Burlington, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, enough funds were obtained to start con- struction in April of 1979. During that same year UMFC handles approximately 60,000 cwt. The corporation has grown steadily in both storage capacity and processing ability Collins and some of his brothers homesteaded in Colorado. Making good in horses and cattle, Collins went into the hardware business, and selling that, he began dealing in real estate as a specialty. In 1917, he bought out the Square Deal Lumber Co., and in its place Joe Collins built the Collins Hotel. According to Dessie Reeves-Cassity, "He hired a landscape gar- dener to landscape the surroundings created a sunken garden set out beautiful flowers, kept a professional caretaker and made it the show place of both Kansas and Colorado." Nor did he scrimp on the interior; the linoleum was brought from England. There was hot and cold water, and all electric lights. The hotel was big. It had 104 doors with by Gay Cure numbers on them, but only 80 were 9x12 bedrooms. The rest were chutes and closets. The hotel boasted three public bathrooms, THE LEISURE GARDEN B49 and two of the rooms had bathrooms, as well. The halls were 10 feet wide. In the attic, space was sold to cowboys who wanted a spot to roll out their bedrolls. For 75 cents a night, cowboys could rent curtained cubicles, and one retired cattleman, Lloyd Pugh, recalls "some real parties" in that attic. When the hotel sold in 1966 the wires which held the curtains were still there. In the east wing was a large dining room, which could seat 72 persons, and a smaller cafe with 18 stools and two tables. Meals were cooked on coal stoves. The cooks were particularly busy packing lunches when the waiting to be brought down from Denver and installed. We opened the 26th day of April, 1980. In early June the black top went in, after a very moist winter. Other restrooms were added in July. Diesel has been another product that has been added plus the making of a rest room back of our lot. Thus you have by Liz Coulter would lead to success. A Wisconsin Native, Collins bought and sold his first farm - for a profit - at the age of seventeen. Fifteen years later, in 1906, and in 1986 - 305,000 cwt were received and processed, making it the largest single Pinto Bean facility in the country. meantime all equipment for the store was the history of Liz's Little Bit. a tender age that buying and selling land survey crew (working on Highway 24) stayed at the hotel. Loretta (Pelle) Ehlers, a former waitress and cook in the hotel, said a T-bone steak dinner sold for 60 cents, in the 1930's, The Leisure Garden, one of Stratton's newest businesses The Leisure Garden was opened in Nov. 1986 by Jim and Donna Hake. Its primary and the luncheon special usually went for around 45 cents. A cheap lunch, including roast beef, potatoes and gravy, vegetable, coffee and a roll, could be purchased for a quarter. Mrs. Ehlers said about 35 drummers (salesmen) stayed at the hotel each week. While they all enjoyed the hospitality and the business is the retail sales of ornamental concrete to be used in decorating homes, comparative luxury, at least one salesman had cause for irritation. Mrs. Ehlers said a precasted and the painting and detail work is finished at the Leisure Garden. Over two hundred different items are available with new ones added periodically. In addition to ketchup - yards, and gardens. Items are purchased ketchup salesman arrived in the dining room one day, only to find some other brand of in his company's bottles! To appease the salesman, and keep him as a customer, the hotel removed the offending ketchup from the premises. �ETRATTON FIRE DEPART!@NT CONsTITUTION ARTICIJE t. Tltle and Object. SECTION l..-Thefe lr horeby croatcd o,n orgonlratlon wbtch rball be known oE "Stratton Flre D€partmcnt." SECTION 2.-- The object ol thla Dopartm€nt ghall be to creat and malntein I spirlt of frlendshlg and lraternal loellng b€twe€n ltE m€mbers; to meet and egsemble ln reSiular stated conventions. and tbere devlse wa,ys and m€aDs to lmprov€ the flre-flghtlng servlce; to combat and extinguish nres, end at ell tlmes to do tts utmost in the savlug ol property from destructloD, and the llvee of persons ondanger€d by flre. AII,TICIJE 3. Clagses ol Membershlp. SECTION 1.- The membershlp of thls bepartment shall conslsl of volunteerg clasaed as lollowe, vlz: "Active",. "Assooiate", "Honorary" Collins Hotel, the best hotel between Goodland, Kansas and Denver of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Among the famous names who registered and stayed at the Collins hotel were Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey, Paul Harris (founder of the Rotary Club, from Chicago), Paul Whiteman, Marian Davies and Governor aud "Llfe" members. SECTION 2.- Actlve memberg sball be aselgined to duty with any flre equlpment by the Chlef ol th€ Flre DeDartmeDt, or by tbe Asststant Chlef ln the abeeuce of tbe Chtet. They shall be eutltled to vote ln ConYentlonB, and to hold olllce, SECTION 3.- Assoclate member8 shall be those who wlsh to Jol[ the DepBrtmeut lor th6 general good and ghall be subject tor th€ payment ol dues, but shsll not be entltled to vote In cotrventlons nor to hold ofilce. SECTION 4.- HoDorary memberrhlp may be attalned only lD recog- Johnson. Although there were a number of hotel managers, Joe Collins owned the hotel until he died in 1949. He continued to deal in real estate, however, and is credited with bringing many new residents to the area from across the nation. The hotel was willed to five heirs, upon Collins' death, and one of them, Frances Van Ness, bought out the interests of the other four. She and her sister Rose Huber, operated the hotel until Mrs. Van Ness died in 1965. Mrs. Huber and another sister, Isabel Ross, then sold the hotel to Harley and June Pottorff in 1966. The Pottorffs have remodeled the old hotel, now known as Twin Oaks. The 18,000 square feet of floor space received new Moon Theatre competes with today's high tech, remaining one of a few small town theaters. Stratton Fire Department Constitution, Feb. 4, calibre movies for the area. Stratton should be very appreciative of the fact that in this day of more theaters closing than remaining to fight the inroads of high technology and high costs that this small town still has a quality movie theater. Stratton Fire Department was organized in February 4, L924 according to the written constitution which gave membership in the Colorado State Firemen's Association. The carpeting, although the English linoleum was "still in good shape," and the walls received more than 100 gallons of new paint. The wide halls were converted to bathrooms. A portion is now used as the Stratton Senior Citizens Center. Since Collins died, the gardens and fountain have made way for a paved parking lot. STRATTON FIRE DEPARTMENT B52 The dining room and kitchen are no longer in use. But in a casual glance from across the street is still looks much as it did, 60 years ago. by Terry Blevins MOON THEATRE 86r After purchasing the Moon Theatre from E.J. and Betty Buhr, Melvin and Dorene Koonn had their first movie showing on June 3, 1977. For two years they commuted from their Denver home to open the movie each weekend. They now live in Stratton. Although this is a very trying period in time for the promoters of movies and theaters because of cable, satellites, and VCR inroads, the Koonns staunchly continue showing high 7924. equipment which consisted of two hose carts and twelve buckets were stored in the old town hall. An informal membership for each volunteer cost $10.00 for life. In 1926 a chemical truck was acquired. On December 29, L952, the Stratton Fire Protection District was formed and board members were named: Lloyd Pugh, president, and Ernest Pottorff, Lawrence Dasenbrock, G.L. Hatfield, and Joe Droste, the directors. In 1953 a new 500 gallon Ford pumper truck was purchased. The purchase of a 1949 Chewolet pumper truck from the Burlington Fire Department for 91.,250.00 on September 15, 1962, by the Stratton Fire Department provided a gift to give the city. In 1976 a new 1,000 gallon prtmper truck was bought. After construction of the new building to house the fire equipment, provide office space and an area for the am[ulanss service equipment, the move was made to that building in 1983, and in 1984 the department received a 2,000 gallon water truck. Present home of the Stratton Fire Protection District Headquarters. by Ron Wolfrum �KUKUK BLACKSMITII AND MACHINE SHOP 853 Modern equipment, scientific methods and efficient service were characteristic of the Kukuk Blacksmith and Machine Shop in Burlington. The business was first started by F.W. Kukuk back in 1913, and he operated it under his own name until 1921, at which time his brother bought an interest and took an active part in its operation. They were prepared to take care of any- thing in the way of blacksmithing, woodwork, machine work and acetylene gas welding. In the welding department they could weld anything made of metal, including articles from the size of a teaspoon to a heavy pump or engine cylinder. STRATTON DONUT SHOP B64 Stetson hats and Florsheim shoes. This business w{ut owned by Frank E. Koenig and Orville Swain was the manager. Originally Lloyds Clothing and Cleaning Shop, owners were Mac and Clara Lloyd. They were located in the north half of the building. Cecil Felzien purchased the cleaning shop and moved it to the Satin Petticoat location (1987 store). Mabel Davis and Les Sutton were employed by Mac Lloyd. Overalls were sold at $1.98 a pair. C.E. McCartney and J.J. McCune pur- chased the Men's Shop and Les Sutton was the manager. Employees were Doris Hawth- orne, Virgie Luecke, and Cleo Gipe. Later Mabel Davis joined the staff replacing Virgie Luecke. Levis were $3.98 a pair. In 1962, Robert E. and Bonnie Baker purchased 7s interest and Bob became the manager when Les Sutton moved to KLOE in Goodland, Ks. Cleo Gipe joined the Navy. Later David McCune joined the staff and eight years later moved to Arizona. Levis were $4.29 and a shirt was $4.00. In 1965, The Men's Shop purchased the J.C. Penny Store and doubled the size of the business and Bob Baker purchased C.E. McCartney's interest in the business. Later Lori Witzel joined the staff and married and moved to Tex. and her mother Barb Witzel replaced her. 1987, the present staff in the Men's Shop are Doris Hawthorne, Mabel Davis, Barb Witzel, and Bob and Bonnie Baker. Levis are nor $20.00 - $29.00 and shirts are $16.00 and $22.00. The Burlington Cleaners and Clothiers was situated on Main Street. This firm operated a thoroughly modern dry cleaning and pressing plant. They also carried a stock of men's clothing, furnishings, hats, caps, shoes and made suits to otder in the latest weaves in spring and summer woolens. This firm was established and managed by rad's, Jim Hake's and Dale Courtright's. With lot's of hard work and planning, we opened the door as a donut shop on Novem- necessities for a well-organized sale ring. Cressie Seal was the original initiator of the business and he and his wife Merna, assisted by Gladys and George Quinn and Frances Van Ness in the office, ran the establishment that had quite a reputation in the area. Leonard Beeson who worked there from 1934 to 1948 vividly recalls the many sales. Sometimes a miscellaneous sale preceded the regular cattle sale. Special horse and mule sales were common and these sometimes lasted until 2 a.m. Trucks were small in those days and it was the time when machinery pulled by tractors was taking the place of horse drawn machinery. Leonard recounted that his father sold 40 head of horses once at $f6.00 per/head. Auctioneers through the years were Claude Irwin and later the Peters Bill, Roy and Bud. At first Harley -Greenlee clerked the sales, but when he was unavailable Leonard Beeson was called into service from his work in the yards and did such a fine job that he became the sale clerk. In the mid-40's Bill Peters and Swede business the D&D Cleaners. In 1975, they purchased the Felzeins and moved to the new bunches as space allowed. In 1958, Dallas and Dean Stevens bought The Stratton Donut Shop opened November 4, 1980. The Stratton Press building was purchased early in 1980 by the Steve Con- self storage building. Hornung took over the sale barn and operated it until it closed in the early 1950's. It seems hard to visualize a large number of cattle or other animals right in town, but if the pens on either side of the building grew too crowded the overflow was taken to the railroad stock pens and driven back in small M.M. Lloyd. Stratton Donut Shop: a center of morning and afternoon gathering in Stratton "The Barn", Stratton's first sale barn site, now a the Jack The Cleaners and called the new location at 260 14th street. In 1987, the business has been going for 28 years. In 1929, the Golden Rule Dry Goods Today this historic site is a community storage rental establishment owned and managed by Joyce and Gene Clark. Company could be counted as a leader of its line. This firm was incorporated in 1912 and was moved to the city in 1919. This business was located in a brick building. It was ber 4, 1980. managed by Joseph Floyd. They dealt in dry In 1986 the Jim Hake's choose to leave this business to start their own. ery, men's and boy's clothing, and furnish- goods, notions, ladies' ready-to-wear, millin- COUNTRY CRAFTS AND GIFTS 867 ings, hats, caps, and shoes. by Irene Courtright The Eastern Colorado Cleaners was prepared to remove soiled spots and give the cloth that freshness and newness of new CLOTHING STORES IN BURLINGTON goods. The business was established January 20, 1930, by W.L. Willis, manager and he was ably assisted by his wife Mrs. Willis. B56 Koenig's store was modern in point of equipment and completely stocked with clothing, men's furnighings, hats, caps and shoes, in short they were "Outfitters from Lad to Dad". They carried one of the best selected stocks of its kind in eastern Colorado. Among the high grade lines featured by the concern might be mentioned Wilson Bros. Haberdashery, Hart, Schaffner and Marx and Kuppenheimer clothes, John B. STILL "TIIE BARN' 856 An interesting Stratton landmark is the building known today as "The Barn" on the south side of the post office on Colorado Avenue. It began in the early 1930's as a sale barn with an arena and scales, holding pens, and a snack shop with offices and all the ro Countrv Crafts and GifLs at Stratton �On October 17, 1987, Larry and Rhonda Shutte opened a new craft store in Stratton next to the Dischners Grocery called Country Crafts and Gifts. At the time this book was published it was one ofthe newest businesses in town. The Shuttes both enjoyed doing woodworking and various other crafts and with the growing interest of crafting in the surrounding area, they decided that it might be a good business for Stratton to have again. REAL ESTATE OFFICES B60 The installation of electrical comforts and The Bently Land Company, Iocated in the Winegar building, Burlington, was prepared to furnish interested parties with the most authentic information on all subjects pertaining to farm land in eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and Nebraska. The active head of the concern was Mr. C.B. Bently. Mr. F.E. Winegar, located on the ground floor of the Winegar building on North Main Street, had been engaged in business in this locality for the past 20 or 25 years, in 1929. He made a specialty of improved and unimproved farm and ranch lands in this part of the country. He also wrote insurance and surety bonds. necessities and the handling of supplies for this purpose was the line in which Guthries' Electric Shop was engaged. It was opened for business in Burlington on Jan. 1, 1930. They took care of anything pertaining to electrical construction or repair work and also carried a line of electrical appliances. A specialty was made of house wiring and the installation of any kind, from the smallest town lot to the by Rhonda Shutte Marion, "Emp", Carolyn (Mrs. Justin Williams), GUTHRIE'S ELECTRIC SHOP 858 complete electric light plants in country homes. The business was owned bv J.S. Guthrie. WILLIAMS PHARMACY and Lawrence, "Larry", Williams. 859 The rapid development and consequent increase of real estate transfers. fostered the need for a well equipped abstract plant. The Baker Abstract Company was situated on Main Street. Their records showed in whom the title to all real estate in Kit Carson county is vested, and the abstracts of real estate of Lawrence, "Larry", Williams Dr. Harry L. Williams purchased the Flagler Drug Company from a Dr. Charles Schroyer on November 28, 1906 with a payment of $50.00 on stock and fixtures when he and his family became snowbound in Flagler on their way from Denver to Illinois. (No record of Dr. Schroyer is available. His letterhead on the bill of sale lists him as Physician and Surgeon and Manager of the Flagler Drug Company.) The family moved into the building, dividing it into home, store and Dr.'s office. Jennie raised the boys, Marion, Justin and Lowell, managed the store when Dr. was out on calls and nursed patients. The first patient was brought into Dr.'s office one night by his friends. In addition to being drunk he was more dead than alive having ridden his horse through newly strung barbed wire fence. His recovery took three weeks. Marion, "Emp", graduated from the Denver University School of Pharmacy. He took over management of the new store, built in Williams Pharmacy, built in 1915 or 1917, at its either 1915 or L917, after having served in the present Flagler Iocation. Army. (Marion said the family home and new store were both built in 1915. However, the Assessor's Office shows the house built in 1915 and the store in 1917. In 1969 Marion received a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Love and members of the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy for having been a registered pharmacist in Colorado for 50 years. His The original drugstore purchased by Dr. H.L. Williams from Dr. Schroyer in 1906. registration number was 2518 and registration date was May 24, 1919. Marion's only son, Lawrence chose not returned from World War II and-'11411y", to return to Denver University where he had been studying Chemical Engineering. Instead he attended Capitol College of Pharmacy, and joined his father in business in 1947. when Larry retired it will be the end of an era; his only child chose not to carry on the family tradition. by Vivienne E. Tfilliams largest tract of land. They also wrote fire insurance and surety bonds. The Baker Abstract company was organized in 1907. It was managed by E.C. Baker. Another worth mention in the Real estate business is Mr. Wm. Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson sold Real estate and Insurance in the two- story brick Wilkinson building. Later on to have housed Thomas and Thomas, Attorneys at Law. Located on Main Street is the office of The Kit Carson Abstract Company. This com- pany was organized back in 1916, and was very ably managed by H.G. Hoskin. He was one of the most widely known and progressive men of the community and his name had been prominently identified with the growth and development of the county for 42 years. (1929) Another of our real pioneers in the business world of Burlington is Burt Ragan who specializes in Insurance and has other busi- ness ventures to add to his name. He was also Special Deputy Tax Collector for Kit Carson county; bought and sold horses, mules and all kinds of livestock; took care of rentals; was a Notary Public, a dealer in Real Estate; and engaged in farming. He operated one of the largest general insurance agencies in eastern Colorado. Among the companies represented were: Aetna Insurance Co., Home Insurance Co., Commercial Union Fire Insurance Co., Hartford Insurance Co. (writing all lines), The Franklin Life Ins. Co. Queen Insurance Co., Colonial Underwriters, Fidelity-Phoenix Insurance Company, Liverpool, London, and Globe Ins. Co., and others of more or less importance. He had been in the fire insurance business here for thirty years in 1929, and added Life ins. a little over a year ago. He also wrote surety bonds. �STRATTON EQUITY COOPERATTVE CO.r*, In 1914, fifty seven interested persons purchased shares of stock dated December 16, 1914 and the Cooperative was born. It was named and formed the Stratton Equity Exchange, now known as the Stratton Equity Cooperative Co. During the formative years the company had the usual ups and downs of a new business with the position of manager being changed quite frequently. During the years 1918-22, fle managers were hired. When the business was organized R.M. Farquhar was the first manager and started operating the business with a grain elevator and attached corrugated metal shed, which served as the office. The first board of Helen Kerl, bookkeeper, Stratton Equity Exchange, in the 1930's. directors were, O.L. Boone, D.S. Manley, J.J. Harris, U.S. Clark and Arthur Radspinner. The manager and four employees operated the new business in 1914. In 1934 Dick Rose was hired as manager. : t;i :,: i.rt?'t: ttr Stratton Equity Exchange when Dick Rose was t manager. 4 rl t, ::"..:,: Lumber yard and Elevator in early days. During the hard years the board of directors saw the need for a capable manager with experience and determination necessary to pull the business out of financial trouble. During Rose's long tenure as manager many improvements were made. First, a 60 ft. scale was installed. two steel bins were erected with approximately 36,000 bushel grain storage, Iater on adding an expansion to it,22'x40' more steel bins. This gave them storage capacity of 510,000 bushels. In 1929 the first service station was added in 1959 for the cost of$35,000.00. It featured the latest in equipment to service automobiles, truck and farm machinery. The fertilizer plant was built in 1964. At this time the Coop had 650 shareholders. In 1968 Dick Rose retired as manager of the Coop. Ben Davis was hired as manager on May 1, 1968. During this time the Coop has added more needed service. The Coop added grain storage at the Kirk Coop of 1,000,000 bushel for corn and wheat, and added a new service station at Kirk, built a new hardware store with new office spaces and added grain &. I t t h storage at Stratton. A new feedmill was installed that services the county with feed being delivered when needed. Transport trucks were purchased to deliver fuel and grain. The Coop now has 4,266,000 bushel of grain storage to serve its members. The Coop now has 1582 share holders in 1988. The present directors are, Jim M. May, President; Jack Shafer, Vice President; Ron Richards, secretary; Charles Clapper and Dale Conrardy, directors. Bennie C. Davis is presently serving as manager. The Coop employs 63 employees to service their members. Elevator and Feedmills, 1988. Stratton Equity Exchange. �STRATTON BARBER SHOP B62 Otte Collier and wife Birdie Sholes Collier operated the barber shop and beauty salon in Stratton about the years 1928-1930 before moving to Yuma, Colo. to operate a shop there. The barber chairs were in the front part of the building with the beauty shop booths further to the back. Short hair styles became popular in the 1920's making heated curling irons the latest in hairdressing. Small irons for the small curls and larger heated irons for longer hair came along with the waving iron. Mrs. Collier was a sister to Charles Sholes. The shop was located in the building where Ray Jones has his present business on Colorado Avenue, Stratton's main street. One of the customs at that time was at the death of anyone in the community the Marshall of the town would go down one side of the street and up the other side stopping at each business informing them the time the funeral was to be held. and the merchants would close their doors for that hour in ft. building owned by Jack and Maurine Mauch. Later it became a family corporation, including John, Ron and Cheryl. In July of 1968, a big fire caused by an electrical short at night almost destroyed the building. The remains of merchandise was sold for salvage to a Denver dealer and the fixtures were replaced and cleaned. The reopening happened 6 weeks from the day of the fire. Loyal customers returned and enabled the corporation to double the building size to 17,000 sq. ft. in L974. In December of 1981, the business sold to a life long competitor Safeway, Inc., who leases the building from Jack and Maurine, now retiring in Sun City, Ari. of the framework and sides to the floor, the cabinet installation, enclosure of the unit, a wood sealer coat followed by much sanding and two coats of varnish. Then water lines and electrical components plus refrigerator and stove were added. Insulation and tinning followed with much crimping. Then at the finish station, windows, a ventilator, door, interior lights and clearance lights, curtain rods and curtains, and table preceded the precise sealing of all seams with a liquid sealer. A serial number for identification was stamped on the unit in the final manufactu- ring step. A thorough checking of all operative components was made before any unit left the factory. by Jack Mauch This is a partial listing of the persons known to have worked there during the peak years: Richard Ellsworth, Virgil Pugh, Weldon Vance, Shorty Vance, Muriel Lindsey, Oral May, Walt and Leona Meyers, Marvis COLORADO MOBILE HOMES Husler, Mary Flageolle, Loretta Ehlers, Jerry Shean, Sarah Campbell, Lola Gramoll, Mar- . qrll Joe Dvorak, Larie (Bauman) Smelker, Doris (Thyne) Boes, Ab and Dorothy Lucas, and 864 Urban, Alvin and Millie Menke, Gladys tin Bauman, Robert Gerke, Leota Mitchem, Dean Campbell. In 1965 Rex Zurcher took over manage- ment and production was done on order only. On June 19,1972, Rex Zurcher and Mrs. Lee respect for the person that had died. If anyone came to town they would know why they couldn't get in the store. Zurcher disposed of all equipment and materials at a public dispersal auction. by Stella Sholes Arends SAVE U MARKET by Dorothy Lucas STRATTON REALTY 863 865 Colorado Mobile Home production line. Palamon (Pal) Hornung owns and manages the Stratton Realty. A little over two years ago he studied for his sales license and then he decided he would go ahead and get his broker's license. He passed both tests the first time he was given the test. Pal's Father, Swede, was also a realtor. His office was on the opposite side of the street and on the northeast corner - Batt Realty. Batt Realty was the former bank in Stratton and the old safe is still in the building, which is now a liquor store. (1988). Pal and Shirley Hornung bought the Finished pickup camper units ready for delivery, peak production 1961. Grocery store on Highway 24 owned and operated by Jack Mauck. Lee Ellsworth founded the 1800 square foot grocery store, called Save U, south of Hwy. 24, in the late 1940's. It was founded because of a need for the Bonny Dam employees, and Hwy. 24, fiaffrc customers. Lee and his brother, Carrol, built the building and operated it until they leased it to Bill Dittmore, who later declared bank- ruptcy. The White House Market Inc. of Goodland, Kansas re-opened it and operated it a short time. In 1953, one of their officers, Jack Mauch, purchased it from them and operated it for over 30 years. Then, in the year 1964, the business moved across the highway to 111 18th Street in a new 8,000 sq. Colorado Mobile Homes was a late 1950's to early 1970's business in Stratton producing long and short base pickup camper units and some pull type mobile units from a site on First Avenue across the street south of today's Stratton Equity Coop loading dock. The business was originated in 1957 by Lee Ellsworth, Burlington, in association with "Shorty" Vance. Peak production years were 1960-62 when as many as 26 people worked on the production line, completing two units per day. The mobile trailer factor enjoyed a reputation of having the best constructed mobile camper unit of that era, boasting top grade full dimension lumber, glued and nailed joints, well insulated walls and custom cabinetry made at the factory. A production line process started with the lumber precisely sawed, placed into jigs for nailing and gluing, following by attachment building from the Town of Stratton in 1987 for Pal's real estate business and Shirley's floral business and travel agency. The building was the former City Hall for the Town of Stratton. It still houses the original Stratton jail. The south side of the building housed the fire truck and the maintenance equipment for the Town of Stratton. Pal and Shirley just had a bathroom, walls, and a new front window and door put in the building. They plan on doing few major alterations from the original look of the building for historical purposes. Shirley and Pal enjoy history and one of their family hobbies has been stopping off at museums and historical sites wherever they travel. Pal is using his father's desk and chair in his office, and Shirley is using the old Stratton Credit Union roll top desk. The Credit Union was in the Batt Realty building, also. Lawrence Torline managed the Credit Union. by Shirley Hornung �tions in the town. The following list of Vona businesses was originally compiled by J. Carl Harrison. The names of businessmen are not necessarily in chronological order. The list VONA BUSINESSES B66 covers business from 1889 to 1988. Auctioneer: J.R. Taylor, Claude Irvin also worked in the Vona area. Bank: Vona State. A.V. Jessie - Pres., S.W. Abbott - V.P., Warren Shamburg - Director, Marc Waynick - Cashier 1923, J.J. Delaney, and Leon Snyder. Barber Shops: Guy Gingles, Mr. Melen, Harry Lambert, Doran Alexander, Jack Cottrell, Vic Gagnon, Bruce Teetters, Mr. White Eagle, Ray Roberts in Vona Bean, and Russell Sawyer. Blacksmith Shop: Mr. Cooper, CIem Borah, Al Martin. Bulk Oil Plants: Ray Roberts, Norris Merriweather, Orval Burd, and Will Odle. Butcher Shop: Paul Wilson, Nelson, and Inside Vona State Bank. Marc Waynick, Herk Hill and Mrs. Waynick Dean Dew. Clothing: Stover Bros., Doles, Mrs. Effie Helderman, and Bernard Waldrons, Hayes Clothing Store. In the years between the inception of Vona and somewhere in the thirties or forties, Vona was considered somewhat of a boom town. During the time called the homestead days, there were probably a hundred families in the Vona trade area which was about 6 miles wide and extending to Yuma county line north and south to the Cheyenne county line. There were. at one time, about 35 business institu- Construction: Glenn Edmunds Cream Stations: Fred Mohr, Bernice Carlstedt, Bill Hartsook, Fanny Thompson, Mrs. Foxworthy, Louis Schiedegger, John Kerl, Mae Chester, and Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Palmer. Dairies: E.H. Haynes, Mr. Carey, Roy John Kerl's Creamery, Perl and John Kerl George, Ernest Elsey, Mr. Howell, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Ford. Dance Halls: Dr. Hewitt. Bill Harsook. and Homer Bridge. Depot: Henry Wallace, Mr. Blakeman, Mr. Folaom, Mr. Henry Weikel, Mr. Liggett, Mr. Jeffers, John Hale, Mr. Tracy, E.G. Monroe, Harry Rice, and Fern Carpenter. Doctors: Dr. Whitaker, Dr. Leslie, Dr. Fencedamocker, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Myers, Dr. V.M. Hewitt. Dray Line: Walt Bridge, Terry Atkins, Roy George, Leo Gagnon, Chester Burd, Nels Iverson, Leonard Dawson, Carl Remmick, and Homer Bridge. Drug Stores: Edgar Thompson, S.J. Brown, Edgar Ancell, Kougers, Art Krier, Steve Neil, John Cochran, Dr. and Mrs. Hewitt. Electric Repair Shop: Rex Howell Elevators: The Vona Equity Cooperative Assn. - Tuck Anderson, Snell and Farmers: A check drawn on the Vona State Bank Elmer Ferris, Floyd Borders, Hal Borders, Max Deakin, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Ancell, A.W. Morgan, and Snell Grain: 1931: E.B. Wilson; J.W. Borders, Joe Doughty, 1964, Smoot Grain: Leo Gurley managed from 1961-1979; Vona Grain: 1979 Schultes. Filling Stations: Newt Howell, Adam Elsey, B.H. Williams, Ray Roberts, Loyd Roberts, Clint Wilhite, C.L. Snyder, Orville Atkins, Buck Weaver, Clyde Coleman, Dale Courtright, Bob Baker, Leo Gagnon, Leland Kibbee, Norris Merriweather, Paul Klassen, f:' ,:llrl: ";;" Edna Monroe. Mabel Fuhlendorf Neva Monore taken in the summer of 1930 in Mick Monroe's Model T Ford in front of the Vona State Bank Frank Wilson, Jim Camp, Louis Scheidegger, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Burian. Garages: Maxwell; Millard Harrison. Chevrolet: Ezra Harlan, Adam Elsy, B.R. Baker. Ford: Buck Weaver, George Moyes, Earl Webb, Mr. Madison, John, Barney, and Lou Thompson, Louis Scheidegger, Charlie O'Neil, Bates and Howell, Ralph Meisner, Leon Blystone, Jim Millerand, Joe Oliver, Leland Kibbee and Carl Woller, Kemper Brothers (Jim, Bill, Art, Roy) 1931 - Farmall Tractor: Pat Murphy; East Garage: Frank Brugman; Willeys Cars: J.O. Bates, 1933; in the late 1940's: Jim and Joes Garage and Body Shop: Jim Miller and Joe Oliver �purchased some property from Mabel Harlan and Ottis Hubbell worked for them part time with Wanda Miller as the bookkeeper; Camps Service: Jim Camp, Diltz Fix It Shop; Ronnie Diltz. Shops: Orval Burd; Hydraulic Fix It Shop Liquor Store: 1988: Lone Pine Liquors and VCR Tapes, Frances Camp by Janice Salmans VONA BUSINESSES flr,ro:Ltoyi Bill Harper, Sam Lloyd, ? Lloyd, Bert Kvestad, 867 Fred Flanagan, Nelson, and Burcar digging potatoes. in 1909. Roller Skating Rink Homer Bridge. Second Hand Store: S.P. Townsend, Bob Miller, and Zella anci Lester Yonts. Section House: John Delanev. Archie Doc Hewitt, Bill Eaton, Walt Proctor, Joe Burian. Pat Murphey, Herschel Salmans, and Bill Anderson in front of the Vona Drug Store. Ferris, Harry Shepard, Clyde Mullis, Allie Ferris, and John Hendricks. Section Crew: John and Earl Webb. Archie Ferris, Ben Borders, Bill Borders, Charles Howell, Harrison Schultz, Sam Lloyd, Mr. Elevators in Vona, Colorado Ledbetter, and Pete Groves. iis '{ $ . utl::r.tri:.. ..,t:,,ti.... i ....,. .-:.t:1.::i'l Taxi Service: Will Odle. ::f ut: l::t,:: rrrla:lr: Telephone Operators: Roxie Gray (later Kvestad), De Etta Mohr, Katy and Clara Boese, Mabel Harlan, Mr. and Mrs. Clvde Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Palmer. Telephone Repairman: Ed Sparks. Upholstery Repair: Mrs. Schiffner, and Kathy Thorson. Well Drilling: Clem Borah, John Puirshon. Mr. Densmore, and A.V. Hardin. Windmill Dealer: S.L. Howell. Woodwork Shop: Mr. W.E. Melling. Telephone Operator: Charles George. Vona Inns: Adams Always Inn: Shirley Adams, Ginger's Place: Ginger Sechrist. Hill- Top Inn: Dan Hubbell. Grocery and General Stores: Red and White Grocery - 1931 - Fred J. Adams; and Cary Mercantile - 1933 - E.H. Carey. Erastus Johnson, I.D. Fuller, Fred Adams, Newt Howell, Emmit Carey, Charley Carey (1g11) W.A. Cottrell, Mr. Mccorkle, Jim and Lee Erskin, Mark Crocker, Claude and Viv Brantley, Mr. Frye, Jim Stover, Charles Foster Lumber Yard in Vona Alexander, John Collins, Ollie Bates, Roy George, Park and Sadie Bonham, Mr. Hayes, J.J. Gladden, Pat and Merl Ford, Gust and Helen Herrell, John and Evelyn Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. Rayrnond Monroe, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zimmershied, Lillian Sechrist, Mr. and Mrs. �Rex Regnier, J.J. Elliot, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Estin, and Scotty Elliston. Hardware Stores: Harlan Haynes, Leon Snyder, Emmett O'Brien, and Charlie Davis, and A.L. Hitchcock. Hotels: Mrs. Becky Stover, Mrs. Laura Alexander, Mrs. Kunkel, John Webb, Edd Gagnon, and Joe and Syble Burian, T.S. SEIBERT EQUITY COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION erected across the railroad tracks to the north in 1986. This increased the total storage capacity of 2,633,000 bushels. B68 The Seibert Farmers Equity Exchange was organized August 9, 1915 by a group of prominent farmers, J.O. Hendricks, W.J. Stover. Insurance Agents: Herschel Salmans, Ronald Stone. Jewelry Store: A.A. King, and Mr. Warren. John Deere Agency: Fred Adams Livery Barn: Newt Howell, Jim Cannon, to G.W. Klockenteger. The amount of origi- Millard Harrison, Earl Webb, and Mr. Mat- nal Capital Stock was $5,000.00 divided into teson. 200 shares of $25.00 each. Lumber Yard: Z.J. Kiser, Harlan Haynes, Carl Alexander, Phil Bruner, Gib Anderson, Oscar Strehlow, John Hendricks, Hamy Burd, Foster; Paul Rauseur, and Norris Merriweather, Phil Bruner 1935-37. Peterson, Thomas J. Jones, James O. Parnell, and Alva J. Smith. The first stock was issued The first elevator, with 10,000 bushel capacity, was purchased from B.E. Roller. Gus Fuhlendorf, Chauncy Webb, and Homer The original set of scales was ordinary wagon scales with a capacity of 8,000 lbs. In 1924, the capacity of the elevator was raised to 20,000 bushel by remodeling. Later, a warehouse was built and coal bins were added. Bridge. County Deputy: Herschel Salmans. Meat Market: John Dennis, Paul, Wilson, and Mr. Nelson. Millinery Shop: Laura Alexander, Mrs. Webb, and Olive Harrison. hides and feed were handled along with grain. A cream station was operated for many years. The company was reorganized and changed the name to Seibert Equity Cooper- Marshals: N.E. Sharp, Morris Thompson, Newspapers: 1889 Will Rogers, Orville Rogers (not related), 1908 Vona Enterprise: Wiley E. Baker, and Scheidegger Bros. Nursing Home: Blanche Howell Photographer: W. C. Taylor, and Dale and Margaret Felix. Picture Show: J.O. Bates, Fred Flanagan, and Jim Hurd. Pool Halls: Harry Lambert, Musselman, Garnhart, Mr. Martin, Jim Cannon, Guy Gingles, George Moyes, Jack Cottrell, Joe Burian, Martin Matteson, Pat Murphy, Mrs. Hal Borders, and Homer Bridge. R.R. Pumpman: Mr. Brink, Harry O'Neil, and Roy Mussleman. Real Estate: Paul Wilson, S.L. Howell, E.H. Haynes, and Gus Herrel (Violet Edmunds tells us that Mr. Howell measured the land by tying a rag on his wagon wheel and figuring so many wagon wheels per mile.) Restaurants: August Carlstedt, Ma Haxtun, Mr. J.G. Brookshire, Lena Jensen, Mrs. Molly Ancell, Lena Alley, Mrs. John Tyron, Hubert and Rachel Dawson, Colemans, Martha Roberts, Hazel Wilhite, Irene Courtright, Fred Harper, Guy Youtsey, Lyle and Pearl Snyder, Tex Furguson, Isabelle Monroe, Vera Waterman, Frances Camp, and the Vona High School. South of Vona Blacksmiths: Al Tilbury and Alton Hardin. General Stores: A.S. Baker, and Bill Goff. North of Vona Blacksmiths: Frank Boger, and Abe Klassen. Cream Separator Agency: Ed Sparks. General Stores: Mr. and Mrs. Brownwood, Dick Roorda, Fred Loopstra, and Will Weisshaar. by Janice Salmans Produce, chickens, hogs, flour, salt, fruit, ative Association in 1935. In 194?, a 60'scale with capacity of 105,000 lbs. was installed. A bulk gas and filling station was operated from 1947 through 1954. In the spring of 1950, a 250,000 bushel capacity concrete elevator was constructed. In 1957, following several years of drought, the country was blessed with sudden moisture. Because the wheat had already blown out, the farmers planted milo. Therefore, a new grain dryer was installed to accommo- The Co-op takes prides in the speed in which grain can be unloaded to enable trucks to return to the field in record times. The access to 5 dumps and 2 sets of scales makes this possible. The record number of bushels received in one day is 235,081. During the wheat harvest of 1987, the oldest set ofscales collapsed and was replaced by a new 80's scale to weigh the longer semi- trucks of the future. The first manager of the Co-op was Ross Lowe. Other managers in succession have been, Charley Barber, A.L. Carpenter, E.M. Short, Henry Daum, Lloyd Murphy, Jack Allen, Martin Rasmussen, B.D. Hargrove, Eugene L. Hase, Robert Schmitt, B.D. Har- grove, John Keener, Bill Stramek, and Eugene L. Hase, who is manager to this time. Net sales: L927, $244,374; L937, $44,487; t947, $505,322; 1957, $197,171; 1967, $L,028,342; t977, $2,813,088; 1987, $4,858,490. by Carla Herman STATE BANK OF BURLINGTON B69 date the big milo crop. An office building, annex, cleaner and more concrete storage were added increasing capacity to 960,000 bushel by 1960. At this time the 60's scales were moved to the front of the new office building. In 1970, the Co-Op purchased some inventory from Gorton's Hardware and Kliewer's Hardware of Flagler following the closing of both businesses. A hardware department was set up in the basement of the office building. Later in 1976, a 240'x30' building was built to provide a new hardware store, a feed warehouse. and new offices. Things got very hot down by the railroad tracks in 1979! A fire broke out in the frame elevator, the original building acquired by the Co-op, which was presently being used as a grain roller. The adjacent warehouse, containing hazardous chemicals, burned also. Therefore, the Town of Seibert was evacua- ted for a few hours as a precaution. This building was replaced by a new feed mill in 1980. In that same year, a warehouse was attached to the cleaner to store bagged seed. Also, a warehouse was congtructed south of the main location to store oil and supplies. Due to increasing crop production, it was necessary to add to the concrete elevator. Four concrete tanks were constructed in 1980. This increased the storage capacity to 1,609,000 bushels. In 1983, a set of 70' scales with capacity of 120,000 lbs. was installed parallel to the 60' scales as a backup in case of break down and to avoid long lines at harvest. Because of good weather conditions and good farming, crop yields increased. The board of directors made the decision to build additional storage. Three steel bins were The first bank in Burlington in 1887-88. The first bank in Burlington was called the State Bank of Burlington. The building was first located about where Lee's Barber Shop is now. In 1888 the bank moved to the building where The Corner Cut, operated by Dean Sailer, is now located on the corner of Senter and 14th Street. The bank was later sold to W.D. Selder who then organized the Stockgrowers State Bank in about 1901. The year of establishment is not known but it must have been late 1886 or 1887. by Willard Gross �PEOPLES NATURAL GAS they serve and plan to be a part of these communities in the future. B70 Plateau Natural Gas Co. operating in Southwest Kansas and Southeast Colorado including Lamar, Eads, Limon and small MONTEZUMA HOTEL 871: communities around Colorado Springs in 1960 and 1961, arranged to bring natural gas into the communities east of Limon and Hugo. Their plan was to supply natural gas service to these areas and also to serve the irrigation wells being drilled in east central Colorado. The experience in southeast Colo- The lovely dining room in the hotel. 1900 - Minnie Kuker is girl in photo. The administrative office, at first, was real estate dealer and promoter whose surmise proved correct that the Rock Island railroad would be coming this way. It is on Newell's land that Burlington platted in the rado in serving the irrigation development proved to make this investment possible. operated out of a mobile home until the present office was completed at 304 14th Street in Burlington in the fall of 1962. The first service was, of course, natural gas service to residential and commercial customers and then to the irrigation wells, as this industry was developed. The price of natural gas was very low at the beginning. The irrigation rate was 370 per 1000 cu. ft. ofgas. year 1888. His hotel was a thriving, vital establishment a year before that, and well able to take care of all the business incident A crowd gathers on the north side of the Hotel as a salesman extolls the virtue of "Buster Brown" to the long awaited coming of the rails in September of '88. shoes. The Montezuma was not located in its present site in those early days. Its first location was in the block near where Grace Manor now stands, at 5th and Senter. A sparse settlement from west of the main part Duane Ply was the first manager in the Burlington area. He was replaced by Olen Brown in June of 1963. In the early years, Curtis Moran served in the Stratton area, Everett Adolf was one of the construction workers along with Asa Clark and Everett of present Burlington had moved to a Johnston as construction foreman. The present district manager, Ray Snodgrass was transferred to the Burlington area in July of 1963 and has served in several management assignments in the Burlington area in July of 1963 and has served in several management assignments in this area. He became District The alley view of the Montezuma where the cow Manager of the Burlington Area in 1982 when and "facilities" were placed. Brown retired. During the depression, the natural gas business was a new business and was just coming into being. Because of the hard times, its growth was quite slow. After World War II, it really came to life with the help of John L. Lewis and the Unions making the cost of coal so high. During the energy crisis the prices really were increased too fast and the industry found that the customer would only pay so much and something had to give. The price of natural gas never reached the high price crossroads in the eastern section and the two story farm building formed the first community center. Freight wagon operators, homesteaders, explorers prospectors - brave travelers all - making up the traffic of this pioneer period, headquartered there. The main supply points for this area were Haigler and Benkelman, Neb., and Julesburg. Nearest west, Hugo and the Kit Carson County came into being in the year 1888. In an interview before he died, Elmer Harrison recalled that he charged hay haulers 25 cents per night, but fed traveling men a bit fancier so he could get 50 cents per room. Most of the hay haulers slept in the Harrison livery stable anyway. Boarders who forgot to wash up with bowl and pitcher in their rooms could use the kitchen pump. But this often ran dry as did the town well, a block up the "I was born in the Montezuma, just a couple of years before the turn of this century," this from Hobart Harrison, retired Burlington Mercury dealer. His parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Harrison were the second owners of the hotel buying it September 3, 1897. The builder was R.S. Newell, a predicted. Most of the residences of the towns in East Central Colorado. as well as the business places have been the customers of the Company since it began business in 1962. During the first 10 years of operation, the Company ran many miles of pipeline to serve more and more customers. In 1968, Plateau ran a line into Yuma and Washington Counties and in 1970 a line from the south was installed to Cheyenne Wells, thus offering these areas natural gas service. In 1970 our Company was merged with Northern Natural Gas Co. Distribution Company, which was Peoples Natural Gas Co. The Company is now owned by a Corporation called UtiliCorp United Inc. of Kansas City, however, the headquarters for Peoples Natural Gas is in Omaha, Nebraska. Their plan is to serve their customers with good service in the future. Our Company, over the years, has participated in many activities in the communities rt;l,.tt',1 ,*i.,:"; 'il Main Street late 1890's, looking south on right side of street is the Montezuma Hotel. �the sequel to the hanging! Not long after the lynching, a Cheyenne Wells woman, taking her cows to pasture across the railroad tracks one early morning, alerted the town with piercing screams. Two ghastly corpses swung from the same water tower. It is surmised that some irritated resident has hung a couple of barking hound dogs. One of the most public spirited citizens of early times was the late A.W. Winegar, whose search for settlers involved elaborate promotion. It was even more intensive in the first years of the century than is the present Lake Havasu campaign, or those of other land promoters who give free dinners and pitches at local cafes, even offering "no obligation" plane tickets to prospective buyers. Enlisting the brand new Pullman cars put on the smooth, just lain Rock Island tracks, Winegar and his agents (only one prospect of each agent) would bring Easterners to Burlington. The aim was for permanent settlers, not investors. 'ri::rr::i ].it,.' ;:;:;:1;1;,::: -":,q,* l;r:t The Montezuma Hotel in 1956 which was rebuilt in 1950 after the devastating fire that destroyed it in 1945. street in the center of a square. After three years the Harrisons built a home on Eleventh street which is the present William Peters home. There could be little effective law enforce- ment in those days where the passport was a six-shooter, backed up by a rifle. The wild kind of effervescence of "devil may care" characters had brought them to the frontier in the first place. No jails nor court rooms existed. After all, there was not even enough lumber to put with the sod for settlers' houses. So it was in the Montezuma in February of 1888 that a murder's victim died. The story goes that a homesteader named Franklin Baker, who was proving up on his Iand about six miles northeast of town, where the C.H. Bollwinkel farm now is, decided that he would no longer allow trespassing. So he put up a "no crossing" sign on his south fence. Baker, an ex-buffalo hunter, was no relative of families by that name who later came to Burlington. According to an account, kept by C.A. Yersin, late grandfather of Burlington's Henry Hoskin, this sign could not be seen by three men in a spring wagon coming from Haigler. They were astonished when Baker and his two sons accosted them and an argument ensued. Baker ordered his wife to fetch his shotgun and he filled two of the men with buckshot, a trunk protecting the third. The wounded ones were T. McConnell and John Morrison who had homesteads southeast of town and were well liked. Of course there was no such thing as a hospital, and so the wounded men were rushed to the Montezuma for care by the early day medic, Dr. would be held in the butcher shop down the street from the Montezuma. Then the prisoner, Baker, would be slipped out the back door of the butcher shop. The idea was to get the killer to the Union Pacific train at Cheyenne Wells where he could be sent to Denver for safe keeping. Enroute there would have to be a fresh team for extra speed since threats of lynching were heard all up and down the board walk in front of the hotel. Not long after this a scout came with news of Baker's removal from town and an angry mob did form in the lobby. Then, hot on the trail of the sheriff, his deputy and the prisoner, men took to horseback, carriages and buckboards to give chase southward. The second team of horses, no longer fresh after their share of the 44 mile journey, galloped into Cheyenne Wells. They were just ahead of the angry Burlingtonites. Since it was found the train was an hour late, the prisoner was hastily locked in the only available "jail", which was an empty box car on the siding near the coal chute water tower used to supply the steam train engines. While part of the Burlington men argued with the sheriff, short work of the lock up was made by others wielding a railroad tie. Soon the body of Baker was swinging by a rope in the chilly winter air. There was not a single tree in those days, so the water tower served the purpose. A greenhorn traveler, one Scott Vitatole from Kansas City, making his first trip to Colorado, arrived on the UP train that fateful morning. Later, in the Montezuma he told Barnes could arrive. He and his local deputy, the story of now deathly quiet greeted him as he stepped off at the station. It was evident that shocked Cheyenne Wells citizens had hidden after the vengeful Burlingtonites had departed. Glancing around, the third traveler found nothing greeted his eyes excepting the sagging body of the hanged homesteader. He was so appalled that he frantically grabbed his two grips and ran down the track after the butcher. It was decided that a hasty trial departing train in an effort to get back on. Nels Larsen, another early day resident who served in the Colorado lesislature told Paul Godsman. However, in two days, McConnell died and it was not long afterward that Morrison also died as a result of his wounds. This shooting roused the frontier, where news spread like wildfire. Feelings ran high even before Elbert County Sheriff Jerry Frank Mann, consulted the justice of the peace and Bud Page, who happened to be a However, the boom was on, and other promoters wanted land buyers of any intention. One prospect to one agent, Winegar believed would prevent the "sidewalk leeches" from stealing away any potential resident. For a time the Rock Island would allow the Pullmans to be set out on a siding in Burlington so that while trips for land buying were made roundabout the country, lodging and board for the visitors could be supplied. But it was soon evident that the Montezuma could serve better. Since the Harrisons wished to sell out, Winegar imported Mrs. Martha Coakley from Omaha to run the hotel. The Montezuma was moved to new Burlington, its present site, renewed with paint and soon "no vacancy" signs could be penciled on placards. Winegar reserved rooms in the hotel for specialists he had enlisted from Colorado's agricultural college, whom he implored to improve the strains of grain grown locally. The flint corn variety, with two foot stalks and nubbins only, was only a little worse than the type of early day wheat. Corn was found in Peru to cross with that of Eastern Colorado and wheat test plots were begun. These were to result in the world records possible in fields here today. Winegar's vital ground work, combined with a concept by Powell, a later Montezuma owner, of how to pioneer in irrigation from wells, all saw birth in the halls of Montezuma. "While campaigning or visiting the country every governor of Colorado from 1905 through 1944 stayed at our hotel" states Burlington's Mrs. Pearl Schell, daughter of Mrs. Coakley. In subsequent years, Mrs. Schell's husband, the late Henry Schell, assisted and then took over the Montezuma operation until August l, 1944, when it was sold to Earl Powell. Mrs. Schell remembers when she was a young, impressionable girl, that the famous Commodore Vanderbilt made the Montezuma his overnight stop as he paused enroute to Reno to get one of his divorces. When the hotel was moved. Mrs. Schell remembers, back steps were reinforced for the considerable traffic necessary for clients to reach the outdoor privy. It was not until 1909 that the first bathroom drew tourists from miles and miles away. What an improvement since the days when two horses and a milk cow were permanent residents - in an �attached shed in back! But problems beset quest in those days, as well as hotel operators. Wainscoting was fashionable, so in the high style re-do, the rooms afforded extraordinary comfortable breeding grounds for bed bugs. These reddish brown vermin, their color suggestive of the nightly banquets of human blood, spent daytimes in the wooden up and down grooves. With such halcyon food and lodging, these couch masters became so hale and eupeptic that "corrosive supplement," mixed with gasoline had to be dribbled down the wainscot crevices regularly to route the scourge. A popular pastime for travelers was to compare the bed bug population of various hostelries. It is a fact that in Brewster, Kansas, all legs of beds stood in cans of coal oil. This was either to prevent the arrival of lower floor newcomers or to cause a wretched demise for any bedbug inadvertently dropping from a mattress. In Colby, this old timer remembers, in second story rooms, coils of rope lay in corners. The ropes were attached to hefty rocks. Thus fire (or bite victims) were encouraged to escape by pitching the rock out the window and climbing down hand over hand. In spite of tall tales heard frequently, there is no record of any bed bugs growing to sufficient strength for this feat. But many renovations later, the Montezuma was free of multi legged pests and it was felt safe to build on a new third story. No end of dismay resulted when it was learned that in those days the bugs often were found in new lumber! So eradication had to begin all over again up there. With the coming of modern sanitation, no bed bug had registered in the Montezuma since before World War I. Something of a different nature, however bugged the owner who built on a third story. The difficult job was done by propping up the roof, sawing off the eaves and building underneath. Rains were problems during construction. The late J.A. Haughey, well known early day artisan, was in charge of the work. When taxes were raised to what the owner considered exorbitant heights because of the improvement, and no relief granted, the owner hired the construction crew to take the third story off again! Progress brought it back eventually and then came the only elevator - "lift" - between Norton and Colorado Springs to delight travelers and townspeople. Burlington's William Haughey, installed this first Otis elevator in the 1920's, after his father. J.A. Haughey, engineered the shaft. Bill also remembers that along about that time another famous visitor, the noted author, Ernest Thompson Seton, was a guest of the Montezuma. A northwest wind blew bitterly cold the night of December 16, 1945. Pheasant season was still on in Yuma County and those staying in the Montezuma had to be kept warm. So the coal furnace clinkers had to be removed, as stoking was done by hand each evening. That fateful night Owner Powell sat late in his office off the lobby, pondering his dream of beating the drought, and carrying on his office work until almost two in the morning. He did not smell smoke coming from the ignited wooden basement stairs, where, it is believed, the clinkers had been placed too close. But his daughter, now Mrs. Weidman was alert. Lockingthe hotel money and all her good clothing, including a brand new coat, in a closet which she never saw again, she turned in a fire alarm and quickly proceeded to rouse all the guests. This included 21 permanent residents. Horrifyingly soon, tongues of flame came up to the stairwell, and even though by the time the outside walls have been covered with concrete, the disaster was nearly complete. Roaring into the pre dawn pitch black sky, the blaze could be seen 25 miles away. Only Powell's files and business records were saved, even the register of guests becoming a cinder. Insurance covered only a fraction of the loss. Performing feats which reached the foolhardy at times, Burlington's fire department rescued people and battled the holocaust for hours. It was the most spectacular fire since the school had been destroyed in 1924 and Gold Bond Hatchery had burned in 1936. Commended for heroic efforts were Lester Sherman, Fire Chief; Martin Furuseth, Pat Andrews, Red Pugh, George Cockrell, Clay Gould, Bill Hendricks, Jack Chalfant, Ted Backlund, Luther Mangus, Shirley Standish, Hank Stevens, Beryl Springer and others. Further tragedy was averted as the roof began to smoke on the old square wooden resident which at that time housed Mountain States telephone company. This was just across the alley east. Onlookers got peppered with window popping out of Stevens cafe just south, although a25 foot court separated the two buildings. Following the fire, after a long time of staring at the ruins, a corporation was formed which was able to make the Montezuma block the great community improvement it has been for the past twenty-one years. The rebuilders included C.D. Reed, Harley Rhoades, Bill Jacobs, Albert Crouse and Floyd Whitmore. Harold McArthur bought out the Whitmore interest later. After a year and a half of building, and an expenditure of $300,000, the Montezuma was as nearly fireproof as it could be made. Lower outside facing was green terra cotta, the concrete above being painted desert green. Frontage of 75x100 feet included space for the J.M. McDonald store, which resident Hotels Company hopes will remain. Besides the lobby, coffee shop, large kitchen, cocktail lounge on the main floor, there is a banquet room in the basement. Fifty rooms, all carpeted, with bath and phones, plus outside ventilation, even include a bridal suite. Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Crouse took over from the corporation. Besides McDonalds, for some years the Federal Crop Insurance office was located in the hotel offices east of the lounge. Mrs. Dorothea Hammond operated the first of several beauty shops that were there. Seismo- graph crew headquarters, irrigation firms and other companies have been tenants. Maybe some octogenarian spirit lingering through the years, is chuckling in the halls of Montezuma at the thought of how the pendulum has swung back again. Nostalgic and oddly comforting is the thought of bed and supper all of a price. "Condividual" is a 1971 word. It could have been coined because there's still a little of the same lonely living as back in pre-homestead days of 188?. But the old ghost surely could appreciate the modern cure - Resident Hotel. The English author, Bacon said, "If a man be gracious to strangers, it shows that he is a citizen of the world. and his heart is no island, cut off from other islands. but a continent that joins them." Well, situated near mid-continent, our town's oldest hospitality house has been gracious a long time indeed. Without reservations, it can surely be said, the best is yet to come! Mr. and Mrs. Don Downen are the present owners and WB Drug, Inc. and Burlington Book & Music occupy the ground floor. by Bonny Gould PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 872 On August 16, 1985, a frightful fire destroyed a historic building at the edge of the town of Flagler. This building was conceived and built by a man who had farmed 14 or lb miles north of Flagler, Pearl Lord. His vision of service stations, cafe, bar and some rooms was realized in about 1931. The size was great enough to house a repair facility along with a service station, cafe and bar. The economy of this day was very depressed and ali activities were graduated to fit this uneasy time. After much debate and assessment, adobe blocks for the building was selected, Robert McCurdy agreed to make the adobe blocks and to lay them into the walls. Concrete piers were used to support the massive domed roof at intervals along the adobe walls. Roof trusses, made by Olaf Olsen and other builders in the town, were constructed of one inch lumber, laminated for strength. One thickness of one inch lumber criss-crossed the trusses for the bridge-work to cany the load of the roof of one inch sheeting, roofing paper and tar. This roof proved to be the buildings demise for it burned like tinder and of course, collapsed into the interior, burning everything in the building. Under the south end of the building, near center, was a partial basement, dug by hand by many members of the community who showed up to work after doing their farm chores and other duties in order to make a dollar or two in spare time. John Shulda told me of hurrying through the work on the farm to make a trip to town to help with it. He said the dirt was removed on a 1929 Chevrolet Truck which was driven out of the basement area on a dirt ramp. He said he remembered so well how hard it was to remove the dirt ramp when the truck would no longer be used; the dirt was pitched out of the basement by hand. He said no one would believe the massiveness of the footers that were installed under the building and basement. Bob McCurty lived eleven miles south, a little over a half mile east on the correction Iine, one and one half miles south, one mile east and about a quarter mile north on what was later the Harris-Davies ranch. His place was about a mile northwest of Conrad Stone who had located in the expanse of buffalo grass and the cactus, constructed a home and even a barn of the fabulous adobe blocks made in the area. I can attest to the warmth in winter and the coolness in summer. the roof of the "Connie" Stone house was one inch sheeting, tar paper and a generous layer of sod. This sod was always placed on the roof with the grassy side down to discourage �growth of the grass; some persistent prairie plants, including cactus soon appeared in areas over the roof. Pearl Lord eventually contracted with Bob McCurdy to make the adobe for his building near Flagler and to lay them into the walls. This gave Bob an opportunity to make a little money and provide some work for his neigh- bors in making the blocks. The process of making adobe blocks began with a circular area on the prairie that was gone over with a disk harrow pulled by a team offour horses. It was disked over and over until the top layer of the soil, grass, roots and sometimes cactus was loosened. A fresno, an earth moving device of that day, was used to scrape the Ioosened area into a pile at the center. The fresno had a four foot blade between two runners. a metal area where the dirt was collected, a long handle at the rear which raised to dump the load of dirt, pulled by four head of horses. After the pile was formed, the area previously cleaned was used for the base of the forms 1X4 inch lumber. nailed and sawed by Lyle Stone In high gear the "T" moved at about five miles per hour. Bob came to a hill and even with the advantage of the gearing, the "T" wouldn't climb a hill he encountered on the trip, causing him to push the low pedal. He spent several hours getting over the hill; he said it moved so slowly one almost needed to make a line to see any progress!! After the blocks were made, the task of hauling them to the building site began. Wagons with two horse teams were loaded for the long trip. Two trucks were used, both 1929 vintage. One ofthese trucks belonged to the Hyde family. Bob and his crew, along with the various carpenters and builders from Flagler then ran the concrete pillars, foundations and layed the walls. When the walls and domed roof were in place the adobe portion was covered with chicken wire, applied to the exterior. Although the cost of material for the building was held in check, the amount was tremendous because of its size and the expenditure of labor was momentous but so very welcome at this time of few jobs and relatively hard times. Mr. Lord should have been commended for his foresight and courage. PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE having geared teeth on the wheels. Two gears were installed where the "T" rear wheels had been and these ran on the gear in the wheel. Pearl had previously operated an oil 87S into squares the size of the blocks desired. It took a large number of these forms to accommodate a day's run of blocks. A mixer which Bob had made from a threshing machine blower, smaller paddles installed, driven by a Model T engine was used to mix the mud. The radiator of the engine was a 30 gallon barrel, fitted with hose connections to the cooling system. The barrel was then filled with water. A trap door on the mixer was hinged to a handle near the lower portion of the blower assembly. It opened to allow the mud which had been whipped within, after station at what is now the Tip Top Corner, the south end of Main Avenue, where he had learned the ins and outs of the oil business. He earlier operated a station near where Arthur Gaines house now stands. He had experienced a Spring Auction when his farm equipment had been sold and chose the oil business when he moved to town. During the operation ofthese endeavors he had accumulated quite a large amount in his accounts receivable ledger which came in handy when the adobe building was erected. Many of these accounts were settled at this time in the form of work performed in constructing the building. by Lyle Stone dirt from the pile and water had been added, to be released. The mud was then moved in wheel banows to the forms which were filled, skreeded and given a slick finish with a trowel. Next day, the forms were removed from the blocks; sometimes this could be accomplished on the same day if it was hot enough to cause the mud to crack away from them. The forms were carefully lifted and the blocks left to bake in the sun for a number of days. Other area were disked and this operation continued on for days. After the desired number of blocks had been made or had sufficiently baked they were trimmed and stacked to protect them from rain; this happened so rarely at this time but when it did rain, it came in downpours. When the blocks were raised from their position on the ground, often clumps ofthe under earth stuck to them and had to be cleaned off. This proved to be a man killing job. Bob devised a trimmer made from a disk of an implement which he belted to the "T" engine. A trough or slide was made where the blocks could be pushed through under the spinning disk. This proved to be a great device. Bob moved the equipmentone day to a new area. He had converted his Model T Ford to a tractor with a kit called a "pull-Ford". It consisted of a pair of tractor-like wheels PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 874 When he was barely old enough to lift a scoop, Pearl became a miner at mystic, Appanoose County, Iowa. He did not like being a miner and left as soon as possible, setting out west to escape this occupation as a means of livelihood. He helped in the construction of the Cog Way Railroad at Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. He later worked for Bob Lukow near Arriba, Henry Brown of Flagler area and then began farming for himself north of Flagler. In 1905 he married Mina Young. She was only a year old when her parents arrived at Otis by rail, the first to come in this manner, to take up homesteads in the area. Mina was born in Missouri from where they began the long trip west. "Pearls" became an instant success. High- way 24 ran close to the south frontage. Travelers from the east and west were aware of Pearl's station as they arrived in town and with the increase of automobiles and travelers, business was good. First operator of the new cafe was Waddey Butler who may have come from the Vona area. John and Beula Bower ran a good cafe that benefited from the visiting tourists, as well as the local clientele. They resided in the living quarters located on the second floor; several of the waitresses roomed there also. During the time Johnny and Beula ran the cafe, the doors were never locked, the service continued 24 hours a day, never a shuffle to find a key. The bar was a success with good business, not without an occasional problem, Pearl was usually able to keep order or had those in his employment who could. During the hours of the big flood of 1935 the establishment had standing room only for many days as travelers waited for washouts to be repaired. Locals engaged in helping where possible took meals there, one of the assiduous times in the history of the building. Operators of the cafe maintained on hand a large inventory of food and supplies, not only to reduce the cost of supplies but because of the slower supply routes of this day. Many residents of the town called to buy food when local supplies ran low. The flood stopped the normal supply to the local grocery stores. Gasoline prices challenged any in town; Pearl shopped for it at various refineries, taking the best buys. It may have smelled different but it burned fine in the cars. The cafe was operated very successfully by several operators, one of these operators was B.K. Moss. The Moss family ran the cafe for many years, living for a time in the quarters provided there. They ran a successful business with Mrs. Moss doing the cooking for halfofthe day and Zenelda the other, a night and day operation as the business was seldom closed. I do not know the reason, but I suppose it was the times, the building changed hands and became agarage operated by Millard Petersen who obtained a dealership for Chrysler-Plymouth. When he started the business he needed a name. chose to conduct a contest where people of the community picked names; at the special day of the naming the lucky contributor would receive $25.00. Mrs. Moss, who was so very familiar with this old building, submitted the winning entry, the M&S Garage. One of the cars sold went to C.G. Dorsey, a Plymouth; it returned to the building recently and met its demise with the building as it burned. Mr. Petersen operated the business for a number of years with much success and turned the operation over to Rhynold and Crystal Fager who continued the dealership, serving the customers of the business and selling Chrysler products. Two Plymouth station wagons were delivered to the writer of this history. There are many memories and bits of history this old building could tell; as a young boy my memories were probably different. Uncle "Bill" who embarrassed me at times. called me "Bub" and was so very good to all of by Lyle Stone �I am very sure a volume could be written of the humorous, sad and important happen- PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 875 us children. He insisted that I should play the slot machine that was located in the cafe. He provided me the quarter I needed; it was rare I ever had more than a dime to spend when we ventured into town. I put the quarter he gave me into the slot and pulled the handle. You might imagine the thrill I felt when I hit the jack-pot and quarters rolled all over the cafe. Uncle Bill insisted I keep all of them, got a paper sack for me to put them in; what a happy kid I was that afternoon! While in high school, several of us used to hang out at the cafe at times, a nostalgia of this time of growing up I shall never forget. Years before, I understand, that one evening a fight developed here. During his fight Bruce Bradley suffered a knife wound in the abdomen; luckily, Flagler had a few very adept doctors who treated him and saved him. Wilbur and Norman Haeseker made a necessary trip to town. Before going home they decided to visit the cafe. They parked the old car around back in the dark area. When they left, they found the spare, which was mounted outside on the rear of the car, missing. They returned home to find their father seriously ill. Dr. Reed checked him over and sent him to a specialist in Denver who treated him but he never returned. Father never knew about the lost spare. In later years, during the time of the Chrysler Dealership, many stories appear. Jerry Amos was serving as a mechanic; this day he removed the drive line and repacked the universal joint bearings on a Plymouth. This is quite a task and requires some finesse. Others waited until he had tightened the last bolt on the rear joint, layed two tiny rollers from another car in the place where Jerry had reassembled the joints. This oversight was pointed out to him. "And some Kill-joy has to come along and find the little rollers!" Jerry sputtered. All had a good laugh when they told him what they had done as he began to remove the drive line. Millard planned a special showdate when the newmodels would be shown, a general clean up was in progress. Jerry disappeared; Millard searched the area for him. Jerry was on the west side with paint brush in hand painting a silhouette of a hand, pointing to the door with the lettering "DOOR". Sylvan Morris was among the crew that worked for Millard at the M&S Motor Company. I believe Ken Goin, Pat Burgess and Virgil Fager, worked here also at this time. A new Plymouth was sold; Sylvan and others worked frantically on it to make it ready for delivery. When it was road tested, the speedometer made erratic excursions over the dial. Millard was informed of the difficulty. He said, "Finish getting the car ready. Take the speedometer out and bring it to my office. I'll fix it and have it ready by the time you finish the car." When the crew finished, Sylvan went to the office for the speedometer, Millard said, "We will deliver it without the speedometer; a new one will be here in a day or two." As Sylvan left he noted a few gears, odometer, pointer, dial and case strewn over the papers in the wastepaper basket. In this writer's years of repairing things, I understand! ings in this building. It is unfortunate that they could not be written at this time. Perhaps, this short record will be of use to preserve some of the history of the building. It has certainly been a land mark for those who grew up around Flagler. Already I have experienced its loss as I turned off I-70; for a fleeting moment I thought, "Is this Flagler?" After Rhynold moved from the building, Richard Petersen operated an implement agency in it for a time, dealing also in automobiles, gasoline and other services. In time, Richard was able to build a fine new station by Lyle Stone PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 876 more accessible to I-70 and move into it. It is then that several others operated various businesses in the building, woodworking, cabinetmaking and others. The last business was that of Mark Amos who turned the area into a fine machine shop. He was able to do almost anything needed in the way of fabrication of metals, installed some of the very latest welding apparatus. Mark was enjoying a well established and successful business when a welding accident caused a fire in a vehicle within the shop. The fire spread so rapidly that in few minutes the rear area wErs engulfed in flame. Within minutes the roof was ignited and when this happened, there terrible toll. Written by Lyle Stone and published in The Flagler News, February 20, 1986. by Lyle Stone RED FRONT GROCERY 877 On Sept. 19th, 1910 W.H. Yersin opened a combination general store, post office in Bethune, Colo. W.H. Yersin did business in Bethune until 1914 when he and his wife. Alta B. Yersin, purchased the Red Front Market on main street in Burlington, Colo. From there the Red Front Market moved in 1968 to another larger location on Burlington's main street, which was formally occupied by an implement dealer. Then in 1976 the Red Front Market moved again to a new location, east highway 24 in Burlington, where it still remains today. by Ken Yersin BACKLUND 878 was little hope, for the one inch lumber, tar and tar paper burned like tinder. The Flagler Fire Department arrived in good time and water was immediately applied. The fire had already grown in size; the hope of saving anything was growing dim. It took some minutes to tap a fire plug about a block and a half away, string the hose and couple it. Backlund Garage on south end of 14th St. 1956. When this water was applied to the fire through two lines, a four inch and one inch and a half tap, along with the water from two other trucks, a pair oflines on the truck which arrived from Arriba. the fire was so immense that all that water hardly dented its furor. During the fire, the red fire truck was stationed between the M&S building and the LP Gas Company's Gasoline storage tanks. As the fury of the fire continued, these tanks became hotter and hotter. Due to the concern of the fire department for spread of the inferno to these tanks the red truck played streams of water upon these tanks to attempt to keep them cooler. Occasionally the mechanical pop off valves a-top these tanks released the vapor building within. At a point when the heat was at its maximum, fear for the firemen manning the red truck, caused a change in location of the red truck when it was moved west and played water through the air to these tanks. There existed a grave danger should the tanks blow. Luckily, as the fire began to abate, the tanks were still intact. It is very difficult for anyone who serves a fire department to give up, and losses such as this leave an emptiness hard to describe. With all the preparation for such emergencies, there are those that even then take a T.W. Backlund featuring Case Equipment, 1956. On Jan. 1, 1920, T.W. Backlund, began business in Burlington with his brother, Al, under the firm name of Backlund Co. He purchased the interest ofhis brother in 1930, and has been the. sole owner since that time. The original agencies were the lines merged into the Oliver Corp. in 1930. He has been the J.I. Case dealer since 1934, the agent for several short line implement agencies, and Goodyear Tires. In 1939, he becane the agency for Dodge cars and trucks. During the 46 years, Ted has operated in three different locations. Originally, the firm was located in the building now occupied by �On June 7,I9L5, a group ofwell known and progressive farmers of the Burlington and Idalia area came together and formed the Burlington Equity Exchange. The motivating factor in forming this Co-op was to try and receive more of the spoils for their farming efforts. Prior to the June 7th date, one thousand shares of stock had been sold for $25.00 per share to raise seed money to get the Co-op off and running. The first board of directors were: W.M. Kreoger, President; C.D. Munter, Secretary; David Byer, Vice-President; and Directors: A.W. Winegar, W.A. Walters, G.W. Broadsword and Wm. Byer. It is also thought that John Lengel was one of the directors. This group ofpeople purchased the grain elevators at the north end of Main Street, near the Rock Island Depot. This was a familiar landmark until it was torn down several years ago. About this time, the Burlington Co-op along with several other Co-ops in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska formed the Equity Union Oil Company which later combined with Consumers Co-op Association to form Farmland Industries. Backlund Machinery Co. This picture was taken in 1920. Note advertisement on the side of the building' Machinery consists of threshing machines, grain drills, and tractors. ::i:1 , :,::i' Sometime after, the new elevator was built along the railroad in the N.W. corner of town, the water pipes froze and broke. This flooded the basement of the office building where many of the records were kept. As a consequence, all of the old records were destroyed; therefore, writing the history of the Co-op has been more or less a process ofgetting bits and pieces of information from here and there. I believe everything is accurate but I can't be 100% sure. The new elevator was built in 1951. In 1953, due to the Building Contractor's insistence of using substandard materials, one of the big concrete silos broke open, spilling wheat across Railroad Avenue. To solve this problem, the Co-op hired another contractor to pour sleeves inside the silos at a huge irril:,:':itl li:,:,,ll.,iri expense. In the early years of the Co-op the annual meetings were a social event for the farm people that were it's members. Many of the founding members and other farmers hauled their grain to the Co-op from north of town and the Idalia area. In 1935, the name was changed to Burlington Equity Co-op Exchange. A line up of "Hart-Parr" tractors with threshing machines behind lead tractor. Circa 1920. Backlund Machinery Co. the Burlington Locker Service. Later he moved to the old Hainline garage building (at the site of the new Safeway store), and six years ago erected the new building on Highway 24. The above was found in the old 1966 paper. by Janice Salmans BURLINGTON EQUITY COOPERATIVE EXCHANGE 879 At one of the early annual meetings of the Burlington Equity Exchange, the wife of the manager, Mrs. Edith Hedding, read a poem that ended with this verse: "Its fun to be a farmer And get out and till the soil, But the one who farms the farmer Is the one who gets the spoil." by Author unknown I remember that during the 1930's when I was a young boy, weekly trips to town on Saturday were not complete without a stop at the Co-op for supplies. Supplies ranged from axle grease to flour in pretty colored patterned sacks so the women could pick out the material they wanted and make dresses out of them. For a time the Burlington co-op had an elevator and a branch business in Bethune. I think this was from about 1956 to 1965. It was at this time many of the people in the Settlement, north of Bethune, became members of the Co-op. The managers of the Bethune branch were in order: Don Vallin, Ruben Zeigler, Curt Wood and Buster Jenkins. For about ten years, we also had a fertilizer plant west of town. This plant was sold to the Stratton Co-Op in 1982 or 1983. In 1897, we acquired 7a interest in the G.W. Sugar Factory west of Goodland along with the Kanarado and Goodland Co-ops. This facility will be used for extra grain storage. Many well known farmers of the area have through the years served on the Co-Op Board. Space and the fact that I don't know �Burlington's flour mill. l, u,1i $ &,# Y * wa" iai=-r'l' Present day Burlington Equity Co-op who they all were doesn't permit me to list them. I do have a list of the managers which I will list in order: Rinehart Hedding, W.W. Lumis, Herb Johnson, Walter Bauder, Fern Farnsworth, Bruce Channel, Oliver Service, Elmar Wilson, Otto Weiss, Arvard Burges, Dale Kelly, Curt Wood, Charles Bush, Joe Hughes, Don Berggram, Bob Peterson and supplies for its many members and commu- Tom Redman. From this humble beginning in 1915 and along with the cooperation of the members, 880 employees, management and the community, the Co-op has grown through thick and thin. Today it is a major business in the Burlington area with facilities to store 2 million bushels of grain, sell feed, fuel and many other nity. by Russ Davis FLOUR MILL November 25, 1903. Ten years ago this Thanksgiving day the Burlington Roller Mill first started. On November 8, 1893, J.L. Eaches arrived in our little town to start the new mill. After getting all the machinery in shape and everything ready, the first grist was manufactured on November 26, 1893. A run oftwo days each week during the first year was all the trade then demanded: but it had increased steadily, year by year until in 1901 new machinery was added to meet the increasing demand and capacity increased 40%. Opposition arose against its fast increasing trade, but like the swelling tide against the sturdy vessel, it had little effect - only to prove the old saying: "opposition is the life of trade," Renewed and strenuous efforts on the part of the faithful manager to introduce an unequaled quality in grades of flour to please the patrons had now brought the mill to what it was, running day and night that they might fill the orders ahead until the last of thc vear. Have our business men ever though how much they are indebted to the mill lor the growth in trade in our town? When the farmers receive cash for the produce they bring to the mill, they buy lumber, hardware, furniture, groceries and general merchandise, were it not for the mill the trade would go where they take their wheat and corn. We hope that the next ten year's trade will not only come to the mill from Tri-Milling Co. of Tenn., for several carloads, but also from many parts of the U.S. and while we do give thanks, at this time for other prosperity, do not let us forget to unite in a hearty good wish that long may be heard the whistle from the flour mill in our little town. (signed) A patron of the mill. Source not known but contributed by Lucy Russmann. HOTELS, MOTELS, CAMPS AND CAFES B81 fQU,rY ir : l There is no class of institutions throughout the whole category of business concerns which has so important a bearing upon the general character of a city as its hotels. These establishments have an individuality and to ';.;t.,,,,.' t,'i,,,iilt ':a::,,.:t Early day photo Burlington Co-op, taken about 1g21 Yarnell Hotel also known as the Hotel West. �the vast majority of traveling fraternity, a city is just what its hotels make it. In this connection special mention should be made of the New Burlington Hotel. This hotel was located one block west on Main Street. It was a substantial three-story stuccoed building, containing a number of neatly furnished and comfortable rooms all of which are provided with running water, steam heat and other conveniences. Bath accommodations had also been provided. A special feature of the house was the dining room, where they served choice, regular meals for fifty cents. The daily rate for a room was $1.00. The hotel was owned by R.C. Yarnell. Quick to take advantage of a new idea that would add to the comfort and convenience of his guests, and a man of wide experience of catering to the public was Harry L. Shank, the proprietor of Shanks Cafe and Rooms. Shank's Cafe and Rooms were located on South Main Street. The place was provided with both tables and a lunch counter, also Bill Hudler ran the paper until his death in 1956. Then his son John took over. Born in Iowa like his father, John attended the University of Iowa journalism school and THE BURLINGTON RECORD 882 Iowan. In1944, he bought the Record's competing paper, the Burlington Call, and the two paper's merged. He lived in Burlington for 62 years until he died in 1981. The Record moved from its original home in 1946, and has twice doubled its space; the first time with the purchase of an adjoining building, and the second with the construction of a new shop area in 1971. This year the Record building underwent lr a facelift as its entire exterior was remodeled. The Record was a pioneer in roll-fed offset for weeklies between Kansas City and the West Coast in 1965. The paper is currently run on a four-unit News King, along with two other eastern Colorado papers printed at the Burlington plant, the Flagler News and the Office of the Burlington Record in 1956. Wray Gazette. The Hudler family maintains a commercial booths. Frigidaire equipment throughout and every other equipment that was necessary to a first-class establishment of this printing business besides publishing the Record. John Hudler's wife, Maxine, at 73, remains kind. the head of the Record accounting department. Her son Rol and his wife Joy are They also had a number of comfortable rooms, which were rented at the rate of $.75 a night. currently co-publishers/editors of the paper, which has expanded impressively over the Shank's Cafe and Rooms was also the years. headquarters for the Atlantic and Pacific Stages, Inc. who operated two buses per day. Sunset Park Camp is located in Sunset Park, in the western section of Burlington, on U.S. Highway #40 North and State Highway #51. It was formerly operated by the city but was leased by Mr. O.A. Ross. It was situated on a beautiful elevation and was equipped with a number of semi-furnished cabins, the rooms having beds, springs, mattresses, tables and chairs, and in close proximity to these cabins is a cook house, shower bath and toilets. In connection with this camp is a filling station where they carry the famous Powerine gasoline and Power-Lube motor oils, also fancy groceries, cold drinks, cigars, tobacco, and confectionery. Although Mr. Ross had only had charge a short time in 1929, he was not new to the area, he had lived here for ten years prior. A publication professing to mention the resources and business interests of Burlington should contain mention of the East Side Tourist Camp, located in the eastern section of the city, on United States Highway 40 North and State Highway 51. The place contained 15 cabins, 8 of them with running water, and all partly furnished. It was originally established around 1925 and underthe ownership of C.F. Langendorfer for a year in 1929. He built a number of additional cabins and added the most mod- ern conveniences. He also operated a service station in connection, where he carried gasoline, motor oils, greases, fancy groceries, confectionery and campers' supplies. A man of philosophical mind once said that he could judge the character of the people by the restaurants of their city, and if this be true the people of Burlington have reason to be proud. One ofthe best equipped and most sanitary eating houses in eastern Colorado was Beatty's Cafe, situated on Main Street. This business was owned and managed by Mrs. Millie Beatty. worked as an apprentice printer for the Daily While the Burlington community has tripled in population since 1930, the Record's subscription list has gtown 51/z times, and its number of pages has grown eight times. Rol Hudler, perennially active in civic affairs, has served as mayor of Burlington for 20 years. Rol and Joy's oldest son John, 27, is Owner, John Hudler in 1956. advertising manager of the Record. Another son, Adrian, is a student at the University of Nebraska and works during vacations at the As part of the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the National Newspaper Association, Publishers' Auxiliary has contacted newspapers around the country that have a long history of family ownership. These are the families that have carried on family business. the newspaper tradition for four or more generations or for more than 100 years. reported by David Van Pelt - When A.W. "Bill" Burlington, Colo. - Burlington RepubliHudler purchased the by Maxine lludler SCHAAL DRILLING COMPANY 883 can and Kit Carson County Record in 1928, the first thing he did was shorten its name. The paper became the Burlington Record, and it remains so 58 years and three generations later. Hudler was born in Audubon, Iowa, and entered the printing business at age 20 in the employ of the Audubon Republican. He later moved to South Dakota, and with his wife Martha, ran a homestead and published a claim paper. They came to Burlington in 1919 with their son John. Bill worked briefly for a land company and then as a printer before purchasing the Record, which had been in existence since 1889. Ruben Schaal owner of Schaal Drilling Company. tion to the weekly paper, which consisted of eight pages, four printed at the home plant Ruben Schaal Jr. married Linda McKinney in 1971 after serving two years with the U.S. Naly and working in various capacities in both the oil field and water well industries. In L972 they obtained financing to purchase the necessary equipment to pioneer what is and four of boiler plate printed in Denver by the old Western Newspaper Union. They have since constructed and equipped The Record survived the Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s by consolidating with two other papers in the area. In those days $1 bought a year's subscrip- now known as Schaal Drilling Company. �over 1000 water wells for farmers and businesses in the Colorado and Kansas area. in addition to servicing domestic, irrigation, and municipal wells. Today, Ruben and Linda continue operating the family business with the active participation of their two sons, Warren, born in 1975, and Aaron, born in 1976. Perhaps the following poem written by Linda commemorating their 10th anniversary in 1982 best expresses what living and working in Kit Carson County has meant to the Ruben Schaal Jr. family: There are many fine professions that a man might choose to seek, but none of them could offer him a challenge so unique - for it has been a pleasure serving this community, providing top notch service through the drilling industry. - Growing with you farmers, our neighbors and our friends. has shown us more than anything, where life really begins. - We're proud to live in Burlington!, We're proud of what we do! - We say, in all sincerity, we're proud we work for you! by Linda Schaal COLORADO - KANSAS GRAIN COMPANY 884 the company has elevators in Lamar and Carlton, Colorado as well as Burlington and Idalia. The company is licensed and bonded automobile technicians and consultants. thus being required to be able to obtain certain high-tech models. Corn, wheat, milo and barley are all stored for both the government and area producers. As $15,000.00, therefore leasing has become more popular and will become tomorrow's automobile business. in accordance with the State of Colorado Agricultural Department and the U.S.D.A. well as elevator storage, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company has been instrumental in merchandising grain off area farms offering Incorporated, June of 1982, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company is wholly owned by William Pictured, an aerial view of Colorado-Kan- sas Grain Company, Burlington facility, taken in the fall of 1987. Built in September, 1985 with storage capacity well over two million bushel, by Fall, 1987, had increased their capacity in Kit Carson County over two fold with the use of contemporary ground storage. The land, purchased from the City of Burlington and financed with Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, is located in the industrial sub-division of Burlington along the Kyle Railroad. The City of Burlington built the unit train trackage which extends beyond the company boundaries. In August, 1986, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company purchased g acres of land and scales at ldalia, Colorado from Great Western Sugar Company, increasing their total storage capacity to over 8,000,000 bushel. With headquarters in Lamar, Colorado, B86 O. Broyles of Lamar, Henry A. "Shay" Mockelman, Jr. of Cheyenne Wells, William D. Grasmick, Inc. of Granada, and Larry Hostetler of Burlington. by Sandy Harmon VINCE'S CHEV - OLDS - cAD, rNC. 885 Sim Hudson Motor Co. became the first Chewolet dealership in Burlington, Colorado in 1923. Prior to that, Sim Hudson owned his first automobile garage at 463 13th St. which is currently Duerst Machine Works. At that time, a small portion of the existing building were the only improvements, that of which originally was a livery stable. There he had automobile storage and sold Whippels. In 1923, Sim moved his business to the Sim was always a great promoter, such as the Knee-action parade ofthe 1934 Chevrolet automobiles, introducing their new suspensions. Also the celebration after the Roosevelt Logo for Colorado-Kansas Grain Company. CALDWELL'S INC. is Delmer Zeigler of Bethune, Colorado. Burlington. Petroleum products also became a large part of his business. 1987. by Jana Schreivogel the farmer additional competitive marketing for farm stored grains. Branch manger for the Burlington facility current location at L332 Senter Ave. in Pictured, an aerial view of Colorado-Kansas Grain Company, Burlington facility, taken in the fall of The average automobile today is election in which Sim and Ed Weinandt wagered $4,000.00. The money was used to throw a big party for everyone in the area. This included free lunch at noon, a free picture show from noon until midnight, a parade featuring four bands from around the area, and two free dances . . one at each armory. Eldon Snowbarger was hired by Sim Hudson in 1948, and later became a dealer partner with Sim's wife, Hazel, in 1960 following Sim's death. The Cadillac and Oldsmobile lines were added in the early 1960's. On July 1, 1984, Sim Hudson Motor Co. was purchased by Vince and Jana Schreivogel and became Vince's Chev-Olds-Cad, Inc. Through the years the automobile business has changed a great deal. Todays business requires a larger staff with great qualifications because of high technology. Now, in 1988, our business requires features such as: Telemarketing - telephone communica- tions directly to the manufacturer without the use of traveling representatives. In-house computers - used in the bookkeeping and parts departments and includes vehicle locator, vehicle ordering, service bulletins, and warranty claim submis- sion. Video Network - training and testing of Caldwell's Inc. 1988, the store has been operating since 194?. ',t k I Caldwell's in 1956. J.M. Caldwell, owner of Caldwell's Inc., made his way through high school by working nights at the Goodland, Kansas, power plant in the early 1920's. The knowledge and experience gained there enabled him to do a great deal of wiring when the rural areas began to acquire electricity. In 1928 he was able to open his own store in Goodland at the age of 25. Shortly after World War II, Dick Brock was hired to construct a 1300 sq. ft. building at t7L2 Rose Avenue in Burlington and in 1947 it opened for business selling appliances, butane and propane. The first manager was Bill Robinson followed by Wes Heinrich and Gene Wilson. In the fall of 1954, after serving in the Korean conflict, Don Caldwell, his wife Jeanne, and their year old daughter, Debbie, moved to Burlington and Don took over the managerial duties. Another daughter, Dawn Ann, was born in December 1955. A drive-in cafe west of the original building was purchased in the 1950's and in 1959 Charlie Sholes built in between and connec- ted the two buildings, and furniture was added to the appliance business. Another addition was then added to the west and the square footage was increased to just under 10,000. Ron Wendler has been emploved with �Caldwell's since 1958. There have been many changes since the first store opened sixty years ago, but one thing that has not changed over the years, according to Don, is the friendly, caring people of Burlington and the surrounding community. by Don Caldwell KNAB RADIO KNAB Radio went on the air on JulY 11, 1967. Thus began a new era for Eastern Colorado and especially Burlington, Colorado, for now it has it's own local radio station. Progress has come to this area thanks to Mr. Al Ross who started this station as owner and operator. The call letters of this station were derived from the following. The letter K signifies west of the Mississippi and the letters NAB stand for the National Board of Broadcasters. The signal begins at sunrise and ends at sunset for this 1.000 watt AM station' In 19?4 Al Ross sold the station to KNAB' Inc. In 1980 KNAB FM began it's broadcast day at 6:00 a.m. to midnight. It first age{ on March 7, 1980. On April4,L972, Good Friday, a tremendous ice storm did $26,000 damage to the lines and buildings. The tower was blown down due to the collection of four inches of ice and accompanying winds clocked at 60 miles per hour. KNAB went back on the air by the use of copper wire strung between two telephone poles. The signal had to be adjusted constantly due to the stretching of the copper wire due to the temperature variations throughout the day. The present tower is 406 feet high' Miss Betty Bailly came to Burlington in 196? to operate the station. In 1984 Betty Bailly bought out one of the three remaining stockholders of the station. In September of 198? Betty and Mr. Lockhart purchased the remaining shares. Ray Lockhart has interests in KSTC in Sterling, Colorado, and KOGA in Ogallala, Nebraska. The format of KNAB programming provides a variety of music and news to maintain a middle of the road format with an emphasis on agriculture concerns and news for the industry of the area. agribusiness -KNAB is an affiliate of the ABC network. BURLINGTON CENTENNIAL PARADE 1988 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Businesses Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource A history of local businesses within Kit Carson County as recorded in the book History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/410/Communities.pdf c3ec650a1cea05ad93d3aef705dd8b45 PDF Text Text BETHEL SOD SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY BUILDING T400 The first Bethel school house and commu- nity building was built some time around 1908. This was a one room sod house located between the Henry Wilson homestead (now the Ed Herndon home) and the Albert Clint homestead. This school had ten to twelve pupils. Some drove a horse and buggy to school and some walked to school. Elmer and Jim Howard walked four miles and Merna and Cecil Coad cnme several miles. The Bert Wilson children came three miles to school. Mary and Claude Kelly walked from the In later years some families got Model T cars. In freezing weather a low bucket was put under the radiator to drain out the water. It was then taken into the school house and set beside the stove to keep warm. It was put back into the radiator when Sunday School was over. The men usually put the radiator petcock in their coat pocket - this didn't dare get lost. At night, if the car lights went out, a kerosene lantern was wired onto the radiator cap. We drove home by this light. If a Model T wouldn't start, folks pushed it down the slope east of the school house. This worked pretty good. The Model T had a hand crank. Thru the years people moved away from the Bethel community and in 1950 the school children were taken by bus into Stratton to school. Hamilton place. This place was one half mile west of the present Vena Scheierman ranch. R.O. Hoover lived one half mile west of the Hamilton place. Charlotta and Ruth Hoover walked two miles to school. Some of the first Bethel teachers were Shek McConnell, Ella Rhen, Miss Hopkins, Miss Troup and Dora Jean Baird Dunkle. The teachers salaries started at $20.00 a month and the teacher paid about $5.00 a month to some neighbor who lived close to the school for board and room and the lunch they carried to school. Later salaries increased to $30.00 a month, then $50.00 and in 1923-24 Loren Smith received $90.00 a month. This was at West Bethel. Later in 1929 the wage was $100.00 a month. Sunday School and church services were held in the Bethel sod school house. This was a fine church made up of good people. There were about 30 to 35 people. Various programs were held in the sod school house. One nice summer day a north wall had fallen down but the people had Sunday School anyway. [t seemed a strange and sad situation to me. I was a small child at the time. Christmas programs were a highlight in our lives. Someone would get a tree in Stratton and the ladies unpacked trim and decorated the tree. Some of those ornaments were simply beauti- ful. People didn't have Christmas trees in their homes. This community tree was "it." Gifts, including our family gifts, were i,aken by Vena Scheierman HAPPY HOLLOW COMMUNITY T40l Some recollections of the families living around the Happy Hollow school District. People of the community: Frank and Faye Parmer lived about 3/t of a mile north with family, Robert, Maxine (Teel), Ben and Don. Sanford (Mick) Johnson lived about 1% miles south with his brother Everett, and his mother, who was mid-wife for families of the community. A sister lived with them for awhile with her two children, Irene and Frances Hanrahan. Another family a little farther south and west was the Charlie Rogers family who were Charley, Cora and children, Ancel, Marion, Elba, [van, and Zella. After they left the community, they had another daughter Lois (Breigel). Later on there was Bertha and Roy Ettleman. West of Happy Hollow was Mr. Charles ('Dad') Parmer and his wife "Aunt M*y," parents of Frank Parmer and Nellie Hender- son. After "Dad" Parmer's death, Aunt Mary's son, Bill Nye, and his two sons, Junior and Stanley, came to live with her. Farther to this party. Sacks of treats were given to west along the snme road, lived Mr. and Mrs. everyone. These contained homemade candy, big red apples, peanuts and popcorn balls. Leander Rogers and Elsie and Charlie Jr. Henry and Ida Wilson and Garfield and Pauline Wood always made huge batches of candy. This included fudge, taffy, divinity, and penuche. Travel to the community activities was made in a horse drawn wagon or sled. We heated big rocks to put on the wagon floor with blankets to keep our feet warm. When the wall fell down on the sod building, the Sunday School and school were held at West Bethel (L Yz mile west of the old sod building). This was a new one room frame building with 2 cloak rooms where we put our lunch pails, overshoes and coats. In cold weather we put our lunch buckets beside the big coal stove. It was at this time the East Bethel school was also built and those children living close to it attended school there. This was located 1 mile south and Vz mile east of the Clarence Borden place (now owned by Wayne Iseman). Some of the teachers there were Mr. Sawhill, Mr. Patterson and Roy McCulloch. (nephew of the Charlie Rogers who lived southwest). Still farther west along that road lived Walter and Helen (Miser) Clark and north of them a little distance was Ellis and Amy (Smith) Clark, who ran the store and post office called Morris, Colorado. Their children were: Verl, Ada, Lucille, Lola, Bessie, Ethel, and Robert. Farther north lived Dile and Nellie Henderson, with their children Bessie (Morrow), Lela (Shumate), and Faye (Milford), and Neva (Miser). Later, after the family was grown and Nellie passed away, Dile married Jennie Barnhart, a near neighbor. Northeast of Happy Hollow was Charlie and Jennie Barnhart with their children: Everett, Ira, Esther (Rhoades), Leonard, Wilbur Dean, Pearl, and Marveline. Charlie was killed in a threshing machine accident, and his funeral was held in the Happy Hollow School. Pearl died at the age of 11 or 12 of cancer, the first known cancer of this commu- nity. South of Barnharts place was the family of Elmer Hoar, whose son George attended the Happy Hollow school for a year or two. Then, the Hoar family moved away, and Earl and Clara Smith moved here with their children, Clarence, Verlin, and Lela. Earl and Nancy Houghton and children, Hollie, Marie, and Ivan also lived here. Farther east and north was the homestead of Estes and Elizabeth Straughn and family: Burrel, Warren, Robert, Estel (Quick), Mae (Morrow), Mildred and Margaret. After the Straughns moved into Burlington, Bert and Josie Smith and children, Louise (Barnhart), Cora (Albertson), Sylvia (Weaver), and R.B. lived here. Ed and Elva Bartman and family, Louise, Wilford, Edna, Grace, Minnie, Edith and Laurence lived 2Vz miles east of Happy Hollow. Between the Bartmans and the school was a place r/z mile south of the road where Henry and Mable Tieman lived with their children, Iva (Stevens) and Don. Later they moved to the Beaver Valley community and Hank's brother Charlie, and wife Jessie lived on the place with Vera, Larry and Norma. Farther south was Gwendolyn and Bennie Jackson. South of the Bartmans was the Jim Rhoades homestead, where he and his wife Myrtle raised their family: Harley, Lester, Ruben, Clara (James), Walter, and Fern (Cowan). After Jim's death, as a result of scarlet fever, and after the family was grown, Myrtle married Rell Morrow and lived on his place. There was a family of Trotters and Murphys who attended the school and lived on the Roy Johnson Ranch. Harley and Eliah Benge lived south of the school and their niece Lucille Eagleburger attended school. Their two children were Mary Lou (Seeloff) and son, Sylvus. About 4 miles southwest was the homestead of Myron Smith and his wife Ruth. Kenneth attended school for 8 years. Jeanette Smith (Stahlecker). When she was in the 1st grade they came home from school one night to find their mother dead of a heart attack. Other families north of the school were: Mr. and Mrs. Sam Winfrey, Edgar, Leo, Nancy and Louiegene, and Collie and Grace Teel, Emmett, Chester, Hazel, Sylvan and Darlene. Some students from other dietricts coming to take advantage ofthe 9th and l0th grades were: Mabel and Lola Winfrey, Junior Cody, Roy Lundvall, Doyle, Gene, and Bonnie Morgan, Leroy and Naida Smith, Velma Proehl, and Bill Kreoger. by Edna Bartman Stahlecker HOLLAND SETTLEMENT T402 The Holland Settlement was located 16 miles north of Vona. There were several young and brave couples from Platte, South Dakota who came and homesteaded on claims. This area later became known as the Elphis Community. They shipped their belongings, a wagon, horses, and milk cows by railroad to Vona and then made their way north to their claims. At first, they put up tents and dug wells. By winter they had built shacks for barns. One half of these barns were used for the �In time some of them and their descendants became professionals in education, business, Christian ministry and mission, engineering, livestock and the other half for their living quarters. The next summer sod houses were built. Among these families were my parents Jake and Lena Smit, a maiden sister, Anka Smit, another sister, Trinity and Jim Brou- wer, and still later, a brother, Henry Smit joined them. Their land all bordered, making the Smit Center Cemetery which still re- architecture, journalism, music, government and service industries. Their ancestors were Swabians (descendants of the ancient Celts and cousins of the Irish) who lived for centuries in the forests &, ;l and highlands of southern Germany. In contrast to the Hessians and Prussians of mains. Many other Holland families began to homestead also. They started the Holland Church. In this community they formed the Brownwood School and a Brownwood Store, which became a center for ball games on Saturdays. These early pioneers had a very meager life. There were no fences, no farm land or equipment. Times did change and it became a thriving community. Later the large wheat farmers came in and bought up the farms, took out the fences and removed the farm buildings. The Holland Church now stands south of I-70 in Vona as a machine shop. The country store became a grainery. All the homesteaders are now long time gone. There is no longer a Holland Community. by Lena Godfrey SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY northern and eastern Germany, the Swabians and their Bavarian neighbors were independent and "laid-back" in character, not easily regimented, sure of their own identity and values but also appreciative of other people and their culture. These creative. freedom t'*:S $. i*,, r;{.: Ioving people chafed under the increasing restrictions and heavy taxation of the feudal dukes and princes who controlled the lands and forests. They were often pillaged, plundered and ravaged by invading French armies, especially during the time of Napoleon. Stacking wheat in a family affair at the Strobels. diligent agriculture, growing numbers of diverse livestock, modest homes and tidy homesteads, good rural schools and a strong Christian community centered around the Immanuel Lutheran and Hope Congrega- T403 Part 1 Life on our high plains has always been rigorous and most early settlers were poor. Yet by reason of their strong personal relationship with God, their hard work and frugality, and their rea.l sense of community (neighbors helping neighbors), the people of Friedensfeld (field of peace as the Settlement was first named) developed an oasis of tional churches. Most of them spoke English, Swabian and High German until WW2. Our forebearers had not accepted "Russification" in the Old Country, yet they incorporated many Russian words and terms into their Swabian dialect, and this linguistic mix made their oft-repeated legends and stories absolutely fascinating. They knew the Scriptures, the classic German hymns and American gospel songs, studying and singing them in their homes as well as their churches. They were many-talented farmers, ranchers, builders. craftsmen. blacksmiths. and mechanics. Catherine the Great, a German princess married to Czar Peter III, became the Czarina of All the Russias after her husband's death. Of strong will and character, she developed her huge empire with political wisdom and economic genius. In July 1763 she issued an edict of invitation to immigrants from west- ern Europe, offering them an array of inducements to settle and develop the regions along the Volga River and the vast, untamed steppes of southern Russia. Thousands of Germans responded and in only four years established 104 pioneer colonies along the Volga. Catherine died in L792 and was succeeded by Czar Alexander I. A few German colonies had sprung up near the Black Sea as early as 1781, but when Alexander issued a new invitation in 1801, thousands of new immigrants from southern Germany trekked overland with carts and wagons or floated their families and meager possessions down the Danube in "schachteln" (box boats), establishing new colonies around the Black Sea and in Bessarabia between the rivers Dnjestr and Pruth. The Schaals and Doblers were among the founders of Teplitz, the Strobels and others of Beresina, and the Hasarts and Weisshaars help found Lichtenthal. Many of the Russian Empire's promises to these immigrants were never fulfilled, and in time their civil liberties (administration of their own schools, freedom from conscription ;& etc.) and religious freedoms began to be taken from them. The colossal magnets of civil and religious freedom, of new land to be homesteaded, and of other opportunities awaiting them in Amerika drew hundreds of thousands of Germans-from-Russia to the United States from the early 1870's until the outbreak of World War I. They began to leave inL872. Through 1886 to 1889 many of these people cnme to this country by ship through the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and finally crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Others went across country to the northern ports boarding ships and crossing the north Atlantic. They left most of their possessions behind along with family and friends whom many were never to see or correspond again. Their possessions that were brought with them were put in bundles and wooden trunks. These contained clothThe Andrew Baltzer farmstead east of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1906. ing, bedding, a few dishes, and a few personal belongings. The trip took from two to three weeks and was not an easy trip with many �becoming ill. answer to their prayers and hopes. With these thoughts they left South Dakota and headed with most arriving at New York City stopping south and west. We will never know how they pictured this country they were to live in but medical examinations. Others arrived at Baltimore MD, Galveston, TX, and other ports. Sometimes family members were ill they had heard of the small town of Bur- They arrived at different ports of entry at Ellis Island for processing including lington and knew there was land to be taken up near it. Burlington was a very young and promising town as the railroad had just been completed in 1888 making settlement possible. Bethune was 7 miles to the west and it was north of these towns that our immigrants came. The soil was a sandy loem making it easier to plow and till. With rainfall being scarce they felt that this was the better place to settle. One and temporarily held in isolation and later joined their families. Because of the language problem getting on their way west was difficult. Many railroad agents were trying to get the immigrants to sign work contracts with them. The authorities helped these people get on their way and were placed on the correct trains sending them to their really wonders what went through their destinations. minds as they struggled to make a living on by Rev. Herbert Schaal and Marlyn Hasart SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY L. to R.: Gottlieb Stahlecker, Andrew Knodel, John Stahlecker, Andrew Bauer, John Zeigler, and Charlie Brenner in back, shearing sheep with hand clippers. T404 Part 2 On October 12, 1889 the following four families, Christian Baltzer, Dorothea Baltzer, Friedrich Stutz, and Andreas Bauer departed from Russia for America. They went to Scotland South Dakota with the intentions of settling in Colorado. Other families arriv- ing to make the trip to Colorado were Christian Dobler. Jakob Schaal. Christian Strobel, August Adolf, Otto Winters, Mattias Haefner and Mathis Schaal. They are the known pioneers that were recalled by their descendants and found in the records. They left for eastern Colorado in the spring of 1890 by train and wagon. Others who came during this time were the Schlichenmayers. The Fanslaus, Bauders, and Jacobers arrived before 1890 while the Kramers arrived about 1898. Shocking feed on the Strobel farm. We can feel the excitement that surrounded these families as they made their way to their new homes. The Homestead Act was an this Great American Desert. It was a very meager and simple lifestyle that was ahead of them. Their first efforts were to open up the land and plant crops and establish homes. These homes were to be similar to the ones they left on the steppes of Russia. They were to make do with the materials present. Some of these people made "dugouts." A hole was cleared out of the hillside and they framed the opening with lumber and had a door. Some lived in their wagons that first summer. Most of their homes were constructed of sod and adobe. Adobe is a mixture of dark clay top soil, chopped straw and water. They mixed this up by stomping it with their feet and by using the family horse. This mixture was formed by hand to shape the base of the walls and layer after layer was applied until the walls were the right height. Some buildings were made with rock using adobe as mortar. The roof was covered with wooden planks and then sod was placed on top to seal out the weather. Some homes had wooden roofs. These homes were small consisting of two or three rooms with most having adobe floors. As these German speaking settlers came into the community establishing their homes near each other they became known as the "Settlement." We may ask, why did they cling together in this land? There are several answers. They had just left the closed community that was home for many years and felt comfort by settling closely. They had all come from the same region and had a common language, a similar if not a common religion, and they were strangers in a hostile land where they needed each other for support and comfort. Without this help and support they would have given up. Many had to seek outside employment so that funds could be raised so that they could send passage money to the ones left behind. 'f.. tlt Sometimes families came over at separate times with the father and older boys coming first, because of the sons being taken into the armies, and the mother with the younger children coming later. The large family units were to help each other by providing funds for transportation for those left in Russia. It was a difficult time and by pulling together to share a milk cow, a horse for plowing, seed to plant, machinery to use and a start of chickens they were able to survive. It was known that there was only one gun in the Settlement to be used by all. Even with this love and cooperation some had to leave the group to find employment and then return and keep up their claim. This was a The John Stahlecker farmstead (the Norman Meyer place now). The John Stahlecker and John Zeigler families are pictured. time ofstruggle and heartache as they sought to establish a home on the plains. One of the most difficult adjustments to be �made was the coping with the climate and extreme weather conditions of this region. They had their first experience with severe blizzards, hail storms, prairie fires (there were lots of these), droughts, grasshopper plagues, summer heat, dry air and dirt storms. There were no streams close by so water was hauled for months from the Republican and Landsman rivers. If someone had a well, many hauled water from there till they could have their own well dug. The trees for protection and shelter were absent. The long hot days of summer with the bright sun beating down to dry the crops and evaporate the precious rainfall were factors that even the strongest found difficult to bear. They did find comfort in their cool adobe homes. by Rev. Herbert Schaal and Marlyn Hasart SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY T405 Part 3 1883 was a dry year and crops were poor. 1894 brought a severe drought with a complete crop failure which caused many families to leave. Some went to the area surrounding Denver and some went back to South Dakota where they had family. Some families were near starvation when they left. This year, 1892, more families moved into the Settlement. They were Johann Wahl, Martin Stahlecker and Samuel Schmidke who came from Scotland, South Dakota and Christian and Andrew Adolf from Russia. In 1895 a blizzard hit the area in the first part of April. New settlers coming in 1899 were Christian Gramm, Andreas Weber and John Steamer tractor and wooden threshing machine bring memories of "good old days." Zeigler. In 1901 diphtheria broke out with 10-12 people dying. There was a Dr. Gillette in Burlington but he had not been summoned. Most illnesses and births were attended to by Mrs. Yale and Mrs. Adolf. In 1889 the Yale post office was established in the community at the Yale farm. Families arriving in 1901 were John and Joe Weisshaar, with Gottlob and Herman Amman coming in 1902. More families came in 1906 and 1907. They were the Knodels, Johannes, Andreas, Jakob, Gottlieb and the widow Knodel, Karl Weiss, Johannes Weiss, Peter Kodel, Karoline Schaal and Herman Stolz. The William Adolf family came in 1908. The mother, Margaret Adolf, was the community's midwife and nurse for many years. In 1909 the first mail route out of Bethune went north. Mr. Ed Stahlecker was assistant carrier. There were 20-25 families in the Settlement by then. The early 1900's was the time of getting established, crops were gathered, homes made permanent and the people were able to see a permanence coming to the community. So much of the labor of farming was provided by man power those early days. The scythe and threshing rock were first used to harvest those few acres that were planted. Horses were all important. Small grains were cut down by horse drawn headers and put onto barges with the family manning the pitch forks loading it neatly in huge stacks. These were made carefully so that they would shed the rain and would not settle in the middle as the crop could rot if water got into the stack. The main crops were winter wheat and corn. Later in the season the threshing machines came to the farms and the wheat was pitched into the machine and the grain was caught and weighed in yz bushel measurements so that accurate count could be maintained. The grain was stored in graineries for use on the farm and some sold for cash. The straw was blown into huge piles and was used for feed for the cattle. The community worked together as farming took lots of man power to accomplish the tasks to be done. Walking and other physical labor that was required made for hardy individuals. Other crops that were raised were oats, barley and feed for the livestock. They kept animals that could produce food for the table, mainly milk cows, sheep and swine providing meat, milk, wool, lard and soap. Fowls consisted of chickens for meat and eggs, geese and ducks for meat and feathers for bedding and corn shucks and straw were used for mattress filler. The Fred Stutz farmetead about 1920, where the Milbert Beringer family now live. Homemaking was a busy and difficult task. Water was carried to the house and washing was done bv hand. Cookine was simple at first �as their cooking was done on the earthen ovens constructed of adobe. They could bake their bread or simmer their meal in a kettle. Later cast iron stoves were purchased using fuel of corn cobs, cow chips, sage brush roots and anything else that would burn. The table was simple with long benches along the sides, most furniture being made by hand. Their trips to town were few with the father going in to make all purchases for the family. Many times the mother and children went to town SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY Story I once a year. Purchases were simple, flour was 60-?0 cents per 50 lbs., sugar, syrup at 25 cents a pail, salt, coffee and other staples. The first tractor was purchased in 1917 by Frank Kramer. Approximately 15 men were inducted into the service for World War I. We see changes of transportation and the me- chanization of farming. The automobile replaced the horse and buggy. New families were the Meyers and the Hasarts. The community was hurt by the events of 1929. Due to the stock market crash and the closing of banks in Burlington and Bethune, people suffered some severe losses. The loss of their life savings left a permanent mark on the community. This farming region suffered through many trials. One was the drastic drop of farm commodity prices. In 1931 hogs sold for 7 cents a lb., corn was as low as 10 cents a bu. Jake Strobel planting potatoes, their lives in this flood. The next winter was mild and because conditions were bad great plagues of grasshoppers came. They migrated through the sky forming clouds. When they landed they ate everything in sight covering whole sides ofbuildings, eating fence posts as well as everything green in their path. Farming was a difficult profession at this time. Horses were used although there were many tractors in use. The hardships that these people endured will never be forgotten. A tremendous change came to the farming came. This beceme a time of decision and community during the 1940's. The advancing of modern farm equipment made farming a little easier. Rubber tires on the tractors made for greater comfort. The tractors developed more horsepower so larger implements could be pulled allowing for the farms to grow in size. The nation was at war churches lost more than 130 members due to the drouth and resulting dust storms. healthier financial base. and there was the destruction of farm animals by order of the Department of Agriculture. To make things harder was the drouth that many families left this area. In 1935 the by Rev. Herbert Schaal and Marlyn Hasart SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY and the demand for foodstuffs was at a premium. This provided the area with a With the arrival of REA to the farming community many modern changes were made. Before this time many people had their own electrical systems which were small and unable to meet the needs of the times. With good prices most were able to enjoy a fine living standard and the farms were prosperous. T406 Drilling wheat between the corn stalks, courtesy of Emil Strobel. Part 4 Some families were to return as conditions were not easy elsewhere. Due to heavy rains in eastern Colorado on May 30, 1935 there was a great flood of the Republican River. The fields and pastures were bare due to the drouth and the rain washed the dry fields and pastures causing permanent dnmage and change to the Republican River flood plain. Large numbers of livestock were lost along with homes and barns. Several people lost T407 The first irrigation well was drilled in1952 on the John Schritter farm. After this many wells were drilled which helped stabilize the agricultural base of the community. The early 1950's were drouth and dust bowl years again. Very little wheat or feed was raised during this period with people leaving the farms again. Cattle herds were sold off due to the lack of feed. Irrigation was used to water crops and produce some feed allowing for many farmers to hang on. The binder was being replaced by the baler and newer and larger tractors were seen on the farms. Self propelled combines were a great help. Now in 1988 this community is still making its way with many of the descendants of those first pioneers still remaining on the land. The churches, Immanuel Lutheran and Hope United Church of Christ, are still active landmarking the endurance of this community. Although many new families now live in this community, it is still referred to by many as the Settlement. If those first pioneers could be with us now they would see that their drenm of freedom and a home of their own becnme a reality in the presence of this community today. by Rev. Ilerbert Schaal and Marlyn Hasart One of the earliest records of information about "North Smokey" that we found is a newspaper clipping dating April 8, 1900. "A pour down of water and thunder and lightning all last night. A bad dust storm struck us on Tuesday, the 3rd, following by a continuous three days' rain, said by the "oldest inhabitant" to be the worst storm of the kind in this vicinity. It drifted most of the stock westward, men and ponies have been busy on the hunt. The Rogers boys have in a wheat crop and intend to put in quite an acreage of broomcorn. Mrs. Green Pearce left Sunday night for Missouri, called there by the serious illness of her father. George Walters has taken a homestead on Sand Creek and is putting down a well. A baby cyclone passed through a narrow strip of country on Monday afternoon, the 2nd. The attention of the Walters and Shaws was directed by a terrible roaring to a blackas-night funnel-shaped cloud in the southwest. On it came very slowly, picking up all thistles and sticks in its track, filling the air as high as one could see. At Mr. Walters' it picked up chicken coops, carrying them quite a distance. From there, in its course northeast to Mr. Shaws', it tore up two posts from every fence. Mr. Shaw was burning weeds; it took up a long row he had ready for lighting and away they went sailing high. Although riding through the air on thistles might be a rapid conveyance east, Mrs. Shaw decided to wait for a safer and surer one and took refuge in the cafe. We do not know how far the cyclone extended. We hope one of no great dimension will visit us. Mr. and Mrs. Cluphf spent Sunday on their son Frank's place. Meadow larks and robins cheered us with their presence during the storms. the meanest kind of snowstorm came on Tuesday. G.L. Atwood of Watertown, Conn. was visiting at Mr. Bassette's last week." This gives us a bit of insight of life on the prairies in those early days. Who would have ever dreamed that in 1941 a tornado of iminense power would come through this community. Until the 1930's life in this community flourished. There was the usual fluctuation of population changes and during the 20's this community prospered as others did in the county. The 1930's brought many changes. So many of the original families were forced to leave their homes and farms. The circumstances were many as the financial loss of these people due to the collapse of the Stock Growers Bank and other banks in the area caused a terrible loss as there was no money to pay for food, taxes and other expenses. One can not quite comprehend how one survives without the income and cash resources on which to draw. Upon that tragedy, compounding the trauma of the times, was the drouth that came upon this area. Unable to raise any �Burlington. The first Kit Carson county farm to feel its effect was that of Henry Drager where the windmill and chicken house were demolished and machinery scattered to the four winds. Further to the northeast, the Chris Stahlecker farm was hit and the house almost unroofed, the windmill head blown off and the barn totally wrecked. The Smokey Hill school building, one-half Smokey Hill school house after the tornado, 1941. Left stands the remaining teacherage minus roof. feed for the milk cows and other livestock these farmers were forced to sell what they could at prices that saw botto'm. One cannot comprehend selling livestock at such low prices unless you have lived through it. The government came out and destroyed livestock which was a traumatic experience for so many residents. After the drought came the hoards of grasshoppers that devoured acres of growing crops in their paths. Late thirties brought on the beginning of better times and with them came new people back to the land. The community was again ing is the newspaper account of the event. backgrounds but with a sense of community Carson, about 50 miles southwest of here, and a group of close knit people of diverse "The most destructive tornado in the history of this section of the country swept through southeastern Kit Carson County, Colorado and Sherman County, Kansas. Farm homes, schools, communications, in fact, everything in the path of the tornado was demolished, causing thousands of dollars of loss in property damage. Miraculously, no one was killed outright, and the number of persons injured was small compared with the size and fury of the storm. It is believed the tornado was the same storm which originally formed near Kit that provided a base for the Smokey Hill School, social gatherings, and the opening of homes for entertainment. These activities provided a base of commitment that has finally blew itself out north of Goodland. In the approximately 100 mile course of the storm it destroyed or damaged numerous bound these residents even today. school houses. Sunday afternoon, June 8, 1941. The follow- course, entering the county directly south of Tragedy came to this community on farm homes and out-buildings and two large The storm traveled in a northeasterly north ofthe Stahlecker place, was next in line and the large three-story concrete structure was crumpled like an egg shell by the force of the wind. The falling concrete walls piled upon the roof of the garage which housed the three school buses, almost flattening one of these. The other two, although badly damaged, received less ofthe weight ofthe falling concrete. Two teacherage houses and their contents were totally destroyed and a third house unroofed. North of the Smokey Hill school, the storm next destroyed the barn at the former Oliver Olsen place. At the Henry Bassette place the shingles were stripped from a chicken house and the chimney was removed from the house and deposited in the yard in perfect condition. The Harold Harrington place suffered the loss of all buildings and a car ari well. A windmill on the Gerald Snelling place was torn down. At the Geo. Blomendahl farm the only thing left standing were the four walls of the house. A large barn and all outbuildings were swept clean, as well as the windmill and practically all ofthe trees. Chas. Kaester lost a gr€rnary and had a header barge blown through the porch of the house. Mrs. Gilford McCullough suffered a broken pelvic bone and possible internal injuries when she was blown quite a distance from the house by the force of the wind which destroyed their house and all outbuildings. At the E.E. Harrington farm a large barn was destroyed. Some damage was done at the Frank Korbelik place but was slight in comparison. Crossing the state line into Kansas the storm struck the Al Pralle farm about six miles south of Kanorado, demolishing farm buildings. On toward Ruleton the storm swept and here claimed the second school building as its victim. The $30,000 brick school building at Ruleton was totally destroyed, as were also four residences, these being the homes of T.G. Kaufman, Martin Nelson, W.T. Ingram and Mrs. Laura Kernal. These houses were occupied at the time of the storm and although they were slmost destroyed, the several people occupying them miraculously escaped. On the highway northeast of Ruleton the storm picked up a car occupied by Ted McCall and Robert Sprinkle. The car, a Model A roadster, was wrecked to such an extent that it seemed impossible that the occupants could survive. Sprinkle was dri- ving and was thro\iln out of the car. McCall was carried with the machine about a quarter of a mile and both legs were badly broken. He is recovering in a Goodland hospital. The storm went on northeast to the Glen Curry farm north of Goodland. Barns and outbuildings at the Feaster, Jack Dawson, John Shaver and Jnmes Chapp farms north of Goodland were all badly dnmaged, but none of the houses were blown down. The storm apparently raised directly north of Several people are looking over the school assessing the damage. Notice the gas pump on left side standing undamaged. Goodland and disappeared. With all the destruction of property it �seems miraculous that no lives were lost. At the Chris Staklecker home which lost threefourths ofthe roof, the occupants were in that part of the house which was spared. At the Smokey Hill school, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Watson lived in the only house that was not demolished. This house had the roof torn off only L5 minutes after they had left for Arapahoe. The Geo. Blomendahl family were visiting relatives in Burlington when their place was swept away. Mrs. Gilford McCullough, although seriously injured, seems on the road to recovery. At Ruleton the escape of the dozen occupants in their homes is a miracle. by Marlyn lfasart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T408 It is hoped the job can be completed by noon. However, the Rotary Club suggests everyone bring a lunch in case it is necessary to continue work through the day. Wear comfortable shoes and leather gloves. Oddities of the Tornado Torrential rain, four to five inches, fell in some places, while at nearby farms no rain fell whatever. A slab of concrete about 4 x 6 feet was found lying on a mirror, yet the mirror was in perfect condition. Grains of wheat and cane seed were found imbedded in fence posts after the storm. At one place a medicine cabinet was left hanging on one of the walls, in perfect condition, yet all its contents had been swept out by the suction. A small bank, which formerly occupied a place on a dresser had been removed to a chair nearby, the bank upright and a dollar bill which it had contained was removed through the small slot and was lying on the floor, still neatly foldeo. Straw and feed stalks driven into pieces of wood. A chicken, which was a victim of the storm, was picked clean. - He did not survive, highway 51 (which is now highway 385). It was also 5 miles to the Smoky Hill Consoli- dated School, where buses picked up the children. Dragers had four children, Evelyn, Kenneth, June and Louis. Evelyn and Kenneth went to Smoky Hill School until they reached l1th grade and then went to Bur- lington to high school. High school was discontinued at Smoky Hill in 1951, and then in 1957 the entire school was consolidated into Burlington. Henry was on the school board for a number of years, and they lived in that original home for 50 years. That has to be quite a record! They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Trinity Lutheran Church in 1978. They built a new home in Burlington on Fay Street where they continue to enjoy 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. They were one of the families who did not leave when the bad times came. by Mrs. Ted Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T4lO however. An American flag which hung on a wall of the Ruleton school house was found lodged between the top of the wall and the ceiling, so tightly held that its removal without tearing was impossible. Story 2 Organize Party to llelp Clean Up Stricken Area She was a school teacher and needed a home and a job. Frank Kelly had a homestead and he wanted to give it up. Alice took advantage And the glass bowl on a gas pump just a few of this opportunity. This homestead was 16 miles south and two east of Burlington. It consisted of 160 acres and a two room adobe house. Years later, two other homesteaders, John Murphy and Henry Fansleau built on to that house. In 1920 Alice married Vincent Daniel. Vincent moved to her homestead. They had feet southwest of the snme building which was not broken. Dishpan still hanging on the kitchen wall of a demolished farm home - all other articles far removed. Shingles neatly picked from the top of a chicken house. Otherwise the building was shipshape. The tornado which struck in the Smokey Hill community on June 8, 1900 caused a very difficult situation for people whose property was destroyed. Nearby fields of grain and fallow were covered with debris. Pieces of lumber with nails and tin, etc., will be a serious hazard to tractor tires and other hawesting equipment, unless removed before fields are planted and harvested. Everyone by Marlyn llasart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY for whom it will be practical to help is requested to assist in removing debris from grain fields and cultivatcd lands. Organizations and groups who will assist the people in Smokey Hill include: Burlington Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, 4-H clubs, home demonstration clubs, Grange, other groups, individual farmers and merchants. It is requested these groups and individuals meet at the Smokey Hill school house at 8:00 a.m. June 13. Boy Scouts and 4-H club boys are requested to work under their leaders. The Smokey Hill home demonstration club will provide drinking water for the crews. Those who can provide trucks should see Ted Backlund. The crews will work from the Smokey Hill school to the Chas. Kaestner farm. A group of Kanorado, Kansas, people are planning to start at the Harrington and McMullough farms Friday morning and work toward the Kaestner farm. In 1917, Alice Sullivan came to Colorado from Harmon, Illinois because of her asthma. Children's merry-go-round immediately north of the Smokey Hill school house which was not even scratched. Cleaning up after the storm. Story 3b T409 five children, two of which are deceased. Elizabeth is married to Jack Cheslock and they live in Oregon. Richard is married to Vera Shade. They are retired and live in Arriba, Colo. Joe is married to Mary Lou Williams. They are retired and recently moved to Holyoke, Colorado. During the early years, they picked up their mail and bought their groceries at a trading post called Cole, Colorado. It was located two miles east of the Millisack place. Story 3a This is sort of a collection of stories of people who lived in the Smoky Hill Commu- nity after the severe drouth in the early thirties. During the drouth, many of the original families moved away. It was impossible to get contributions from everybody, but this will be a pretty good sampling of the kind of people from that period. Henry and Flora Drager moved into a new farm home in 1928, after they were married. They had to live in the basement for several weeks until the painting and varnishing was completed. One evening a lot of cars drove in and it was the neighbors coming to charivari them. They had brought lunch and spent the evening getting acquainted. This home was located 5 miles south of the correction line, near All of the kids went to the Smoky Hill Schbol on the bus, through the tenth grade. One teacher taught grades 1 through 4, and another teacher taught 5 through 8. The 9th and 10th were generally taught by the principal. Every fall after the watermelons were ripe, the entire school would take their lunches and go on a full day picnic down by the Smoky. They would end the day by going to the Stahlacker ranch (which was 1 mile south of the school) for a big watermelon feed. This was a custom much enjoyed for many years. For entertainment, the kids used to go arrow head hunting. They went over on the "Jones Hill," which was 1/z mile east of Wayne Iseman's home. They would ride their horses and spend most of the day hunting. School mates of Mary Lou Daniels were Helen Burk (Schierman), Joe Pillings and Lucille Walstrom. Richard's classmates were �Bill and Betty Burk, Laurence Carlson, Jane Walstrom and Marvin Butterfield. and Gwen is still teaching third grade in the by Bernice Eberhart by Bernice Eberhart GWEN AND HUBERT CRANMER T4l1 Gwen and Hubert Cranmer were married in St. Francis, Kansas in June of 1946 and then moved to Smoky Hill to the teachers apartments. Gwen taught the first four grades and Hubert was employed by Ted Eberhart on the farm. Those apartments were rather crude with a dirt basement. They adopted two white cats to keep the mice out and made the upstairs as livable as possible. It was war time and they were unable to buy a cook stove of any kind, so they cooked with a little two hole oil burner. Gwen said they must have lived on love, and she is sure they couldn't do it now. The term began with 23 children, and Lonnie and Connie Eberhartwere both in her room. Gwen was Bernice Eberhart's sister, and they had a lot of interesting happenings. The family had always called Gwen "Skinny," but it was never to be said at school. One day Lonnie forgot and what an embarassing slip that was. It was really hard times for some families, and there were times when school lunches would be stolen. Gwen always saw to it that they did not go without lunch. Bob Meyers and Lonnie Eberhart were both first graders and Bob had been asking his dad if he could go home and spend the night with Lonnie. His dad told him that some day when it was nice weather, he could go. So, Bob just waited for a nice day and went. About ten o'clock Shorty Meyers was out looking for Bob, and finally arrived at the Ted Eberhart home. He really chewed that boy out, but since it was a nice day, that is what he had been waiting for. Bob got to spend the rest of the night, but was warned never to do it again. Dwight Wheatly from Vernon, Colorado taught the upper grades, and they all seemed to get along remarkably well. The community Sunday school was the highlight of the week, and it brought many of the parents together in a social gathering. In the fall of L947 school was going well when a terrific blizzard rolled in. There was no way to clear the roads, so the buses could not pick up the children. Hawey and Jane Matthews and daughter Patty also lived in those school apartments. Harvey was a bus driver and they were the custodians at the school. There was nothing they could do so they slept late and then spent the afternoon and evening playing cards. Harvey would get up and say, "Oh no, not again!" They ended up having about three weeks of make-up which made for a late school term. The Cranmers moved back to Beecher Island after school was out and took over Gwen's parents farm. They thoroughly enjoyed their time at Smoky Hill and made a lot of good friends. Thev are still on the farm at Beecher Island school at Wray, Colorado. SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T4t2 In1947, Cliff and Bertha Hines moved into the Smoky Hill area because they needed more farm land and grass. They settled near the Smoky and three of their four children went to Smoky Hill School. When Marvel Lee was in the eighth grade, they had a bingo party. The road had recently been graded, and it started to rain. It got so muddy and so the ten people in their car were stalled all night, until some one came by to help them. You had better believe that it was a long night, and will not soon be forgotten. One Sunday Cliff and a friend and their two sons went out to look for the cattle in the pasture. They scared up a coyote and the chase was on. Suddenly they were upon the bank of the Smoky. They could not stop, so they just stepped on he gas and flew over the 25 ft. bank and landed in the bottom of the creek. The fan broke a hole in the radiator, but otherwise, no damage. It turned out to be the thrill of their lives. by Bernice Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY ties. They later went to work for Orville Chapin on the farm and lived in a small house on the place. They had another daughter Kathy and returned to Goodland and Harvey went to work on the railroad. Patty and Connie Eberhart were going to be best friends forever, but the move separated them. by Bernice Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T4l6 E.L. (Shorty) Meyers E.L. (Shorty) Meyers and Blanche Meyers moved to the Smoky Hill area in 1945. They came from Goodland, KS, to work for Albert Kirschmer and lived on the Byers place. Robert, Joy and Norma were their three children. Bob started to school with Edna Bartman as his first teacher. In the fall of 1954 their house burned to the ground and they moved to the Smith district. In 1955 they moved to the teacherage at Smoky Hill School where Shorty was custodian and Blanche cooked. Both of them drove school buses. By this time they had three more children, Kay, Ron and Debbie. After the school closed they moved to Burlington where all of the children live, except Joy Bowman, who lives in Littleton. Shorty died in 1977. Blanche has continued to work in a lot offood services, and lately has been helping take care of grandchildren. T4l3 Delbert and Inez Richardson In the spring of 1945 Delbert and Inez Richardson, and three daughters Carolyn 9, Marsha 8 and Nadyne 5, moved from a farm south of Ruleton Kansas to the Smoky Hill Community. Inez said she thought they had come to the jumping off place when they came to the Smoky. There wasn't any bridge, and the banks seemed awfully high. Two sons, Bill and Tony were born in this community. Delbert was actively involved in the Gun Club and the whole family participated in all of the other community affairs. They moved into Burlington in 1951. by Bernice Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY were always a part of the community activi- T4t4 Jane and Harvey Matthews Jane and Harvey Matthews were married just before Hawey went to the service. After Harvey returned they moved into the apartments at Smoky Hill and Harvey drove the bus, and they were custodians. They had one daughter Patty. That was in 1946, and they by Bernice Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T416 Helen and Otis Metcalf came to Smoky Hill to work for Orville Chapin. They came from the Whatley Vacation Ranch, Breckenridge, Colo., so Dale could go to school. There was also Carolyn and Dwight in the family. They moved to Fort Scott Kansas to be close to his elderly parents in 1952. Otis died in 1960 and Helen worked in the hospital. Dale and Dwight both work in insurance and Carolyn lives in Wichita. by Mrs. Ted Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T4t7 Elder Arnold and Susie Elder moved to the Smoky Hill Community in 1911. They csme by wagon driving a herd ofcattle taking them 7 days from Woodston, Kansas. They had 6 living children when they left in 1925. Arnold �built the house owned by Leland Baney. They have 2 small children buried in the and Orville and Flo Chapin. Burlington Cemetery. Keith, Willard and Verawent tothe Smoky Hill School. Lowell, deceased, Vinta and Oren were the other members of this family. Keith and Willard were teachers and Keith Windscheffel, Fromong, and Lindsey fami- played football with the St. Louis team in the late 30's. He was inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame coaches in 1986. He taught Others included McClelland, Woods, lies. There were the Bloomendahl, Fanslaus, Olsons, Bassette, Harrington, Kaestner, and others, who were residents at the time of the tornado that swept through the community in 1941. by Bernice Eberhart wood working and coached football in the Salina, Kansas schools for over 35 years. Much of his time was spent working with retarded and disturbed boys, teaching them SPRING VALLEY RANCH woodworking. Both Arnold and Susie are dead. by Bernice Eberhart SMOKEY HILL COMMUNITY T4l9 The history that we have of our first settlers in our neighborhood is the McCrillis family. Mr. E. McCrillis, his brothers and father came here and settled on what is now known as the Spring Valley Ranch located in T418 Lots of people were moving into the community in the 1940's, and there were all kinds of activities being organized. With the help of Nick Jantzen a community Sunday school was organized, helping to make the community into one big family. The fellows had a gun club, stag parties, took fishing trips together and the ladies organized the Friendship Circle Extension Homemakers Club. One of the projects of the club was to purchase dishes for the school lunch room when the hot lunch program was started. Each mother took a turn at helping the cook at the school, and it was a big improvement - for all concerned. In May 1954, the Windscheffel home was burned and they lost everything. The community families rallied around with love and support, financially, emotionally and spiritually. How wonderful to have such friends! They moved into one of the apartments at the Smoky Hill School for 6 months until another house could be moved onto the farm. In the back of their minds they had thought they would probably go back to California or Oregon, but after the traumatic fire and the loving support ofthese friends, they decided to rebuild and stay put. They have never been sorry for the decision. These people stick our school district. In 1879, they came from Boston, Massachusetts seeking a higher altitude for their health. They went into the stock raising business describing the story ofthe country as was told by Mr. E. McCrillis when they first came here. A little north of where the lower set of buildings on the Spring Valley Ranch are now, there was a small log house which was built out of native cotton wood trees by two brothers by the name of Ricks. These men were cowboys and were line riding for a large cattle rancher northeast on the Republican River. The McCrillises came up the Republican River from Wayne, now called St. Francis, Kansas, which was then a post office and mail was carried on horse back on up the river to different ranches. They came to this log house owned by the Ricks brothers. They brought their household belongings and settled there, engaged in the stock-raising business and after the Government survey had been made in 1881 and 1882, they all took claims on what is now known as the Spring Valley Ranch along a creek with deep water holes and some running water and natural hay meadows. On this creek were scattering cottonwood together through "thick and thin" and remain to this day a very closely knit group. timber, out of which another house was built, corrals and horse barns were also built. The log house that they bought from the Ricks brothers had one door to the east, two attended. Their favorites probably were through the logs, one on the south and one on the west for light. The roof was logs laid Smoky Hill provided many good teachers during the time that Phyllis and Gary small holes about ten by twelve hewed Gwen Cranmer, Hazel Fromong, Genevieve Bell and John Robertson. There are many fond memories of long lasting friendships. close together and dirt thrown on top. On the There were other people who resided within the community. Their stories are longer and will be found in the Family Story section (see Family Story Index). These families were found at the activities of the school as well as the Home Demonstration Club, Gun Club, playing cards and all other activities. These people and the activities that they participated in were the fiber in which the community created the bond of family that made this community so rich in the relationships that have continued throughout the years. Some of the families are the Ted Eberharts, Walstromm, Rainbolt, Baney, the Long, the Bells, Joe and Goldie Williams, Hazel and LeRoy Morton, west and north side, the logs have been burned, some nearly half way through. It was told that this was done by Indians. Mr. E. McCrillis also said that buffalo were plentiful here at that time. About 1886, settlers began to come, settling near the creeks and rivers on account ofwater and fuel. Their first houses were mostly dug outs. A square hole dug in the ground about four feet deep, then with a spade the sod was cut about ten inches wide and from eighteen to twenty-two inches long, and two or three inches thick. These were laid on top of each other, building a wall to the desired height. Then ends were laid up out of sod and a roof put on, in most cases it was made out of lumber brought in with the first settlers. Soon after the first settlers came, they tried to raise crops of different grains. Machinery and general farm equipment being scarce, a good deal of planting was done with a hoe, after the ground had been broken. A good deal of this first land plowing was done with ox teams. But people were successful and machinery and work horses were added, until today it has changed into a good grain producing country with nice farms and high grade of livestock. The first school house was built out of sod and Mr. E. McCrillis was the first elected school secretary, an office he held for fifteen years. Mr. E. McCrillis who was the only one left in the family, sold his ranch property which was all in this school district. In 1908 he moved to Denver, Colorado where he died in about 1922. There are no historical places of great importance in this neighborhood, except one which is one mile east and one half mile south of our south school house on the east side of the creek. Here there is a large stone hill and on top of this hill is a flat place where there was at one time, a stone monument and a grave. The grave is said to be an Indian grave. This monument is now torn down. This hill was called Indian Monument Hill by the first settlers. One and a half miles south of the south school house on the west bank of the creek is a place where a large size wash out hole had been formed, the banks being from ten to twelve feet straight up and down. From the southeast corner of this wash out, a long conal wall was laid up out of sod. This place was used to catch wild horses. Men engaged in that work used this place to catch wild horses and it is called Wild Horse Corral. There is no trail in use at this time in our neighborhood but at one time there was a trail running down the Launchman Creek, used by people picking buffalo bones. This was called the Bone Pickers Trail. The first teacher was Mrs. Hellen Slusser. School warrant number one was drawn on October 12, 1889 for $20.00 for the first month's teaching. Written by Ruth Goebel in 1924. by Ruth Bauder SUCKER'S FLAT T420 The first permanent homesteads in the area called Sucker's FIat. located about 20 miles north and east of Flagler, were settled in 1908 by a group who came from Shelby County, Missouri. In all 23 homesteads were taken in that area by this group who called it Shiloh after their Baptist Church in Shelby County. The name, Sucker's Flat, originated because the area was flat and inviting to farmers but water was very hard to come by, being so deep. The first ones to come included John Will (Jack) Lipford, his foster brother and cousin, Walter Curry, three Barnett brothers - Vic, Chester, and Marv. A relative of the Barnetts was living at Rexford, Kansas, and in 1907 had a large crop of grain. He sent word back to Shelby County asking someone to come to help harvest and it was these young men who went out to help him. Apparently while in western Kansas they became interested in the idea of homesteading in Colorado, and in the fall of 1907, before returning to Missouri, �3'**W ')ry, :i. . ,....,:, - ., i,t4{9!;r,'ry'*Yc' '.;*,:,: . ^.'la' Shiloh congregation shown in front of J.W. Lipford barn where services were held in the hayloft until Shiloh Baptist Church was built. they took the train from Rexford to Seibert. There they met the land office men who drove them out to the area where they decided on their homestead sites before returning to Missouri. The next spring the five had their farm sales early in the year and the men came first to get houses ready to live in. They first built a two-room dugout. Their furniture and belongings came by immigrant car and they used tents to cover their furniture, etc. Blanche (Lipford) Carper remembers that her parents, the Lipfords, brought only chickens, purchasing horses and other livestock after they arrived. All lived in the tworoom dugout while they built a 2-room soddy, first for the Vic Barnetts and then for the Lipfords and the Currys and then for Chester and Marv Barnett who were bachelors at the time. The chickens had to be put in coops at night or the coyotes would have gotten them. Jack Lipford's homestead bordered Washington County as did Walter Curry's. They each had 80 acres of excess land (due to the correction line) which they farmed as long as they lived on their places but which they didn't own. It was six months before wells were dug and Blanche recalls the women and children drove teams and wagons 6 miles to bring back barrels ofwater for both the livestock and the people. Mail came out on the Cope Road which was ten miles away. Other families who came to homestead from Shelby County included the Bill, Oscar and Ross Churchwell families; the Ed Hoa- glund family which included three children; two Nelson families, Harlan and wife and their children, Mary, Bruce, Lear and Jim and the Bedford Nelsons whose children were My'rtle and Kenneth; the Mason Wilson family (Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Ed Hoaglund were sisters); and two bachelor brothers of the women, Grover and Alex Todd; Ed and Dick Bragg, bachelor brothers of Mrs. Lena Lipford; Sarah Weaver, a widow and her four children, two daughters and two sons, all of whom filed on homesteads; Jacob Curry and wife, the father of Walter Curry and uncle and foster father of Jack Lipford; Luther (Gurd) Hewitt and wife, Laura, and their children, Florence, Daisy, Pearl, Alice, one more daughter and their son, Mac. Mr. Hewitt was the twin of Mrs. Walter Curry. Well drilling was a priority, with Burd and Walter Todd, cousins of Grover and Alex, having a well drilling outfit. The first school was built by the homesteaders and was called Ash Grove. The first term was probably about 1910 with Clair Williams recalled as the first teacher. Dora Wolverton was among the early teachers. Later the Shiloh Central School was built which had a full basement and two rooms above. Teachers usually lived in the basement. Church services were probably held from the beginning in homes. The Harlan Nelsons had a 3-room soddy so it was most often used since there was more space. In the summer, services were held in the Jack Lipford barn hayloft. Sometimes the men would move an organ into the hayloft. The Shiloh Baptist Church was organized, probably about 1911, and named for the home church in Missouri. It was built on a corner of the Bedford Nelson land with an adjoining cemetery, also established. It was built by the men of the community with the usual work days with 15 or 20 men assembling to do the work and the women bringing basket dinners. A copy ofthe deed dated Dec. 8, 1915, which was recorded in 1916, stated that the land would revert to the Nelson family when no longer used as a church and cemetery. Jacob Curry, who organized and chartered the church, had been born in Kentucky on March 4, L84L, and moved to Missouri in 1872. In 1913. the Jacob Currvs returned to Missouri. by Blanche Lipford Carper � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Communities Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource History Description An account of the resource A record of the communities in Kit Carson County as recorded in the book History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/412/Country_Schools_1.pdf d25ff98f58eae46fec12e77b33f3c37c PDF Text Text concerned back in the 1880's would offer the uee of their home until some site could be found, perhaps an old soddie which a settler had left after he proved up or where he had paid the required $1.25 per acre, obtained his patent and then decided to abandon. Above all, it is very clear that respect for education characterized the majority ofthe settlers, and they made great sacrifices and expended much effort in establishing some method of having educational experiences for every i i-, tJ 5J*' -" i Participating in the ride were Buster Jenkins, Dave Corliss, Shorty Hostetler, Betty Corliss, David Reid, Ernie Cure, George Hubbard. community's youth and children. From the beginning furnishings were no problem. A long plank could be transformed into a teacher's desk or made into seats for the students. Or someone's big table would be donated. The blackboard was black oilcloth tacked across the front of the room. A potbellied stove threw welcome radiance a few feet around its circumference on cold days, or one kept his coat on all day over the heavy clothing he always wore. Walking many miles, driving a little cart, or riding a horse or donkey, sometimes with brothers and sisters hanging on behind one another, were that day's transportation methods. A kind of shed out back for the animals, in conjunction with a couple of tiny leanto-like buildings for toiletg off in each corner made up the school yard. Water was brought from home in some fashion for few schools had wells. A common drinking ladle went from pupil to pupil and few drops were wasted. lrt* In the beginning the teacher was someone with sufficient education to teach, but no ."t -r!]. $ f- lr.l;i., certificate was required and sometimes the best educated person in the community was prevailed upon to take this added responsibility. In some communities this turned out to be the pastor ofthe church and the pay was almost non-existent. Book stand pencils and slates come with the students. Hungry for companionship and learning, the pupils in those school rooms transformed them into hives of activity and much learning took place. Probably no part offrontier life played as great a role in the lives of those who went to early day schools as those few months with companions each year in a frontier school house. And it was only a few months . perhaps six at most. For that school house was the center of the community. Its uses were multiple! Church, Sunday School, voting precinct, dance hall, funerals, literary programs, basket dinners, debates, preaching from an itinerant preacher, a place to meet for a rabbit drive or coyote hunt, and all the ball games were scheduled here. Provisions for providing more formal school settings progressed rapidly and by t;: ;'t ift;4 1910 the one-room school system was preva- Ient and teachers with a few months of Riders following the trail along the Republican River through Kit Carson County. Scouts of Flagler plan to place a marker at the Crystal Springs site. by Betty Reimer THE COUNTRY SCHOOL T138 "School" was a prime concern and focus of the early settlers of Kit Carson County. Stories from families of the earliest settlers indicate the great lengths to which those citizens went to provide some way for the children and young people of this frontier area to be exposed to education. Those most normal training were hired with the intent of instructing the pupils in the essential academic skills of arithmetic, reading, geography, spelling and grammar. This pattern of education continued for the next forty years basically, with modifications in offerings, number of teachers per school and other changes in individual localities. A typical day's experience for a student began with at home chores before school, followed by the walk or horse-related ride to school, and a short play period before the strident "ding-dong" of the 9:00 a.m. bell. Opening exercises started the school day: reading by the teacher from a favorite book or a singing session, plus the Pledge of �Arregrance ano mayDe a llag rarsrng quletect everyone down before a short study period. This was followed by a round of recitations. When "recitations" began, each class as called came to the long bench before the teacher's desk, presented the assignments they had finished for handing in, asked questions, talked of problems associated with new work, and got a new assignment. Simultaneously, in their desks the other pupils were supposedly studying and preparing for their turn at the recitation bench. Sometimes the absorbed teacher was unaware that chaos producing activity might be underway someplace in that school room. But the culprits would be embarrassed when it came their turn to recite, so things evened out. Eventually, recess time came and fifteen minutes outside with romping or running and games like "Black Man," "Dare Base," "Pumppump Pull Away" or baseball and a trip to the "toilet" brought refreshed children back to have another go at classes until 12 o'clock, when dinner pails came out of the cloakroom. Usually a syrup bucket or a fancier Union Leader tobacco box held each student's lunch of sandwiches, occasional cake, and maybe canned fruit or rarely a piece of fried rabbit or chicken. Trading one's boughten bread sandwich for a sandwich with a favorite filling was common. More play during that noon hour break and it was an hour and a chapter or two of a special book like "Black Beauty," "Girl of the Limberlost," or "Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" made the long afternoon, punctuated by a recess break, endurable until 4:00 p.m. Then students were asked to "put away your books and pick up the floor." Whispered last minute talk with a loved teacher and furtive glances and last words with one's favorite of the week, with a merry scattering of "Good-byes" started pupils home for a night of rest and readiness for another day of school. In a school with all eight grades, a teacher might have thirty or more recitation periods each day, while trying to keep an eye on the total school room, so recitations were kept briefand to the point. Because ofthis heavy load each day, many teachers put two grades together for some subjects and one might study sixth grade arithmetic before he had fifth and that created problems, some of which might follow one all his life. Obviously the teacher could not supervise a reciting class and the diversionary tactics that might be going on elsewhere in the room, but there were benefits as well attached to this method of instruction. For instance, fascination with the subject being talked about in an advanced grade often led to complete absorption in this topic by someone who didn't seem to be at all ready to tackle the topic. One teacher taught Latin to her eighth graders and before long everyone in that room could converse to a point in Latin. And the adoration of a younger pupil for an older one who could help with his perplexing subjects at the discretion ofthe teacher developed into true friendships that last to this day. Letting a student look in the "answer book" helped many a distressed teacher get through a student's time of indecision and trial with a heady problem when the teacher had no time for interrupting a reciting class. Big ones helping little ones was a great learning experience of itself. The few resources to vary the routine and stimulate interest and motivate to new projects came from a set of encyclopedias if there was one, the dlctionary, and the dearly loved "reading circle" books the teacher got in a big trunk from the county superintendent who had procured them from the Colorado State Library. What excitement ensued when that trunk was opened! Usually the books could be kept for six weeks and getting to read as many as one wished often was most impossible. Drawing and coloring, ot having art, spelldowns or ciphering matches on Friday afternoons. . occasion- ally with a nearby school . . varied the routine and gave something to look toward. Practicing for the periodic programs given for parents at Thanksgiving and Christmas or other holidays was an added time of excitement. When the percale curtains which denoted a stage were placed on wires stretched from side to side across the front of the schoolroom, hearts beat just a little faster because a little dialogue or play, a recitation, a flag drill, some songs, and an exercise with several students involved would be practiced a few minutes each day and as perfection seemed near and the afternoon or evening of the performance drew close all knew thev would present a good show. As the years passed some things changed: merry-go-rounds, teeter-totters, and slides appeared in play grounds. The little ones were sometimes let out early all by themselves at recess and noon times so thev could have a short time to enjoy these unmtlested by the pesky big kids. And sometimes, but rarely, the big kids made life a bit miserable for a teacher, especially if that teacher had done something to indicate a "bearcat dispo- sition." Teachers were known to fail to show up on Mondays and forever after following such a hazing. Typical kinds of punishment from a teacher were a spanking on the bottom or a knuckle whacking with a big ruler or having to stay in at recess. Sometime in these years mothers began a sort of hot lunch program, taking turns sending soup in a gallon bucket to be heated on the stove all morning. One tale is told of a gallon of bean soup heating away when suddenly there was a great explosion with beans going everywhere, even up on the ceiling where they stuck. A lid on too tight! What a mess, and no hot soup that day. A World War II activity was saving all the foil off of any gum. Tin was needed and the source was cut off by the war in the Pacific. Everyone tried to do what was possible to help a little. Probably one custom that anyone who attended a country school remembers fondly was being given permission to dust the erasers by banging them on the front steps, side of the school house or on the footscraper near the front door. For today's students in our modern technically equipped schools who have no idea what the isolation and stark poverty of that day in a school room was, one can scarcely paint a realistic word picture. As the school year began, some families from the school district, probably the school board's, gathered to clean the school house, wash any curtains, dust the spiderwebs out of the toilets, stash a little kindling and some coal in the coal shed, chop any weeds in the yard and clean up the fence row if there was one around the school site. Sometimes there would be a new coat of kalsomine for the inside or the stovepipe needed repair and some new desks might have been purchased. From then on the custodial duties at the school belonged to the teacher, who stoked the fire at night in hope it would hold over and keep the building a bit warm so that getting to school late would pose no problems to complicate the firebuilding time needed. The chore of sweeping up with a little sweeping compound was the usual ending to a teacher's day. The smells of a typical schoolroom were compounded of odors of that sweeping compound, heavy, damp clothing, overshoes that had been in the barnlot earlier, plus any association with animals such as the farmyard cattle, dogs and cats and a skunk encountered on the wav to school, and the smells of many luncires, mingled with those of young bodies that had received no daily shower or bath. One must remember that there were town schools which had more to offer in numbers of teachers and larger buildings with possibly more materials with which to work. But much learning evolved in those rustic, rural settings and if and when any student went to high school in Flagler, Seibert, Vona, Stratton, Bethune or Burlington, he or she usually did well in competition with those who were town folks' kids. And country grade schools sometimes had a few ninth graders, too, who took examinations at six weeks time with the town school nearest them so that those students would be able to attend there without paying tuition later on. That education for some was a "catch as catch can" affair cannot be denied. Many of the boys old enough to work were kept out to pick corn, help with early spring farming or haying time, and lots of girls had to stay home to help cook or care for a new baby or someone who was ill. That many went to school in a haphazard way is true, and this led to much irregularity in organization and sequence of classes. But they learned . . . did they learn! This was the pattern ofschool organization into the mid-1940's. The quality of any given school was dependent upon the caliber of its individual teacher, guided to a degree by the county superintendent of schools. The county superintendent faithfully visited each school at least once each year. The following were the Kit Carson County Superintendents of schools from 1888 through 1979: 188&1890: D.S. Harris; 1892-1894: J.W. Augustine; 1894-1896: Wm. H. Bennett: 1896-1900: Susie Morgan; 1900-1902: G.H. Hobart; 1902-1904: John F. Stott; 1904-1908: Eva Rogers; 1908-1910: Dessie M. Bolt: 1910-1916: Jennie L. Tressel; LSLG-L922: Jessie C. McGee; L922-1926: Della Hen- dricks; 1926-1928: Lenore Johnson: 1928-1932: Della Hendricks; 1932-1984: Ora Cruickshank; 1934-1940: Laura Payne; 1940-1944: Virginia Welch; 1944-1948: Flor- ence Wigton; Ig44-1962: Willa Zick: 1962-197 9: Lucy Russmann. The education act which consolidated all the schools of Kit Carson County in the very late 1940's was the end of the individual one room schools in this part of Colorado. The problems that had begun for schools during World War I, stretching through the depression and dirty 1930's, and the teacher shortage during and after World War II, along with better roads and transportation methods, created the situation which culminated in consolidation and the creation ofonly the few districts in which all the young people of the county are now educated. The shifting of district boundaries, the drops in county population, the courthouse fire which destroyed all school records to that time. the �moving of more recent records to the State Archivis at the capital in Denver have made a confusing, intertwined skein of information which is almost beyond unraveling even by those who lived through the numerous events involved. That we can have stories of any kind which are at all factual and accurate is due entirely to those precious memories of folk who took the time to write a story of what they recall of their school experiences. So, enjoy each story and treasure each picture because the days ofone room schools gave the background for the wonderful schools which now accommodate our young citizens, and all of those who really remember the one room school days will soon be gone like the school itself. by DorothY C. Smith 1889 ANNUAL REPORT OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS DISTRICT 19, 1888-89 Tr40 The Colorado State Archives which house the old materials of the Kit Carson County Superintendent ofSchools has a recording for District 19, when this was yet Elbert County, that for the 1888-89 term from October 11, 1888 to March 29, 1889, teacher Julia Doughty recorded that she had 20 pupils, ages 5 to 1?. There wereT girls and 13 boys. Families represented included 3 Leynde, 6 Doughty, 4 Strode, 2 Stark, and one each from the Swazee, Landon, Stewart, Keeler, and Robinson families. The teacher's salary was $35.00 per month, and the expense for the whole term was her salary, $210.00. Colorado State Archives PAGES FROM TEACHERS DAILY REGISTER - 1891 Tl41 T139 Superintendent D. S. Hanis, Superintendent of Kit Carson County of Colorado, sent this report to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on 28th day of September, 1889: Census Total: 745; Total pupils: 406; Total teachers: 43; Average Monthly Salary: $29.9?; Teachers in District 5: S'L. Chapman, Jennie Walters, Ira O Stucky, Myrtle Keller; ll-# District 16: Venessa D. Diltz; District 17: Winn Combs and C.H. Frost; District 18: Molly Doves and Lizzie Carmichal; District 19: Julia Doughty; District 20: Bill Kyle and Mary Shafer; District 21: John Scott and Mary Barr; District 22: J.W. Sutton and G.G. Sutton; District 23: Lottie Rose and Mrs' t#-/u [r.'- i't "t'; E.T. Trull; District 24: T.W. Correll and D.W. Correll; District 25: J.B. McFarland, Miss A.L. Smith and Fred N. Willis; District 26: E.E. Hubber: District 27t Lauta A. Gant; District 28: Maggie Sater and Susie E. Morgan; District 29r Jennie C. Finlayson, D.H. Roberts and Henry Hoskins; District 30: Minnie A. Smith, Hettie Howard, and Hettie Bedoratha; District 31: Mary R. Bates and Minnie Mesechre; District 32: Addie Miller; District 33: V.M. Campbell and Julia Doughty; District 34: Hattie Howard; District 35: Anna Crafton and Una E. Rhinehart; District 36: Chas. L. Dickinson and May Faurote; District 37: Mrs. Kindy and Mrs. Amy Corliss; District 38: Charles N' Cogswell; District 39: Clia Miller; District 41: J.C. Davis; District 42: Mary I. Howard; District 44: Harvey A. Goodin; District 45: Jennie L. Rice; District 46: Mabel F. Floris; District 47: Mabel Daskam; District 48: John J. Neal; District 49: Ida Kane; and District 49: May M. B. Salaries ranged from $15 to $51.50 per month and the total expenditures for year 1889: $4,896.63 for the Kit Carson County Schools. Microfilm, State Archives '-- -risa1:;:-.:.'.:f:-r-:--:::r -- *:: .---.' :.-' .$;':r--::;'j .:-::r #t Ifi GBIDEI SiSOOLS this nesister is to bo tted at the close of the iem with the Principal; N i$en,tp-Sn, with the District Secrctary. l TIIE SUPDRIN'|E\DENT OI1' PUIJLI(I ]]{STRUC1'ION 1a90- �-> lJ -ir.-r.l-v".l.-4-...E\,, I Nuusen. Bxexcsrs Sruonp, .If V-C\,, .L -.GL-laJ --L'-c1J.lxJ.jJ/A:. Sulnaery ol ENnor-rusx: lup Srertsrtcs. Taxr 8oors, Grxrnrt Menonlnoe. !l.lc. Algebra. (ten,reitrl!lli,l Geouretry t-4 . Whole No. ol pupils enrolled during tenn _a-- No. under r6 years eurolled during term . i-'-l-'-i-ii--*-.--r! ' l .* ...l-l -- f--"ii * -,,--,i Physiology i--d-l -6--',9,-t[--_-ll ii- iflf Philosoohv I}--l-iI Natural Philosophy i-- lPhysicai Geography l-Ll -L',--ZLl;,----i composition l- l-l.. l, No. cases of corporal punishrnent.. of suspension susbension ijli No. ""..t "".., No. visits by Co. Supt. of Schools i1 No. visits by parents and others :*tlT:,':" l-ll- ll---li Voc*lMusic|-l-|-ll--ili---||rdoso|emn!7swear.i.ha|thc Drawing ' :::--------- it-l-i i-i-li | -i- | I -l--t-_* l=''__i| lr ---ii-- ii . i-.-li-- . : -*16-,ii -lltos,,-,a;,huetoth'ebestolf mv - ,i Il The sclrool was tausht bv a*-tzA*{&4r ; il s"l",rort., r,*"....//=l'E ermoulh ls -' "n edsc and belief, and that f haz i " . -.-: \Vhole arrrount paid to the teacher for the _ __ Ths last month's wages ehould not be paid lhs Tsacher unti! lhis summary is flted out and filed with the Prlncipal or Secretary, a! tho caso may ho. T1-r n n rrr-n I l,AUl-11,f( I) n tt '''eiS'r v I tIJL Eit F'JR 'fI-IE .I'ENU I \ynIL /'h'. ,.1-. t l-< t. ,1['err-t:t. tuo ol �twelve blocks, you l(nowl" I TAUGHT IN A SODDY Tt42 I have no quarrel with modern schools, their breathtaking architecture, their Twelve city blocks! One mile of snow shoveled walks. And I thought of my early pupils trudging through snowdrifts up to their hips. In those days Colorado had a well defined course of study and a definite goal to meet nel. Their courses which touch upon every phase of present day living are in line with the and we met it. We had arithmetic, history, physiology, civics, geography,language, writing and spelling. There was no choice of study; like it or not, there was one course for march ofprogress. I know because I answered everyone. shsamlined efficiency, their trained person- the urgent call for teachers during the shortage in WWII. But sometimes I compare them with the first school I taught, a lowly soddy, hugging the prairie in eastern Colorado. I wonder then if, in the new approach to mass education, teachers as well as pupils have not grown soft. Perhaps they've lost, with the personal touch, some of the initiative, and teamwork as well as some of the fun of years ago. It was a golden day in September, 1908. I, Avis Moyer, stood, bell in hand, in the door of the Plainview school, 15 miles from the little town of Flagler. My stiff shirtwaist and even stiffer pompadoured hair made me look older, and I hoped, more dignified than my 23 years. The children had been gathering in the schoolyard. And now it was 9 o'clock and time to ring the bell. I cried to make it sound vigorous to hide my inward tremors as twenty boys and girls, ranging in age from 6 to 16, filed in and seated themselves at the double desks. Not on the same side! Heavens no! The boys, self-conscious in new suit pants orjeans and dark calico shirts, sat on one side; the girls, in clean wash dresses, their braids tied with bright ribbons, giggling and eyeing the boys, on the other. Incidentally, those seats that I spoke of were screwed firmly to the floor. "Learning" was serious business and there was no scraping or sliding of chairs as there is today. We had the quaint notion that a quiet room was conducive to study. We launched right into our lessons. Education wasn't something you took lightly, for the school "year" only lastcd until Christmas. After that the roads were almost impassable. There was no well on the school ground. That first recess two of the older girls volunteered to go to the nearest ranch more than a mile away to get a pail full. I let them take my horse and buggy, and every morning after that a huge jug of water, wrapped in a blanket to keep it cool or from freezing, as the case might be, was on the seat beside me as I drove to school. The early autumn days had been so warm and sunny that, tenderfoot that I was, I didn't realize winter was close at hand until one morning a raw wind bent the dry grass to the ground. I went to the adjoining shed to get fuel for the fire. The shed was filled with coal, but where was the kindling? One of the boys waved his arm toward the prairie, "Plenty out there," he said. "I don't see any wood," I said puzzled. "Not wood!" he laughed. "Chips! Buffalo chips! Cattle chips! We'll gather some for you!" My squeamishness in using chips vanished when I saw how dry and odorless they were and what a quick hot fire they made in the potbellied stove. One day years later I was calling on a friend in Denver when suddenly she looked at her watch and said, "Pardon me, but I'll have to run. It's time to pick up the children. It's Memory work was important. Years later I met one of my students on a city street, and the greetings over, I asked, "Minnie, can you still recite the names of the states and their capitols?" She began without a moment's hesitation: "Maine, Augusta, on the Kennebeck river; New Hampshire, Concord, on the Merrimack river," and so on down to the last state and capitol. "I can recite Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and the BilI of Riehts, and reams of poetry too," she said. Passersbys were looking at us curiously, two grayhaired women, one recitingThe Charge of the Light Brigade, and the other listening critically. I came back to the present with a start. For a moment I had been sitting at my desk in Plainview School and Minnie was still in pigtails. Educators today say that children retain only 5 percent of what they learn in school. Making allowance for the mellowing of my memory over the years, I'm still sure my pupils did much better than that. Perhaps it was because their minds were not distracted with radio, movies, funnies and television. We had no organized P.T.A. at our school, but that didn't mean that teachers, parents and children didn't get together. Our little sod school house was the meeting place for the entire community. We had box suppers and spelling bees and all sorts of social gettogethers. December came all too fast and school was over for the year. I went back to Kansas but the following year I returned to Colorado to teach one more year. Then I married a homesteader, Henry Simmons, and said goodby to my soddy schoolhouse. People used to look at me in amusement and pity when I told them of my early experiences in teaching. But I say it proudly: 'I taught in a soddy." by Avis Moyer Simmons SCHOOL TEACHERS 1913- L9L4 Tt43 Kit Carson County, Colorado JENNIE L. TRESSEL, County Superintendent District 1, Bethune School, F.B. Shumate, Bethune; District 2, Lowell School, Miss Nella Kean, Burlington; Emerson School, A.I. Tyler, Burlington; District 3, Mt. Pleasant School, Miss Annie Evans, Hermes;/ District 4, Miss Mary E. Bogart, Burlington; District 5, Peconic School, Mrs. Marguerite Hines, Kanorado, Kans.; District 6, Brammeier School, Miss Erma Pfaffly, Bethune; District 7. Pious Point School, Miss Ella Kenn, Df,raf,ton; ulsf,rrc! d, west -raunaven School, Mrs. M. Shanahan; East Fairhaven, Mrs. F. L. Perrine, Seibert; District 9, Byers School, Mrs. Clara Pollitt, Burlington; Holton School, H.E. Hayden, Cole; and Cole School, J.W. Murphy, Cole; District 10, North School, Gerald H. Rice, Flagler; Midway School M.G. Canada, Flagler; South School, F.S. Yewell Flagler. District 11, Gephardt School, Robert S. Gephardt, Kanorado, Kans.; South School, Miss Nellie Miser, Burlington; District 12, Hunter School, Miss Opal Chrisman, Kirk; Flageolle School, Mrs. Mary C. Watmore, Kirk; Boger School, August Carlstedt, Vona; and Plainview School, A.G. Thompson, Vona. District 13, Pond Creek School, Mrs. Eva Johnson, Kanorado, Kans; District 14, Thompson School, Mrs. Mary Larkin, Flagler; Hunt- zinger School, Mrs. Birdie McBride, Flagler; Grand View School, Miss Virgel LaRue, Flagler; Heid School, Miss Jennie V. Custine, Flagler; Dazzling Valley School, Miss Mabelle Jordan, Flagler; Ash Grove School, Miss Prudence Robinson, Flagler; Fisher School, Miss Lucy Muck, Flagler; Huntley School, R.L. Pendleton, Flagler; Eckert School, Will Inman, Thurman, and Mrs. W.E. Taylor, Flagler. District 15, Rose School, G.M. Baxter, Flagler; District 16, Miss Alta Shaeffer, Burlington; District 17, Beaver Valley School, Miss Esther Anderson Kanorado, Kans.; District 18, Burlington School, N.J. Rice and Mrs. M. J. Rice, both of Burlington; Miss Geraldine B. Case, Miss Katherine A. Kane and Miss Nellie M. Culver, all of Burlington; District 19, Karker School, Miss Abigail Harvey, of Loco; Sunny Slope School, Miss Frances Hyland, Seibert; Ackerman School, Miss Iva E. Reynolds, Flagler; Albright School, Miss Pheba Redding, Flagler; Progressive School, Miss Winnie Anderson, Flagler; District 20, North School, Miss Pearl Buchele, Burlington; Midway School, Mrs. Mayme Kiefer, Burlington; South School, Miss Clara V. Mills, Burlington; District 21, Miss Margaret Rafferty, Burlington; District 22, Dobler School, V.V. Vose, Bethune; District 22, Yale School, Thomas Dillon, Bethune; District 23, Murphy School, Miss Blanche Paul, Seibert; District 24, Blue View School, Miss Lea L. Wellman, Bethune; District 25, Shaw School, Mrs. Fern White, Kanorado, Kans.; District 26, Prairie View School, Miss Virginia Pemberton, Kanorado, Kans.; District 27, Miss Virginia Pemberton, Kanorado, Kans.; District 28, Union School, Miss Gladys Pugh, Stratton; District 29, Beaverton School, Miss Arline Harrington, Beaverton; Lone Star School, Miss Dollie Perkins, Beaverton; Webster School, Miss Susanne Throop, Stratton; Day School, Herbert J. Thomas, Stratton; Norton School, Mrs. Goldie Rich, Bethune; District 30, Golden Rule School, Miss Violet Munter, Burlington; District 31, Broadsword School, Grover Tyler, Burlington/ District 33, Wallet School, Miss Goldie Anderson, Kanorado, Kans.; District 34, Stamper School, Miss G. Vera Dillon, Burlington; District 35, Flagler School, N.W. Oakes, Mrs. Ethel Langcamp, Miss Myrtle Nies, and Miss Edna Kivett, all of Flagler;Texerado School, F.M. Yewell, Flagler; Sunnyside School, P.A. Lofstead, Flagler; Sunnyside School, P.A. Lofstead, Flagler; District 36, Stratton School, W.A. Hooper, Miss Beulah Bradshaw, and Miss Helen Murray, all of Stratton; Blakeman School, Miss Ellen R. Bradshaw, Stratton; �Spring Creek School, Miss Eva Reeves. Stratton; Nuttbrook School, Miss Alice Talbot, Stratton; Green Knoll School, Mrs. Tena Meracle, Stratton; Hansen School, Mrs. Meta Chandler, Stratton; Smelker School. Mrs. Verna Austin, Stratton; Ford School, Mrs. Olive Montgomery, Vona; and Jones School, S.G. McConnell, Stratton. District 3?. Seibert School, W.I. Conley, Miss Izetta Wrenn, and Mrs. W.L Conley, all of Seibert; Flint School, Miss Jessie Magee, Seibert; Mennefee School, Mrs. Mae Cates, Seibert; Rock Cliff School, A.L. Buller, Vona: Fair Mount School, E.M. Short, Seibert; District 88, Pleasant Hill School, Miss Elva C. Smith, Morris; District 39, Tuttle School, Miss Mabel Pugh, Stratton; District 40, Mount Pleasant School, John Husband, Seibert; Pleasant Valley School, Vivian E. Huff, Seibert; District 41, Sold Center School, Mrs. Lizzie Bigelow, Stratton; District 42, Kechter School, Miss lda Martin, Tuttle; District 48, Miss Agnes Pugh, Stratton; District 44, O.R. EIGHTH GRADE EXAMS AND DIPLOMA Van Syoc, Stratton; District 4b, Bassette School, Miss Myrtle Branen, Kanorado. Kans.; District 46, Bancroft School, Miss Grace Waugh, Seibert; District 42. Mrs. Ada Kepner, Vona; Vona School, Miss Sarah Richards, and Mrs. Laura Alexander. both of Vona; Pleasant Valley School, Henry U. Sc!m!dt, Vona; Lucky Point School, Sidney Tt44 A major milestone of every early year country school pupil's learning experiences was preparing for and taking the prescribed exercise of "eighth grade exams." Only if one E. Willis, Vona; Lucky Point School, Sidney E. Willis, Vona; Pleasant Meadow School. Floyd B. Allen, Vona; Rosedale School. Mrs. H.I. Jackson, Vona; and District 48. Miss Marguerite DeCloud, Hermes. passed this battery of tests which came to the county from the office of the Colorado State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Editors Denver was it possible to move on to ninth grade and high school. That tests were given in a central location, probably a town school, made them even more dreadful. Teachers and pupils alike were fearful. If a pupil failed and had to repeat a grade, not only was he "disgraced," but the teacher mighi be sev- liighth Gratle Examinations for thc St:rtc of l')ighth Orade Examinations for the State ot Colorado. IgZl Cclorado, l9Z3 Prepared by ltARY C. C. BRADFOND, State $uperintendent of Public lnstruction jrcnqred by MlnY C, C. 8RADFO3D, State Superintendent of Pubtic Instruction TH|II,SDAY, IIARCX 22, .{-, II. .il J, !l 5. IllTHil:Iltl't C of his ir:e:t,ne? \.v.ere corf€e il1. speiletl. ftow nlan) wolds rvere in the teFt if the. number correctly spelled was [0 per cent of th.e entir€ nnrtDP I'? Whut is nreant h) lbo cireurnfprence of a eirel€ ? Bt. the radius? Irinil the radius of a cirile wi.th a d ianretcr of I 1 inchrs Find the - selliug price nf a suit of clothe s bnui,.ht at wholesale for 924.00 and marked to sell at al adr.ance of 33 1-3 per cent, and then sold at a r:.isccunt of I0 per cent. I n.*a spelling test- fif teen rrords 8. lt. 1 li. }.IIIDAY, IIARCH 23, J). trI. If rre. r'i.:h.to B{id or rubt|act cigbts and thiriis, r* rvhat shall rr-( chanse thern? Write as a decintal palt o, a rlollar, four cents three and one,half mills. Tr.ll horv ta llnd the least eomnloll divisor, an<1 finsi LC. D. sf 3-4, 5-6, 2-9. _,the F r"rrrr I l-I5 tako 4-9; l'itrd thq riiffer.ence betxreen 8l-? anii ? ?-g. In. buyirrg a house for 94,500, I pay 12 per eent down. Wirat aurount do I pay down? -\.farruer bought 24 head of catile a.t g0.00 per head. .\Iter lcsing 2 of lhem, he sold the renai&der at $105.00 p€r head. What per cent of the cost r#a$ his xross proflt? Our .of g3r of gl25.00- per. rnonth a ).oung man ^i1c9mc. put $45.0{.,ir. the savings bank. }{ow nrueh nioney . does he ,de$cisit iri a year? This is wbat per ceat '..'* ('lt'lt's 1O. 1 l)xplain wh1' Governme-.lnsu'er nt is necessafy. 1.. Whf is e study of Gover.nnrent important to €vert eilizeu? .3 Ho.s did American Government come into bFirig? "t. What is nreant b.'. a "eitizen,,? 5. What ar.e rhe quillificafions for voting lhis State? ri. Doen the Lhited States own any land in in your s-tate? For what tlnpo€e is lt used? i. What is meant by the ,.short ballot,,? .-3. May a person wbo is a citizen of the United l3talrs beculll(' a eitizen of anolhpr eountry? 't. \1-ho i: the congrnssman in your district? 10. Wiro are Unitcd Stat*s Senators frsm your State? 1t. Give argurnente f or. and against municipal ovnere.hip of waterworks. "Eighth grade erams" I. ,r ,: cltaltr\r.{n f'rll itr llrr' follo\\,in$ €enrences u.ith lay, laid,.has .nr have laid: Did 1ou tho pieture on tho table? .:..,.No, ,1 it on the deskThe calperrte 'l ne.\ ha\ e..-.. the ,foundatjolr of a lDonumetrt. - ... _ nl). ;:_., hand on the booli. ^., unoose ille corr€et forru of thF pronoun in the follow_ itrgr Eentel ces: r ::: ii* that ii was (her eir she;. ' , ,l(;uess {who or }vhom} it is. , It is --,- -. : Is it --'---*--'? ilre differerrce betwtln ari adjective *a .** *"":.:;, alll t. an lnterjeetign? eenlloctjon? ,Giv6 exam- .{. pteF. ?ti,; , s. ' ll' 10. Wiii; a sent(nce with an independenl '--' clau*e. A de-. ' P€n-dent one. :-:: . ,Analyzi oi diagrarn the followine: . ... l he h€aral r-olces that -w"r" .,.o'|.1. coriowful.. -*luddenly, courplex senteRce anO,Oiaeram sa;reYJite.d w na t rs a pal agr.a ph ? Write:r lctter invitir)S a friend to spend Easlcr with -,-xlu' Write a letter of aceeptaneri' on above- letter. ,...' :l : PlIysilolocy : ' I 1 What is the aliuentary canal? 'J.0f--Igryniatt.t.bonesis'the.skeletonionrposeri?. _ Which ls the lon.qest? , --. ' , - ..:' is ilre workof__the red corpusele? Thr pblte? : What }-hat is a 4. spratn? . What treatmfni- _.ho"rO"L""iiJEnr , 5 Explain. how tJphoi,al f€yer is ulFeuss rts pt.et-ention. ""nirr.i&. 6, lVhy do boles of sld people break ,rarily &nd heal with 7. *ut:l difiicuttl be abundantly srrpprierl i;'ths' ;itT?;,,;r.iorru . . .l ? 8... lvhat are the rallres of the tubes that earyy blrroil to arid f r.o frorrr lhe heart ? the effect of tobacco on the bear t of the' ":1 ,ouns' 10. -D-_iseuss \\,{;;";[.;;'ta.r"'arc,,t,ot all. rhe h€6rt? �Eighth Grade Examinations for the State of Colorado, 1923 erely criticized or lose a teaching position as a result. No wonder it was a real accomplishment for all when a pupil received the beautiful diploma that indicated "You made it," l'r:elrare,tl btr i|I--\fiY C. O. RRADFOIiD, State SuPet'ir, telrrlerrt of Public Instluctiolr by Editors FRIDAY, MARCH 23' A. }I. IiETTDING ('outlast the foods of yesterday with the foods of (a) ' today. ar-rd how may their study help us in geoglaphy? foods and ttr)'Give a few exatnples of comrnonly usedare producdescribe their iourney from where they ed, to our table. o (a) Why are foods cantled and how? and methods- o.f Wtit. a short story on the history iiri '"unttittg, of Foods'" "Stor) in Ctiss"y's as described was a great man. Can you name other AmerLiucoln -icans to whorn that term rightly belongs? What burdens did Lincoln bear? Crn vou tuention any speeeh to illustrate Lineoln's J. "cuniiing with the Pen?" liscuss hIs Gettysburg address' On what oceasion rvas this address made ? rviote the Village Blacksmjth ? Evarrgeline? fVno' Snowbound? A Man Without A Countr-v? The IIerchant of Venice? Naure trvo books You have read in the Past }'e ar. Dii:8. cuss one of theur. Have you f ormed the dietionarY habit? Why ls tltis habit rrecessarY? grcal ( sl Anericant ? 10. Whom do You regard as the two 'why. TelI rl ,1 A(lItI(-flLTtlRE Arrnrrer' 10' (Choice of Li-sts) l.Whatissoil?Howdosoilsoriginate?Whatissoil good ior? What kinds Plow easily? good c^rops aud so-rr:e poor? 2. Why d,l .onr. .oil. produce llorv d o weeds water ? save cultivation Oou. ori' ff 5: damase crops in ]our vicinitv? 4. *il;tirJ::,ttll... of seeds? Nanre some seed germination tne Discuss 5. testing devices'. 6. Does the air earry enough moisture f or ge rmination ? 7. trVhY are rnost leaves flat? 8. What is the effect of continued darkuess on green plants ? ffo* ttrav perennial weeds be killecl? What are per9. 10. ennial weeds? Irfav ioif be fertile anrl ret not produetive? classes of horses ? 1. ( a ) What are the f our genet'al class? (b) What ur" =o*" of the leading.breeds of each points between the dairy type 2. Give tne distir:guishing cattle' and the beef tYPe of test of nrilk' 3. Describc the Babcockchicken house' Give a ration for 1. bescriUe a fresh-air daYs' eight first the chicks .voung the term poultry? What 5. What birds are included infor meat? What are genbreeds are raised mainly 6. i s. 9. 10. eral Purpose fowls? How sirould eggs be marketed? Wtrat are the tivo chief uses of sheep? Describe one breed of each tYPe. Give the chief differences between the common breeds of hbgs. Describe the bacon tYPe of hogs'' The lard type. What insects are useful? PROqRAN/lN4E Presenled by Students of St. Clrorles Acodemg Sundog Evening, June 1sf tr{ojestic Theolre, Slrof lon .(An fnterrupted Birfhdog Porfg" cII-\lalaTUlls ... tlr. IloDF.\ lietirql llcrchxnt -. Wlllinm-I]ls \eDhes'-.-..-...-..-. tlorrr-Snelont StrmIcl-sttclent,.-...--.-Arthrr--student IlteT*Tbo SeTTTnt nALPIt I'DLLE (iEOltGl; KLOCKER LoLIs KNOCIIEL - JOSEPII PAUTLEIT -...... lt-\LPII IVEIIIEL BERNARD S]IITH '(Esfher, The Beaufiful Queentt .{ Rlblictl Plcy in Throe.\cts CI I,\ II A CTDII S ()S\f.lLD I'-\UTL!IIi llorde(rl-Tbc I-lrdcr of tle JcNs . . I'E,\ltL FLIGEOLLE tlesheFlroster ltotber of Rsther -....- ..-. J(lsLl'II GILLISPIE Ilestrl-The liins's ChaDrlruirin ... ttl TII FL,\GHOLLE l;sth.r_Tlre l,.rshrn ()ueon .' IIAnOLI) I'DLLE .\hrsuerus-KlDg of Pexla III-il-\\OkIt l'r|l'l,Elt linzrrr-,\ l\.rsinD SiDger lIAltY l{L(('Klllt Koonh-Tha Khg'! Ftloritc tr.\(iD-\LE\E LUOtsIfLEIt o zooDr_:r I'crsitril Ladf tsYnn..E .-. LuiClltDT I'ersirn I-trdy Jiktrsla-l .-. . (;ltNIJI.l CRO(IKER Zu4cr-a I,eNiaD trjuccss I}llItNAllD OlLLlgI'lE l{rDrun-Tlc l(ing's Cotrnsell)r Zerosb-Ills Wife.--.-...,,,....-. ' .' JE.{N.\E DELAi..DY I]REI]I CH.\IIACTERS ANrTA BEnTn-{ND lvitch ol uDilor --..-.-.., .-.-..' C,\LLISTA SCHIFEnL Itob€cco,.-.-...-,..., LOlllt,UND l'ENf,-D .u'rlaDIIDLE\ 1VEINCARDT Judtth -- -.....-.,,- -.-...-...-,..,IONA I'ENNE . -' . .. , .,.,.., .... ,\dtrb ... - IltE\E I)ISCH\rR llorthn -.-.,-.,-.--..-.--...LDON'\ Ht l't'ERT Butn ..-.., ... LIIDIIILLA DYOIiAK Dleds ... Rose lloids Dancers aul -lltetrdaDts ]TL:SIC Bi TIIE IIUPILS {)F THE VUSIC DEPAIIT]IE\T �tsill Smith; tJill Mead; GIen schlosser;'l'om Knapp; John Bloomquist; Bucknell's; Dave Wright; Frank Kelley; Lee Raines; John Armstrong; L.B. Armstrong; Clarence Nicherson; Bill Schaal; Charles Perkins; C.B. Ouluruilu lfluhlir frilynnLx Ayers; George Baker; Penfold's; Wedmore's; Stanley's; A.A. Graves; Vic Mitchell; Alvin Bacon; Astracks; Okie Carpenter; Daddy Flanigan (Mrs. Caryenter's Father); Robison's; Frank Daly; O.C. Dunlap; Thomas Johnstone; Bert Loper; Ed Fanselau; Tom Taylor; Roy Taylor; Charlie Peterson; Eddie Peterson; Tom Schlosser; Clarence Schlosser; Fred Dodd; Roy Dodd; N.S. Rich; Keeverts; Art Wellman; Holsteins; Ed Beeson; Cliff Beeson; D.D. Swann; Willis Perkins; Charlie Perkins; Fred Storrer; A.J. Pfaffley; Charles Snelling; Herndon;s; G.F. McArthur; Maynard Dunham; Frank Lesher. People neighbored in those days working together and exchanging work. Entertainment was not lacking with basket dinners (now called potluck), ball games, rodeos, g'hi.) 9 g,rl'i fi *>' liy,r I ,";t,1"4*"/',-.^d//"/.2,./.t"r' _-:,_: 9,** .-t 8 -,t^ra-, 6" t", .2, .77;,/-t'* / t-y 4)u2z-, e -zz ru:U^"".4;/ u-.r*u, r-,'// literary, school programs, oyster suppers, home made ice cream socials, you were welcome, just bring a cake, and country dances. Musicians were: Tom Schlosser, a good fiddle player; Roy Schlosser on the --tr' ira(!#r;;;/":l= EICHIH CFADE DIPIOMA A'iI-A-!.DD TO MELVEN hEAWR. OI{ THN 15 th MAY, 19]1. FRoM ColORtDo P_gBLrC SCHoor,s, I(rT Crnsoll CoUNTY, COIiR-A1O..... guitar; Harold Perkins added variety at times with an accordion, rattle bones or mouth harp; Clarence Snyder was another good old time fiddler and Frank Whitmore played a guitar. An eighth grade diploma EARLY SCHOOL DAYS AND SOCIALS rr45 The Ellsworth School was located twelve and one half miles south and seven miles west of Burlington. It was a one room cement building that was torn down in the '20's and a one room frame school house was built one and one half miles south and one mile east of the Ellsworth School, whichwas one mile east of Fred Matthies place. Fairview Grange was organized July 8, 1916. Some of the charter members were: O.C. Dunlap; Fred Matthies; Bert Loper. At one time church was held in the old Norton School house near Charlie Perkins and for a short while at Midway School house. Near Ellsworth were the Roystins, Mrs. Fred Matthies' parents who lived a half mile north of Matthies. Joe Krolick, a Bohemian bachelor, lived a half mile west of Matthies. Then the Nazarene Church bought a piece of ground one mile west of the Bethune road on the correction line and dug a basement where they held church services. Mrs. Hoover was the preacher. The Hoover family also lived in Some neighbors in this community were: John Boggs; Sam Allen; Lester Pierson, Sr.; .- -^, , ,l::rr:]li: .':l.f:::, "The Doby": Columbine School in 1919-20 term' |.]r.;1.:,ll ":;ii Nancy Hartzler, teacher. Pupils: Isaphene Dunlap, ,::i{ Whitney in early part of Year. ,'l:,:: Loweil Dunlap, Mildred Whitney and Lloyd ffi First Central District 29 was a consolidated echool n'ith all twelve grades. It was located on the Correction line. There were two school 'buildings. There was one room building for .jt .. ,4&"* the lower grades and a larger, two plus rooms, building for the higher grades. The old sod Norton School, No. 50, Twnsp. 10' Kit Carson Co. 191? School Board: L.B. Armstrong, Pres.; O.C. Dunlap, Sec'y.; C.H. Carter, Treas.; Teacher: Bessie Kelley; PuPils??? Midway School, Dist. 50, Lg26-27 term: Back row, Left to right: Georgia Armstrong, Mildred ScNosser Isaphene Dunlap, Raymond Schlosser, Lloyd Perkins, Teacher: Thelma Nielson (Armstrong Lowe). Ho'*"ta Raines,'Verlin Dunlap; Middle rowt Clara Armstrong, Fredrick Schlosser, Helen Mitchell, and Co Supt, Mrs. Johnson. Front row: Mattie Armstrong, Carl Snelling, Kenneth Schlosser, Everetl Armstrong, Ray Snelling, Sarah Mitchell, Dorothy Schlosser, Margaret Schlosser, June Schlosser, Inez Perkins, Minta Keiwer �the basement. A nice building was later built over the basement and the church was dedicated April 29, 1928. Other preachers at the church were: Cochran; P.C. Norton; McKellips. The church stood vacant and unused for some time. Later the building was bought and moved to Burlington where it still is used as a church. A cemetery still remains there, however, most of the deceased were moved to the Burlington Cemetery. There is also an older small cemetery about two miles north of where the church stood. It may have been the Beloit cemetery. The "Cracker Box" school house, in the Fred Matthies district, was another place for dances, as well as the "Doby" in District 50. School was only held in the Doby for two terms; thereafter it was used for many activities such as basket dinners and quilting bees, also Fairview Grange met here. This "Doby," Columbine School, was built and ready for school in the fall of 1918. It was located one mile east of the Bethune Road and two miles south of the Conection line, and was set back L/2mile in the middle of the section, and it was only used for two terms. Bessie Kelly Pilling was the teacher for the first part of the first term. She resigned due to being pregnant and Mildred Penfold finished the term. Pupils the first year were: Lowell and Isaphene Dunlap; Lloyd and Mildred Whitney Ferris "Chub" Robison. The second term, 1919-1920, Nancy Hartzler was the teacher. She married Ed Fanselau at the end of school in June. 1920. Tom Schlossers had moved to Colorado from Missouri, by train, in the spring of 1919 and bought the M.S. Whitney place, which was originally the Frank homestead. Franks built a sod house. Whitneys built an adobe house and a large adobe barn. The Schlosser family added new kids to the school: Lucile, Mildred, Edna and Raymond. Roy did not go to school in Colorado and June was too young to go to the 'Doby.' Whitney's moved to the First Central District and lived on the place that the Maynard Dunham;s later lived on. The Midway School, District 50, was a frame school house built one mile north of the correction line on the Bethune road. It was ready for school in the fall of 1920. The district hired someone and paid so much a mile to haul school kids with their own car; there were no school busses. There was a north route and a south route. The north route included: Perkin, Stanley, Armstrong, Meyer, Wedmore, Penfold, Spratlin, Schaal, Raines, Keiver, Moss, Wolf, Ellis and Conkey families. The south route included: Tom Schlosser, Okie Carpenter, Dunlap, Clarence Schlosser, Dodd, Snelling and Mitchell. Back in the early school days, there were 'double'seats and desks, two kids to a desk. Don't you wonder how any studying got done? Usually you could choose who was to share your desk. Each desk had an ink well; no ball point pens then. A recitation bench was also part of school. It was up in front by the teacher's desk. She would call a class to recite a lesson and that class would go sit on the bench and review the assigned lesson. Blackboards were like painted heavy cardboard and what a joy and improvement when we got slate blackboards. Before the Midway school was built, the north route students went to the Norton school, a sod building on the Bethune road next to Charley Perkins. Later Prairie Star was built about five miles north of the Midway, which took some of the students out of District 50: Helen and Ottis Moss, Elva Wolf, Janice and Niel Ellis. Most of the country schools were one room and heated with a coal burning heating stove. One teacher taught all eight grades. All country schools had two'out houses,'one for the boys and one for the girls, plus a coal house. The teacher boarded with a family living near the school. Her job included getting to school early to build a fire and have a warm room when the students arrived. Usually one of the boys would fill the coal bucket the evening before. Pupils carried lunch from home in pails of various sizes and kinds. The most common was a gallon syrup pail with a tight fitting lid. A bench at the back of the school room held lunch buckets and a water fountain or water bucket. Friday afternoon was a 'fun' time. After Iast recess there was a spelling bee or a geography match or arithmetic (ciphering) match. Everyone chose up sides to see who came out ahead. Another activity that was fun on Friday afternoon was 'dusting the erasers.' The teacher would ask two of the students to take the blackboard erasers outside to pound out all the chalk dust they could by pounding them against the side of the school house. Each school day there was a fifteen minute recess mid forenoon and after noon. At noon there was 30 minutes to an hour for lunch. School houses were lighted with kerosene lamps and/or gasoline lanterns. School programs were held two or three times a year with the students singing songs and giving recitations and dialogues and usually finished off with some adults having a debate; then a box supper or pie social was held. The women decorated a box, such as a shoe box, with crepe paper, making flowers and frills, the fancier the better, and filled it with sandwiches, cake, fried chicken or other goodies. The boxes were then auctioned off with the money going to the school. The owner of the box (name inside) ate the lunch with the buyer. The same thing happened at the pie social; two people would eat a whole The county superintendent has visited all but 19 schools of the county so far this fall. The following districts and teachers have been visited: No. 2, Emerson Mrs. Elizabeth Conner: No. 3, Columbine, Ona Gillespie; No. 3, Prairieview, Mrs. Hazel Claussen; No. 4, Carmichael, Marjorie Guthrie; No. 5, Peconic, Mrs. Velma Ford; No. 11, Green Valley, Mrs. Mary Krueger; No. 12, Boger, Mrs. Betty Smith; No. 14, Mt Pleasant, Mrs. Lola Rillihan; No. 14 White Plains, Mrs. Charlene Statler; No. 15, Rose, Mrs. Lois Lee Fisher; No. 178, Beaver Valley, Mrs. Hallie Winfrey; No. 18, Liberty, Mamie Huntzinger; No. 19 Second Central, Mrs. Opal Joy and Mrs. Julia Dugan; No. 20, East Fairview, Mrs. Phillis Havlat; No. 25 Lone Star, Linadell Knapp; No.26, Prairie View, Mrs. Elsie Palmer; No. 27, Wilsonville, Mrs. Annabel Van Winkle: No. 28, Union, Mrs. Esther Kingsley; No. 29 First Central, Stasia Walsh; Senior High, Mrs. C.P. Heinrichs, Junior High, Mrs. Ida Boecker, Intermediate, Mrs. A. Marguerite Fox, Primaryi No. 31 Broadsword, Mrs. Florence Raines; No. 33 Plainview, Alton Olsen; No. 34, Jewell, Mary Isabelle Heid; No. 36, Nuttbrook, Mrs. Marie Greenwood; No. 38, Happy Hollow, Mrs. Elva Bartman; No. 41, Solid Center, Julia Berri; No. 44, Plainview, Gladys Quinn; No. 46, Progress, Mary Ward; No. 47, Pleasant Meadow, F.S. Carrington; No. 49, Idlewild, W.O. Seeley; No. 50, Midway, Elizabeth Jarrett; No. 51, Hook, Daisy Hewitt; No. 55, Shiloh, Edith Gering; No. 55, Smelker, Jennie L. Tressel: No. 58, Blakeman, Caroline Husenetter; No. 59, Rock Cliff, Mrs. Mary Allen; No. 60, Green Knoll, Mrs. Bertha Pautler; No. 64, Plainview, Mrs. Earl Henry; No.65, Midway, Mrs. Blanche Dove; No. 66, Tip Top, Mrs. Nan Hunter; No. 68, Pleasant Valley, Mrs. Grace Clark; No. 70, Victory Heights, Mrs. Alice Anderson; No. 71, North Flat, Mrs. Bernice McBlair; No. 72, Prairie View, Mrs. Ella E. Huntzinger; No. 73, Prairie Gem, A.L. Sawhill." Editors pie! by Catharine Dunlap and Isaphene Leher COUNTRY RURAL SCHOOL TEACHERS L942 T146 KIT CARSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS BEFORE REORGANIZATION IN 1950 This article taken from the Burlington Record of November 5, 1942, indicates that there were ovet 42 rural districts in the Kit Carson County coverage ofschools. That this list does not include the schools in Flagler, Seibert, Vona, Stratton, Bethune or Burlington is meaningful. This listing of rural teachers of that era is truly historical. "Registration for gas rationing will be handled by the superintendents and principals of the town schools in the county. Registration will last through Thursday, Friday and Saturday new wee, November 12, 13, 14. Arthur G. Hetler is the new superintendent at Vona. (See photo next page.) Tt47 �Sdool Ur{ctr. Kit Carson County School Districts Before Reorganization in 1gb0. SCHOOL DISTRICTS AFTER MAJOR REORGANIZATION Tl48 After the major reorganization of schools in Kit Carson County in the early 1950's these were the districts that remained as late as 1957-58: R1, Flagler; R2, Seibert; R3, Vona; R4, Stratton; R5, Bethune; Cl, Burlington; C2, Smoky Hill; No. 2, Emerson; No. 11, Green Valley; Ql7, Beaver Valley; CZ6, Prairie View; No. 31, Broad Sword; No. 38, Happy Hollow; No. 39, Tuttle; 48J, Rizius; 12J, Liberty; 74J, Idalia; and g3J, Newton. Gradually even the last ofthese were incorporated into the six major town district's areas and most recently Seibert and Vona formally became Hi-Plains District R23 in 1984. Today five school districts serve Kit Carson County patrons and their children. Box 13O26, State Archives ALBRIGHT SCHOOL Tr49 Albright School was located southeast of Flagler in the SE corner of Section 22. Township 9 S, Range 50 W. For convenience of those of these late years, this location was in the northwest corner ofan intersectionjust north of Bill Grimes and Kevin Jarnigan residences. Built of sod and in the image of many homes in the early community, it served not only as a place for education of children but a community meeting place for patrons of the early community. One of the teachers was Mary McCall who taught at a time when William "Bill" Wickham attended school here. Mettie Shanahan is remembered as a teacher of this school. Records show that Iva Reynolds of the Flagler area was teaching in district 19 in the 1913-14 and 1914-15 terms. Since Bill Wickham mentioned Miss Reynolds, a teacher at Albright, this is no doubt where she taught. Mrs. William Strode listed Forrest Heck. Dorris Keller and Miss Ford from Stratton (Vona?), as teachers. In 1916, it is recorded "Willie" Wickham transferred to Second Central, a consolidation of several small schools. In 1914-15, the Strode family children, living two miles east, attended this school for a time, no doubt including, Claude, Alta, Rethal and Gilbert. William "Bill" Sutton lived a mile south and a little over a half mile east of Albright in 1916. It would be logical to assume some of his children attended school here. He sold in 191? but returned to the Flagler area in 1918. Living nearby were other-families including Love, Grove, Hughes and Christopher, among others. Early published news items indicate that hail and rain in i916 damaged the building to an extent it was considered too expensive to repair. It is possible some students transferred earlier to Ackerman School. a short distance south west. At this time. some remaining students were transferred to Second Central of this district. In later years, sod was broken for farming and today the area is under extensive cultivation, erasing any trace of Albright. It had served the purpose for which it was intended and ensuing years reduced it again to dust from which it was made. by Lyle W. Stone ASHVIEW SCHOOL Tt50 Ashview School was located four miles west and about five miles north of Stratton. It was also known as the Fuhlendorf School since the Fuhlendorfs lived just one half mile west. This well-established pioneer family was here when family, the Chandlers, moved here in 1909. The picture taken in the spring of 1910 came from Mrs. Elizabeth Fuhlendorf-Bigelow who at age 97 lives in the Seibert community. Lizzie was teaching there at the time, but the picture was taken on Sundav qd is of young people attending Sunday School. The little schoolhouse served as thl center for many other community gatherings. Marie Greenwood and Mrs. Bigelow knew who the persons were although some of the ones at Sunday School went to Hansen school about four miles south of Ashview. Mrs. Daisy Young stated that she and Ira's children, Maxine, Nelson, Ella Mae, and Wilma, attended this school before thev moved into Stratton. Howard Reeder recalls that he and his brothers and sisters. children of the George Reeders, went to this school. �--f4l6"'."^.'#4" " Sunday School at Ashview School in 1910. Identified in the picture are Selena Husband, Neva Fuhlendorf, John Benezek, Walter Bridge, Henry Mohr, George Williamson, John Husband, Marie Chandler, LiIIie Husband, Homer Bridge, two Benezek boys, and GIen Bridge. Pickard, Paul Inman, James Ashview School in year 1936-3?: Left to right, back rows back to front: Kenneth Louis Pickard, Alice Inman, Frances Hugley, Klassen rrau" idiin Waller, Cailton ii""a"r, Elmer Reeder, WoIIer' Wilma Marv Reeder, Edwin Reeder, Howard row: Front fr,-"tt, Iytaritta Woller. iiil;;; J"-". Young, Doris Inman, Velma Pickard, Martin Woller, EIla Mae Young West Bethel, 1943-44: Back row: Shirley Scheierman, Melva Googe, Virgil Basinger, Lloyd B Borden. Front: Eleanor Scheierman, Carolyn Hernbloom, Donnie Hodge, Clifford Borden, Marian Maricle. ia-i'i1:.i',.,r,!llt,, .1:iirii.1r1. picture: Last day of School at Ashview in the late 1920's. Edna Doughty recognizes the following in the on are Edna, Grandma Rhoda Monroe, Anna and Raymond Monroe, Ott Maag. Sitting in front with hats Cora Monroe, Raymond Fuhlendorf, LeRoy and left end, far is on Woller Fred Mabel and Neva Monroe. and Bill Flynn were among the parents. Other families having children there were the Jim Pickards, Don Bowens, Alvin Monroes, Kendalls, Fred Wollers, and of course the Fuhlendorf children. Edith Mae Klassen Hugley remembers Ashview as a busy, busy school with all the daily classes as well as extra programs and entertainment. She expressed how much fun school was when she was attending' by Marie Greenwood BETHEL SCHOOLSTr6l The first Bethel school was a sod building, built in 1908, located on road M, between roads 34 and 35. (Ofcourse, the roads weren't numbered or named then, but the spot can be located today by using these markers.) Some of the teachers were Dora Jean Baird, Susanne Troupe, Lillian B. Hopkins, EIla Rehn, Sheck McConnell, Bert Thomas, Hildred Perry, Tena Rhen Maricle, Edna Campbell, Ray Dorothy. In 1918 school was discontinued at the sod schoolhouse and two new frame school Bethel located buildings were built - West at the corner of Rd. M and Rd 33, and East West Bethel. 1947-48: Back row: Max Mason, Clifford Borden, LeRoy Herndon and Altha Borden, teacher. The others: Dean Herndon, Paul Brown, Bruce Brown, LaneII Mason, Vivian Brown. Dale Mason, Theo Borden. �Bethel located between Rd. 36 and 37 on Rd. N. Sunday School was still held in the sod building until the wall fell in. Some of the teachers at West Bethel were Mrs. Sawhill, Averine Seaman, Edith Beeson, Loren Smith Whitmore, Leona Smith, Blanche Dove, Caroline Hussennetter, Win- nie Hooper, Mae Calvin Kellogg, Altha Borden, Daisy Hewitt. In 1948 the West Bethel building was moved to Walter Herndon's pasture on Rd. M between Roads 34 and 35 the road from the original - across sod building location. Some of the East Bethel teachers were: Mr. Sawhill, Roy Mc0ullock and Mr. Patterson. When the country school houses were sold, after consolidation in the fall of 1950, the West Bethel building was bought by Herb Scheierman and moved t/2 mile west of his home. It was later sold and moved away in 1964. The early history was told to me by my mother, Vena Scheierman and my aunts, Vic Whitmore, Wilora Waite/ and Wilsie Reeder who were the "Hughes Girls" who grew up in the Bethel community. My earliest memories of West Bethel were when I began my schooling there as a first grader in 1942. The students that year were myself (Eleanor Scheierman) grade 1, Shirley Scheierman, grade 5, Melva Googe, Virgil Basinger, Marion Maricle, Lloyd and Clifford Borden. Our teacher was Winnie Hooper. For the 1943-44 school year the teacher was Mae (Calvin) Kellogg. Students were Don Hgdge, Carolyn Hernbloom, Eleanor and Shirley Scheierman, Virgil Basinger, Marion Maricle, Lloyd and Clifford Borden and Melva Googe. At recess and noon we played "Fox and Googe," "Deer and Dog," or "Annie, Annie, Over." We'd have track events, play baseball and drown out ground squirrels with our drinking water. By the time school was out for the day, we were sometimes wondering about the advisability of using all the drinking water to drown out the ground squirrels. The teacher brought the water with her each morning, so when it was gone, it was all gone for that day. Shirley and I lived closest to the school (13/4 miles). We would walk 3/4 mi. to the corner and Mr. Hodge would pick us up, or we would ride our shetland pony. That was usually a disaster. We had a white flour sack we carried our lunches in when we rode the horse so we could hang onto the horse and the Iunches. One day Marion Maricle put his lunch in a white sack and waved it at Clarabelle, our horse, which scared her. Shirley and I fell off. I told Shirley, "I'm crippled for life," so she nn 3/4 of a mile home and got Mother. The only thing crippled was my pride. I liked walking to school; there was so much to see. A short side trip to Ida Wilson;s for a piece of burnt sugar cake was a real treat. Our extra curricular activities included: a Christmas program, a Valentines party at District 7d, Mrs. Hussennetter, teacher, sectional track meet at First Central, track meet at Vona, spelling contest at Bethune, and a last day of school picnic at the schoolhouse. Mrs. Kellogg made a keepsake photo and autograph book for each one ofus. One ofmy friends wrote in mine: "When you get old and out of shape, Remember there are gridles (their spelling) for $2.98." The 1944-45 school year was quite calm, with only Shirley (7th grade) and I (3rd) and Elsworth (7th) Pottorff in the school. The teacher was Winnie Hooper. The bomber pilots stationed at Lowery Air Force Base flew over often on their training missions. Mrs. Hooper always let us go outside and watch when we heard the planes. Shirley's and my cousin, Marion Reeder, was one of those pilots, so we always waved to him and he would "buzz" the school house. From this year on I attended school in Stratton. Some of the children who attended West Bethel between 1945 and 1950 were: LeRoy and Dean Herndon, Paul, Vivian, Bruce and Loren Brown, Max, Dale and LaNell Mason, Clifford, Theo and Lila Borden. I'm not sure of the exact years each family attended, though. Averine Seaman Henry wrote of her years as teacher at West Bethel inlg2l-22 that her pupils were Bernard and James Spratlen; Vivian, Elvin, Ruth and Clair Wilson: Vena and Vic Hughes; Charletta and Ruth Hoover; Jean, Helen and Hugh Deakin; Kenneth Kalb; and Floyd and Linadell Whitmore. Her Beeson, also from First Central, Each Thanksgiving Day, from the years of 1926 through 1939, a community dinner was held at the various homes in the community. Everyone came with well-filled baskets and big appetites. Although those years covered the Great Depression, the drought of 1934 and the ensuing dust storms of 1935, there were many things for which to be grateful. In the spring of 1909 a Sunday School was organized in the old soddy school house with about 40 members. Mrs. Mattie Hopkins was the first superintendent. The next fall, in 1910, Mrs. Lewis of Selden, Kansas, held revival meetings and a Baptist Church was organized with Rev. Ripley as pastor. Services were held in the old soddy until one of the walls caved in in about 1921. Then the membership divided, one-half going to West Bethel School and the other to South Pious Point. About 1926 South Pious Point disban- ded and again came to Bethel. In 1929, following a revival meeting by Rev. Pollock, an Evangelical Church was organized. by Virgiuia TYilson Foster school board members were R.O. Hoover, J.C. Wood, and Zelia Deakin. Jessie C.M. Gray was then county superintendent of schools by Eleanor Herndon and Averine Henry BLAKEMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 T163 BETHEL COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL Tt62 The first school in the Bethel community was a soddy constructed in 1908 and named the Clift School. It was used for ten years. The first teacher was Ella Rehn. The first pupils were Wilsie, Raymond and Wilora Hughes; Hazel and Leonard Hamilton; Hobert, Hazen and Rasil Hopkins; Winona and Oris Sloan; Elbert, Merna, and Ezra Coad; Merle and Daigh Reader; Paul Webster, Edith Wilson, Imogene Clift, Thomas Wilcoxin and Kyle Walker. In 1918 the soddy was replaced by a ferame A solid reminder of the one room echool days: Blakemsn old District 58 south of Stratton. Still there. school called West Bethel. It was located one and one half miles west of the sod building, seven miles south and two and one-half east of Stratton. The first teacher in the new building was Mrs. Sawhill. The first pupils to attend West Bethel were Ruth and Alton Mericle, Edna Brown, Helen and Jean Deak- in, Elmer Howard, Charlotte and Ruth Hoover, Hildred Hopkins, Wilora, Vice and Vena Hughes. More people were following the advice of Horace Greeley to "Go West Young Man" and the school enrollment was growing. Those enrolled in the L92l-22 school year were Vic and Vena Hughes; Vivian, Elvin, Ruth and Clair Wilson; Floyd and Linadell Whitmore; Gleeta, Marvin, Melvin and James Everett Hall; Charlotte and Ruth Hoover; Kenneth and Walter Kalb; Jean, Blakeman School in the 1930s: Back row, I to r: Joe Green, Duane Kindred, BiII Bowker, Leo Kindred, Gerald Bowker, and teacher. Edith Powers. Front row: Harry Bowker, Dale Kindred, Earl Schniederwind, Helen Green and Bob Green. Hugh and Helen Deakin, and Lyle Hooper. I. Virginia Wilson Foster, started first The earliest recollection of the Blakeman grade in the fall of 1924. Darrell Barrett from School was the year 1915 when Meta Chand- the First Central area was the teacher. I completed the eighth grade in the spring of 1931. During these years the teachers were: Leona Smith, 2 years; Dale Baker (Wood); Donald E. Smith; Ethlyn Steele and Edith Ier, mother of Marie Greenwood, taught there. The Campbell children and others were going to school there at this time. I visited with one of theses early day teachers who taught at Blakeman School in the year �Blakeman school in 1948-49: left to right: Jimmy Thompson, Jerry Lucas, Glenn Lucas, Bernice Charles Mill's donkey at school: front to back: Oscar Knodel, Floyd Mills, Amanda Richards, Leona Hefner, Hilda Ziegler, (all AdoUgirls) Lydia (Stahlecker) Adolf and Ida Knodel Dunlap, Gerald Thompson, Gwendolyn Einspahr, Betty Einspahr, RonalC Einspahr. ::,ti 18 and 20 years old went to school for a couple I d Irene Neller, teacher, by the adobe school in 1917. Last Day of School gathering April 29, 1949: Front row of kids: Glenn Lucas, Gwendolyn Einspahr, Rasmussen boys, Jimmy Thompson, Cecilia Isenbart, WaIt Isenbart, Jerry Lucas, Leo Isenbart and Dwight Thompson with 2 boys. In the background: John Schulte, Orville Rasmussen, Elic Thompson, down, round and round, over and over. One teacher taught all eight grades. Few of the older children got to the 8th grade but later on most of them did. The teacher was responsible to keep the school house clean, and warm, fuel in to burn, help the smaller children take off wraps and dress again with overshoes and coats, etc. She supervised the playground. Most of the teachers boarded at the different homes, usually close to the school. They would walk to school some rode horse back or used a buggy and team. Later some had their own cars. Transportation for 1930 and 1931, Edith Powers Hasaft. Then she had to go back to school to renew her certificate. The year she was gone, Edith Beeson taught the school. Then Edith Hasart returned and taught three more years, 1932, '33 and '34. Erma Gerke also taught this rchool. In the late 1940's the Lucas boys and school children was walking; some came horseback or by horse and buggy. The Miller family had a donkey and cart. They went where the donkey wanted to go. Later the boys rode the donkey back. This was a lot of entertainment for all the children during others were attending this school. School was held there until they consolidated the county lchools in 1950. Part of the school's frame still recess and noon. Poor donkey! Some of the earlier school children were the :i;lli:, .,,t;:l: rlll:ilti u-. '. . '--:'.", Adobe school girls: Amanda Adolf Richards, Elsie Lofing Kramer, and Leona Adolf Hefner. (on the roof, Floyd Mills) by Eleanor Herndon SCHOOL DISTRTCT 24 Tr54 Blue View and Prairie Wylde were schools n District 24. The Blue View school house vas built in the very early nineteen hundreds br in 1902 when the William (Billy) Weber bmily settled along the Landsman Creek, it vas already built. It was a frame house ocated 9 miles north and 2 east of Bethune, md it soon was moved t/2mile farther south io as to be more centralized for the pupils as nore settlers came with more children for chool. An adobe school house was built in the with the school subjects which was hard to do. Some of the subjects taught were reading, grammar, geography, physics, history, and arithmetic. A lot of thinking and fast figuring was done. Penmanship, (the Palmer Method), was one of the main subjects: having to sit up straight, staying in the line, up and ?, Edith Isenbart, Ruby Rasmussen, ?, Dorothy Lucas, Bernice Dunlap, Leona Schulte and son, Emily Thompson and baby, Dwight Thompson, Cecil Isenbart. In the doorway: Jerry Thompson, ?, ?, Thelma Thompson and Ab Lucas. rtands at its original location. The picture which shows a peach tree brings to mind an rften told story of a young man who poked his peach pit under the school house in a lmall hole after lunch, squashed it with his boot heel, and after that the rain dripping lrom the eaves took over and the seed rprouted. Teachers in later years were Ted imith and Ella Dunlap. of months in a term. Then they had to help at home with farm work. The smaller children went through all the term of about 6 months. Most of the children were German so had to learn the English language along Chris Strobels, Dickmens; Webers, Bauders, Fanselau, Wahl, Bauers, August Adolfs, Knodels, Mills, Stahleckers; Schmidke, Weiss's. Later the Meyers came, Kloeckners, Ed Stohlechers, and Weisshaars. Each pupil carried their own lunch and for years their water, but later the board members got a water cooler with a spigot, some- thing the children liked, and they took turns keeping it filled. It was a good improvement as we had carried water 3Vz miles every west part of the district about 1910. This was 7 Vz miles north of Bethune and went by the name "Prairie Wylde." Each school had their own teacher except one term when for reasons unknown in 191415 one teacher was hired and held school half a term in Blue View and half a term in Prairie Wylde, which was fair to all the pupils to travel. This was not satisfactory and each school had their own teacher again after that. Some of the earlier teachers were Amanda Stott, Alice Moore, Vera Dillon Harvey Jensen, Victor Voss, Lea Wellman, May Long who married Christ Adolf, Irene Neller Alvina (Brown) Pickerll. In the early years the older children up to morning, if we didn't spill it before we got there. To raise money for things used in school, we had a program, ending with a pie or box supper. Billy Weber was the community auctioneer for the suppers; his children say he enjoyed every program and pie or box supper immensely. We had spelling bees or ciphering (here the arithmetic was used) with different schools on a Friday afternoon. The teacher and all the children walked from one school to the other. Some of the games we played were baseball, jump rope; in winter we'd go skating if teacher allowed children to go off the school ground, or skated on snow, played fox and goose, or games like last �couple out. We found plenty of interesting Items taken from old Seibert Settler entertainment for recess or noon. In the spring of 1929 the Blue View school house was moved again; this time 1/2 mile newspapers also give some insight into the activities of the school. Nov. 9. L923 . . . "Miss Goldie Iverson was hostess to her pupils and their parents at a Halloween party north and one west. The adobe was closed. The district was cut up to where the south children went to Bethune and the north and east to the Blue View. Some of District 22 from the north came to this school as this was closer to some families. Distance makes a difference when walking is the transportation. In 1955 the district was dissolved and all were now in the Bethune district with bus routes and high school for everyone. by The Stahlecker sisters, Martha Adolf and Theresia Kramer BODEN SCHOOL Tt55 The Boden School was located southwest ofStratton on a quarter ofland owned by the Boden family who donated land so a school could be built in 1908. Some of the early students attending Boden were Ernie and E.R. McConnell. Ethel Jones Hazen and others. The school house was used as a center for many different gatherings of the community: voting precinct, Sunday School, preaching, debates, literary programs, dances, bask- et dinners, and to meet for rabbit drives, coyote hunts and ball games. by Florence McConnell THE BOGER SCHOOL Tl56 The Boger School, in District 12, was a one room, frame building built in 1909. It was Boger school in 1944: Edwin Lowrey, Bob McCaf- frey, Darrell McCaffrey, Kenneth McCaffrey, Melvin Lowrey, Jim Camp, Virgil Gagnon, Wayne McCaffrey, Helen Zimmerschied, Alice Joy, Vera Camp, and Verdie Gagnon. first located 12 miles north, 1 west, and 1/2 north of Vona on the property of Frank Boger. In 1911 it was moved to 12% miles north of Vona which made its location more in the center of the community, as it was then. The first school board members were: President, Charlie George; Secretary, Bill Butler; and Treasurer, Frank Boger. This board served for many years until Butlers started to school at Vona and George's moved out of the area and Frank Boger apparently felt that it was time he should retire from the board. They were replaced by president, Roy Johnson; secretary, Flora Boger; and treasurer, Gus Herrel. The first teacher at the school was Gailon Lewis. Some of the others who taught there were: August Carlstedt, Sadie Dulmer, Marie Klassen, Vern Meyers, Mr. Wagner, Quinten Vose, Marie Farquar, Lottie Putnam, Helen Herrel, Goldie Iverson, Cassie McDougal, Bill Sealey, Alfred Schmidt, Viola Burkardt, Mrs. McKenzie, Howard Bigelow, Grace Clark, Mae Carlson, Maurice Wrenn, A.G. Sawhill, Bettie Smith, Minnie Eaton, Ruth Gulley, and Betty Smith Shaw. held at the Finch home, Nov. 2. The evening was spent in Halloween pranks, making candy, and roasting weiners until a late hour, when all departed for their homes declaring Miss Goldie a royal entertainer." Nov. 23, 1923 . . . "Miss Goldie Iverson invited the mothers to visit school Friday afternoon. The pupils had prepared a fine program which the mothers enjoyed. Then the visitors were asked to recite for the pupils. Mrs. Strode, Mrs. Hubbell, and Mrs. Boger responded with recitations." Dec. 21, L923 . . . "The Sunday School and School are preparing a Christmas program to be given at the Boger schoolhouse Dec. 23, at 8:00 P.M." Feb. 1, 1924 . . . "The teacher and pupils at the Boger school are rejoicing over a fine new teacher's desk and chair and dictionary. All purchased by the school board." Also of interest are a couple of items concerning neighboring schools. Nov. 23, 1923 . , . "Miss Meta Rassmussen, teacher of the Progress school, recently received stove and fixtures required to install the hot lunch service in school as recommended by educational authorities." Oct. 19. 1923 . . . "School marms should be more careful not to entertain company too late. A young man from Vona became so drowsy on his way home the other night that he missed the road, getting in where he was compelled to wake up the neighbors to get him out again." Surnames of some of those known to have attended the Boger school are: Boger, Butler, Camp, Carrigan, Dulmer, Flinch, Gagnon, George, Hartwig, Haynes, Herrel, Hubbell, Jackson, Jewitt, Johnson, Joy, Lowery, Martin, McCaffery, Naute, Oliver, Seaman, Smit, Stolz, Strode, and Zimmerschied. A favorite story, handed down through the generations, tells of the adventures of John Boger, son of Frank and Flora. John would start off to school each day with the rest of the Boger children but, instead of going to school, he would hide out in the fence row or the draw south of the house and play all day and then rejoin the group on their way home. He managed to get by with that for some time before his dad caught him at it and then, "He didn't try that again!" The Boger school was also the meeting place for the Unity Sunday School. Classes at the Boger School were discontinued in about 1950 and the building was bought by Gus Schreiner and moved to his place. by Joyce Miller BROADSWORD SCHOOL DISTRICT 31 Tr57 |oger School about 1909, Gailon Lewis, Teacher The Claude H. Hall family moved from Clay County Nebraska, to the farm 13 miles north of Burlington, known as the "Fairview Farm." This was in February 1923. There were four children, Thomas Merlyn, age g; Goldie Evelyn, age 7; Claude Harold, 5; and �Inez Maxine, age 2. Merlyn started at Broadsword School in March, 1923, as a fifth grader. He was in the same grade as Carl Kreoger. Goldie staded at the same time in third grade. Harold staded school in the first grade, September, 1924, and Inez started school in 1926. During the school term when Daisy Hewitt was the teacher, one wintery day during morning recess, two energetic boys livened up the recess by throwing a handful of 22 calibre rifle shells into the old potbelly stove. All shells responded in short order creating lots of excitement. It is recalled that Frank Moose and Mrs. Story lived in the sod house across from the school which eventually was the William Kreoger farm. Frank Moose operated the sorghum mill and the zillions of flies it created is unforgettable. Three and one half miles to the east of our place lived Mr. and Mrs. Grant Stephenson. Mrs. Stephenson used to conduct religious services at the school every Sunday morning. After her sermon, the congregation would break up into Sunday School classes accord- ing to age. My father, Claude Hall, was a member of the school board along with Charlie Miser, Louis Kreoger, and Charlie Kreoger. I'm not sure they all served at the same time, but they were all on the board at one time or another. by Inez Ilall Emsbach BROADSWORD SCHOOL T168 DISTRICT 31 The Broadsword School District 31, (named for one of the early families who lived in the community), was a typical one-room country school, located fourteen miles north on Highway 51, later Hwy. 385, in the northwest corner of Louis Kreoger's field. Presently, the site is across the highway from the William Kreoger farm, where his daughter, Katherine Lundien, and family now live. Originally built as a soddy, in the latter 1800's, a wooden structure replaced it in the early 1900's, eometime before 1915. All labor was volunteer for the school building as well as the horse barn and out-house. The outhouse had a divider between the boys'side and the girls'side. Controversy arose during the building of the school when one of the volunteers who was working on it thought the rafters were not quite high enough. This controversy came after the rafters were was where community meetings and gatherings were held, box and pie socials, and the literary programs, consisting of debates, skits, etc. At one time this is where Coop meetings were held with Frank and Ida Rankins, and in the days of the early telephones, telephone meetings were held here. Clothing for the boys was bib overalls or knickers. Girls always wore dresses and most of them wore high top shoes and leg warmers. Later the boys continued to wear bib overalls or blue jeans and the girls, dresses. During the history of this country school, indoor and outdoor games played were unchanged. Outdoor games consisted ofAnte Over, Pump Pump Pull Away, Drop the Handkerchief, Baseball, Fox and Geese, and Red Rover. The wooden poles of the swing set broke in L946-47 and were replaced with very tall steel pipe set in concrete. The person swinging was challenged to see if he could go as high as the "bars" (top of the swing set). Believe me this was "fun"! Indoor games consisted of Hide the Thimble, Hangman, Spell Downs, and Geography Matches. This school had no well for water, ever. Consequently, the water needed to be carried in every day. Either it was up to the teacher to bring it in or up to the students to carry it in a bucket on a stick between them. (Three places were used to obtain water: the Frank Moose place, which was across the road west; Pete Broadsword farm which was 3/4 of. a mile north; and the Louis Kreoger farm which was L/2 mile southeast of the school. Many times the water from the well at the Moose place was no good, so the students had to choose somewhere else to go. After 1950, the water was always carried from the William Kreoger farm (former Moose place). This was after Kreoger had drilled a new well and had good water.) Water was put in a crock from which to dip or use a spigot for drinking. Each student was required to bring his or her own drinking cup and hand towel. If warm water was needed, it was heated on the pot belly stove, that stood in the center of the room. Lots of cold air came into the room due to the fact that there were large windows directly opposite each other, and there were no storm windows. Discipline was done in a variety of ways, such as standing on one foot on the stage, use of a razor strap or belt on the posterior region or staying in at recess. One teacher was known for throwing an eraser in front of a student who was daydreaming and not studying. It was reported that one student was sent to get a switch and if he didn't come back with it he would not need to return to school. The studentdidn'tcome back, butthe school board eventually let him return to the house of learning. already put up. The volunteer redid them and Christmas programs were always a traditional part of the school, where parts were this resulted in a very pitched roof and high ceilings. According to the School Board records ofJune 1923, the Board decided that a horse barn was needed for safety of the children. Transportation to school in the early days was by riding horses, walking, or using a buggy or cart. Horses were usually tied to fence posts or turned loose in the exchanged. Treats were given to all the students and their families. Of course. Slta made an appearance. The area where the school was located was called "Bottle Ridge." Indians fought on the 'Ridge' and school board members had schoolyard. Finally a barn was built. In the later years, the auto was a form oftransporta- tion. As in other communitiee, this school was also the social center of the community. This learned, recited, and three act plays were presented. Nemes were drawn and gifts disagreements here also. It was here that one member was arrested for disturbing the peace. One member wanted to have dances in the school and the other two didn't. Basically, he wanted to stir up trouble. After the arrest when they went to court, the judge ended the dispute by throwing out the case. If adult neighbors had battles or disputes they would usually end up at the school airing their problems. Academically things were somewhat differ- ent from what they are today. In the early days, the parents were responsible for their children's books. When the year's workbooks were finished for the grade we were in, the students were advanced to the next grade level. Usually this occurred about March. Children usually started school at age six and were given a primer to learn to read. In 1942, the famous reading series was Dick and Jane. Penmanship was a part of the daily routine. During the last four years of the school's existence, the most famous place to go to learn anything for memory was behind the piano, which was set at an angle in the back of the room. This was also the place where one child was sent to go to the restroom, using a tin can, which normally caught the drip from the water crock, on the day the drought broke, 1956. The rest of the students were asked by thew teacher to take their seats. This same student was asked to go behind the piano to learn the words to "America the Beautiful." This was quite an undertaking since the student was only a first grader. It was noted in the minutcs of the School Board Secretary dating in the early 1920's, that whenever a vote was taken the names of the men and how they voted was always listed first and then the names of the ladies were Iisted. Teacher of the Broadsword school were: Mrs. Nellie Grabb, Clara Shannon, Miss Bogart, Mrs. Bill Sperry, Maude Crist, Mr. E.A. Schwenker, Mrs. Antonie Schutte, Miss Annette Smith, Edith Miser, Eva Shumate, Miss Hewitt, Maxine Beal, Neva Henderson, Mrs. Harlin Romberg, Mary Winfrey, Florence Raines, Josie Youtsey, Barbara Kieber, Helen Young, Helen Kreoger, Alvin Johnson, Doris (Keeler) Kreoger, Hazel Fromong, Larry Megel, Mrs. Pearl Johnson, and Mrs. B. Leo Devlin. In the fall of 1959, this school was consolidated with the Burlington School District, thus bringing the era of the country school to its demise. School Board members not listed in order: Louis Kreoger, Carl Kreoger, William (Bill) Kreoger, Don Scheierman, Bob Parmer, Lucy Broadsword, Clarence Crist, Charles Miser, Claude Hall, Clara Fender, Orin Miller, Everett Winfrey, Ellis Clark, Harrison Clark, Newel Guffy, and the last three members before the school consolidated in 1959 were, Grace McNeill, Doris Kreoger, and Helen Kreoger. by Katherine Lundien and Carl Kreoger BROADSWORD 31 Tr69 I graduatcd from Burlington High School in the spring of. L927, having taken courses in teaching. (I was 19 at the time.) Then I took a test conducted by the County Superintendent of Schools to become a teacher. I put in my application for a teaching job at the Broadsword School and was awarded the teaching position. The school board consisted �of Charles Miser, Charles Kreoger and Claude Hall. I received $100.00 per month. Sometimes there was not enough money in the County Treasurer's office to pay my wages, and I would have to wait until more funds were available. It was in the contract that I do all my own janitor work, and put on a program each year followed by a box social to raise moneyfor playground equipment. The pupils were very good to help me bring in the cobs and coal from the shed just east of the school building, erase blackboards, sweep floors and various other duties. I had to have the building warm by 8:30 A.M. The teachers before me had raised money for a nice set of three swings, so I used money I took in for curtain material, (made eight curtains), a picture of George Washington and one of Abraham Lincoln, colored crepe paper for decorating, stencils, and putty for the windows (which I applied to help keep the cold wind out.) I always went out of doors when the weather was fit, to play with the students. We played games of various kinds, but baseball was the favorite by far. The older boys delighted in getting me to swing, standing up, with them. They would take me so high I thought we would go over the top, but luckily we never did. I'm sure recess time was their favorite but they seemed to learn neverthe- cents each and pencils were one cent each. Much of their work was done at the boards. As recreation, the children loved to do Spell Downs or do Arithmetic at the board. I always soaked corn cobs in kerosene to help start my fires more easily, then used a generous amount of cobs to make a good bed of coals to start the coal. My uncle had a real sense of humor. I always put some saying on the blackboard on Friday evening and one such time I had put "In union there is strength." He changed the U to O and made it read "In onion there is strength." This caused so much laughter on Sunday morning when we were all gathered for Sunday School. Many Sunday evenings we would gather, young and old alike, and sing. I played the piano and had quite a lot Melven Weaver and his daughters, Sallee Lee and Vee Ann, beside the old pitcher pump at Carmichael School in December, 1950. of sheet music. time we cut across the fields, right over the grades, as they all compared report cards at fence posts. Later on we rode a horse, and still later on we got a two-wheel buggy with shaves for one horse. My dad put Model T Ford front I loved teaching, but hated giving out report card time. Writing this has brought back many pleasant memories. by Eva Shumate Graybill CARMICHAEL SCHOOL wheels and tires on it which made it easier pulling and riding. In the winter Mom would heat a big rock and wrap it in gunny sacks to keep our feet warm. We kids fought over who got to put their feet on the rock! As we got older, we used horses and kept them in the barn at school. When visiting the site of Carmichael T160 less. They were a nice group of children. School in more recent years I found a cornfield covered the spot where the building once stood. We took up school at 9:00 A.M. and by Melven Weaver dismissed at 3:30 P.M. when days were short, but otherwise at 4:00 P.M. The first thing we did was to pledge allegiance to the American Flag. If the weather was nice we went outside, otherwise we stayed inside. This was followed by 15 minutes of singing, or my reading to them. One of their favorites was a book called The Pride of the Prairies, a book about the massacre at Beecher's Island, fought between the Indians and the U.S. troops around 1865. COLE SCHOOL Tl6r I had to make every minute count with eight grades to teach and hear recite. My youngest pupil was Lavern Hulse in first grade and my oldest was Julian Kreoger, that I taught the first year. Julian was given a test by the County Superintendent of Schools and passed this to be promoted from the eighth grade and qualify him for high school. The first year I boarded with my aunt and uncle, the Grant Stephensons. I had to ride horseback three and one half miles. The second year I boarded with the Louis Kreoger family and paid each family $20.00 per month for room and board. During my first year of teaching I paid Julian Kreoger $2.00 per month to carry water to the school and the second, I carried it from Louis Kreoger's home. Also being caried were my lunch, papers and books. The pupils all drank from the same water bucket and each one was to have his own cup, but generally they used the first one that was handy. Luckily there was very little sickness in my school. The first year I taught, my aunt and uncle, the Stephensons, organized a non-denomina- tional Sunday School that proved to be successful. The attendance was good and while we were meeting there they purchased a used piano. This instrument was used in school as well as Sunday School. Pupils had double desks and recited at the front ofthe room on a long bench specifically designed for that purpose. We had two large blackboards so that helped save on tablets and pencils. At that time, tablets were five CoIe School, Miss Jenny Shaw teacher, year 1916- t7. Carmichael School pupils, L92l-22;backrow on far right: Pearl Weaver; front row, L to R: Melven Weaver, Zelda Ann Ross, and Harry Weaver. The four unidentified girls are two sets of sisters: Ellen and Frances Bey and Stella and Bessie Adkisson, but Melven can't remember "which is which." At its first location this country school, Carmiehael, District 4, was four miles west and two miles north of the town of Burlington. A few years later it was moved directly south, one mile, and placed on a cement foundation as shown in the 1950 picture, with water just outside the door! Almost all of the nine children of Jim and Josie Weaver attended the Carmichael School. We had to walk three miles one way to school, winter and summer. In the winter- During the years 1910 to 1920 the community south of Burlington, Colorado was being settled. To help the settlers get their mail and educate the children the Cole School and post office was started. The location of the sod school house was fourteen miles south of the southeast corner of Burlington, on the east side of the road. Until the last few years there were still the foundation, two small ?, and the gate posts standing. This school was consolidated with the Smoky Hill School District in the early 1920's. The teacher of that year, Miss Jennie Shaw, still lives in Kansas. She had come from Kensley, Kansas to teach. Jennie Tres- sel was County Superintendent of School then. This was all told to me years ago, so hope it is nearly right. The school and post office �}rr;: ,ta'r,ri. . '' ' Later a good well was drilled in the school yard of the second and last building location for school use. Grades one through eight were taught at the Cook School. The regular school day would begin at 9:00 a.m. with the children i:::"'' t :a::,: :'.:i.: 1:,,,,,;iii,,i ''*,,:& and teacher giving the pledge to the American flag followed by the children singing or the teacher reading to the group. There was morning recess for fifteen minutes about 10:30 a.m. If weather permitted, gemes were played outside. If the weather was too cold or stormy, indoor games were played. Afternoon recess was fifteen minutes and scheduled around 2:00 p.m. Outdoor gemes played were Baseball, Ante Over, Tag, Red Rover, Hide and Go Seek, and sometimes foot races. In winter Fox and Geese was a popular game when snow covered the playground. Some indoor ga-es played were I Spy, Hide the Thimble, Upset the Fruit Basket, Old Cat, and Quaker's Meeting. Friday afternoons, after recess activities were Cipher Match, Spell Down, or a Geography Quiz at the blackboard. When weather permitted, the teacher and children would go for hikes west of the school grounds where there were interesting rock formations emer- ging from the ground of small canyons. During the last three years at the Cook School the teacher and children would walk to the river and locate beaver dams. The school room was heated with a stove located near the middle of the room that burned corn cobs, kindling and coal. On cold mornings the children would move their desks around the stove and study, also recite Cole School in 1916-17, Back row, L to R; Mary Parsley age 13, Percy Morford 13, Mary Greene 15, Alice Magnuson 14. Middle Row, L to R; Stella Goodwin 10, Thelma Little 10, John Parsley 10, Isaac Goodwin 11, Myrtle Magnuson 10. Front row, L to R; Adolf Parsley 6, David Magnuson 6, Cline Goodwin 6, Bryan Goodwin 8, Frank Parsley 7. were both gone when I came to this community from Norton County, Kansas, in 1928. by Velma Walstrom COLUMBINE SCHOOL Tl62 The Columbine School. the first school house in the Spring Valley Ranch neighborhood, was built of sod. Mr. E. McCrillis was the first elected school district secretary, an office held for fifteen years. The first teacher was Mrs. Helen Slusser. School warrant number one was drawn on October 12, 1889, for $20.00 for her first month of teaching. by Ruth Goebel Bauder COOK SCHOOL DISTRICT 86 J Tr63 The first Cook School, which was District number 86, was built of sod on the Jim Cook Ranch which was located south of the South Fork of the Republican River, and this area is now covered by the Bonny Reservoir. School District 86 was originally in Yuma County in the early 1900's. Later the county line was redrawn, as a result part of the original district was in Kit Carson County. This change made a joint district of School District 86 thus adding the letter "J" representing "Joint" to the 86, 86J. After this change the salary of the teacher was paid in two checks, one check from the Kit Carson County Treasurer and one from the Yuma their lessons from where they were seated near the stove. Throughout the school year the teacher would provide parties for the children on Halloween, Valentine's Day and have an Easter Egg Hunt at Easter. A program at Christmas with parents and community attending was the highlight of the school year. On the last day of school there would be a picnic for all to attend. One year there were several older boys attending Cook School who convinced the teacher to let them have a "smoking period!" County Treasurer. The coal shed was designated as the Indians and Kit Carson County honored the great western scout Kit Carson. Both Yuma the girls got sick and told her parents. Originally Yuma County and Kit Carson County were a part of Arapahoe County. Yuma County was named for the Yuma and Kit Carson counties were founded in 1889. These two counties and others were planned so a slice of railroad track would run through a part of each county. This helped share in the tax burden for financing schools and help with county expenses. A former student who attended school in the sod building recorded the following events on tape before she passed away. Several ofthe children walked a long distance to school. When it was cold and snowy the children wrapped their feet in gunnysacks to keep them warm and dry. At recess time they left the gunnysacks behind and "skated" on the ice on the frozen river. This was great fun until one father noticed his children's shoe soles were wearing thin and requested the teacher to stop the skating. In about 1916 the sod building was replaced. A wooden frame building was built and located about one half mile south of the original sod building. At first the children carried water from the original Cook Ranch. "smoking" room. One younger child went to the coal shed and found part of the students "rolling their own" using sawdust for tobacco. This activity did not last very long as one of Immediately the school board ca-e to school to meet with the teacher and there was no more smoking. It is a wonder they did not burn the shed down. In the spring of 1945 there were six students attending Cook School. These children came from three farm families. In late March two of the three farms sold and five of the six students moved away. This was the Iast year the school building was used. One students remained. He was one of the two who had taken the ninth and tenth grades at Cook. In order for him to finish, he was given lesson plans for the whole week and the teacher would check his papers each weekend and provide new plans for the coming week. This lasted for six weeks until the term closed. The reason for the above arrangement was that the teacher had been asked to teach high school in Kanorado, Kansas, to finish out the existing term, teaching typing and English. Mrs. Jessie Winfrev boarded teachers as �well as Mrs. Clemence Buraker. The Winfrey Ranch was three miles from school and the Buraker Ranch was a little more than one half mile from school. At present the buildings at the Winfrey Ranch have been removed and an irrigation sprinkler covers where the ranch buildings stood. The buildings at the Buraker Ranch have been removed and the site is now the Wagon Wheel Qnmp Ground south of Bonny Reservoir. The buildings at the Cook School site were sold and moved. The only things that remain are chunks of concrete over the pipe of the water well, a few currant bushes near the pasture fence and a lot of memories. A complete record of the teachers who taught at Cook was not available, however this is a partial listing: Clemence Buraker, Ruth Fithian, Bernarda Bohrer, Nellie Fox, Mildred Sperry, Lenora Heckert, Clair Ford, Wm Nye, Jr., Iris Herndon, and Helen at this corner. Magnesia rock was present about the area, seen by many who remember this place. Mrs. Ida Gwyn recalled a rock look of the building and remaining rock in later years. In 1987, no evidence is apparent to mark a site of this old soddie school erected so many years ago. Mr. William Strode remembered his teacher through his school years as: Mrs. Florence Rumming (Miss Lyons), next teacher, Miss Mina Miller, Julia Doughty, Miss Alice Kelly, B.F. O'Dell, C.W. Smith and Harvey God- interviews was obtained by my children when in school. Since the school project was discussed, conversation turned to memories of school. Also contributing was correspondence with a member of the Doughty family, written memoirs of Adda (Doughty) Brookhart and interviews, generously given by Mrs. Ida Gwyn. Mr. Duane Loutzenhiser aided this writer in determining a location along with other useful information. by Lyle W. Stone ding. some of the students using this school were William Strode, Mary Elizabeth (Molly) and Adda Blanche Doughty, Mable Lynde, Archie Lyons (grand son), probably Carl Stark EAST FAIR HAVEN T165 and any brothers or sisters. Frank McDonald may have attended among others. Families living in the area were Farr, Lyons, Strode, Lynde (Lind in some records), Doughty, Editors Wilson Kreoger. Some of the families who had children who attended the Cook School were as follows: Armknecht, Homm, Buraker, Reinhold, Winfrey, Rice, Parmer, Payne, Insco, and Stafford. by Clemence Buraker, Ilarold Buraker, Lillian Ebeler, Lola Winfrey Rhoades, and llelen C. Kreoger CRYSTAL SPRINGS SCHOOL T164 Crystal Springs school was first located near the home of Stephen S. Strode in the Crystal Springs alea, east of Flagler. Classes began in 1887 in a dug out near the home for the first few months. After a new soddie was finished, classes moved to this structure at a location near the present Duane Loutzenhiser home. A first reference found ofthis school was during an interview in the 1950s with William "Bill" Strode. He said the first school he attended was a dug out and later a soddie. He said his first teacher was Florence Rumming. Research revealed that Miss Florence Lyons married Simon Rumming in 1890. I believe the first teacher in this school was Miss Florence Lyons of a family Iiving near the old Claude Verhoeff place. Several physical locations have been suggested for the school following the dug out. I believe a most accurate place was west some distance from the row of pine trees at the Loutzenhiser place. The name, Crystal Springs School, is recorded by a statement in the memoirs of Adda (Doughty) Brookhart: "My aunt Julia had come from Missouri and taught a term of school which I attended at the old Crystal Springs school." A logical location would be in the northwest corner of Section 9, Township 95, Range 50W. On best authority, I believe this school was built of sod and that in subsequent years, some magnesia rock might have been laid on its exterior to protect walls or corners from elements of weather and damage from livestock. According to Duane Loutzenhiser, present owner of the site, a magnesia rock foundation was removed at the corner of the section west of his place to facilitate farming there. This is just south of the county road East Fair Haven School, 1912 Back row, I to r: Jim Berry, Francis Tillum, Lewis Reed, Paul Miller, Mabel Bushnell, Gladys Chew Front row: Flossie Tillum, Ward Chew, Flossie Benson Stark and Miller, among others. An interesting story tells of Molly and Adda Doughty carrying butter milk to the railroad crew workers when the Rock Island track was built, passing near their residence. EMERSON SCHOOL Tr66 Rail hands placed coins in paraffined wrappers and tossed them to the Doughty children in return payment. Mrs. Gwyn remembered a nickname given Adda Doughty as "Ab-doughty." Mable Lynde was a "seat partner" of Adda Doughty when they attended school. Mable became very ill and died in November 1888. She had typhoid fever and is the first person listed in records of the Flagler Cemetery. Others were buried here before record keeping began. When District 19 was formed, this school was located within its boundaries. A theory exists suggesting when District 19 was formed, its boundaries were set to include railroad property to assure a tax base. This might explain why students, after Flagler schools were established, attended school at the consolidated school of Second Central some distance away. No definite record has been found to determine how long Crystal Springs School was in operation or when it was closed, although certainly it was among Emerson Consolidated School built in 1926. It burned in 1935 and was rebuilt on the same place to the same design. Before Emerson School was centralized there were two schools in one district. One was Lowell School on Rd 45- BB and Emerson School on Rd 47- FF. The new larger centralized school kept the name Emerson, probably named after the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. It was located on Rd the first in the area. 46-EE in the south east corner of school history was obtained from earlier interviews with Will-and Mamie Strode. One of these section L6-7-44. The grounds were fenced to keep range cattle and horses out. However, when baseball was played at recess or noon, Much of the information in this short �Emerson were Miss Ruth (Church) Schaal, Miss Mary (Mahoney) Kruger, Miss Carlotta Berger, Mr. Jake Jeager, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Romberg, Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Lightsey, Mrs. Luella O'Hare, Mrs. Villot, Mr. Theisson, Mrs. Youtsey, Mr. Tekel, Mrs. Rosina (Bau- der) Schaal, Mr. DeRitter, Mrs. Dunlap, and Miss Virginia Felch was the last teacher at Emerson in the year 1958. In the fall of 1959 busses from the Burlington district transported all students to Burlington School. by Ted Schaal Winston, Iva Winston, Linda Smith, Clyde Schaal, Alene Winston. Front Row: Karan Smith and Marie Winston the kids climbed the school ground fence and made a baseball diamond in the pasture outside the school grounds using cow chips for bases, eliminating the possibility of a ball being thrown through a window of the school house. The school building had two large classrooms go two teachers could teach the first 10 grades usually 1 through 6 in the south room and 7 through 10 in the north room which also had an elevated stage. The two classrooms were divided by folding doors that could be opened for public school programs, school elections and Farm Bureau meetings. The school building had a full basement for living quarters for the teachers and a separate room for a coal furnace to heat the building. Water was supplied by a windmill with a supply tank in a tall building beside the windmill which allowed an indoor restroom on each side of the entry hall and a drinking fountain in the middle. Some children came to school with teem and wagon, some in a buggy drawn by one horse and some rode horses or burros (donk- eys) so a large barn was provided with mangers to keep horses sheltered and fed during the day. In the early 30's, thirty-two students attended one year. In 1935 the school house caught fire, caused by a deteriorated chimney behind the furnace and burned to the ground. While a new identical school building was being constructed on the basement foundation, school classes were held in the barn. Some students came from districts that taught eight grades to finish the 9th and 10th grade at Emerson. One girl, Joyce Senti, rode horseback from Spring Valley Ranch, a distance of 10 miles one way and others were not much closer. About 1937 the 9th and 10th grades were discontinued as some of the older students finished the 9th through 12th grades in Burlington. So after that Emerson had one teacher and taught only from 1st through 8th grades. In 1953 the Hook School District consoli- FAIRMOUNT SCHOOL Tl67 Fairmount School was established in 1913 on Section 22, Township 11, Range 49, south of Seibert, at a place known as the Joe Trabert place. This information comes from a paper, Of Land and People, written by Leon Bloder, formerly of the Rock Cliff area. miles west of there so Selma drove a horse and cart to school until a wheel wore out and she didn't get to finish that term ofschool (1920Fairmount School was later consolidated with Rock Cliff School. The Fairmont School had a barn for horses and later the school building was moved to Rock Cliff and was the small building used for the upper grades. Selma went to Rock Cliff the next term and finished there. Rock Cliff had bus barns built after that. Sybil Wiem boarded with the Gunderson's when she taught school at Fairmont in 192021. by Lyle TY. Stone memories of this school, thus saving informa- tion valuable to those of us today. Mr. Bloder's comments follow: The school was first located in an old shanty located in the southeast part of the section. Earl Short was the tcacher. The common water dipper, the slate, and also cowchip fuel were on the way out. In 1914 Ben Loiler constructed a new school building on FAIRVIEW SCHOOL NO.20 T168 the same site, also two 4' x 4' "necessaty houseg." These were of the "modern" type, having a basement (although still supplied with mail order catalogues), and a barn for six horses. Later teachers were Agie Sawhill, Alpha Wolfe in 1918-19, and Sibyl Wrenn in L920-2L. The school house was in a fenced pasture, and during the term taught by Agie Sawhill, the Loiler kid's dog would sometimes come to school with them. and when cattle came near, would run them off. One day we heard rifle shots outside. All noses pressed to the windows, we saw the rancher who owned the cattle chasing the dog round and round the school house getting in a shot every time he could. Just as the dog rounded the corner Adobe School 20: Children are from Matthies, Ellsworth and Armstrong families. ahead, the dog stopped and scratched on the door. The oldest boy opened the door and shouted at the man, just as he got in a final shot. The dying dog fell into the room. At this One of the first school buildings in district 20 was an adobe building on the SW corner time we were all about scared out of our Sometime in the 1910's a frame school underpants, teacher included as he stepped outside to speak to the man, calmly standing there with his hand cupped over the muzzle of the 22 caliber Savage Hi-Power rifle. Students that attended Fairmount school through the years included: Ruth and Ruby Hungerford; Lee, Everett and Leola Cline; Donald, Leslie and Johnnie Norris; Joseph, Agnes, Mary and Leon Bloder; Ralph, house was built on the southwest corner of 1611-44. fifteen miles south and four miles west of Burlington. This schoolwas known as West Fairview No. 20: sometimes it was called the Wilford, Marvel and Burton Loiler; Austin Valquette; Clara Martin; Ruby Irvin; Robert years at West Fairview. Short; Alice Short; Theadore Douglas; Allie Ferguson; Hollister and Kenneth Reece; Ivan, Clifford and Merle Noxon; Sterling district hired Elmer Schaal to haul some of the pupils in his Jeep Station Wagon to Burlington where the district paid tuition. At one time Clara Fender conducted Dawe; Selma and Gladys Simonson. School was not held here in 1919-20 as only Somc of the fnachers who tsusht et brought a lady from Norway and they were married in October of 1920 and moved four Mr. Bloder thoughtfully wrote down his dated with Emerson District and that year some students from Hook attended Emerson, but in following years the larger combined Sunday School during the summer and Ben Parmer had evangelistic meetings for a short time. Oliver Gundersons. Matt, Selma's brother, 2r). Emereon School pupils its last year: 1958-59. Left to right: Glen Schaal, Wayne Winston, Teacher Virginia Felch, Geneva Schaal; 2nd row: Nancy Deeter, E.M. Short, Troy Martin, Albert Martin, Inez Short, James Deeter, Bessie Short, Harry Short and Odry Martin. Selma Simonson Nordquist who went her first year to Second central in 1917-18, went to school at Fairmount School in 1919 and they lived with their Aunt and Uncle, the of the NW% 8-11-44, southwest of BurIington. 'Crackerbox school.' Some of the families attending West Fairview were Hicks, Matthies, Hines, Meyers, Hawthorne, and Boyd. Florence Wigton taught school several East Fairview No. 20 was on the southeast corner of the SE% L4-Ll-44, three miles east of West Fairview School. Before the 1920's gram of entertainment. Names not previous- East Fairview was about a mile west of this location. Some years school was held in both schools and some years it was held in just one of the schools. Some of the children attending East Fairview were the Smiths, Pearson, Boyd, (some may have been among the older set), were: Leaoold Bloder. John Deeter. Reeina sheffel and Williams. Fairview consolidated with the Bethune two pupils lived in this end of the district. Mr. Bloder's record included a 1915 pro- ly mentioned and located in the program, Matthies, Hicks, Abbott, Walstrom, Wind- �School around 1951. The children then rode a school bus to Bethune where they could attend all twelve grades. The school houses were then sold and t!. :,t:. f:.. moved away. FARRffi":: f,nlsorslrlcf,ln rvro. €#ffi EEF %"iiz: ,ff lT .b*t:''3:fr1 !:s?l?Ji::'sl: early teacher was Miss Stella Strode. Other . *. teachers of the district in early years were First Central School in 1912 when Grace Wellman Greenwood was a baby (in the picture)' Haidee Nealley (or Neeley), Emma Liggett, Mrs. Flo Shunate, Ethel Durbin and M.R. Shanahan.MissLuellaSchwynmayhave1908or1910.Afewyearslater,probably beenteachingbefore1915.Arecordof19151914,twolargeframeroomswereaddedto tellsofMiss-EverettarrivingonaSaturdaythenorthofthisbuilding.Anicelookingroof eveninginFlaglerfromWisconsinandthatandwindowsenhancedthisbuilding.Itwas shewinbetheteacheratFarrSchoolinthewhitewithdarkbrowntrimandverypretty. comingterm.Ithadneatstepsandanentranceontheeast. "fl',:"'31*f"'.11tif;3'rff-?,-"n,'jii#f'Jfl l3lt'S'fr3t"'f,T:'A'fr5'*fft":lfljt; mentionedinlastweek'spaperwill!eheldtyping.andbookkeepingclassroom.Two attheFarrschoolhouseinDist.19.Thanks-typewriterswereusedinthisclassroom. givingeve.LadiesbringwellfilledbasketsTherewasastoveandinbittercoldweather, and men don't forget your purses." -: a ,--r,,, o-L,,, :_ r-__ ___L^- rr- teachersbroughtormadehotsouptosupplement the chirdren's cord runches. Inlater ilfi:,?:,11*:"*ff:il,1'.'"?*:,$f;;::il"X' another built on the ;j:#,:'*t:runji*:ln,1lf:;n westedgeoftheschoolgrounds.Inl92?Alta Duncan and Dewey Farr attended as stuyears dents. Although a careful search has been school house was Ellis Wolfe taught the first three grades. She made, other students are not apparent except that children of the Paulsen family may have attended here. It is known that in 1915, 'i:'r.": "----'--' Durr"- Farr was a right guard on the Flagle; HighSchoolfootballieam.Itisinterestingto*;;.*;..-"-."-..'..--'...--.''..-'''',..'.,.* backfield on this team. Duncan would have attended Farr School much earlier. Records indicate Farr School was still in operation in 1915, with school beginning this year, the teacher boarding with the John Paulsen's. W.W. Reynolds hauled a load of coal to the Farr School in the fall of 1915. It is unlikely Farr School operated much later than 1915. This is stated because Flagler schools had improved a gteat deal at this time and was within a distance where students could have been transported to the school. Often, this made little difference if patrons were unwilling. District 19 had embarked on an effort to utilize a centralized consolidated school npmed Second Central at this time. by Lyle W. Stone FIRST CENTRAL SCHOOL TI.70 First Central was an early day community school located 12 miles south and 4 miles east ofStratton, Colorado on the Correction Line' A long slim frame school house was built in Pupils at First Central in 1929-3G Back ro*', I to r: Jarnes Grccetooa, Ly'e Xcllogg, Delno Norton, Jennie L. Tressel, Lowell Dunlap, Walt Ackerson, Warren Hodge, La Denhom. Middle row: Edith Beeson, Albert GIad, Irene Dunham, Glen Smith, Bessie Whitrnore, Lloyd Prxhe, IlGlEn Mitchell, Elbert Ayres. Front Row: Violet Norton, Cloyd Storrer, Eva Raleigh, Ralph Greenrood, Dorothy Hodge, Clarence Ieeman, Wanda Norton, Kenneth Scheierman. �lived six miles south of Bethune on the rooms of the store. She bought cream and present Leo and Maxine Kindred farm. That same year, Lola Shaw Pearce Rillihan was also a teacher there. She loaned her horse eggs from the people and hauled this produce "Sparkplug" (Sparky) to Vena Hughes to ride the 4-112 miles to and from school each day. Vena was a junior in high school that year. Teachers that your writers can remember were: Miss Troxel (one of the first); Miss Johnson, Della Glaze, Chester Glaze, Florence Ellis Glaze, Jesse McNay, Wilsie Hughes Reeder, Marie Chandler Greenwood (1921-22), Amy Petefish McConnell, Jack McConnell, Violet Campbell Barr, Lola Shaw Pearce Rillihan, Thelma Neilson Armstrong Lowe, Ida Smith Boecker, Mr. Terry, Mr. Elder, Oris Bunch, Otis Ross, Mr. Frog, Miss Bohl, Jennie Tressel, Virginia Felch, Mr. Hampton, Jackie Hendricks, Mr. Fox, Ruby Schlotman, Josie Youtsey, Della Hendricks, Fred Carrington-Conradson/, Lyle Bunch, Edith Campbell Johnson, Marvel Simpson, Jesse Roach Ardueser, McCune, Edith Beeson, Margaret Simon, Caroline Husenetter. Theodore Smith was the first graduate from First Central (1923). Arlene (Bunch) Rains was the last graduate (1947). There were no graduation exercises held for Theodore so he graduated later with the class of 1925. He was enrolled in Greeley Teachers College at that time. He later taught school at Smokey Angle. In 1927, Mr. Elder taught some post-graduate courses, on top of all the high school classes. Garvin Church attended the post-graduate courses, one of which was trigonometry. At one time there were 100 pupils and five teachers and four busses at First Central School. In the years from 1923 to 1947 when the last class graduated there were 80 graduates on the records. The names of those 80 graduates are listed in the Stratton alumni listing which one will find in the article titled "High School Graduates and - Stratton First Central." When the school was closed in 1950, all records were taken to Stratton School District R-4 and incorporated into that school's records. Oris Bunch recalls that he attended the Iittle school house grades 1, 2 and 3. Later he taught in it two years then lived in it one year and taught in the big school. He taught all eight grades. There was a Dr. Troxel who lived just east of First Central on the north side of the Correction Line. It is thought that he built that house. Later Frank Whitmore lived there, also Bill Churchwells and Cage Bunchs lived there. Charles and Iva Day built a very nice farmstead. It had a huge barn and a very nice frame home, according to the standards of that day when many lived in sod homes. Just above it to the east L/2 mile was the Day School (built in about 1906). Raymond Hughes was one who attended there. Giles and Ada Hunt and son, Wayne, lived on the Day place after Days left. Later Melvin Wall, Henry Scheiermans, Bill Berrys and the Ralph Isemans lived there. At present it belongs to Clarence and Allie Jean (Beck) Iseman. About 1912 or 1914 there was a Beaverton store where Mrs. Clair Eichenberger now lives. This is 1/4 mile east of the Art Lowe place where Paul Lowe now lives. This store was run by Mrs. McPheeters. She and her children. Bertha and Jim. lived in the back into Stratton. One could buy a new Easter hat and some summer and fall clothing at this store. Later McPheeters left and George Church ran a store there in 1920. The Churches either moved in or built a large frame building close to First Central School where they continued their grocery business. About this time people began to buy Model T cars and a few other models and went to Stratton more often. so the Church store closed. They moved into Burlington. The following are First Central community people your writers recall. Some may have lived in the Norton School District just east of First Central. The Norton School was about 2 miles north of the Nazarene Church which was on the Correction Line. Dunlap, Storrer, Swan, Erickson, Lesher, Herndon, Pfaffly, Dunham, Huscher, Holstein, Ora Wellman, Art Wellman, Frank Beeson, Ed Beeson, Cliff Beeson, Jap York, John Higgins, Bill Whitmore, Frank Whitmore, Bill Churchwell, Art Lowe, McPheeters, Kellogg, E.R. Smith, Griggs, John N. Williams, Perry Taylor, Dr. Troxel, A.J. Glaze, Ralph Iseman, A.D. Radspinner, Charlie Perkins, Willis Perkins, Walter Collins, Clark Geist, Henry (Red Henry) Wilson, Rex Barrett, Ayers, Christenson, Fred Norton, Snelling, Vic Michell, Greenwood, Wink Hall, Jim Hall, Simms, McArthur, Tom McMahan, H.D. Greenwood, Lou Beck, Giles Hunt, Melvin Wall, Herman Baetz, Lawrence and George Sherrod, Dave Megel, Elmer Magnuson, Pete Burgraff, Keever, Keeling, Labonte, Perry, Andrewjeske, Austin, Johnson, Bauman, Tatkenhorst, Sponsel, Kirby, Windsheffel, Kaufalks (not sure of the spelling), ISallee, Loobe, Simons, Kiper, Holder, Stegman, Werner, Cage Bunch, Church, Swem. In the 1916 census of First Central school district it shows it to be a big district (No. 29) which included Tom Wilcoxin who lived 3 miles south of Highway 24.The school house was located 12 miles south of Highway 24. The Wilcoxins lived on what is known now as the Bert Stramel place, owned by Miltenberger Brothers. Tom Wilcoxin's parents were Jerry and Miranda McNair. There were literary programs often in - crackers, the winter we had oyster stew and as everyone had lots of milk. At times fresh oysters could be bought at the Stratton Meat Market. Someone in the community needed, at times, a load of coal, or a bushel of apples and other things, so they would get two gallons of oysters. These were 91.00 per gallon. Each family gave about 10 cents to cover the cost of the oysters. The women also made pies and some popped about two bushels of popcorn. Most folks raised popcorn in their fields. Debates were popular entertainment at these progrerms. Homemade icecrenm was often made, also. An interesting and funny thing that happened often at the literary programs or church services was the "chirping chicken." If the meeting got dull, a little chicken would chirp in the back of the room. This chicken sounded just like a real one who had lost his Mama and was running around the chicken house, cold, looking for the Mother Hen. It was a perfect mimic. It was Irvin "Skinny" Lesher making the noise. About the time Frank Lesher, Irvin's father, turned around and looked to see where Irvin was. the chick disappeared into the side room. It was a cute act and happened quite often. Church and Sunday School were held every Sunday, with a good youth program on Sunday evenings. Everyone attended this and different people led devotions. Rev. Huscher and Rex Barrett were some of the speakers. Fred Storrer was a fine Sunday School teacher. In later years the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Stratton sent ministers to preach. Rev. Ness lived near the First Central School. Later Delbert Paulson merged the First Central Church and the Smokey Angle Church into the Stratton Church. A number of people didn't go into Stratton because the distance was too far. so those families remained unchurched. In the fall of 1950 First Central and other country schools were consolidated into one district and all of the country children were bussed into Stratton to school. At present there are no buildings left on the First Central school grounds. A few years ago there were cattle and hog pens there, but those, too, are gone. First Central had a girls basketball team which played on an outdoor court. Lola Shaw and Miss Bohl were two of the coaches. Agnes Iseman, Gertrude Church, Ruth Church, Hazel Lesher and Vena Hughes played on that team at various times. During the late 1940's the school had a hot lunch program. Mrs. Heiman was one of the cooks. Also during that time there were two particular teachers, one quite heavy and one, a tall, slender lady. The kids built two "snow women" to resemble the two ladies. The tall teacher took thejoke quite well but the heavy lady didn't think it so humorous, so she took a bucket of hot water and poured it on the heavy "snow woman." Consequently, the "snow woman" turned to ice and outlasted the slender one by several days. The Lesher and Storrer boys would give each other rides in the windmill wheel. One would climb up the tower and hook his hands and toes into the wheel and the one on the ground would turn on the windmill. After a few spins, he would turn off the mill and they would exchange places! During most of the First Central era there was a community baseball team. In the early years, about 1912 and 1913, the team was made up of George Sherrod, Lawrence Sherrod, Jack Thomas, Bert Thomas, Bill Holt (or Houch), Hans Ho5rt, Floyd Cunningham, Lou Dages, Jap York and Enoch Thomas. Their home baseball diamond was at the Beaverton Store. In the late 1940's the team consisted of Shelby Taylor, Darrell Taylor, Hap Bauman, Leonard, Clark and Duane Beeson, Don Thompson, Bill Storrer, Jerome Stegman and LeRoy Herndon. The 1940's team played such community teams as Homm's Settlement, Bethune, Pottorffs, Knights of Columbus (Stratton). Their home diamond was located 2 miles east of the schoolhouse. The following people contributed to this story: Leonard and Agnes Beeson, Vena Hughes Scheierman, Irene Dunham Kennedy, Maxine Iseman Chandler, Loraine Iseman Wood, Vel Lowe Pickard, Marie Chandler Greenwood, Oris Bunch, Wilsie Hughes Reeder, Grace Wellman Greenwood, �Elsie Beeson Herndon, LeRoy Herndon, Ivan Smelker. by Leonard and Agnes (Iseman) Beeson board. All of these early schools were used both as schools and on Sundays the community gathered there for Sunday School. Jim McConnell and his cousins along with others attended this school in 1931. His first teacher was Miss Virginia Felch. She boarded with the Jack McConnells while teaching at FLAGEOLLE SCHOOL T17r My early school days in Colorado were in a large adobe building. It was 16 miles north, 1 mile west, and 1/z mile north of Vona, Colorado. [t was on the Frank Rehor place. I went to school there until the fall of 1915 or 1916. Some of the pupils were the Bogers, John Horace and Bonney; Bill and Mae Ilers; Evelyn and Pearl Brookshire; John and Alva Flageolle; Beatrice and Buelah Strode; Lester Crist; Verdie and Cleo Elsey; the Balangas; and Orval, Avirene and Bertha Seo-an. We took our lunches in a pail or paper bag. The water was brought in . Some of the pupils had what was called folding cups. They were tin or aluminum. There was a large stove in the middle of the room for heat. For games we enjoyed "kick the can", "steal sticks", "drop the handkerchief', "anti-over" and ball gemes. My home was 16 miles north of Vona, 1 mile east and 1 mile north. Orval. Bertha and I walked the mile on nice days. If it was stormy, some older brother would come for us. Finally my dad, William Seaman, put a shaft on a spring wagon and we drove old "Bill" the horse for several years. It wasn't a nice ride. We sat on boxes and had a cover over our laps. Later Ernest Elsey made a catt, put a shaft on it and a horse was used to pull it. His girls and I went to school this way until the fall of 1915 or Grandview. My first school years were at Grandview School, and the first teacher I remember was Amy McConnell. There were only four of us that first year: Paul Brown, Dean Smith, Barbara Wilson, and myself. The last year that Grandview had school, Vivian Brown joined us. That last year, 1946, Miss Evelyn Gouge was our teacher. I can remember when the county superintendent of school came to visit our school. The first one I recall was Miss Virginia Felch, formerly my husband Jim's teacher. For a few years the building was used for community events with a group of Young Farmers and Homemakers meeting once a month. They enjoyed square dancing, giving plays, and having box suppers. Mildred Anderson has told us about Grandview School. This school was located twelve miles south and,3l/z or 4 miles west of Stratton and about the same distance, only east from Vona. Mildred moved thereinl92T and the first teacher she remembers was Mary Martin, now Mary Blodgett who was postmistress at Joes, Colorado until retire- GREEN KNOLL SCHOOL T173 Not much is remembered about Green Knoll school which is located two miles west and two south of Stratton. but it is one of the few school buildings remaining at its original Iocation. The McCormick's older children went there and one of the teachers that is remembered is Julia McCormick Lowe. The building sits on land owned by Dean Wigton. by Florence McConnell OLD SCHOOLS IN DISTRICT NO. 38 Tt74 The Charles Nealleys lived in the SE 1/4 of 35-6043 when their two daughters, Haidee and Blanche, attended this school. It was located a mile west of the Neallev home. The tat:', :i:'1 ment. Another teacher was Miss Virginia Felch who was the last teacher to teach there. She had taught there for a long time. Also a Mr. Fred Carrington taught there. by Florence McConnell 1916. For entertainment we had pie and cake suppers with programs before we ate. There were Christmas programs and many more that I can't remember. I do remember at the Christmas program Santa gave me a piece of material for a dress. It was a red and white check. The only teachers I can remember were The outside of school house that Haidee and Blanche Neally attended. Taken in 1904. Miss Kozard and Mary Watmore. by Avirene Henry GRANDVIEW SCHOOL Tt12 Grandview School was another school belonging to District 36 in which there were several schools. Each district had a school -&;t ;:*,: .&{' ,&t$ t,:ti:urn Grandview School in 1946: front row, I to r: Vivian Brown, Barbara Wilson, Dean Smith, PauI Brown. Back row: Denise Wilson, Teacher: Evelyn Gouge 1901 school in District 38: Teacher, Miss Eva White. Pupils: (back to front) Haidee Neally, Vinnie Reisch, Gertrude Reisch, Clyde Knapp, Lucy Knapp, Zuella Knapp, Blanche Neally, Cora Knapp, Jake Knapp, Oral Reisch �school house was located in the SE L/4 of 346-43 on the north side of a creek bank. The rocks for the foundation can be seen very plainly yet. It does seem like a very odd place to build a school. I don't know the nane of the school but it was in District 38. Mrs. John Nohr and Olive Hill were two teachers for the Pleasant Hill School located about 3 miles NE of this school in the NE L/4 of L4-6-43. Later Happy Hollow replaced both of these schools, but all were in District 38. The teacher in this school was Mise Eva White. Later she married a man from south of Kanorado and continued to live here for a few years. She passed away and is buried in the Kanorado cemetery. The pupils in this picture all came from three families: the Knapps, Reischs and Nealleys, namely back to front: Haidee Nealley, Vinnie Reisch, Gertrude Reisch, Clyde Knapp, Lucy Knapp, ZuellaKnapp, Blanche Nealley, Cora Knapp, Jake Knapp and Oral Reisch. As far as I know Lucy Knapp Russmann is the only one still living and she was our last County Superintendent of Schools in Kit Carson County. This picture was taken in 1901. by Elna M. Johnson leave the room. Someone in that school came regarded her, too, but showed their admiration in a different way. They pestered her and irked her and the more she reacted, the more tricks they would play. One day she stepped out of the door a minute and one of them jumped up and locked the door on her. She banged the door and screamed. They told her to say "Please" and "Pretty Please." Finally she did and they let her in. She looked to neither right nor left and all the children appeared to be studying intently. The boys now had the upper hand and after that our school was a riot. Although we felt sorry for her, we girls sometimes got into the act. It was so much fun and we sort of wanted to go along with the boys. She looked so sad so we talked it over, and before school was out, Margaret, Blanche, and I went together and told her how sorry we were and that we loved her. Of course she did not get her contract back, and up with a system of sign language using the fingers to express the different letters of the alphabet. We became quite adept at sending I have wondered if Miss Blodgett taught school somewhere else the next year, and I hoped that she set her foot down firmly the messages to each other, especially when the teacher had her back turned to write on the first day. on the farm in the fall ofthe year and so could not complete their school grades. A Bohe- mian family moved onto a place about a mile northwest of the school and two boys attended the school. Then the next year a little blueeyed sister entered the first grade. She could not speak English, but before the term was over, she had not only mastered the language but maintained her grades along with her classmates. In those days a good teacher kept a very strict order. No whispering was allowed during the school session, and the children did not leave their seats without permission. If one needed the teacher's help, a hand was raised. A hand with one finger raised was for a request to speak to another pupil, two fingers raised was for permission to get a drink, and three fingers indicated a need to blackboard. We had Big Chief tablets but mostly we wrote on slates, and proud indeed was the youngster who possessed a double slate. HANSEN SCHOOL Tt?6 When the Chandler family settled on their homestead northwest of Stratton in March, 1909, there was no school nearby. Soon a thrifty Danish family named Hansen, with five children, Carrie, Martin, Nicholas, Margaret and Abbie, homesteaded on a piece of land adjoining on the north. They erected a nice frame house, barn, and other buildings. Then they promoted interest in establishing a public school. My mother, who had been a gchoolteacher back East, was making certain that we children's education was not neglected by teaching us at home. However, our parents were very much in favor of establishing a school in the community. So were other families whose children had been attending school some distance away. Six or seven of the men hitched their horses to breaking plows and soon had enough slabe of sod to build a neat, little sod schoolhoue€. It was located four milee west and four miles north of Stratton, and just one mile north of our home. Mr. Hansen had donated the land so we named it "The Hansen School." There were also two outhouses and a small shed for coal. In the corner of the yard was a lilrc bush, probably planted and then abandoned by a discouraged settler in the late eighteen hundreds. Mrs. Jerome, who lived one mile south of us and two miles from the school. was our first teachor. She was a good teacher rnd included singing in our curriculum. Since she owned and played an organ, she would loan it to the school when she had a Christmas or LastDay-of-School prog:ram. The school term lasted only six monthe. Some of the pupils were Nicholas, Margaret, and Abbie Hanren; Henry Mohr; Stuart, Fred, Madie Lee, and Bessie Ray Harvey; Marie, Elsie, Joseph, and John Chandler; Walter, Blanche, Glen and Homer Bridge, Esta Gray and en older sieter, Rosie Vader, and others. Some of the boys were quite old and nearly grown due to the fact that thev had to stav at home and work We had many successful teachers and the one I remember the best was Miss Alice Talbott. After I graduated from the eighth grade, my mother, Mrs. Meta Chandler, taught one or two years before we moved to There were eight grades and we sat in double seats, two to a seat. On the back of each seat was a flat projection that served as a writing desk for the two in the next seat behind. Between the front desk and the teacher's desk was a long bench where each class was routinely called up to recite their lessons, or they might be sent to the blackboard to perform arithmetic calculations. Every day we had ten minutes of penmanship practice, and along toward evening, we often had a spelling match, where we stood in line, and a good speller might advance to the head of the line and earn the "Head Mark" for the day. Nor were History, Geography, Physiology, Civics or Science ever neglected. Two pupils were excused each day to a well down at the bottom of the hill to bring back a bucket of drinking water. We played many town. games at recess and noon, Pump-Pump-Pull- 38. Who was teacher and in which year and any marriages are indicated. Some of the teachers at Happy Hollow School District 38 Away, Darebase, New Orleans, London Bridge-Is-Falling-Down, Ring Around the Rosie, Blackman's Buff, Drop the Handkerchief and Baseball. If we were lucky to have a wet fall, there would be a lagoon down the creek a short distance to the northwest. When this would freeze over, we would quickly eat our lunch at noon, then go skating for the remainder of the hour-long recess. None of us had skates, but if we would take a fast run to the edge of the pond, we could skim across the ice on the soles of our shoes. Hard on sole leather! and shoes were not easy to come by in those days. Also, when it snowed, we played Fox and Geese and as the snow melted we beat down tracks until we could follow them like cow paths. Years later after the schoolhouse had been leveled and the other buildings removed, I chanced to drive by the location one day and could still see traces of those Fox and Geese paths, like a small scale copy of the Santa Fe Trail reminding us of early days. The lilac bush still thrived. A few years later, all had been plowed under. About the third year a young lady named Miss Blodgett came to teach our school. She was friendly and pretty and we girls admired her dainty clothes and her blonde hair piled high in the back and accented with little loops of black, watered taffeta ribbon. The boys Miss Jennie L. Tressel who was the County Superintendent of Schools, each year visited all the schools in the county, driving a tenm ofhorses hitched to a buggy. She was the one who signed my eighth grade diploma. When she came to visit our school it was a great event and we all tried to be very polite and on our best behavior. by Marie E. Greenwood HAPPY HOLLOW Tt76 Edna Bartman Stahlecker sent this information about Happy Hollow School District were Elva Smith Bartman: 1916 Miss Edna Swanson, who later manied Edgar King; 1921 Marie Klassen; 1922 Miss Sperry; 1924 Mr. and Miss Johnson. a brother and sister: 1925 Thema Opal Muirhead; 1925-26 Loyal Brown, high school and grade 8; 1926 Dorothy Bowers, who later married Max Litell; 1927 Elizabeth Eastin; L928 Zella Fowler, elementary, Iris Sweigart high school; 1929 Edith Miser who married Rayond Wells; 1930 Dorthea Schmidt, elementary and Mr. Leslie Cates, high school '29 and '30; 1931 Hallie Miser who married Everett Winfrey; 1931 Frank Kurtz grades 8,9, l0; 1932-39, Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Ford; 1940 Claude Cheny and 1941 Melvin Sall. Sunday School was also held at Happy Hollow School for many years. Some years there were literary programs held there. Students attending Happy Hollow were Straughn, Rhoades, Barnharts, Smiths, Timmans, Bartmans, Hanrahan, Tieman, Parmer, Rogers, Bagleburger, Benge, Trotters, Murphys, Proehle, Winfrey, Cody, Lundvall, Jackson, Clarks, and Henderson. by Edna Bartman Stahlecker �HOOK SCHOOL own children. Many residents here remember Tt77 Little HiSh Plains School Temple of Learning In 1906 it was a soddy two years later a good sturdy adobe. It was a country school, used for almost half a hundred years. For homesteaders' youngsters and next generations, it was a happy, worthy place. There eight grades of classes went on in a room 20 by 28 feet, and a short time after its opening there were also three high school students taught there. Now only small traces remain of this school which closed its door 25 years ago, and which a Burlington artist, Ralph Binard, knew well for his boyhood learning there. He painted a striking version of a thunder storm over the little high plains building which stood ten miles north. one east and a half back north again from town. It is very likely typical ofthe hundred of little schools which dotted the country sides in a surprising number. Although the Kit Carson County court house burned in 1908, destroying all records, including those of the many schools, it is remembered that a homesteader, W.B. Hook built the first building located on his land when the centur5r was young. After the sod structure collapsed, the help of neighbors to the west were enlisted one summer. Settlemen of the Weisshaar and ment builders Doder farnilies- knew well how to lay the - last of which spring winds adobe blocks, the blew down. Many early day settlers caused school houses to be erected on their pastures, and there were no deeds, so the land on which the buildings stood reverted to the owners or buyers eventually. The Ora Likes, who csme here from Atwood, Kansas in the 1930's buying the W.B. Hook acree through a Burlington real estate man, Ed Finegan, are still living in the Hook house. This is a remarkably well preserved adobe, having been built in 1910. Surrounded by farm land, the winds still blow across the pasture where Ralph's painting shows the flag was raised each day. A daughter of Mr. and Mre. Like, now Evelyn Flick of ldalia, was once a student of thig institution, known as District No. 2. Bethune District 1, is thought to have preceded the Hook school by a short time. "The Binards made up quite a few of the roll call," stated Binard, who began in the second grade there. His parents, the William Binards, came from South Dakota in 1916' For a little while he remembered 35 pupils were enrolled one year. Hie brothers and sister scholars were Joe, Don, Marie, Rosalie, Andrew and Agnes. His cousins, children of the Henry Binards, were KaY, Art, Bill, Bernard,Madeline, Clara and Doris' The other Binard kids were either too young or too old for school at that time. None are now living in this vicinity. Ralph was well known for not only his Hub Service at the south end of Main Street, the Greyhound bus stop, but for his hobbies of astronomy, travel and those of his former rock and coin shoP. Having been proving up for a year since staking out his homestead in 1905, W.B. Hook gave the acre of land for the construction of the soddy school, as he and his wife were anxioug about the education of their them: Roydon of Colorado Springs, the late Elmer and Delvin and a daughter Bernice, now Mrs. Ephram Watkins of Longmont. Elmer's only daughter, Letha, now Mrs' Lloyd Churchill of South Sioux City, Nebraska, has kept in touch with friends here. In 1909, Dwight and Theo, sons of James Hook who for a brief time tried homesteading, and Borton Hook were also listed in the school census. James was a brother of W.B. Hook. In an interview in the Springs recently, Royden mentioned that his brother Elmer passed away in Sioux City in the 1940's and his brother Delvin died three years ago. Delvin's wife, Gladys Ivy Hook, now of Sand Point, Idaho, taught the school during the l92l-22 term. In the year 1908 there were 53 carried on the roll, according to records of a former teacher of the school, Mrs. Lucy Russman, county superintendent of schools. Mrs. Russ' man, who taught 20 years, besides three at Hook, had a special fondness for this little post, as she rode horseback four miles each way through sunny, snowy or windy days of 1912, 1913 and 1914. She pointed out that probably during 1908, although there were the large number carried on the roll, that did not mean that there were that many children going there at one time. Their names were in the book for purposes of state aid to schools. Until a child of a district reached 21, even if he or she dropped out to get married in those days the name could be kept on the roll. "My father walked into this country," stated Mrs. Russman. He was James Knapp, one of the first homesteaders, coming from Illinois. The family had come to McDonald, Kansas, and joined him here as he established a homesite. He dug a well on his land north of Burlington with a hand shovel. Later he dug many wells with a horse drawn auger for other settlers, among whom were the W.B. Hooks, Mrs. Russman believed. Her father Pueblo to work took other long walks - to in the steel mills part time. Others who joined the Binards in classes simultaneous to the years of World War I, he remembered as five children of the Bud Williams: Margie, Vera, Wendell, Charles and the twins Ila and Lila; Roy, Harold and Alpha Hess; the Charles "Pat" Doerings sent their children, Ellard and Marie. The Charlie Normans enrolled their daughter Naomi, son Paul and an adopted daughter, Corine Be- dard. The L.L. Pennisons sent their boy George. There was a Carl and Earl Ashley, a Josephine Smith, Evelyn and Iva Steel. He remembers Marie Beard, Genevieve Shannon, Robert Shannon, Nora and Erma Frost, the latter Mrs. Perry Robertson of Burlington. County Clerk, Iva Gross of Burlington and her sister Elsie Proehl, daughters of the late John and Mrs. Margie Knapp, began their Hook school attendance in the third grade, moving in 1936 from Emerson school, located just west, on the day Emerson school burned down. "We moved just in time," smiled lva, adding that Emerson was built back and survived a couple of years longer than Hook, which closed its doors in 1949 when Burlington's RE-6J was formed. For by then the high plains rural population was diminished, and what pupils remained on farms were bussed to town schools. Both Raymond and Richard Gramm of Hook school studenta Burlington wet" "-ottgAnderson. as was a Mrs. Bertha Mrs. Mabel Munter-Hines of Kanorado not only went to District 2 for eight years, but after some high school and two weeks of "Normal" institute, she headed up her old school in 1919 and 1920 as a valued and beloved teacher. Her education was more than was required then, as an orientation in August at Normal was sufficient to teach. Mabels' parents, the Charles Munters, came out from Iowa, buying land just across the section from the Hook holdings and thus she and her brother Frank had only a short way to walk for a part of each year, although a five mile jaunt the rest of some terms when an experiment was tried. An early version ofsplit sessions took place with school being held at another building during parts of the term, in order to alternate the distances children had to travel. This experiment of having one school open in spring, another in fall, prevailed until there was a population change in the area, Mrs. Hines remembered. There were two sisters, daughtcrs of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Neally, who lived at the town of Wallet, north of Peconic and now only a memory, who had to go a long way when school took place in the west side. These were Blanche James and Haidee Weeden. "Wallet was the name of my grandparents," stated Don Winter of Burlington's First National Bank. "They founded the town, operating the Post Office." Mrs. Hines recalled that those were the days when jolly and helpful early day teach- ers always boarded and roomed at their place. Her favorites were Jessie Matson, Myrtle Brannon and Gladys Ivy. "The kids who were further away rode horses to school and then turned them loose to go home by themselves. That meant walking home in the evening, but there was no rush then," Ralph reminisced, also recollecting that there was a shed that existed for some years for the convenience of those who drove, just as a white clapboard front was added to the school in later years. One of the county's first "mobile" homes nestled next to the school house for the years of L942 through 1945. A teacher, Daisy Hewitt, moved in a small one-room dwelling for herself, taking it with her when her teaching days were finished there. Teaching the years from 1922 through 1924. Ella Schutte came back for the L925-26 term. Estella Hudson was instructor for three terms. Pupils agreed that one of the better school marms was the late Nellie KeenGrabb, who taught in very early days as a homesteader, coming there from a school further north, known as the Broadsword School, then retiring for a time to raise a family and spending the years 1935 until 1940 at Hook district again. In the '40's, teachers were Cora Boyd, Phyllis Coakley, Miss Hewitt mentioned above, Phyllis Abbott Seelhoff, Ella Rehn Dunlap and Ethel Mines Winfrey. The roll book was closed for the last time following the 1947-48 terms. Tuttle, Smoky Hill, Rock Cliff, Second Central, many other little institutions Emerson gave way-to the changing times, as have almost all rural schools in America. Twenty-two teachers guided the educational aims at Hook from 1913 on, and although there is only memory rather than court house records, there were several more �the five years before 1913. The sod house teacher was Miss Myrtle Churchill. Then csme the Widow Roper who took up a homestead, taught school, which included her sons Vernon and Harry, while proving up on her land nearby. The teacher capable of conducting the classes for the three high school students was Mrs. Bertha Anderson. Black as the brooding storm, laced with hail, appears in Ralph Binard's nostalgic painting, no former student interviewed ever nurtured first class men and women. It guided for good and enriched lives for a great part of our century. IDLEWILD SCHOOL DISTRICT 49 by Bonnie Gould Tr79 HUNTZINGER SCHOOL recalled any disaster such as flood, fire, Tl78 confining blizzard,, cyclone, snake bite or bad injury ever occurring to mar the tranquil days. The earnest perusal of McGuffey's Reader, spelling and ciphering matches, went on under the long stove pipe that stretched across the room from the heating stove. Several remembered that there was one time during the dust bowl years that everyone had to stay until eight o'clock in the evening, before the dirt cleared away enough to permit going outside. Each pupil carried water along with lunch. Likely as not there would be a piece of tender fried jack rabbit. No tularemia disease had then spoiled that fine meat. Cow chips were gathered to kindle the fire and the small glistening black mountain that was the coal pile had in later times a basket of corn cobs nearby for a quicker fire. The old version of the open school was not so different from the new fangled partition- less idea now. First graders learned from eighth graders if they could not be kept busy, so that there was no time to listen to other lesson recitals. Discipline was minimal, as the big difference between then and now seems to have been the feeling of all being one big happy family. It could be nostalgia that glosses over drawbacks, but many former rural learners truly believe they lived then during the "good old days." Of course W.B. Hook school had only 560 square feet. Compare this to Burlington's middle school which has 46,820 square feet. Almost 84 times larger does it serve 84 times as well? - We voted, with scarcely a whimper, to pick up the $989,300 tab for the aforesaid beautiful new three grader. The mind boggles a bit at the change in times: in 1906, roofing lumber sold for only a few dollars a thousand board feet and adobe was dirt cheap. Taxes on a quarter of grassland in the area in 1905 ran $1.65. In 1912 Mrs. Russman'salary was a monthly $35, but a year or two later, since she promised to hold school all holidays, even Thanksgiving, 20 days each month, her raise came up to $50, $450 per year. With never a switchblade, with loco weed fearfully avoided by kids and horses alike, with only paths on the buffalo grass to disturb the ecology and a whole lot of hard to learn history yet to come, the halycon days of the little country school truly seem far removed. The words "juvenile" and "delinquent" had not yet been combined. In fact, nobody was ever conscious of being a Idlewild School in 1928. The first Idlewild School was located about two and one half miles northwest of Stratton near the Edgar Ancell home, but it needed to be located more to the center of the district. In 1914 it was moved about two and a half miles to the northwest near the Talbot home. Huntzinger School, 1911 Dora Butler, teacher, back row right. The Huntzinger School was a one room sod school located near Hell Creek north of Flagler. The exact date of the school's opening is unknown. T.J. Huntzinger and his wife Elsie and their five children moved to that area from their homestead near Thurman by April, 1900. Mr. Huntzinger was instrumental in building the school because he wanted a school nearby to educate his children. One former student, Viola Williams of Salida, Colorado states that her father, L. Boyd Williams filed on his homestead in the spring of 1907 and chose his location to be near a school. By those reasons, we know that it was built after 1900 and before 1907. It was known as District No. 14 and because so many children attended the school, an addition was soon built onto the east side to make it one Iong room. Some early teachers were a Miss Brown'Mettie Love; Dora Butler who In his painting, the artist caught forever plains, standing lonely but staunchly against lhe elements of storm and burning sun, all the while a bulwark against ignorance. Looking back, the hundreds of lucky ones who trudged to it can view it as a symbol of personal, effective and loving education that Bertha Byrne Pautler, and June Scofield. Bertha Byrne was the teacher when the accompanying picture was taken. Some of the families represented among the students were Byrnes, Bakers, Reillys, Collins, Kennedy, Steinberger and Thomasons. When the consolidation was done with Stratton district, the building was sold and moved into Stratton where it was renovated to be used as a residence. It is now the home of Dale and Irene Courtright. by Helen Kerl KECHTER SCHOOL Tl80 later married Jake Wolverton. AII eight grades were taught. Many of the boys could only attend when the farm work was finished and each time they returned to school they just picked up where they finished before until they were able to complete that grade. That made for some good sized students in the lower grades. Students carried their lunches to school in the familiar gallon syrup pails. Occasionally these pails got mixed up, causing some arguments. Students played ball, ante-over, and occasionally ice skated on a small pond near the school when it would freeze. The school served the following families: The Kechter School in 1923. T.J. Huntzingers, Boyd Williams, Fishers, Jenks Brewers, Charley Brewers, Baileys, McKissicks, John Veiths, Ball family, Baldwins and probably many others. leenager. bhe essential feeling ofthat little adobe ofthe Later a new building was built. Some ofthe teachers known to have taught there were Alice Talbot Reilly, Elizabeth Zittle, Myrtle Bradshaw McConnell, Gray Spurlin, Elsie Chandler, Theodore Smith, by Agnes Otteman In 1911 the men in our community made adobe bricks and erected a small one room schoolhouse. The school was located 16 miles north and 5 east of Vona in District 42 and was commonly referred to as the Kechter School. The students, numbering as many as 40 in some years, sat three in a seat. Water was carried from the Dircks' place L/4 mile away. Two trips were made a day by two pupils going together. Long before school was dismissed for the day, the water bucket was �empty. Many children went through all eight grades in the old "dobie," including my sister and brother, Velma and Nolan. r:l* lr,,l,l.'l Miss Bessie Wilder was the first teacher. Other early teachers were Grace VanWinkle, Ida Martin, and Wilma Ford. All were local girls, daughters of homesteaders. Miss Wilder and Miss Van Winkle had homesteads of their own. It was not until L922 that a new larger frame building was built just across the road south of the old one. Migs Estel Straughn of Kanorado was the first teacher in the new building. Members of thq board of directors were: Erastus Godfrey, Ch'arley Andrews, and Jacob Kechter. Some of the other teachers in the early years were Marie Klassen, Marvel Simpson and Ruby Carlstedt. Some of the family names of the pupils in Dist. 42 in the early years were: Ackley, Atwood, Arthur, Atterbury, Andrews, Bolin, Calkins, Calhoun, Dircks, Hagen, Hamilton, Gulley, Godfrey, Woods, Wilkinson, Wasson, Phillips, Kechter, Keelery, and others. "Literary" was a part of every school. I believe it was held once a month. People came from other districts to attend as well. Some of the adults gave readings and sang songs. The kids put on plays, spoke pieces, and sang songs. We also had pie suppers now and then. I remember the time that I stumbled while fighting with some other kids back stage and ran my elbow into a chocolate pie under a fancy wrapping. I was glad that the owner of that pie never knew who did it! Each of the ladies usually took an extra pie and the extras were sold after the others at a cheaper price. A certain man usually bought all the extra pies so once my dad coaxed my mother into making a pie filled with cotton as a joke on him. The man did buy the pie and second only to Dad's glee was that of my cousin's, Jakie Dircks. He never ceased to tease his Aunt Bertha about her cotton pie. by Opal Roger KECHTER SCHOOL TrSl District 42 was organized and a sod building erected in 1911. The school was located 17 miles north and 3 miles west of Stratton, Colorado. The Kechter school was named after Jacob Kechter, William Kechter's father. Jacob Kechter was one of the original school board members and the school house was located 1 mile north of his house. Following is a list of teachers taken from the records in the Colorado State Archives: 1912-13: Grace VanWinkle: 1913-14: Bessie Wilder; 1914-15: Wilma Pagett; 1915-16: Ida Martin; 1916-18: Grace VanWinkle; 1918-19: Wilma F. Ford; 1919-20: Grace VanWinkle; 1920-2L Marie L. Wood (four months) and Amon B. Calhoun (four months); l92l-22 Marvel Simpson; 1922-23: Estel Straughn; L923-27: Marie Klassen: L927-28: S.W. Sawhill; 1928-29: Lola Jean Pound; 1929-30: Ted Smith; 1930-31: Omar Guy Ansell; 1931-35: Ruby Carlstedt; 1935-36: Mary Rush; 193638: Glen A. Smith; 1938-39: Claude C. Chaney. (Added 9th and 10th grades this year). 1939-41: GIen A. Smith and Betty Taylor; L94L-43: Betty Taylor; 1943-44: Louella O'Hara; 1944-45: Helen Heinrichs: Kechter School, District 42 in 1928-29. Top row, I to r: John Stewart, Lloyd Wilkerson, Fred Godfrey, Neva Stewart, Maude Clair, Sadie Clair, Lola Jean Pound, teacher; and Mabel Godfrey; Middle row: Arlene Wilkerson, Edna Paine, Mary Hoyda, Irene Stewart, Catherine Hoyda, Alma Liming, Thelma Wilkerson, Vera Godfrey; Bottom row: Dale Davis, Robert Liming, John Hoyda, Dale Godfrey 1945-48: Blanche Dove; 1948-49: Linanel Davis; 1949-50: Avrine Henry and 1950: closed the school. As a former student of Disttict 42,I became very interested in the facts discovered while researching the records. For example, in 1912, due to a very severe winter, they were only able to hold five months of school. The fuel bill for the year was $19.70 and the total school year expenses were $262.33, including the teacher's salary. The teachers'salaries ranged from $40.00 per month in 1912 to $1,665.00 per year in 1950. The school board members' names were not recorded but they were also a vital part of our education and deserve credit for their involvement. My memories are of one teacher, teaching eight grades, with 42 students. She, or he, had to come early to build the fire in the coal furnace. Some of the teachers even lived in the basement ofthe school house. Besides our classes, the teachers had to prepare the programs that we gave for our parents and friends. We would also have pie and/or box suppers that would be auctioned off to raise money to buy our playground equipment. I failed to state above that a new frame school was built in 1922 or 1923; and when the school closed the children were bused to Kirk and Joes schools. In 1965, the school house was moved to Kirk and attached to the Kirk School and used for a lunch room; and when the Liberty School was built between Kirk and Joes, the Kirk Lions Club made the Kechter School building into a meeting room and community center. I, Alma Van De Weghe, understand that it is now owned by a private individual and is to be moved, again. I hope as you read over the history, it will bring back memories to you as it has to me. by Alma Van De Weghe KELLOGG SCHOOL Tl82 Kellogg School was located just over the line in Cheyenne County, southwest of Seibert. Many of Kellogg's students lived in and became well known in Kit Carson County. One was Mrs. Phil Mullen. The Mullen family is well known for musical ability and performed often throughout Kit Carson County. Also in this record are members of the Bloder family who came early and lived in Kit Carson County for many years. Mr. Leon Bloder, who thoughtfully recorded many of his memories in a paper he entitled, "Of Land and People," is the sole source for information of this school. Because Mr. Bloder was concerned and recorded his information, we €ue able to be aware of this early school. On a 1912-13 record Mr. Bloder saved for many years, the following information is written: "Kellogg School, District 1, 1912-13, Aveta Lichtenhan, teacher. Pupils: Perry Eash, Mary Bloder, Rose Bloder, Arthur Eash, Agnes Bloder, Hazel Kellogg, Joseph Bloder, Lottie Kellogg (Mrs. Phil Mullen), John Fredrick, Barbaraan Eash, Ladie Fred- rick, Mayme Fredrick, Moses, Katie and Malinda Swartzentruber. School officers were L.J. Roden, Pres., Cyrus Platner, Sec. and D.D. Hayward, Treas. Kellogg School was the first school Mr. Bloder remembered. He said it was located at the old Alfred camp. In trying to define this location, a best effort seems to be one mile south and one mile west of the Sig Olson place. Another for those knowledgeable ofthe area would be at "Big Springs." Information was taken from records written by Leon Bloder, formerly of Seibert, Colorado. Rock Cliff area. by Lyle W. Stone �LIBERTY SCHOOL T183 oped the habit ofturning and biting Zoe when she mounted, Homer held the bridle. Then the pony learned to kick Zoe when she mounted so Agnes held the bridle and Homer raised the pony's front foot. The pony was so determined that she even tried to stand on 2 feet ta kick at the rider. Another outstanding transportation method during the 193637 school year was the Model T Ford that the Sidney Huntzingers fixed for their children, Homer and Agnes. It had been a four door and they removed the back seat and put on a box. Homer, who was in the 8th grade at the time, was the driver. On the way to school Liberty School, 1931 Back row, left to right: Ruby Huntzinger, Teacher Orpha Howard, Mildred Kyle, Albert Huntzinger. Middle Row: Homer Huntzinger, Agnes Huntzinger, Evelyn Kyle, Irene Armistead, Phillip Armistead. Front row: Poy Petersen, Don Lightle, Cecil Petersen, Floyd Jensen Liberty School, District 18, was built in 1919. It was located 11 miles north and 2 miles east of Flagler. It was one of many white frame schools in Kit Carson County. It was under the jurisdiction of the Kit Carson County Superintendent of Schools. This superintendent signed the eighth grade di- plomas and on rare occallions brought a nurse to help with some health testing. The superintendent also had responsibility for some of the curriculum. The district was in the hands of a 3 member school board and of course at that time the board always consisted of men. Some of the teachers have been Opal Wise, Vivian Roberts, Frank Hyser, Orpha Howard, Lola Peatse, Margaret Page, Laura Mae Malbaff, Marnie Kyle, Doris Copley and the final teacher, Bonnie Armitstead. This list is no doubt incomplete. Softball was the usual recreation interspersed with ante-over, kick the can, run sheep run and hide and seek. Hide and seek was a real challenge when the many dry thistles piled on the fence were used as hiding places. Fox and geese was popular after a snow. Ball games were played between schools but more exciting than softball were the ciphering and spelling matches between schools. Nearby Victory Heights was always a good rival, especially during the school years of 1934-35 and 1935-36 since sisters Margaret Page at Liberty and Betty Page at Victory Heights were the teachers. Liberty always came out the winners because no matter what happened in the lower grades, Liberty always had their ace-in-the-hole lrene Armitstead ready to go and she was unbeatable when in the upper elementary grades. During the dirty thirties the many dust storms necessitated keeping the students at school until a parent could make their way to the school to take the children home. At this time. handkerchiefs were moistened with their drinking water and placed over their faces. Most of the students walked to school but in the later 30's other modes of transpor- tation were noticeable. The school grounds Floyd, Ruth and Gene Jensen were picked up and then lrene, Phillip, Bonnie, Elizabeth and Charlene Armitstead were added after they had walked across the prairie to meet them. Ten students riding on a Model T Ford driven by an 8th grader! To keep the radiator from freezing it was drained upon arrival at school and then refilled when going home. Floyd and Phillip "earned" their rides by being responsible for this task. Liberty not only functioned as a school but also as a community center. During the dirty thirties when no one had any money, there still was a place to go every two weeks and it was free! That was Literary Night at Liberty. On those nights the people in the community were as involved as the school. This gave the school children a chance to perform before a crowd but also to watch their parents perform and perform they did. They not only held ciphering and spelling matches but also gave plays. One play called for Sidney Huntzinger to saw off his brother lvan's leg. With Sidney on top of him and a large carpenter's saw in hand, Ivan giving out with the proper amount ofscreaming, you could actually hear the saw actually the leg bone sawing through bone - caused a lot of crowd of a cow. This certainly reaction! The school was also used for Sunday School and worship services which consisted mostly of hymn singing, usually the favorite one of anyone who could play the piano. Occasionally an itinerant preacher arrived, who usually had more zeal than knowledge. Through the years the school served the following families: T.J. Huntzinger, Boyd Williams, Walter Zion, Lew Harker, Sidney Huntzinger, Loyal Kyle, Jake Wolverton, Charlie Baldwin, Brewer family, lvan Gwyn, John Williams, Charlie Armitstead, Cline Jones, and Don Loutzenhisers and probably many others. The school closed at the end of 1945-46 school year. In 1949 the district consolidated with the Flagler School. After the district consolidated, the school house was sold and moved to 625 Quandary Avenue in Flagler and was converted to a home by Glen Stone. The Lark Laue family presently (1987) make their home there. by Agnes Otteman Mullen children, Roy, Guy, Charles and Phillip may have been old enough to shoulder duties of the ranch or could have attended this school. Howard, Lester, Harold and Grace probably attended. Lena and Lloyd arrived later. Beula Frisbie, who taught at Mt. Pearl in later years and her sister, Avis were probably too young to attend Loco. Regretfully, I have no knowledge of older children. This early location, Loco, is recorded to have had a postmaster, Charles Davis, who was appointed in 1903. After this is a local record of Mr. Frisbie in 1906-07. In 1911, Mr. Marion Short, son of J.S. Short of the Texerado area, operated a store and post office bearing this name. It is possible Mr. Short built a store at the last location ofloco. Mr. Short homesteaded land where Loco was finally located. A new frame school building was built here, in the southwest quarter of Section 32, Township 11 S, Range 50 W, about midway on the east side. This place is about a half mile north of the Cheyenne County line and near the Wild Horse road south of Flagler. Sometime in 1913-14, Marion Short sold out to Alvin B. Radebaugh, who was appointed postmaster on February 4, Lgt4. A store continued to operate in Loco, this assumed because it is said to have been a popular place for Texans to congregate who had migrated to this area. Later many of these people returned to Texas, according to records. Loco post office was closed on May 31, L922. At Loco's last location. children of A.B. Radebaugh, Fern, Paul and Allen, attended. Children of the Kinzer, Lanier, Buttons, and Barton families were mentioned with no definite record. In the 20s, children of the Loco School were transferred to Second Central, a consolidated school in District 19. by Lyle W. Stone ..UNKNOWN' (McALLISTER?) scHooL Tr85 Tr84 Among the many small early schools of the area, there exists a record of a school located at the northeast corner of Section 20, Township 11, Range 51. AL922 atlas pinpoints this Loco School was first located south of miles southwest of where Texerado is located, LOCO SCHOOL contained a barn so horse and buggy was used as well as horses were ridden. In the mid- Flagler in the southeast corner of Section 22, Township 11 S, Range 50 W. In or shortly had 5 miles to come and rode a Welsh pony. This pony was a bit mean to say the least. Homer Huntzinger and his sist€r, Agnes, also were riding horses. Since Zoe's pony devel- Colorado to make preparations for a school in his area since no school existed there. The school was built at a place designated already as Loco, Colorado where a store and post thirties one student, Zoe Jones (Goodwin) office was located in the James "Jim"Frisbie home. No doubt, labor in constructing the soddie school was shared by neighbors in the area. Florence Mullen was the first teacher and was reported to be a good one and especially strict with her brothers and sisters. No record found describes the fixtures or general appearance of the school. It was no doubt very similar to others scattered about the area. Certainly, Mullen children attended this school and children of the Frisbie family, among others living in the vicinity. Among after 1906, Clark Mullen rode to Hugo, place. This site is slightly less than three about 3-% miles due west of the old Jim Kountz place. It is very tempting to believe this may have been the McAllister school, mentioned in an April, L9L7 Flagler News edition. This item says that Minnie Short (Texerado area) attended the Easter program at McAllister school. A distance from � https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/412/Country_Schools_2.pdf 7073bc204e86fe07c8676e2e20c01131 PDF Text Text the Short residence in the Texerado area would have been 3 or 4 miles or a little over 2 miles cross country to this school. This would be a reasonable trip. An only other unknown location is for a school mentioned in the Flagler Neros in 1916, saying "Dan Grim, with the assistance of several men, tenms and saddle horses, removed the roof of the old Plainview school house last week." The location in question would have been about 8 miles from the Grim home (this home was about 3 miles south of Second Central, some distance away from the site in question). This is a considerable distance at this time, but not unreal for moving a roof. Robert Wesley McAllister at one time owned section 34 in the southwest edge of Kit Carson County, about 3 miles from the school in a southeast direction. In searching Lincoln County records, where Mr. McAllister is recorded, it was learned he owned land some 15 miles east of Hugo. This would place him very near the county line. A statement in the Lincoln County record, by George T. Vassios says he started to school when he was 4 years old in order to have enough pupils, along with the McAllister children, to hire a teacher. His father was Tom Vassios who homesteaded on Section 24, Township 11, Range 52, on the county line, about 2 miles west of the school site in question in Lincoln County. It is sad that records are so dim and that we have waited so long to document some of the history of our country. Legends die with the generations. There comes a time when information. such as for these schools in question, is forever lost. If this school is indeed the McAllister school, a small amount of information can be found. Robert Wesley McAllister became a lawyer and after an illness, came to Colorado in 1910, homesteading about 15 miles east of Hugo. A two-room sod house was built and after school was out in Nebraska, Mrs. McAllister, Emma and two small daughters, Marjorie and Alfarata, moved to the home- st€ad. Emma began teaching in the fall. She had performed this duty as a profession, teaching 45 years in her lifetime. Mr. McAllister, called Wesley by most, served on the school board and often gave legal advice to his neighbors. A new daughter, Gail, arrived late in 1915. Of their school, Sunday school was held at the schoolhouse and in summer there would be picnics. The school had a Christmas program each year, with decorated tree and a visit from Santa passing out gifts to dl children. If there was snow on the ground, a big sled would be filled with straw and hot bricks put down in the straw, keeping children warm to enjoy a beautiful ride to the program. In 1921, the land was sold and the family moved to Greeley, Colorado. In the late '20s, the land was repossessed and the family returned. Emma taught at Boyero, where Gail attended. Alfarata taught at Kawal. Marjorie taught at Oak Creek. In 1937, Mr. and Mrs. McAllister moved to Estes Park. Alfarata began teaching at Arriba where she met Max Hutchins; they were later married. This is not a great deal of information, however it may be a beginning to work with and locate more about this school. An effort should be made to learn more about the other school, Plainview. I feel the latter may have been a Cheyenne County school. For this record, Tom Vassios lived very near the county line, in Lincoln County, as did the McAllister family. It is possible another school existed nearby in Lincoln County bearing this name, McAllister. If so, it has not been located. Searching to clear up this record will continue. by Lyle W. Stone MIDWAY SCHOOL Tt86 Midway School was last located at the northwest corner of Section 8, Township 10 S, Range 51 S. This property belonged to Earl Brown of Flagler. In its last location, Midway was often called Beeler's school. This school was located in District 10 which was about two miles wide and twenty two miles long, adjacent on the west side to Flagler school district 35. There is evidence the school building had been moved at least once to this location. In an interview with Oliver Blanken and Natalie Kueker, it became apparent the early school nnmed Midway was probably closed near 1914. An exact location of Midway of this period is not known; however, it was located in District 10. At this time, Marvin Beeler, living some distance south, attended a school west of the present Allen Petersen place, where Blanken children went to school. This school was finally determined to have been called Robb School. Natalie (Blanken) Kueker told of Marvin Beeler riding a mule to school. "Tollie" remembered how he teased her and other girls in school. He had previously attended the older Ford. On May 1, 1918, Hubert Beeler was elected secretary of District 10 for a term of three years. In 1926 several families with children lived in the Midway area. Among these were M.R. Beeler, Elbert Chilson, George H. Evans, William Strode, Nels Smith, Ernest S. Graham and Clarence W. Johnson. An August, 1929 record states that "Miss Dorris Weller is a teacher at Midway school this year, teaching the 1929-30 term." In May, 1930, Mrs. Nels (Anna) Smith was reelected treasurer of the district. Miss Norine McCullum started school at Midway in March, 1930. In 1933 it was recorded that Miss Lord would teach the '33-34 term and that she had taught two terms, 1931-32 and 1932-33. Research reveals this teacher to be Miss Alice Lord. Also about this time, Jay Strode was helping Mr. Hayes make blocks for construction of a barn on the Midway school grounds for teacher's car and for horses ridden and driven to school by most students. No record was found, dating the closing of this school. We know it was still in operation in 1933-34. Since modes of transportation had improved, it is possible students were transported to Flagler schools in later years. by Lyle W. Stone MURPHY SCHOOL T187 Midway school. Although no record was found. one must assume the school was closed and later opened at a new location. A May, 1915, record reveals that overtures were made to District 10 by the Flagler district 35 for consolidation of the two Districts when the new high school was being planned at Flagler. A vote was taken among patrons and the proposal was turned down. Apparently, consolidation was not accomplished, for in 1951 over $400.00 from District 10 was turned over to the new consolidated District R-1. The last location of Midway School was six miles south and four west of Flagler, Colorado. One must assume a student population warranted a school in the area. Transportation for taking students to Flagler at this time was not easily accomplished. a similar prob- lem is recorded for students of Texerado, even in later years. The Strode family attended school at Midway, having moved to the old Leeper ranch about two miles east of the school. This may have been about the time the school was again revived. Rethal Strode may have attended Midway, along with Gilbert, Elnora, Jay, Clayton, Stanley and Fay. Certainly, members of the Beeler family attended school here including Lucille. Some recollections of the school mention the n'me as Beeler school. The Chilson family lived nearby and children of this family also attended school at Midway. It is unfortunate that names of students and some of the teachers of this time are not included. Speaking of a time, about 1917 and later, Mrs. Wm. Strode mentioned, in an interview of the 1950's that teachers at their school were Forrest Heck, Dorris Weller and Miss 1923-24 lunchtime by the lagoon west of the Murphy schoolhouse. L to R: Frances Burcar, Doris Harris, Grace Faass. Naomi Dalgetty, Freda Harris, Edith Mae Klassen, Roy Harris, Paul and Dick Klassen, Vincent Dalgetty, Carl Schauffler, Clarence, Elgie and Archie Wasson. District 23 The first Murphy School was a soddy, about one-half mile west of our home, north of Vana. Paul and Dick walked with Rover their very good dog. Sybil Wren was the teacher. Soon the school was moved to the center of the district. It was in a little frame building, a blackboard in front and a heating stove in the back by the door. We used coal and chips for fuel. My brothers Paul and Dick would drive the buggy or a wagon with horses sometimes not too tame, and we would have a very scary runaway. There was a barn for the horses to stay in during the daytime. Each horse had its own stall. Ifthe horses ran away, then we would have to walk the three and one-half miles home. In the year 1923 -L924, Emma Klassen, my father's sister, taught. I was in the first grade. �The other pupils who attended that year were: Roy Harris, Clarence Wasson, Deitrich Klassen, Dorothy Heindricks, Vincent Dalgetty, Elgie Wasson, Arline Peterson, Paul Klassen, Robert Heindricks, Archie Wasson, Freda Harris, Naomi Dalgetty, Doris Harris, Grace Faass, Carl Schauffler, Frances Burcar. The school board members were Anton Burcar, President; Bert Dalgetty, Secretary; Frank Jones, Treasurer. The next year Fanny Boren taught. The next summer a new schoolhouse was built. It was a large building. It had a hall where we kept the coats and overshoes and lunch pails. We had a Iong row of hooks for our own tin drinking cups. The water was hauled by the bus driver, in a large can with a tight lid. It was then poured into the drinking fountain; we pressed a button and the water ran into our cups. This was very important as a sanitation measure. The schoolroom was large with a long row of transom windows on the east side. On the south side another long row of windows, with curtains; this made the room warm, light and bright. Under the school was a lovely basement, with a furnace and a coal bin, also a room where the teacher could live ifthey so desired. The two outdoor toilets were north of the schoolhouse, one for boys and one for girls. There was also a big yellow clay pile of dirt in which the children made tunnels and played with play cars. In the playground west of the building was a basketball court, and there was a merry-go-round south of the building. The baseball diamond was south of the building in the pasture outside of the yard. The barn was removed for now we all rode to school in buses. All the school supplies were furnished by the district, such as books, the morning, the sun shining, we saw wagons coming over the snow banks; how thankful! by Edith M. Hugley school. NORTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #39 T188 t@, @::"\,":' under the blue, blue sky. The community loved the school, and there were many programs, basket-dinners, parties and other fun things. The spell downs were fun on Friday afternoon. In winter the parents would take turns and furnish hot soup. Some of the teachers who taught in Murphy were: Minnie Fingado, Zelma Arrington, Lindy Cates, Grace Smith, Helen Deakin, Cecil Rawley Gates, Alvina Becker Esarey, and Dazy and Clay Frankfather. Some of the families who attended Murphy School were: Cornelius Klassen (all nine of us graduated from the eighth grade at Murphy School), Otto Hanis family, Anton Burcar, Wincell Burcar, Frank Jones, Glen Jones, Fosha Gorton, Clyde Miller, William McCormick, William Hartsook, Burt Dalgetty, Jim Sesler, Wilfred Wasson, Hubbells, Grahmms, Willis, Schauffler, Whitman, Sparks, Charlie Boren, and others. One winter day a very bad blizzard came up in the middle part of the day. Zelma Arrington was teaching, and Otto Harris and Loyd Smith were bus drivers. We had to spend the night in the school; Mr. Arrington kept the boys upstairs, while the girls slept in the teacher's apartment in the basement. This was a terrible anxious time for our parents, for the school had no telephone. In by Florence McConnell ORISKA SCHOOL T190 i.];::rlir: :':..xi.,. :::::' Oriska School in 1924-25 Catherine Dunlap, Burlington, sent this early shot of the sod Norton Schoolhouse District 39 near Bethune. by Catherine DunlaP NUTBROOK SCHOOL T189 tw etc. The teacher would get library books from Burlington, the county seat. On the south side of the schoolhouse were three big cement steps (they are still there), and the flag pole. We were all so proud to put the flag up and watch it wave in the breeze, and Miss Lavina Stevens. In the winter time when there was snow. the favorite game was Fox and Geese during recess or sliding on an ice pond close to the ,liN ir, &r* .. ''; &' Nutbrook School in L947-48: front row, I to r: Hoagland girls and Myrna Wilson. Second row: Barbara Wilson, Hoagland boy, Ivan Schaal, Sandra Stewart; Third row: Denise Wilson, Edna Lewis; Fourth row: Bob Griffith and Dan Schaal Students at Oriska School in 1924-25: A Schultz boy, Lloyd Parks, another Schultz boy, Paul Fulton, Mae Fisher, Pauline Fulton, Maurice Fulton, Lucille Fulton, Barney Davis and Bernard Fulton. The Oriska School was located 16 miles south and 2lz miles west of Stratton. Ivan Smelker states that it was built by the same carpenter who built the Smelker School and the two schools were identical in plans. We did not find anyone who could recall the names of many of the teachers who taught at Oriska. Marie Greenwood did teach one term, 1924-25. Mrs. Lucille Schreiner is quite sure that her mother, Byrelle Swem, taught one or two years after her husband died during the 1918 flu epidemic and she had remarried a man by the name of Rich. Mrs. Schreiner The first Nutbrook School was a soddy. In the 1920's a frnme school was built a mile north of where the first school was located. thinks that her brother and sisters Mary Alice, Lunette, and Burdette Swem, and Bill Seeley, Fred Carrington and Ted Gulley. time. Families who had children in school Some of the first teachers that early students remember were Marie Greenwood, One of the events that the children looked forward to was when all the schools gathered at First Central School and had a track meet. The winners of each event went on to the county track meet held at Vona, Colorado. Christmas programs, box suppers and spell downs were held each year. The last year that school was held was 1950. The schools were then consolidated and the children were bused to Stratton, Colo. There was also a nice barn on the school grounds to tie the children's horses in while they attended school. There were also two outhouses. Some of the teachers in the last years were Evelyn Gouge, Lee Carpenter, Ethel Stewart, Jesse Rich probably attended school there. Carl Harrison taught a number of years and his two sons, Bob and Guy, attended at that during 1924-25 when Marie Greenwood was the teacher were the Schultz, Parks, Fulton, Fisher, Davis, Hawthorne, Hoot and Teels. A romance could have sprouted there since Bruce Davis later married Amanda Fisher. Carl Harrison relates the following incident that occurred in the winter of 1926 when he was the teacher and his son, Bob, was in the first grade. One forenoon a raging blizzard suddenly whipped in and Carl decided at noon to take the children home. A short distance from the schoolhouse, his car got stuck in a snowdrift and he and the children returned to the schoolhouse where they stayed all night. They had plenty of fuel for the stove so could keep warm, but only �had about three sandwiches left over from the dinner pails for food. The next morning, Mr. Teel came on horseback looking for them. He and Hide and Seek. On stormy days we played Upset the Fruit Basket. For entertainment there were programs on certain days. Sometimes after the progroms there would be a pie supper or box supper. In the boxes were goodies they sold to the bidders. Sometimes a guy had a girlfriend and wanted to buy their box or pie. There were always men who kept bidding higher tied his horse to the doorknob and came inside. The blizzard had subsided so they decided to start home. The horse, meanwhile, had broken loose from the doorknob. and headed for home. They bundled up and trudged the two miles through the snow to the Teel home, the men carrying little Bob making the one who wanted it bid more. Sometimes it was several dollars. The monev was used for school purposes. In later years some families moved away. More moved in. Some of the families were on an "anm-saddle" between them. Mrs. Teel cooked a big breakfast for them. Then Carl borrowed a horse from Mr. Teel and he and son, Bob, rode horseback the four miles to the Harrison home. Carl's wife, Winnie, at home Meyers; Havens, Homer and Wilkinson. alone with little son, Guy, was greatly Some ofthe teachers who taught in the school relieved to see them. were Ida Reynolds, Helen Klassen, Ora Cruickshank, Fern Moffat, Julia Wanzuk. by Marie E. Greenwood Forest Draper, Zelm Bridge, Ruth Nikkel, Reva Sawhill, Grace Clark and Avirene Seaman Henry. I taught the last term in the school just before it consolidated into Kirk. PIONEER SCHOOL #L2 Tt9r by Avirene Henry I attended Pioneer School in District No. 12 in Kit Carson County. The name was later changed to Seaman School. Members of the school board were Chas. George, President; Chas. Vanderkooi, Secretary; and N. Brownwood, Treasurer. The school was located 16 miles north, I east and % mile north of Vona. It was built in early 1915 or 1916 of cement. The men of the neighborhood did most of the work with help from a carpenter. It had three windows on both the north and south sides with a coal shed on the west. It was located just south of my father's homestead on my Grandmother McHenry's homestead. The first two teachers were Ida Reynolds of Flagler and Helen Klassen of Kirk. The first year pupils were Florence See-an, Walden (Bob) Finley, Mary Finley, Avirene The Pioneer School. Seaman, John Weststeyn, Cleo Elsey, Susie PLAINVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 64 Crist, Sarah Crist, Floyd Finley, Leroy Calkins, Virdie Elsey, Faye Crist, Frances Finley, Ray Brindle, Ardith Horton, Vern Brindle, Vergil Horton and several Atwood Tr92 boys. One was named Ed. The children brought their lunches except Seaman's. They were close enough to go home for lunch. Water was carried from the Senman house. The gnmes we played at school were Ring around the Rosey, Antie over, Drop the Handkerchief, Crack the Whip, Pull Away Plainview School in 1930-31: Margaret Blanchard, Dorothy, Pauline, and Harold Hubbell. Wavne Weakland, and Wayne Peterson. Fern Summers was the teacher. .,.] '$1E:,',1 ;, i ":':::' A Plainview School Halloween Party in the war years, 1943-44: Anna BeIIe Jackson (Keith), Mary Jackson (McCaffrey), Jerry Summers (Weis- schaar), Everett Yonts, Betty Jackson (Monroe), Paul Jackson, Virgene Jackson (Morburg), and Keith YonLs. F: ',1 . r",",r Plainview School, District No. 64, was t7,, located north of Vona, Colorado. In 1921 Miss iti!:r, Florence Seaman was the teacher and was paid a salary of $75 a month. School board officers were G.M. Ott, President; R.R. Scott, Secretary; Wm. Laughner, Treasurer. Pioneer School 1916-17. Standing L. to R.: Bob Finley, John Weststeyn, next two unknown, Florence S,eaman, Leroy Calking, Susie Crist, Floyd Horton, Mary Finley, Boy Atwood, Orville Seaman, Ardith Horton, Virdie Elsey, Sarah Crist, Cleo Elsey, Avirene Seo-an, Dave Seaman, Bertha Seaman, Ed Atwood, Boy Atwood, Floyd Finley. Seated; Francis Finley, Faye Crist, Boy Atwood. Orville and Dave Seaman were visiting school when picture was taken. Pupils were Melvin and Kitty Haynes; Verna Sparks; Rudolph and Johnnie Fredrich; Earl and Glen Wyllys; Madeline and �f $l$.1$r:r$l{{$ School Year 1945-46 at Plainview School: Back row: Paul Jackson, Keith Yonts, Virgene Jackson, Betty Jackson. Front row: Everett Yonts, Mise Jennie L. Tressell, teacher and Mary Jackeon. Pleasant Valley School, District #40 about 1912. Standing; Lula Wescott, Hazel Wilson, Earl Wescott, Mrs. Rush, teacher, Wilber Hougland, Ralph Miller, Bert Wilson, Lula Miller and Orpha Jensen. Seated; Goldie Jensen, Allie Hougland, Hettie Lipford, ? Hougland, Oliver Jensen, Johnny Wescott and Leslie Jensen. Plainview School's last year: Back row: Mary Jackson and Ardis Henningson, teacher. Front row: visitor Duane Henningson and Anna Belle Jackson. Lucille Ott; Lester and Violet Butler, Russell, Charles and Leonard Scott; Rena and Lus- ture and Iola Hartwig; Milo and Ora Lammery; and Raymond Bosley. InLg24Miss Avirene Seaman was teaching with school board officers G.M. Ott, President: Mrs. G.M. Ott, Secretary; and C.C. Wyllys, Treasurer. Pupils were Rudolph and John Fredrich; Lucille and Madeline Ott; Earl, Glen and Lester Wyllys; Mary and Nan Flanagan. by Avirene llenry being held, box suppers, pie socials, Christmas programs and other activities. Sometime in the 1920's the district was divided. One school, known as North Flat District 11, was located one mile south of the old school. Pleasant Valley, District No. 40, was placed in the Hell Creek area southeast of the North Flat School. Some of the teachers at Pleasant Valley were Izetta Wren, Johnny Husband, Mrs. Rush, Miss Lucy Muck, and Edith Gering. Dora Wolverton taught many years at North Flat School. After the school was divided, Mrs. Rush and her daughter fixed up the old school house and lived there. by Orpha Goodrich PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 68 PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.40 Tl93 The Pleasant Valley school was a one room school made of adobe blocks and located 15 miles north and three miles west of Seibert. The early spttlers in the community built the building around 1911-1912 as at this time there was need of a school. It was built by Mason Wilson, Tom Jensen, Ed Hougland, J.C. Miller, Ace Harmon, Mr. Wescott, the Barnett brothers and Don Miller. Later the Edwardg brothers, the Quintin fanily, the Ridgways, Ollie James, and Alex and Grover Todd were in the district. The school brought their drinking water from a nearby home occupied by the Mason Wileons, later the Ollie James home, now owned by Walter Timm. There were outside toilets and a coal house. Many of the teachers lived in a portion of the school house, going to their home on Friday evenings. The school was the center of entertainment, literaries Tl94 In the summer of 1919, the old soddY Pleasant Valley School in District No. 47 was razed. A new bigger cement block school house was built on a hill 1/4 mile west of the soddy. In 1921, the School District was changed to Pleasant Valley District No. 68. Now the name should appropriately have been changed to Pleasant Hill, but that was not to be; there already was a Pleasant Hill School in the county. A.M. Boese again volunteered about four acres of his land for this new school house' The new school house was still built on the same quarter as the old soddy, SW 1/4 33-948. You know, our parents were very wise, when they aranged the school yard. The school was built at about the center by the west side. The coal shed was at the center of the north side. The "Her Outhouse" was in the extreme northwest corner, and the "His Outhouse" in the extreme northeast corner, and the barn for the horses and burros on the east side. Some of the children drove a buggy hitched to burros. Henry U. Schmidt, who had taught for some years in the old soddy, was the teacher the first year in 1919-1920. In the spring of 1920, after his wife and newborn son passed away, Henry U. Schmidt with the younger children left for Oklahoma. His son Alfred Schmidt, a student at Bethel College, finished teaching our school that year. Often in the early years, up to forty pupils attended Pleasant Valley. Many years during the twenties, we had enough boys to have two full teams for playing baseball. It was the Babe Ruth era. My, how us boys hit hom- eruns, stole bases and threw those wicked curves! Milking cows and doing chores was all but forgotten. This Pleasant Valley community was very musical. The teachers put on some very interesting progrtms for Christmas, pie socials, and the last day of school events' Often there was standing room only. Among teachers in the old soddy, were Emma Liggett, the first teacher in 1908, followed by Henry U. Schmidt, Amber Palmer. Lee Buller and Mariam Schroeder. In the new cement block school house after Henry Schmidt, the teachers were Mrs. Ned Clark, who lived where Fay Knapp now lives, Alfred Schmidt, Mrs. Hill from Vona, Mrs. Wheeler from Seibert and Mrs. Vivian Myers from Seibert. After the twenties, in the thirties and fortieg some of the teachers were: Jennie Tressel, who at one time was the County Superintendent; Florence Wigton, who also was our County Superintendent at one time: Carl Harrison, Rose Pickard, Alvina Becker (Esarey), Imogene Burd, Mrs. Earl Bigelow, Ms. Sigurd Olsen from north of Kit Carson and Lavina Stephens from Stratton. Many of the farmers had to abandon their farms in the depression years of the thirties. The number of pupils declined. It became impractical to have school in these old country schools. Transportation becnme available. The better education provided by more materials and better facilities made consolidation with the town schools a necessary duty. Butmany timeswe think aboutthe intimate events and true country style of our old country schools and it brings back fond memories. Old Pleasant Valley School District No.68 was closed in 1948 as it was consolidated with Vona School District R-3. �!lg{li#ef, .fsirrl}. r. {l . l;r: 1,$;d,,*..q;rl,,:,,lii,,,ir'r1t'i'**g *kA$ ,(-1. .r,, i ,.,1 t..r* 1' .a at: tt! .f.r tr'. (,'.t ffi: ;*? *t| i . lrlltai;i l:*ffi dsffi ffi:rifu#' ,g.*l ' I x to paint it in 1930. The teacher had to keep it clean during the school year as well as start the fires in the morning. There were four little rooms on the west side of the building. At the south was the closet for coal, brooms, etc. Next to it was the coat room for the boys. North ofthe entry hall was the coat room for the girls and a little room north of that for the extra books - our library. The children who attended Prairie Star in 1920 were: Roy C. Bassette, Earl F. Bassette, Glen W. Bassette, Mary E. Bassette, Mabel E. Bassette, Russel Carlson, Leo Dunham, Ines Dunhnrn, Irene Dunham, Earl Paul and Julia Paul. Those who came in 1921 were: the five Bassette children, Russel Carlson, the three Dunham children, the two Paul children, and Melvin, Clarence, and Nellie Snelling. By 1924 there were some different pupils: Wayne Brennan, Raymond Brennan, Roland Hernbloom, Elmore Hernbloom, Gordon Pleasant Valley School, District No. 68 in 1919-20. Teacher Henry U. Schmidt in extreme left. In the picture are 6 children of Andrew B. Becker, 4 Abe M. Boese, 1 Ben Boese, 3 John Boese, 4 William Brantly, 4 Henry Burkholder, 3 Steve Card, 1 Hasbrook, 2 Martin Nelson, 5 Henry Schmidt, 1 Tanner, and 3 John Wanick. Hernbloom, Violet Hernbloom, Luella Hernbloom, Anchor A. Larsen, Starlet F. Larsen, John Wilson Moss, Helen Irene Moss, Freida Speakes, and Elva Wolfe from Alma, Nebraska. to pick up the children. Wayne Glaze was our driver for a year or so and Ernest McArthur helped take the children to school in later years. Pleasant Valley School, south of Vona Today the tall abandoned old cement block school house "Pleasant Valley" still stands as a sentinel to guard the reading, writing and arithmetic taught at this memorable country school. by Wilbert A. Becker PRAIRIE STAR SCHOOL - DISTRICT #45 T195 The white frame country school house known as Prairie Star was built in 1920. It was located five miles south of Bethune. Sometimes the school with all eight grades had its ups and downs. The attendance was spotty because when spring and fall work was at hand some of the children obviously had to stay home and help with it. For several years, the children had to get there the best way they could. Some had to walk quite a distance. Some rode horseback and some of the time my brothers and I rode in a buggy. I remember one boy came part of the time on a donkey. We had a small shed to put our horses in during the day. One evening when we got home the stars were shining. We had had to walk the three and one-half miles home. We lived a mile east and two and onehalf miles north of the school. After several years the District hired someone with a car Our country school had some advantages. We recited lessons aloud and when we had our next lessons studied, we could learn from the older ones as they recited. We learned how to play with older and younger children than we were. Frequently we had "spell-downs" which ended when the lone champion was still standing. My twin brother, Elvin Ernest, took either first or second place in the County "spell-down" at Burlington one year. Pupils brought their lunches with them in a lunch pail and we all ate together in the school room except on nice days when we went outdoors. We carried our drinking water from a cement covered cistern on the Jake Wolf place. At first, we had a bucket and dipper, then later we got a water container with a spigot. We put on some very interesting programs for special occasions with plays, recitations, readings, and singing. We had an old pump organ to sing by. Then in 1927 the school bought a piano and sold the organ to my father for three dollars. That is what I learned to play on until 1930 when my father bought me a piano. At times our parents were invited to the school to enjoy a box supper or a pie social. The highest bidder got to eat with the one who had brought the pie or box. For entertainment, we students had a teeter-totter and merry-go-round. We loved to play anti-over and several other wellknown games. Our special game in the winter when there was enough snow was fox and geese. There was lots of room to play in the section of land just north of the school house. Two of our County Superintendents were Della Hendricks and Virginia Felch. That was Ern interesting time when the County Superintendent came to visit our school. The teacher always warned us to be on our best behavior that day. The school building was kept up in good shape. I remember my father and I were hired The year 1925 brought the same students as the previous year except Freida Speakes did not return. Eighteen students came to Prairie Star in 1926: Raymond Brennan, Lela Brennan, Celia Brennan, Cora Conkey from Duncan, Oklahoma, and the Ernest twins from Oshkosh, Nebraska Elvin and Eleanor Ernest. Six Hernbloom -children were in school that year: Luella, Violet, Gladys, Roland, Elmore, and Gordon. Grant Hills, John and Helen Moss, and Marie and Agnes Ottens, and Elva Wolfe returned that year. lnl927 the girls far outnumbered the boys: Raymond Brennan, Elvin Ernest, my next younger brother Stanford Ernest, Neil Ellis and John Wilson Moss. The girls were: Lela Brennan, Eleanor Ernest, Helen Moss, Marie Ottens, Agnes Ottens, Helen Ottens, and Elva Wolfe. The picture was changed in 1928. The boys were: Dana, Howard and Gerald Buckles: Lyle Conkey; Elvin and Stanford Ernest; Charles and Robert Evans; Dale, Dean, and Dennis Humrick; James, Ralph, Delbert, and Glen and Hollis Rowley. The girls were: Eleanor Ernest; Ruthie Giddley; Cora Conkey; Marie, Agnes and Helen Ottens; LaRee Retherford; Eva Rowley; and Elva Wolfe. There were twenty-three pupils in 1929. The boys were: Lyle and Melvin Conkey; Elvin and Stanford Ernest; Robert, Charles and James Evans; Dale, Dean, and Dennis Humrick; James, Ralph, Delbert, Glen, and Hollis Rowley. The girls were: Eleanor Ernest; Ruthie Giddley; Marie, Agnes, Helen and Celia Ottens; Eva Rowley; and Elva Wolfe. In 1930 the boys were: Elvin, Stanford, and Paul Ernes! Robert, Charles, and James Evans; James, Ralph, Delbert, Glen and Hollis Rowley; and Edward Houser from Monette, Kansas. The girls were: Eleanor Ernest; Marie, Agnes, Helen, and Celia Ottens; Eva Rowley, Elva Wolfe, and Marie Houser. I still have my Report Cards from Prairie Star Grades four through eight so I have a record of the teachers for those years. Teacher 1926-1927: Edrie Terry; t927-L928: Dorothy Smith; 1928-1929: Alta Wolfe; 1929- �1930: Jessie Ardueser: and 1930-1931: Florence Glaze. There was a bus in 1942 when my youngest of miles. The school district was controlled by dents that I remember were Jessie C. MaGee Gray, Della Hendricks and Zella Payne. There were probably others during that time brother, Leland Ernest, went to Prairie Star. The two other students besides Leland were three board members under what was called a "Gentlemen's Agreement". The board members were chosen from different sections of the district. Some of the names of schools was Dessie Cassity. Fairview, Dazzling Valley and Prairie View. I will mention some of the pupils that went to one of the three schools, and their families: Miles and Ted Ellis, Lloyd Huntley, a Larsen school, which was located one and a half miles boy, Earnest and Frank Green, the Hans Wilma, Oneta, Wendel family - Harry, and Mildred, the Bob Hank, Russel, Lela Ruby and Marvin Buckholtz. The teacher In 1946 Betty (Schaal) Reimer was the teacher. The students drove to school that year in their own cars. That year the students were: Leland Ernest; Lavana, Bonnie, Will, John, and Gerald Johnson; Bob Young; and Richard Robinson. The Prairie Star school closed in mid-year 1947.It has served its purpose. The District was included in the Bethune School District and the building was later moved to Bethune and used as a teacherage. I wish I had a list of more of the students and teachers for other years. There was Leona and Helen Blanchenship; Joe, Elsie, Curtis, and Phyllis Woods; Leo, Mabel, Wilda and Les King; and Orville and Rosalee Pannell. Other families in our District were: Everett Alleman, Art and Fern Casson, Billie Lamb, Helen Ruhs, Rome Warner, and others. Many families have come and gone from the Prairie Star School District. My parents, Harry and Ida Ernest, are in their 90's in 1986 and are living in Burlington. by Eleanor (Ernest) Varce Prairie View was the school our family attended. It was known as the "Huntly" south of the old Huntly place on the Thurman Road. Where the school was located was the "Proaps" place. School was held there in 191? and 1918. Then the district built a new school, which was one mile north and one half mile west of the first school. This school house was built of sod. Local labor was donated and a one room school house was constructed. The larger district began to break up into local schools with the board members in the local areas. After a short time in the sod school, the smaller district decided to build a frame building one half mile east and one half mile north of the sod building. It was built on the corner of my dad's farm. Even though the name of the school was Prairie View, it was known as the "Walker" school. The district had a well drilled and also built a barn to shelter the horses used for transportation of the children. Some of the teachers who taught in one of the last three schools I mentioned, the Huntly school, Sod school and the Walker school were: Leona Lee Quigley, Ethel Langcamp, Jenny Costine (later Serena), Irene Potter, Lola Shaw Rillahan, Dave PRAIRIE VIEW SCHOOL in the district #14 were Mt. Pleasant, Williams, Grace Clark, Ella Robb Huntzing- er, Alice Roberts Fruhling, Pearl Robb, T196 My folks, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Walker, moved from Arkansas to Colorado in the fall of 1917 and built a house and barns on their farm about 10 miles north of Flagler. At the time we moved I was 8 years old. There were several small schools north of Flagler that were all in District #14, covering a wide area Blanche Byers, Ruby Dorsey, Lorena Hohen- stein, June Kyle and Doris Moore. There were probably a few more that taught there that I do not remember. In those days we had a County Superinten- dent of Schools who came from Burlington occasionally to visit each small school. We really had to be good while she was visiting they had superintendents, but they finally did away with that office. Beeman children, Roy, and Marie; Bert Souls daughters, Alberta and Maxine; the Floyd Fager children, Harvey, Florence, Virgil, Harold, Alvin, Hazel and Shirley; the Oliver Orth children, Phyllis, Vernon and Delmer; the John Walker children, Mary, Edith, Ernest, Helen and Elsie; the Ed Walker family, Roy, Lorene, Ima, Clarence and Elbert; Max and Curran Driskill; the Gerald Eachus children, Buckley, Dixie, Barbara, Orvin and Betty; Parker Weatherly's boys, Duane, Floyd, Lloyd, and James; the Carroll Elricks' children, Scotty, Raymond and James; Earl Kent Walker, son of the Clarence Walkers'. My parents boarded some of the teachers. I remember Ethel Langcamp and Blanche Byers stayed with us. After my brother Clarence and wife Shirley moved to the Walker farm in 1939, Ella Robb Huntzinger boarded with them. The school house was the center of activities for the community. They had Sunday School, programs, box suppers and literaries there. About 1949 the Prairie View school consolidated with the Flagler school. The school building was moved into Flagler on north Main Street (708 Maine Ave.). It was used as a teacherage for years, then sold to Sam Short of Roy, Utah. He and wife Lucille and children Ruth Elaine and Sammy J. moved into the old schoolhouse in the late sixties. Now our country schools are just a memory, but they contributed much to the commu- nity. by Roy F. Walker or we got punished. Some of the superinten- SCHOOL DIST. 22 Tr97 Prairie View - German School, later Schaal School Prairie View, District No. 22 School was probably the first school built in the settle- Alvin Fager, Dixie Eachus (child a visitor), Hazel Prairie View School children: Back row - Betty Eachus, Fager, Buck Eachus, Dorothy Johnson, Barbara Eachus, Duane Weatherly. Front Row: Irvin Eachus, (a visitor), Lloyd weatherly, shirley Fager, Jim and Floyd weatherly, and Earl Kent walker. Moving day for district 22 schoolhouse. It was moved 1% miles west of original location in 1919. Pulled with a Hart Paar and Jacob Strobel's Wallace tractors. �l:lllilll a::4.:')a:' one year and all pupils attended the Schaal school. Also for 2 years the first grades ofhigh school were taught. When it closed the pupils were bused by car to Prairie View School until it was dissolved and taken into the Bethune district in 1955. One year a third school was opened for the Germans and the north district scholars. but that did not seem profitable and the pupils came back to Prairie View again. The school term was about 6 months a vear, . School was from 9 to 4 o'clock with fS minutes recesses and one hour noon. In winter school houses were crowded, up to thirty pupils in one school. The older pupils would go until they were 18 or 20 years old. Most of the pupils had to learn the English ffi language and the 3 R's. As mostly everyone talked German, some teachers would punish pupils for talking German at school, but all talked it at home so it went on in the school yard too. Some of the early scholars I remember were the Schaal's children of Matt Sr., John, Sam and Carolina, the Strobels, Doblers, McClen- # 't4 4 Prairie View school house, pupils and families, about 1g12. ment when the Germans settled in Colorado from 1890 on. This was a frame school built by Chris (Grandpa) Dobler who was a carpenter by trade. The size ofthe school was about 20X30 ft. It was built just east of Hope Church 11 north and 1 east ofBethune, across the road. This being a frame building, it was moved several times to be closer to the pupils. The first move was in the 1920's, one and one fourth miles west on the hill east of the Frank Kramer farm. In 1929 or 1930 it was moved one fourth mile east and one mile north where it stayed until it was torn down and replaced by a cement block building in 1949 and is still there, but the district was dissolved in 1955 and cut into the Bethune District. In 1907 an adobe school house was built in the eastern part of the district. It was called the German school at Yale and later the Schaal school as Sam Schaal bought the old Yale place which was across the road from the school 11 north and 3 east ofBethune. In 1910 the school board members were Jacob Weidmaur, President; Sherman Yale, Secretary, and Sam Schaal, Treasurer. This school was closed in1942 or 1943 but before it closed the Prairie View closed for togs, Pete Knondels, and Kramers, a little later the John Knodel's, John Weiss's. William Adolfs, Stahleckers, and Weisshaars. Some of the German and later Schaal school scholars were the Weisshaar's since it was closer, the Schlichenmayers and Warners, later also Schaals. Knodels, Adolfs, Bauers, and Jacobers. Having a school full of big guys and gals, a teacher had to have discipline and most did. If need be, they would take them down. sit on them and spank; even a small lady teacher would. The parents would back up the teachers. The saying was "If you get a spanking at school you'll get it twice as hard at home" and the parents would. Pupils were not compelled to go to school so all older children had to help gather in the crops and in spring, help at home again, and only get 2 or 3 months of school a year, so most only got to the third or fourth grade. Later more were able to graduate from the eighth grade. All eight grades were taught by one teacher. The early requirements for a teacher were 8th grade diploma and pass the teacher's examination. The first salaries were $30.00 or $35.00 a month and that included, teaching, janitor work, having the school house warm when the children came, etc. The older bovs would fill the coal bucket before going home. Most of the teachers boarded with families close to the school; transportation was walking, horse and buggie or horseback. Each school also had a barn of horses for the day; however, Vera Dillon and brother Tom. Victor Voss and Quinton Voss had farms B and 5 miles off. They came horseback. Some of the other teachers, I remember were Katherine, Helen and Mary Klassen from Kirk, Gladys Sherman, Fern Russel, Mary Everet. Some later ones were Mable Guv. Lela Pottorff, Minnie Eaton, Daisy Heweit. Some of the Schaal School teachers were Bessie Dingham, Jake Yeager, Daisy Hewett The German school also known as the Schaal school, about 1910. Teacher is Bessie Dingman. Pauline Weisshaar Schlichenmayer on left by blackboard, Mary Weisshaar Adolf and Margaret Weisshaar Stahlecker by blackboard. Anna Weisshaar Adolf standing by desk. The boys are William Weisshaar, Warden Warner with Jake and William (BiIl) Schlichenmaver in back bench. and Mr. Keys. For heating there was a big belly heater in the middle of the school, heating the side close by, and the other side froze on cold mornings. Two seated desks were lined up on both sides of the building, some times from the front to the back, the lower ones in front, the larger to the back. There was a recitation bench in front of the teacher's desk. where �at the time. This building is still in use as a community center for 4-H clubs. It is located 12 miles north of Bethune. I remember my first day at school. Dad took us, my cousin Arleen Grammand me, to school with the team and wagon. We were so anxious to go but, oh, so scared. Arlene couldn't speak English but I could because Grace Smith and students. 1922-23, Schaal school. each class took turns to recite their lessons out loud, while the rest studied their assignments. This went on all day long: reading, writing, arithmetic, language, physics, geography, history were some of the studies we had. To start the school we would read from the Bible or a story. Friday afternoon after recess often was spell down or ciphering. Some afternoons our school would go to another school for spell down or ciphering. Prairie View also played basketball with Bethune several years. Some games we played were shinny, baseball, Greg Wolf, drop the handkerchief, and more. Most of the teachers would play along or at least go out and watch. Everyone brought their own lunch and water was brought to the school and put in PRAIRTE VIEW #22 T198 my older brothers and sister taught me. We all spoke German at home but we were not allowed to speak German at school. We always had a big crowd at our Christmas program. Some people had to stand outside and look through the windows. The activities that I remember were spelling bees; Valentine's Day brought great fun with making and exchanging valentines. Halloween came with the older kids making a "spook house" in the coal shed. I was too frightened to go and look. Music festivals at Stratton were attended sometimes. We played games such as "Steal Sticks", "Farmer in the Dell", "Last Couple Out", "Annie Over", and "Hide and Seek". Winter time brought "Fox and Geese" to play in the snow. Softball and track meets were held with "Blue View", Tuttle, Union, and Schaal schools. In the fall we also made play houses out of thistles. The Later Years Our family, the Gramms, all attended Prairie View school and my older brothers and sister remember Miss Elva Richards (now Powell) and a Mr. Jake Yeager as teachers. Other teachers from 1938 on were Mrs. Olsen from Burlington, Miss Marian Turner of Ogden, Utah, Daisey Hewett, Mrs. Mabel Guy, and Mrs. Husenetter of Stratton. We had grades 1 - 8 in our one roomed school house until 1955 when grades 1 - 6 were taught. The new schoolhouse was built in 1955. Mrs. Minnie Eaton was the teacher We had outdoor toilets with the ever present Sears and Roebuck catalogue. The horse barn had stalls to tie up the horses. I also rode a bicycle and walked to school. Our day began with the "Pledge of Allegience to the Flag" and singing (our music class). We had22 - 25 students and our desks seated two pupils. To heat the room was a big "pot-bellied" stove. At first we used a water bucket with dipper, then a round crock jar with a push button spigot, and Iater we each had our own cup. Punishment was, if the boy was naughty, he had to sit with a girl and visa-versa; what humiliation. a cooler. Children would have programs at least for Christmas and usually another one or two for their families and friends, giving plays, recitations, singing. If there was a need for something for the school, there would be a pie or box supper which would have all kinds of goodies in it. Girls bring the eats and boys buy their box or pie, then eat it together. Should a certain boy and girl be sweet on each other, that boy might have to pay a big price for it, if he wanted to eat with the girl. Before the district dissolved. the ones that went to high school met the school bus at the A.W. Adolf farm, or had to go on their own to school. Some boarded in town; some families moved to town in order to be closer to high school. When the district was dissolved in 1955, and pupils went to Bethune School, buses came to get the children from their home; now there were very few that did not graduate from high school anymore . . . a big change from the early years. by William Kramer A family gathering at Prairie View school. Front row, younger children, L. to R.: Irene Kramer, Norman Kramer, Edie Kramer, Max Kramer, Ernest Adolf, Lorena Kraner, Vernon Schlichenmayer, Esther Adolf, Buddy (Rudolf) Schlichenmayer, Ralph Adolf in white cap, Esther Gramm, Harold Adolf, Elmer Dobler, Stanley and Russell Davis. Middle Row - L. to R.: Theresa Kramer, Martha Adolf, Frieda Schlichenmayer, Rosser Davis, John Adolf, Elmer Schlichenmayer, Edmund Gramm. Back Row, L. to R.: Mary Kramer, Katie Davis, Lydia Gramm, Lydia Adolf, Lena Schlichenmayer, Pauline Knodel, holding Loyd, Lena Dobler, Margaret Adolf, William Adolf, Mr. Lamb, John Dobler. �We went up front to the "recitation bench" for our individual class time. One time, to punish one of the boys, the teacher sent him out to get a paddle and he brought in a board with nails in it. When the dirt storms came, we hung wet sheets on windows and got the lanterns out. It was a frightening experience for us. We couldn't leave unless someone came and got teacher), Velma Rice and a tall lady who taught the last year the school was open, whose name could not be recalled. using Charley Jackson's barn to stable horses ridden to school. He added that the first money he ever earned was from Charley, who paid him a quarter to drive a team hitched to a wagon. Charley rode in the back and "blow outs" or "sand hills" on the Bill Kramer place. to shorten the distance. The road near the For our end of school picnics we went to the by Esther Corliss scHool- #32 Tr99 There was a school 972 south and 5 miles west of Burlington known as the Ritzdorf School and later as School #32. The school building was made of adobe. Skunks had made their home under the building and some days the smell was so bad that it was impossible to hold school. Later they cemented over the adobe to keep the skunks out. Some of the families attending this school were the Carlsons Warners, Meyers, and McCormicks. This information given by Emma (McCor- mick) Mullis. by Shirley Matthies school was very populated with farmsteads in early days, very different from today. Along this road was the Heck family, across the road from the Heck family was the Widenheimer family. East of the school was the Schwyn family. Tollie remembered that Marvin Beeler often rode a mule to school and she said he always teased girls at school, especially her! Schwyn children (girls, Luella and Lydia), living nearby, attended at Flagler, probably because they were located just over the line in district 35. In 1915, when Flagler built a new high school, a request to consolidate District 10 with Flagler District 35 was voted down by patrons ofthe district. It is interesting to note that in 1951, when all schools consolidated to form District R-1, more than 9400.00 was added to R-L funds from District 10. Mr. D.F. Blanken and many of his neighbors were not fully convinced that a better education could be had in town. In 1915, even though a consolidation was not accomplished, most children who had attended Robb School transfened to Flagler. ROBB SCHOOL T200 Robb School closed in 1915. Other schools continued to operate in the district, perhaps some time later. One of these was Midway, which may have reopened later some distance Robb School was located in the northwest corner of the northeast L/4 of Section 5. Township 9 S, Range 51 W. This location is southwest of Flagler. Some information 6 miles due west of Flagler, Colorado on the south side of the old highway. It is located on a 1/2 section line. An early description ofit's location would be across the road south of an old barn on a place Charles Jackson owned and may have farmed. In 1987, a description of it's location would be about 1/4 mile, more or less, west of the Allen Petersen home on District 10 was 2 miles wide and 22 miles long, the south side of the road. This school was located in district 10. Mr. D.F. Blanken and Mr. Beeler were two known school board 'members. Some of the families utilizing this early school were Robb, Blanken, Weidenheimer, Heck, Jackson and possibly, Schmidt. I am told the Johnston family used the school. Some known students of the school were Oliver Blanken, Natalie (Kueker) Blanken, Forrest and Creighton Heck, J.T. Robb children, Weidenheimer children. Johnston children and children of Harry Schmid (or Schmidt) could have attended at one time. Children of Charles Jackson did not use this school, all attending at Flagler. Mr. Jackson lived farther north. The Jackson home was west and a little south of the present Ralph Conrad place. His property near the school was vacated and still had improvements on it. Marvin Beeler attended about 1914 when another school in the district farther south, recalled as Midway, was closed. Known teachers at this school were Arthur Robb (Natalie "Tollie" Kueker's last teach- er), Gerald Rice (Oliver Blanken's first T20l Oliver Blanken remembered students broadcast seed from the tail-gate. Oliver said when they went to town, they often cut across Charley Jackson's place, north of the school, us, ROCK CLIFF SCHOOL found suggests that one of the school houses was moved to a new location in the district. bordering the west side of Kit Carson County. Its northern border was south of the Hohenstein place. Its southern border was at the county line. A 1922 atlas shows a school location in this southwest corner area. A theory exists that the name of this school was McAllister. If this is true, McAllister, Midway and Robb were the three early schools in District 10. A word about the name recorded for this school. At first, no known name could be recalled. Much effort was expended to try to determine the name used in those early days. In a 1915 issue of the Flagler Nerus, an item was found which told of the beginning of school that year. "It is estimated that there will be an increase in enrollment of last year, of about fifty, in all departments. The Robb school, in Dist. No. 10, west of Flagler, has arranged for the entire school to take work in Flagler this year." In finding this 1915 record, a name in use at this early time was learned. It is interesting to note that the district did not consolidate with Flagler, however, children of Robb School began, in 1915, to attend school in Flagler. by Lyle W. Stone Rock Cliff School Rock Cliff school was located on the south edge and about midway of Section 34, Township 10 S, Range 49 W. This location is due south of Seibert, Colorado on the correction line. Rock Cliff was a consolidation or upgrade of education in the district. Smaller schools in the area transferred to the new school. Two of these schools may have been Martin and Fairmount schools. The buildings ofthis school were offrame construction, consisting of two school houses accommoda- ting grades 1 through 9. Two outhouses and a large barn were located on the school grounds. The barn served as shelter for horses used by students riding or driving buggies and wagons to school. This barn was even- tually used to house three model T Ford buses until 1925 when bodies of the buses were placed on Model A Ford chassis and used in the Seibert school system. Two teachers were employed at the school in the beginning. A well on the premises provided drinking water for the students and animals. Known teachers at Rock Cliff were Agie Sawhill, Opal Conarty Murphy, Maurice Wrenn, Minnie Fingado, Wilma Lettman, Marie Benson, Lucy Schack, Dacy Frankfather, Roy Howell, Evelyn Allen, Norma Jean Murphy Moore, Minnie Eaton and Rogene Boren, who was teacher in 1949-50, the last year school was held at Rock Cliff. 1915-16 news items tell of funerals, debates, sports events and other activities ofthe community. One recorded debate names patrons of Rock Cliff and Second Central areas. Subject was: "Resolved, that it is better for the country to have free range than a herd law." Speakers on the affirmative were C. Reece, W. Dowse and F. Van Wanning, while those having charge ofthe negative side ofthe question were Orrin Hendricks, S. Westover and Walter Conarty. Judges were John Davis, Charley Pettis and Will Stone. Judges' decision was three for the negative, thus making the unanimous opinion of the judges that we should have a herd law. The debate occurred in February, 1916. In the terms taught by Opal (Conarty) Murphy and Maurice Wrenn, an extensive program in sports was apparent when the students of Rock Cliff school walked away with much more than their share of ribbons at a track meet in Burlington. Some of the families living in the Rock Cliff area were: Quigley, Murphy, Stone, Short, Livingston, Martin, Dix, Christie, Mayberry, Matthews, Hendricks, Sawhill, Pelser, arnong many others. Students were numerous and manv were �from previously mentioned families. A few stories remain, such as the time Troy Murphy, who started school in 1927, attempted to wind a barbed wire into the fur of a rabbit in an air vent under the school. He was so intent, he didn't appear when class took up, resulting in punishment for his deed. "Billie" Stone, son of W.F. Stone, remembered a yearning kids of this time had for fruit. He said he once traded a beautifully browned drumstick his mother had fried for the core of an apple! "Billie", how did you know any apple would be left?" "Oh, I watched him and stopped him before he ate it all!" Viva (Livingston) Boger and Billie reminisced about a time the Quigley family hauled in some apples. Billie said they put them in a hole in the ground packed in straw. He said, "When I looked down into that hole and saw those apples, I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven!" They talked of the hard it was 1928-29 that they started using cars for buses. As far as I know this was always District 59. I don't know what happened to the small school house, but the larger one was moved to the Jolly Ranch south and east of the Phil Mullen place in Cheyenne county and made into a machine shed. Rock Cliff was a constant ally of Second Central school, participating in spelling matches, sports events and entertainment. In 1987. little remains but a scar on the earth to mark a location of this school. Rock Cliff district was consolidated with Seibert school after a push for consolidation abounded in the late '40s; this was accomplished about or before 1950. A book could be written about Rock Cliff School. These few items will record only a very small portion of events occurring there and of people who lived them. by Lyle TY. Stone times then, and when I heard Billie tell of pancakes in layers, stacked in a 5 gallon lard pail, each garnished with bacon grease, brought by one family to school for lunch, I had to agree. Most of us who live in eastern Colorado, have felt the crunch of hard times but always there were the good times. Vera Livingston Gattshall says, "I remember that busses for Rock Cliffwere purchased for the year 1922. My father, Earl Livingston, and Odbert Martin were two of the bus drivers. T.J. Short was on the board. There were 14 beginners in 1922 when I was a ROSE SCHOOL T202 Rock Cliff." Twila Gorton remembers a crack in the ceiling that her mother said was there when Alice Short went to school and the children weren't allowed to jump for fear the plaster would fall down. It was still there in the 1940's. (A long time to never jump in that room!) Twila said, "When Maurice Wrenn taught he used his own car as a bus. I think Mettie Rose Love, daughter of the George Rose's, was probably the first teacher. Other early teachers were Mrs. Lena Smith, Mettie's sister, and Miss Mary Beecher. George Baxter was an early teacher and the only man teacher in the school's history. He homesteaded 2 miles north of the school. In 1908, the teacher was Miss Chick, students were Jim and Opal Gwyn, Hazel and Orlo Searcy. Others may have attended. In 1912 and after, Claude, Alta, Rethal and Gilbert Strode and others attended Rose school. The William Strode family lived on the Rose homestead at this time. Remembered families at this time were Strode, Gwyn and Smith. Teachers through years following were Lois Fisher, Mrs. Phoebe Cooper (1924), Mrs. Ben Sawhill, Lola Shaw (Rillihan), Alice Roberts (Fruh- Iing) and Mrs. Bledsoe. Known students of 1939 were Agnes, Margie, Albert Gwyn and Immogene Harrison. Mrs. Laura Mae Malbafftaught from January, 1942 and finished this term. Agnes and Margie Gwyn, Immogene Hanison, Joan Fisher and Jim Statler were students. Mrs. Malbaff taught the 19423 term. Of this time, she remembered preparing hot lunches on an oil stove in the entrance area, sometimes even baking biscuits. As with remembered well. Times of staying at school until parents came to take children home, required ingenuity of teachers to quell alarm and create entertainment. Orpha Goodrich has vivid memories of the two-foot snow fall in November of 1946 when she was able to get to town safely but no school was held at Rose for about a month. Her students included children of Perry Vernons, Benny Thorsens, Bill Anslingers, and Andrew Selenkes. Pelser, Leroy Newton, Winnie Douglas, Lucille Noxon, Olga Gunderson, Dorothy Conarty, the teacher, was staying at T.J. Shorts and I remember Dad fixed the sled so Opal could drive it to school and Viva and I could ride with her." Viva Livingston Boger said, "I don't know when the school house was built but T.J. Short moved to Seibert in 1913 and their daughter Alice was 12 years old and went to school. so many teachers of our area, bad storms were beginner: Billy Stone, Ernest Christie, Jesse Turner, and maybe Ruby Mitchel and others whose names I don't remember. Many had moved by the next year though." Twila Gorton well recalls the blizzard of 1926-27 school year. "Odbert Martin, the bus driver, got to school and took us to Fingado's to stay. Odbert left us at Quigleys' while he and Francis Fingado went to Mayberry's to call what parents he could; lots of them didn't have telephones back then. When they got back, we started on to Fingado's. I remember Francis got out and walked, holding onto the fender of the bus to help Odbert keep on the road. We 10 students and Odbert spent the night at Fingado's. We had potato soup for supper and played games until about midnight when they found a place for all of us to go to bed. It was clear the next day, but Dad came for us with a sled and the snow was knee deep on the horses. In 1929 we had a May Day blizzard and didn't go to school, but the next day we got to school about 10 o'clock. That was the year I took County Exams for eighth grade, and we didn't have much time to take the exams. The snowy winter of 1924-25, Opal and may have had a hand in building this Other teachers whose nnmes could be recalled included Marjorie Miner Allison, Rose school, October 10, 1913. George Baxter teacher, Strode, Searcy, Smith and Gwyn children are the students. Rose School was one of the first schools in the area, built in 1886-7 by Mr. George Rose and his neighbors. Location ofthe school was the southwest corner Section 24, Township 8 S, Range 50 W. The Republican River crosses a county road less than a mile in of south of the school, hampering teachers and students on their way to school in times of high water. First construction of the building was of magnesia rock, abundant in the area. These were carefully laid into walls. Covering a one room structure was a roof of wooden construction, no doubt first covered with sod. In later years, concrete was poured on outer walls. A conventional roof and other improvements were made. A wooden entrance was added to the south side about L922.I am told the wooden entrance displayed a painted identification: Rose School, established 1886. The Bradford family and others lived nearby Alice Ligget, Edith St. Clair, Nellegene Mort Ashton, Margie Schiferl, and Elaine Mason Miller, the last teacher before school closed in early 1950's when all were consolidated and moved into Flagler and Seibert districts. The school served as a community center during the 50 years of its existence. Buck Fisher recalls the dances held there, and the literary meetings. Sunday School was also held for many years. Ida Gwyn recalls seeing her first "Christmas tree", a cottonwood wrapped in green paper, at the Rose School when she was about 6 years old and the family went there for a program. Each fall, special attention was given to policing the school grounds for invariably, one or two rattle snakes were found, Prairie dog colonies and magnesia cliffs jutting out on the south bank of the Republican made it an ideal setting for these critters. Mrs. Malbaff remembered so very well, help given her by Ida Gwyn when roads, storms, etc. made her late to school. Mrs. Malbaff said Mrs. Gwyn seemed very experienced in driving two very large horses hitched to a Iumber wagon used to bring her children to school. In the event Laura Mae was late, Mrs. Gwyn expertly taught school until she arrived. One of the special treats of the pupils was when Claude Ervin would stop after checking his cattle nearby and play baseball with the �kids. And sometimes those recesses would last all afternoon! by Jean Mudd SECOND CENTRAL SCHOOL T206 ROSEDALE SCITOOL Second Central School was located in the southeast corner of Section 21, Township #47 of Flagler, Colorado. This school was a T203 10S, Range 50W, nine miles south and 4 east consolidation of other small schools in Dis- Second Central about 1917 consider consolidation and construction. In the spring of 1915, patrons ofthe district were still not content with consolidation. Early 1915 rain and hail damaged two of the soddie school buildings. The school board had promised to build a new building in the west end of the district. They compromised by building a two room centralized frame building on land purchased from Henry "Hank" Galer. Since consolidation was unpopular with some of the patrons, it is possible much effort was expended in designing, selecting best material and providing best teaching mate- rial. Nearly full length blackboards were placed on north and south walls of two rooms, separated by a divider offolding doors. This Rosedale School, 1915, 18 miles south of Vona (The Charley Duncan Caravan) trict 19. These were Ackerman, Albright, Sunny Slope (south ofFlagler) and Loco. The new school was built of best materials and design to allow unparalleled lighting of classrooms for this time and a unique design to assure beauty of the building. A central heating system using coal was eventually added. In 1914 meetings were called to made it convenient to accommodate the community at meetings and school programs. Oiled pine floors were laid and additional windows high on the north wall, augmented Iighting from five large windows on the east and west side. Two cloak rooms were provided on either side of a south, central entrance. Located here was a crockery water container on a wooden shelf. No details were left lacking in the trim and finish of the building. Above the transom fitted door at the entrance was placed a round wooden sign with Rosedale School in 1917 when Marie Farquahar was teacher. Top row, I to r: Charles and Wilma Lettman, Elmer Rose, Mary Hinds; Middle row: Joe Hinds, Don McAuley, Lee Calhoun, Charles Goff; Front row: Josie Hinds, Evelyn Duncan, Orville Duncan, Freeman Goff. by Don McAuley SAND CREEK scHool, - 1898 T204 by Velma Hines Sand Creek School about 1898: Pupils at this Seibert school were: Front row, I to r: Ruth Rogers, Sammie Rogers, Mirian Blake, Mable Blake, Ethel Blake, Bessie Kistler, Cordia Hendricks (Hines), Herbert Bandy. Center row: Berl Lee, Leona Bell, Clara Blake, Audrey Blake, Jim Kistler, Rollie Rose, Roy Hendricks, Clarence Bandy, Jesse Bandy. Back row: Mildred Blake, Elda Blake, Roy Rogers, Grover Blake, Harry Rose, Ralph Rogers, Milton Rose, Mottie Rose, Maude Rogers. Rear back: J.S. Scheib, teacher. �In September, 1917, 55 students were enrolled at Second Central according to Adam Phiester, Secty. Professor and Mrs. W.I. Coley were hired to teach this year, and classes were held for students up to the 10th grade. No record was found ofother teachers this year. In 1917-18, teachers paid by the district were: W.I. Conley, Mary O. Harmon, Helen Potter and Phoebe Cooper. This year well casing was purchased; however, later in time, water was still being hauled to school. In 1917 the elegant new school building sported a bronze plaque below the round black and white Second Central sign. This plaque read: "State Of Colorado, Standard '*.*-:* and a matter of record. Many drivers of Second Central in 1930 animals used for this purpose. Drinking water was brought in a 5 gallon cream can by someone living nearby. Walter "Mike" Co- narty remembered doing this task. On most Sundays, church and then Sunday school was held. The school board members were W.H. Conarty, President, Adam Phiester, Secretary and C.J. Far, Treasurer. At a Standardization Day meeting at the Second Central teachers, Viola Short Pursley, left and Mrs. Stella Boote. the words, Second Central School, District 19. On a contrasting black background, it was very impressive. First students at the new school are believed to be: Opal Conarty, Lela Galer, Gladys Ploper, ? Carlson, Aljy Stinton, Vern Joy, Elmer Joy, Glen Stinton, Irma Conarty, Helen Potter, Howard Westover, Walter "Mike" Conarty, Tom Conarty, Eva Ploper and Solomon "Sollie" Stone. Teachers for the 1915-16 term were Misses Francis and Ruth Hyland. Warrants were also issued to Miss Estelle Wille. Other schools were still in operation and it is difficult to determine where Miss Wille taught. Warrants reflect much work on the school house during school in 1915. Second Central received a score ofseventy-five, which pleased the board very much. This satisfaction was expressed by the secretary of the school board, Adam Phiester. At a parent-teachers meeting held April 21, 1916, the score of seventy-five was raised by the county committee to eightytwo. Headlines at this time read, "Second Central Scores Highest in County." Reasons for raising the score were attributed to lighting and ventilation of the building, care of grounds, certificates, salaries of teachers and efforts of the Misses Hyland and their students. In August, 1916, the school board asked for bids to dig a basement under the Second Central School building for additional classroom space. Solomon Stone was awarded the contract. A basement was dug and concrete walls were poured while classes were in session. Eight windows were built below ground level with appropriate covers to keep out elements of weather. Blackboards were placed on three walls in the west half of the basement area. The east half was used as a furnace room; a coal bin was located in an additional section of basement on the southeast side. A partition separated the two rooms. Mr. Sam Valquette installed a large coal furnace with appropriate piping to provide central heat in October, 1916. A large water jacket around the furnace provided needed humidity in classrooms. The new basement classroom was used for the 9th and 10th grades. Transportation of students to school was a Miss Ora Cruickshank taught at Second Central in 1916-17, along with W.I. Conley and his wife, Pearl. In May, 1917, 8th grade graduates were Irene Wickham, Irma Conarty, Flossie Kinzer, Charles Conley and horseback, buggy and wagon or cart. A barn was located on the school ground to house Sollie Stone. Mrs. Hayworth served as minister at the school where church was held on most Sundays. September, October and December in 1915. family obligation and students came by School, Superior Class." It would seem the heart of a school, beyond its physical structure, must lie in the greatness of teachers and students. Second Central was blessed with an abundance of both. very special teachers and many outstanding students. A list of students would be numerous and difficult to assemble. Many of the teachers through the years remain in memory school buses and school board members can be recorded and remembered. In the 1918-19 term, teachers were Mrs. Phoebe Cooper, Helen Potter and Mary O. Harmon. No bus drivers were recalled. probably because it was before such a service was provided. Board members of this time were W.H. Conarty, President, Adam Phiest- er, Secretary and S.W. Sloan, Treasurer. L920-L92L school term was taught by A.O. Tudor and Mrs. Phoebe Cooper. Only two teachers were listed this year. Bus drivers were numerous, Harry Eaton, Conrad Stone, Joe Short (short route), E.I. Vawter, M.I. Ploper (short route) and A.A. Frager (short route). Board members were O.L. Vawter, F.J. Van Wanning and V.F. Shrode. In L92l-22, Mrs. Phoebe Cooper, J.H. Jaeger and Mrs. Helen Westover were teachers. Routes were driven by G.F. Baxter, A.B. Radenbaugh, E.I. Vawter with short routes driven by W.R. Stewart and N.C. Wheeler. Board members this term were Ora L. Vawter, President, V.F. Shrode, Secretary, W.Y. Grove was Treasurer. The L922-23 term was taught by John F. Matthews, Mrs. J.F. Matthews and Thelma Wright. Bus drivers this year were C.E. Reavis, E.I. Vawter and Odbert Martin. 1923-24 school term was taught by Murvale H. Moore and Mrs. M.H. Moore. Drivers were Ora Dunivan, Fred Lange and E.I. Vawter. Board members were Wm. H. Wickham, President, V.F. Shrode, Secretary and B.H. Short, Treasurer. ln 1924-25, J.F. Matthews and Mrs. J.F. Matthews taught the school, C.E. Reavis and H.J. Shrode were bus drivers and the school board remained the same as last term. 1925-26 term was taught by A.W. Dix, Mrs. A.W. Dix and Zella Stone. Bus drivers were Clem Nixon, Fred Christopher and Harry Eaton. Board members were Wm. M. Wickham, President, Fred Griffeth, Secretary and B.H. Short was Treasurer. ln 1926-27, Mr. A.W. Dix and his wife taught the school, Harry Eaton and W.F. Lana drove the routes. "Bill" Lana operated two regular buses this year. Board members were Mr. Wm. M. Wickham, President, J.L. Short, Secretary and B.H. Short, Treasurer. The 1927-28 term was taught by Dolora Tiller, Elizabeth and Awilda Nixon. Drivers of school routes were Mrs. Rose Wickham. �Bill Wickham, James H. Reade, Mr. Wm. Wickham drove a route in a touring car. Mr. Wickhem bought two new Chevrolet buses this year. Board members were Mr. Wm. Wickhem, President, J.L. Short, Secretary and B.H. Short, Treasurer. In December this year, Elizabeth Nixon and her sister, Awilda became ill of diptheria. Alwilda survived but Elizabeth died. Clyde Roberts finished teaching the term in Elizabeth's place. Mr. C.A. Finley and his wife along with Alwilda Nixon taught the 1928-29 term. Mrs. Rose Wickham, W.H. Fogg, Ray E. Curtis and Mary Joy drove school routes. Mrs. George Blanken drove a short route. Board members this term were Ellis McConnell, President, B.H. Short, Secretary and J.H. Short. Treasurer. In the 1929-30 term. teachers were Mr. and Mrs. Bon V. Davis and Miss Ida Reynolds. Bus drivers were Mary E. Joy and Vern Joy. Board members were Effie Eaton, President, J.L. Short, Secretary and B.H. Short, Treasurer. 1930-31 school year was taught by the same teachers as last term, Chas. R. Smith was elected to the board as Treasurer. Bus drivers this year were Vern Joy, Mrs. Rose Wickham and Mary E. Joy. The 1931-32 term was taught by E. Ellis and Wynona D. Graham. Also teaching was Ida Reynolds. Drivers were Willard Eaton, Everett Joy and Wm. Wickham. Fred Martin and Wm. Driskill drove short routes. Board members were Effie Eaton, President, J.L. Short, Secretary and Chas. R. Smith, Treasurer. 1932-33 teachers were E. Ellis Graham. Mrs. E.E. Graham and Irene Graham. School record of board and drivers was found. L94L-42 school term was taught by Miss schools of Kit Carson County and was Amy Nichols and only one teacher was employed this year, as there were only 16 unusual accomplishments which must also students in school. Ted Wickham and Elmer Joy drove school buses. In the L942-43 term, Opal Joy taught 1st, 2nd, 9th and 10th grades. Julia Dugan (Wanczyk) taught the other grades, finishing the term started by a teacher who is unknown. Bus drivers this year were Birney Short, Harlan Rogers and Sollie Stone. There were 25 students enrolled in school. Teachers for the 1943-44 school year were Mrs. Roy Cook and Julia Dugan. School bus drivers were Orley Conarty and Jack Held, who took over the route when Birney Short left for military service. B.K. Moss was elected to the school board. In L944-45, Peggy Warrington taught the first semester with Mrs. Viola Pursley finishing the term, along with Miss Mona Snow. School bus drivers are believed to be Orley Conarty and Jack Heid. In the 1946-47 term, Wayne E. Gouge and wife, Dixie Bell Gouge (Sawhill) were teachers. Drivers this term were not found. The school board members were Fred Martin, President, Maurine Wold, Secretary and Cleo Radebaugh, Treasurer. The term, L947-48 was taught by Julia Dugan and Mrs. Sig (Evelyn) Olsen. The 1948-49 term was taught by Julia Dugan and Orpha Goodrich. Julia Dugan taught the last year school was held at Second Central in the 1949-50 term, thus ending a long list of teachers of the school. Among many outstanding accomplishments of the Second Central Community was the spiritual background instilled throughout bus drivers this term were H.W. Robinson, O.W. Boston and V.F. Shrode. Board members remained the same as last term. Teachers for the 1933-34 term were Mr. the years in its graduates. The community was seldom without church and Sunday school through the years. A number of very Roberta Wrenn. Bus drivers this year were Cliff communities gave of their time and effort to provide this very special training. I K.K. Parsons, Mrs, Marion Parsons and V.F. Shrode, Harry J. Shrode and H.W. Robinson. Board members remained the same as last term. In 1934-35, Mr. and Mrs. K.K. Parsons continued to teach along with Janet Mitchell. School bus drivers were Mr. Wm. Wickham, special people in Second Central and Rock remember no professed denomination, though both Baptist and Congregational ministers presided in church at times, but rather a basic study of the Bible and its presented there. These were only a few ofthe include dedication of many very special teachers who brought out the best in their students. Along with joys and exhilarations of school were times of sadness when World War I came, taking young men from the community in 1917-18. Farewell parties were often held at the school when local boys left to go to war. While they were gone, they were remembered in church on Sunday and missed throughout the week. Letters arrived in the community, sent from many places. These were read and reread by friends and neighbors. Soon the war was over and great joy was celebrated when boys returned. A thread of sadness remained for, sadly, some never came home. A lingering tug of heartbreak for some students remains when they tell of the time Elizabeth Nixon, a much loved young teacher, died of diphtheria in 1927 . One can sense, today, a hurt so great it remains after sixty years. Both Nixon teachers were ill. At first, the disease was thought to be a light form, however, only Alwilda survived. Dr. H.L. Williams, health officer, ordered the school closed and fumigated. A quarantine was placed on the patients. No regular funeral was held because fear of the disease \pas so great. A memorial was held on Sunday, January 1, at the school house at 2:00. Rev. Dexheimer of Seibert conducted the service. It was a painful time in the community, especially for students at the school. In 1936 a very active 4H club movement was apparent in Second Central community with many young people taking part. January 22, James Vawter gave a talk on KOA radio, telling what 4H meant to him. Many of the local students took livestock to the stock show in Pueblo where Georgia Vawter showed a calf she had won the previous year. Dale Eaton, Robert Shrode, James and Georgia Vawter served as a judging team at the fair. R.O. Woodfin, county agent, took an active interest in activities of 4H in the community. Many will remember yet today the moving pictures he brought to Second Central, running them with the aid of a small light Short, Secretary and Conrad L. Stone, Trea- teaching with a general expectation of elders for good conduct of youngsters in the community. I believe this background, given to many young members of the community, followed surer. them throughout their lives. coyotes. They ran their Model A Ford into a bank in the bottom of a valley and this "head on" caused very serious injuries. School had just ended and buses were arriving when news reached the school of their accident about 3 D.F. James and Elmer Joy. School board members were Effie Eaton, President, J.L. 1935-36 teachers remained the same as last term. Wm. Wickham, Elmer Joy and V.F. Shrode drove school buses. Board members were J.F. Martin, President, J.L. Short, Secretary and Conrad L. Stone, Treasurer. The 1936-37 school term was taught by Mr. and Mrs. Harlan G. Romberg and Opal Murphy (Joy). Bus drivers were Virgil Short, Elmer Joy and Ora L. Vawter. Board members remained the same as last term. The 1937-38 term was taught by Mrs. Grace Hill and Miss Viola Short. Van Goodwin was elected on the school board. In the 1938-39 term, teachers were Mrs. Stella Boote and Miss Viola Short. It is not certain who bus drivers were or school board this year. In 1939-40 school year, J. Carl Harrison and Mrs. Bledsoe were teachers. Harley Short, Elmer Joy and Conrad L. Stone were bus drivers. It is not clear who the school board members were this term. The 1940-41 school term was taught by J. Carl Harrison and June (Short) Conarty. No There were a number of firsts in the Second Central community. It is said to be the first school to have school buses, the first to purchase a community radio where many plant in the school yard. In 1936 two brothers. Wes and Jess Pelser met with a serious accident while hunting gathered to marvel at a new medium, the first school to have church and Sunday school as miles south of the school. Mr. Ora Vawter took his big Studebaker, used to haul his a regular event on Sundays, and the first school to attain a state rating of superior school route, and drove Wes and Jess to the hospital. There were moments of deep concern among the students at school. In 1939, 4H club activities were yet a vital part of the younger community with showing of Iivestock at the Kit Carson County Fair among other projects. Bunnie (Short) Elliott and others won a trip to the state fair at Pueblo with their special exhibits. This year many Second Central people rode horses, drove wagons and impersonated Indians at the "Indian Massacre" presentation at Seibert. In April, 1939, Harold "Bud" Short and Lyle Stone represented Second Central School at a meeting of the Young Citizens League in Denver. Bud presented a scrap book on soil conservation practices prepared at the school and Lyle gave a talk on soil class. Outstanding events at Second Central with periodic presentations by members of the community occurred at the beginning in 1915, with an event called a Lyceum, where recitations, short plays, musical numbers and short addresses were given. Very special community debates were held at this time. Outstanding accomplishments in musical presentations were apparent in L922 during the time Mr. John Matthews taught. Long remembered stage plays were presented and enjoyed in 1934, 35 and 36, when K.K. Parsons enhanced the acting abilities of many community members. One of these special community plays toured many �conservation. These presentations were given to a large gathering of county school superintendents of the state. In the early 1940s, World War II took young men away to perform a task not covered in the curriculum of the school. New drivers hauled students when old ones answered their call. Stars were placed in windows of homes for those whose sons had gone to war. This was a time of shortages felt by everyone. There was even a shortage of teachers to be dealt with. War bonds and stamps were continually sold. Scrap iron and other salvageable items were collected to help win the war. The local LSC (Ladies Social Circle) club made packages to send to boys of the community, as it had done before. It seemed so very long, and some were lost, but eventually the war was over. There was rejoicing when boys came home, as there had been years before in World War I. District 19 faced a reduction in the number of students; this began in the'30s when many had to move away. Some build up of population occurred in better years ofthe 1940s but a farming trend to Iarger acreages for each SMELKER SCHOOL T206 The Smelker School, located thirteen miles south and two and one-half miles west of Stratton, was built in 1917 in the southwest corner of the section. It took the place of an old sod or adobe schoolhouse a mile south. Just across the road intersection to the west lived the Charley Smelker family and north of them across the road lived the Minor Warren family. The Smelker family, Myrtle, Victor, George, Leon, Wesley, Theodore, Ivan, and Dean, all attended school there. So did the Warren family, Myrtle, Wilma, and Bud. When Wilma married George Smelker and lived in the Warren home, their children, Vivian, Verla, Velma, Lola, Franklin, Myrna, Twila, Una, and Arva Kay, also attended school there. Other children attending were James, Noble. and Audrev Struthers. Law- rence, Duane, and Jerry Megel, Ugene and Lois Carpenter, the Segal Proctor twins, Fay and Fern, the Walter Proctor children, Lois, Doris, Willard, Ivalee, GIen, Irma June, and Helen, the Harry Greenwood children, Laura, Thelma, and Allen, Kenneth Hoot, the McCormick children, Joe, Julia, and Rosemary, the Houghton girls, Irene and Marjorie, the Leon Smelker girls, Carol and Elaine, the Iseman children, Clarence, Loraine, Agnes, John, and Wayne, and many others. I am indebted to Ivan Smelker for much of my information and to Orris Bunch, whose mother was Myrtle Smelker. Orris says that when his mother finished the eighth grade, to further her education, she took the eighth grade a second time, then taught one year in the soddy school, before the new school was built. Other teachers in the school, not necessar- ily in chronological order, were Beatrice Brady; Mrs. Hoescher; Joseph Chandler, operator decreased the school population even more. In 1950 an active state initiated the drive for consolidation which forced most schools to join in larger districts. Second Central, District 19. merged with Flagler to become part of School District R-1, ending activities since 1915. In September, 1951, the school house was sold to James Vawter for $1001.00. Most school houses wee sold at this time by the Flagler School District R-1. Part of District 19 was consolidated with the Seibert School district, a larger share went to Flagler. In 1951 $1041.51 was transferred from District 19 funds to the new consolidated district. Second Central School was noted for providing exceptional training for students. This had been a goal for 35 years of its existence. A tally of students receiving their grade and part of their high school training here has been impossible to make. Certainly there were many. It is amazing to find so many people still living in the area who attended this school at one time or another. Opal (Conarty) Joy began as a student at Second Central in 1915 and served as a very special teacher in the school for a number of rs l{'*,f tL" tux Smelker School 1930-31 when Esther Davis Beattie was the teacher: back row, I to r: Dean Smelker, Willard Proctor, Ivan Smelker, Doris Proctor, Faye Proctor, Eloise Proctor, Fern Proctor. Front row: Noble Struthers, Audrey Struthers, Vivian Smelker. years near the end of its existence. Julia Dugan first attended Second Central school in 1921 as a student and served as a teacher during those Iast years including a last one in 1950. Plans were being made in 1984 to restore and move the Second Central School building to Flagler. In 1987 a new wood shingle roof was put in place for preservation. A funding problem delays actual moving of the old building but interest in such a venture is prevalent in the community. A need exists for a place to store many artifacts and old treasures. An age old fact remains, that it is far too distant from the west end of Kit Carson County to its county seat. What a problem this must have been for west patrons of the county in those years so long ago! For this reason, a depository ofhistorical artifacts at Flagler remains a much needed developrnent. by Lyle W. Stone Smelker School: back row, I to r: Kenneth Hoot, LoIa Smelker, Jennie L. Tressel, teacher, Thelma Greenwood, and Allen Greenwood. Front row: Twila Smelker, Franklin Smelker, Mvrna Smelker. Howard Gilmore and Lawrence Megel. �Julia Felch; Beulah Mott, Marie Greenwood: Esther Davis-Beattie under whom Ivan Smelker, Lois, Doris, Faye and Fern Proctor all graduated from the eighth grade; Nina Blomquist; Rose Henry; Mrs. Huebner; Ora Cruickshank; Violet Campbell-Barr; Leona Sharp-Schaal; Jennie L. Tressel under whom Thelma Greenwood graduated from the eighth grade in 1941; Bill Seely; Florence Wigton; Orris Bunch, Vivian Smelker; Dorothy Smelker and others. There was a building north of the schoolhouse that housed the coal shed, and two toilets, one on each side. To the northeast was a little barn to shelter the horses that the children often rode to school. The teacher or children carried water each day from the Smelker well, then dumped it in a large stone jar with a faucet. home via buggies, spring wagons, horseback, or cars. by Marie E. Greenwood a three story modern concrete structure. It SMOKY HILL SCHOOL T207 term. Three ofthe one room school houses which Smoky Hill teacherages and buses. "Opening Exercises" which might consist of a full day round trip plus loading and a stimulating story read by the teacher. Since there were twenty or more pupils with classes from first to eighth grades, there was a great hustle and bustle of studying and the children. Every year, at least two programs, Christmas and "Last Day ofSchool" were prepared, with much drilling and practicing by the school, to which the parents and public were invited. Every pupil participated, probably in three or four numbers, two or three songs by the school, "Recitation" by each one separately, special numbers by groups, and a play or two. Sometimes in the spring of the year, another school would be invited to compete Smoky Hill School after the June 8, 1941 tornado. In 1920 a group of patrons from several school districts had the courage and fortitude to organize the consolidation of small districts into one large district. The new district was approximately twelve miles square. The boundary lines were, the Kit Carson County line on the south, and Highway 385 (formally 51) on the west. The north boundary was six miles north of the correction line which was also six miles south of Burlington. The east line was near the Kansas border. The new school building was central in the district which was twelve miles south and five miles east of Burlington. The school received in a baseball geme, and near the end ofschool, they. might go to some grove of trees for a prcnrc. The schoolhouse was the center of the community and was utilized for many com- munity events, school elections, - dances, money-making projects for the school such as box suppers, pie suppers, oyster suppers, voting precincts, Sunday School and church, basket dinners, gathering place for rabbit drives, coyote hunts and ball games. Often, sometime during the fall of the yeat, a Literary would be organized by the people in the community. Officers were elected and the event was held at a regular time, probably once a month. The program was presented by local talent music, poems recited, plays. Usually the- last number was a Debate conducted in true parlimentarian order with three men on the Pro side and three men on lhe Con side, and judges to determine the winning side, all conducted with much fun rnd hilarity. After the program the ladies lerved refreshments. Then all departed for were moved to the school grounds were remodeled and used for dwellings for the teachers and their families. In the fall of the year a train car of coal was purchased and placed on a siding on Rock Island Railroad in Burlington. Some patrons made a little extra money by hauling coal to the school with teams and wagons. This was some rousing singing around the old organ or younger child who was having a problem. On Fridays, the last one hour and one-half after recess was devoted to something special like a spelling match, a geography race, crafts, or a story read. Bible stories were a favorite with generator for electricity. Fire drills were held occasionally using the third floor fire escape. A four vehicle garage was also attached to were put into service at the time school opened, which was the term of Lg2l-22. Four teachers and a custodian comprised the staff with ten grades being taught. The custodian also drove one of the busses and kept all busses in repair during the school Spangled Banner." The children then congregated in the schoolhouse for 15 minutes of pleted, would be allowed to help some was steam-heated with a pressure water system that allowed indoor plumbing and a the building, and four Model T Ford busses of Allegiance, and often sang the "Star reciting, with the teacher hurrying to help different pupils whose hands were raised. Often the older children, their lessons com- tion effort were Lester Beveridge, Harry Coleman, and Ellen Zuelke. The building was Every morning, unless the weather was inclement, at nine o'clock, the children gathered around the flagpole out in front for the school opening ceremony. One pupil was given the honor of hoisting the Flag, while the others saluted. Then all repeated the Pledge its name from the Smoky Hill River which was one mile south of the school site. A few of the people responsible for the consolida- Smoky Hill School, L92l-22, a three story building. unloading the coal with a scoop shovel. The coal was shoveled into an underground bunker at the school which was to be used in the furnace during the winter. The year of 1928 one hundred thirtv five students attended Smoky Hill which was the highest enrollment recorded. Area track meets, basketball games (outdoor courts), spelling and oratorical contests were a small part of extra school activities. In general the school was a form of a community center. The auditorium located on the basement level had a stage which was used for all types of programs. Several large school programs were presented each year with the one at Christmas being the students'favorite. The annual visit of Santa Claus distributing goodies to the pupils was always looked forward to. Non-denominational church services, Sunday School, parties, basket dinners and dances were some of the additional activities held. One winter a snow storm escalated into a severe blizzard during the day, and the bus �SMOKY HILL SCHOOL MEMORIES T208 Vernon Jantzen told of his years at Smoky Hill School this way: my recollection of Smoky Hill School starts the first week of March, 1946, as I enrolled in the eighth grade. The eighth graders shared the west room on the second floor with 5th, 6th and 7th graders. Our teacher was Mr. Levi Lengel. My older sister said he looked like a farmer from the dustbowl of Oklahoma. He was a gruff individual and did not seem suited to thejob. Since I was a city boy from Fresno, California, the school certainly had some lasting impressions for me. I remember Dale Eberhart to be our best athlete. Our favorite and only recreation was softball. We could count on Dale to hit the ball the farthest, and with great agility and speed he was able to round the bases and be home safe before the rest of us could recover. Smoky Hill School as rebuilt after the 1941 tornado, only two stories' drivers could not deliver the students to their homes. We spent two days and two nights at the school. The third day toward evening we were taken home by horse drawn wagons by some of the parents living nearest to the school. Some parents came for their children. Imagine the agony the parents went through not knowing if their children were stranded in a bus or their whereabouts. The only telephone line in the area was between Smoky Hill and Burlington. People made emergency calls from the school. During the depression and drouth of the 1930's many families moved away and the declined enrollment no longer warranted four was fear of the fire reaching the school teaching the ten grades the remaining years that classes ere held. The school suffered with the general economy as a large percent of the people were unable to pay their taxes. For several years a spring epidemic of scarlet fever went through the school. One patron theorized that the germs were in the text books from year to year and a decision was made to put the books in the hot sun and fresh air for several days during the summer. Believe it or not this appeared to be the end of the annual illness. I attended school ten years at Smoky Hill from its beginning in 1921 and graduated in 1931 in a class of seven. In the same year four International truck chassis were purchased. The old bus bodies were too short so were lengthened and remodeled to fit the chassis. In the late 30's crops were being raised in eastern Colorado. New families moved to the area and a new era for Smoky Hill began. In June, 1941 a tornado struck the school classes ceased at Smoky Hill. teachers. Two teachers took the job of house which resulted in heavy damage. Extensive repair was made which included taking off the top floor and a new roof style used. Contractor Harley Conger undertook the remodeling job. The garage part and busses were destroyed as were two of the teachers'dwellings. A three family apartment building was constructed for housing of teachers following the tornado. In 1945 a prairie fire started in Cheyenne County and with a strong southwest wind swept northeast at record speed. The bridge across the Smokv Hill River burned and there grounds. Apparently there was a wind change or sheer providence as the fire followed the river bed which had thistles in it and went east sparing the school house. New families brought new life and enthusiasm with them. A gun club was organized in 1948, Sunday School in 1946, 4-H Club in 1950, and Friendship Circle Home Demonstration Club in 1947. In 1949 a school hot lunch program was started with mothers taking turns in helping cook the noon lunch. In 1957 following the consolidation of all county rural schools into six districts, namely the town schools, Smoky Hill became a part of Burlington RE-6J. The following year For a time the building was used as a community center. Later it housed Mexican families that came to the area to work in the sugar beet fields. The building soon deteriorated and was no longer in use. In January, 1981, the remainder of the building burned and following sixty years of service a special land mark became stark concrete walls. A few of the teachers whose names are remembered were Mr. Frost, Mr. Rhodes, W.I. and Pearl Conley (W.I. Conley was from Indiana and attended school with Orville & Wilbur Wright, the founders of aviation), Ora Cruickshank who later became county superintendent, Helen Holloway, Leonard Ziemann, Dacy Frankfather, Ada Bey, Gordon Guffey, Fay (Alexander) Bryner, May (Rose) Hume, Edna (Bartman) Stahlecker, Hazel Fromong and Josie Youtsey. Others who helped compile the Smoky Hill story were Velma (McCalmon) Walstrom and Bernice Eberhart. Velma moved to the area in 1928 and graduated from Smoky Hill in 1930. The McCalmon family came from Norton, Kansas. Ted and Bernice moved to the Smoky Hill area in 1939 from St. Francis, Kansas. At this writing both ladies live in Burlington. by Leona (Fanselau) Wiedman Jerry, his younger brother, was almost as good, so if Dale and Jerry were on the same team, they always batted and the rest of us chased the balls. Willard (Juny) Butterfield was the quickest and easiest to make friends with. He was forever teasing whenever an opportunity was given. Later, in May, my brother Francis arrived from California with my mom and sisters and he joined our eighth grade class. Now we eighth graders were six in number. At times we were too much for Mr. Lengel. On occasion he became very angry with us and one time took off his big, wide belt and threatened to use it. That was pretty effective! The next year, for whatever reason, transportation was not offered to some of us in the outlying areas to go to Burlington High School. So, Harold Walstrom, Francis and I spent the 9th grade at Smoky Hill. Mr. Lengel did not return. I don't remember who the teacher was, but he drove a very old car, which we jokingly teased him as being a 1921 Franklin. He was a curly red-haired young fellow about 20 years old with an excellent sense of humor and we liked him very much. He taught algebra to us three 9th graders and really struggled to get us to understand "X, Y and 2". Our classroom included 5th through 9th graders and some that I remember especially include Kenny Drager who was forever teasing and chasing the girls. Shirley Chapin was forever the most studious and everybody liked her. Bertie Reeves was the one who caught the brunt of most of Kenny's teasing. Perhaps the most outstanding event of the year was the school play in the spring ofL947. We rehearsed daily and prepared for the Smoky Hill Community highlight of the year. The play took place in the lower front room which had a small stage and could seat perhaps 40 or so people. The night ofthe play the room was packed with anticipating friends and parents. As the curtain was pulled back, I came onto the stage and said my opening line which gave the cue for my brother Francis to enter from the other side. Francis came out and was to say something to me. He said the first two words and burst out laughing. So the whole play continued on with all the characters saying their lines while Francis giggled. Needless to say, Francis was �not without support as the audience joined in the emusement with laughter throughout the play. It was the talk of the community for a long, long time. Another highlight was on the last Sunday of the school year. Parents, students and friends gathered together at the school and had a big potluck diner. After dinner ever- ybodyjoinedtogetherforagameof. . none other than softball. by Bernice Eberhart SOLID CENTER SCHOOL T209 The Solid Center School, District number 41, was located in the northeast corner of section 21 T 7 R 47 of Kit Carson County. The first records on file of this district began in 19U. This was a sod structure. In about 1928 a new wood structure school building was erected and the little soddie was used for a barn. The Republican River flooded in 1935 and filled the new school basement with water. The little sod building was washed Ruth Gulley, Eva Vanatta, Evelyn Atkins, and Vivian Whitmarsh, Garold Paintin's frrst grade teacher was Jess Murfin. Besides teaching them to read, write and do arithmetic, he also pulled their first loose teeth. Some of his first classmates were Glen Edmunds, Robert Garner and Jim Spurlin. George Paintin would ride his horse past the school to check cattle. From the commotion inside the school building, he wasn't sure if school was in session or if it was recess time. The students liked this teacher. Wilda and Doris went on to graduate from the Stratton High School. Ivan married one of the teachers, Evelyn Atkins. With consolidation of schools in 1950. this school building was moved into Stratton and converted into a home for Mr. and Mrs. William Thyne who lived there for many years. Ethel Wears is the present resident. by Jean Paintin SPRINGWELL, DISTRTCT #43 T210 away, All the George Paintin children attended this school beginning with Eva in 1916 and ending with Doris in 1945. Their transportation for the mile across the pasture was on a trusted pony or on foot. Their lunches were carried in half gallon syrup buckets that had wire handles. Other families having children in this school thru the years were Joe Garner, Frank Connaway, Fred Carpenter, William Thyne, Joseph Anthofer, Maynard Edmunds, Dave Sealock, Nick Stoffel, Dale and Russel Spurlin, and Alvin Kitten. Most of thege parents Springwell School, constructed of sod bricks, the book their turn serving on the school board. building material of the plains. Some of the teachers were Bill Seeley, Dale Baker Wood, Jess Murfin, Gladys Quinn, School opened in District #43 at Springwell school in October of 1911 with Miss Nellie Keene of Iowa as first teacher. In a short while she received word that her brother in Iowa had passed away. She left by train, F.L. Beattie taking her to the train. She decided not to return as her salary was only $35 per month. However, she did return later and married Henry Grabbe and they lived north of Burlington. A homesteader's wife, Maude Turner, taught for a few weeks until Mabel Pugh (Guy) finished the eighth grade; then she finished the term. The first schoolhouse was an abandoned homesteader's soddie. By 1917 or 1918 a building 30 feet by 40 feet was erected nine miles north and one and one half miles east of Stratton and named Springwell. The building was painted white. When consolidation took place the building was sold and only the foundation remains. The first pupils were Mettie, Alfred, Minnie and Elmer Jones. Other families: Richard and Arthur Jones; Richard and James Osborne; Henry Hadden; Raymond Debban; Eva, Clifford and Charlie Bohl, and Blanche Beattie (Dove). Later after squabbles and several elections, a district was formed to the north - Covote Ridge, changed to Sunnyside. Solid Center was to the west of Springwell. by Blanche Dove SUNNY SIDE SCIIOOL T2rl Sunny Side School was located southeast ofFlagler in the southwest corner ofthe south east quarter of section 12, Township 10 S, Range 51 W. In 1987 this location would be about 1/4 mile north and about 1/2 mile west of the present James "Jim" Richie residence. Sunny Side was built of sod, much like some of the surrounding homes. Benches and a teacher's desk were home made. It is probable this was another school where the teacher arrived early to shoo out the varmints and snakes in order that classes could be held. Small similar schools appeared about the country side in the early 1900s, serving patrons nearby who had homesteaded in the area. Sunny Side school was located in District 35. When operations ceased a number of years after it was built, students were transferred to Texerado and Flagler schools. Although the heading "Sunny Side" appeared in earlyFlagler News items, little could be found to add to a record of this early school. Living in the area about this time were West, Moss, Lana, Sloan, among other families. Research has not uncovered students that could be named. It is felt the school did not operate long until it was more economical to utilize Texerado and Flagler schools. At this point, no specific teachers have been found. Until recent years, bits ofplaster, wood and iron pinpointed the location of the school. The area had been under cultivation for some iolid Center pupils about 1929: From Gladys Paintin standing with her back to the group: Eugene Paintin n front of Leona Paintin, then clockwise: Edna Sealock, Juanita Sealock, Wanda Garner, Magdlene Stoffel, van Paintin, Mabel Garner, Ruth Sealock, Leo Stoffel and Leona Stoffel complete the circle. time. In the 1980s, this debris was picked up to clean up the area and little can be found to locate the exact site of the school todav. Sunny Side fell by the way of consolidation, �like many others. This was probably due to better methods of transportation of student. by Lyle W. Stone SUNNY SLOPE SCHOOL to perform recitations and other presenta- facility in 1915. Some of the other schools held back for a while. Loco was the last to attend here. In 1916, A.B. Radebaugh moved the coal shed to Loco near his residence. In 1987, evidence of this school still exists provided better lighting. Water was brought to school in a cream can. Families took turns performing this in the untouched grassland ofthis school site. A ridge of earth outlines walls of the soddie crockery container. Each student had his or her own cup or used paper cups folded from a piece of paper. A pot bellied stove occupied a central area ofthe room. Benches were used by students facing the teacher. Opal (Conarty) Joy remembered some of the bitter caved in. Also remaining are memories of an benches to be moved nearer and around the most welcome warm stove in the center of the TEXERADO SCHOOL tions. In comparison with other sod schools, it would appear Sunny Slope was a higher grade building than many others. Walls were thicker than most; a large number of windows duty. Water was stored in a convenient T2t2 building. A depression in the earth today marks a location of its hand dug well, now outstanding school and of hardy, dedicated patrons and teachers. by Lyle W. Stone cold days when the teacher allowed these T2t3 room. A first teacher at Sunny Slope is believed to be Mettie (Love) Shanahan. In these early times, at least three schools were operating in District 19. Names of some teachers in District 19 for 1909-10, 1910-11 and others are known with no school designation. In 1909-10, teachers were Haidee Nealle, Emma Sunny Slope School after abandonment. Sunny Slope School was located southeast of Flagler near the northwest corner of section 26, Township 10 S, Range 50 W. This location was a mile east of the site of the consolidated school, Second Central. Sunny Slope was built on the south side of the road a few hundred yards east of an intersection at this location. The school was established by Walter Conarty, Frank "Mac" Franklin and their neighbors about 1910. Sunny Slope School was constructed of sod, much like others in the area except for its hip roof. This roof was also covered with sod. Most soddies sported a curved or peaked roof, which was probably used to save scarce and expensive materials. On top of this unusual roof was a cast iron bell, used to call the students to class. A raised floor was located at one end for the teacher's desk and a place for students Liggett, Mrs. FIo Shunate and Miss Ida Hayes. In 1910-11, teachers were Emma Liggett, Ethel Durbin and Mettie R. Shanahan. A record does exist, believed to be about 1914, listing the teacher as Mrs. Mettie Shanahan. Students this year were Bill Petersen, Aljy Stinton, Frank Matzke, Stella Petersen, Nettie Petersen, Marie McMulkin, Opal Conarty, Irma Conarty, Flossie Kinzer, Glenn Stinton and Sylvia McMulkin. A well was eventually hand dug near the school building to provide drinking water for students and for animals serving as transportation to school. Two outdoor toilets and a coal shed were located on the school grounds' A spoked, rotating wheel separated the kids from the cows at the entrance to the school! Students of Sunny Slope were transferred to Second Central after the new two room school was built. Records indicate Sunny Slope was the first school to utilize the new Texerado School, located in the northeast corner of Section 10, Township 11S, Range 51 W, was established by James S. Short and his neighbors and built in 1911 in the northeast corner of Mr. Short's homestead. Lumber for the school was hauled to the site by team and wagon. Being a frame structure, Texerado was quite unusual in a day of many soddies. The usual pot-bellied stove heated the room. Drinking water was hauled to school each day by the Short children or other families who took turns bringing it. This school was especially noted for its community events including musical presentations and other activities of this time. The teacher spent a lot of time practicing the children on their plays, songs and recitations, so the children did really well. In common between surrounding schools and Texerado were basket dinners, spelling bees, public meetings and sports competition, especially base and softball. The earliest teachers roomed at the Short home, and later at various residences in the community. Lena Short Weatherly particularly remembers Mr. Lofstead, Addie Alexan- der, Murvale Moore, Marjorie Yewell, Aljy Stinton and Bertha Strohmeyer. Other known teachers were Agnes Gwyn, Bertha Hyde, Mrs. Feeback, Don C. Smith, EIizabeth Nixon, Opal Conarty Murphy, Bernadine Reavis and Tressie Vassios. Families with children in school included Short, Stanger, Newby, Rhule, Burris, Laurent, Birchfield, Vinsonhaler, Borquin, Davenport, Stone, Alexander, Vassios, Kountz, Newsom, Rowland, Ebert and Overmiller. Early records show that problems were encountered in District 35 in transporting the students of Texerado to Flagler, a considerable distance, so economics made this school continue. Texerado is important in the heritage of this area and much could be added to its history. Plans exist to relocate the building in Flagler and to restore it as a one room country school. The building, although relocated in a different spot, remains in reasonably good condition. by Lena Ylteatherly and Lyle Stone Sunny Slope School in 1911-12. Note the bell! �TIP TOP SCHOOL T2t4 ..,L{ )'' i,'" rit ,f ,*'.:, n' a f- Old sod schoolhouse in background with new frnme building moved in about 1901 Tuttle. CO. - ,' A few boys and girls, and just a very few, were going to school in this county before the schools were recorded. This first school. that was later to become District 39 and known as the Tuttle School, was held in a deserted sod house, not built for a schoolhouse. Stone's History of Colorado lists it as an unrecorded school before 1886, but the date of the first term cannot be stated and the location is vague but was in the vicinity of the Tuttle Tip Top S_chool' 1930-31 year when Ted Smith was teacher. His pupils were Della Clark, Leroy Dunivent, Corrine,-Helen, Twyla and Louise Knapp, Leonard and Lorraine Schlichenmayer, Elna, Lyla, bhester and Marvin Jemes. Genevieve Shannon, teacher at Lone Star and her three pupils, Wayne and Harold Boland and an unknown girl are in this picture, too. Clara Olson, Mrs. Sell, Mrs. Wolf, Claude Cheney, Gene Hale, Jack McDill, Tom w*e - :"* :: .t.. Tucker, Harlan Romberg, and Elsie Johnson. In an effort to keep the country schools, Tip Top consolidated with others in 1951 as Beaver-Valley. The new school house was built in 1953, but was closed in 1968 when children began going by bus to Burlington. by Elna M. Johnson Iip Top School with a farm in the background; and ;he attached coal shed visible. Tip Top School District #66 was a small )ne room frame school house located in the JE corner of the NE 1/4 LL-7 -43 on the James Knapp Ranch. The closest home was Jake ichlichenmayers and students carried the lrinking water from there to school, usually lvery day. A coal burning heater in the center rf the building provided heat and a kerosene amp was the only light. A coal shed was rttached to the back of the school house. TUTTLE SCHOOL T2t5 There were no schools authorized or organized by the State of Colorado in this county previous to 1886, but during the next three years, 1886-1889, thirty-one were organized in Elbert County which at that time included this county and parts or all of several other counties. Some of the teachers were: Grace Connett. lenevieve Shannon, Leliah Henderson. Fred ,humate, Alice Moorehead, Elsie Rogers, ,usie Bogart, Ted Smith, Kathleen Clark, Hugo. As she was returning to her homestead in the spring of 1887, she was thrown from her horse and killed. James T. Gilmore was the next teacher. The desks and benches were homemade and they used the books that had been brought from Nebraska and Missouri. Griff Davis who lived about six miles from this school attended it in 1887. In 1889 when the young Davis boys needed to go to school, they were told that schools were too far from home for them to attend. An arrangement was made then for the teacher to teach two months in an old sod house and then to come up and teach two months in an old frame house that was nearer the Davis home. This old house was owned by a saloon keeper at Benkelman, Nebraska, and was located on the SE y4 24-6-46. Glass and Ed Davis and Dave Daniels were the pupils. The teacher and the boys all had chairs and they sat around an old poker table that the owner, Frank Rich, sent over from Benkelman. Mr. Rich was hardly ever there as he spent most of his time operating the saloon. After Mr. Gilmore taught these boys for two months, he went northeast to some early date, listed by Stone's Colorado History is District 26 atCarlyle,located two and onehalf miles west of the stateline and south of where the railroad went through. This school remained active until consolidation took place in the 1950's. ode a pony to school, some as far as six miles. )ne teacher taught all 8 grades and in 1980il the ninth grade was added. Teachers lived o that the older children could help their rarents with the farm work. The first teacher at this sod house was Celia Miller and she had a homestead at other location and taught two more months of school to other pupils. The only other unrecorded school at this The Christmas program, an occasional trogram followed by a pie supper or box ,ocial, and a picnic on the last day of school vere the only activities. Games played were raseball, anteover, last couple out, kick the an and when it snowed fox and geese. The 'arlier pupils and teachers either walked or r'ith families of the District. Lunches were arried usually in a half-gallon pail. School rours were 9-4 and the term lasted 8 months Ranch. by KCC Cattlemen's Association School children at Tuttle school about the middle 1940's. Back row, L to R; Lois Corliss, Miss Ana Gillespie (teacher), Merna Wood, Doris Corliss. Middle row; Leroy Belt. Front row; Eileen Wait- man, twins Arlene and Arthur Waitman, Bill Wood, Phillis Waitman. �Arlene Waitman; Dale Crist. Some students rode horses, drove horses with carts and walked to school. Others were brought by their parents in cars. From what we can gather from information available Tuttle school was the first established school in the county and the last country school to consolidate in 1955. by Betty Guy uNroN DrsrRrcT #28 T2t7 Union school was organized sometime before 1906. The Roy Jones and Osborne families came to Colorado and parked their wagons in the school yard the summer of 1906 according to Mettie Jones Sisson. They camped there with the Osborns taking a claim just east of the school and the Jones family taking up a partial of land just 3 miles northwest of the school. New frame school building, Tuttle, Colorado, completed in 1903. Pictured are the schoolboard, the children and their teacher, Ethel Burr, and some parents. TUTTLE SCHOOLT216 The last year of school at North Tuttle school was the year of 1934-35. GIen Smith was the teacher and pupils were from the families of Rosser Davis, Earl Messinger and Sherman Corliss. The summer of 1935 the South Tuttle school was moved from the southeast corner of the Hightower place to the southwest corner of the east half of section 18. Maxine Messinger-Radcliff taught the term of 193636. The school was District #39. Teachers through the years were: Miss Wilson, Avis Page, Dorothy Yoast, Barbara Hitchings, Georgia Taylor-Clair, Mr. Baldwin, Betty Corliss-Guy, Beatrice McKay, Hazel Kennedy, Mrs. Heinrichs, Louis Heinrichs, Willard With, Jack Smith and Ona Gillespie. Mrs. Lucy Russman was the teacher for the last term of 1949-50. The district was divided in 1960 and consolidated into Bethune, Stratton and Liberty, in Yuma County. The last school board consisted of Sherman Corliss, Harvey Wood and Mervin Corliss. Families represented during the years from 1934-50 were the families of Earl Messinger, Rosser Davis. Sherman Corliss, Orville Hutton, Harvey Wood, Phil Waitman, Clair Whipple, John Cooper, Ernest McArthur, Cecil Crist and Russman. Students were Clifford and Norma Jean Messinger; Betty, Lowell, Lyal, Mervin, Albert, Doris, Lois, Mary, and David Corliss; Marguerite Hutton; Russell and Stanley Davis; Lois Adolf-Wood, Bud, Merna, Bill, Bob and Audry Wood; Harry Covey; Phillip' Phillis, and Elaine Waitman; Clifford and Mavis Whipple; Gilbert Cooper; Kenneth, Elaine, Mary and Betty McArthur, Art and Some of the early families living in the area were the Amman, Evans, Gaddy, and Zeiglers. Students and teachers hauled water during the entire life of the school. Most of the time it was from the well on the nearest homestead east of the school. The school was the typical sod or adobe at first and then a frame structure was built. This was a one room building with a coat room where the belongings of the students were kept along with their lunch pails. In the winter those lunches were frozen by noon and no doubt many were froze before arriving at school. One student remembers that his pony got in the coat room and ate someones lunch before dinner. There was a barn for the horses, a coal shed, and the "outdoor facilities". Play ground equipment consisted of 4 teeter-toters made by Bill Zeigler and the flag pole. Games played outside at noon and recess were the mainstay of their recreation. Teachers in the 1920's were Gladys Mace and Mr. Jake Veager. Students attending during that era were Anna, Lena, Otto, Bill, Fred, Richard, Esther, Alma and Emma Zeigle4 Wayne Gaessner who drowned in the 1935 flood; Minnie and Stanley Johnson; Ernest Stolz; Osborne children; Martha Lohr; Albert and Russell Glad; Reinhart, Mae and AIma Adolf; Clara, Otto, Emma, Gotthielf, Bertha, Johnny, and Anna Stahlecker; Hulda, Emil, Robert, Herbert, and Amanda Stahlecker: Paul and Frank Stolz; and others that we have not remembered. During the 1930's and 40's these children attended; Marvin and Donald Schaal; Blanche, Esther, Hank and Bud Stolz; Reuben, Leona, Ella, Gladys, and Narita Zeigler; Ken, Mina, and Bonita Stolz; John and Elizabeth Graham; Darlene, Delphine, and Denice Veribest; Scott Fox; Clarence, Alfred, and Mildred Schritter; Christina Knodel; Arnold, Viola, Alvin and Calvin Strobel; Vernon, Phil, Ralph and Diane Stolz; Ernie, Darlene, Donnie Tnigle4 Don and Harold Churches; Jim and Virginia Hasart; Milbert Beringer; Clarene, Margie, George, Willard, Iva, Ivan and Jean Stahlecker; Leo Stahlecker; and others that haven't been remembered. Alma Newberry was one of the teachers Tuttle School, 1930-31 term: Back row, I to r: John and Jess Clair, Loretta Bretthauer, Willis and Fern Stump, Hazelkennedy, teacher. Front row: Theodore Bretthauer, Dale Bretthauer, Marie and Rose Mary Hitchcock. during the thirties and forties. There were many others as they had a hard time finding teachers especially in the 40's because of the shortage of teachers caused by the war effort. �H. [1. Bsssecte. IlurltDgtob, Colo. B C /Z -e*ry1-*qw: &q*&**a*, jl -**"qr""t".r-" .u.4w&e"w'f -) l it': --:,,"1 Iange, south ol the Smoky. Chatnpltn & McDoweu, phultppsburs, KBnt, ffi Iange,3 mllec Dprtui\.olit gt Bilrupgton. tf ", {.1, I Y H A cr,.r * liifix,:1*fJ. ta)rqc, nor'heast ol Burllnqtoli g rnlles- |K\ R S,' ts.{R$BY, KEr,LEn .r su}i, Laoborn, Kane. .snge, I Dllles east of Burlipgton. €luln rn leu days to TVAIIL & soNs 'QHN Yolc, Colo. rulrgP, on Logtmiru Creek. Union School 1940's; L. to R. standing; Viola Strobel, Gladys Zeigler, Virginia Hasart, Scott Fox, Ernie Zeigler and Arnold Strobel. Sitting: Narita, Zeigler, Darlene Zeigler, Margie Stahlecker, Dennise Veribest, Mildred Schritter, Alvin Strobel and Alfred Schritter. Next row; Delphine Veribest, Leo Stahlecker, Darlene Veribest, Phillip Stolz, Willard Stahlecker. Seated on ground; Don Churches, Calvin Strobel, Ivan Stahlecker, Vernon Stolz, and Harold Churches. CY v cllrls stshleckel'r Burllngton, Colo. raDge. { nllles soutbwest ol yel6 Oolo. w H W. S. )Ie:el, Eeibert, Colc. IaDgp, Beputrilba rlver & Duck.rreek" s EI S Ranqe, G C c- lV AUG Uggr'I\{^{.TEIEB. T' ]\{^{,TEIEB. --___-_l OlaremoDi, Colo. southwest of lletbulte CONRAD GEPIIAITDT. Lambourn, I(&Dgag. Renge, south-ea8t of Burllngton, Colo J. W. lvEltB, " Yotlt. Colo. Rangc il rrrlles sor,th ot V,rna. llillrsrck sells tbose stvlish Service atrle hats 1ou are lookrng for. Look ai 0amplreli's drierl and canucd frrrits before bnying and gave lnon8v. Burlingtou Roller Mills for coru, corn chop. ill f: r l f ,r:' c rrlr, right prices. Union School 1930's. L. to R. on horses; John and Elizabeth Graham, Bud Stolz, Ernie Zeigler, Henry Stolz, Jirn and Virginia Hasart; On fence; Dennise Veribest, Don Schaal, Ben and Ken Stolz, and Arnold Strobel. Much can be said about the closeness of the sountry school and the friends that were made during this time have endured for a iifetime. In 1950 Union was consolidated into the Bethune and Stratton school svstems. by Anna Strobel Notice of Application to Lease Stute Lands. I �WIBEL SCHOOL ,wb T2r8 A picture to Agnes (Dollie) Keller Hatterman from her teacher Ella Robb Huntzinger at Christmas 1945: left to right: Dollie Keller, Vern Miller, Maggie Keller, ?. Front row: Zenelda Keller, Jim Miller, Mary KeIIer, and Lee Miller. Wibel School, 1915, Teacher Edith Huntzinger on right, Wibel School was a one room sod house one mile east and 8 miles north of Flagler. It served the families of Sypherd, Wibel and Gwyn. Little can be found about it except for the picture. be in one corner or the other and a large world globe with a plant arrangement on a stand in the other corner. The chimney opening was in the center ofthe north wall and during the winters there was a large upright heating stove. by Agnes Otteman Location: The school was located L/2 mile west, 11 3/4 miles north of Flagler on the west side of the Thurman Arickaree road. The HUNTLEY SCHOOL legal description was the northeast corner of the northeast L/4 of Section 3 Township 7 T219 Range 5L,3/4 mile south of Frank Harwoods. New location: John Shulda first bought the The Huntley School was a little soddie building and school was held here until the construction of the Prairie View School in school building to move and add on to his present house, but things didn't work out, so L922 or 23, then abandoned. Frank Harwood remembers going home from Flagler and getting caught in a severe rain and hail storm with his dad and a team of horses at this school. To protect themselves they held the reins of the horses through the window of the school until the storm was over. LOCATION: The school was located 1/2 mile west,7 miles north of Flagler on the west side of the Thurman Arickaree road. The legal description was the southeast corner of the southeast l/4 of Section 27 Township 7 Range 51 I/2 mile south of Huntley house. Mrs. Stella Strode Fisher taught here in 1903-04 and Mrs. Landcamp taught here before she became Postmistress in Flagler. he sold it to Bill Girvin for $1100.00. Bill moved it to its present location 3/4 mile east of Flagler on the cemetery road to his home to build a chicken house and later a milk barn. Teachers: Mary Young, Miss Howe, Pearl Robb. Art Robb, Lola Rillahan 1927 - 22 23, Maxine Carpenter, Mrs. Serenna, Lucile Thompson, and Azel Dorsey among others. Students were from the families of Charles By Victory Heights School in 1946: left to right: Art Miller's boy, Lee; and the Charlie Keller girls, Mary, Agnes (Dollie) and Zenelda, and the teacher, Agnes Williams Short. Kyle, Frank Harwood, Frank Michal, Carol Elrick, Cecil Charles, Ed Carlson, Row Gustin, Tom Kraft, Sam Harwood, Charles Holden, the Moodies, Iva Johnson, as well as many others. by Norman Michal by Norman Michal VICTORY IIEIGHTS FAIRVIEW SCHOOL SCHOOL There was once one little soddie which was so small that it was torn down and another This was a one room school built caddycornered across from the soddie school T220 soddie built before the frame school was built which was about 24 feet by 34 feet with a shingled roof. The door was to the east from an enclosed porch built on the south and there was a little lean-to built on the north end for coal. There were three windows on a side with the blackboards on the north. The teacher's desk would be in the center of the north end, while a rack of world maps would T22l known as the Wibel School inL927 and on the corner l/2 mile north of the Charlie and Tonnie Keller farm site. It was bought by Hammer Shaw in 1949 and moved to Flagler and again used as a school for the seventh and eighth grade classes since the High School at the end of Main street had burned in 1950. Classes were held there for two years and the graduating classes of 1956 and 1957 were Victory Heights school, March 31, 1944, taken by Ella Huntzinger. L. to R.: Mary, Agnes (Dollie) Keller, Vern Miller, Maggie Keller, Mary Lou Miller, Lee Miller, Jim Miller, Zenelda Keller. They dressed up to celebrate "tacky day" which was held every spring. those two classes. The school was then made into a nice home which was bought by Buck DeFreeze and today is the home of Wayne Kuntz at 329 Ouray Ave. The original location of the Victory Heights School was the northwest corner of the NW 1/4 of Section 30 Township 7 Range 50 in School �Dist. 70. Teachers: Margie Willson, Lucy Huntly, Irene Philbom from Minnesota, Lois Fisher, Lora Mae Malbaff 1936-37, Betty Page Robinson 1938-40, Evelyn Kyle Taylor 194041, June Conardy Short 1941-42, Frank Young I94L-42,Mrs. Alice Anderson L942-43, Mrs. Steve Munger L943-44, Mrs. Ella Robb Huntzinger L944-45, Mrs. Nel Whiteman L945-46, Agnes Williams Short L946-47. Students: Dale, Faye and Cora Courtright. Jake, Barbars, Fred, Peter, Martha, Kather- ine Heinrich. Virginia, Harold, Alice, Edwin Kyles, Albert and Paul Andres, Clemmons, Kenneth Codry, Charles Holden, Frank Michals, Carol Elricks, Carl Sparks and others. Classes was held here through the gth grades, by Norman Michal DAZZELING VALLEY SCHOOL and Norma Moore. Rose, Vern, Lee, Jim Miller. Don Moss. JoAnn Fisher and her Father Buck Fisher. June Courtright. Nellie Courtright. Bob, George, Neil, Roger and Ruth of the Ivan Gwenn family. Regina, Viola, Maggie, Agnes (Dollie), Mary and Zenelda of Charlie Kellers. The Wolfs. Todds. Brookovers. Wid Courtrights. Cammeron. and Hawkins. Ida Reynolds Stone was also a teacher in 1928. by Norman Michal WHITE PLAINS scHooL T222 T223 This school is located t/2 mile west of Flagler, 10 miles north, 2 miles west then 1 mile north; L/4 mile east of the present Wilbur Haeseker farm. It was then located on the corner west of Clyde Elricks and on his land. The first building was a small soddie which deteriorated away until a new soddie was built. The second soddie was onlv used for two years until a frame building was built in 1923. Irv Rambat bought this building and moved it to 1 mile east of Anton, Colo. where he made it into a house for his son Verdis Rambat and his new wife. This farm is on the north side of Highway 36. Teachers: Peggy Splain, Yetta Burger, Miss Byers, Rachel Harwood Kyle, JoAnn Lobmeyer Pelle and Elbert Andry. Students: Children of Elbert Andrev. Clyde Elrick, Frank Michals, Vincent Ostrowski, Charles Holden, Charles Kyle, Sam Harwood, Andrewjeski, Norman Haeseker, Latrlue, Robb, MaHaffie. Tom Krafts and others. Huntzinger Gering through the War years and others. Ruby Dorsey Hollenbaugh 1941. Ora Cruickshank. There were two rooms in the school separating the grade schoolers from the high schoolers. In some years there were two teachers high school and grade school. At one time -there were 30 grade schoolers and 20 high schoolers in one year. Also when the migration of settlers was at its highest there were 23 new families from Kansas and Missouri settling in the Shiloh community. Students: Blanch Lippford Carper, Roll Duncan, Art, Emily and Alice Niles, Archie Harman, Clyde Harman, Bernice Harman McBlair, Mary and Lear Nelson, Clint Jones kids Marie, Dale and Lee. E.T. Loutzenhiser kids Clair, Everett, Rex, Millard, Vera, Irene and Lila. Velma Colier Taggaft 1922 and her daughter Phelma and son Larry. Wrights. Merl, Lila, and Maxine Jenkins. Margarie, Juenita and Loren Portner. Frank and Hazel Harwood. John Shaw. Porebasco kids. Charlie Back kids Ralph, Bill and Tom. The - Edwards Jenkin kids. The kids. Paul Moore. Bud Todd. Billie Wilson. Helen Sproul. The Codreys. The Borings Norman, Bill, - The Ed Gerings Tracie, Kenneth and Mona. Ernest, Paul, Louis and Marie. Margarie -Beck Scott. Art Robb in 1920, Lester, Delmar and Dale. Bill Beck. Ruth Simmons Gustin. Albert and Ruby Huntzinger. Art Riches Merl, Mabel, Vera and Raymond. Cecil Merl Dean, Josephine and Irene. Mildred -Moore. Schiers. The Prest Kids Robert, Sam, Larry, Dennis and Beatrice. Charles Roglands. Ollie James. Elmer Kings daughter Ruth. Florence Smock. Bill. Jessie and Evelyn Simmons. The Lester Loutzenhisers by Norman Michal and the children of Mary Nelson Loutzenhiser were Loretta, Willard, Maryetta and Dorthy. The Don Loutzenhiser kids SHILOH SCHOOL Darlene, Duane and Edith Jo. The Edward Allachers Willard and Florence. - T224 by Norman Michal The Shiloh School was Iocated 1 mile east of the northeast corner of Flagler, 8 miles White Plains school, District 14. L. to R. back row: Hazel Harwood, Louise Potter, Eulah Eckert. Charlene Holden, Carl Sparks and Frank Harwood. Middle row: Gladys Andre, Marion Potter, Kate Andre, and Robert Andre. Front row: Edna Andre, Marjorie Clemens, Helen Michal, Mae Andre, ? Clemens, RoyClemensand GeorgeAndre. This School was located L/2 mile west of Flagler then 14 miles north and 2 1/2 miles west across the road from Vincent Ostrowski's farm and on Frank Michal's land. There was first a soddie there before the frame building was built in 1922 or 1923. The legal description of its location at that time was the northwest corner of the NW 1/4 of Section 29 Township 6 Range 51. School Dist. 14. The building was bought by the Flagler School District and moved to Flagler. It was made into a home for the superintendent and today is the home of David Edwards at 708 Main Ave. Teachers: Anna Liza Brown, Mrs. Loulla Deiterick, Art Robb, Clyde Roberts, Mrs. Dale Wiant, Rachel Harwood Kyle, Peggie Splain, Charleen Holden and Nina White, Alice Roberts Fruhling Liggett and possibly others. Students: The community families of the Potters, Eckerts, Dines, Ostrowskis, Charles north, 1 mile east, 6 miles north, 1 mile east. 1 1/2 miles north on the east side of the road (ust north of E.T. Loutzenhiser or LeRoy Loutzenhiser). This is 18 1/2 miles from Flagler and today it is still at this location. It has been referred to as the Sucker Flat School but it is only in the Sucker Flat community out in the Loutzenhiser country. Most of the time there were two school teachers teaching and often one or the other would live in the basement. At one time there were as many as 50 students attending in one year. At one time there would be as many as 20 - 25 horses of the kids in the school barn throughout the day. It was Iocated 1/2 mile south and across the road from the old Ash Grove School and the legal description was near the southwest corner of the northwest 1/4 of Section 16 Township 6 Range 50. The school district was known as Dist. 55. You could attend High School here up to your senior year but not including the senior year. Students attending from outside the District would have to pay tuition to go to school here. The Shiloh School was built in 1915. Teachers: Algie Sinton 1922,Mr. Parsons, Art Robb, Alice Whittiker Fhruling, Frank Day, Mr. Romburg 1937, Beatrice Pickenpaw 1937-38, Mrs. Hill 1936-37, Leah Davis Portner 1934, Margie Beck Scott and Edith MOUNT PLEASANT SCHOOL T225 This school was located L/2 mile west of Flagler and 17 miles north then L/2 west (1/4 west of Cecil Charles). There was first a soddie before the frame building was built in either 1922 or 23. The legal description was the southwest corner of the SE 1/4 of Section 3 Township 6 Range 51. School Dist. 14. The Mount Pleasant School was sold to the Seibert R.L.D.S. Church and moved to Seibert where they held church until thev built again and sold the school building. From here it was moved west of Burlington about three miles and is located on the south side of old highway 24 on a high foundation. Teachers: Mrs. Blanch Carper for two years. Margie Minner, Clyde Roberts, Crystal Stevens for two years, Rachel Hatch, Mrs. Ella Rob Huntzinger, Lola Rillahan for two years, Betty Pelle Loadmeyer, LaJean Cayton, Irene Charles Travis, Charleen Holden and once Neil Bromley and possibly others. Students: Frank Harwood and a daughter Coreena, Azel Dorsey, The Frank Michal family, Cecil Charles family, Laten Harwood family, Donna Lee McCullah, Statlers. �Thompsons, Phipps, Buckles, the families of Vincent Ostrowski, Ed Carlson, Eaches, Parker, Charles Kyle, Lee Smith, George Codery, Carl and Clod Cuthbertson, Estel Rose Baker and Marlin, MaHaffies, Cathlet, Lonnie and Carl Elrick, Burches and others, Bddie Stewart, Rosalee Moss Loutzenhiser, Helen and Burl Miller. bY Norman Michal PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL T226 This school was located in the Sucker Flats community and 1 mile east of Flagler, 8 miles north. I mile east, 8 miles north, 6 miles east and then 1 mile south. 1 mile south of The North Flat School. Built in 1923 or James - was held only a few years until 1924 school it burned in 1931.. The legal description was the northeast corner of the NE 1/4 of Section 19 Township 6 Range 449. Teachers were paid $75.00 per month. The Teachers were Dora Buttler Wolverton for several years. Irene Heisten Bancroft 1930 - 1931, and Bernice Harman McBlair in 1931 at which time the school was burned. Marion, Students: The Tom Jensens Leon, Aletha and one other -girl. Clyde Harman. Dale Jones and his sister Marie Vernie, Alma and Jones Smith. Jensens - Lesa. DOLAN SCHOOL T228 This was a very early day school and a soddie located l/2 mile west of Flagler 13 miles north and then about 3/4 mile east. If a person was looking there today at the site you could see nothing at all that would resemble a school site. The location is 1/2 mile north and L/2 mile east of the Frank Harwood farmsite. In talking with Frank Harwood, he says that he and his sister Rachel Harwood Kyle were the only students he could ever remember there and could not even remember the teacher or her name. The legal description would be the south- west corner of the SE 1/4 of Section 26 Township 6 Range 51. by Norman Michal ASHGROVE SCHOOL T227 This school was in the Sucker FIat country and from Flagler it was 1 mile east, 8 north, 1 east, 8 north and 1 mile east on the south side of the road. It was a soddie building built in 1910. A picture ofthis school building can be found elsewhere in this history book. The legal description of the location was the northeast corner ofthe NE 1/4 of Section 17 Township 6 Range 50. TEACHERS: Clair Williams 1909 - 1910. Dazzie Hewitt 1911 - 1912. Dora Buttler Wolverton 1911-1912 was hired to take the place of Dazzie Hewett after a horse ran away *ith her buggie and upset and broke her arm. Dazzie Hewitt returned to teach 1912-1913. Miss Prudence Robbinson Bragg taught several years. Later teachers were Winfield Keneese, Dora Buttler Wolverton again and Nina Anderson. STUDENTS: Blanch Lipford Carper and her sister Hattie. Ruth and May King. Velma Colier Taggart. Theadore, Ethel' Byron, Blanch and Mable Gourd. Bruce Nelson. Ethelyn Curry. Russel, Tom and Florence Churchwell. Dewie Landeau' Glenn Gomer. Flo Gering. by Norman Michal During the War years (1942 - 1945) mattresses were made from Government supplied material in this school. The school building was bought by Hamer Shaw and moved to Flagler where it was made into a church and at one time was the Chapel ofthe Ralph Clapp Funeral Home. The property now belongs to The Church of Christ where they held church for several years. The present location is at 425 Pawnee Ave. in Flagler. The legal description of the Prairie Gem school location was the northeast corner of the NE 1/4 of Section 26 Township 7 Range 50 District 14. Teachers: Idra Phipps, Orpha Goodrich, Virginia Harold, Miss Minnie Petty, LaVerna Reed, Mrs. Dora Wolverton several years, Ben Sawhill, Gorden, Lola James 1932, Mrs. Thompson and others. Students: The Brandenburgs-Mertle, Jim- BRANDENBURG SCHOOL mie and Orville. Louis Reids-David, Orlin, Roger, LaVetta. Copleys-Louis, David, Doris, T229 The Brandenburg school was located from the northeast corner of Flagler; 1 mile east, 8 miles north, 3 miles east and 1/4th mile south on the east side of the road' It was a soddie school and was only used for a couple ofyears. It was built in 1912 and the teacher was Jennie Custine Sereno. Mrs' Sereno was the lady who later had the triplet girls 9 miles north and 1/2 west of Flagler. Ida Fisher bY Norman Michal apparently ofan over heated and unattended heating coal stove. It was rebuilt and school was held there until consolidation into the Flagler District in 1949. Gwynn went there to school for 1 year and her sister Marguerite for 3 Years. The soddie school building was no longer safe so school was held in the LaRee farm house for a short time until agreements were made to have the kids schooled at the Weibel soddie School in 1914' Those attending Weibel School at that time was Ida and Marguerite Fisher and Emit Chase with Jennie Custine Sereno teaching. The LaRee farm was locatedl/2 mile north and I 1/4 mile west of the Brandenburg School. The Brandenburg School legal location was the southwest corner just north of Art Brandenburg's farm and the NW /4 of Section 27 TownshiP 7 Range 50. The first teacher was Jennie Custine in 1912. Miss Muck taught in 1913, and Jennie Custine before she was married Sereno in Betty, LaVell. The Burr girls. Harris JonesLeRoy, Phyllis, Don and Erma. Kenneth Inmans-Stan and Louis. Clarence Burgess. Floyd Reed. by Norman Michal PRAIRIE VIEW OR WALKER SCHOOL T231 School had been held here in one soddie and then another soddie building prior to the construction of a frame building in 1922 or 1923. The school was located l/2mile west of Flagler, ? miles north, 1 mile west and then 3/4 mile north on the east side of the section line. This was known as the Walker and Huntley communities. It is not clear as to where the school was moved but some seem to think it is here in Flagler. The legal description was the northwest corner of Section 27 Township 7 Range 5L in District 14 until that community withdrew to come to the Flagler District in about 1940. Teachers: Dola Belden, Mrs. Olie Swenn Olsen, Mrs. Ella Robb Huntzinger, Mrs. John Codery, Mamie Kyle Huntzinger, Lola Shaw 1914. Rillahan 1921, Ruby Dorsey Hullenbaugh to live in the school because of the severe Students: The families of Roy Walker, Floyd Fager, Cecil Bogat, Andrewjeski, It was in 1914 during the winter that the teacher Jennie and Ida and Marguerite had winter. by Norman Michal 1936, June Kyle Schidler and others. Meyers, Eddie Stewart, Pasley, Robbison, George Bull, Frank Jorden, Park Weatherly, Eatches, Beeman, Chapla and others. bY Norman Michal PRAIRIE GEM SCHOOL T230 The Prairie Gem School was located 1 mile east of the northeast corner of Flagler, 8 miles north and then 5 miles east on the south side of the road. This is what is known as the Jones and Burgess communities. The first frame building was built about 1924 and school was held there only two years before it burned IIOENSTEIN - BEHEN SCHOOL T232 This school was located 3 1/2 miles west of the north edge of Flagler, 3 miles north and then 1/2 mile east. It was very small with only a few kids attending. Erwin Hoenstein remembers some older boys once stuffing him �down a prairie dog hole there when he visited before he was old enough to attend school. They were unable to get him out and had to go for help to get him out. The school was located about 3/4 mile east of the Hoensteins and was later moved to just across the road east of their house and Erwin used it for a ice house as it was only 14 feet wide and 14 feet long inside. Teachers: Unknown. Students: Olivar Perrish, a fellow whose first name was Guss and the Behen kids. Possibly a few others. The legal description was the southeast corner of Section 17 Township 8 Range 51. by Norman Michal NORTH FLAT OR JAMES SCHOOL T233 This school was located at the eastern edge of what is known as Sucker Flats 1 mile east of Flagler, 8 miles north I mile east, 8 miles north and 6 miles east on the south side of the road andjust east ofwhat was known then as the Ollie Ja-es and now the Walt Timm Farms. The legal description is the northeast corner of the NE 1/4 of Section 18 Township 6 Range 49. The school was first an "adobe block" building and at that time was known as the "James School", then later when the frame structure was built the school was then known as "North Flat School." The adobe building was built in 1911-1912 by Kelley Hembrie, Mr. Hogland and Olie James. TEACHERS:lzetta. Wren 1911-19t 2. Jonnie Husband. Mrs. Harold Jenkins. Mrs. Edith Huntzinger Gering. Irene Heisten Bancroft L92l-1922. Madeline Ott Becker 1930-1931. Dela Hendricks 193r-1932 (boarded at the Jensens). Dorothy Schmidt (lived in the school). Julia Wanczyk Dugan 1935-1936. Irene Heisten Bancroft 1937- 1938-1939. Francis Vandermeir 1939-f940. Bernice Harman McBlair 1940-1941. Reta James Lounge 1944-L945. Neva Back McCaffery (the last year school was held here). STUDENTS: Hattie Lipford. Jasper Wolf. Hoglands Allie, Wilbur. Ruby Loutzenhis- er. Nellie- Sears. Ace Harmans - Clyde, Archie and Burnice. Kenneth Weise. Alex Todds daughter Bula. Grover Todds Robert and Owen. STUDENTS: Tom Jensens - Oliver, Leslie, Goldie and Vernie. The Quintins Emily, Todd, Merl, Matilda, Jonn and Sam. J.C. Millers Ord, Norman, George, and Burl. Ord Millers Thelma and Lorance. -Johnie, Billie Weskins Clode and - James Elzie, Jim. Frickies. Ollie Lola, Reta and Bill. Burt Scotts daughter -Kathleen Graffis. Neva Back McCaffery. Ed Allachers Willard and Florence. Segal Grimes Beckie, Bill and Bob. Archie Harmans Patricia, Beverly and Barbara. Richard Forbes Srs. son Richard Jr. NOTE: It is interesting to note that the very first car or automobile to come to the northwestern corner of Kit Carson County was owned by a Mr. Lee who lived about 16 1/2 miles north of Seibert, Colorado and on the west side of the Cope road in 1913. He would hire out to take those who had made a claim on a piece of land to Hugo, Colorado where they would have to register their claim or "Prove IJp" as it was known then, with witnesses, on that land. Now this Mr. Lee lived within 3 miles of Mr. Ollie James who was the grandfather of the Astronaut Michael "Mike" Lounge who flew on the Discovery in August of 1985 and is scheduled to fly again in August 1988 on the Discovery. See the story of Michael "Mike" Lounge as a astronaut elsewhere in this history book. by Norman Michal McBRIDE OR FISHER SCHOOL T234 The McBride School was first held in a farm building 14 feet by 14 feet square on the farm of the McBrides. Now this is a different Mc Bride than the Dr. Mc Brides who doctored in Flagler during the 1950s. It was located from the northeast corner of Flagler 1 mile east, 4 miles north, 1 mile east, 1 mile north, 1 mile east then north 1 mile and about 1/8 mile northwest off out in the prairie on the land now owned by Buck Fisher. School was held here only a couple of years but one year a small boy had an appendix attack and died and was buried nearby. The house Harrington school 1940 in the Mangus buggy, L. to R.: Leslie Mangus, Ruth Harrington, Jack Mangus, Vernetta Korbelik, Dale Mangus, Ona Jean Mangus, Ina Lea Mangus and Lyle Shook in front. burned to the ground so the school building was moved east across the road west of LeRoy Jones present farm site. Mrs. Mc Bride taught l year and Miss Muck I year while the school was at the Mc Bride farm. While at the new school site near Jones the Dillon kids Tom, Opal and Hazel; the Bonhams - Ida, Marguerite and Buck; E.M. Copleys Neoma and Betty, all attended. Russel, Margaret, and Loretta; the Fishers The TEACHERS were Mrs. Vernon Simpson at one time and then Mrs. Purrish in 1920. The echool was moved again I mile west to Buck Fishers and the Fisher homestead and used as a grainery before being burned to destroy it. The first location was in the south center of the SE L/4 of Section 32 Township 7 Range 50 and the second location was the southeast corner of the NE 1/4 of Section 26 Township 7 Range 50. From the northeast corner of Flagler 1 mile east, 4 miles north, 1 mile east, 1 mile north, 2 miles east, 2 miles north, 1 mile east and l/2 mile south on the west side of the road. by Norman Michal GREEN VALLEY DISTRICT #TL T235 Prior to the construction ofthe new "Green Valley" school house in 1941, there were classes held in two other schoolhouses in the Green Valley community in the 1930's. One was located in the SW corner of Section 269-42. Teachers in that school included: Ora Cruickshank, Christine Manley and Genevieve Shannon. Students known to have been enrolled there were: Marjorie and Erma Schmidt; Ona Jean, Ina Lee, Garth (Jack), Dale, and Leslie Ray (Bob) Mangus; Lyle Shook; Vernetta Ann Korbelik: and Elna Fairy princess, Vernetta Korbelik; Erma Schmidt; Doll, Ina Lea Mangus; Ona Jean Mangus; Soldier, Lyle Shook; Phyllis Shook; Back row; Miss Shannon and Ruth Harrington, 1940-41. Ruth Harrington. The other schoolhouse was located in NW % of Section 29-9-42. Enrollment there was: Marjorie Schmidt, Beata and Duane Schaai Erma Schmidt and Vernetta Korbelik. The teachers there were: Marie Ann Esch. Marjorie Guthrie and Lily Mae Behl. Eighth grade graduates in the school were Marjorie, Beata and Duane. On June 16, 1941, these two schoolhouses were sold. Charles Kaestner bought one for $8?.50 and Walter Gillespie bought the other one for $65.00. Adolph Korbelik paid 952.00 for the coal shed. A new schoolhouse was built in District #11 in 1941. It was later titled the "Green Valley School". It is located in Section 28-942, a nice roomy building with a full basement. The community attended the new school dedication along with the graduation of the first 8th grade graduate, Elna Ruth Harrington, on May 2, L942. Mrs. Josie Youtsey was the teacher. First school board members were: Adolph Korbelik, Ralph Schmidt and Miles Kiper. Adolph served as board member until the school consolidated with RE-6J, some 15 years later and then on �center of many fond memories, hard work and togetherness of the community. by Rose Korbelik ALL I EVER REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN T236 At the 1987 Colorado Governor's Conference on Aging, Governor Roy Romer quoted an article which appeared in the Konsas City bib overalls to tall girl; Danny Gilbert, Ralph and Rod Heskett, David Rollo, Shirley - dark Harrington. Front row; Kenneth and Clair Heskett, Ona Jean and Ina Lea Mangus, Erma Heskett, Ruth Schmidt, and Vernetta Korbelik. Back row & Mrs. Shook, and Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Gilbert. The two families who are still in the Green Valley community are Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Korbelik, the last of the "old time" residents since 1931. (Their children: Vernetta, Harvey and Patricia were raised here Green Valley School built in 1941. R. Donald Gilbert and Patricia Korbelik, graduates, Glenda Davis and Edith Whiteman, teacher. Front; Yvette Miller, Teddy and Nolan Davis. lhe RE-6J Board for two more terms. Last students to attend Green Valley School were: Donald Gilbert and Patricia Korbelik (both 3th grade graduates) and Glenda, Nolan and Teddy Davis. Edith Whiteman was the beacher. Names of parents who are no longer in the Green Valley school area, but have had children enrolled in this school: Mr. & Mrs. Tom Warren, Mr. & Mrs. George Blomenclahl, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Mangus, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Burdette Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Marion Harrington, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Haskett, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Gaines, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Denton, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hines, Mr. & Mrs. Chambers, Mr. & Mrs. Bisbee, Mr. & Mrs. Gene Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Showalter, Mr. & Mrs. Dale Gilbert. Mr. & Mrs. Winston, Mr. nursery school. These are the things I learned: Share everything, play fair, don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hand before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and colc milk are good for you. Live a balanced life. and all attended School District #11 through the 8th grade), and Mr. & Mrs. Rynal Amack, Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work whose son, Rodney, attended Green Valley every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. School. When you got out into the world, watch for Teachers in the district 1941, Mrs. Josie Youtsey, 1942, Mrs. Mary Krueger, 1943, Mrs. Lois Blomendahl, l944,Lil Olsen, 1946, Mrs. Haulsy, t947, Mrs. Hazel Fromong, 1949, Darrell Mann, 1950, Mrs. Sally Bauder, 1951, Lily Mae Behl, 1952, Mrs. Ruby Conarty, 1954, Edith Whiteman. The school was appreciated by everyone and served well as a community center for club meetings, parties, etc. During Mrs. Bauder's term, on December 22, 1950, one of the most exciting times in the kids'memories was when Santa Claus, himself, came by airplane, landed in the pasture by the school and surprised the children during their Christmas program. When the school ac- 3th grade graduation at Green Valley School; L. to Times written by Robert Faugham. We print it here to remind us all: "Most of what I really need to know about, how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain but there in the sandbox at quired its own piano it added to the fun of school programs and parties. Rose Korbelik played the piano for many such functions. Green Valley school got its familiar name when the first 4-H Club in the area was organized in 1944 and was named Green Valley 4-H. Harold Schmidt was the first 4H Leader. Charter members of the club were: David Bogart, Russell Davis, Stanley Davis, Dale Eberhart, Jerry Eberhart, Marlin (Moe) Eberhart and Vernetta Ann Korbelik. Long term serving leaders were Lyla Davis Enyart, 25 years and Adolph Korbelik, 17 years. Green Valley Home Demonstration Club also held their meetings there for many years. Green Valley Home Demonstration Club was organized in January, 1946, and is still active. Farm Bureau meetings and meetings resulting in community progress, such as, installing the telephone lines in 1948 and REA electric lines in the early 1950's. These were community projects, organized and physically accomplished by the families of the community. Many other business and social activities made Green Valley school the traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Gold fish and hamsters and white mice and even the little they all die. So do seed in the plastic cup we. And remember the -book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all LOOK. Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love the basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and sane living. Think what a better world it would be if we all had cookies and milk the whole world - afternoon and then lay about 3 o'clock every down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together." by Editors SCHOOL DISCIPLINE THEN T237 An incident recounted by Charlotte Godsman, an early day teacher in the Seibert area and later prominent in Denver schools, vividly recounts how times have changed, "A couple of the boys, still wishing to show their independence, would come to school quite casually from nine to ten o'clock A.M., without excuses, perhaps whistling a little in the hall before entering the school room. I �insisted on excuses for both tardiness and (soNG) - *scHOOL DAYS" absences, but they determined to win out. A tslk with their father showed me that he could not make his son mind. I fortified myself with a good riding whip. The next day, Friday, they took the afternoon off. I had told them I would punish them if they came again without excuses. Sure enough, the boys returned Monday morning without excuses. I brought out the whip and asked them to stand; one did. I whipped him, then turned and whipped the other boy as he sat there in his seat. After a few etrokes of the whip, I stopped to ask him if he had matches in his pocket, and if so to please remove them. He looked amazed, smiled queerly, put his fingers in his vest pocket and drew out some half burned, smoking matches! The room was as still as still. I had seen a little smoke curling upward from his vest pocket and knew that the whip's lash had ignited the matches. The pupils were now amused, but I calmly finished the punishment and proceeded with the program. I never had any more trouble with those boys. Years after one of them told me that whipping him was the best thing that ever happened to him as he had never had to mind before. I never used corporal punish- ment if it could be avoided. But, those days, if a teacher showed that she was afraid to whip, she was lost and no discipline could be maintained. Times have changed much since 1g96!" T239 T238 As a beginner first I canre, into the spacious hall of fame. Great was the atre that filLed nry nrind, next for childhoocr left behincl . soon came teacher stern and tall saying don't stancl there in the hall. You should be working at your lessons nor,r, then r began my,jreat career in P.V.S. , in P.V.S. trr'ith teacher true and schoolmate dear, we,ll sing three cheers for our dear old P.V.S. Come to cLass now with me, and the results As bone and ntuscle grew. The children learned and lived as one In grades from one through eight; lf they absorbed what each should learn Lhat mattered age or rate? But who has seen a one-room school llith nrud roads to the door? On winter mornings, snow was deep But walking or riding a horse was the score. l{ithin there were the screw-down seats, The oily floor and broonr, Pot-bellied stove, and pile of coal To heat the crowded roonr, The blackboards scant, the waEer pail, No telephone fo boast-But there was space to fly Or slope on which to coast. a kite Nostalgia haur,ts the one-room schooL, No marker tells its rrorth; Among those passinl through the door L:ere great ones of the earth. CHORUS: Oh P.V.S. days how dear to me, so free fron care, so full of glee. Our tuneful hearts in song we raise, our troubles leave for future davs. Song school house. I carried plenty ofcoal in from the coal house to last the rest of the day and SCHOOL AND A BAD BLIZZAB'D T240 The blizzard that we experienced on March IL, 1977, reminded my wife and I of an experience that we had in a storm fifty years ago: she, as a mother, a rancher, a country school teachers' wife during a real old time blizzard; I, as a country school teacher and school bus driver. My bus was a 1918 Model T Ford, quite a car at that time. It had a top that could be put up and side curtains that could be put in place in stormy weather. On this memorable day in March L9ZE, I had my oldest son Bobbie, a six year old beginner and three of Collie Teel's children, Sylvan, Chest€r and Hazel, whom I bused to school at the Old Pleasant Meadow school where I taught that winter. This school house was located twelve miles south of Vona. Colorado to the correction line then 1 mile west. The weather being very threatening that morning, no more of the fifteen pupils that usually attended my school showed. As the morning wore on the storm intensified to the extent that by noon I decided that I should dismiss school and head for home with my four pupils. We ate our lunches before starting as each child always carried his own Author unknown Poem lunch bucket with his noonday meal. I put the side curtains on and bundled my four pupils into the Model T with robes and quilts that I always carried. by Eleanor Varce of labor see; Reading, arithmetic, grammer, too; history,.Seography ever new. Here we may learn to lvrite and drar.r, r,.'ork with a irarnmer and a saro. And to be kind to everyone fie meet, but if vre do not nalk just right, or turn our head or v"'ink an eye, then to the teacher r^)e must go and be: to renrain in our dear old p.V.S. THE RURAL SCHOOL Your days are numbered, few remain That point the way you l<new To let the mind and spirit grow, children up in a row, covered them complete- ly with the quilts from the car, and led them through that raging blizzatd, back to the SCHOOL DAYS by Editors THE RURAL SCHOOL to the school house and wait out the storm or the arrival of possible help. I lined the four The Model T started alright but before we had traveled % mile the blizzard had intensified to the extent that the blowing snow whipped up under the hood wetting the motor and the electrical wires and the motor died. The only thing to do then was walk back possibly the night. We moved four long benches into a square around the pot bellied stove. We sang songs and played games to pass the time as studying was out of the question. As the dark of night approached and no help came for us, I lighted the coal oil lamp that hung in a bracket on the wall. If I remember right, we had three sandwiches left in our five lunch pails which the children let me divide as even as possible among the five of us which we made do for supper. I kept a good fire all night and let the children sleep on the benches with what quilts and covers were available. On our home ranch six miles away, my wife Winifred was at home with our five year old preschooler, Guy, who had an earache all night. She also had to milk and feed the cows, feed calves, horses, chickens and hogs as best she could in a blizzard with the womy of not knowing why I and our six year old Bobbie didn't come home, wondering where we were, maybe stranded on a prairie road where there were few if any fences to follow, no graded roads and of, course, no telephones. Meanwhile, the four children and I spent a reasonably comfortable night, sleeping part time at least on the floor or the benches near the heating stove. Not long after daylight the next morning, we saw a man ride into the school yard on a horse. It was Mr. Teel. the father of the Teel children. He had worried all night about us so started out at daylight trying to find his way to the school house, just two miles from his home. He was aimlesslv drifting in the storm. He had accidentallv seen the school house that he was about to pass. Mr. Teel was surely relieved to find us safe and fairly comfortable except that we had nothing for breakfast. By 8:00 a.m. the storm seemed to be slackening some and we decided to try walking the two miles to the Teel home. Thl �horse that Mr. Teel had tied to the door knob had rubbed his bridle off and was gone. Before we had traveled a half mile I realized that little Bob wouldn't be able to walk very far in all the snow, so I carried him on my back piggyback for some distance. Then Mr. Teel and I made a saddle of our hands between us and carried him most ofthe rest of the trip. Another mother was much relieved to see us come walking in, safe but tired, cold and hungry. Little Bob's cheeks showed white spots indicating that his cheeks were somewhat frozen. Mrs. Teel gave us a good hot breakfast after which I borrowed a horse of Mr. Teel's, took little Bob on with me and rode the rest of the four miles home, ariving about 11:00 a.m. much to the relief of my wife who had done an excellent job of choring and caring for a sick boy and all the time worrying as to what the fate of the school children and me might have been. This is just one of the harrowing experiences that my wife Winnie and I went through during my twenty years as a country school teacher in Kit Carson County, Colorado. Written by Carl Harrison. bY J. Carl Harrison ****{€*******:lc** Flagler News, Oct. 13, 1927: "Prairie Gem School House Dedicated Sunday"' "A large crowd gathered at the new Prairie Gem schoot building last Sunday morning. Sun' day School was held as usual, after which a bounteous basket dinner was serued in the basernent. The meeting was called' to order about two o'cloch and the following program was rendered: Seueral songs by the audience, followed by a beautiful song by Mrs. Schekel, accompanied by Mrs. Harry Cates of Seibert. C.I. Bonham, as president of the school board, extended a hearty welcome, in a few well chosen words. Miss Reba Edwards, the teacher, followed with remarks of congratu' lations to patrons and friends of the districtSidney P. God,srnan of Burlington deliuered the main address, which was uery inspiring. He spoke on 'Americanism, CommunitY Interests and Difficulties and our Wonderful Educational Aduantages.' His talk was thoroughly enjoyed by all that were present. Prairie Gem school is located about 15 miles northeast of Flagler, and, has always taken an actiue interest in educational matters and cornmunity betterment, and is justly proud of the new building just completed. The patrons of this school are uery loyal to the school as there is not a child in the district being hept at home to work! All are in school and the district has a 100 percent high school enrollment. Seuen pupils from this district are attending high school in Seibert and Flagler. The school house is 24x40 feet with full basement and is equipped with a hot air furnace. 1931-2, Laura Mae Malbaff taught at Sunny Dale School, staying with Grandma and Grandpa Plum. Two teachers were employed at this school; the other was Mary Furlong. They roomed at the Plums for $25.00 per month. Later, the board and. room was lowered to $15.00 when word by grapeuine hinted they might consider mouing into the school house. The time was the year Phillip was born. Mary Furlong and another teacher were driuing here from Iowa to teach at this school. They had a car accident and the other teocher was killed. Laura Mae took the job because of this. Loren and Mable Plum liued here and prouided transportation from home to school. Often in cold weather Loren wouLd build a fire under the Mod.el T to get it started. If he failed, he hitched up a team and took them in a sleigh. In good weather, the teachers would walk; it was about three miles. Teachers' salary at this tirne was $75.00 per m.onth. Laura Mae's first uisit to Flagler was to a debate here with her tearn from Englewood, Colorado. They stayed ouernight at the Lauington home and she neuer dreamed then that one day she would liue in Flagler. Ash Groue School: Flagler News, 1916. "New School District." "A new school district has been organized in the Shiloh country. A meeting wos held at the Ash Groue School house last Monday when it was d.ecided to elect officers and forrn an organi- zation. The new d.istrict wiII be composed of a territory about fiue miles square and will haue nearly twenty scholars. George And,re was elected president, Bed- ford Nelson, secretary, and Delbert Todd, treasurer. The officers will hold until the regular school election next May. A special election will be held in the near future for the purpose of uoting bonds for a new school building. It is now planned to build a two-room school house with a basement. County Superintendent Miss Tressel was present at the meeting and gaue aduice as to the conduct of the new d'istrict. We are sure pleased to see the great interest rnanifest in school matters in rural school districts. With the new church, new school house and other improuernents, the Sucker Flats country is coming right to the front'" Harry DeLos Ross taught his first school in 1903 in the Chase District north of Burlington. Edna Browning Rose-Priest attended the Hoyt School about 1887-1888 and taught at Hoyt later. Mettie W. Rose-Shannahan-Loue was born Nou. 7, 1883, in the old home in Madison County, Iowa. She was less than four years old when her family came to Colorado. She was a good student and becarne a teacher in Kit Carson County rnany years. She made the best auerage in the Teacher's Exam.ination of any one else euer taking it. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Country Schools Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource Record of the Country Schools in Kit Carson County as recorded in the book History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/17/454/Families-A.pdf c93a6850513e73db071eed31a81f84c3 PDF Text Text ADOLF - WEISSHAAR FAMILY FI the range all winter. There was very little snow in the winter and no snow storms until 1899, had a big snow that left 20 inches on the ground and stayed on all winter. No feed and no grain, no way to buy feed, so the cattle started to starve to death. We had a neighbor by the name of John WaN who had a big herd of cattle and no wav to buy feed or grain, so he had tojust see them die.The neighbors came and heiped skin the cattle which they got 2b cents a hide for. He loet the entire herd. That may sound bad, but I-saw that myself, the cows got so hungry that they ate their own manure and the hoisls ate the boards of the corrals and the hair of each other's manes and tails. In 1902, diphtheria broke out and with no doctor in the eettlement, we lost 10 or 12 persons, and we lost our oldest brother. A.W. Adolf during a blizzard in t87 4. They didn't have electricity due to the storm. Note thi gloves are made out of beaver, the fur coat is one hJ wore many years ago, the lap robe is made from the hide of his favorite horse, Tony, made in the early '20's. The following story was told to A.W.'s grandaughter Egther Young in Nov of 1g77. "My father, August Adolf, and my mother and two children moved from South Dakota to Burlington and took a homestead nine miles north of Bethune (now known as the Edgar Stahlecker farm) and lived in a oneroom dugout the roof covered with sod and no other -buildings on the place. May 8, 1890, I was born. My Dad had to haul the water from the Republican River a1d h9d just two barrels on the wagon. So when he came home and wae going to-unload the barrel, it slipped out of his trotd and he lost all the water and they did not have enough water to wash me. There was all open range: no fences, no ^ farming, no plowed ground . . . all grass at that time . . . the Indians killed t[em for their hide. All that was left was a pile of bones where one could find an arrowhead that killed the buffalo, of which I still have eome of the arrowheads I found. There were lots of antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs, owls, prairie chickenJ and rattlesnakes. Later, the country was filled with cattle and horses that roamed the prairies. As ti1e went on, the fanily grew to four -boys and three girls. Father hid-quite a few cattle and, to my knowledge, theri wagn,t a horse on our ranch that was not broke to ride or to drive and if I could not ride him, I had a younger brother, Gust, that could ride him. I was born in the saddle and with boots on and still wear boots and want to be buried with boots on, so much for that. I was baptized 28th December, 1890 at the John Dobler home by Rev. D. Meyer. There was no church building at the time. so thev had the service in one home. pastor Meyer was the firet minieter in the settlem ent. 27th March, 1904, I was confirmed in the old stone church, the Immanuel Lutheran Church, by Rev. Robert Ackerman of Yale, Co. and on Nov. 10, 1912, I was married to Marv E. Weisshaar by Rev. N. Brun in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, the old stone church building. Il ttr:9arly days there never was any hay stacked, for the cattle and horsee wet" out on Danny, and one of my aunts. One thing that the old settlers feared the - most was prairie fires. There was a prairie fire that started at Yuma and jumped the Republican River and burnid clear to Cheyenne Wells. Next was the rattlesnakes. and they were plenty. _ In 1907, a disease broke out among the horses, called the ,.blind staggers", .r,dthey died all over the county. My Dad lost all bui two head, lost 15 head, so all he had left was an old mare and colt, and at that time horses were very valuable; that was the only way to farm or even to get to town, as we depended 9n -hgrseg for everything. It took years to buildthe herd up again, but in those days the neighbors always helped when anyone nee_ ded help. There were very few hogs on account of grain, but if one farmer had a sow that had pigs, then at weaning time the farmer gave eagh g pig as far as they went so they could raise it for the meat and lard. And to git more meat they could shoot antelope, but there was only o-n9 biq rifle, a 3SG, in the neighborhood, owned by Gottlieb Bauder so if one wanted meat, he borrowed the gun from Mr. Bauder. There were plenty of antelopes. In 1908, the grasshoppers were so thick that at times they shaded the sun, and when they lan4ed they just ate everything that was green. There was no way to destroy them, no poison, and no spray. .And talking about high wages now days, when I wae 20 years old, lworked for a farmer in Riverton, Neb., by the name of Herman Amman, for $10 a month and room and board and worked harder than ever in mv life. I worked for him two years and I pick'ed corn for one cent a bushel. . Thgp wer_e the good old horse days. Then, their big problem was water for the iivestock. No well diggers in the country and most of the wells were dug by hand. Most of them were 200 feet deep and the water was drawn by hand with a bucket and a winch. A man by the name of Jim Knapp got a well-digging rig which was driven by a team of mutesl Then came the O.K. windmills to solve the problems. Cost of an eight-foot windmill was $25 "wooden wheel." I had nothing to start with and I think I still have half of it left yet." August William Adolf, better known as A.W. was born to Russian - German homesteaders August and Katherine Richter Adolf in the "Settlement" north of Bethune. Au- gust was the first male birth registered in the newly incorporated Kit Carson County. A.W. only had three years of formal schooling but always had a high regard of education and served on the school board at Bethune for many years. He was an early member of the Kit Carson County Cattlemen,s Association and hadthe first registered Angus herd in the area in the 1940's. He loved hoises and loved his Palominos and Percheron draft horses. He.enjo-yed riding in parades and enjoyed the trail rides. A.W. and his wife Mary enjoyed ?2 years of married life and had a family of siieirls and_two boys. He passed awaron Feb]tz, 1985 at the age of 94. by Eva Wood ADOLF - WEISSHAAR FAMILY F2 I'll start my story with a bit of history of my parents who were Johann and Chrislina Margareda Wilhelm Weisshaar. Johann was born Nov. 5, 1868 and Christin" *"s loi" April 11, 1865, they were both born in Lichtentall, Russia. Shortly after their marriage on Feb. 28, 188b, they left Russia and came west and settled first in fnlmsgs, Nebr. It was here that my oldest sister Le"na Schlichenmayer w€ul born on June 1, lgg6. They were not quite a year in Nebr. when they heard that there were people from the s4me place that they were from in Russia. living around ldalia, Co., so they once more packed their belongings and headed west. They took up a homestead four miles south_ east of Idalia where I was born; Eva Maria (Mary), on Nov. 27, l1g2. In the-spring of 1900, when I was eight years old, we moved from Idalia to lhe "Settlement" north of Bethune, Co. where about 15 families of Russian German decent were living. My Dad bought a relinquishment deed from a family by the name of Mack _B_ev!er, It is the place my youngest brother Karl Weisshaar still owns northwest of Burlington, Co. We were a family of seven gills and four boys. Lena, myseif (Mary), John Frederick, b. Sept. lb, fggl, died-io 1?97; Christina Margaret Fischer, b. Sept. 80, 1889, died in Nov. 19?8 ; Fredericka Fischer, b. Mar. 29, 1891;Margaret Stahlecker b. Nov. 15, 1894; Jacob (Jake) b. Dec. 12, 1g96; Karl Frederick b 1898 and died at age 2 weeks; b. July 27, Lg}O; Ig.y]i"" Sjhlichenmayer (Bill) William 951;.1ian b. Sepi. zsi, tgozi Anna Dorthea Adolf b. Oct. fl, fSO+; and Karl Bernhard b. Feb. 19, 1910. Mrs August Adolf, Mrs. William Adolf and Mrs. Sherilan Yale were the mid-wives in the area. We went to a little one room school located where Hope Church, north of Bethune now stands. I was 8 years old when I started school and 12 before I ever got to go to Burlington. tly cutting across prairie and pasture land it was about 3 % miles to school. It was only on very_ cold days or stormy days that my bad would take us to school and come get us with the horse and buggy. We did not have overshoes and on the days when there was snow a couple inches deep Mother would tie gunny sacks over our shoes to keep our feet from getting wet. I was confirmed at age lb and this-also ended my going to school AI ot us krds were confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. �my days were full of cooking, cleaning, sewing, tending the garden and milking as we always milked 8 or 9 cowe. I raised a lot of turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens. Our first w mattress was filled with corn husks, but I made the pillows of duck and goose down. I never bought a pillow and I gave each one of my children a pair of these down filled pillows when they married. The moet difficult timee for us was the drought and the "dugt bowl days". How we "3',*:i' : '-,':',']ll' A.W. and Mary Adolf taken in 1915. $400. Our youngest son, Allan and his wife still live there. This is where I went as a bride. It had a small shack and a rock barn. We started with very few possessions; a team of horses and a top bnggy, and my folks gave us a wedding gift of two milk cows, a dozen chickens, and a hog. The first summer I had crearn, butter and eggs to sell so I could buy groceries. OfcourseI always raised a big garden, about a acre of potatoes, along with a big waterr'Tgl9n n1tcf. i remember when coyotes would bite a hole in a watermelon, eat out the insides and leave the shell! What we didn't eat fresh from the A.W. and Mary Adolph on their 70th wedding anniversary in 1982. I remember Dad hitching up a team to the wagon and all of us going out in the fall qf-the y"i to pi"k up dried cow chips for fuel. Since lhere were no trees for firewood, this was often the only fuel we had, especially at Idalia. We also burned corn cobs to get the fire started. We also went along the railroad to pick up coal. This was a long way-s to go so didn't go very often. One time when we were hunting for coal, a train came by and when the men saw us kids they threw out a couple shovels full ofcoal for us. Later on we bought coal in Burlington. Uy folks are both buried in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Dad died at the age of 53 on Dec. 6, 1916 and Mother died Feb. 28, 1946 at the age of 80. On Nov. L2, LgLz I was married to A.W. Adolf in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. It was a beautiful day. A.W. and I, along with our attendants had to sit on the front pew thru the morning services. Right after church we then were married. Afterwards the whole congregation cnme to my folks'home where they ate dinner, spent the afternoon, ate supper and stayed until late that night. It was a long day but a lot of fun. A.W. bought a 7z section relinquishlrent deed from a man named L.L. Leonard for garden I always canned or pickled. Always lad a barrel of sauerkraut, one of pickles and even made watermelon pickles. Oh, this was so good! We also (continued Story lf 4). Dried corn and beans. In the fall Papa would sell a wagon load of wheat to buy flour to last for the winter. Bill Davis, a neighbor, drilled our well shortly after we moved on to the place. He drilled most of the wells in the neighborhood. Ifwe had a good corn crop, we would burn the cobs in the cook stove and buy a little coal for the heating stove. The house, adobe, was warm during the day, but we slept in cold rooms at night. A lot of mornings there would be frost ott the blankets. We used a lot of dried cow chips for fuel too. Papa and I were married about 6 years before were able to purchase our first car, a Ford Touring car. I never did learn to drive as the kids and Papa always did the driving. For social life, besides going to church, we attended literary meetings held in different country school houses. An early day school teachei, Tom Dillion, who lived near Bethune, organized them. On Sunday afternoons, after church, people would go visiting and the children played singing games like: "Last Couple Out", "Drop the Hankie"' "Home on the Range", and also played "Andy, Andy Over". I would often play the mouth harp to furnish the music. I still play the mouth harP once in a while. As the family grew to six girls and two boys, survived is beyond me. The wind would blow day and night and many mornings when we got up you could see where we laid on the pilow, outlined in dust which sifted in. I iemember one dust storm which came up like a dark cloud, all of a sudden with no warning. Our oldest Bon, Art, was out in the freld. He couldn't see where to go, so he unhitched the horses and let them find the way home. He was almost choked to death by the dust before he got home. During worst of the storms we had to light the lemps during the day because it was dark outside. A lot of mornings after one of these storms we took a shovel and scooped out the dust from in front of the door and the windows. All of my children, except Allan, was born on the home place. He was the only one born in the hospital. The two mid-wives for the area were Mrs. Sherman Yale and Mrs. August Adolf, Sr. who was my mother-in-law. My children are: Hilda b. Sept. 26, 1913' married Otto Ziegler Sept. 30, 1932; Amanda b. Feb. 20, 1915, married David Richards Sept. 6, 1933; Leona b. June 3, 1916, manied Hary Hefner Sept' 11, 1946; Gladys b. Nov. 27, L920, married Hugh Patterson June 20, 194?: Art b. June 5, 1918, married MarY Heisel Sept. 24,L945; Della b. Oct. 17' 1929 married Robert Pugh April 8, 1949; Eva Marie b. Dec.4, 1933, married Edward Wood June 5, 1955 and Allan, b. Feb. 22' 1935 married June Cole August 23, 1956. During the 42 years Papa and I lived on the homestead we made manY changes and improvements. We retired and moved to Builington in 1956. My husband and I celebrated our ?2nd anniversary in 1984. He passed away on Feb. 12, 1985 atthe age of94 and is buried in the Immanuel Lutheran Church CemeterY. This was told to her daughter Eva and grandson Pastor Greg Adolf. by Eva Wood ADOLF STAHLECKER FAMILY F3 Gottlieb Adolf, Sr., was born to William and Margrette Adolf on November 3' 1891 at Anaba Michaelfeld, South Russia, which was a small village near the Black Sea. He sailed to America with his parents on May 8' 1908 and settled on a homestead north of Bethune, Colorado. He later took his own homestead north ofBethune and batched for a few years' Barbara Stahlecker was born December 24, 1885 in Tripp, South Dakota, to Martin and Katherina Stahlecker. At the age of eight years, she moved with her parents to a farm north of Bethune, Colorado. �born princess who ruled Russia as Czarina from 1762 to 1796, initiated an era of German colonization of southern Russia along the Volga and Dnieper Rivers and around the Black Sea. Lavish promises were made by the Russian government to German craftsmen and farmers, including free land, initial subsidies, and important guarantees of rights of local government, freedom of religion, and exemption from military service. Many Germans were induced to "homestead" in Russia by these promises and by the desire to leave the areas devastated by war in Europe. In 1817 one such family, the Adolf Family, emigrated from West Prussia to Bessarabia as part of this resettlement. They settled in the new town of Briene, sharing in the communal life of these German towns, where everyone lived in the village which centered around the Lutheran Church and School, plying their trades and working small fields in the surrounding countryside, as they had in Germany. This "communal" feature of German rural life, caried into Russia and then into the United States, marked the Germans from Russia ag "clannish" but was really part of a centuries old culture. Life on Gottlieb and Barbara Adolf about year 1950. On February 3, 1910, she was married to Jacob Wiedman. To this union one son George was born. In March of 1911, Jacob passed away. On March 25, LgL4, Barbara was married to Gottlieb Adolf. To this union, four children were born. Gottlieb Jr., Leah, Herman and Ella. Ella passed away at the age of 21 months. Gottlieb and Barbara made their living and raised their children on a 480 acre farm 15 miles northeast of Bethune, Colorado, known as "the Settlement." Their children attended the Yale School (a one room adobe building) later known ag the Schaal School which was one mile from the Adolf farm. Their fust car was a 1917 Model T Ford Touring. They lived on this farm until the "dust bowl days" of the thirties when they and all their family moved to Springbrook, Oregon in 1935. There they rented a small acreage and all worked at different jobs, etc. In 1937, they all moved back to their farm in Colorado and lived there until in 1953 when they moved to Burlington, Colorado where they retired until their deaths. Gottlieb died November 14, 1963. Barbara died November 23. 1973. by Leah Schick ADOLF, AUGUST AND KATHERINE the isolated homesteads of the American prairies was a real hardship for many of the Germans from Russia, accustomed as they were to shared village life. Beginning in 1871, a series of government actions under Czar Alexander II began to affect the German-speaking colonies in Russia in many far-reaching ways. The acts were part of the "russification" or forced absorp- tion of foreign minorities into the Russian culture. Local government wag abolished in the German-speaking areas in 1871 and in the autumn of 1874 the Russian army began 'drafting' young men from the German colonies. The loss of these important guarantees, which the Germans had received when they first settled in Russia a century before, triggered a slow but increasing flow of German families and young men eligible for army service to leave Russia for North and South America. This movement increased rapidly in the 1880's as the promise of abundant free lands available overgeas drew more and more Germans out of Russia. The new wave of emigration continued until the First World War in 1914 and brought many thousands of Germans from Russia to the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. August Adolf was one of the young men caught up in this great westward wave of emigration. Married in 1884 to Katherine Richter, they left Russia in 1888 with their two children, Daniel and Katherine ("Katie"), following the tracks of other Germans from Russia coming to the American West. They settled briefly in Scotland, Kit Carson County was August Adolf, who South Dakota, (one of the "jumping off' points for newly arrived immigrants), but moved on quickly to the prairies of the 14year-old state of Colorado. Arriving in Burlington in March of 1890, August Adolf and was born to Christian and Friederika (Steg) his family, together with a few other Germans F4 The first of the Adolf Family to settle in Adolf in Briene, Bessarabia, a province in southern Russia, near the Black Sea, in March, 1862. As many of the early settlers in the area north of Bethune (still known as "The from Russia, settled north of Bethune, near other German fanilies from Russia, among whom were the Doblers, Strobels, Schaals and Baltzers. Settlement") came from southern Ruesia in Their first homes were dug-outs, carved into hillsides with planks, covered with sod, the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a brief serving as the roof. Later, adobe houses were background sketch of these Germans from Russia may be helpful. In 1763 Catherine the Great. a German- built which were much better than the sod houses most of the other early settlers had. On May 8, 1890, a son, August William Adolf, was born. He was the first baby to be born in "The Settlement" and, was the first registered male birth in the newly-incorpora- ted Kit Carson County. An often-repeated family story is that when August Adolf arrived home from the Republican River, where the settlers had to go to get water before the first wells were dug, and learned that his son was born, in the excitement the horses bolted, overturning the water banels. It was two days before August could safely leave his wife and new son to go for more water, and so the baby was a few days old before he could have his first bath! August Adolf was a shoemaker by trade in Russia and so beside caring for his homestead and his growing family, he walked to Burlington approximately 15 miles across the prairie - to make and repair shoes and boots, earning- 25 cents a day. His wife, Katherine, was one of the first mid-wives in the area. She and "Grandma" Yale, another of the early mid-wives, delivered many of the children born in those years, and sometimes assisted Dr. C. Gilette, one of the first medical doctors in Kit Carson County, with practical nursing. There were no buffalo left in Kit Carson County when these first German settlers arrived, but there were antelope to supplement the meager meat supply. The only gun in "The Settlement" was a 33-gauge rifle, owned by Gottlieb Bauder, which was shared by the people of "the Settlement," as were their other tools and their skills. Gradually, cattle herds were built up and more ground broken for growing grain and feed. Earlier Germans from Russia had brought with them a hardy winter wheat, well-adapted to the cold, dry winters of the prairies. It was the introduction of this winter wheat which opened much of the "high plains" to wheat production. (An unwelcome "hitch-hiker" was the Russian thistle, which has become a kind of "trademark" of the American West: the tumbleweed!) In 1892 August Adolf was able to arrange for his father and mother, Christian and Friederika Adolf, together with their children, Frederika, Andrew, and Katherina, to come to the United States. Christian and his family settled near Denver when they first arrived; he and Andrew worked in the smelters. Later, they came to "The Settlement," where Christian practiced his trade of blacksmithing. In 1896, Frederika Adolf married the widower, Franz Kramer, raising his children, Frank, Marie, Christine, Margaretha, and Rosie, as well as their own children in time: Christian, William, Katherina (Jurgens), Frederika, Amelia (Stahlecler) and Pauline (Kloeckner). In 1908 the last of Christian and Friederika's five children came to the United States. Wilhelm and his wife Margaretha (Buchfink) came to Colorado from Michaelsfeld in Bessarabia. He was a skilled wagon-maker by trade, but had to sell his tools for passage money for the fanily. Their children are: Margaret (Meyer), Gottlieb, \{illiam, Christina (Lessing), Mary (Kramer) Carl, John, Christian, Nettie (Hasart), and Frieda (Weisshaar). Andrew Adolf married Margaretha (Schlickenmayer) and raised nine children in "The Settlement": Jacob, Karolina (Golle), William, John S., Emanuel, Fred, David, Frieda (Gramm), Martha (Weiss), and Gotthilf. The children of August and Katherina �Adolf are: Daniel (who died in a diptheria epidemic in 1892), Katherina ("Katie") (Wahl), August ("A.W."), Gustaf, Christian, Luella (Holwegner), Anna (Hasart), md Daniel Jacob. From these four children of Christian and Friederika: Frederika, August, Wilhelm, and Andrew, are descended many of the residentg of eastern Kit Carson County, many of them still living in "The Settlement" north of Bethune. by Pastor Gregory Adolf ADOLF, AUGUST AND KATHRINA F5 We Helped Start the Settlement August and Kathrina Adolf were Germans who had immigrated to Briene Bessarabia, South Russia. In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Adolf and their two Russian born children, Danny age 3 and Katie age 1, carne to America. They made their first home in Scotland, South Dakota, where others of their nationality had settled. Here Mr. Adolf worked as a shoemaker. In March 1890, the Adolf family along with others came to Burlington and started what is now known as and cdled the "German Settlement," an area north and east of Bethune. The new railroad had just come many died. Wahls lost three children, Strobels logt one, August Adolf, Sr., lost one and others whose nnmes cannot now be recalled. August Adolf was a shoe cobbler and besides caring for his cow, two horses and what little feed he could raise, he walked to Burlington every morning and home every evening for the approximate earnings of twenty five to seventy five cents a day. Many times he carried a sack of food home. A 50 lb sack of flour could be bought for 75 cents. A two year old steer sold for $10.00. Good cows also sold for around $10.00. Horses were scarce and were treaeured. Their water was hauled by wagon from the Republican River. There were no buffalo left in this area, but there were hundreds of antelope. There was only one gun in the Settlement, a .32 rifle owned by Gottlieb Bauder. It was used by anyone wanting to hunt. The women spun their own yarn from the few sheep that they raised. All the socks, caps, coats, sweaters, etc., were hand knitted. The mattresses for the beds were filled with either gtraw or corn shucks. Ifthe crops had been good, they were filled with new straw each year, Fire was a great hazard in those days. A plow, barrel of water and gunny sacks were their fire fighting equipment. One bad fire recalled was one which started at Yuma, Colorado, and was never stopped until it reached the railroad at Cheyenne Wells, Colorado; it had even jumped the Republican River. by Della Adolf Pugh through this new country. August and Kath- rina were the second fanily to claim a homest€ad. The firstfamilywae Mr. and Mre. Christ Dobler. Soon aftcrwards the Strobels, Schaslr, Baltzere and others also homesteaded. The settlers'firet homes were dugouts with planks covered with sod serving as the roof. Rattlesnakes were their constant danger. ADOLF, CHRISTIAN F6 Christian Adolf and Friederike (Steeg) Adolf were born and raised in Brienne, Bessarabia, South Russia. They were married in 1859. Friederike was born on February 19, 1842. They had three sons and two daughters. In 1889 they left Russia and came to the United States with sons, August who married Catherina Richter, and Andrew who manied Margaret Schlichenmayer, and daughters Friederike who married Frank Krsmer, and Caroline who died at an early age (16) after arriving in America. Their son Wilhelm (William) Adolf and wife Margaret (Buchfink) Adolf and children remained in Brinne. The family settled on what was then barren plain about 18 miles northwest of Burlington, Colorado, in what is known as the German (Russian) Settlement. Together with other early settlers, that colony of industrious frugal saving people have made that portion of Kit Carson County one of the most beautiful spots in Eastern Colorado. What was once the home of the wild beasts and the red man has now become an oasis of fertility, dotted here and there with happy homes, big barns, fine churches and well kept stock of all kinds. Thanks to their energy and persever€ulce and cultured home sunoundings, that portion of Kit Carson County more nearly resembles the typical eastern farm neighbor- hood than almost any other part of this county which extends about 60 miles east and west and for a distance of 36 miles in width. It is these early pioneers who have redeemed Eastern Colorado from its pristine waste. Freiderike and Christian Adolf lived for 65 years together as companion and helpmate. Friederike died at her home north of Bethune, Colorado on Februar5r 5, 1924 at the ripe age of 81 years 11 months and 16 days. Christian Adolf was featured on the May 10, 1919 edition of a Lincoln, Nebraska Later on they plowed the ground making large clots of dirt. They would shape them into equares and etack them one on top of another making a wall. The roofs were also planks covered with sod. Still later on, they made the houses out of adobe. This was a mud and straw mixture. A large round vat shaped place was made in the ground to which dirt, watcr and straw were added. Horses were led to walk around and around in the vat to mix the mud mirture until it was the right thicknees. Then it wag cut into blocks. Thege blocks were then carefully piled about one foot high around the desired size of the room wanted. After it had dried sufficiently another foot of adobe was added and so on until it wag the degired height. Sometimes a shingle roof would be added. Others would just use mud covered planks. Some two etory houses would be built this way. On May 8, 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Adolfs son, A.W. Adolf, was born. He was the firgt white baby to be born in the Settlement. There were no doctors in this area, so all new babies were delivered by women who were called midwivee. One of the first was Grandmother Yale. The first doctor to come to this area wag Dr. Gillette. However, before he cnme the settlers relied on home remedies. It was remembered that about six years after the gettlere came, diphtheria struck heavily and Christian and Frederike Adolf working in their garden. Notice hand made hoe and rake with rock house in background. �mill. Times were very hard. When spring arrived, moet of the families started large gardens. Not much wheat was seeded because there were very few draft animals to do the plowing. All started large gardens and everything they planted provid- ed a bountiful harvest for them. Some planted fruit trees, mainly mulberries. Starlings were a problem. These they tried to frighten away with a loud noise maker. In the second year, 1818, a small caravan of 30 families cnme from the province of f Wurttemberg, also called Schaben, Germany. r All these people settled in the colony. Every one got their 60 desjatins of land from the government. Heinrich and Carlotta Rossman Adolf had seven sons and no daughters. They are Karl r'"*.:,'::ii. gl:i: - r' '%r.' J1. '" :: :u.. 4-.t - *a' 'w . tlt w- Tfr who married Eva Kuch, they had five sons and two daughters. Johann who married Eva Klaf, they had four sons and five daughters. Wilhelm who married Barbara Maier, they had two sons and five daughters. Heinrich who married Magdalena Oster, they had three sons and five daughters. Christian who married Friederike Steeg, they had three sons and two daughters. Fredrick who married Elizabeth Schell, i they had five song and five daughters. Daniel who married Katherina Zinc, they had seven sons and seven daughters. This short history of the grandparents was translated from a German diary in 1954 by Fredrick Adolf who was 87 years old. He was born March 9, 1868 in the German colony of Brienne, Bessarabia, South Russia. He came to the United States with his parents in 1889 and settled in the area of North Dakota that is now known as Hazen. * by Victor Knell ,ttt ,li. '.1ilr,. ;': 'r:rrr:il ADOLF, WILLIAM F8 William (Wilhelm) Adolph, son of Christian and Friederika (Steeg) Adolf was born t t,, Christian Adolffeatured on the cover ofthe May 10, 1919 edition of a Lincoln, Nebraska weekly farm paper. weekly farm paper. This is a photo of Christian Adolf shelling corn with a hand corn sheller. He was born in 1.839 and died on August 3, L925 and was a blacksmith by trade. They lived just east of Hope Congregational Church. The Adolfs were life long members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Christian was partially blind when he was 80 and they went to live with son William and family who cared for them til their death. by Marlyn Hasart ADOLF, HEINRICH in Brienne, Bessarabia, SouthRussia, on May 22,L867. He was baptized three days later by Pastor Benenann and was confirmed March 24, L883 by Pastor Leshe in the Lutheran Church. He was a wagon maker by trade. He was married to Margaretta Buchfink on May 21. 1887 in Brienne. Margaret Buchfink Adolf was born on F7 Heinrich Adolf and Carlotta Rossman Adolf were born in Berlin, Germany. They migrated to Brienne, Bessarabia Russia, with 70 other families in 1817. This colony was established in 1816. They made the trip to the unsettled Steppe with much difficulty. Food was scarce and the sky was their roof and the earth their bed. The Russian government gave them a little money to build a house and 60 desjatin (162 acres) of land and clothing was provided to last a year. Grandfather Adolf had brought a little money with him. He built a wind mill right away, since he was a miller by trade. He milled the people's wheat into flour. For his work he took a portion of the wheat, that is from a pud (40) pounds, then charged a garnitz for his work. There are 8 garnitz in a pud. He also asked 5 pounds for the use ofthe November 7, 1868 in Teplitz, Bessarabia, South Russia. She was baptized when she was three days old by Pastor Luman and confirmed in 1883 by Pastor Leshe in old Artzies. Margaret was the daughter of John Buckfin. Her parents died when she was 7 years old and she went to live with her sister Katherine Gast until womanhood. William and Margaret were married on May 21, 1888. In 1889 the family moved to the colony of Michaelsfeld near the town of Anaba, South Russia, near the Black Sea. Here William pursued the trade of wagon maker, making wagons and selling them at the market place. Because of deteriarating relations with the Russian government and the German colonists William and family decided to come to America. The Russian army was drafting the German boys into the service and they did not want their sons to be drafted. Williems' �AESCHLIMANN FAMILY F9 Rudolph Aeschlimann was born on September 7,L877 in Hubel, near Bern, Switzerland. He grew up in Ruti, Switzerland and becnme a policeman in Bern. Rudolph was a detective and after solving an underworld case he took a leave and came to the USA on October 28, 1905 to visit his sister Rosa Aeschlimann Chavet at Omaha, Nebraska. During this visit he fell in love with Martha Schnuelle and on February 18, 1909 they were married. Martha Schnuelle was born on November 10, 1884 in Baxter, Iowa. They moved to Colorado and for a very short time in 1919 they lived near Burlington on the Dvorak farm. Rudolph was called back to Switzerland due to the illness of his mother. His wife and two sons, Armand and Edwin returned to Nebraska during his stay in Switzerland. Rudolph was being detained because ofa European Quarantine caused by The family of William and Margaret Adolf. Standing L. to R.: Gottleib, William, Margaret, August, Nettie, Carl, Mary, John and Christian. Seated, Willio-, Frieda, and Margaret. A sister Christina is not pictured. parents and brothers and sister were already in Colorado so they sold their home and left all their possessions except clothing and bedding and left Russia arriving on May 8, 1908 at Galveston, Texas, with their ten children, Margaret, who married Conrad Meyer; Gottleib who maried Barbara Stahlecker Wiedman; Willinm who married Margaret Bauer; Christina who married Richard Lessing; August who married Mabel Blackburn; Carl who married Clara Stahlecker; May who married Frank Kramer; John who married Martha Stahlecker; Christian who married Anna Weisshaar; and Nettie who married Jacob Hasart. Frieda was born in their home north of Bethune Colorado. She married William Weisshaar. Three children had passed away at an early age in Russia. Because they were lacking money to pay for their passage the family in Colorado went to Mr. J.P. Evans to borrow the needed funds. It was agreed that the boys would work for him to repay the debt. Upon arriving in Galveston, Margaret was quarantined due to an eye infection, so Mother Adolf and baby Nettie, and brother August remained in Galveston until September. Father William and the regt of the family journeyed by train to Bethune, Colorado and then on to the home of his parents north of Bethune. Their first home was s'ith Williams parents on their homestead 12 miles north of and I 7z miles East of Bethune. That summer a two Gottlieb and Bill remained home to care for the farm. To provide food for their family Margaret raised lots ofducks, stored lots ofvegetables in the cellar, made barrelg of pickles and watermelon pickles, and sauerkraut. These barrels were 15 gallon in size. Willinm always helped the neighbors butcher bringing home a length of sausage. He had a smoke house filled with sausage, cured ham, ducks, and rabbit legs. Orvel and Hildegarde Kloeckner Aeschlimann were married on September 20, L944. They have two sons, William and Rodney. William of Hurley, South Dakota, lives on a farm and is a commercial lsmb feeder. of Housing at Old Dominion University. William and his wife Carol have three children, Kristin, Eric and Chad. Rodney and his wife Vickie have two children, Ryan and Kendall. Orvel and Hildegarde own 1055 acres of cropland and rent 1300 acres ofgrassland and 160 acres of cropland. This farm is locat€d just two miles west of the Colorado-Kansas border and north of Interstat€ 70. They raise Registered and Certified Seed Wheat, have a cow-calfcattle operation, raise hogs and for many years had a laying hen enterprise consisting of 2400 to 3600 laying hens and marketed eggs in Goodland and Burlington. Orvel and Hildegarde are active members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Burlington and are presently active in Kit Carson William died of lung cancer on September 4, 1948. Margaret died of old age at the age County Farm Bureau where Orvel is chair- of 91 years, 9 months, and 14 days on August 21, 1959. Margaret made her home with her children when she became blind. Her last years were spent in Heinrichs Rest Home in Burlington, Colorado. Colorado. They lived in a large tent. Sons members. school. homestead 12 miles North and 3/4 mile west of Bethune. This home was adobe with a sod roof. The boys began farming. William had sold his wagon making tools in Russia so he Those first years were very difficult providing the necessities of the family. They were so lonely out on the prairie and homesick. Many tears were shed. The country and climate were so different from their home near the Black Sea. For several summers William and Margaret took part of the family to work in the vegetable fields near Brighton, three sons: Armand, Edwin and Orvel. They joined First St. Paul's Lutheran Church on January 15, 1934 where they were active Rodney of Norfolk, Virginia, is the Director Margaret was the community midwife. She was always on call and very busy. She also helped whenever anyone was ill. She would go and stay as long as needed sometimes staying as long as a week. She never charged for her services but would receive a free will offering. Many shared food with her. She had a little wooden box which contained scissors, dissenfectant, bandages, cord, a clean apron, a medicine book, and chamomile tea. She would remain with the new mother until she was able to eat and take care of her family. She delivered many of the children in the Settlement north of Bethune. The Adolf family were active members in Immanuel Lutheran Church. William served on the church council and taught sunday room home was constructed on William's could not work at his trade. Hoof and Mouth disease. After his return they lived in Nebraska for 10 years and returned to Burlington in 1930 to the farm where their son Orvel now lives. Rudolph and Martha Aeschlimann had by Marlyn llasart man and Hildegarde is State Women's Chairman of the Colorado Farm Bureau. They have served in these capacities along with serving the community in other activities over the years. by Orvel Aeschlimann �zania. This was in addition to teaching Sunday School and serving as Chairman of the American Lutheran Church Women's AESCIILIMANN, ITILDEGARDE Flo Hildegarde Aeschlimann is the Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico regional winner of the Agri-Woman of the Year award for 1987. Mrs. Aeschlimann and her husband, Orvel, own and operate a diversified farming opera- tion in Kit Carson County, Co. She was selected for this honor on the basis of her continuous efforts to promote the agricultur- al industry at the local, stat€ and national levels. When asked what factors influenced her decision to become involved in the promotion of farm issues and the agricultural Organization. Besides being a tireless promoter of agriculture and the church, she is a supporter of the arts; serving as Vice-Chairman of the Burlington Community Concert Committee. Mrs. Aeschlimann has been honored by the Colorado State Extcnsion Service being selected the Mast€r Farm Homemaker in ing with a general business degree. She "I started out my life as a very shy person," guccegs.tt by Diane clames AKERS - BENNING FAMILY Fll James William Akers was born June 19, manied Orvel shortly after graduation and 1930 in Monument, Colorado. Shortly there- settled into the role of a farm wife. This year, after the family moved back to the Seibert, the Aeschlimanns celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Today the Aeschlimanns own 1,055 production acres and they rent another 160 acres for farming and 1,300 acres of summer pasture for their commercial Simmentalcross cow-calf operation. They also grow and sell certified and registered seed wheat and run a farrow-to-finish operation involving 45 sows. Mrs. Aeschlimann is very modest about her role in the management of the couple's farm. She helps move and work cattle, drives that long road to the "parts store", listens to the daily grain and cattle market reports, weather reports, and reads the farm publications and agricultural information the couple receives, passing this information on to her husband. Currently, she is serving her 10th term as the chairman of the Colorado Farm Bureau Women; a position she has been repeatedly re-elected to for the last 21 years. The main objective of the Colorado Farm Bweau Women state committee is to promote, protect and represent the business, economic, social and educational interest of Colorado farm and ranch families. As chairman of the state committee, one of her main goals is to encourage and increase the participation of women in promoting agriculture at all levels. Some of the progrems her committee has developed and is responsible for implemen- ting are: Farm Bureau Coffee, Senior Field Studies, Farm Day and Meet the Candidates. The committee also has developed political and educational progta-s and materials for groups and women's programs, which pertain to the issues of water usage, food costs and education. Mrs. Aeschlimann has represent€d St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Burlington, Co. as a member of the American Lutheran Church District Council. She also has had the honor of being the first woman ever elected to serve on the ALC National Church Council. InLg77 she was a delegate for the Lutheran World Federation meeting in Dar es Saalem, Tan- Fr2 she recalls. "I made myself become more involved in promotional activities because I realized involvement was the key to getting things done." "And promotion is the key to shrug, smiles and simply says, "I married a Bethune, Co. Her family moved to the county seat of Burlington when she was 14. It wag in high school where she met her future husband. After high school, she attended Blair Business College, Colorado Springs, graduat- FAMILY L974. industry, Mrs. Aeschlimann gives a little farmer." Mrs. Aeschlimann grew up on a farm near AKERS - GALES Colorado area. "Frosty," as he was known in the Seibert school system, graduated in 1947. He spent his summers working for a family from Brewster, Kansas where he met his wife, Louise Benning. They were married in her home on September 29,1949. They had four children, Larry Eugene and Gary Dean twin sons, James William Jr. and Ann Marie. All the children were born at the Flagler Hospital attended by Dr. John C. Straub. After their marriage they lived in Seibert until 1961 when they moved to Limon, Colorado. Frosty worked for the Colorado Department of Highways and retired after 30 years of service in 1983. In 1961 they built a Dairy Queen in Limon and operated it for twenty-five years. In 1975 they bought another Dairy Queen in Sterling, Colorado for their son Larry to operate, which he now owns. Their children all graduated from Limon High School with James Jr. and Ann both graduating from college, Jim from Western State at Gunnison and Ann from Fort Lewis at Durango, Colorado. Jim is an accountant and Ann a teacher. Larry and Gary went to a trade school in Goodland, Kansas. Gary became an electrician. Frosty loved the outdoors and sports. He spent quite a bit of the time camping, hunting and fishing and skiing. Frosty and Louise have six grandchildren. Gary and wife Belinda have one daughter and one son. Larry and wife Glenda have two daughters and one son. Ann and her husband Douge Goode have one son Forrest. As of this writing James Jr. is not maried, but enjoying life. by Dorothy (Akers) Noel John Ernest Akers, US Navy, World War I. John Ernest "Elnie" Akers was born Feb 6, 1896 to George and Martha Hayes Akers in Enfield, Illinois. He was one of twelve children and went through eighth grade. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I as a radioman. He received his training at the Naval training Center in Great Lakes. He served on a sub-chaser out of Halifax. Nova Scotia. He often told about his experiences in the navy which we loved to hear. In 1919 he and his three brothers Orlin, Willard and George came "west" to homestead and look for work. Dad homesteaded in the Kit Carson area during the "cattle-sheep" feud and his partner was shot, so he left for Park County and left there when he couldn't grow potatoes or crops on rocks. He came to the Seibert area where he found work picking corn for James (Bill) Gales. He later maried their daughter, Fern Artie, born Nov. 22,t908 and to this union five children were born: Darlene Marie 1925, Elbert Eugene 1926, Harold Dean 1927, James William (Frosty) 1930, Dorothy Maxine 1932. They lived on many different farms north of Seibert and a short time in Monument, Colo. In 1944 they moved to Englewood where the parents were divorced. He married Rosa Boyd, aunt of Jean Sperry, moving with her children Barbara and Joan to the farm four miles north of Seibert, remaining there until he retired in 1954, then moving to Denver. He passed away in October, 1960. He was a machinist by trade but chose farming as his ancestors had before him. He wasn't the best, but struggled to provide for his family the best he could. We always had a large garden and canned wagon loads of corn and other home grown vegetables. Several times he went with Lewis Reid to Eads, Colo. to get carp and packed it in salt for the winter. In the summer when the �Crystal Springs dam would flood we would go down and pick the fish out of the river and come home with wounds from their horns. Dad dug us a hole in the river and that was our swimming hole. We had many weiner roasts and picnics on the Republican River with the Lewis Reid's. We would go frog hunting and cook fresh frog legs. Many timea we went rattlesnake hunting in the fall. We children were on our own and to this day I hate snakes. Dad felt that education was very important and encouraged his children to complete high echool and was very proud when we did. He was active in the R.L.D.S. church at Fair Haven where we took a wagon to church until it discontinued. He was an active member of the Farm Bureau, I.O.O.F., VFW, 4-H club and Community Country Club, in the north area. He helped to refloor the VFW hall in the late '40's and loved to watch us roller skate with him participating many times. He was a great ice skater and went often on the Republican River with ue. Ernie and Rosa loved to have the youth come to our home for gnmss and they would teach us games from their times. He raised watermelons and didn't mind if the young people "Took them" as long as they didn't destroy them. He was an avid Republican. In 1948 the youth were at the house and we gave him such a time while listening to the election results. He loved to watch his children participate in sports, plays, music and tried to attend them all. When he married Rosa the Odd Fellows chivareed them and it nearly scared her to death with all the noise they made. This was her initiation to the "country life". Dad had a favorite saying, "God helps Colorado. Ricky and Cindy have two daughtere and aleo live in Lamar, Colo. Rocky at this time is not married and is traveling with an entertainment group. Shirley passed away in May, 1984. by Dorothy (Akers) Noel by Dorothy (Akers) Noel AKERS - IIARTLEY Fl3 My brother Elbert Eugene Akere was born July 12, 1926 in Seibert, Colorado and graduatcd from Seibert High School in 1944. He seni'ed in the U.S. Navy during World War IL He returned to Seibert to help his father on the farm and worked on the R.E.A. He was married to Shirley Hartley, daughter of George and Lola Hartley on December 6, 1952 and to this union three sons were born, Randy, Ricky and Rocky. He was a very athletic person and played basketball, baseball, and track, winning many awards. He refereed basketball for many years. He worked with many of the youth in scouting and just by "listening to them". He was active in the R.L.D.S. church, 4H Club, I.O.O.F. He always was a willing worker with a helping hand, and a true friend. He worked for the County Highway Department and latcr the Colorado Highway Department, and at the present time is a eupervisor of the La Junta area. During the depression, he and the family skinned thousands of rabbits and sold the skins with the carcasses going to Denver for feed. He did a lot of trapping and one time he and Harold got squirted by a skunk, which we appreciated. He hae always loved the outdoors and any sport activity. Elbert and watchful eye of their pet bulldog. Gorton's always had a drawing so most parents brought us to town for this event. In 1946 I was snowed in at the George Hughes home along with my brother Frosty and others. Betty and I passed our time by posing on the huge snow banks in some moth eaten wool bathing suits. We had a lot of fun but I always felt sorry for Thelma for putting up with us singing, arguing and playing gnrnes. I enjoyed it more as I didn't have to milk cows. Joan was snowed in atthe Mullens AKERS - NOEL FAMILY F14 I was born on the old Tom Jones place north of Seibert, Colo. on Feb. 2, 1932. My dad and Lillian Reid delivered me and my brothers and sister thought it was coyotes. Dr. McBride didn't register me, so in 1953 my Dad went to Burlington and got my birth certificate. Our family and the Lewis Reids were very close. I remember going to their place and going ice skating on their pond one wintpr. My brother Harold, decided to test the ice, and he jumped up and when he came down all fell in. David went under the ice; they had to dive down to pull him free. I was on the side of the pond keeping warm so didn't get wet. It was a long cold walk to the house but when Dad got through they were warm, at least in one spot. We often went rattlesnake hunting and on picnics where we hunted and ate frog legs. Orlen and David Reid rode their horses four miles to our house to catch the school bus those who help themselves". FAMILY Shirley's sons and their families were very important in their lives. Randy and Karen have a daughter and son and live in Lamar, to attend high school. While in high school Bonny (Boren) Hughes and I told Dale Hargrove if he bought a raffle ticket for a turkey and won, we would clean the turkey for him. Well!! He won and we spent Saturday night "plucking turkey" at the Earl Borens instead of going to a dance. I'm sure Mrs. Boren appreciated the mess in her kitchen. I remember in the late thirties we participated in making comforters, quilts, pillows and mattresses from baled cotton the government supplied. We had to beat it forever or so it seemed. My mother was very good at sewing mattreeses, eo did a great deal of them. We rode a horse drawn sled to the Prairie Gem school house and it was very cold with lots of snow. In the late thirties the family participated in the "Old West Days" pageant that V.S. Fitzpatrick presented. We would refurbish an old covered wagon as authentic as we could and I rode with Dad. If you can convince a "small" child it was not real when an Indian was whooping outside and running through the wagons with one burning, "good luck". My brothers were lndian waniors and Mom and Lillian Reid were squaws. Darlene was the maiden they carried away one year. There was a bar-b-que and rodeo afterwards on top of Rock Hill. The Reids still have Lillian's squaw costume. One of the important events of our lives was at Christmas time when Santa would come to town and give us a sack ofcandy, nuts and mogt important an orange or apple. We would go to Gorton's Store and sit on the benches around the pot belly stove and open our sacks to see what wae inside under the south of town also for two weeks. While in high school I played on the VFW Basketball team and we won chnmpionship in 1949 with Fosha Gorton coaching. I loved sports and when in California Darlene and I played on a softball tenm and won city shsmpionship. I married Claude Rogers, son of Alvena Rogers Chubbuck on Sept. 19, 1950. We moved to Kansas City where Clifford and Benny Hughes lived until the big flood of 1951. We lived in Denver, Arriba, and Wichita, Kansas where Claude died in Sept. 1956. Two children John Roland and Cecilia Annette were born to us. I moved to Reseda, California in December, 1956, after my sieter called and said they were swimming and the roses were blooming. We were in the midst of a bad ice storm. I married Willian Guy Noel in 1960. We have three children, Christopher Ernest, Todd Alan and Guyla Mae. Bill was Chief Petty officer in the U.S. Navy and while working on recruiting duty in 1962 in Denver he adopted John and Annette. I remained at home until the children were raised. I was a room mother, 4H leader, PTA member and active in the R.L.D.S. church. I attcnded college taking fun courses. Bill retired as a Master Chief from the Navy in 1966 aftpr 30 years and went to work in Aerospace. He had been with Hughes Aircraft for the past 17 years. I went to work outside the home in 1980 and truly enjoy it. John had four children John, Jacob, Joseph and Kristina. He is with the postal service in Portland, Oregon after serving nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Annette is a school teacher in the Los Angeles school system and is married to Chris Caldwell. They have two girls Melissa Nicolle and Amanda Noel CaldwellChristopher is in construction work and has one son Ryan Christopher Noel. Todd married Cheri Swenson in October 1987. He works with the largest catering company in California and caters parties in many celebrities homes. Guyla manied Dan Caldwell in 1983, who ig in the U.S. Air Force and, they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Heather. He is Annette's husband's brother. They are stationed in Louisiana. We stilllive in CanogaPark, California, but I come "Home" to Seibert every time I can to see old friends. As the saying goes, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the Girl." by Dorothy (Akere) Noel �an active leader and took the scouts down the AKERS ZUCIJELKOWSKI Colo.rado River every year in canoes. My family participated one year. He hiked to the top of Mt. Whiten many times with the FAMILY F15 Darlene Marie Akers was born at Seibert. Colorado, January L4, lg25 and graduated from Seibert, High School in ig+2. She moved to Denver and went to Business Qollege and then worked at Buckley Field in Civil Service. For a short time she lived in Van Nuys, California before returning in 1946, to teach at Fair Haven north ofSeibert. then returning to Denver to work at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital where she met and gar-rig$ Army Master Sergeant Vernon Ray Zuchelkowski. They traveled to many bases before his retirement in 1968 in Reseda. California where they bought their home and were rearing their three children, pamela Kay, Vernie Rae, and Nancy Marie. Darlene worked for Rockwell International until her retirement in 1983. Her husband died in scouts. He continues to work with them. Both of his sons achieved Eagle Scouts by the age of fourteen. Liz enjoyed going with the famiiv down into the Grand Canyon and they continue to go each year for their vacation. Harry was an avid reader in school and continues to read huge smounts of books. He attended college in California and works for General Dynnmigg in San Diego where they live. He is active in the union at Generil Dynamiss. Their sons are married and live in southern California. by Dorothy (Akers) Noel ALLEN - WAGONER FAMILY Fl7 1967. While teaching at Seibert, she was active in the R.L.D.S. church and organized the youth ofthe church. She is still active in the church and youth work. Her home is open to all and is seldom silent or empty. White in high school she was active in church and 4-H town to be in the band. She could hear a song once and then play it on the piano. She was g yery good softball pitcher in Denver, Indianapolis and Los Angeles. She coached and pitched the team sponsored by Rockwell International in California to City Championship in 1957. Her children: Pamela lives near her in Reseda, California. Vernie Rae mauied Tom Kgnt and they have an adopted son Jason Thorq'as. Nancy ig married to Larry Norris q1d has three children; Jackie, Mathew, and Sierra. Larry works for the U.S. Forestrv Department in Louisiana Darlene spends as much time with her children as poseible. She has shared her home yth ganV people in need of a place to stay for a short or lengthy time; she enjoys cooking and entcrtaining. by Dorothy (Akers) Noel before Jack's arrival. They stayed Genoa area. Times were hard and Jack lost everything farming, so on August b, lg3g, Jack and Earj Toveg to-Seibert, Colorado and opened up the old A.V. Jessee Garage. (Later caled ttre Allen Garage). Grace stayed on the farm at Genoa, temporarily with her chickens, etc. Later, Ed Knowland, with his 1929 Chewolet truck, moved Grace, with her belongings, to Seibert. Jack and Earl had a total of a'Uout $1q00 between them, so stopped at the bank at-Flaglerto get change for the cash register. Bill and Clarence Rowley, who owneil the Genoa Oil Company financed them by deliverjng gasoline, oil and tires on consiglnment. dcposits and paid for the inventory and tools that wele in the garage. They keptihe garage open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The-re was a little room behind the office where thev Allens on vacation at Seibert about l94g by Martin Joh-nson home: Front, left to right: Virginia Rose Mullen, Mary Christie Allen, -Grace lJbn and Martin Johnson; Back row: Virginia Christie Mullen, Earl Allen and Jack Allen. Jack H. Allen, born in Green Castle. Missouri, on September B, 18gl and Grace Irene Wagoner, born in Boonville, North Caroline, on October 30, 1890, were united in marriage on August 21, lg1g, at Marshall- took turns sleeping at night. After about a year, they were able to hire a man to work nights. Several people had tried to make the garag-e pay, after A.V. Jessee passed away, but they all gave up because times were so hard. Earl will never forget that on about the first night in Seibert, J.E. Andre made this remark: "I will give you one month in this garage and you will be under like the ones before you". Earl never did tell Jack of this because he felt that Jack had enough worries and didn't need any more. Anyway, as it SARAGE. AKERS, HAROLD F16 My brother Harold Dean Akers was born on August 18,1927 in Seibert, Colorado and graduated from Englewood, Colorado High School in 1946. While in high school f,e participated in football and wrestling where he won many awards. He was activJ in the R.L.D.S. Church as a youth. He served in the U.S. Navy and while in New York met his r:r:ttil wife Elizabeth and was manied after he moved to California. They have two sons, Nicky Dena and Paul. While his boys were in scouting he becnme u"b " short time at the original destination, movine to a farm north of Genoa, Colorado. In th6 years to follow, three moves were made in the They, the Rowleys, also paid thJir first month's rent in advance, made the meter club, where she raised pigs, black angus cattle and in home economics. She participatcd in V.S. Fitzpatrick's band and was gifted in her music and continues to play the piano and sing in the church choir. She played the clarinet that was borrowed from the Art Miller family and had to walk four miles to town, Iowa. They traveled to Jack,s sister,s home in Burley, Idaho, for their honeymoon. They returned to Iowa and farmed near Greene. To this union, one son, C. Earl Allen. was born on June 3, 1912. In March 1921, Jack and Grace sold their farm in Iowa and moved to a place near Hugo, Colorado. Jack moved on an emigrant traIn, with his horses, stopping at intervals to feed and water the animals. Grace and Earl moved on the passenger train, so arrived several davs Jack and Grace Allen in front of garage they operated in seibert, taken 198?. �turned out, Elbert Andre, bless his heart, was wrong and Jack and Earl made it go, we-re out of de-bt and bought a new 85 h.p' Ford from Leon Lavington in 1937. weather was nice I would walk. Later on when my sister started to school, we had a buggy business college, Earl bec"me Town Clerk and Treasurerbf Seibert. Then, a few months later, he was appointed Town Marshall, in addition. World War II broke out and on March 24,Lg42,Earl went into the Army Air Force. Fortunately, he got back home safely and was discharged on August 30, 1945.In the meantime, Earl and Mary Christie had been going together and engaged, so on September Z, 1945, were married at Lawrence, Kansas. Fier parents, Mitchel and Ada Christie, had movCd from Seibert to Baldwin City, Kansas, ned until the roads could be traveled. Aunt Martha was going to get married in Denver to George Fisher. My mother took my brother George and me along. [t took four horses on a wagon because of the deep snow to take us to Stiatton to get on the train. We stayed at the hotel managed by Mr. and Mrs. George Elsey. This was the first time I had seen Delestial, the girl I later married. I remember that she was very pretty and she was two years old and I was seven. Early the next morning aboutS:00 a.m. the train came in and I was standing between the depot and the train tracks; when the engine came by I would have fallen over backwards if someone had not caught me. It was the biggest moving thing I had ever seen. WL did not see my aunt get married as they got in a hurry and got married without us. In abouf 1940, uPon graduation from during the war. In about 1942, Jack became manager ofthe Seibert Equity Co-op and remained until the Allen family moved back to Iowa, in 1947. There, Jack and Earl worked at the John Deere Tractor Works and Mary at the Iowa Public Service Company. Earl later became a City Letter Carrier and retired from that in December 1978. Jack passed away December 18, 1963 and Grace on March 25, L982. Earl and Mary presently (November 198?) are enjoying retirement and reasonably good health in Waterloo, Iowa. Their daughter, Kristi Allen, is a Registered Nurse and works at the Allen Memorial Hospital, in Waterloo, Iowa. by C. Earl Allen to ride in. I remember one night before Thanksgiving we had a heavy snow and school was postpo- Mother and I thought it was a dirty trick not to wait for us. After dad's folks were all moving back to Franklin County, Nebraska, he thought it would be nice for us to try and trade our property for a place back there. In July of fgfl we had a chance to trade our place for a farm near Riverton, Nebraska. We had a large sale in August to get rid of the many things we would not need on the Nebraska place' We shipped a car of furniture and farm machinery. We had to haul part of the things in wagons and drove the iattle and horses to St. Francis, Kansas. The AMMAN, ALBERT AND DELESTIAL F18 In 1901 grandfather again got the "Western Fever" as homesteads were plentiful in Colorado and some of the children were old enough to file on a homestead. So once more they headed WEST. My father, Herman Amman, filed on the place where Phillip Stolz and family are living now north and west of Bethune, Colorado. My grandfather bought a relinquishment one and % mile souih of us. A relinquishment is buying the rights of a person who had homesteaded and had made some improvements and wanted to sell. We moved to Colorado in April of 1902. Herman Amman was born on SePtember 4,L872 in Bremer County, Iowa and his wife, Auguste Peter Amman was born on January 30, 18?5 in Johannstadt, Germany. Their children are Albert G. born on September 18, 1901 in Ash Grove, Nebraska; Viola Amman Barrett born on December 4, 1903 at Bethune; Lillie Amman Hattan born October 23, 1905 at Bethune; George C. born August ?, 190? at Bethune; Louis C. Amman born August 8, 1909 at Bethune; and Freda Amman Scarpace born November 21, 1915 at Riverton, Nebraeka. In September of 1907 Albert started to Union school. My first teacher was Mrs. Hayes. She had her sister Miss Sprague to stay and live with her in the school house. ThLy had a folding bed which thev would let down each evening and put it up early the next morning before school took up. Some times my father would bring me to school on horseback but most of the time when the reason for this was to get on the Burlington Railroad so we would not have to reload at Norton, Kansas from the Rock Island Rail- road. We had some very good neighbors who helped us move. We lived on the place at Riverton until 1920 when Dad bought a place near Naponee, Nebraska. We moved again. I came back out to Bethune and Kit Carson County in 1926 and farmed with Gus Adolf. I located Delestial Humphrey in the summer of 1926 and we continued going together. We were married on SePtember 7, L927 in Goodland, Kansas. Our family consists of; Albert G. Amman born on September 18' 1901 in Franklin County Nebraska and Delestial Humphrey born on September 16, 1906 in Jackson County Missouri. Our children are Ivan Robert Amman born on July 28, 1929; Gene DoYle Amman born on February 26, 1931, both born in Greeley, Colorado. Maureen Amman Fellger born on August 3, 1933 and Delos Albert Amman born on December 17, 1935, both in Bethune Colorado. We lived and farmed one mile east of the Lutheran church north of Bethune. Our real good and the ice was very slick. Here I come about thirty miles per hour and the front end of the car caught the edge of the snow drift throwing the car end for end and upsetting it on top of a snow bank. It happened so fast I did not have time to get scared. It was the first time I had rolled the windows to get out of the car. I had money (stamp money) all over the car as I had not closed the box that contained the stamps and change. There were many times in the thirties and forties when I started out on the route and the wind would come up and the dust was so bad that I could not see the road and hoped that someone else would not be coming up the road and have a collision. I am truly thankful that never happened. On October 18, 1.966 I started out with the mail. It was cloudy and misting. When I had driven several miles it started to rain and when about half over the route it started to snow. I stopped at the Post Office and left what mail I had picked up and picked up the mail that came in as the mail truck was late that morning. I thought that it was not too bad to take care of the south half of the route. I got to the south end and started west when it got worse. I made it to Leonard Beeson's place and going north when the wind came up blowing about sixty miles per hour and snowing so I couldn't see anything and the wind blew me in the ditch. They had had rain earlier and the blow dirt was very slick. I was stuck so I stayed in the car until the storm let up and then I walked down to Leonard Beeson's to get help to pull my car on the road. Lucky for me when I got down there Len was home and putting chains on his pickup. He had come down to the place that morning to take care of the cattle. He pulled my car up on the road and I came here' Albert and Delestial are active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Bethune since 192?. He was elected to the board council and served several years. Later he was elected Chairman of the church board and served for three years from l97L-73. Albert served as secretary of the Bethune School board, District #24 and'also served as secretary of District I in Bethune for several years. He served on the town board of Bethune from 1937 to 60 and was elected Mayor of the Town of Bethune in 1970-82. Albert was a member of AF and AM Lodge #77 of Burlington. Albert carried mail out of Bethune, Colorado from 1936 to 1965 on Rural Route #2 and when Routes #1 and #2wete combined he carried mail from 1965 to 1971 for a total of 35 years retiring in 1971. Albert and Delestial are still living in the home in Bethune where they raised their children. Delestial spent her years managing the home and making many quilts and also nearest neighbors were Frank and Mary helping Martha Weiss and Mrs. Minnie Chalfant with the repairing and dressing of dolls that were collected for distribution to moved into the town of Bethune that year. An incident that happened on the route on December 24, L968 was this. We had a blizzatd a few days before which left some deep drifts and the county maintainer had wenl through once and the weather warmed up. A truck loaded with a tank of water had wlnt through the evening before to water the livestock located a mile north of Duaine Beeson's place. The night was very cold-and froze real hard. The next day it warmed up the less fortunate. Kramer. Albert started to carry mail on Route 2 south of Bethune in 1936 so they by Albert Amman �AMMAN, KARL GOTTLOB on November 12, 1893 in Franklin County Nebraska and died on February 22,1956 in Fr9 My Great Grandfather Karl Gottlob A'nmannan{ family lefttheir home in Memmingen, Bavaria Gerpany on April 4, 1850 for America. They sailed from the harbor at Bre4en, Germany to Ellis Igland, New Ygrk. After being cleared by customs they took a boat to Albany, New York, then took a train to Buffalo, New York. From there they took a boat to Saginaw, Michigan. From there they traveled by wagon to the new colony of Frankenhilf. This colony wqs several miles distant from Saginaw. Rev. Loehe's putpose for establishing colonies was to bring the poor people from Germany to America and give th€m a new start and a better life for themselves. Rev. Loehe always drea-ed of becoming a miesionary to the Indians. My Nebraska. Grandpa.rents A'nman and family had been living near Maxfield, Bremer County, Io-wa for several years whe4 they decided to move to Franklin County Nebraska. Land fqr t-he takiTrg and iqproving besides sorne of the children could also take homesteads. They lived on their homestead near Ash Grove, Nebraska. Grqndfather Amman helped to erganize the Turkey Creek St. Paul's Lu- theran Church. In 1901 they moved to Colorado and in 1909 returned to Nebragka. by Albrert A-mmen ANDERSON FAMILY F20 great grandfather was the foreman or leader of this mission and with great sacrifice established the Frankenhilf colony in Michigan in 1850. After a few years ofbuilding log houses and clearing the land for planting crops some of nal differences, in 1883 they decided to go to Iowa City, Iowa but found more suitable surroundings near Strawberry Point. They bought land near where St. Sebald's Church was later built. They built a log building on t-he land to live in and also used it for cbwch purposes. Great Grandfather Karl Gottlob Ammann gen, Germany. He married Christina Keller in Memmingen and their children are great aunt Anna Amman Schuchmann born on A\rgust 2, L84L; grandfather Gottlob Karl Ainmann born on November 4, 1843 and great aunt Katherine Ammann Krebs born on April 18, 1&t8 all in Memmingen, Germany. Grandfather Gottlob Karl Ammann married Elizs[s65 Groseman on April 10, 1866. These are their children; Charles Gottlieb Amman born on May 10, 1867 in Bremer County, Iowa and died on July 21, Memphis, Tennessee, In 1894, Cyrus & Lula and their one year old daughter, Winnie Augusta, left Illinois, and traveled by wagon to eastern Colorado to claim a homestead Cyrus had selected some months earlier. The homestead was located 3 7z miles west of Flagler. The Andersons soon realized the flat terrain of their homestead was not ideal for ranching, so traded for land eight miles northwest of Flagler on the Buffalo Creek. Here the Diemond-Bar-A Ranch was born, and Cy & Lula Anderson settled in to raising their family and a notable herd of Black Angus cattle. Other children born to Cyrus & Lula in addition to Winnie A., the eldest, were Nina R., Dewey L., Abner E., J. Keith, and Paul D. All the Anderson children born to Cyrus & Lula in addition to Winnie A., the eldest, were Nina R., Dewey I., Abner E., J. Keith, and Paul D. All the Ander$on children received their elementary education at the rural school known as the "Huntley School" north of Flagler, west of the Thurman Road. Winnie & Nina were in the first graduation classes when the Flagler educ.ation system offered a ten year high gchool. Both Winnie & Nina later obtained teacher certificates and taught in the Flagler rural schools for several years. the people got digsatisfied. Because of doctri- was born on September L2,L8L2 in Memmin- child, Lula's family moved to a farm near Sod house ofCyrus J. Anderson and Lulu Anderson viewing in a Southwest direction, six miles north and two and one half miles west of Flagler, Colorado. Cyrus J. Anderson was born February 6, 1863, at Alta Pass, Illinois, the child of Amos J. Anderson & Lourinda Keith Anderson. As a young man, Cyrus worked on the Mississippi floating logs from Alta Pass to Memphis. He met Lula Lee Moore at Memphis, and on March 14, 1886, they were married at Leaners, Arkansas. Lula Lee was born the child of David C. & Sarah S. Moore on November 25, L867, in Georgia. As a young Cyrus & Lula Anderson were a strong part in helping establish many of Flagler's organizations. In addition to the school system, they were organizers and members of the Congregational Church, the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Lula was also instrumental in organizing the church's "Ladies Aid" and a rural organization made up of ranching and farming families and known as the "Country Club." Cyrus & Lula operated their ranch until the death of Cyrus in L927. Lula continued ownership of the ranch until her death in 1936. By the mid 1930's all the Anderson children had moved from the Flagler area with the exception of Winnie. In 1915 Winnie was married to W. Aubrey Walker who lived north of Seibert on his homestead. Aubrey & Winnie resided in the Seibert area untillgz?. [t was during those years their four children were born. The eldestchild, Dale Aubrey, was born in 1920 at the old Anderson Homestead L924 in Nebraska; Paul Georg Amman born Jvne 22,1869 in Brepmer County Iowa and died on April 4, L947 in Nebraska; Herman Gottfried Amman born on $epteqber 4, 1872 and died on July 16, 1934 in Colorado; Mary ;t-. f -.."I *-*'.*'*'irf Amman Worsham born gn April 21, 1874 in Bremer Iowa and died on March 28, 1955 in Nebraska; Anna Amman Etherton born on February 23, L876 in Bremer County Iowq and died on September 10, 1930 in Nebraska; Emma Amman Kleber born August 5, 1878 in Bremer County Iowa and died on MaJ 22, 1913 in Colorado; Albert Frederick Amman born on August 17, 1880 in Frauklin Couniy Ne.braska ind died on July 1?, 1S56 in Migsouri; Bertha Anman Hackenberger born on July 21, 1883 in Franklin County, Nebraska and died on May 1, 1940 in Miosouri; Martha Anman Fisher born on July 9, 1EE4 ip Franklin County Nebraska and died on January 13, 1981 in Oregou Nannie A:nman Kleber born on August 23, 1889 in Franklin Cgunty Nebraska and died on IVIay 3, L974 in Washington; Amanda Amman Sindt born on October 12, 1891 in Fra.a-kl.in Coupty Nebraska aud died on January 31, 1945 iri Nebraska; Frederick Gottfried Anqman born faken in front of Cyrus and Lulu's sod house. Far left: Aubrey Walker and Winnie Andergon Walker. Far Right: Cyrus J. Anderson. Teken about 1915. �Western Kansas. They received many trophies for Grand Champion bronco rider. Another form of entertainment was going to the dance held at Hale, Colorado. It was a good place to see their friends. Reuben met a registcred nurse, Anne Irene Shirley, who had just completed her training at St. Lukes Hospital in Denver, Colorado and planned to work in the area. Anne's sister, Vera Cody, her husband fuch, and their children played the music for the dance. Reuben and Anne were married in Goodland, Kansas on July sod house northwest of Flagler. K. Lavon was born in 1921 at the Walker Homestead north of Seibert, as was Helen O., who died when less than two years of age. Nina Lou, the youngest, was born at Seibert in L927. Early 1928 found Aubrey & Winnie living on the Anderson Homestead following the death of Winnie's father, Cyrus Anderson. The Walkers operated the Anderson Ranch for only a few years before purchasing their own ranch-farm which connected to the Anderson ranchland. In 1943, Aubrey & Winnie sold their farm holdings and moved to Flagler where Aubrey began employment as a bookkeeper for Fruhling Motor Co., a Chewolet agency. He held this position until he retired at the age of 85. Aubrey, Winnie & their children continued the "Anderson" involvement in the Flagler Community. In addition to the church and lodge, this involvement was expressed through organizations that included the Town Board, Flagler Development Association, Lions Club,4-H Club, scouting and not the least, the school and its many activities including membership on the Board of 24, r93r. Reuben and Viola Anderson on their wedding day, April 29, 1946, in Goodland, Kansas. Archie and Juanita Anderson accompanied them. My story of the Anderson dates back to 1887 when Anders and Maria Anderson homesteaded north of Burlington on the Colorado-Kansas border, moving there from Bohulsem, Sweden. They are the parents of Oscar Anderson who married Nettie Latelia Anderson on January 2, 1899. Nettie's parents and grandparents were Directors. also born in Sweden. When she was 1% years Winnie Walker passed away June 4, 1961, and Aubrey died October 25, 1981. As Flagler nears its centennial mark, the Anderson-Walker family have shared in the joys & sorrows, and the trials & successes of old she went to live with her grandparents, this community through most of the century. AT this writing, Mr. Paul Anderson, youngest of the children of Cyrus & Lula Anderson is the last living member to hold the family name in this Anderson Lineage. The family line continues at Flagler through Reuben Charley, was the oldest child, born Pat & Lou (Walker) Ford and their son's family, Tony & Debbie Ford. Living in nearby Limon, Colorado, are Dale & Betty Walker and their two sons and their wives, Dale Jr. & Dawn. and John & Cheri Walker. Living in Colorado Springs is Wilbur & Lavon (Walker) Keeran. by Dale A. \Malker ANDERSON FAMILY I.2l Charlotta Katherina and Anders Gustar Anderson, because her mother had died. They moved by covered wagon to north of Kanorado in 1888 and also homesteaded. February 27, L902. He attended "Beaver Valley" country school as long as he could, but when there was work to do at home he stayed home and helped his father. He rode his horse to school. The first year was very difficult because his parents talked Swedish and English, Reuben confused the languages and the other children would laugh at him. So the family decided to speak English only, but his mother still sang Swedish songs and played the accordion for her family. Oscar's brother Otto had a grocery store in Kansas City, Kansas. Oscar's family sent milk, crenm and butter by train to be sold in Otto's store. They also raised corn, husking it by hand. During the 1920's Reuben and his brother Archie enjoyed riding in the rodeos held in the communities of Kit Carson County and Anne was the daughter of Adelbert and Anna (Denker) Shirley of Brewster, Kansas. Del's family were originally from England and Anna's from Germany. Reuben and Anne purchased a farm 21 miles north-east of Burlington for $12.50 per acre in 1932. They were interested in the community of Beaver Valley, being involved with the Soil Conservation District and practicing the latest improved farming methods. Reuben loved the land and working hard. They were active in 4-H work. Anne helped organize the Happy Hours Home Demonstra- tion Club in 1935. Their four children were born during the depression: Jim, Kathryn, Charlene and Dick, all later marrying into local farm families. Jim married Gwendolyn, daughter of George and Thelma Andrews. Kay married Gene, son of Carl and Mary Morgan. Charlene married Bill, son of Earl and Josephine (Nohr) Jemes. Dick married Janice, daughter of Bernard and Louise Conrardy. In 1940 they kept a record of all their expenses and their income from the milk, cream eggs (at 8 cents a dozen), pigs, crops of oats and wheat and it totaled out to the seme emount of $1,700.00. Also. in the 1940's Reuben and his friend Sam Morrow purchased a Minneapolis threshing machine from Reuben's brother Ivan for $350.00. They used it in the neighborhood to custom thresh all ofthe fall crops. While the neighborhood men harvested, the women would prepare the noon meal for the whole crew. Everyone enjoyed this time together eating, laughing and joking. Anne was seriously burned in a butane gas explosion in their cellar; she died February 26, L943 at the Hayee General Hospital in Burlington. Reuben endured many hardships to keep his family together but never complained. All of the neighbor ladies gave a helping hand, washing,ironing, cleaning, mending and also canning the meat, fruit and vegetablee. Their love qrill never be forgotten by the fanily. On April 29, L946, Reuben wae unit€d in marriage to ViolaElizabeth, daughterof Emil and Pauline (Grnmm) Schaal, who lived north of Burlington. The Schaal's and Gramm's were a part of the settlement that cayne from Russia in 1898 and settled north of Bethune, near the Republican River. A Oecar and Nettie Anderson with their family in October 1931 on their homestead on the Colorado-Kansas border, daughter Helen, eon Ivan, son Rueben and his wife Anne, son Archie and his wife Juanita and their children Loranell and Darrell. Stella, another daughter and family were not present. daughter, Lola Mae, and a son, Paul Dean, were born to this marriage. Lola married Walter Cary of Springfield and Paul married Mary Louise Cheseny, also of Springfield, Missouri. In 1949 Reuben was elected as one of the Kit Carson County Commiesioners, serving a four year term. During his tenure and Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital was opened, the remodeling of the court house was completed, new cattle-chutes were built at �the county fairgrounds and some county ANDRE, JOHN ELBERT roads were asphalted. Reuben departed this life on May 11, 1984' a proud Grandpa of his sixteen granddaughters, five gtandsons and eleven great-grand- children. He always caried a little blackbook, and in it he list€d aI of the grandchildren. His brother Archie passed away in February of 1984. Archie's family still lives 10 miles south of Ruleton, Kansas. A sister Stclla Weller lives near Kadoka, South Dakota on a cattle ranch. Another sister Helen married Melvin Sall. They own and farm a place between her parents homest€ad and Reuben's place. Ivan, another brother still lives on the "Old Anderson Homestead". by Kathryn Anderson Morgan ANDERSON McCONNELL FAMILY r.22 F23 John Elbert fuld1e sems to Colorado in 1910 to take a homestead of 320 acres north of Flagler. He built a two room frnme house. January 20, LgL2 he married Berniece Elsie Wynne in Hugo, Colorado by a Judge by the name of Miles. They drove their team of one horse and blind mare hitched to his buggy to his home north of Flaglsl smid snow and ice. They had three children, daughter Gladys Kerl of Stratton, Colorado, Son George Robert of Mesa, Arizona, a daughter Leora Mae, now deceased. Their crops weren't much that first year. They ate a lot of corn bread and beans. Selling the homestead they moved to Colorado Springs where Elbert worked at different jobs returning to Flagler some time in 1918 where they farmed. Then in the 20's Elbert taught the Dazzling Valley School in District 14. At one time he also taught the Mount Pleasant School. One of our former citizens, Fabe Anderson, is the only one of my knowledge, to go to the Klondike. I have not been able to get much first-hand knowledge about his trip' So many of those times are gone, as is Fabe and his wife. In 1886 George Carmack of lllinois discovered gold in the region of Dawson, near the Klondike River, which flows into the Yukon River in Alaska. It created quite a lot of excitement and a nrrmber of gold seekers traveled there to try their luck. Dawson is in Canada, but mostpersons went to Alaska. We have not been able to dig up a good story of his trip. We do know he went and his son Carl remembers, he met up with some man from California on his travels and they made the journey together. Carl has a gold ring with the inscription of Nome on it. That is the western point ofAlaska, not far from Russia, probably called Siberia then. The ring has a small amount of alloy in it so Carl cannot wear it much, it is to soft. It was in 1897, that so many gold seekers flocked there, and in that year two million dollars in gold was taken from there in the form of nuggets and grains. Since the price of gold has gone down it has not encouraged such prospecting. It is mostly in a free etate and obtained by washings. What an interesting story that would have been off his hardships, disappointments and adventures. He married Del McConnell after he cnme back from the Klondike. They homesteaded on a place one half mile from his wifes parents home. to this union five children were born, Geneva, Ina, Carl, Shelly, and Wilma. All the children grew up and married and left the county except one son Carl who settled in Burlington, Colo. His wife paased away in 1937 leaving Fabe with a family to raise. He later left the county with his younger children to seek work elsewhere. He was brought back to the county where he was laid to rest begide his wife in Claremont Cemetery, Stratton, Colo. by Dessie Cassity To have a certificate to teach he borrowed books from the County Superintendent to study. Elbert and Arthur Rob went to Burlington and took the teachers examination which made them eligible to teach. After the children were out of grade school the family moved into town in Flagler for them to attend High school. Elbert worked in the grocery store for Bob Brian. After some years and other places Elbert and Berniece returned to their beloved Flagler to retire and spend their remaining years, by Gladys Kerl ANDREWS FAMILY F24 Edward Andrews was born February 1, L874, at Gage County, Nebraska, to Addison and Lucretia (Hamilton) Andrews. On February 24, 1896, he was united in marriage to Edward Leoan Andrews and Buelah Molinda (Marchant) Andrews, parents of Edith Francis Lightle, Grandparents of Harold Lightle, Great Grandparents of James and Jerry Lightle. fire. The cow chips were the hard sun-dried droppings of the cattle herds and remaining buffalo that roamed the prairie land. Many a good loaf of bread was baked by the hot fires. In those old days, when they butchered, they would fry the meat and put it in stone jars, pouring grease over it. Sausage was made into patties, fried and stored in crocks filled with lard. Illnesses were treated with homemade remedies. Only during the most severe illnesges, was a doctor summoned. Their daughter, Edith, married Curtis Lightle, February 16, 1926, and raised a family of fifteen children: Francis, Eva, William, Harold, Erma, Vera, Franklin, David, Carl, Elmer, Margaret, Linda, Matilda and Larry, one son died at birth. Edith still lives on a farm near the old homestead Beulah Marchant, near Emporia, Kansas. Edward and Beulah came west in a covered wagon on their honeymoon and settled southeast of Hale, Colorado, near Jakeway, Kansas. Edward's parents and family came from Kansas at the same time, and they played for dances on their way out to pay and five of her children, William, Harold (my husband), Carl, Elmer and Larry reside in Kit their expenses. Edward played the violin and played for many dances in the BurlingtonIdalia area. Around 1898 he took a homestead about five miles north of the Republican River in Yuma County. He proved up on his homest€ad and about 1916 he took a timber claim 12 miles northeast of Stratton, Colorado. He lived here several years proving up on the timber claim. He then sold this and moved to Dresden, Kansas and Missouri for a short time. In about 1926 he moved his family back to Burlington, Colorado, where they spent ARMISTEAD FAMILY their remaining years. Edward and Beulah had a familY of 12 children, Marion, Maude, Reva, Florence, Leon, Elridge, Hazel, Edith, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Gilbert and Mazie. Times were hard, and the big wood cookstoves burned cow chips which made a good hot Carson County. by Eilene Kreoger Lightle F25 On a bleak March day in 1932 Charles and Alma Armistead with their five oldest children, Irene, Phillip, Bonnie, Elizabeth, and Charlene moved from the economically depressed Dust Bowl of western Kansas to the same kind of environment thirtpen miles north and three miles east of Flagler; from a large farm home near Goodland to a tworoom basement. I recall neighbors gossiping that Mother must be out of her mind to move anice white ena-el babycrib intosuch agrim abode. However, that crib became the first bed of four other children. Sometimes, the new baby lived in a laundry basket; sometimes in a daintily lined box. Jim, Jerry, Shirley, and Juanita were all born at home �small rooms, but a mansion to us. That place was a half mile from the Leseberg farm where Ralph and Elizabeth (Armietead) now reside. After that to a place a mile east of Flagler and then into town. Duringthose years Dad drove a truck for the DLS (Denver-Limon-Bur- lington) truck lines, delivered gas and oil for the Co-op, janitored for the high school. By 1957 the nest was empty except for me. When I went to teach in Calif. I incuned a spinal cord injury causing permanent paralysis. I was lovingly nursed and nurtured by a caring family and supportive community for eleven years until I was admitted to Craig Hospital in Denver for rehabilitation. When I began to work there in 1962, Mother and Dad moved to Denver to be with me. I am now retired. Each of us has gone in a different direction. Aftcr serving in the Navy during World War II, Philmoved to NewYorkwhere he married, worked for the telephone com- pany and later bought a dairy. Bonnie -f, x,,$,,;llb married J.C. Conrad who farmed near Flagler before moving to the Denver area. Elizabeth t The Armieteads, 1956: Back row - left to right: Bonnie, Charlene, Jim, Jerry, Phil, Juanita; Front row left to right: Shirley, Alma, Irene, Charles, Elizabeth. and delivered by Dr. Neff or Dr. Reed, usually agsisted by Gerda Huntzinger. At that time, it was believed new mothers should stay in bed for two weeks. When Shirley was born, I missed echool. An entry in my diary: "I stayed home and did the work for 17 days, scrubbed, washed, baked bread, cooked, and kept house in general. I was 13 years old. I bathed Shirley so sweet and kept her feet warm with the hot water bottle." The white ennmel baby crib was a symbol that was typical of Mother in her endeavors to keep that dugout cheerful and pleasant, although life was hard raising nine children in such a small space and on a poverty income. Cleanliness was imperative in spite ofour carrying water both down and up those basement stairs. Mother used hand-me-down clothes and flour sacks to fashion dresses from pictures in the Montgomery Ward catalog, cutting her own patterns from copies of the CAPPER'S WEEKLY, our only publication in addition tathe FLAGLER NEWS. To add to the attractiveness ofthe clothes she embroidered a special gtitch that I have rarely seen. Among my cherished treasures are items with that stitch. Although food was scarce and limited in variety, Mother used her imagination to create all kinds of dishes from the wild rabbits that Dad and Phil shot. We planted large gardens. Sometimes the hawest was successful with many vegetables to can. Some years there were as many as 9fi) quarts. Some years the plants succumbed to drouth, hail, or the grasshoppers which ate the plants into the ground. Dad tried to farm, using horses and inadequate machinery. Farmer after farmer failed to produce a crop due to the extreme drouth and a lack of knowledge of more successful dry land farming as we know it today. Our few cattle gtazed, on the "free range", which ie now privately owned. Many of them died due to dust pneumonia or bloating from eating the young, green tumble weeds. After the cattle had decayed and the bones bleached, Phil and I picked up the latter to sell to purchase roller skates which we used in the barn loft. All of us picked up dried cow chips to burn for both cooking and heating. Actually the iron cookstove served for both. When he could, Dad was a helpmate in assisting with the grueling household work. He tried very hard to provide for the family. What a blow it was to Dad's pride, when he had to apply to work on the WPA (Works Progress Administration). Often that meant he was gone throughout the week as he was assigned to other parts ofthe county building bridges, schools, etc., which left much of managing the home to Mother. We lived three miles from Liberty, the country school for all eight grades. Phil started to school when he was very young so I would not have to go alone. Part of the time we took the horse and buggy, rode horseback, walked, rode two miles with Homer Huntzinger in his Model-T Ford. How frightening it was to be caught in a dust storm on the way home! The barbed wire fence on either side of the road (now it seems more like a trail) served as a sentinel to keep us on coutse. Liberty was the "community center" with pie socials, literary, Sunday School, and occasionally a preacher. How pleased I felt to play the p rmp organ. But life was not all drudgery. We made our fun. No plastic toys then! Playhouses in the grainery with broken dishes, different colors of soil for "cooking", gunny sacks for beds, polywogs in a quartjar for goldfish, plenty of space to draw houses or whole towns on the barren ground, playing cards and dominoes at the oak table. Sometimes there were trips married Ralph Conrad; they have lived around Flagler most of the time. Charlene is manied to Lyle Garner and lives in Stratton. She worked at the Flagler Hospital and later at the Stratton Co-op. Shirley graduated from University of Northern Colorado, and married Sherman Henry. Both of them are teachers and live in Branson, Mo. Juanita married Tom Ellison and lives in Northglenn where she works for the Credit Union. Jim was killed in a crane accident in 1979. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he married Esther Schlichenmayer of Burlington. Following high school Jerry served in the army. Upon discharge he worked in Holyoke where he met and married Anita Thietje. He died suddenly in L977. Having lived hard, busy lives with a full measure of worry, sadness, and joy, Dad died in December, 1971 at the age of 86; Mother died just after her 84th birthday in March, 1982. They are the forebearers of 9 children, 22 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. by Irene Armistead ARMSTRONG TOWERS FAMILY F26 My father, John Everett Armstrong, was born in 1881, in Melbourne, Iowa. He and his to town with a nickel for penny candy; Sundays might be spent with neighbors. From Dad most of us learned the joy of reading to escape to other times - toForlearn, and places. a very special treat we could persuade Dad to play the harp, featuring "oldies" with which he grew up. In 1937 when I graduated from the 8th grade, we moved to the Jackson place to be on the bus route so I could attend Flagler High School where each of the nine of us eventually went. Wow, a real house with four John and Elizabeth Armstrong Iived in this house in 1950. This picture was taken by Carol Wendler later. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief biographies of the founding families of Kit Carson County Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families- A Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Description An account of the resource A brief history of founding families from Kit Carson County whose names begin with the letter "A." As told in the book A History of Kit Carson County Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. A History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Subject The topic of the resource History Kit Carson County Biography Genealogy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/17/455/Families-B1.pdf 243b51c6efa871f7f074c4397be39e33 PDF Text Text grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren. by Georgia Megel BABER, Vy. EARL F27 W. Earl Baber, retired rancher and farmer of Burlington for many years, was one of the leading ranchers in this area. Mr. Baber was owner ofa fine operation where he specialized in the feeding of cattle and hogs. His brand was Inverted TY. His main crops were feed wheat. Mr. Baber cnme with his parents to Cheyenne County in 1906 where they took a homestead of 160 acres. In 1913 Earl Baber took a homestead of 320 acres. He still has his original papers of relinquishment, signed by L. to R.: Mattie (Br"-meier) Smith, Everett Armstrong, Georgia Megel, Betty Smith, Clara Brammeier, Emil fumetrong, Cora (Petefish) Youet (oldest), Charleg Armstrong. Front: Mary Elizabeth and John Everett Armetrong - SOth Anniversary, April 8, 1958. father, Lonson Butler Armstrong, came to Kit Carson County, Colo. in 1906, south of Burlington, to a homest€ad. The Butler, in his name. was his mother's maiden name. Lonson married Cora Smith, they had three children, Cora, Mattie, and John Everett. Cora, the mother, died when John was 1 year old. Grandfather Armstrong worked as a janitor for Dr. and Mrs. Gillette in the old Burlington hospital. My mother, Mary Elizabeth Towers, was born July 6, 1886, in Illinois. She came to Burlington about the snme time in 1906, with her parents, George and Emily Towers and brothers and sisters, by emigrant train. Emily Towers was a Ruddel. Her brother helped build or rather brick the old Burlington courthouse. Grandfather Towers raised fancy horses and brought them on this train also. They stopped in Kansas City to feed the horses. My mother, Mary, took her two sisters into the drug store here to shop or look around. Mary lost track of her younger sister, she went right up to the store owner and accused him ofstealing her sister. But the girl was later found and she was neither lost or stolen. They homesteaded south of Burlington, about 1 mile north of the correction line and 6 or 8 miles to the west. My mother was 18 at the time and she also took a homestead of her own. Grandfather Towers ran the last livery stable in Burlington. John Everett Armstrong married Mary Elizabeth Towers in Burlington, April 8, 1908. They raised 8 children, 5 girls, and 3 boys. I, Georgia Lonzona Armetrong (Megel), was born the 2nd daughter on Nov. 13, 1910, on the farm south of Burlington. I was named Georgia Lonzona after both my grandfathers. I remember going to a school where the teacher was Della Hendricks. When my brother Everett was born, I was going to school in a adobe school house. We only went to school five months one year. Joe Boyles was a neighbor to father and when they moved into Burlington, they gave father a boat. Dad would hitch the horse up to the boat and haul us kids and the school teacher to school in it in about 1918. Mrs. Borten, whose maiden nAme was Wedmore, had 3 children and she taught them and me school in her own house. Once I boarded with a neighbor, Clarence Nickerson, and his wife Blanche. They didn't have any girls so I stayed with them. They bought me a newgxeen coat. I well remember his beautiful white horse, he'd put me up in the saddle with him and we'd ride. They were Seventh Day Adventists, and once they took me to Denver to a meeting in tents with them. One tent for the colored folks and one for the white folks. We kids went right in the colored tent and sat down. My oldest sister, Cora, didn't want to leave home or board out so she rode a horse to her school about 5 miles away. I remember I took the eighth grade twice, because Dad wouldn't let us girls go into Burlington to work. They said I was too young and should take the eighth grade again for something to do. So I did. All my brothers went to the service during W.W.IL Everett was a tank driver, in the Army in Germany and he got wounded and Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Baber lived on this land until 1944, at which time he moved to his present home in Burlington. Mr. Baber and his family underwent many hardships during the dust years, but by dint of.hard work and courage, they cnme through with flying colors. "Baber Corner" has always been a landmark in the area, as it is about halfway between Cheyenne Wells and Burlington. At the time the homestead was taken in 1906 there was only one other house on the route to Cheyenne Wells. W. Earl Baber was born in 1892 in Jameson, Missouri, to Josiah S. and Susannah West Baber. His parents were married in Indiana in 1883 and lived to celebrate their sixty-third wedding anniversary. Earl Baber attended public schools in Missouri. He married Gladys Harker, the daughter of Clinton B. and Mary Logan Harker, in Cheyenne Wells in 1923. Mr. and Mrs. Harker were married in Missouri Valley, Iowa, in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Baber are the parents of three children: Carol, Williem E. Jr., and Joseph Lynn. Carol is maried to Martin Darnall, and they are the parents of six children: Linda, Lelia, Jimmie, Judy, Timmie and Terry. William Baber Jr., married the former Lois Pratt, and they have two children, Jerry and Betty. William is the manager of the International Harvester store in Burlington and in 1959 earned a trip to New York as top salesman of farm equipment. Mr. Baber served as a member of his district school board. He is well known throughout his area as a hard-working, resourceful farmer whose perseverance has been rewarded with success. received the purple heart. Emil was in the Air Force and Charles was in the Navy in Japan. Sister Clara married Elmer Brammeier. They lived south of Burlington in a sod or adobe house. Sister Mattie married Edgar Brammeier, brother Emil married Betty Yotsey. (Betty's mother was also a Brammeier). Sister Betty married Jack Smith after the folks moved into Denver. Everett married Laura Wright from around Denver, and Charles married Dolores from Kansas. My folks moved into Denver and daddy worked at Denver General Hospital. He took the trays of food up to the patients. Mother and daddy stayed in a nursing home to the last. Mom was buried in Burlington, July 9, 1973, and Daddy died in 1975. All my family and uncle Bert Towers are buried in Burlington. They left 51 grandchildren, 60 great by Janice Salmans BACKLUND FAMILY F28 Alvin Lorenzo Backlund, born in Stromsburg, "The Swede Capitol of Nebraska," on Nov. 8, 1885, and Florence Judith Elmgren, born in Ogallala, Neb., Jan. 3, 1888, were united in marriage Nov. 12, 1911. Both were of pure Swedish descent, their parents migrating to America, the land of the free and the brave. Following in their parents' footsteps the Backlunds, with their two small children, Alvin L. Jr., and Maxine Frances, "migrated" �to Burlington in March of 1920 to seek their fortune in the undeveloped west. Mr. Backlund, along with his brother Theodore William, come to Burlington several weeke in advance of his family, the two men starting an implement buginess known as Backlund and Company, dealers for Hart Parr tractors and other farm equipment. According to the daughter, the arrival of the family on the scene was an unforgettable day. They traveled by train, there being six passenger trains daily in Burlington, stepping off of the train into a raging dust storm go intense you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. To add fuel to the fire, Mr. Backlund was not on hand to meet the train and the mother, having lived in the city most of her life, was appalled by her first glimpse of the little one-horse town. The children heard her mutter as she grabbed their hands and start€d walking down Main Street, "Now, why did Al ever bring me to this God forsaken hole?" Yet when they moved back to Lincoln, Neb., in 1938 because of poor economic conditions, she cried the hardest because she didn't want to leave her beloved home in Burlington. Brother Ted remained in the community and operated Backlund and Company until his retirement in the late took turns in teaching small groups of boys and girls who attended school. The gray wolves were very bad in the northern woods, but I never heard of them attacking a person. They were rather curious animals, and would follow a rider or sleigh for miles. I remember the spring I was four years old, we drove to town and the wolves followed the sleigh home, a distance of fourteen miles. Mother used to trade with the Indians and get venison for tea, sugar and other supplies they wanted. We never had any trouble with them, and they seemed quite friendly. When I was nine years old we moved to Lake View, Michigan and there I saw my first church and Sunday school. We lived here three years, then father, who was a country doctor, and of a rather roving disposition, decided to return to the lumbel samps. We lived there for awhile, then again we moved back to Lake View and lived here for three years more. By this time mother's health was very poor and she was ordered further west. We got a light wagon, fitt€d it up with a mattress and made it as comfortable as possible for The family used to sit around and tell tales of early days in Burlington and one of their mother, loaded our belonging on other wagons, and started west. We did not hurry, and enjoyed camping and visiting at other camps and small towns as we cn-e along. We always planned to stop at a town or farmhouse where we could procure eggs, butter and milk. When favorites was when their Dad told them about the land promoters bringing people by train we cnme through the northern part of Iowa, it was still unsettled, nothing but shanties '60's. to the community to endeavor to sell them land. In order to impress them with our "western hospitality" they would go out in the country the day before the arrival of prospective buyers and pay a rural family to have a bounteous meal ready at noon the next day. They would then act as if they just happened to be in that vicinity at mealtime and the "friendly" family would "invite" the group into their home to share their meal. Another son and daughter joined the family circle while they lived in Burlington, Carl William and Charlotte Anne. When they returned to Nebraska, all of the children moved with them with the exception of Maxine. She married John Rollin Hudler on Nov. 12, 1936, and has stayed in the good old home town, the Hudler family having owned and operated the local newspaper, "The Burlington Record" for the past 55 years. Mr. Backlund moved back to Burlington following the death of his wife Florence in 1965, living here until his death in 1976. The two brothers now make their respective homes in New York City and the younger sister in Log Angeles but Burlington will always hold a soft spot in their hearts. by Maxine lludler BAKER, ELMER C. F29 I was born March L3, 1872 near Detroit, Michigan and while still a small child, moved with my parents into the north woods of Michigan among the big lrrmfel camps, and lived in a dugout during the severe winters. I went to school in a log house; the seats and desks were made from split logs. I started school to my own mother when I was three and one-half years old. My mother was a teacher and she and a cowin, dso a teacher, and long grass. I remember some of the natives showed us how they would wind the long grass into rolls for fuel; and it was surprising to us how long it would burn. We traveled on west and finally we arrived in McCook, Nebr., and settled south of Indianola, on Beaver Creek,living there and helping to build the railroad from Oxford, Nebr. to St. Francie, Kansas. This was in 1886, and the town of Danbury was just start€d. In 1886, we came to St. Francis. Kans. and father took a homestead out north of Kanorado, about eighteen miles and about five miles south of Jacqua, which at that time was composed of two small general stores, one drug store, and a small hotel. When I was seventeen years old, I began teaching school in the district in which we lived, and that little frame school house is still standing. I taught there the first term and Miss Jessie VanWinkle, who later becavne my wife, taught the second term. I taught several terms of school in Kansas, then cnme to Colorado and taught in the public school for two and one-halfyears, resigrring the position to work in the office of the county treasurer. I worked in this office about four months and then became affiliated with the Stock Growers Stat€ Bank, and stayed in this work from 1902 to 1907. I then organized the Baker Abstract company, and began my work from the original set of books started by Daniel Kavanaugh, the first county clerk (elected) of the new county, and containing entries made from Elbert county before Kit Carson County was organized. In 1910, I returned to the bank and worked at banking and abstracting until 1,916, when I gave up banking and devoted all my time to the abstracting business, in which I'm still engaged. In the early days we used parched rye for coffee, and hauled our water from the Republican river. One of our neighbors by the nnme of Van Horn had a hand dug well over one hundred feet in depth. He would charge us five cents for watering a team and ten cents a barrel for water hauled. The emmigrants used to resent this charge. They did not stop to consider the expense of putting down a well like that. We used sagebrush for fuel and would plow up the plants, thus getting the long tough roots which made good firewood. This was stacked up close to the house and was easy to get in all kinds of weather. This was an interesting country; people came from everywhere, bringing with them their talents and culture, their ideals and nmbitions. We tried to make the best of the conditions and times in which we lived. Everybody worked at what they could get to do; amusements were few and we learned to be content with what we could work for and get for ourselves. by E. C. Baker BAKER, R. E. FAMILY F30 Robert E. Baker and Bonnie (Wanda Lee) and son Bobby David age 7, migrated to Burlington, Co. in June of 1955 from Cozad, Nebr. In Oct. of the same year another son Barry Lee wag born. In partnership with George and Aldean Pischke they purchased the Ford Garage from Perry Miller, located on the corner of 13th and Martin. Two years later the dealership was enlarged and moved to Rose Ave. located at the now Chadderton Ford. In 1962, the dealership was sold to Edmund Ebeler. The Bakers then purchased "The Men's Shop" in partnership with C.E. McCartney and H.J. Mcune. Later Bob purchased C.E. McCartney's interest. Bob and Bonnie were active members of the United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees. Bob was church treasurer and Bonnie taught children and adult Sunday School classes. Bob, an active member of the business community, served as President of the Chnmber of Commerce, President of the Lion's Club, Master of the Masonic Lodge and President of the Golf Club, is now serving on the Local Housing Authority Board. Bonnie was President of the Ladies Golf Club, President of the Quo Vadis Womens Club and President of the Library Board. In 1962, Bonnie assumed the job of the Swimming Director of the local swi--ing pool located at 18th and Senter. She was instrumental in planning the new pool located beside the High School and introduced many swimming progra-s including Competitive swim program affiliated with the West Kansas Swim League and was a qualified Missouri Valley A.A.U. Referee. Bonnie retired from the pool in 1982 and became more active in the operation of the Men's Shop. Bob has many hobbies including golf, fishing, motorcycling, wood working and is interested in art and does watercolor, pen and ink and oils. Bonnie's hobbies are sewing, reading, and as a member of the Library Board is looking forward to the construction of the new Library. Son Robert David graduated from Burlington High School in 1966, and served in the Navy Seabees for four years, two of which �were spent in Vietnnm. After the service he attended LaJunta Jr. College and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, Colo. in 1975. Now he has his own business, "Baker Development", in Greeley. His main hobby is Hot Air Ballooning. Barry L. graduated from Burlington High School in 1975, and attended General Motors training school in Dallas, Tex. He is now employed at Weld County Motors in Greeley, Colo. Barry regides in Fort Collins, Colo., with hig wife Valerie and two children: Bryson and Breanne. Barry's hobbies are his family, golf and boating. Valerie operates her own Day Care Center. by R.E. Baker BANEY, LELAND F3r The Baney's, Leland and Dorothy with their two small daughters, Ann and Linda moved to the Smoky Hill Community in January of 1950 from Benkelman, Nebraska, locating about two miles south of the Smoky Hill School in an adobe house. Leland, farmer and rancher, had the opportunity to lease some of the land his late father-in-law, Edward Zorn had acquired in the late thirties and early forties. About two years later the drouth of the fifties hit with the next four or five yeare being rough financially. Our cow herd had to be gold when the pastures remained dormant. In fact for four years little was produced with many very bad dust storms. One night we were with Allen and Eloise Joppa returning from a card party at the Bob McClelland home when the wind and dirt hit' making it impossible to see. Until you have experienced this situation, it is hard to degcribe. Only by putting his head out of the car window were we able to find our way A blizzard in early November 1957 is not to be forgotten. The day had been warm and dressed accordingly, Leland accompanied Leo Windscheffel to Burlington to a night meeting,leaving his car on the correction line. When leaving town it was snowing hard with a strong wind. Not realizing the motor had blown full of snow, Leland started for home. After two miles the engine drowned out from the melting snow and he was marooned for 32 hours, near the Wayne Iseman home which was then vacant. Fortunately the temperature didn't drop much below freezing. Recess at Smoky Hill was usually a ball ga-e and everyone played. This particular day eight year old Ann was catcher with Kay Meyers Carson batting. Ann, too close to the home plate, was hit in the head when Kay swung. The wound required several stitches and proved a valuable lesson for the young player. Ann and Linda both love the farm and enjoyed feeding cattle, branding, moving irrigation pipe, changing water, harvesting wheat, trucking the grain, shocking feed, etc. So many young people today will never experience these things and the beauty of nature which God has provided because the fanily farm is rapidly fading away. The dry, windy years, grasshoppers, hail, late and early frosts, blizzards, sometimes one following another had been hard, but we have had many bountiful years, too, with the good outweighing the bad. The area has been very good to us, the memories are plentiful, with many wonderful lifetime friends and a place we will always call home. by Dorothy Baney BARBER, MADGE PETERSON F32 home. We found this to be an active community with the Smoky Hill Gun Club, Friendship Circle H.D. Club,4H, community church and Sunday School, Friday night pinochle parties, pot-luck dinnere plus all of the school activities. Smoky Hill even had a volleybdl team for several years, entering a tournnment in Goodland, Kaneas. Players were Orville Chapin, John Robertson, Bob McClelland, Tom Lnmb, Joe Long, Claude Bell, and Leland Baney. They won every game to the finals being defeated only by the Goodland coacheg te"m. During a Christmas progrnm at Smoky Hill, Helen Woods Newberry was playing the role of Mary in the Nativity scene, singing to her newborn son, Jesus. Linda, age 2, seated on the front row got up, went up on the stage and stood looking in the cradle. When Helen finished her song, Linda returned to her seat, much to the reliefofher parents. June, 1955, following a day of fishing with Linda' her father and some friends, Ann was helping clean their catch in the garage that evening. Going to the houee she was frightened by the dog running through the sweet corn and she forced her arm through the storm door. A pie- shaped wedge of glass penetrated her arm severing the nerves, muscle and vein, requiring two major eurgeries at Children's Hospi- tal in Denver. We didn't have many boughten toys. We walked on barrels and stilts and rode horses. We had one saddle horse Pop raised from a wild horse. It seems the colt's mother had died, so Pop raised the colt along with Delphia. Anyway, Tony was our constant companion. We had him trained to lay down so we six kids could pile on. Pop would never let us use a saddle, so when one kid fell off, they all did. Tony would stop, lay down, and we would all remount. Tonyshould have been born a mare. He would find a newborn calf in the pasture and keep the mother away. In otherwords, he tried to adopt any small animal. One fall Pop took the lumber wagon and traveled to the railroad station (Laird) to pick up apples, potatoes and coal. Oh, how I hated to desprout those potatoes. Anyway, Pop heard this whimpering at the side of the road. In a gunny sack were two small puppies. He brought them home and we cdled them Trim and True. In those days everyone had what they called an ice cellar. The farmers dug holes in the ground about 15 feet long, 10 feet deep, and 10 feet wide. They lined the hole with straw and cut slabs of ice from ponds and lakes and packed them in the ice cellar with more straw. That was our ice supply for the next summer. One fall when the ice was gone, we kids put planks, 2 x L2's, down in the ice cellar and crawled into the cellar to play in the straw. Suddenly we got tired of that and all crawled up the planks, but Harry, the youngest sti[ in diapers. Harry would start up the plank and Trim and True would grab his diaper and pull him down. Mamie ran screaming to the house, "Mom, come get Harry, Trim and True are going to eat him." Pop always hauled ensilage to the cattle in the lumber wagon. Of course all we kids and the two dogs would go along. One day the dogs, feeling extra frisky, barked at the cattle and were chasing them away from the bunks. Pop picked up a hammer, not meaning to hurt the dogs. The handle hit True in the head and killed him instantly. We kids bawled for days. My parents lived close to the canyons and breaks. Sometimes the snow got 10 to 15 feet deep in the gulleys. We kids would work for hours pushing a four-wheel horse buggy up a steep hill, then all the kids and Trim would pile in the buggy and down we would go, Wayne and Madge Barber. I was born on Friday, June 13, 1913, to Fred and Mamie Peterson in Yuma County, Colo. My mother was an orphan and had a hard life, so she didn't plan on any girls as they had it too rough. I was the third girl born to Mom as I had two older sisters (Delphia and Eva). The midwife that cared for Mom and me had four boys and no girls. She begged Mom for me, but Pop said no. Mom had three more children; Max, Mamie and Harry. We grew up in hard times. Mom was never well and Pop had a hard time just to feed six hungry wolves; but we never went hungry and never felt deprived. pallmall. Of course, when the buggy got to the breaks, it buried its wheels in the snow and stopped immediately and kids and dog would fly in seven directions. Not too long a ride, but what a finish and what fun! Of course we would go to the house sopping wet to the skin and cold as frogs. It was the younger kids' job (me included) to gather two bushel baskets of pig pen cobs for the breakfast meal. We got into the habit of playing until dark to gather our cobs. One night we were fishing around for cobs among the shucks when we heard a bobcat screem. If you have ever heard a bobcat, you have no idea what a blood curdling noise it is. I think all four kids hit the swinging gate at the same time, I'm not so sure that Pop didn't have to make a new gate. But somehow the cob gathering was never so late again. ) In those days the wolves ran in packs. I remember Pop had walked 3 miles to help a man put up hay. Aft€r dark he started the 3 miles home. The neighbor had given Pop a ham. With the ham under one arm, he started �home. About a mile from home, he heard growling and snarling behind him. Pop walked faster, but so did the wolves. Through the pitch dark he could see the eyes of about a half-dozen wolves that had gotten a whiff of the meat. Needless to say, Pop dropped the ham and made tracks. Eva and I were always building a play house from apple crates and oil barrels. I guess we were like the renter that moved when the rent came due. Seems we moved the play house every 2 or 3 days. My two older sisters were in the Christmas program. Me being only four years old, I felt left out. The teacher said I might give a four- line poem. I was really proud. My mother made me a new blue dress for the big occasion. I pranced down that aisle and stopped to turn around and see all those people looking at me. Of course I got speechless and forgot all of the lines. I gathered up the tail of my dress and started sticking it in my mouth. It seems hours later thatDelphia jrrmped up and said, "Mnma, go get Pigeon," (my nickname). So my stardom never got off the ground. My first four years of school were spent in a one-room country school house. In this neighborhood were a few 17 and 18 year old boys that had nothing better to do but come to school and bug the teacher. She would expel them but they were back the next day. One day in early December she announced that we hadn't been good and there would be My parents died several years ago. Mnmie manied Fritz Brenner, more of a banti rooster than anything else; would rather fight than eat. He generally found someone to accommodate him. I guess Fritz had to live a little faster than the rest of us as he was quite young when he wae killed in an airplane accident with Gale Rogers. Mnmie remarried and now lives in Lakewood, Co. Wayne and I were married in 1932 and in 1935 I had a baby girl (Bonnie Dell). In 1937 I had a baby boy (Charles Dwayne). In 1942 we moved to a farm south of Burlington. We raised wheat, cattle and tried beets for one year, but found them too expensive to grow. In 1968, Wayne contacted emphysema. We rented the ground for a few years and finally sold the ranch in 1973. Wayne's health gradually worsened, and he passed away in 1978. We lived through some tough times, hails storms and bad health, but Wayne gave me a good life and I always knew I ceme first. I have 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons. I have so many good memories of growing up and later with my family and Wayne. So don't be afraid of Friday the 13th - it was pretty good to me. Everyone should be as lucky. If you're not convinced, count the letters in my maiden name. A piece of cake! by Madge Peterson Barber no treats at Christmas, which was the custom. The big boys waited for a real snowy day and when the teacher went to the outhouse, they pushed desks against the door and said they would let her in when she consented to treat us. We got out tteats, but this teacher BARKER, GEORGE FAMILY resigned after the first of the year. A man teacher finished out the term and we really learned our ABC'g. When I was about 10 years old my family moved to the Tom Ashton ranch. I got my next four years of school at the Laird Public F33 I and one of the girls walked about a quarter mile to the mail box, on the way a convicted and served some 40 years in prison. car until the dance was over and bring us home. When I was about 16 years old, a flood destroyed this dance hall, and we girls, having acquired boyfriends, went to dances in a tworoom vacant house. The young people of the group nickn4med the place Hallwood. It was at this dance hall I met my future husband (Wayne Barber). My two older sistcrs maried brothers and live in homt* around Wray. Both my brothers served in World War II and live together at Wray. Gidley, could more easily attend high school. Grampa who was in his seventies, becems 15s manager of Shell's Motel (presently Little Cottage Motel on Rose Ave.) and he and Ruthie lived on the premises until he retired. Like Grampa, my mother was a lot of fun, teaching me how to roller skate by zipping down the sidewalk, shouting over her shoulder, "Do what I do!" She'd also taught me how to swim, by wading into the shallow end of the town pool, holding her hand under my belly until I learned to dog paddle, even though she didn't know how to swim and was afraid of the water. Thus when I was only 11, since Sim was in the hospital, Grampa was living in Oregon with a daughter, and Mother suddenly died, I was devastated. However, Grampa packed his belongings, came back to Burlington immediately, moved in to care for me and I mended. After Sim and Hazel Carmichael were married the next year in 1939, Grampa we never thought much about there being a generation gap between us, even though he was nearly 70 years older than us. Jim, the last of the Barker children, just recently died and, he, like his father before him, was sharp and witty right up to the end. Grandpa George Barker with Oregon grandsons in front of his farm home, SW of Burlington about by Georgeanna lludson Grusing 1920. Eventually the clan grew to young adulthood, and we girls wanted to learn to dence. Our mother didn't approve, said dancing l,ed to ruin, but Pop took us girls to the dances at Olive Lake Resort. He would sleep in the grandehildren who had been widowed, orphaned or were out of work. On Thanksgiving Day 1919, my grandmother was killed instantly when a hot water tank, attached to a wood cook stove, exploded. She had been firing up to prepare the holiday dinner. The same year, my mother and dad, Sim Hudson, were married, living in Burlington. By then all the other Barker children were scattered from Iowa to Oregon, but Grempa continued farming into the Dirty Thirties. Quitting then, he moved into town so that his most recent charge, granddaughter, Ruthie loyalty and fairplay, Hazel, Sim and I all dearly loved him. After Marvin and I were married, Grampa came to live with us, until his death in 1952 when he was 90. Sohehow the ranch south of Laird. the courts it was an accident. He was had room for the varioug children and continued to live with us, offand on for 8-10 years. Because of his great sense of humor, School. That was quite a change from a oneroom school house and the trauma of head lice, measles and scarlet fever. After eighth grade graduation, my family moved back to neighbor picked us up. We noticed he had blood on his hands and clothes. When we asked why, he said he had butchered and hadn't washed his hands. We found out later he had murdered his wife, drug the body to the pig pen and tried to tell town, as part of the phone service. A few years later when Bell Telephone came in, Grnmpa sold out, and bought a farm 13 miles SW of Burlington, not far from what is now our place (Marvin Grusing Farms). For many years Grnmpa lived in a building that was little more than a shack, but he always In 1906, my grnmpa, George Barker, along with hig family, arrived in Burliiigton and bought the phone office whibh wao just north of the present Masonic Lodge, on the south end of Main Street. (Grampa, originally ftom Indiana, had married Clara Bell Cor in Kansas and there they had seven children: Peerl, Tressa, Emttta, Georgia, Jim, my mother, Dolly, who wag born in Phillippsburg Dee, 10, lgQl, and Lolin who died as irr infant.) The girls sefv6d ae t6lephone operators, while Gr"-pa and Jim serviced the,lines, which weie strung on fence posts. Usually the two were offered hot noon meale at the hotieb of thcir cduntry customers, who appreciated Grainpa's girls' r'unning errands rill <iVcr BARNHART - TEEL FAMILY F34 Charley F. Barnhait and Sarah Jane "Jennie" Teel were married May 31, 1905, in Menlo, Kansas. Charley was bofh iri Hunbpldt, Nebraska, on Nov. 26, 1882, the oldest of ? boys urd { S.,tlC. Hi's parente, Jarnes Frairtlin, Sf. and Martha Fraircee (McKee) Barnhart, moved to Rcyinolds, Nebr. in 1E8i! and then in 1891 moved to a farm 1l mileg' *est of Hoxier Kansas, where they were neiihbors td Jehnie's family. Jennie Was boirr in McFall, Misbouri, on May 6, 1885, In 1889 her paiente, John Jispoi dnd saiah llariiidh; �(Rogers) Teel and nine children, made a 21day trip by covered wagon to a farm near Lenora, Ks., and 5 years later moved to Rexford, Ks. Jennie wae the seventh of 13 children, 9 boys and 4 girls. all who had participated. In these days of plenty, some considered the "rabbit drives" inhrrmdls, but at that time it was a matter After their marriage, Charley and Jennie stayed in the Menlo, Ks. area for several about 22 miles, and get their supplies by lumber wagon. A lot of their supplies were bought by the barrelfull and dried fruit in 100 pound boxes. Beside farming, -Charley also went with the threshing machine, helping and taking care of the machine. While Charley and Jennie lived at Bonny, one child, a daughter, Pearl Marie, was born Dec. 1, 1921, so 6 of their 7 children lived with them while they operated the post office. In years. Charley owned a steam engine threshing machine with which he did custom work. They had an old cook shack with iron wheels that they pulled to the fields with them. Jennie did the cooking for 15 to 16 men. The family ate and slept in the cook shack. While they were in Kansas 5 children were born: Everett Lee, Feb. 23, 1906; Florence "Esther", Mar.27,1908; Ira Glen, Feb. 11, 1910; Leonard Nelson, May 6, 1913; and Wilbur "Dean", Oct. 3, 1918. Charley, Jennie and these 5 children came to Colorado in 1918. Charley came in a covered wagon with a few head of horses to help in the farming. Jennie and the children came out on the old "Jersey" trqin and Charley came into Burlington in the covered wagon to pick them up. They moved onto a farm belonging to Charley's sister, Nora Frazier and her family, three miles south of the Republican River near the Yuma-Kit Carson County line. Charley's sieter and family moved to Idaho. In 1919 their son, Everett, got his foot caught in the stirrup of his saddle. His horse ran, dragging Everett and breaking his leg. Not having all the medical technology of today, it took geveral men to hold Everett while the doctor pulled to set his leg. Then he had to have bucket of gand hanging from his foot for quite some time. There were also a lot of cactus stickers to be pulled out. Late in 1919 they bought the Bonny store and post office from Ike Bonny, Sr., who was moving his family to Idaho. On Jan. 6, 1920, Charley was appointed Postmaster. The store and post office occupied one room in a 4-room house where the family lived. The mail cnt'e three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. One carrier took mail from Burlington to Hale. The carier from the Bonny post office would then meet this carrier at the old Broadsword echoolhouse 14 miles north of Burlington on old Highway 51 (now 385) and take the mail back to Bonny. The job of carrying the mail back to the Bonny post office was first done by Mr. John Baughman and later by Mrs. Dile Henderson. When the post office was closed, Mr. John Winfrey was the carrier. When the mail arrived, Charley's family would sort it and put it in a cupboard with several little cubbyholee. The neighbors, who crme for their mail by horse and buggy, wagon or horseback, sometimes brought eggs to sell to Jennie, and usually picked up a few groceries. Jennie also baked bread and cookies to sell. This was always a good chance for a visit since there weren't too many opportunities t,o do so. There were also ground to farm here so Charley farmed it ag well as that on his sister's farm, doing the work with just his hofses. He raised mostly corn and barley, a few hogs and chickens. Corn sold for only 8 ceuts a bushel in 1923. Since it wouldn't even pay to haul it into town to sell, they burned it for fubl instead. When the rabbits got so numetous and were eating up all the crops, they had to hold "rabbit diives". They would drive them from the east side and from the west side. The side getting the least number ofrabbits had to furnish an oyster supper for of survival. They had to haul the grain to Burlington, the summer some of the children slept in the covered wagon. They had such a problem with mice and rats Charley told them he would give them a penny for each one they could catch, so they had traps set everywhere trying to earn their penny "bounty". They also had to be on the watch for snakes. One day a snake got into the house and curled up around the legs of their heater. Esther BARNHART WINFREY FAMILY F35 On January 27, L933, Leonard Nelson Barnhart and Iva Mae Winfrey were married at St. Francis, Kansas. Leonard had moved to Kit Carson County with his parents, Charlie F. and Sarah Jane "Jennie" (Teel) Barnhart in 1918 from the area around Hoxie, Kansas, where Leonard was born on May 6, 1913. He lived with them during the time they operated the Bonny Post Office and after its closing helped on the farm. [va's parents, James Warren "Jimmie" and Jessie Mae (Biggs) Winfrey lived in the same general area ofthe country and she was born at their homestead on March 11, 1914. After their marriage they lived with Leo- nard's mother and step- father, A. Dile Henderson, whom Jennie had married after Charlie was killed in a threshing machine accident. Leonard was helping Dile farm. It jumped on the counter and started screaming. She was so scared she had a terrible time trying to tell them where the snake was. was a little crowded as there were Jennie & Charley had played on the county baseball team in Kansas, so he and his family attended and played in baseball games whenever there was one in progress. The Happy Hollow schoolhouse was about a mile and a half from brother, Dean, and two younger sisters, Pearl and Marveline all living in a small 4-room house but with a lot of love and patience they managed quite well. them, and they attended the community Sunday School which was held each Sunday. One Sunday there were 200 people there. They also attended school programs, literary box suppers and had picnics as part of their social activities. Since everyone usually had to come to these events by tenm and wagon, they would heat a big rock and put it in the wagon to keep the children from getting too cold. The Bonny post office was discontinued on Feb. 29, 1924. That spring Charley, Jennie and their family moved to a farm at Hale, Colorado. Here their 7th and youngest child, Marveline Frances, was born Nov. 5, 1924. In 1928 they moved back to the old Bonny farm. There was no store there at this time. They were living here when Charley met his death. He was helping with the harvest at the farm of Oscar Anderson and became entangled in a belt on the threshing machine. He died while being taken to the St. Francis Hospital, Oct. 26, 1930, and is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Jennie and her children continued to farm. Later she married Mr. A. Dile Henderson, who had also been widowed. After his death in 1943, Jennie lived with her youngest daughter, Maweline and her family, until her death Jan. 15, L972. Jennie is also buried in Fairview Cemetery. Of Charley and Jennie's seven children, four are still living. Esther, with her husband, Harley Rhoades, and Ira with his wife, Louise (Smith), live in Burlington, Colorado; Dean and his wife, Jane (Levine), live in Wheat Ridge, Colorado; and Marveline and her husband, Wanen Fetters, live in Littleton, Colorado. Pearl passed away Mar. 14, 1935 at the age of 13 years; Everett, who married Vivian Agen, passed away June 26,1972 and, Leonard, who married Iva Winfrey, passed away Oct. 29, 1980. by Alice (Barnhart) Jacober Dile, Leonard & Iva, and Leonard's younger Leonard and Iva's first child, Alice Mae, was born September 5, 1935, at the house on the hill just south of Iva's parent's home. After she was born they moved to Dile's farm, which was later owned by George Brenner and where Jerry Brenner now lives. Their second child, Leona Marie, was born here on December 24, t937. They farmed here for a while and then moved to the old Reinholdt (or Cook) Ranch near the Republican River. In the spring of 1939 Leonard and his brother Wilbur "Dean" decided to try their hand at something beeide farming. They moved to Frederick, Oklahoma, to operate an O.K. tire recapping shop. Leonard & Iva, along with Alice and Leona, went in their Model A Ford. Dean and Jane slept in the recapping shop as they only had a l-room motel where they did their cooking, washing, etc. They would go to the movies to see the Lone Ranger. Since it was in serial form, Dean and Jane would go one night, and Leonard and Iva the next time so there was someone to stay with the two small girls. Business was not very good and they were far away from everyone they knew so later in 1939 they came back to Kit Carson County. Jennie and Dile were still living on the Ranch near the river so Leonard and lva moved back into the house where Alice was born and started farming again. They were actively involved in the box suppers, baseball games, and Sunday church services at the Happy Hollow Schoolhouse. In the summer of t942 they moved to Denver where Leonard, along with Chest€r Teel, worked on a construction crew at Camp Hale, near Tennessee Pass, in the Rocky Mountains. This camp was built to train soldiers for winter fighting. When the construction was finished. Leonard started working at the Denver Medical Center. On February 9, 1943, their third child, Dorothy Kay, was born in St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. When Leonard was drafted into the Army they purchased a small hodse in Burlington at 246 18th Street. Thisallon'ed Iva and their �three children to be ne{uer their relatives while Leonard was in service. On March 28, 1944, he was inducted at Ft. Logan, Colo. and assigned to Cnmp Swift, Bastrop, Texas for his basic training. Following his training he served in the Phillipines with the 4169th Quartermaster Depot Co. Aftpr returning from the Army safely and receiving his Honorable Discharge on January 9, 1946, he worked for Hommond's Creo-ery driving into the country picking up eggs, cream & milk from the farmers on his route. Later he worked in the County Assessor's Office under Parke Guthrie and also in the County Treasurer's Office under Snm Travis. On December 4, L947, their fourth and youngest child, Patsy Lee, was born at the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital in Burlington. The family continued to live at 246 18th Street until 1953. Their oldest daughter, Alice, had graduated from Burlington High School in 1952 and was working in Denver by then, and Leonard's cousin, Emmett Teel, wanted him to go to work in a company he was forming. Leonard started working for him the summer of 1953, and in October of that same year they bought a house in Edgewater and moved. Leonard continued to work for the R.A. Haines Refrigeration Co. until his retirement in 1977. He was thoroughly enjoying his free time and was always busy helping someone until he suffered a heart attack on October 4, 1980. On October 29, 1980 he passed away following complications brought on by the heart attack. Iva still lives at 2215 Ingalls St., Edgewater, CO. Three of their 8 grandchildren and the only great-grandchild also live in Edgewater. The other 5 grandchildren still live with their parents. Alice and her husband, Ed Jacober, livc in the Wet Mountains near Westcliffe, CO.; Leona and husband, John Strasheim, in Arvada, CO.; Dorothy and husband, Bill Hoppers in Golden, CO.; and Patsy and husband, Scott Williarns in Boulder, CO. by Alice (Barnhart) Jacober BARTMAN FAMILY F36 My father, Ed Bartman was born in Big Rapids, Michigan, on July 5, 1882. He worked on railroad bridges for the railroad before coming to Colorado. In 1907 he proved up on a homestead 22 miles northeast of Bur- lington, Colo., and 17 miles north of Kanorado, Kansas. My mother, Elva Smith Bartman was born in Wyoming, Iowa in 1887. She attended a Teacherg College and Normal in Davenport, Iowa. My mother's father, Moses Smith, moved from Iowa to Colorado around 1908 and homesteaded. He then sent for the rest of his family. Myuncles, Ed O.K. Smithand Myron Smith, co-e and proved up on a homest€ad also. There was a need for teachers so my mother, and my aunt, Mae Smith Morgan came and taught school. Mothers homestead was about 10 miles west of our home. Dad first built a little god shanty to live in. This was later used as the hen house. He then built a 4 room adobe house, where all seven of us were born, with the help of a midwife. Ed Bartman and neighbor, Estes Straughn and son Burrell breaking a mule. They tied the mule to a horse that had been broke and understood commands. In the background are the farm buildings on the homestead of Ed Bartman. The long concrete barn in the center was destroyed later by a tornado. My dad built all the farm buildings, an old lumber grainery (still standing), a long cement barn, a hog house and milk house with a windmill. A tornado in 1935 picked up the barn and car shed, carried it, dropping it in a field. In 1927, I helped dad dig a basement with a plow and scrapper. He built forms and poured cement, partitioning this off making rooms for us to sleep. A cook stove and coal heater were used for heat. I was the oldest of seven. My brother Wilfred died around the age of 20. My other sisters are Grace Bartman Baker, now living in Tennessee, Edna Stahlecker of Seibert, Colo., Minnie Goebel (deceased), Edith HixenBaugh and my brother Lawrence Bartman all live in Denver. Dad had horses that he raised to work in robe made from horsehide and lined with wool. I can still hear that flapping as we moved along full speed. Happy Hollow had only 10 grades, so the last two years we had to live in Burlington to finish school. I worked very hard for my room and board. I did all of the housework, washing and ironing for a room in the basement and a little food. I remember always being hungry that first year. The last year I stayed with the Haun family and was treated very well. There was a salesman that came by and sold us a "Red Star Medicine Kit". It was a briefcase that contained every pill imaginable for everything. There was a book we often consulted "The Peoples Library". It described and gave treatmenLs for every disease imaginable, for both humans and the field. He later had a "stud" and a "Jack" and raised horses and mules, as they could work harder than horses. I drove the mules livestock. on a cultivator, harrowed, two rowed and canned in jars or stored in the cellar. A disked. We later got a Fordson tractor and a Farmal that I drove. I remember going to Kanorado, Kan., 17 miles away, with a horse and wagon full of grain. We left before daylight and it was dark when we returned. It was so cold we would get neighbor would come and help butcher a cow and a hog. The beef was canned in jars and the pork salted and cured, for hnm and bacon. Chicken was always available. We killed them as we ate them. The washing was all done on a washboard until the 1930's. Mom even made her own out of the wagon and walk to keep warm. This was where we got our winter supply of coal. We often burned "buffalo chips", corn cobs, sometimes even corn on the cob, as it was We were almost self sufficient. The garden provided all our vegetables, which were either soap. All water had to be carried to the house and heated on the cook stove. cheaper than coal. The Windcharger brought electricity to our home. This consisted of a single light hanging from the ceiling, and a small radio school in 1921. Dad would ride me horseback or I would walk. It was 2Yz miles. Later my brother and I rode horseback. Our horse "old Major" was so tricky, he would rub his bridle off and start running, or just stand, or knock us off. We were too little to get back on, so used only to listen to sermons and the news. Before this all we had was kerosene lamps. In 1931 my dad went to Colorado General The school we all attended was called "Happy Hollow" (District #38). I started we would just stand there until help would come. He never left us. My dad built boxes by 3 of the neighbor's gates so that we could get off and on the horse to open the gates. Later a road was built so we could all go by buggy. "Old Major" would sometimes refuse to climb the hill or sometimes would get part way up and back down, the shaft would come uncoupled and that would give him an excuse to run. We would have to hang on to keep from falling out of the buggy. We had a lap Hospital where they found he had a brain tumor. It was removed and he fully recovered. He repaid the cost of his hospitalization and surgery by working for the county dragging roads, while at the snme time running his farm. Every Sunday we all went to a community Sunday School held at the school house. Someone would lead the singing, then we would separate for our lessons. There was no preacher except for occasionally an Evangelist would come and hold revival services. I and others were baptized in a horse tank. We sometimes went to Kansas, 6 miles away to �a church called "The Gospel Hall". Church was a very important part of our livee. At home we had prayer, and Bible study day. I realize that we owe a debt of gratitude to theee homest€aders as we become aware of their hardships and struggles for survival. I remember well that they lived what they taught, a life of hard work and total honesty in all things. by Edna Stahlecker and Louise Bartman Wagner BASSETTE, WILLIAM H. AND HENRY M. F37 William E. Bassette came to eastern Colorado in the latp 1800's, from Connecticut. He homesteaded land southeast of Burlington and built a sod house, part of his family was already grown and remained in Connecticut. He lost his wife and later married Harriet Foote who was a school teacher. Aftpr his death, Harriet moved into town and was well known to many of the townspeople ae she sold California Co. pro- ducts. That company was later known to become "Avon" Products. Arnong the children accompanying him to Colorado was a younger son Henry Marion, Burlington in 1934, going to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she married, she worked in banking there and later in the Denver area where she and her husband moved to in 1951. She now lives in Loveland, Colorado. Dessie Lola was born in 1918, she left Burlington in 1936 and went to Las Vegas, Nevada as her older brothers and sisters were there and all working. She still lives in Las Vegas where she and her husband Elbert Bailey have had a big part in promoting schools and training for the Retarded Childrens Progrn-. Irma Margaret was born in 1920, she also left Burlington in 1938 and went to Nevada, after her marriage she moved to California where she and her husband had a grocery and meat market. She passed away in 1963. The old home of the Bassette family still stands today. It has seen many changes, but still holds many memories, some very happy and some sad. There are still Bassettes living in the New England and northeastern states, but the William H. and Henry M. Bassette fanilies are only history now. by Anna Bassette Cunningham BAUDER - GOEBEL FAMILY F38 who stayed for a couple of yeare then returned to Connecticut where he lived with an Aunt, Allie Curtiss, he had his schooling ed school at Columbine School Dist. #3 her first and second grade. In January 1936 we moved to Greeley, Colo. and rented an irrigated farm. We lived there until January 1942 when we came back to Burlington. We bought Carl's parents farm and other adjoining land. We farmed until 194? when we moved into Burlington and Carl was manager of Hart Bartlett Elevator until his death November 30th, 1965. I worked as clerk for the late Evelyn Whitmore Fabric Shop, for Reta Lounge, "Spotlight Fabrics", and Orths Dept. Store. Shirley married Dale Mangus, October 5, 1946. They rented our farm and in 1967, I sold them the farm. They have since added more land and have three irrigation wells. They raised three sons, Larry, Stanley and Tony. They now have eight grandchildren. Lany and family live near Parker, Colo., and he works for Mt. Bell. Stan farms and liveoon what was the Ethel and Ralph Jacober Farm. Tony lives on the Martin Bauer farm and works for his dad. Larry has three children, Stan and LuAnn have twoboys and Tonyand Tammy have two girls and one boy. I live at 814 - 14th. St. I keep busy doing china painting, sewing, quilting, yard work, participating in Senior Citizen activities, visiting and enjoying my family, especially the eight great-grandchildren. Carl and I are members of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 228 - LLth St. here in Burlington. by Ruth Bauder there and also worked. In the early 1900's Wm. H. bought land about 5 miles north of his homestead and built another home of sod and rock. Many stories were told of the early days, most were of the very hard times and often quitc trying BAUDER, ANDREW F39 Our great grandfather, Martin Bauder, was born in 1812, in the Black Forest area of times. Henry M. returned to Colorado in the early 1900's and married Sarah Elizabeth Pantzer. He built a home close to his father'g home and in the following years they raised a family of eight chil&en. They hired a live in school teacher to teach the first five children and another neighbor, Rogers, sent a couple ofhis children to the Bassette home for schooling until a regular school was established. Lat€r Smoky Hill School was built and a number of the small schools consolidated. The Bassett€ children all attended Smoky Hill during their education and Roy, the oldest son drove one of the echool buses for a couple of years. The eight children were: Roy Cecil born 1905 at his grandmother Pantzer's home in Goodland, Kansas. He died in Idaho in 1981. Earl Franklin was born in 1906, he re- mained in the Burlington area and worked for several of the large farms. He died in Denver Carl and Ruth Bauder at Stapleton Airfield leaving for Hawaii, September 1964. Carl John Bauder, son of Andrew Bauder Sr. and Christine Carolina Wall, was born May 30, 1902 Burlington, Colo. Ruth Irene Goebel, daughter of Henry E. Goebel and Mary Josephine Chandler was born December 6, 1908 at Burlington, Colorado. We started our married life in 1927 during in 1976. the depression and the terrible dust storm days of the early thirties. Carl farmed with his father; it was imposeible to raise a good Reno, Nevada. crop due to the drought and bad wind storms. We milked cowg and sold cream, also raised chickens for food and had eggs to sell. Money Mary Elizabeth was born in 1909, she left the Burlington area in 1933 and now lives in Mabel Ellen was born in 1911, she also left the Burlington area in 1933 and died in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978. Glen William was born in 1913, he left the Burlington area in 1932 and worked in construction for Morrison-Knudson, in the building of "Boulder" Dnm and the Alamogordo Dam in New Mexico. He was killed in an automobile accident in 1937 in New Mexico. Anna Catherine was born in 1915, she left from selling produce had to buy all food, clothing and pay farming expenses. We had a meager living but had many good times with all our neighbors. They were Bill and Martha Schlichenemayer, Martin and Anna Bauer, Ethel and Ralph Jacober, Bill and Freida Weishaar, Carl's parents, my parents, sisters and brothers and others. Our daughter, Shirley Jean Bauder Mangus, wa{r born October 4th, L927 . She attend- Granpa and Grandma Bauder at farm north of Burlington. �Germany. He immigrated to the Ukraine of Russia in the early 1800's, near the city of Balta. Our grandfather, Andrew Bauder I, was born there in 1838. In 1862, he went to Germany. He married a girl from Switzerland, taking her to his home in Russia. They raised a family of 5 sons and 3 daughters. He was a blacksmith. The immigrant were not allowed to own land. All young men at age 18 were subject to 4 years of military duty. Our father, Andrew Bauder II, was born in 1863. Being the oldest of the family, he was exempt from military duty to help his father who had lost an arm. My parents, Andrew Bauder II and Christina Wall, were manied in 1885. The U.S. Homestead Act of 1862 made it possible to homest€ad 160 acres of land, for a small fee, living on the land improving it. The U.S. sent recruiting agents to the German settlements in the Ukraine, encouraging people to come and take advantage of this. Elbert County, Colorado, was opened for homesteading in 1886. In 1889 it was divided, establishing Kit Carson County. Burlington was founded in 1888 as the County Seat, then a community of 10 houses. T.G. Price was the first mayor. In May of 1889, my parents, with 2 small children, came to the U.S., landing at Baltimore, continuing by train to St. Francis, Kansas, and brought by wagon to the place of their homestead, about 18 miles northwest of Burlington. The first things to be done were to dig a well by hand, and build a sod house, with a hard-packed dirt floor. Grand- pa and Grandma Bauder and their family arrived in November of 1889. My father received his citizenship papers June 18, 1901, in Kit Carson County. J.T. Jones was County Judge and T.G. Price was County Clerk. The early years presented many hardships prairie fires, grasshopper pla- droughts, gues, blizzards and duststorms. With only small plots of ground under cultivation, the hot winds of summer kept the yields small. Many times it was necessary for our father to seek work away from home to provide for the family, sometimes working in hay fields or as a ranch hand. There were times he worked in the Denver areaa a8 a ranch hand, Section worker, and at Arco Smelter. He made the trip with tearn and wagon, which took about 6 days one way. Wild game was plentiful in those days, so father provided meat for the birthday. The oldest son, Andrew III, served in World War I, with the Hospital Corps in France for Ll/z years. He died January 18, L972 at the age of 84. In the early years our parents walked to a little church about 5 miles north of home. I believe it was in Yuma County. In later years they went to the Lutheran Church north of Bethune. Our mailing address at one time was "Hermes" but I think it had been changed a few times. I walked l yz miles to school, going through a pasture that was grazing land for Texas Longhorns, belonging to Spring Valley Ranch. I was so afraid of them that I would go out of my way so they wouldn't see me. I, Clara Loyd, being the youngest of the family, didn't see the hardships of the earlier years. In my youth, we had a nice orchard of apples, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, grapes and currants. A large garden supplied us with fresh vegetables for the table and plenty for canning - hundreds of jars for wintpr use. We butchered our own meats, some of which was canned, some cured and smoked, and always a lot of sausage. In the Fall the bins in the cellar were filled with vegetables and fruits, a large stone jar of kraut, plus the canned foods. We milked cows so had plenty of milk, crenm and butter. Our parents lived on the farm home for 50 years. In 1939, I moved them to Burlington, where I made a home and cared for them the rest of their lives. Mother died in 1944 and father died in 1947. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery at Burlington. by Clara Loyd BAUDER, GOTTLIEB AND KATHERINE F40 The Andreas Bauder Sr. family who were German settlers in Russia, migrated from the Ukraine area of Russia to Burlington, Colo- rado in 1889. Their oldest son, Andrew, had settled here a few years earlier. While the family was going through the red tape of getting passports and passage on a ship the second son, Gottlieb, become military draft age so was not allowed to leave the country with his parents. So he and Jake Schlichenmayer, also of draft age, finally escaped from Russia on forged passports made by an old Jewish man in their village. Then the two men were detained again at the German border because they didn't have the money with them for their ship's passage and train fare to Burlington, where free homesteads were promised to all. Finally, a German official got in touch with the families at Bremen, Germany, where they were waiting to board the ship to America. The parents wired the money back to the boys and they were allowed to go on. But there was yet another disappointment. When they got to Bremen the ship with their families and many other migrating families had sailed. So all they could do was wait for the next ship to America to sail. They then made the lengthy trip across the Atlantic in crowded conditions, without a change of clothing. After the long train ride from New York to Burlington and a twelve mile walk, they were finally united with their parents who had despaired of ever seeing them again. Gottlieb as a young man worked for a farmer in Nebraska, in the sugar beet fields near Greeley and at the Bar-T and other big cattle ranches. On Christmas Day, 189?, he married Katherine Fanselau, who was born in Pennsylvania. The Fanselaus were early homesteaders in Kit Carson County too. Gottlieb and Katherine'g firgt home was a rock house near the Spring Valley Ranch. In 1898 they took out their own homestead thirteen miles northwest of Burlington on the Launchman (Landsman) Creek. They lived first in a sod house, then an adobe house with a shingled roof. Besides the first child who died in infancy, they had six children. They were Walter, Anna (Bauer), Freda (Stahlecker), Emma, table with ducks, geese, prairie chickens, rabbit and eometimes a mess of perch or bullheads. The Landsman Creek with a few fishing ponds were about a half mile away. Once during a severe winter in the earlyyears, my grandpa walked to St. Francis, where there was a flour mill. He carried a 100Jb. sack of flour on his shoulders to his home so the family could have bread to eat. ln about 1906, a new S-bedroom house wag built of sandstone. A cellar was dug and rocked out, with 3 coves on each side, which stored vegetables and canned food. In about 1914, a cistern wag made and cold water wag piped into the kitchen, a luxury that few rural homes had. The house hag been remodeled and enlarged and is still in use today, as is the cellar. This is now the home of our niece, Shirley, and husband Dale Mangus. Through the years our parents raised a farnily of 11 children. At this writing there are only 3 of us left. The oldest daughter died Sept. 23, 1986, just two days before her 100th The Gottlieb Bauder family and home in 1909. From L. to R.: Walter, Robert held by Gottlieb, Katherine, Freda, Emma, and Anna. Herman was born later. �who died when she was 15, Robert, and Walter continued to work at the Equity Coop for years and was manager there the last eight years. He then worked in construction, raising a little wheat working on weekends. Herman. The children all went to Blue View School. The family suffered the hardships and deprivations of all the early pioneers but managed to survive through droughts, dust storms, and floods. During the big flood of 1933 the Launchman (Landsman) rose to within a few feet to their house. They were just ready to climb the hill behind the house when the water gtarted to recede. After the children were all grown Gottlieb and Katherine moved to Burlington in 1947, where they lived on tenth street the rest of He was active in the United Methodist Church and Rotary Club, and served as a volunteer fireman. During World War II, with a great short4ge of teachers, anyone who had ever taught school was drafted into teaching on an emergency certificate. I taught one year in a tiny school % mile south of Peconic. The next year I cnme into the Burlington School where I was to teach a few years until the war wan over. However, through summer school and their lives. extension classes I soon earned a life certifi- by Sally Bauder cate, then issued for two years in a teachers college, and finally got my degree and kept in Burlington for twenty seven teaching years, until retirement in 1972. The last seven years of teaching I also taught in the summer BAUDER, WALTER AND SALLY migrant school where some years we had as many an two hundred pupils. The last three years I taught arts and crafts to the whole F41 school. Walter Bauder farmed with his father for a few years until the spring of 1927 and he built a modest house on his own land four miles west and six miles north of Burlington, CO. On June 8, L927 he married Gertrude (Sally) Church. Sally had been teaching in country schools for two years and continued to teach there one more ye{u. On June 25, 1929, our first son Donald Wayne was born and on October 23, 1930 Warren Walter was born. We started life together with great hopes. Walt had horses and a small Fordson tractor to farm our quarter and some rented land. But the great depression of the early thirties and the terrible dust storms hit us the eame years. No one who didn't live through those dust storm days can begin to imagine what it was like to have a dust cloud roll up from the northwegt, envelope the house and turn day into night within minutes. We hung wet sheets over the windows so we and the babies could breathe. When the storm gubeided we Walter and Sally (Church) Bauder married on June 8, 1927. would sweep and shovel up fine dust that had filtered in, sometimes a gallon of it. In 1935 Donald was approaching school age. We were five miles from the nearegt school with no school bus and an old car. We had also raised very little the past two years. The last year we did raise grain we sold wheat for 30 cents a bushel, barley 17 cents a bushel, and eggs for 5 cents a dozen. So when Walter got a chance to drive the Equity Co-op oil truck for $60 a month he was glad to get it, and we moved to Burlington. Here the first few years we rented a house for $15 per month and we four lived on the rest. I supplemented our During these years our boys were growing up, going to school and carrying the Denver Post. They were both on state championship football teams their senior years, and both became Eagle Scouts. Don graduated in 1947 and Warren in 1948. Walter retired in 1966 and in June t977 we celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary. We enjoyed traveling together and did so as long as Walt was able. Walter died in July of 1985. I keep busy by doing china painting and oil painting and belonging to a few clubs here in Burlington. I e- also able to share my time by teaching painting to adults in the Burlington area. by Sally Bauder BAUGHMAN AND income in any way I could such as by upholstering overstuffed furniture, $5 for a chair and $10 for a davenport. COOPER F42 Remembering my introduction to this county was when I was a kid and I used to drive up in this part of the country with my Dad to look at this land. Baughmsn in the late 20's and early 30's prior to the dust storms has started buying land. The J.W. Baughman Real Estate Company was expanding and buying land in this area, out of Liberal, Kansas. Dad, Earl Cooper, was manager of that company. That is where the whole thing started to develop so far as my memory goes back. My early memories, of course, of this country was staying all night in the old The Walter Bauder family in L947. L. to R. Warren, Donald, Sally and Walter. Collins House; that was an oasis on Highway 24. All the way thru, everybody carne to stop at the Collins House. It made it very interesting to have a place to stop like the Collins House, and some of the people who lived there were very historical characters. I wish I could remember some of their names. We drove up here on our way to Denver because one of the headquarters was in Denver. After the crash of 1929 and the dust storms of the early 30's, all the farmers were having a very difficult time; they were moving off their farms all over the country. Being a land real estate company, my father particularly �and Baughman in general, did not want to see this country go back to the government for just reclaiming or not reclaiming. They didn't want to see the farmers lose their land. So at that time when the taxes were not paid, when the land would come up for tax sales they boWht gome of it with the idea at that time of holding it until the farmer or owner could redeem it. They did buy quitc a lot, and in due time before the legal time had run out several of the farmers or owners did reclaim their land. But many of them were so discouraged with farming that they gave it up entirely and for that reason since both Mr. Baughman and my father had purchased these tax titles they were left with quite a bit of it to clear. And in due time they cleared the titles on all the land. They reclaimed the land from the damage done by the dirt storms in the 1930's, and some of it had to have bulldozers brought in to level off the mounds that had been blown up during the duet storms. They got the land back in production, and great deal of it was put up for sale again. Dad did not sell any of his land, becauge he had not bought too much, as he wanted some land holdings for himself with the idea that someday he would retire and just look after his own properties. Mr, Baughman's land, of course, was always for sale because he was in that kind of business. But he always sold the land after it was reclaimed, or the farmer had paid to reclaim the land, and then he could buy it. So it was done for the benefit of the country. True, people did not appreciate or adhere at the time that outsiders had come in and bought up land since neither one of them were natives ofthis part ofthe country. But, since that time, many of them have told me that they could not have stayed on the farm or could have gone back to the farm if it had not been for the Baughman Real Estate Co. Since my Dad had sueh a strong part in it, I felt very close to this country. As I said, Dad had never sold any of his land, so at his death it was the family's wish that we not sell any of the land. Therefore, only a small percentage of Cooper Farms has been sold. And, of course, always the tpnant had the first chance to buy the land, but only a few pieces have been sold and the rest is still intact as it was purchased and developed by my father. And it is all rented to people who live in this part of the country. Being a part of this country and watching it grow, seeing things happen to the young people here and how everything was developed, it really gives you a very strong tie. History hae been made here the same ag anyplace else. We have developed a lot of April 1913 in front of George's soddy at Vern Simpson's bi*hday party. George is second from left, back row. Flo at left in front of him. telephone operator, soda jerk, depot to hotel baggage transporter, hotel clerk (all in Oak- ley) and wholesale hardware salesman; The later full time, probably accounting for his age (22) at graduation. He told about his traveling saleeman job and riding the train. When itmade apassengerstop, he would take his sales materials and call on his customers. If he didn't return by the time the train departed, the conductor would set his valise on the station platform; and he would catch the next rain. George was raised in a very strict Methodist home with two sisters and three brothers. His parents were Elmore E. Baxter and Margaret Annette Long-Baxter. They were an unusual family in that only the girls were provided with a higher education and this by an elderly aunt. George was the only boy to complete high school. His desire was to become an attorney, but eye problems and lack of funds hindered this. While he was a bachelor homesteading near Buffalo Creek, he shared his sod house with Vern Simpson. One of George's tall tales concerned their baking prowess. They had to tie strings around their biscuits because when removed from the oven, they floated in the air and you needed to pull a string to retrieve a biscuit. He also told of the time Vern, in anger, threw the milk stool at their only milk cow, killing it instantly. This friendship continued for years after both men acquired families. George taught at the Rose school in 1913. The Strode, Searcy, Gwyn, and Smith children were students. e v" things but structurally it has been the farming comnunity around Stratton that has kept everything going. by Lucile Clark BAXTER, GEORGE F43 Tbvo consecutive bumper crops of black cane near his parents' home in Kansas enabled George Marvin Baxter to come to Colorado and homest€ad 12 miles northeast of Flagler. He arrived in 1908 which was the year he graduated from Oakley High School. He farmed along with such other jobs as night Flo and George Baxter with his ever present tenm around 1915. �his serving as President of the Colorado Association of County Commissioners in 1943. He attended two national conventions of county commissioners representing Colorado. He was a charter member of the Flagler Lions Club and also belonged to the IOOF. Hie community contributions included at least two terms on the town council as well as being a member of the Rose school board. He was a good public speaker and story teller, and had a great sense of humor. His love of land was obvious as he frequently borrowed on his life insurance or mortgaged the family home or other real estate to buy more land. In the 40's he wae finally able to acquire what is now known as Scott Goodwin's ranch. He had admired this for many years. While returning from a California Christmas spent with the whole family, he had a heart attack at Walsenburg. His wife, Flo, was with him when he passed away there on January 3, 1948. His funeral was held on January 8 at the Flagler Congregational Church where he was a member. He was born in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The family bible has been lost and his birthdate is in George Baxter in later years, 1942 or 43. On August 11, 1914, he married Flora Moss. The nuptials took place at her parents' home in west Flagler (presently the Loyd Murphy home at 501 Kendall). Since George had already proved up on his homestead, they lived in a soddy on Flo's homestead about a mile southeast of his soddy. A Stock Brand (N/R) was issued to George on December 30, 1914. This brand was used throughout his lifetime as a prominent Colorado stocLman. Many of his happiest hours were spent at the ranch. The first child, Judson E., was born to Flo question. We have found three different years of birth August 17, 1885, '86, or '87, but we believe- 1886 is correct. He said "I never had a job I didn't like." He was blessed with many friends and earned the respect of those who knew him and those who worked with him. by Jean K. Mudd BAXTER, JOIIN AND IDA F44 May 11, 1918. A.L. Niles and son Arthur was eating breakfast at my parents' folk's house and were discussing a place to run some cattle, so Dad and A.L. Niles went to Flagler, Colorado, from Tennis, Kansas, to look for a place in 1930. Dad found a place 8 miles northwest of Flagler to rent, he wouldn't say he would take it for sure until Mother saw it. [t was a two story house. When Dad returned he took Mother and me out to Flagler to show us the place. Mother said it would be fine. It was in Lincoln, County, less than half block, so I went to school at Arriba, Colo. rode the bus. I remember coming into Flagler from the south. In November, 1930, Dad and Perry Keph- art left from Tennis, Kansas, by covered wagon and taking another wagon loaded with machinery with four head of horses and a saddle horse named "Baldy". Baldy was given to their daughter, Gertrude, Damon Cobb of Garden City. They came into Flagler in a blizzard. Bill Kliewer told them to put their covered wagon and horses inside the lumber yard and they stayed in the hotel. Perry made two or three trips hauling cattle and furniture with my brother-in-law Lewis Roderick's truck. Dad cqme back the last day, the day before Kansas. Mother, Dad and I left for Flagler Dec. 28, 1930, in a 1913 or 1914 three door Model T Ford with a brass radiator and side curtains. Dad had a big corn crop in 1931. It sold of 9 cents a bushel. Harold Phillips farmed with Dad for a few years. Our bad times were the dust storms. I can remember the first one Mother, Dad and I stood by the cave door watching as it just rolled in. old high school). When Jud was about a year old, while visiting lllinois with Flo, he contracted flu which resulted in pneumonia; and he nearly died along with thoueands of others in the epidemic of 1918. For this reason, George was called to Illinois. Sometime after this, a frarne house was constructed on George's original homestead. In 1921 or 22, George began work at the Our entertainments were playing cards, checkers and dominoes at home, we went to some dances and had covered dish dinners. Farmers Union (now Co-op). A few years John Willig Barter and Ida May Barter. The picture was taken when my folks and I, Gertrude waa on a trip up by Greeley, Colorado. Our neighbors were Kottmeyer's, Ensipahr's Honstein's and Stephen's. We got our mail from Flagler on the route, but we lived a mile and half from the mail box. Ray Thompson was our mail carrier. I would go after the mail on the pony and my dog followed me. My family shopped mostly in Flagler. My parents moved into Flagler from the country in 1941, from south of town. We went to the Baptist Church in Flagler. There were six of us children, Myrtie, a second child, Jean Kay, was born on February L3, L924, also delivered by Dr. Floyd, John, Florence, Fontelle and myself. I was born in Abilene, Kansas, Nov. 30, Williams and assisted by Stella Reavis. The family moved three more times before purchasing their home in Flagler in 1930 at 618 Pawnee which is still the home of Jean Baxter-Mudd. A new career was started when George was elected to the office of Kit Carson County Commissioner in 1932, a position he held until his death in 1948. Although the '32 election was a Democratic landslide, George won on the Republican ticket. He took an active part in all phases ofthis office and wag appointed to many committees which took him all over the State. This ultimately led to Hillsboro, Ill. Sept. 30, 1875, lived in Abilene, Kansas & moved north of Garden City, Ks. Christmas, and we had Christmas dinner with my sister Florence and farnily, at Lakin, and George on March 3, 1917. He was delivered by Dr. Williams at Flo's parents' home in north Flagler (a block north of the later a new building was constructed near the gite of the present Co-op Service Station. He had been promoted to manager by this time. Just prior to this, the family moved to town (George's brother, Ralph, and family moved to the ranch) to what is presently the Adolph Cole home at 709 Navajo. While living here John Willis Baxter was born in Rockford, Ill. Sept. 1, 1876. Ida May McAdams Baxter was born in 1916. I worked at the M & S Cafe and Wiiliams Drug Store in Flagler. When I was working in the M & S Cafe, I met Norman P. Todd of Coldwater, Kansas. He was working at the Lavington Garage in Flagler from 1948 to 1.949. Then he began working for Colorado Interstate Gas Co. in November 1949 at Lakin, Kansas. John Willis Baxter, Ida May Baxter, Norman Todd, and Gertrude Baxter Todd, taken in my folks yard in Flagler. Norman and I were married April 14, 1950. He retired after 28 years with CIG. We have two children, John Philip Todd born August 4, !954, and Kathleen Marie Todd (Shook) �born Sept. 15, 1955, in Lamar, Colo. They went thru school at Beaver, Oklahoma. We have four (4) grandsons. My husband Norman is a Mason and has been since he lived in Flagler. We both belong to the Eastern Star. Norman and I and our children belong to the Presbyterian Church at Beaver, BEATTIE, TIMOTIIY AND JoELLEN (oRTtIr) painting business. JoEllen has a dress boutique and Arts and Crafts Shop. One Sunday each month, she plays the organ at a quaint little church, which is the oldest church in New Zealand, that is over 150 years old. Two years ago they built their new home overlooking the Bay of Islands. Oklahoma. by Frances Orth by Gertrude Marie Baxter Todd BEATTIE - PUGH FAMILY BECK - MESSENGER FAMILY F46 F47 Myparents, Frank LouisBeattie and Daisy Pugh Beattie, and their children, Blanche and Louis, came to Colorado in April of 1910 from Grinnell, Gove County, Kansas, by immigrant train. They settled on their homestead 9 miles north and 1 7z miles east of Stratton, but lived on the J.W. Borders'homestead, northwest of Stratton several miles until a small frnme building was built on the homestead. By fall they had a two room sod house where Gladys Beattie Clair, Mary Beattie Klotzbach, and James were born. By January 1915 they moved into the adobe house where Hettie Beattie Helton, Frances Beattie Lo- Tim and JoEllen Beattie Jan. 15. 1983 rain, and Frank were born. All of the children attended the Springwell School, District No. 43, 3/+ of a mile east of JoEllen Sue Orth was born November 2, 1951, daughter of Helmuth and Frances home and completed the eighth grade there. Blanche taught there later. She taught school for 39 years. Blanche and Gladys graduated from Stratton High School. Our mother passed away July 7, t924, and, our dad kept us all together and after we were all married and had homes of our own he married Elizabeth O'Neill of Smith Center, Kansas, June 23, 1949. Gladys and Walter Clair, Mary and John Klotzbach and Frances and Delphos Lorain moved to Oregon. Walter, Mary and Delphos passed away. Children of the above families are in Oregon. Hettie and Ed Helton live near St. Scott. Kansas. Four of their eight children live in the vicinity. Don and Dean live in Colorado. Mary lives in California and Margie lives in Oregon. Louis Beattie passed away in July, 1983. His widow, Esther Davis Beattie lives on the farm north of Stratton. Norman is in Montana, Delmar in Limon, Keith in Rocky Ford, Ivan in Lakewood, and Gene near Seattle, Washington. James Beattie passed away in 1963. His widow and children live in Denver. Frank Beattie and wife live in Denver. Son Leon passed away and Larry lives in Arizona. Homer Dove passed away in 1977. Son Marvin and family live near Kansas City, MO. His widow, Blanche, lives in Seibert, Colorado. by Blanche Beattie Dove (Lampe) Orth, at St. Francis, KS. She has one older brother, Dennis. She attended elementary school in St. Francis until third grade, then moved with her parents and brother to Burlington, CO, in 1959. JoEllen graduated from Burlington High School in 1969, and The University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, CO, in 1974, with a B.A. degree in Audiology. She later furthered her education at San Diego State University, San Diego, cA. In 1974 JoEllen and three college girl friends traveled through Europe four months. They rented a station wagon and traveled through ltaly, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, England, Austria, etc. In 1976, she and a girlfriend traveled through Mexico and on down to Yucatan. In San Diego JoElIen met and fell in love with Timothy David Beattie. Tim was born in Aukland, New Zealand. His mother Audrey, and two brothers still live in Aukland. Hie father is deceased. Tim is a nephew of the Governor General of New Zealand. Sir David Beattie, and his wife Lady Norma. Tim received his schooling in Aukland, graduating from The University of Aukland, majoring in Accounting. Since he has a great love for water and navigation, he has crossed the Pacific between New Zealand and United States, three times, and twice he used his 44 ft. sailboat (yacht). He and JoEllen have had some adventurous experiences starting from San Diego and sailed the Pacific to Aukland, New Zealand. They took twenty-two months to get there, as they visited many islands, including The Marquesas, Mangareva, Ta- hiti, Bora Bora, Cook Islands, Pago Pago, and many others. They spent quite some time at Tahiti, as they both worked, so they could purchase supplies and restock their pantry. They moved to Russell, New Zealand, about 150 miles north of Aukland. There is a lot of construction there, so Tim has a Four generations. "Ira", Isaac, Earl, Clifford with children Niel and Kent Messenger. "Ira", as he was fondly known by many people, was born to Isaac and Eva Strauser Messenger on September 2, 1866, in West Virginia. He cn-e to Colorado in 1886, and while working with a harvest crew traveling through Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, met, courted, and married Lulu Phoebe Beck, daughter of James Vivian Beck and Mary Ann Neighbors of Ritchie, Missouri. They were married in Tulsa, Okla., in 1894 and resided for awhile in Cattlee, Cherokee Nation, Okla., where their first son, Earl, was born. Ira moved his family to Loveland, Co. in 1896, and in four years five children were born there. In 1901, he moved his family to Kit Carson County, on the Republican River, about 18 miles northwest of (Claremont) Stratton, Co. After a couple ofyears near the river, Ira turned his homestead back to the Gov and refiled on what is still known as the "Messenger Homestead", some 2l miles northwest of Stratton. Here he built his "!lss1s" first a sod house, and then several additions-until the final house was a 12 room modern home, finished in 1920. By 1907, four more children were born totaling 10 - with eight living at this time: Earl, Stella, Archie, Clara, Hazel, Mary, Eva, and Ernst. (At this writing, June 1986, only four are still living.) Ira and his family were very industrious as were most "Pioneer" families, so the farm prospered. In about 1905, lra purchased a grinding mill for the purpose of grinding flour, cereals, animal foods, etc. It was powered with a huge 16 ft. darius windmill with power gears and shaft. A power takeoff was run into a blacksmith shop and ran a drill �equipment. "Ira" and Lulu quietly lived out their lives in Stratton as good parents and grand- parents. Lulu passed away January 20, L957, and Ira followed on September 30, 1962. by C.W. Messenger "Ira" Isaac D. Messenger and Lulu Phebe in 1953, Stratton, Co. press and saw. Here Ira practiced his blacksmithing profession, as he had done for many years, and was to continue throughout his life. The windmill also ran a pump jack for one of the two wells that Ira and his brother, Bill, had drilled on the farm. This well watered the large orchard that was planted this same year. A big barn was built in 1915, a large rambling hog house and chicken house in 1919. In 1918, Ira was elected to the public office of County Commissioner, and held thig office until 1930. He was one of the commissioners responsible for the carousel being purchased and installed at the County Fairgrounds. The controversy over the expenditure of these public funds during "hard times" lost him the election in the fall of 1929. The Messenger Homestead was adjacent to the "Tuttle" General Store and Post Office, that was operated until approximately 1920. Ira purchased the old store and 80 acres adjacent to it in L92L, to add to his farm. In those early years "Ira" had the only pair of dental forceps in the community and though he was not a "licensed" dentist, he pulled many a man's tooth as a Good Samaritan. On August 29, 1925,Ira's two oldest sons, Earl and Archie, were standing in the barn door; they had finished putting the work horses in their stalls and were watching a thunderstorm approach, when a bolt of lighting struck the barn killing Archie, but sparing Earl. When his oldest son, Earl, married Lucy Charlotte Wood, daughter of Henry H. and Rachel Wood (close neighbors), on Aug. 8, 1926, and they returned from their honeymoon, Ira, Lulu and youngest son, Ernest, had moved off the farm to Stratton, allowing Earl and his bride to reside on the farm. In 1931 after his stint as County Commissioner, Ira built a large blacksmith shop beside his home in Stratton, and there plied his trade for another 15 years. His shop was always equipped with the best equipment available at the time. He had the only lathe between Chicago and Denver, large enough to "turn" a railroad car wheel. People traveled many miles to have him repair their �made the trip to Marion, about 70 miles north of Yankton, and homesteaded on the open prairies. Our father lived west of Marion, South Dakota, till he journeyed to Avon, South Dakota, and got acquainted with our mother, Katharina Schultz. They were manied Mar. 9, 1899. Our Mother's parents also were from Rueeian Poland. From the little village of Heinrichsdorf, about 70 miles east of Kariswalde, they had come to America on the Freighter Colina a few months before our father. Our parents lived on a farm south ofAvon till Oct. of 1907, when they boarded a immigrant train for Vona, Colo. With them were our brothers, Eli and Jacob and our sisters Lydia, Mary and Helena. A few cows and two horses and a two bottom gang plow were algo brought on the train. Our father was known as a big farmer in South Dakota, but he had heard the winters were not so cold or severe in Colorado. Our parents had a well and barn built by others in the early months of 1907, so they first took care of the crops in S.D. and arrived at Vona on Oct. 7,L907. The north part ofthe barn was used for the cows and horses. The south part was converted into living quarters for our parents and five children. A trapdoor led to the haymow for sleeping for the older children. Here in thig barn our sigter Justina wae born in the spring of 1908. The old deterioratcd barn still stande today, but you know the old fond memories of that old barn cause one to stop having thoughts of tearing it down. In 1910, our parents built a 18 x 24 frnme house, and in this house Leander and Wilbert were born. In 1916, the attic and roof were torn off. A second story was added, and a two story wing 16 x 30 wag added to the west. In this house our youngeet sister Alvina and our youngest brother Abe were born. On this old homestead ten children of the Andrew B. Becker family grew up. We hope each one has grovm up to be of influencial good to our God, to our communityand to our country. Our oldest sister Lydia (Boese) passed away in 1972, Jacob in 1976 and Eli in 1981. All are buried in our Mennonite Cemetery south of Vona. The old Becker homest€ad still belongs in the Andrew B. Becker family, in possession of Wilbert and Alma Becker. About 1900. Isaac D. "Ira" Messenger and Lulu Phebe Messinger Children L. to R. Earl, Stella, Archie, Clara (baby. BECKER, ANDREW FAMILY F48 Our Father, only two years old, emigrated from Russian Poland with our Grandparents, Benjamin and Susanna Becker, from the little village of Karlswalde, about 200 miles west of Kief, Russia. On November 10, 1874, they boarded the train for a thirteen day ride to Antwerp, Belgium. There they set sail for America on the English Ship Abbotsford. The Abbotsford ran into very rough seas, and collided with the Ship Indus. The Abbotsford was da-aged severely, so that much of the ghip took on water; and all feared the ship would sink, but miraculously it limped back to port and was repaired. In the meantime. some of our Mennonite families contacted smallpox, and were quarantined, including our Grandfather's family. Our little Aunt Elizabeth, only a few weeks old, is on the passenger list ofthe Abbotsford, but we have no authentic information as to what happened to her. She may had died from smallpox in England or was buried at sea. The Abbotsford tried to sail for America while our folks were quarantined in England, but was wrecked again. It never made the Atlantic crossing at that time. Our folks sailed to America on the Steamer lllinois and arrived in Philadelphia on Jan. 28, 1875. In the spring of 1875, our father's folks traveled on Yankton, South Dakota Terri- tory. That was the end of the rails at that time. So by oxen and horses our father's folks by Wilbert A. Becker BECKMANN FAMILY F49 August Fred Beckmann was born Oct. 17, 1892 at Cook, Nebraska, the son of John Henry and Caroline (Riensche) Beclrmann. Anna Christina (Henning) Beclrmann was born Jan. 9, 1899 at Gaylord, Kansas, the daughter of August Henning, Sr. and Bertha (Kessler) Henning. August and Anna were m{uried Oct. 8, 1919 at Gaylord, Kansas after August returned from serving in France during World War I. They came to Flagler, Colorado in Januar5r, 1920, and farmed the Leseberg farm about 6 miles north of Flagler for several years. August, known as Gus to his friends, decided to take his family back to Nebraska. While �BEELER FAMILY deceased. He also spent some time with his F60 Abraham (Abe) Lincoln Beeler was born in the state of Kansas. He had three brothers, John, Lewis and George, and a sister Annie. He met and married Louiea Jane Kinney of Oregon and Mound City, MO. She had two sisters, Frances Springer and Emma Bucher, and a brother Willie. To this union four sons IG i were born, Charles (Charlie) General mother on the ranch near Flagler. Lloyd died at the age of two years. Marvin came with the family from the Indian Territory to Colorado at a young age. He married Marjorie Yewell of Flagler. They had a son, Robert Yewell, and a daughter, Elora Rose. Mawin and Elora Rose are deceased. Marjorie and Robert reside in the Denver area. He is a dentist, and she is in a rest home in Morrison, Colorado, now age 88. Marjorie and Hila both taught at the Robert. Beeler school, 2 miles northeast of the farms. The people that came to eastern Colorado in those early times were seeking new oppor- Kansas, then moved to the Indian Territory tunities and perhaps a certain amount of of Oklahoma. Marvin was born there, the adventure. Jackson, Hubert Kinney, Lloyd and Marvin They lived for a time in White Cloud, older boys in Kansas. In the early 1900's they bought a property adjoining their son Hubert's place that he had homesteaded previously. They built a sod house, added a frarne house later and *t. ."! by Lucille Beeler Morgan BEELER - HOUGII other improvements. These places were located on the Republican River, 12 miles southwest of Flagler, Colorado. The houses were about a block apart. The family were FAMILY F61 farmers and ranchers. Grandma made butter and sold it in August and Anna Beckman with Ruby, Wibna, Roy, Irma and Eldon in 1929. in Nebraska he was employed as a carpenter, but due to ill health and doctor's advice to move West, they returned to Flagler and bought a farm 9 miles northwest of Flagler and lived and farmed there up to and through the "Depreasion and Dust Bowl Days of the 1930's", selling the farm in the late 1930's and moving into Flagler. August worked at various jobs, even moving to Washington state for a short time; but, liking Colorado, he returned to Loveland, Colorado, where he lived the remaining years of his life. He died September 29, 1970. His wife Anna still lives in Loveland, Colorado. August and Anna were always active memberg of the Lutheran Church and 7 children were born to this union. Ruby LaVerne, who married Paul Huber, was born July 30, 1920 at Flagler. She was residing in Bellinghnm, Washington in 1986. Wilma Louise, married to George Corcoran, was born March 23, L922 at Flagler. She resided in Southfield, Michigan in 1986. Roy August, who was a Lutheran minister, was born May 6,1924 at Sterling, Nebraska, and died June 7,L977, at North Bend, Nebraska. Erma Jean was born May 23, L927 at Sterling, Nebraska. She died Oct. 18, L929, at Flagler, Colorado from the flu. Eldon Edward was born July 16, 1929 at Flagler, Colorado and was residing in Loveland, Colorado in 1986. Dale Henry was born August 12, 1931 at Flagler, and resided at Robins, Iowa in 1986. Norma Faye, married to Ben Zimmerman, was born Nov. 1, 1936 at Flagler, and was residing in Loveland, Colorado in 1986. by Ruby Huber Flagler. They took eggs and crenm to sell at the grocery and creanery. She had a vegetable garden, also. Her life on the prairie was a change from the more settled and not such harsh climate of Colorado. She always wore a sun-bonnet to protect her hair and skin and long gloves made from old hosiery, with holes cut out for the fingers, to cover her arms. One bonnet was a slat one made by sewing pockets in the material and inserting cardboard strips to hold it rigid. They had an outside cave to store food that had to be cool, the milk, eggs, butter, etc. When they butchered a hog, some of it was ground and made into patties, fried and placed in large stone jars, covered in lard and stored in the cave for future needs. The harns and bacon were sugar-cured and smoked. The blizzards were so severe some winters, the men would attach a wire or rope from the barns to the houses and follow it to get out to feed the animals. There was the fear of losing their way. To build a sod house. sod must be cut from virgin soil with grass roots intact for reinforcement to construct the house. A minimum of lumber was used. The roof was covered with sod also. In spring, wild flowers bloomed on it making a colorful and startling effect. A sod house is real comfortable, warm in winter, cool in summer because of the thick wall. The inside was plastered and wall papered, making it quite attractive. The window sills were deep, making room for house plants. I spent a lot of time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. She read to me and as I became a better reader, we took turns reading aloud. It was wonderful training for me, and she seemed to enjoy it. She also helped me with public speaking, listening to my recitations over and over, never losing patience. She passed away in 1928. Grandpa died in 1919 when I was nine years old. He did routine work around the place. He hardly ever went to town, just seemed contented at home. Charlie Beeler lived for a time in Aroya, Colorado, where he met and married Hila Gillespie. One daughter, Norma Jeanne, was born to them. She and her father are both * r't't' Hubert and Clara Beeler and baby Marian Louise, 8 weeks old. June, 1921, on the farm southwest of Flagler. Around the turn of the century, Hubert (Hub) Beeler homesteaded on a half section of land 12 miles southwest of Flagler, along the Republican River where there were good alfalfa fields and wild hay to be mowed to feed the animals. There was farming ground where corn, wheat, potatoes and other crops were raised, an all dry-land operation. Wild sweet-peas, rose and plum bushes grew on the banks of the river. He built a sod house and outbuildings on the property. In the year 1909, he married Clara Josephine Hough of Wild Horse, Colorado, and three daughters were born to them, Lucille Winnie Mae, Eunice Lillian and Marian Louise. The family lived at this location until t924. Patt of our income was derived from Hubert's training of horses to be ridden and driven and participating in rodeos. He enjoyed reading Western novels and smoking his pipe. Our lasting memorieg of him were �Lowe, of Denver, son of Marlin and Ramona Lowe. Eunice married Roger Grosh of Kearney, Nebraska. She graduated from Beauty school in Denver and later went into the restaurant businesg with her husband. After a number of years, she was married to Larry Nason of Boston, Maes. and continued to operate that business of Denver until their retirement. Marian married George W. (Bill) Mulhausen of Denver and two daughters were born to them, Phyllis Batty (her husband is Roger) deceased since 1980. Lucille and Eunice graduated from Flagler youngest ones could do. But on a hot summer day there was no place cooler. The reward was High School. Marian attended school there until moving to Denver where she attended worth it. East Denver High School. We received a good education in Flagler. The experience of farm and ranch life and small town living are never to be forgotten memories. with his horse and cowboy hat and boots, a real Western man. Our mother raised fryer BEESON - PERKINS FAMILY see them slinking along the river, hoping to snatch a chicken for their dinner. We made an excursion out of taking the teams of mules and lumber wagon to gather cow chips for fuel, always on the alert for rattlesnakes. We had many good times in those early days, attending pie and box socials, dances, school programs, rodeos, baseball gemes and visiting neighbors. Lucille and Eunice rode their black and white pinto ponies to the Beeler School 2 miles northeast of the farm. Most activities were held at the school, also church services. when a minister could be acquired. There must have been many hardships on the prairie, but being young, we hardly noticed. There was good food, shelter, a few clothes, love, work to do and plans for tomorrow. In August of L924, Hubert passed away at age 42. The family then moved to Flagler and remained there until 1937. Our house was across the street from the Congregational Church where we attended services. Our life in Flagler was pleasant with friends and work, movies (free on Sat. P.M.), dances, school parties and lessons. Our big kitchen table was a center ofactivity. School lessons, games and correspondence took place by the light of the Rayo Kerosene lsmp with our mother close by doing crocheting, mending and quiltmaking. She often played the accordian and harmonica for us. Clara Beeler passed away in 1935 at age 44. The younger daughters moved to Denver in 1937 where they now reside. Lucille married Cecil J. Morgan of Arriba, Colorado, in 1930 at Littleton, Colorado. They then left the Denver area until 1940, when they returned to Lakewood, Colorado, and remained there until 1981, when Lucille moved to Sedona, Arizona where her son Del and wife Leah are now living. They were the parents of a daughter Rnrnona C. Lowe (deceased) and have one grandson David A. Their family and the land was very important to Ed and Mable. They worked hard and sacrificed for both. Their children were: Elsie maried to Walter Herndon; Edith married and Dianne Stitt (her husband is Jim). Lucille and Marian were married to men in the building construction business. The husbands all served in the South Pacific by Lucille Beeler Morgan chickens to sell, as well as eggs and creem, and boarded teachers. In the evenings we could hear the coyot€s near our place. By day we could sometimes also lived nearby. to Charlie Murray; Leonard married toAgnes Iseman; Midge married to Raymond Davis; Clark married to (1) Opal Schaal; (2) Charlotte Cranford; and Duane married to Gladys Gro-m. On that barren land their trees stood for so much. It reminded them both of the land where they grew up. So when there was nothing else to do, which was rare, there was always the water to carry, weeds to hoe, and theater in World War II. The men are all LuciIIe Beeler, age 10 years, and Eunice Beeler, age 6 years. Year 1920 on farm southwest of Flagler. and traveling in a covered wagon. Mar5r Ellen's father, Jasper Dickey, and his fanily F62 Edward Elner Beeeon came to Kit Carson County, Colorado, to file on a homestead in 1906 from Rawlins County Kansas. He was born to William Harrison Beeson and Priscilla Ann (Pickett) Beason 6 Aug. 1880 at Enosdale, Washington Co., Ks. Billy Beeson was the last of eight generations of practicing Quakers or the Society of Friends as they were sometimes known. The first Beeson to come to America was also Edward. He ceme from England in 1682 or 1684 and settled in Chester Co., Pennsylvania. His descendants moved south to Virginia and North Carolina, then west to Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and Colorado. more trees to plant, work that even the Ed was on the school board most of the time the kids attended First Central School. They all graduated from there and were involved in school activities. One day Ed waved a greeting to the bus driver who thought he meant no kids on the bus today. So the driver left without any Beesons. Hurray, a holiday!!!! But no such luck. Healthy kids can walk right. Off to school they went. But not too -far. The girls decided to play hooky. This time (probably the only time) Len was the innocent one and continued on to school. What fun they found to do. Trying to time their arrival at home with the bus was easy. But Mom and Dad happened to see just one angelic son get off the bus that day. With much foresight Elsie, Edith and Midge placed pillows strategically for their welcome home. Ed and Mable moved to Burlington in 1944 to retire. They found a place where they could have a cow to milk, a calf or two to feed, and chickens to care for. Just so they weren't too far away from the life they knew and loved so well. Ed also worked for the city at the park for a number of years. Ed died 1 Jan. 1960. Mable died 4 Nov. 1964. Elsie and Walter farmed south of Stratton and are now retired and living in Stratton. Leonard and Agnes live in Burlington and are still involved in farming and ranching at the homeplace of the original Willinm !l611ison Beeson moved his family homestead. Duane and Gladys, before to Rawlins Co.. Ks. in 1892 and homesteaded 5 miles south of McDonald, Ks. Ed worked for Roy and Beech Berry of McDonald as a ranchhand. He nanowly missed being involved in the infamous Dewey-Berry shootout. But that day he had work to do elsewhere Duane's death in June 1985, farmed the land acquired by Ed and Mable a few miles from on the ranch. And while he was away Chauncey Dewey arrived with his hired men and in the ensuing gunfight three Berry's were killed and two injured. When Ed moved to Kit Carson Co. the original homestead he worked was that of Roy Berry. His brothers Frank, Clifford and sister Belle filed homestead's on adjoining quarters. If they went to Burlington there was at that time a trail that they took. It angled northeast to Burlington. About one-half mile out of town was the only fenced land between their place and town. May 21, 1908 Ed married Mable Bell Perkins, daughter of Willis/lVlary Ellen (Dickey) Perkins. Mable was born 28 Sept. 1890 in Seward, Nebr. The Perkins family moved to the county in 1906 and homesteaded on land just south of Ed's homestead. Mable remembered moving with her parents the home place. Clark and Charlotte are in Eads, Colo. and run a auto-parts store. Edith and Charlie are retired from teaching and logging and live in Grants Pass, Ore. Midge and Raymond, a retired electrician, live in Denver, Colo. The roots that Ed and Mable planted are strong. Their work, blood, sweat, and tears have sustained many. The land and times have changed so much. Wouldn't those old timers shudder if they could look down on us right now. Those times were hard but good and so simple. But didn't they do a good job and accomplished so much. by Lenora Sexson �BEESON - PERKINS GRAMM FAMILIES BEETHE - VOIGHT FAMILY F53 F54 Edward Ebner Beeson was born August 6, 1889 in Washington County in Enosidale, Kansas. There he grew up and later married Mabel Bell Perkins on May 21, 1908. They 1952. Connie was born in 1954 and Greg in 1960. Don worked in several capacities in Colorado Springs and moved to Burlington the spring of 1973 €ul manager for Mountain Bell Telephone. He retired from Mt. Bell in 1984 with almost 35 years service. He then went to work for the City of Burlington and was appointed City Administrator in January 1985. The Beethes attend First St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Dot served two 5-year lived in McDonald, Kansas. terms on the Burlington Public Library. Don is a member of the Burlington Rotary Club family farm south of Bethune where they raised their six children. The children are: and enjoys playing golf. In the early 1900's they moved to the Connie lives in Laguna Beach, Ca. and Elsie Beeson Herndon, Edith Beeson Greg in Newport Beach, Ca. Murray, Leonard Beeson, Velma Beeson Don enjoyed working with Burlington, Davis, Clark Beeson and Duane Beeson. In 1945, the family moved to Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Stratton and Limon people while with Mountain Bell. Burlington (where Colorado begins) is a great place to live. Colorado where they resided until their deaths. Edward passed away on January 1, 1960 and Mabel passed away on November 4, t964. They are buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, Colorado. by Don Beethe Duane Beeson was born on March 21, 1931 in the family home south-west of Bethune, Colorado. Duane attended his first eight years of school at First Central. He attended high Don and Dot Beethe. BELLER - HUPPERT FAMILY F66 school in Burlington, Colorado where he graduated with the class of 1949. While attending school, Duane worked for R.I. Gassner at his gas station in Burlington, Colorado. He also helped his brothers farm and raise cattle on the family farm south-west of Bethune. Duane entered the United States Marine Corps on March L4, Lg52 and was honorably discharged on March 3, 1954. Duane was baptized on May 8, 1956 by Reverend H.E. Wilake and became a member a;, of the Hope United Church of Christ north of Bethune. Gladys Gramm attended the country schools of Emerson, Hook, Broadsword, and Blueview. In 1951 and 1952 she attended Bethune High School and in 1953 and 1954 ehe went to Burlington High School where she graduated in 1954. In 1954, Gladys worked at the Standish Drug drugstore, in Burlington, as a clerk, and at the Mountain Bell Telephone Office as a telephone operator. Duane and Gladys were united in marriage on June 10, 1956 at the Hope United Church of Christ. They then moved to the farm south of Bethune. Here they farmed, raised cattle and hogs. Connie and Greg Beethe. Dorothy Voight was born in Norfolk, Virginia and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the U.S. Navy. In 1951 she moved to Colorado Springs working as a secretary for the U.S. Air Force and met Don on a blind Three children were born to Duane and Gladys: Douglas, Jeanette, and Cheryl. All date. Don Beethe was born in Elk Creek. Nebras- School. Douglas graduated in 1976, Jeanette sisters and 4 brothers to Yuma, Colorado in 1932 to a farm 5N and 2W of Yuma. He grew three children attended Stratton High in 1979, and Cheryl in 1986. In 1982 Duane attended school in Denver and he received his real estate license. Duane passed away on June 4, 1985 at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver. He is buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. ka. He moved with his father, mother, 2 up and attended Yuma schools and served with the U.S. Army 6th Division in Pusan, Korea in L946-47. Don worked for his sister and brother-in-law, Gordon Sipple, on a farm near Clarksville, locatcd 24 miles NE of Yuma. by Cheryl Beeson In 1950 he went to work with Mountain States Telephone Company in Denver, and traveled throughout Colorado as a lineman for 2 years before locating in Colorado Springs for the dial conversion in 1953. During the winter of 1951, he worked with a line crew on the Denver-Kanarado Toll Line and the crew stayed in the Montezuma Hotel, which seemed quite new at that time. Don and Dot were married in Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs in The newlyweds, Tony and Gertrude Beller, on the left with their attendants, Clara Weibel and Joe Knochel, on July I5, 1924 beside first St. Charles Church. Stratton On Tuesday morning July 15, 1924 at 8:00 A.M. at St. Charles Church vows were said by Miss Gertrude Huppert and Mr. Tony Beller both of Stratton. Rev. Edw. Muenich officiated. Bridesmaid was Clara Weibel and Joseph Knochel acted as best man. Gertrude Huppert, daughter of George and Mollie Huppert, moved here from Blue Hill, Nebr. in 1923. She taught school in several schools, including Greenknoll District in 1923. Tony Beller, son of Anton and Theresa Beller moved here from Lindsay, Nebr. on May 6, 1921. He farmed the land that he broke himself until 1948, when they moved to Denver where they now reside. Five children were born; they are Marianne Stevens, Millie �Luebbers, Ray Beller, Jerome Beller, and Margaret Winters. by Mrs. Paul Luebbers BERGEN, FRANK, M.D. F66 ca 1920" Standing L to R: Albert Guthrie, Jack Ruberson, Robert Wilkinson, Fred Kukku, Henry G. Hoskin, James Upton, Albert Beal, Carl Hamilton, Vern Coakley. Seated, L to R: Ed Hoskin, Frank Rose, J.E. Pilling and Dr. F.L. Bergen. "Burlington Volunteer Fire Department "F.L. Bergen - Country Doctor," - post-humously by the Colorado Medical Comet Rebekah Lodge. Dad was sinularly Society for his many years of service to the honored by Rocky Mountain Consistory, people of the Burlington area. Ancient and Acceptcd Scottish Rite by being "Doc", as he was affectionately known by decorated "Knight Commander Court of the entire community, served many terms Honor." both as City Health Officer for Burlington "Doc" may be remembered by some of the and County Health Officer for Kit Carson "old-timers" for his public presentation of particularly the poetry of County. I remember during my childhood "readings" that he always carried in his car a supply of JamesWhitcombRiley.Doanyof ourreaders those hugh red quarantine signs bearing the recall his rendition of "Little Orphan Annames of those then horrifying - now nie"? From that day in 1908, when Mom (Anna obsolete diseases, "Diphtheria", Lou) walked with Dad down the wooden"Smallpox", and "Scarlet Fever". Medicine plank sidewalk from the Rock Island Depot came a long way during his lifetime; I remember his telling me that when he was a to the old Montezuma Hotel, she was his devoted companion until his death in 1959 of boy, "no one ever heard ofAppendicitis, but Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. an awful lot of people died of the Belly Ache." Being the wife of a small town doctor in "Doc" served as Medical Exnmine for those days required the patience of Job. I Selective Service during both World Wars, recall countless occasions when, just as the for which service he was awarded decorations. During most of this professional career, "Doc" served as "Physician and Surgeon" for the Rock Island Railroad, frequently boarding the train to attend a passenger who had become ill, then boarding the nert returning train, which was often several hours late. Somehow, "Doc" found time to do many things outside his professional activities: He was mayor of Burlington when the first electric power generating plant was estab- "Mrs. Bergen - Patience of Job." On one occasion I referred to Dad as a "horse and buggy doctor" to which, with his usual wit, he replied, "I never treated a buggy in my life." "Dad" wag Frank Leslie Bergen, M.D., who brought his bride, Anna Lou, to Burlington in 1908, and served that community and its rural surrounding area in the practice of General Medicine for some fifty years. Shortlv after his death in 1959 he was honored lished. He was a member of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department most of his adult life, serving for a time as Chief, and for many years as Department Physician. He served First Methodist Episcopal church in almost every lay function from Board Chairman to Choir Director except President of the - and Mom filled that Ladies Aid Society, office on several occasions, as well as teaching classes in the Primary Department of the Sunday School. Mom and Dad were both always very active in fraternal circles, each serving one or more terms as presiding officer of the Orders with which they became affiliated, Dad with the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Rebekah Lodges, and Mom with Aurora Chapter, O.E.S. and family was about to sit down and enjoy a meal together, the phone would ring, we would eat without Dad, and his food would go back on the stove until the distress of a patient was relieved. Many of our readers will recall the dust storms of the early thirties. No house was tight enough to keep out the dust. I recall seeing many a tear in Mom's eye as she saw everything in her freshly cleaned house covered with a thick coating of dust. My sister, Dorothy Louise Olsen (Nee Bergen) and I (Richard Van Bergen) were blessed with the most wonderful parents we could have had. Dad disciplined us and Mom spoiled us. Dorothy was eight years older than I, having been born in 1910 so, to me, it was almost like having two -mothers "Dot" alternating between discipline and spoiling. "Dot" and I both graduated from Burlington High School, she in 1928 and I in 1936. After teaching in rural elementary (one-room) schools in the Burlington and Bethune areas for a number ofyears, Dorothy became the wife of Edward W. Olsen. Although Dorothy passed away in 1946, she is survived, at this writing by Ed and three children, all of whom are married and have �children of their own. For some twenty yearg the writer was known in and around Burlington as "Little Doc", which though not appreciated at the time, appears in retrospect to have been quite complimentary. "Little Doc" (who now tips the scales at 203 lbs) left Burlington in 1940 to enroll at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. The educational endeavor was interrupted by World War II and March 1942 found Dick in the "blues" of the U.S. Navy. His 1945 marriage to Geneva Miller made a he remains Kentuckian out of Dick - which Dad's death, reto thig date. Mom, after turned to Kentucky, her native state, and remained with us until her death in 1961. Geneva passed away in 1980 and in 1984 Dick was remarried to Marjorie Kathryn ("Midge") Harrison of Cincinnati. Dick's daughter, Donna (Stephens) and Grandsons, Ryan and Gregory reside in Plano, Texas. Dick retired in 1982, having served the last twenty years of his working life ae Director of Administration and Facilities for Ohio Valley Goodwill lndustries Rehabilitation Center. Dick enjoys reading his weekly copy of the Burlington Record, but seems somehow always to turn first to the "20", "40" or "60 years ago" column. by Richard V. Bergen in the Flagler Cemetery. On March 22, L908, Berry loaded out an immigrant car at Goff with farm machinery, wagon, buggy, harness, household goods, one runty pig and a few chickens and shipped the freight car.to Flagler, Colorado. He had a big tea- of draft mares ready to bring to the homestead too, but was advised the horses would not do well in the high altitude, so he sold the team for $300 and bought other horses at a farm sale at Colby, Kansas, which could also be readily used to drive the buggy. When Berry arrived in Colorado, he stayed with a neighbor, Henry Guhr, while putting up the house and barn, having borrowed a sod cutter from another neighbor, Zack Eckert. The two room house was ofa 14 x 32 foot size, and later in 1916 a third room was added. The barn was of a 16 x 32 foot size. A well was dug by neighbor Sam Proaps to a depth of 144 feet to good water. In about 1914 Berry dug a cellar under the kitchen part of the soddy, and then in about 1917 a granary, an 8 x 12 foot chicken house and an outhouse were built. During the time Berry was making the homestead habitable, his wife and baby daughter, who was born in April 1907 at the home of Berry's parents near Goff, were visiting in Indianapolis with relatives, but arrived in Flagler on the morning passenger train May 1, 1908. Three other children, two girls and a boy, cnme to bless this family on the prairies, all born in the soddy on the Eventually Berry sold the homestead, which after about 1911, included an additional quarter of land. This piece of land, the NW % of Section 18, 6S, Range 51, had an old dugout on it, so Berry in filing, had to first contest a previous homesteader's claim. In March 1925 the family moved to a farm northeast of Limon in Lincoln County, ending their living in Kit Carson County and life on the homestead. John and Jennie, as she was always called by her husband, were the parents of the four children, Margaret Clistie (Mrs. Elmer Slise of Genoa); Pauline Florence also called Polly (Mrs. Kelvin S. Gurwellof Loveland); Norma Katherine (Mrs. Verlie L. Holmes of Sioux Falls, South Dakota); and Mark Wesley, who was maried to Marjorie Cox. Berrys were also the grandparents of nine grandchildren; none however to cany on the name. John died in March 1966 at the age of 94, and Jennie passed away in August of 1963 at the age of 85. Both are buried at Loveland where they had lived the last few years of their lives in the Sierra Vista Nursing Home in Loveland, after having lived in and around Genoa since 1928 for over 30 years. Their son, Wesley, passed away in January 1986 in Maine, where he had gone to be with his only child, and is buried in Winthrop, Maine. homestead. BERRY, JOHN FAMILY which began in about 1916 with Ray Thompson as the carrier, the Berrys got their mail at Thurman, which meant a trip once a week by horse and buggy. by Margaret Berry Slise In 1914 a school district was formed in the area and a nice sod school house, 16 x 24 feet, with four windows in each wall, was built 1 F67 The story of the John Berry family in Kit Carson County began in 1907 when John Harvey Berry filed for a homestead, August 7,LW7, on SW % Section 7, 63, Range 51, in the extreme northwestern corner of the county, just south of the Washington County line and just east of the Lincoln County line. Actually Berry had become familiar with Eastern Colorado at an earlier time when a sist€r and family moved to Limon in about 1895 for employment with the railroad, and Berry had visited in their home. Later when that family moved to the Cripple Creek Gillette area in about 1898, Berry joined the % miles to the west of the Berry home. This BEST, BOB AND was just inside Lincoln County on SW % of Section 12, 6S, Range 52. This school was nemed Twin Lakes, as two large lagoons nearby filled with water from snow melt in the spring. A Sunday School, known as the Twin Lakes Sunday School, also met at the school. All four of the Berry children attended school and Sunday School at Twin Lakes. Berry farmed with horses and broke prairie sod for farm crops, mostly raising corn, beans, potatoes, barley, rye, cane, millet and some wheat. The neighbors all exchanged work in harvest and with threshing. Too, Berry was considered the neighborhood blacksmith. Berry also received help with the farm work from his eldest daughter. They would haul grain from the crops raised to the elevators in Flagler, 20 miles to the southeast, with horse and wagon, and would bring coal and groceries back for the winter supply. PATTI LU F58 In 1953 John Clark and H.E. (Gene) Clark, Patti's brothers, hired Bob to work for them in the insurance dept. of The First National Bank, Stratton, Colo. Bob had been born and raised in the state of Washington graduating from Montesano High School in Montesano, Washington and the University of Washington at Seattle, Washington. After graduating from High Also, one winter Berry hauled flour from Flagler to Thurman, a thriving town, seven School in June 1941, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until the end of WWII and was discharged in February 1946. Patti was raised in Kirk, Colo. graduating from Kirk High School and Colorado A&M College (now Colorado State University). In January 1945 she was united in marriage to James Mustard who died in WWII. To this miles distant to the northwest in Washington County. In 1919 Berry bought a Monroe car which ended the days of horse and buggy union was born a son, James. During her college years and after graduating, Patti was employed in the Cope, Joes and Stratton napolis, Indiana, in that city and they transportation for the family. The Berrys, as all homesteaders, suffered returned to the Goff area to a farm southwest of town until the moved to Colorado. The bride was musically talentcd having played a violin with the Indianapolis City Orchestra prior to her marriage. She was born August 1, 1878, in Wurttemberg, Germany, and immigrated with her parents, two brothers and two sisters to the United States in 1881 at the age of three. Her mother came t,o Flagler to live with the Berrys in October 1922, following the death of her husband earlier, and was living in Colorado at the time of her death in January 1923. She ig buried blizzards, hailstorms, droughts, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, skunks, grasshoppers, army worms and jack rabbits, but endured. The family generally had a garden, chickens, a few hogs, and a milk cow, and several horses for the field work and transportation by wagon or buggy. By careful management they got through the long, cold winters comfortably with some coal and several tons of cow chips to burn for fuel. Prior to a rural mail delivery from Flagler, public school systems. Bob and Patti met in Montesano. Washington where Patti was visiting her in-laws. They were married in June 1947 and to this union two daughters, Susan and Judith, were family and worked with hie brother-in-law in various mining and mining related jobs. Later he returned home to his native home area in northeastern Kansas, Goff in Nemaha County. His parents had come to Doniphan County in the late 1860's in a covered wagon with an oxen tenm, from Lovilia, Iowa, and it was at Hiawatha that Berry was born September 30, 1871. On March 2, 1906, Berry was united in marriage with Marie Rose Probst of India- hardships and battled the elements of born. The family continued living in Stratton where all three children were graduated from High School. Jim is married to Denise Kale and they are now living in Boulder, Colo. where Jim works as a geologist. They have a daughter Alicia. Susan is married to Jim Carnathan and they have two children, Kim and Chris. Jim works at Caldwells in Burlington and Sue works at The First National �Bank, Stratton. Judith is manied to Dean Wall and they have three children, Kerri, Stephanie and John. They live in Denver where Dean is a minister and Judy works in a book store. In 1961John Clark sold his interest in The First National Bank to Bob and Gene Clark and they continued as the managing officers until they sold their interests in the fall of 1981 and retired. Patti passed away in April 1982 after a long illness. In May 1983 Bob was married to Serena Simon, Con Simon's widow, and they are presently living in Stratton. by Bob Best BIGELO\il, EARL NLTPIJAZ F69 My grandfather William Seymour Bigelow was born in Goffrey county, Iowa, May 21, 1869 and died Feb. 11, 1948. He was the 4th child of Dr. Eliphaz Bigelow, born Oct. 20, 1823, died Oct. 25, 1877. Great-grandfather Eliphaz originally came from Marion, Ohio, before moving to Iowa. He traveled many miles with horse and buggy or riding a horse to attend to the ills of the sick. Grandfather William Bigelow married Mertie Steward on Sept. 11, 1889. Mertie was born Mar. 27, L873 and died Mar. 8, 1945. It is said that the Stewards were related to President Howard Taft. They had 8 children: F,arl, 7 /L0/L890 to 3/5/L964, married Eliz- abeth Fuhlendorf; Bliss, 9/L5/L852 to 3/8/1980, married Mary Noel; Minnie, 2/15/1895 to 2/28/L983. married Ben Steen; Hazel, 8/26/ L897 to 12/21/1968, married Alex Todd; Clyde, 5/241L90L, married Christine Cook; Glen, 10/26/1903 tn 4/14/1916. Glen is buried in the Seibert cemetery; Roy, L/L7/L906 to r/L9/L906; and Lyle, rr/7h910 to 9/L2/L97L, married Ione Sheppard. Clyde is the only uncle or aunt I have living on either side of my family. My father was born in Phillips county, Kansas. In 1907, grandfather with father and Uncle Bliss immigrated from eastern Kansag to Seibert, Colo. Grandfather was allowed to ride in the caboose ofthe train free, but Earl and Bliss were gtowaways in the immigrant car and hid in an empty piano box when the train had stops. At a stop near Belleville, Kansas another immigrant family joined this train. The Bigelows became acquainted with Ed Gagnon and his son Pope. The Gagnons homesteaded 3 mi. east and LVz mi. south of Seibert. Grandmother Mertie and the rest of the family came by train and joined grandfather, Earl and Bliss about 10 miles north and two west of Seibert, where gandfather had homesteaded. During the first years of homesteading, my father, Earl and Uncle Bliss roa-ed away from home to find work to earn moneyto help support the regt of the family. While home at one time, and ready to leave again, grandmother cried because she did not want the boys to leave. Comet Halley was to arrive in 1910, and she was afraid it might hit them. In the fall of 1910, Earl was picking corn for John Kistler, who lived northeast of Seibert, where the Charles Borens live today. At that time the Murphy school was a little north of the Kistler place. Earl started courting the pretty young school teacher of the Murphy School, Elizabeth Fuhlendorf, who later became my mother. I, Alma L. Bigelow Becker, was born in 1919. some cases furnished transportation to the missionary, which at that time was horse and buggy. He was one of the charter members of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Arriba and and ranching, but due to health reasons later a charter member of Zion in Flagler. He served both congregations in various official capacities and in general gave much of his time and efforts to the upbuilding of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Blancken celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversar5r in 1930 when many of their relatives and a host of friends helped them celebrate the occasion. His wife father had to change to other work to make passed away in April of 1939. Earl Bigelow was a staunch member of the community. For years he served on the board of the Vona schools. He helped support baseball teems, and was a member of the Christian Church of Vona. Earl was one of the first in the county to irrigate with deep wells. He loved farming a living. For many years he was in the insurance business. In 1946, my parents bought grandfather William Bigelow's home in Seibert. Here my father passed away on Mar. 5, 1964. My mother will be 97 years old in July. She lives in this house, does her own housework, goes to Senior citizen parties and other events. Her wit and humor are still so enjoyable. In 1946, she was called to teach the Pleasant He was engaged in farming during his lifetime and only the last few years did he fail to take an active part in the work on the farm. During the last 12 years of his life he was blind. Otherwise he enjoyed good health and his mind was especially clear. He passed away October 10, 1948, at the age of 94 years, 6 months and 1 day. by R.W. Blancken Valley country school. This is the same school my husband, Wilbert Becker, attended in grade school and also the first two years for Burleigh Becker our son, and Elizabeth's oldest grandson. The children of Earl and Elizabeth Bigelow are: Floyd, 9/25/LgL5, manied Ruth Lusby, one daughter; Howard, 5/23/Lgl7, married Elendor Southards, two sons and two daughters. Elendor died in a house fire in Benton City, Washington, 1966. Howard married again to Lona Mitchell; Alma, L/15/19L9, married Wilbert Becker, two sons and one daughter; Louise, 9/26/1920, married Girth Dykes, three sons; and Rosa Anna, LL/29/L927, married Gerald Tubbs, one son. Rosa Anna passed away Nov. 25, 1970, due to diabetes. by Alma L. Bigelow Becker BLANCKEN, DIEDRICH F. BLANCKEN, GEORGE WILLIAM F6l George William Blancken was born at Frohna, Perry County, Missouri on December 5, 1894, seventh child of Dietrick and Marie (Eisenberg) Blancken. The family moved to Colorado when George was eight years old, in May, 1903, where they took a homestead northwest of Flagler. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Frohna, Missouri, and he re-affirmed his baptismal vows by confirmation on February 16, 1909 with Rev. H. Schmidt (his brotherin-law) at his parents'home before a church was built in Arriba, Colorado. Later his family becsme active charter members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Flagler where F60 Diedrich F. Blancken was born April 9, 1854 in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and came to this country when 8 months old with his parents, being on the sea eleven weeks. They settled in Perry County Missouri on November 28, 1854 near the town of Frohna. On July 29, 1880, he was united in marriage to Mary Eisenberg of Amsbert, Missouri. To this union 10 children were born, seven girls and three boys, Matilda, Magdelene, Martha, Marie, Minnie, Frederich (died in infancy), George, Julia, Natalie, and Oliver. In 1903 Mr. Blancken and his family came to Flagler, Colorado, where he took a homestead. In the pioneer days ofhomesteaders in this country, he gave many newcomers assistance in filing on their land and many times took them into his home until they could build shelter on their own claims. He took an active part in the building of the Lutheran Church in Arriba and later was one of the first members of the church in Flagler. In the early homestead days when missionaries were sent from the Lutheran Church he gave them living quarters and in George took an active part in the church serving in various positions. On March 6, 1918, George was united in marriage to Minnie Elizabeth Settgast. To this union were born two sons, George W. Jr., Richard W. and seven daughters, Helen, Harriet, Madge, Julia Maria (who died in infancy), Velma, Eunice and Nona. George served his country in the armed forces during World War I and was a member of the American Legion Post #81 of Flagler. After being discharged from service, he and his wife, Minnie farmed his parents' farm northwest of Flagler for a few years. They then purchased their own farm southeast of Flagler, known as the John Thompson place. In 1938, they purchased the Jewells'farm northwest of Flagler which they later sold and moved to town. George and Minnie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 6, 1968 with all eight of their children present. Minnie passed away on May 3, 1970, after a brief illness. George was united inmarriage to Elsie Mae Whitt of Greeley on April 21, 1974. She preceded George in death on February 25, 1984. George was engaged in farming during his lifetime. During his later years he enjoyed fishing and was an active member of the �Senior Citizens Center of Flagler and supported their many activities. George passed away on January 6, 1986 at the age of91 years one month and one day. George saw many changes in the community and town of Flagler during his 91 years as well as changes in the entire world. From farming with horses to man on the moon, George could recall many interesting stories from the past, but a good lesson to learn from this man was that he didn't live in the past. He was active in today's world, keeping up on current events and modern times, a challenge to all who knew and loved this dear man. by B.W. Blancken BLANCKEN, HENRY c. F62 At the urging ofthree other brothers living in Colorado, Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Blancken moved to Flagler, Colorado, in 1894. Arriving by train they found only a few buildings and much open country. They selected a tract of 160 acres of land five miles west of Flagler and homest€aded it. As a young man Henry was a cooper working at a flour mill in Aldenburg, Missouri, where he met Mary Reinemer who lived on a farm with her parents. Henry courted Mary for three months, driving fifteen miles with horse and buggy. Finally a wedding day was get for July 10, 1883. The wedding was a large affair with people coming from all around to witness the formal occasion observing all the old German customs. They lived to celebrate their 50th anniversary together. They lived on a farm near Flagler until 1911 when Mary's health compelled a change and they left for Texas. Failing to find a satisfactory location there they went to Linn, Kansas, where they engaged in the restaurant business for three years. In January, 1915, they returned to Flagler, where they owned and operated the Flagler hotel and later engaged in the mercantile business. by R.W. Blancken BOECKER - SMITH FAMILY F63 Edmund Boecker the first of eight children of John and Martha (Jorges) Boecker, was born in Gosper County, Nebraska, on February 24, 1907. The family moved to a homestead 15 miles north-east of Stratton in 1910. John Boecker was a carpenter, a blacksmith for the neighborhood, and owned and operated a steam engine threshing machine. In January 1918, he passed away, leaving Martha with four sons: Edmund, Emil, Reuben and Elmer. Edmund was then sent to relatives in Nebraska where he worked and went to school. He was confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church near Elwood, Neb- raska, in 1921. In L922, he came back to Colorado and farmed the homestead, also worked with Fred Pugh. In the spring of 1939 he went to work on E.R. Smith's ranch, south of Stratton, and in June 1941 was married to Ida, fourth of five children of E. Rowland and Myrtle (Schlegel) Smith, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 20, 1909. The family soon moved to the Sand Hills of Cherry County, Nebraska, about 12 miles northeast of Whitman. Here the four children walked a mile to the Rosebud Soddy to attend school. In November 1919. the moved to Kit Carson County Colorado where High School was being taught. Theodore, Ida and Glenn Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, he met Vicky Lynn Carey, and they were married in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on February 3, 1969. He was soon sent to Vietnem for several months then back to Merced, California. He spent several years at Altus AFB in Oklahoma, then 31/z years in England. In 1977 he was sent back to the U.S., first at Rome, N.Y., then Minot AFB, N.D., and now at Dyess AFB in ABilene, Texas. We still live in Stratton in the house my father bought from Les Collins, and which Collins built about 1918. Note: Ida died July 11,1986, after a sudden, intense illness. by Ida Boecker BOESE FAMILY F64 graduated from First Central High School during the 20's, and Harold passed away at age 16. After graduation, I continued school to take shorthand, Typing, and other needed subjects, and on Saturdays took Extension courses from Colorado Teachers College in Greeley. J. Carl Harrison, who taught near Vona, would come in his Model T and pick up Mrs. Felch, who was teaching at the Piper School in Cheyenne County, and myself, and take us all to Burlington, Stratton, or Flagler, wherever the classes were held. I started teaching one-room schools at $75 per month in 1928, and alternated teaching and attend- ing college until I had taught six years and received my B.A. degree from Colorado State College of Education in 1938. It cost me $1000 per year to go to college then. The next three years I taught at Willard, Colorado, until I was married in 1941. After we were married, we both continued to work on my father's ranch until September 10, 1942, when Ed was drafted into the Army. He was sent to Camp Robinson, Arkansas, then to Qamp Butner, N.C. In April 1943, he was sent overseas, and spent the next 21/z years in the Pacific in Hawaiian Islands, Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. After the war with Japan ended, he was discharged on Nov. 10, 1945, after 38 months without a furlough. While Ed was in the service, I taught two years at First Central School, then helped my folks move to Stratton. The next few years we lived in several places where Ed worked in construction and farm work. Then our son, Dale, was born in Goodland, Kansas, on January 27, 1948. In 1954, when Dale started to school in Stratton, Vona. We are all members of the United Methodist Church in Stratton. Dale and I sang in the June, 1969 at Stratton, Colorado. Dale enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in January 1968. while he was stationed at Ida Smith. I began teaching in Seibert. I stayed there 5 years then spent eleven years teaching in Ida, Dale, Vicky, and Edmund Boecker. Taken can Legion Post 138 in Stratton for 27 years and is still a member. choir, and Ed has been head usher and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. I taught the Adult Bible Class in the Sunday School for 26 years and still play the piano. Ed served on the board of the Ameri- Arthur and Lydia Boese, September 3, L922. My grandfather, Ben H. Boese, was born in Russian-Poland on June 14, 1871. When he was three years old, he gailed with his parents on the ship Colina and landed at Ellis Island, New York on September 2, 1874. Five days later on September 7 they arrived at Yankton, Dakota Territory which is now South Dakota. They settled near Avon on a homestead. On November 22, 1895 my grandfather married Mary Dirks. Three children were born to this union in South Dakota Edith, - more Arthur, and Roy. They lived twelve years in South Dakota and then in 1907 my grandfather moved the family to a homestead southwest of Vona. My dad, Arthur, was seven years old then, and he could tell us children of the many hardships they had as homesteaders. My grandfather helped build the Pleasant �watch for a lot of centipedes under them or you had them in the houee also. fuound 1940 my dad bought the homeplace from my grandfather. My grandfather died in 1957 at age 86. In my dad's younger years he threshed grain and butchered pork and beef for neighbors. In the 30's my dad worked for the AAA Office in Burlington (now ASCS) and during the 40's and 50's he was a traveling fieldman for the ASCS Officee in 15 countiee in eagt€rn Colorado. My mother, Lydia, died in 19?2 from severe arthritis. My dad, Arthur, died in 1982 at age 82. In 1974 my dad had given his farm to us children and when we divided it my sister, Elaine, acquired the building site. In 1985 Old Town purchased the house from Elaine and on August 5, 1985 my grandfather and my dad's house was moved to Burlington and placed in Old Town. by Pauline McCaffrey Ben H. and Mary Boese about 1900. Valley School Vz mile east of our place and the Mennonite Church l mile south of us, and remembered when all 100 chairs in church were filled. Most homesteaders constructed one or two room houses to live in till they could add on or build new houses. By 1915 they had built a larger house. BOGART FAMILY F65 B.O. (Oscar) Bogart homesteaded in Kit Carson County, twenty miles southeast of Burlington, Colorado, on the north branch of On September 3, L922 my dad, Arthur, married a neighbor girl, Lydia Becker. He was farming with his dad at this time. They needed a larger house so by 1924 they finighed building on to the present one, the Smokey Hill River in 1900. He ran cattle and sheep on the open range. He built a four room house and moved his wife, Martha and their two children, Elva and Reed, there in 1902. Florence, Susie and William were born enlarging it for two families. The house had a bathroom and also running water. in the sod house. In 1908, Oscar decided to build an adobe Arthur and Lydia had six children Elaine Harrison, Pauline McCaffrey, Charlotte Halseide, Elson, Beverly Miller and Wiilis who died at 10 weeks old in Dec. 1938 from whooping cough and pneumonia. I was only six years old but I can remember the dirt storms in the 30's, eo dark the teacher had to light lamps at school and we couldn't get home. Eggs sold for 5 cents a dozen and we picked up a lot ofcow chips to burn in the cookstoves and furnace. They made good fuel and burned a lot longer than cobs. Had to Martha and Oscar Bogart. house, so he rode horseback to the Settlement northwest of Burlington, to learn how to mix the adobe. j$k! :,,r9 The Bogart family in the surrey with their driving 1snm, Ginger and Ribbon. First he laid a cement foundation for the walls to sit on. He plowed about 1/2 acre of ground, which he fenced with woven wire. He put straw on the plowed ground then added the water. To mix it thoroughly, he drove cattle around and around in the mud mixture. When it was well mixed he put about 6 inches of adobe on top of the concrete foundation, making the walls eighteen inches wide all around the house. He let that set until it was thoroughly dry and really hardened. After that part was hardened, he would add another six inches of adobe on top, and so on until the wnlls were the right height. His neighbors then helped him with project. Fred Kukuk, who was a carpenter, helped to finish the building. Mr. Hayden did the finishing work on there inside, but Mr. Lemon did all the plastering and the tiling in the dining room. Theseven room adobe house is still in good condition today and is occupied by the Steve Rainbolts. Ogcar was always improving his place. He built a cow barn in 1912 and in 1918 he built a larger barn to protect his cattle during the hard winters. He planted 2 rows of trees around the house and a windbreak north of all the buildings. In October, 1908, the Smokey Hill River ran bank full after a heavy rain. There wag The Boese home, 1924, now part of Old Town. no bridge on which to croes. Ogcar was much concerned about that for if someone was ill and needed a doctor, there was no way one could cross the river to get one. He persuaded the County Commissioners to build a bridge across the Smokey for he would help care for �it. Oscar and Martha Bogart were very kind and thoughtful. They helped neighbors in need and if anyone was ill and needed help, they were there. We children all agree that we could not have had more loving parents nor a happier home. Martha passed away in 1936 at the home place. Oscar had a fatal heart attack in 1947 while he wag vieiting his son, Reed, and family in Mena, Ark. Elva passed away in 1978 and William in 1983. The homeplace was sold to August Reents in 1945. He sold it in 1947 to Edwin Rainbolt who still owns it. by Susie Bogart many trips to Colorado and eventually settled north of Vona. Their other sons, Wyatt and Jim, each lived with Frank and Ed before moving on to other ventures. Wyatt moved to Burlington and Jim was involved in mining in Leadville and South America. Andrew and Abigail came to Kit Carson County in about 1900 and lived with Frank and his family while building a home of their own 15 miles north and 1 east of Seibert. Andrew homesteaded the N.W. quarter of section 23 and their sons all went together and bought Abigail the S.W. quarter for her birthday. They later acquired another quarter to the north of Andrew's. This quarter was bought from their estate by Horace Boger. My uncle recently commented on how BOGER, ANDREW FAMILY Henry died while the family lived in Illinois. Their next move was to Chester, Nebraska where they lived for about 16 years. While living there, their sons, Frank and Ed, made much the ground has worn down over the years. He said that when his grandpa (An- F66 drew) used to come to visit, he came from the north with horse and buggy and that they couldn't see him until he topped the hill north of Hell Creek. Now a person can see for some distance on up the road. He also pointed out some of the neighboring places that weren't always visible from the Frank Boger place. One of the possessions that Abigail had brought with her was a rocking chair that she had gotten when she and Andrew were married. The rocker traveled with them from Illinois to Nebraska and on to Colorado. When Andrew and Abigail were no longer able to care for themselvee, they moved back in with Frank and his fanily. They moved all of theirfurnishings and dumpedthem behind Andrew and Abigail Boger in about 1901 Family records indicate that the Boger family history in America began in 1732 when Johann Paul and Anna Eva Boger and their family arrived in Philadelphia from a section of Germany then known as the Palatinate. The family settled in Berks and Lebanon counties and several of their descendants were among those who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War. A few generatione lat€r my great grand- father, Andrew Boger, was born at Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1836. It is not known when he began to move westward from Pennsylvania, but the next record we have of him shows that on April 8, 1860, he married Abieail Brown at Cold Brook, Illinois. On August 11, 1862 Andrew enrolled with the 102 Illinois lnfantry Volunteers and served as a Union soldier in the area near Louisville, Kentucky. Andrew and Abigail lived in lllinois for thenext22yearc and their six children were born there. They were Ella, Henry, Frank, Ed, Wyatt, and Jim. Ella and Frank's blacksmith shop. A neighbor, Bunt Smith, borrowed one of the beds but the rest of the things remained there for many years. Andrew and Abigail lived at Frank's home until both passed away there in the latter part of 1920. They were buried at Burlington. Afrb,er Frank's family had moved to Seibert, Frank's Bon, Horace, and Opal Gulley were married and lived on the homestead. Opal rescued the chair only to find that the rockers were broken off of it. Frank told her that it had been his mother's chair and offered to take it home and fix it up for her. Opal's granddaughter, Holly Miller, now has the rocker in her bedroom though it definitely shows the hard times it has seen. by Joyce Miller BOGER, FRANK FAMILY Around 1890, they chose a location 13 miles north and 1 west of Vona and lived there by Squatters Rights with a dugout for their home. On Christmas Day, 1895, Frank married a former neighbor, Flora Slutts, at the home of her parents in Belleville, Kansas. Flora was born February L2,L873 atRed Oak, Iowaand had grown up in Belleville. In March, Frank and his bride start€d for their home at Vona, traveling by covered wagon, and printed here is part of a letter that she wrote to her family on March 27, L896. "Dear People, We are settled in our little shack in grand style. We drove down here the 25th and eat all alone. We have had lots of fun and this isn't such a bad country after all. Of course there isn't much but Buffalo grass and cactus to see now but we will try to make one ranch worth looking at. We got along fine on the road but we only had three nice days. We were only ten days and a half on the road. We stopped at Ezra Couchman's to water our horses. He was scouring his corn planter when we got there. The people in westem Kansas do not take much pains with their farming, if they did they would have better crops. I have our grub box up in the corner for a cupboard and we have a little hone made table and a little stove that we borrowed to use until we went to Eastonville. The stove is a no. 7. My bread pans are too large for the oven. Ed got all the lumber in this part of Co. He had the roof on and the floor down. As far as the lumber went. We only have to haul watpr two miles. We can get water for the horses about three quarters of a mile from here. My neighbor is a daisy. She worked in a cotton mill until she was 36 years old and then came west to grow up with the country. She is a funny old piece I tell you. She is going to let me have some houseplants. The claim Frank is going to get is a nice one. I an anxious to get our soddy built so I can start work in earnest. I am trying to bake bread but would be afraid to offer it to Boss for fear he would feel ineulted. Frank is cleaning house. We were pretty lucky on our trip. It cost us $9.28. Ed said the Buckskins looked better than they did when Frank left there. Love to all. Flora" In the years that followed, Frank and Flora had nine children. The first two; Elwin, born in 1897 and a baby girl born in 1899 lived for only a few weeks. Their next child, Horace, was born in Belleville, Kansas in 1900 and was 2 months old when his mother returned to Vona with him. They returned home by train and an old ledger contains the entry, "Jan. 19th, 1901: Expenses of Flora's trip F67 F.P. (Frank) Boger was born August 29, 1864 and his brother, Ed, was born October 5, 1866. The brothers were born and grew up in Viola, Illinoig and then moved to Chester, Neb. in 1883 with their parents (Andrew and Abigail Boger) and the rest of their family. Frank and Ed first cnme to Colorado in about 1885. They worked on ranches in the Peyton and Colorado Springs area, did some mining and ran a freight wagon between Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. They spent the next several years dividing their time between Colorado and Nebraska. home. . Fare, $9.30. . . Sundries, $17.50." Their other children were born at home: Ellis in 1902; John, 1904; Mary, 1906; Louise, 1908; Vernis, 1912; and Fannie, 1913. Mary and Louise died from Scarlet Fever while they were still young girls. The Boger ranch was mainly a mule ranch, although they also raised cattle, farmed, and ran a blacksmith shop. Ed homesteaded just south of Frank's claim and the two brothers ranched together until 1908 when Ed died of injuries received when he fell from a horse. Flora was active in church and school and was a correspondent for the "Siebert Settler" newspaper. She also enjoyed politics and on � https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/17/455/Families-B2.pdf a9802230678e52a76f94fd70e8d51107 PDF Text Text for road work since the farming season is opened." June 20, 19224 "Road Overseer Boger assisted by Charles- Wyllys and Alvin Monroe graded the Vona-Joes highway. He reports the new grader as being very much easier on the tenms than the old one was." One of his memories of the 1920's was of a snow storm on December L4,L923. On that day he was hauling grain from the Sweazy place north of Vona where they were threshing. He took a load of grain into the Vona Elevator late in the afternoon and after he unloaded grain, he ate supper at the cafe. When he left the cafe it was snowing hard, so he headed for home. He had an old, open truck with no top or cab. It was a cold ride and the snow fell so fast that it piled up on the ground and on the seat around him, but he eventually got home. About two feet of Photo of Frank Boger's family taken at their home north of Vona in 1928. L. to R. Fannie, John, Vernis, Ellis, Horace, Flora and Frank. September L2, Lg24 a fellow correspondent from nearby Elphis reported, "Mrs. F.P. Boger and Mrs. C. Jewett were the clerks at the primary electiong held here Tuesday. This is the first time women were chosen for this work in this precinct and we feel a little "skeered" that the sterner sex will no more Horace Boger was a resident of the Vona area for 85 years. He was born to Frank and Flora Boger at Belleville, Kansas on November 19, 1900 and came to the family's home conducting elections". Ellis was the first to leave the ranch as he moved to California in 1922. Frank and Flora moved to Siebert in 1929 taking John, Vernis, and Fannie with them. Frank and his sons continued the blacksmith business in Siebert work. He attended school at the Boger school south of his home. When we were kids, and my cousins and I were wanting to go somewhere, our dads always told us that when they were kids they had to stay home and work and didn't get to run around. Several years ago we came across several issues of the "Seibert Settler" newspaper and through its news items found that they really did get to go places and quite often at that! We saw that they never did live that have a monopoly of such soft snaps as and Flora was the Justice of the Peace. Horace remained at Vona to operate the ranch and spent the rest of his life there. Frank's health failed in the late 1930's and they moved to Colorado Springs in 1939. Frank passed away there in 1940 and Flora in 1956. Other deaths in the family were: Ellis in 1970, John in 1982, and Horace in 1985. Vernis now lives in Pittsburg, Kangas and Fannie (Robinson) lives in Security, Colorado. The Boger farm is now occupied by Mrs. Horace Boger and her daughter and her north of Vona at the age of two months. He spent his childhood, EN most farm boys do, helping his father and learning the farming and ranching that would become his life's down! Through the 1920's Horace worked as Road Overseer for the county. The "Seibert Settler" also contained some items concerning this. April 18, L924 "Road Overseer, Horace Boger, is finding -it hard to find men snow fell and stayed on the ground all winter. The threshing job was not finished until the following March. His parents moved to Seibert in 1929 and he took over the farming and ranching. In 1939 he bought the homestead from his parents, On March 14, 1930 he married Opal Gulley at Burlington, Colorado. On March 15th they attended a sale at Seibert. Horace bought a table and six chairs, a 72 piece set of Blue Willow china, a library table and other odds and ends. Since he had been "batching" for a year, he had all the necessities for house- keeping. Opal was born to N.O. and Bertha Gulley on October 8, 1908 at Lawrence, Kansas and came to Colorado at the age of nine months. She grew up in the sandhills northeast of Vona and developed a deep affection for the sand, sage, and prairie wind. She attended Kechter School and Rainbow Valley Sunday School. Opal enjoyed working in her yard and planted many bushes and trees. Her fatherin-law, Frank Boger, brought her many of the things she enjoyed such as books, kittens, dogs, and the first calf born after she cnme to the farm. The calf, Rosemary, became quite a pet as well ffl a very productive milk cow. These things all helped to fill the many days that Opal spent alone while Horace fanily, John, Joyce and Holly Miller. by Joyce Miller BOGER, HORACE AND OPAL F68 p |,. l tl. OpaI Boger at her home in about 1936. Horace Boger at his home north of Vona in the mid 1930's. �worked at custom corn shelling and threshing. He did corn shelling and threshing through the 30's and 40's. Some of those who worked with him were: Bill Maag, Andrew Eggink, and Roy Crum. Corn shelling was a big event in those days. In November the corn was picked and when it was piled up the sheller would pull in. All the close neighbors would come to help scoop the corn into the sheller. Some of the women csme too and helped with dinner. At the end of the day there was a huge pile ofshucks or husks, a pile ofcobs, and the pile of golden corn. The cobs were used for fuel and the husks were fed to the cattle. Horace always loved the old machinery and in later years enjoyed attending the antique engine and thresher shows with his good friend, Mick Monroe, and was especially pleased when his granddaughter, Holly Miller, took an interest and like to attend these events with him. Horace and Opal had one daughter, Joyce, who was born December 20, L945 at Flagler, Colorado. There was a polio epidemic that year, so Opal and Joyce made only very limited trips away from home. Horace enjoyed reading and politics. He also enjoyed photography and accumulated a large collection of photos depicting life in the 20th century. Farming was his life and through blizzards, dust storms, floods, invasions of grasshoppers and web worms, good times and bad, he continued farming and was still actively engaged in farming at the time of his death on December 6, 1985. Opal remains on the farm and still enjoys books, her yard and nature. by Joyce Miller parents, Snmuel S. Frankfather and Anna Maria Gilson Frankfather, moved to Nebraska from Potterstown, Ohio, with three older children (Viva, Manley and Arthur) intending to homest€ad near Lincoln. All of that homestead land had been taken, so they went to Roca, about 10 miles southeast of Lincoln and homest€aded on 80 acres near there. Her father started a general merchandise store and her mother a hotel in Roca. Three younger children (Clay, Mabel and Grace) were born in Roca. In 1896, Samuel Frankfather, his wife and the three younger children went to Cripple Creek, Colorado, with two teems and wagons and two heavy tents. He staked a gold claim on Spring Creek, had it surveyed and patented, but did not strike gold. However, the neighbors did hit gold and on the strength of that find, Ss-uel sold his claim for 96000 and returned with his family to Roca in the fall of 1899. The next spring the family returned to Colorado and settled on a farm one and one-half miles northwest of Vona. When living near Vona, Mabel gave piano lessons in the Seibert-Vona area, traveling by bicycle. (Later her children learned to ride on For want of a nsme, decided on "Comet." The number assigned was one twentythree In spite of the hoo-doo, happy are we; Institution was had - the deed was done In fair Colorado, at Burlington. Mabel Frankfather Boger was born on November 25, 1880 and died on August 10, 1966. by Della and Irene Boger BOGER, WYATT F70 that old tall bicycle which had no coaster brakee.) She also finished teaching the school tcrm started by Dacy Lee who quit to marry her brother, Clay Frankfather. Mabel attended normal school in Burlington in July 1902, and roomed at the C.A. Yersin home. During his snmpaign for Kit Carson County Clerk and Recorder, Wyatt Roger met Mabel Frankfather and after his election asked her to be a clerk in his office. She worked for him and becsme his bride on June 3, 1903. Mabel and Wyatt lived in a small house in Old Burlington for a year or two before they built a four-room house on the blockjust east of the courthouge. When the family increased BOGER, MABEL FRANKFATIIER F69 Our mother, Mabel Frankfather Boger, was born at Roca, Nebraska. In 1868, her they remodeled it to an eight-room house in which they lived the rest of their lives. This house was eventually sold and moved to its present location, 536-9th St., Burlington. While raising a family of five children, Bertha, Lowell, Della, Irene and Erma (the second child, Willard, died in infancy), Mabel continued to work with Wyatt in his various offices. She was appointed Clerk of the District Court and held that office for 40 years (1918-1958) after which she retired. During part of this period she also served as Deputy Clerk of the County Court while Wyatt was County Judge. After his death she continued his work as Vital Statistician until ehe retired. Music was one of Mabel's prime interests and while in Cripple Creek, she played the organ and her brother Clay fiddled for oldtime dancing. For several years she played the reed organ and later the piano at the Methodist Church in Burlington. She also enjoyed collecting antique glassware, gardening, and sang alto in many choral groups. She was a charter member of the Aurora Chapter of the Eastern Star, and was a member for over 50 years. She also became a charter member of the Comet Rebekah Lodge, and remained a member throughout her life. She composed the following poem: On the eighteenth of May, Nineteen-Ten, A group of women, and also men, Desiring to form a Rebekah Lodge For the good of mankind, and the star to dodge Mabel Frankfather Boger on June 3, 1902 When Halley's own stal was at it's summit Wyatt Boger, June 3, 1903. Our father, Wyatt Boger (Andrew Wyatt Boger) was born near Viola, Illinois. His parents Andrew and Abigail Boger, with four sons (Frank, Edward, Wyatt and J"-es) moved to a farm in Kansas near Chester, Nebraska, when Wyatt wag nine years old. Wyatt walked from the farm to Chester for his schooling and graduated from Chester High School in 1891, after which he attended a teaching preparatory school in Hebron, Nebraska, and later Campbell University at Holton, Kansas. He taught school in the Kansas-Nebraska area. In 1893, he and his brother Edward left Chester, Nebraska, traveling by covered wagon, headed for Colorado to seek land for Edward. On the fifteenth day they arrived in Burlington. They visited the Land Office there to ascertain what lands could be bought or homesteaded. Land was selling for about $600 to $2000 per quarter, deeded. Some homesteaders were selling their claims for $25 to $50 (160 aces). They traveled on north to Vona, where a former neighbor lived. They spent a week with him while they scouted the area for land. Wild game, such as jackrabbits, antelope, wolves, badgers and prairie dogs, were plentiful. They decided on a piece of land and left the next day for the U.S. Land Office in Hugo to file the claim. On June 8, 1893, Edward paid $16 forthe SW% 34-6-48. They immediately left to return to the farm in Kansas where Wyatt was to resume his �ffi l a'.1 ,*^t1 f,*! r' Kensington, Kansas. George Ormsbee, well known in Burlington as a real estate broker, knew Mr. Boggs had always desired to be back farming as his children were growing up. Learning about land for sale in Kit Carson County he sold his business in Kaneas. Mr. Omsbee then completed the sale of the old Chicago Ranch, sixteen miles south and west of Burlington. The ranch consisted of 1440 acree of deeded land and 2 Yz sections of grass land for cattle raising. The home place was about % mile north, having a nice two story home, windmill and adjacent pond, plus small buildings for milk cows, hogs and -ut chickens. Mr. Boggs desired to have his children receive as good an education as possible that his ability would provide, so a move to Burlington was in order for high school. Later Wyatt and Mabel Frankfather Boger on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1953. teaching. In 1896 Wyatt returned to Colorado to engage in farming and raising of cattle with his brother Frank, who had acquired a farm 14 miles north of Vona. Wyatt first had a brand BJ - range Hell Creek, Seibert. Later, at Burlington he had a brand YY. In 1901 while traveling over the county by horse and buggy, ssmpaigning for the office of Kit Carson County Clerk and Recorder, he met Mabel Frankfather of Vona. Many times he rode the west-bound freight train from Burlington, jumped off at Vona, and walked to the Frankfather farm to visit her. When he won the election and assumed office in 1902, he asked Mabel to be a clerk in his office. Mabel Frankfather and Wyatt were married on June 3, 1903, in Seibert, by the Reverend N.H. Hawkins. The minister was late getting to the ceremony, which finally had to take place at the railroad station just minutes before the train left for Burlington. The ministcr had time only to say, "I now pronounce you man and wife". Wyatt asked him if without the usual ritual his statement would be binding. He replied: "It better be!" They established their residence in Burlington and remained there for the rest of their lives. Here their six children were born (Bertha, Willard, Lowell, Della, Irene and Erma) and five grew to adulthood and graduated from Burlington High School. The second child, Willard, died in infancy. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1953. During his lifetime Wyatt was engaged in some private businesses and held offices, such as: County Clerk and Recorder; Clerk of the District Court; County Judge; Mayor of Burlington; member of the Board of Trustees, Town of Burlington; served on the Board of Education; established the first abstract of title business in Kit Carson County; owner of the first Burlington tele- phone system; Vice-President, Burlington State Bank; Treasurer, Colorado State Fair Board; Liberty Loan Committee (WWI Bonds); Kit Carson County War Food Administrator (WWI); Kit Carson County Se- lective Service Committee (WW[); salesman for Businessmen's Life Assurance Company, Kansas City, Missouri; substitute rural mail carrier for Burlington Post Office; and Vital Statistician for the eastern half of Kit Carson County. He owned a section of land north of Burlington and had a tenant farmer, but enjoyed looking after it and hunting for ducks, pheasants and rabbits, and fishing at Bonny Dam. He liked gardening and planted the first trees at the courthouse, and trees around his home and farm. Wyatt was a great lover of horses, often winning first prize at the County Fair for best ofbreed. His trotting horses were raced at the County Fair. He kept his horses in the big barn and pasture back of the house on land where the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital is now located. Wyatt was initiated into the Masonic Lodge in Burlington in 1903 and was a past master, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a charter member of the Chester, Nebraska, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (1893) and continued his membership with that chapter. He became a member of the Comet Rebekah Lodge of Burlington in 1910. Wyatt Boger, born on February 23, 1872 died on September 15, 1953. by Della and Irene Boger BOGGS, JOHN FAMILY F71 John S. Boggs and family moved to Burlington, Colorado late in June 1917. His wife Daisy and children, Ralph 14, Ray 12, Irma 10, Harold 6, and Thelma 3. John Boggs had been engaged in operating a General Store at Reamsville and Kensington, Kansas. In addition he lived on a farm some three miles south of Reamsville, operating it in conjunction to his business. Later in 1912 he purchased a General Merchandise store in the family moved to Denver where Ralph and Ray were able to go to D.U. for two years in the early 1920's. So back to Burlington and also to the Ranch. Mr. Boggs was always interested in politics both from a precinct up to the county and -state level. As time carried he was prominent in the Grange, an agricultural agency, that was quite a factor in agriculture. Late in the 1920's he ran and was elected on the Republican ticket for county treasurer. For this he served three years. Then he felt he would like to run for a state office, when he learned he had a good opportunity to win; he entered the race and won, serving two twoyear terms. He filed to run a third term but was defeated principally by the Ku Klux Klan. This ended his career in politics, other than being active for others seeking office. Finally disposing of property south of Burlington, he purchased some one hundred acres northeast of Burlington, living there .until his death on February 16, 1946. John Boggs was a man you could rely upon. His word was his bond. He believed in fairness to all and his convictiong were not changed. Mrs. Daisy Boggs, John's wife, was a real lady. Her place was in the home. In times good or bad, she never complained. The five children she raised were always close to her. The children's problems became hers and they seemed to work out to everyone's satisfaction. She passed away Oct. 3, 1976; just six weeks short of her 98th birthday. Ralph Boggs, the first son, lived in Burlington until 1933. During high school drove a school bus and later worked for Mr. Cecil Reed, the local Ford Dealer. He married Martha Abbott, who formerly taught school in Burlington. They made their home in California. Ray, the second son, was a year and four months younger than Ralph. They both were close and went through high school and two years ofcollege. After returning to Burlington he worked for Penny Hardware. Latpr Mrs. Della Hendricks, County Superintendent of Schools, invited him to teach school, where at Bethune, a new four teacher school was constructed. He left there in 1928 to play ball in the oil fields in Wyoming where the opportunity cnme for a try out with the Boston Braves of the National League. His left shoulder bothered him, which eventually ended a short baseball career. He went into business with International Harvester and settled in Grand Junction, Co. He married and has three children. �Irma, first daughter of John and Daisy Boggs, was born Dec. 2, 1907. Her early schooling was in Kansas. She finished her grade school and went on to high echool in Burlington. She married in 1920 to Jn'neg C. Keese of Burlington. They worked at his brother's ice plant and later for Mr. Henry Klinker, local tire dealer. They moved to Fort Collins, Co. William Harold Boggs, fourthchild of John and Daisy Boggs, was born March 4th, 1911 in Rea-sville, Kansas. He finished his grade and high school at Burlington. He later went to University of Colo. In 1939 he and his wife moved to Steamboat Springs where he eetablished a hardware store. Thelma Boggs, the fifth and last child of John and Daisy, was born in Kensington, Kansas, November 2, L914. She completed her grade and high school in Burlington. Early in 1938 she moved to California near her brother Ralph and met and married her husband. After her husband served in the U.S. Army they operated a grocery store. land. We spent seven years in Arvada elementa- ry school. At that time there were only two schools in the town of 1800 people. Homer Peck, who once lived in Stratton, was the school superintendent. Rationing of many items was imposed by the government because of war time shortages. At this time we decided to return to the Kirk area to teach and farm. Ag late as 1949 new farm tractors were rationed. A friend informed me that there wae a row type Oliver tractor available in Kiowa, Kansas. I was able to make the purchase by phone and rode there with a farmer who was traveling in that direction. I drove the tractor back to Kirk, a distance of 400 miles. About this time our 3 daughters were attending school so Elizabeth found commu- nity employment to aid in financing my college education through summer school and night classes that were available at many of the schools in the area. I finally earned a Masters degree in education from U.N.C. in 1963. by Ray Boggs BOONE, ELMER AND ELIZABETH (sHrvELY) Our daughter Betty Smith, has been a primary teacher in Stratton since 1963. Another daughter Peggy Wright taught in Colorado and Arizona. At present she is served as elementary principal. Our time is filled with gardening, church, golf, travel, and community activities. chances. employed by the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. Carol, the youngest is living in ment. We have both retired and elected to reside in Stratton where I had taught 12 years and by Elmer Boone BOONE, FRED AND IIARRIETT BROWN F73 Elmer and Lib Boone with daughters left to right: Betty, Carol and Peggy. My teaching career began at the Fremont rural school in 1927. There were 36 pupilg in grades 1 through 8. The term was 8 months. The school board decided for a 9 month term the following year. After two years I began teaching in the upper grades at Kirk. Fe-ilies cnme for a 3 day outing. One-room schools dotted the plains. Railroad towns were first to have high schools. The Boone children attpnded the Fox School (1913-18). By 1920 non-railroad towns established high schools. Considerable interest result€d when the "Raleigh Man" brought his wares. Some were: salves, shoe polish, extracls, perfumes, combs, brushes, etc. He relied on the hospitality of the family for lodging, a meal, and feed for his horse which pulled his buggy. Communication was inadequate. The wallphone with the hand crank and barbed-wire fences were used. Soon the system expanded to include most of the area. A caller used a system of short or long rings to signal a neighbor. Everyone on the line could hear the ring. It was common for many to "listen in". This was a means for "keeping up" on community happenings. Mail was first transported by horse and carriage. Mail was brought from Stratton to While tcaching at Kirk, I beco-e ac- quainted with Elizabeth Shively. Her parents cane to Colorado in 1906 and 1908 to obtain homesteads in north Kit Carson County. They were married in November 1910. Their Tuttle 20 miles north. A canier took it from there to the Kirk area. Early postage rates were: postcard, 1 cent; a letter 2 cents. three children attended the Hell Creek School seven miles southeast of Kirk. They graduated from the Kirk High School. Elizabeth and I were manied in 1932. We The country store stocked food stuff, cloth and clothing, and hardware. The farmers brought eggs, cream, and poultry to market taught in Arriba the next three years. During this time we experienced the extremely severe dust storms that ruined crops and caused much distress in this and other statee. Betty, our first child, beca-e ill due to the dust that penetrated all buildings. Wespenttwo terms in Hugo where I taught the seventh grade. During this period a large area of Lincoln County was overrun by grasshoppers. They were so thick that all vegetation was consumed in their path. They resembled a giant carpet moving across the My parents, Fred Boone and Haniett Brown Boone lived on Fred's homestead west of Kirk. Fred came to Colorado with his father Otis Boone in 1898. Harriett had arrived at the Cope area with her parents and grandparents in 1888. Grandpa Cope established the Cope grove. It served as a recreation center for an annual old settlers'picnic. Entertainment consisted of: various types of horse races, baseball, tent shows, merry-goround, dances, fortune tellers, and games of Houston, Texas. She has experienced success as a sales representative in electronic equip- F72 Harriett Brown Boone to get funds for family expenses. Draft horses powered the feed grinder and corn sheller. The straw burning stesm engine powered the threshing machine. Fred Boone Fred and Hauiett formed a partnership with Cal Kness, called an Auto Livery in 1911 in Stratton. This was sold to A.S. Baker & Son. The Boonee returned to the farm. They rented the Watt's Ranch to raise cattle, hogs, chickens and grain. This venture lasted until 1918. They arranged for a public auction in �the fall with Claud Irvin. A week before sale day Fred suffered a severe attack ofappendicitis causing hig death. Years later Claud told Fred's son, Elmer, that he sold his first $100 cow at that sale. Harriett was left with five young children ranging in age from 6 months to 1l years. She found employment in Cope as a clerk in the general store. She also bought cream for the BORDERS, FLOYD business until he retired in 1965. Floyd maried Ethel Freeman from Genoa, Colorado, on Januar5r 17, 1987. They still reside at Stratton. by Floyd Borders BORDERS, JOHN W. co-op creamery. This building was moved years later to Old Town in Burlington. F76 Harriett's two older children graduated from the Cope High School. Both prepared for the teaching profession and devoted a lifetime to the field of education. by Elmer Boone BOONE, OTIS E. AND ELIZABETH r.74 One man stood alone and slightly aside from a tattered band of homesteaders who were lined horseshoe fashion around a grave sunken in the sunbaked prairie soil. A small crudely fashioned casket lay at his feet. He was speaking extemporaneously with the Bible held in one hand. After the close of his comments, the coffin was lowered and the loose earth shoveled over it to form a small mound. The mourners filed away to their claims in family groups and the lay minister Floyd and Rena Bordere watched them, wondering if he had fulfilled his task which had been thrust upon him. His answer came only two days later when he was again asked to say final words over the grave of an old man. Left to right Floyd, Hazel and Hal Borders "For those who would live long lives, I I recommend eating lightly and never more than common sense eind necessity demand," was his comment to those he contacted. He also stated "Many people dig their graves J with their table fork." O.E. Boone was born in 1860 in southern Illinois and was already a man of mature years and the father ofsix when he loaded his family and some possessions in a covered wagon (chicken crates on top and cattle trailing behind) to head west to Colorado and the bleak promise of a dryland homestead Floyd with his eister Hazel Harrison and brother Marion in 1986. near the present community of Kirk. In 1898 Floyd B. Borders was born January 27, Stratton (Claremont). Mogt of the choice land was gone by this time. He did not know the methods of use for 1903, to John W. and Mandy I. Borders at Claremont, Colorado, later known as Stratton. His education consisted of 12 years at the Stratton School. In his earlier years he worked for Holloway Garage and helping his the area received mail addressed to the Tuttle post office about 20 miles north of dryland farming. He was further handi- capped by modest circumstances and a large family. One of the first needs was water. A shaft 120 feet deep was sunk by a pulley and rope arrangement, raised and lowered with a draft horse. Patience, hard work, and the ability to adjust to the new environment was rewarded. By 1915 Grandfather Boone had purchased additional land and had a 320 acre farm, a modern nine room home, large barn with haymow, a silo and underground water lines to supply livestock. This was the Boone home for 21 years. He became restless and sold to a Mr. Young for $60 per acre. It was a good price, but in his later years he felt the decision to sell was a mistake. by Elmer Boone father on the farm. He was married to Rena Mae Hartwig, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hartwig, on December L2, L927. To this union were born two children, Richard Lee and Donald Dee. Richard mauied Patty Lowe and they had three boys, Rich, Bill and Mark. They have a ranch north of Bovina, Colorado. Donald married Sandra Simpson and they had three children, Tom, Betsy and Mary. Donald who was an M.D. passed away in Fresno, California in 1985. Floyd's wife, Rena, passed away August 13, r"976. Floyd went into partnership with his father John W. and Oscar Hillencnmp in 1925, later building elevators at Vona, Flagler, Arriba, Genoa and Hugo. These were known as Snell Grain Company. He stayed in the elevator John W. Borders came to Colorado in 1897 with his father, landing at Vona, Colorado. He worked on the section for 130 an hour, 10 hours daily. He paid 94.50 for a week's board and saved money. He worked on ranches and herded sheep. At the residence of the bride's parents, Wednesday, April 9, 1902, Miss Mandy Iva Fuller became the bride of Mr. John W. Borders. Both were graduates of Stratton School. They homesteaded three miles northwest of Stratton, living there for five years. Then they moved into town and went into business with Mr. Fuller. They had just been located a few days when the Fuller Store and their home was destroyed by fire. They had four children, Floyd who maried Rena Hartwig; Halbert; Hazel who married Herschel Harrison: and Marion who married Eleanor DeWalt. "Bill", as he was called, was widely known as a grain dealer throughout Kit Carson County. He was the manager and main stock holder of the Snell Grain Company of Stratton. The business had six branches: Stratton, Vona, Flagler, Arriba, Genoa and Hugo. He bought out Snell Milling and Grain Company of Clay Center, Kansas. The elevator in Stratton has been added to many times since its beginning. Snell Company reorganized and incorporated and its name was changed to Snell Grain Company. Mr. Borders was a member of the Stratton Rotary Club and a Modern Woodman. He was one ofthe organizers and directors ofthe Colorado Grain and Feed Dealers Associa- tion. He was a pioneer in the truest sense of the �Church of God for the rest of her life. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and was song leader most of those years, too. In 1967 she was voted "Homemaker of the Year" of Kit Carson County. Rena was a trustee of the Stratton Public Library Board for many years. She also served on the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital Board for 11 years. '':,,,' Rena's son Richard Lee Borders of Genoa, & Colorado married Patricia Ellen Lowe, daughter of Archie M. and Laura (Green- r wood) Lowe of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. They have three sons; Richard Lowe, James William "Bill", and Mark Owen. her son Doctor Ronald Dee Borders of Fresno, California married Sandra Simson, daughter of Arthur and Genevieve (Nelson) Simson of Hemet, California. They have three children; Thomas Arthur, Mary Ann, and Elizabeth Irene. Dr. Donald D. Borders passed away on April 3rd, 1985. Rena passed away August 13th, 1976. Rena spent many hours doing beautiful fancy work and left a legacy of her work and Christian faith for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ,,:trl, by Dick Borders Borders relatives at the S.L. Howell homestead, two miles north of Vona, Section 22-8-48 in August of 1907. Seated: Eliza H. Clark Howell, Myrtle Musselman, Clark Howell, Floyd Borders, and Uncle Newt Howell. Second Row: Roy Musselman, Emma Musselman holding Helen, HaI Borders, Manda Borders holding Hazel Borders, Will Musselman, Daniel (Granpa) Musselman, Nancy Musselman, Nan Musselman. Back Row: Sylvester Lowry Howell, Clara Howell, WiII Borders, Harry Howell, Glen Howell, Myrt Howell, Fieldan Musselman, Ruby Howell, May Howell, Burt Hughs, Laura Howell holding Rex and Charles Howell. word and endured many hardships in order to establish and maintain a solidarity of business for the Stratton area. by Floyd Borders BORDERS, RENA MAE HARTWIG maternity ward. Lusture Hartwig, Rena's brother, lives in Wichita, Kansas and Iola Hartwig Howe, Rena's sister lives in Hutchinson, Kansas. Rena accepted Christ as her Savior in 1932 and was a faithful. active member of the :ra,: .e;. '3.,' ?e, traveled to Stratton by railroad. Henrietta Hartwig, Rena's grandmother, metthe family {l at the railroad station and took them to lunch at Basleys Hotel. Then they were off for the homest€ad of Henrietta Hartwig northeast of Vona in her spring buggy. l wr ,$ ,.t .&'6 ,9 r$ t{ .* $ t( s 4 r( ,CC ,r$' Rena lived on the homestead with her * family and went to school in a sod school born to Rena and Floyd and on August 24th, 1932 another son, Donald Dee was born. Rena operated a maternity ward in her Dick married Patricia Ellen Lowe Augtut ',1 moved to Lexington, Missouri when a small child and started her schooling there. The family consisting of a brother Lusture and a sister Iola moved to Colorado in 1915. They lived there until moving to Stratton where she lived the remainder of her life. On May 18th, 1931 a son, Richard Lee was School in 1949. He served in the army for two years (eighteen months in Korea). He received an Honorable Discharge in July 1954. )r, { i}r Lti , 1i {) }r 3tu &.t ') r.t I t,.,r ..ti I t *)r &1,t 7:t ,*t '.'t?, :j i *, )' *., Y]t ,4,g ! rt. t t.t r "1 ! : t *i';!, tl l,,q ?itr {'{,,,t at *;'1, lJ t'c !r * 'g i tt it*,,,t *; l, $ l{ t*. ! ? !,, ' 9 ;., i'a't*.' r ilc,) n t{ ,..jst 0 t{ ir '** ,,0, 1.1 "& ' ,ft in Wellington, Missouri, the eldest child of Adolph and Nona (Finch) Hartwig. She son of John Willi"m and Manda I. (Fuller) Borders, December L2th ,1927 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Rena and Floyd lived north ofStratton on a farm then moved to Vona and Dick Borders, son of Floyd and Rena Hartwig Borders was born in Stratton, Colorado May 18, 1931. Dick's great grandparents, N.H. Fullers came to Stratton in 1888 and his grandfather J.W. Borders in 1897. Dick graduated from Stratton High to the time Rena started operating her Rena Mae Hartwig was born June 23, 1907 Vona Road. She attended and graduated from high school in Vona. Rena married Floyd Benjnmin Borders, F78 home for approximately 12 years. Floyd's mother, Manda I. Borders had operated a maternity ward in her home in Stratton prior F77 house north of Vona about eight miles on the BORDERS, RICHARD LEE , t , I ,gp # {p. ,( i*, .}, ",:),|ffft, .,.@| Floyd and Rena Mae Borders, Thanksgiving 1974 ,' I , I I, .t, .L:. '11,.'' �29, 1954 in the Methodist Church in other children married and moved from the county. Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Patricia, the daughter ofArchie and Laura Lowe, was born April 24, 1933 in Cheyenne County. Patricia's grandparents, Edward Lowe and Theodore Only one son, Willinm survives and he lives in Lafayette, Colorado. by Florence McConnell Greenwood, came to the Stratton area in 1907 and 1908, respectively. Patricia graduated from Cheyenne County High School in 1952 and attended the University of Colorado for two years. BRACIITENBACH GLASENER FAMILY Dick and Patty lived for one year in Stratton and Dick worked for Snell Grain Co. The Snell Grain Co. at that time was owned by the Borders Family. In August of 1955 Dick and Patty moved to Arriba where Dick began learning the management of the Snell Grain Co. elevator. October 6, 1955 Richard Lowe was born in Cheyenne Wells at the County Hospital. April lst 1957 Dick and Patty again moved. This time they moved to Genoa where Dick became the manager of the Snell Grain Co. elevator. Dick managed the elevator for over 15 years. During this time Dick and Patty had acquired farm and ranch property thus their interests were changing. November 6, 1957 James William "Bill" was born in Cheyenne Wells at the St. Joseph Hospital. December 19, 1959 Mark Owen was born in Cheyenne Wells at the St. Joseph Hospital. This completed the Dick Borders pnmily of F80 Adolph Brachtenbach was born Oct.2L, 1848 in Oberfeulen, Diekirch, Luxembourg. William and Mabel Bowker in Evanston. She was the daughter ofJohann Peter Glasener and Margaritha Welter. Barbara was born Aug. 29, 1855 in Oberfeulon, Kiekirch, Lur. Her parents came to America in 1869 by way of Canada. Adolph and Barbara lived in the Chicago Sons. Dick and Patty's sons grew up in the Genoa community going to church first at E.U.B. and thenthe United MethodistChurch. They took part in 4-H, as well as other community activities, and graduated from the Genoa area from their mariage until 1904, with Adolph operating truck farms in the areas of Skokie, Niles Center, Drexall and Cicero. Public High School. April 1st, 1972, Dick and Patty moved to their present home. This home ig the former Glenn Garten farm, which they had purchased from Glenn and Vera Garten. Dick is a member of the Genoa Lions Club and the United Methodist Church. He served on the board of directors for the Snell Grain Co. for many years. Dick was a member of the Genoa town board for a number of years. He has held several church board positions. Patricia is a member of Mayflower Chapter No. 118 Order of the Eastern Star, Past Matrons Club of Eastern Star Cheyenne Wells, United Methodist Church, and United Methodist Women. She served as secretary and treasurer of the Lincoln County Republi- can Central Committee, worked as a 4-H leader for over 10 years and has worked at many other community projects. Dick, Patty, and their sons and families farm and ranch in Lincoln, Cheyenne, and Kit Carson Counties. by Dick Borders They were the parents ofeleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. Their first child L to R: Sitting, Mabel and William with children BilI, Lois, Charles and Klein. FAMILY Edith (Powers) Hasart. They then moved to Burlington, Colorado. He then left his family and wife Mable to work and support her younger children. She went to work at the new Kit Carson Memorial Hospital where she worked many years as a nurse's aide. AIso one older son worked at the hospital along with the youngest daughter. She worked to put herself through school. In the early fifties she met a man and remarried and moved to Michigan. He passed away and ill health forced her back to William H. Bowker brought his wife Mabel and family to Kit Carson County in 1934. They had a family of eight children, the youngest born here. The children were Lois Isabelle (Wilson), Charles, Klein, William, Gerald, H""ry, Neva, and Ray. away in 1957. He remarried and came back to Burlington to retire and he passed away in 1959. They are both buried in Fairview Cemetery. F79 William liked to roam so went several different places. They first lived on a farm died in infancy. The other children were: Peter, born 1881 who married Mary Ann Hammrich; Nicholas, born 1884 who married Katherine Lenzen; Michael, born 1887 who manied Amanda Buck; Henry, born 1889 seven miles south of Stratton. Some of the children attended District #59 School which is still standing. One of the boys'teachers was Colorado to be near her family and she passed BOWKER - JUDSON His parents were Jean Brachtenbach born Sep. 23, 1814 in Stagen, Diekirch, Lux., and Elizabetha Schandel born May 9, 1812 in Oberfeulen, Diekirch, Lux. His ancestral lines go back to the late 1600's in Luxembourg through Catholic Church records. There is a town named Brachtenbach in that country. Adolph left Luxembourg about age 24 to come to America. He spent some time in Paris, France, probably to earn passage monies. The 1900 census stat€s that he was in America 25 years (1875) so he probably spent about three years in Paris. He met and married Barbara Glasener of Evanston, Cook Co. Ill. They were married Nov. 17, 1879 in St. Mary's Catholic Church Their oldest daughter married "Boots Wilson" and remained in the county the rest of her life. The third son married a Stratton girl and raised twelve children. He worked for the Rock Island Railroad until his death. Son Harry married and lived in Burlington many years and worked for the State Highway. Son William married after serving in the Army and he worked at Kit Carson County Memo- rial Hospital and later moved away. The who married Elizabeth Morfeld; John, born 1890 who did not marry; Mary Catharine, born 1892 who married Martin Reker; Barbara Margaret, born 1894 who married Albert Hadley; Susan Lillian, born 1895 who married Carl (Jake) Morfeld; Edward, born 1897 who manied Ruth Rogers; and Joseph, born 1900, who married Ethelyn Stork. In 1904 the family moved to Ipswich, South Dakota to farm. They left South Dakota because ofthe cold weather. In the spring of 1909 they moved to a farm twelve miles southeast of Sidney where they built their home and resided until Adolph died March 24, L935. Barbara preceded him in death March 3, 1915 from cancer. Adolph and Barbara are buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Sidney. Descendants of this couple are still living in the area. Adolph and sons built the necessar5r farm buildings and a good house for his family. His place was neat and well kept. His smoke house hung with ham, bacon and sausages. Peter and family left the Sidney area in 1916 for Stratton, Colorado where they built up a farm. Peter died 28 Dec. 1935. Mary died 11 Mar. 1949. Four children survived. Nick farmed the homestead of Katie's gouth and west of Lorenzo for forty five and haU years until they retired and moved to Sidney. He died 11 June 1958. Katie and seven children �survived. Mike farmed some, returned to a breakfast being served after the ceremony Chicago, then back to Sidney. He died 2 Oct. 1964. Survivore are Amanda and two daughters. Henry and family lived over the hill from his parents. In 1938, they moved to Oregon byAthalia's mother, Tesga Sholes. Their first home was shared with Ade's mother so he could help with the farm work. and Henry died 15 May 1970. Elizabeth and two sons are living. One son deceased. John died 16 Aug. 1943. He was a First World War Veteran. Mary died 14 June 1959. Martin died 5 July 1954. They had five children. Elizabeth died in 1973. Albert died in 1960. They had one son. Susie and Jake Morfeld went to Oregon in the late thirties. Susie died 10 Oct. 1975. Jake and son died in February 1980. One daughter survives. Ed died in 1983, the last of his family. Ruth lives in Sterling, Colorado with her two daughters. One son and daughter died in infancy. Joe died 3 Feb. 1963. Ethelyn lives in Greeley, CO. with a son and two daughters nearby. Two sons died, Daniel in 1979 and Joseph in 1985. Adolph would live for awhile with one of his children and then stay with another. He loved to run foot races with his grandchildren. He never went back to Luxembourg. His brother Peter died in Chicago in 1900. His sister Mary resided in Chicago. She married a Schrieber. Blessed Pioneers! What choice Model A Ford. They soon moved to Sidney, Nebragka where Ade worked for the railroad and lived in a very small trailer house. The roof leaked, so when it rained Athalia had to move their newborn baby, Audrey, from one ancestors! They were Special. Ade was very proud of his first car - a 1929 spot to another to keep her dry. She was born on May 31, 1941. The three of them made another move to Dillon, Colorado where Ade worked long and hard hours on a dairy farm. He soon decided that he didn't want to be a 'dairy-man', so another move was made back to'good-ole' Stratton, Colorado. They moved to the homeplace where a daughter, Margie, was born on November 10, 1943 and Dolores on July 29, L945.In June of 1947 the family experienced a great loss when Dolores drown- Security Administration. Roger is a senior at Rangeview High School in Aurora. The Brachtenbach's youngest daughter, Penny, was married to Lew Carpenter on January 20,L973. They live at Johnson Lake, Nebraska and have one very special family member, their dog, Wiggles. Lew is presently doing sandblasting and Penny works at the Johnson Lake Marina. Adolph passed away October 20, 1987. **We thank our God who was with our family through the good times and bad times; and cherish the memories of our ancestors. by Margie Colpitts BRACHTENBACH, LARRY AND BETTY JEAN ed in the stock tank. During the year 1948 Ade and Athalia purchased their own land, five miles north of Stratton where they started building a herd of Hereford cattle, planted wheat and grew cane to feed the F82 cattle. On June 2, 1949 their last daughter, Penny was born. During the dusty years of the 50's the dfut storms were so bad the cattle would have by Cecilia G. Wilcox BRACHTENBACH, ADOLPH FAMILY F81 weeds sprouting from their backs and the cattle market dropped considerably, so that's when Ade started to raise Shetland ponies and in the 60'g changed to Appaloosa horses and Scotland Highlander cattle. In the late 60's Ade added another new animal the - and Buffalo, which turned out to be his pride jov. Ade and Athalia decided to sell their Buffalo, cattle and land to move into town and a much easier life etyle. This was done and a farm sale was held on August 18, 1979. Athdia developed Aplastic Anemia and on May 15, 1986 the Lord called her home. Their daughter, Audrey married Harold Eisenbad on June 6, 1959. Harold has been employed by the Stratton Equity Coop since 1958 and Audrey works for St. Charles Church and the Stratton Sale Barn. Their oldest daughter Tina (4-10-60) was manied to Dan Gruntorad on September 15, 1979 at St. Charles Church in Stratton. They live in Overton, Nebraeka where Dan works as a welder in Kearney. Tina is a homemaker and nother of three girls, Joni (11-1-81); Tami (10-24-83) and Keri (4-13-87). Brenda (6-2963) was married to Richard (Dick) Ramoe on June 14, 1986 at St. Charles Church. They are living in Colorado Springs, Colorado where Dick is employed as an Electronic Technician for Energy Service Bureau. Brenda is a bank tpller at Century Bank. Russell (10-26-66) attpnded Northwestern Kansas Area VoTech in Goodland, Kansas where he studied to be an electrician. He now lives in Colorado Ade and Athdia Brachtenbach on August 30, 1938. Adolph Nicholas Brachtenbach was born on the 24th of April 1914 in Dix, Nebraska. His parents, Peter and Mary Brachtenbach, homesteaded in the Dix area until moving to Stratton, Colorado during the year of 1918. They purchased land northeast of Stratton and built their family home. Adolph (Ade) married his hometown girlfriend, Athalia Sholes, on August 30, 1938. They were married at St. Charles Catholic Church with Springs, Colorado where he is employed by Riviera Electric Company. Kelly (11-28-69) is currently a student at Stratton High School where she is active in organizations such as FHA and was elected to a state office. Their daughter, Margie married Jim Colpitts on September 28, 1963 and lives in Aurora, Colorado. Jim is a Drywall Hanger and Margie is a secretary for St. Michael's Catholic Church. They have three sons, Rob, Rick and Roger. Rob (10-6-64) is in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Japan and repairs tel- etypee. Rick is in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Meade, Maryland and works for National ,: i: i .'}., *. -r* '{il. '$:' Dee Hope and Laura Jean Brachtenbach eating Dee's birthday cake. Larry, Betty and Matt Brachtenbach. Larry was born on December 31, 1943 in Goodland, Kansas to Steve and Ruth Fla- geolle Brachtenbach. He attended St. Charles grade school and then high school in Stratton. He graduated from high school in 1962. Larry worked on construction crews for awhile after high school and then helped out on his mother's dairy farm after the death of his father in 1963. He spent 6 months in active duty after joining the National Guard. While he was working in construction, he helped build the First National Bank in Stratton and the gym in Bethune. I was born in Goodland, Kansas onJanua4l 22, 1944 to Val and Leona Kordes. I also �attended St. Charles grade school through 8th grade and then to public high school. After graduation in 1962, I moved to Denver and worked as a secretary. On November 12, 1966, we were married at St. Charles Church in Stratton. We started out our life buying the dairy cows from Larry's mother and renting her farm for 4 years. We had a lot to learn and did so real fast. The biggest disaster we had was one morning we came out to milk and found 7 cows and one bull dead. They had somehow gotten into a bulk bin of grain and had foundered. We were a while getting over that. Our first daughter, Laura Jean, was born January 25, 1968. We wanted to own a farm of our own and so we sold our dairy cows and bought a farm 15 miles north ofStratton from Ben and Amy Tesmer in March of 1970. It was an irrigated farm with sideroll sprinklers on it. In 1973 we broke out more pasture land and put in 2 Reinke center pivot sprinklers. We for the most part raise alfalfa, wheat and corn. We also rent two irrigated quarters from Leona Lennemann. In 1981 we purchased wheat land from Vida Mae Young. We raise Simmental cattle and sell a few bulls. We have about 200 cows to calve and during blizzards it is quite a job. Larry had purchased grassland from Lester Collins when he first graduated from high school. We rent the rest of our grass from other land owners. In 1963 we bought grass and wheat land from Vernon Gerke. Our second little girl, Dee Hope, was born on July 27, L97L. On July 17, L971, Larry was seriously hurt in a tractor accident. He spent 4 months in the hospital in Denver. We almost lost him and felt very lucky for a second chance. This community came to help with the crops, cattle and financial aid. It's a blessing to live in a wonderful small community like this. Our son Matthew was born on July 13, 1979, in Burlington, Colo. Laurie and Dee were both born with a genetic disorder known as Hurler's Syndrome. They were never able to talk and care for themselves, but they brought much happiness to our family. They were sick very often but at an early age they were full of life and seemed to enjoy the farm and animals them stories ofthe early days and show them pictures. Elizabeth would play the piano and sing their old country songs in German. They gave Jack and Jim a 1927 Chewolet car for helping them dig out after a bad blizzard we had. They also would hunt arrowheads on a hill near where Bill and Lil Novak lived. She told the kids that if she had her red apron hanging on the clothesline that was a sign to come over, that she was home and had Koolaide and cookies for them. Larry and his brothers and sisters were always very active in 4-H when they were growing up. by Betty Jean Brachtenbach BRACHTENBACH, PETER FAMILY Adolph, was born on 4-24-1914. Peter ceme to Colorado in 1916 and started breaking up land for farming. He brought his family to Stratton, Colorado and received the title to his land on March 1, 1918. The land he purchased was N.E.% and S.E.%; Section 7 - Township 8 - Range 46. When they arrived only a few small buildings were on the land so for six months they lived in a small grainery. Peter, his brother, John, and a friend, Frank Firestein, began building the family house. The weather was starting to turn very cold so it was necessary to work late into the night. In order to work so late Steve had to hold the lantern while his dad, John and Frank measured, sawed, fit and nailed the boards and that house still stands today. The Colorado winters would start in October and for days F83 Peter John Brachtenbach was born on October 25,1879 to Adolph Brachtenbach and Barbara Glasener. Peter's father. Adolph, was born October 21, 1848 in Oberfeulen, Diekrich, Luxemburg. Adolph came to America at age 24 and spent some time working in Paris, France to earn more passage money. After arriving in America he met Barbara Glasener of Evanston, Illinois. They were married on October 17, 1878 in St. Marys Catholic Church,, Chicago, Illinois. They lived in the Chicago area and operated a vegetable farm until f906. While operating the vegetable farm several of the children became ill with typhoid fever, caused from washing the vegetables in cold water. They moved from Chicago to Ipswich, South Dakota and took up dry land farming. Peter helped his parents until 1904 when he began to farm for himself and took Mary Hammrich as his bride on November 27. 1905. During their years in South Dakota two children were born: Margaret in 1907 (dec. 1975) and Steve on 12-13-1910 (dec. 1-9-63). They moved to Nebraska during the spring of 1911 where they farmed around the towns of Sidney, Dalton, and Dix. A second son, and weeks on end the temperature would stay at zero or below with an almost never ending wind. The winter blizzard was an awesome sight and sometimes cause tragedies such as the one in southern Colorado, where a school bus became stranded in a high snow drift and the bus driver and fourteen children ftozeto death. A third son, Joseph, was born in 1921 on the homestead northeast of Stratton. Peter and Mary lived on the farm until his death in 1925. Mary continued to farm with her sons for a number of years; she then moved into town where she lived until her sudden death in 1949. Mary was in good health and had traveled to South Dakota to visit one of her brothers when she suddenly became ill and passed away that same day. Peter and Mary always enjoyed playing cards and spent many Sundays visiting with friends and playing card games. Peter had eleven brothers and sisters of which ten grew to adulthood. Nicholas (1884-1958) married Katie Lenzen, had seven children and spent his entire life farming around Peetz, Colorado. Michael (1887-1964) married Amanda and had two daughters. Henry (1889-1970) married Elizabeth Morfeld, had three sons. They lived in Washington for several years and then moved very much. They were always happy then. Their favorite thing to do was to go with their dad to check the cows and ride with him on the balewagon. He would put a pillow in front of the steering wheel and they would ride for hours watching the bales being loaded. On February 20, 1980, Dee Hope died at the age of 8 and November 9, 1983, Laura died. She would have been 16 in January. In Larry's family there were 8 children; Jim, Jack, Myrna (Carlson), Larry, Denny and Carol (Farrell) and one brother and one sister that died as infants. When Larry was growing up, they lived on horses when they weren't doing chores or helping in the fields. He and his brothers broke horses for other people. Hunting arrowheads was also a big part of growing up on a farm. In my family there are 5 children; Denny, myself, Beverly (Beattie), Patsy (Eisenbart), and Valerie (Thyne). I remember most the Sunday dinners with family friends and all the gemes we could think of to play. Everyone went to town on Saturday for a good movie, which were mostly western or comedy. Larry said they would spend a lot of time with Moddy Moore and Elizabeth Burrie. They lived 1 mile north of their place. They would tell Margaret, Adolf, Peter, Steve and Mary Brachtenbach in 1914 �to Yakima, South Dakota. coal shed roofthe stove pipe from the old potbelly stove came outside there. They stuffed snow down the pipe until the steam and water John (1890-1943) never married. He served in the Infantry in World War I and stood guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Mary (1892-1959) was manied to Martin Reker. He worked at the Union Pacific Round House in Sidney, Nebraska and they had one boy and three girls. Edward (1897-1983) had been married 58 years when he passed away. Most of his life was spent in Sterling, Colorado where he and his wife, Ruth Rogers, raised two daughters. Joseph (1900-1963) married Evelyn Stork and had five children, three boys and two girls. Elizabeth (1902-19?3) married Albert Hadley and had one son. While they were living in Medford, Oregon Albert fell off a railroad car while at work and had both legs cut off. Susie (1903-19?5) married Jake Morfeld and had one boy and one girl. After living in Nebraska for a number of years they moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. **How grateful we are to God for guiding Adolph from Germany to this land of opportunity. May he also guide and bless future generations. by Audrey Eisenbart BRACHTENBACH, STEVE AND RUTH F84 Steve and Ruth's family taken one Christmas at Larry's, Back row: Jack, Denny. Front row: Carol, Larry, Myrna, Ruth and Jim. land in Colorado. He looked up a friend Pete Pitts that had moved to Stratton, Colo. He worked for the railroad and lived just north of the railroad tracks (old Joe McClean place). Prices were going up in a hurry after World War I and the steam engine tractor was being introduced. He found the land they were looking for north of Stratton. It had buildings on it and was close to town. Stratton also had a nice Catholic Church and school. There they built a new house, barn and a concrete hog shed. When Peter built the new house, they hand dug the cistern and pipeline for the water to the house from the well. They had hand pumps in the house so they did not have to carry water from the well to the house This was one of the first homes in that area to have water piped to it. There was also a deep bathtub with Lion's feet on it for legs. Steve helped his dad with the farming. He went to the eighth grade. Some of his schooling he got in a country school located in the eoutheast corner of Sec 16 T 8 S R 46 W. Then later they attended school at St. Charles school. The nuns that taught then were the Presentation Order and were from Iowa. They were mostly lrish descent and Father Munich was of German descent. They did not get along so for a few years there weren't any nuns at Stratton. Later the Most Precious Blood order cnme. After his school years, Steve helped his father farm and he began farming on his own. Then on April 12, 1932 he married Ruth Flageolle. They moved on a farm one mile north of his parents. This farm was owned by Lizzy Burri. They lived there for a year and then moved to a place south of Stratton owned by Aler Scheierman, where their first son Jim was born. They moved and farmed Ruth Steve Brachtenbach Steven Brachtenbach was born on Decem- ber 13, 1910 to Peter J. Brachtenbach and Mary Hammerich Brachtenbach in lpswich, South Dakota. He moved to Sidney, Nebraska with his parents around 1912. His father, Peter, farmed in the Sidney and Dalton, Nebraska area and then bought a half section of land north of Dix on November 2, 1916. He then sold it February 23, 1918 and with the profit from that land sale he hoped to buy several places in the next few years. They then bought a place 12 miles north and 4-% west of Stratton from Ray Bowers and lived there 4 years. They then moved to Steves' mother's farm and rented it until her death in March 1949 at which time they bought it from the estate. Jack now owns the home place. While they lived on the north place, Jim and Jack went to school at the Busy Valley country school. Jim and Jack would ride horses to school; later on they drove a three wheel car the two and one half miles to school. There were several boys in school and one would try to outdo the other with pranks. One time the teacher sent the kids outside after they ate their lunch. She had a visitor and locked the door so they would not come back in for awhile. Jack decided to get up on the roof of the coal shed, which was a lean-to attached to the backside ofthe school house. Above the built up and blew the pipe apart. Soot and water went all over the desk and books. The teacher's desk was a real mess. The teacher came outside to try to catch him as he jumped from the roof, but he outran her and got to his pinto pony and she got her horse but his little pony was faster than her horse and he got away. The teacher was not supposed to have anyone there during school hours, so she didn't report him to the school board. In April of 1962 they sold the north place to Fred Moffit. My mother, Ruth Flageolle, was the second child of the Flageolle family which lived at the "Brownwood Community" sixteen miles northwest of Stratton. Her parents were William Flageolle and Pauline Wynn Flageolle. She was born on February 5, 1914 on the homestead. She attended the country school for a few years and then St. Charles Catholic School in Stratton. She went through the 10th grade. As a young woman my mother helped in neighboringfarm homds during busy seasons doing housework to make money. My mother's main interest was her families health and happiness. She could challenge anyone of us to milking, riding a horse or even driving a tractor. She liked to shock feed and shuck corn. She always canned and preserved food and usually had the shelves full. At night when the work was done Mother liked to do her fancywork. My dad loved to fish and whenever possible we would go to Lake McConaughy in Nebraska or to Eads. He liked to eat them as well as catch them. He always taught us kids to take good care of animals and enjoyed helping us boys break horses. He always made sure he had a watermelon patch and potatoes. In the summer of 1962 he discovered he had termi- nal cancer. It was a very hard time for the family. He was in very much pain but he drove the tractor yet that summer. Jim and I had jobs and so Denny did most of the farming that summer. He was only 16 at the time. On January 6, 1963 he passed away in the Flagler hospital. Mother remained on the farm after Dad's death until Betty and I were married in 1966. She then moved to Chappell, Nebraska and worked for Leprino Cheese Co. for 10 years. She married Norman Robinson from Chappell, Nebraska. They own a home and live in Chappell where Norm is employed at Leprino. She still raises a garden and fresh chickens every year along with helping her husband raise hogs on an acreage outside of Chappell. There were six children in the family. Jim (9-14-1933) married Paulette Powell and they had 2 girls and 3 boys. Their two oldest boys were twins, Kieth and Kenny. The girls were Tonya and Yevette and the youngest boy, James. He lives in Ft. Lupton, Co. where he is a welder. Delbert (2-2-L935 to 4-6-1935). Jack (7-16-1937) married Marsha Richardson and they have 3 boys and 1 girl; Steve, Terry, Jackie and John. Terry was killed in a car wreck. They also have 3 grandchildren. They farm in the Stratton area. Betty (12-23-1939 to L2-27-1939). Myrna (9-19-1941) married Louis Tagtmeyer and has 2 sons, Eugene and Rick. She later married Mick Carlson, and they have a daughter, Shelly, and live in Chappell, Neb. �They also have 2 grandchildren. Myrna works at L,eprina also. Larry (12-31-1943) married Betty Jean Kordes. They had 3 children; 2 girls, Laura and Dee, who both died as young children, and a boy Matthew. They farm in the Stratton area. Denny (2-5-L945) married Christine Calvin. They have 2 girls, Connie and Pam, and 1 boy Bob and farm in the Stratton area. Carol (7-6-L947) manied Bill McNeil and had a boy, Jerry, and a girl, Julie. Later she married Larry Farrell and they have 1 boy, Jeff, and live in New York. Larry works in a cheese factory there. by Larry Brachtenbach went back east after two years. Then J.T. Roberts, who had homesteaded near Beloit, purchased the hotel and the etore in the early nineties. He operated it, with the help of his family, and a man bythe name of Scot Ready. It was a general store. They handled everything including drugs. If he didn't have what you wanted he would order it for you. He also had the post office and took care of the banking business for the ranchers and town people. He did all this even though he was paralyzed in both legs and had to get around in a wheel chair. To make it easier to get to his store he built a sidewalk of boards just wide enough for his chair. He took care of the store if the weather was nice, otherwise it was tended by Mrs. Roberts or one of the girls. He BRADSHAW FAMILY F85 enjoyed a very prosperous business for several years, then sold to his nephew, S. O. Roberts, and moved to Rogers, Arkansas. Billy Linford moved into town from his homestead about twenty-five miles northwest, and opened a blacksmith shop. He did a lot of this type of work, besides working on the section. The U.S. Post Office Department changed the name Claremont to Machias, as I remember the neme, about 1907, claiming that the mail was always getting mixed with that of a town in California nn-ed Claremont. They kept the nnme a few Days, but the people were not satisfied and the Department gave them the choice of Machias or Stratton, and they choee Stratton. That was in late 1890 or 1900. Albert Bradshaw with his niece Amy McConnell. I was about two years of age when my parents, two sisters and two brothers left Lincoln, Nebraska, in July of 1888, having moved there from Springfield, Illinois, in 1887. The household goods were transported by an emigrant car and the family by covered wagon to a small town called Columbia, Colorado. Homesteaders had pretty well settled the community around Columbia and another small place called Beloit. The railroad went through the summer after we moved to Colorado. This made the town thrive as long as they were building the road, depot, tool house, etc. But they did not build the depot in Columbia. It was built a few miles from there, and they called the station Claremont. The business men of Columbia moved all their buildings to Claremont. My dad helped move them. It took four good tea-s and wagons to accomplish this. There was a grocery store, a saloon which was built when the crew started work on the road bed, and all the necessarSr work connected with putting a railroad through. This only lasted as long as they were in the country. The homesteaders were not doing so well. They did not have enough moisture to bring up the seed they planted in the spring. Most of them left and let their land sell for taxes. However, my father stayed and saw the seed he planted the year before come up and do well. Some man, I do not remember his name, built a hotel close to the depot. The first owner of the store was Mr. Hitchcock, who A two-story building was erected which was used as a school on week days and a Congregational Church on Sunday. I think the first pastor was a Rev. Smith. Stratton always had a good school with good teachers. There was very little expense involved in running it, as the teachers and pupils did most of the work in taking care of the buildling and making sure there was a fire. Miss Rith McCoulogby (pronounced McCalby) taught the school in 1896. The nAmes of the pupils that year were Hazel, Inez and Susie Roberts, Mandy Fuller, Clara and Billie Linford, and Albert Bradshaw. I was working for Blakeman that year and attending school. The other children were closer to home. There also was a country school called the Blakeman school. Mrs. Charles Vysllman taught the school in 1897. After school Albert homesteaded on what is now the place where Ron Fooses live. Albert moved to Springdale Arkansas. He owned a little acreage where he kept a few cattle, milk cow and a garden. He still milked his cow until the ripe old age ofninety forced him to quit. Albert was the Uncle of Amy (Petefish) McConnell and the Great Uncle of James McConnell. by Dessie Cassity BRADSIIAW McFARLAND FAMILY F86 The years 1902 and 1906 are important to my family, for they are the years when my grandparents brought their families to eastern Colorado. In 1902, Joel C. and Mary Elida Bradshaw came with their children: Noble, Beulah, and Joel Jr. from White Hall, Ilinois, to homestead three miles southwest of Stratton. For several years they engaged in farming and livestock, but finding dry land farming very difficult, Mr. Bradshaw opened the Stratton Mercantile Company which he pursued until a fire forced his retirement in 1934. For years he was active in Republican circles and was County Assessor of Kit Carson County from 1908 to 1912. In 1906, John C. and Lucy McFarland brought their eight children and all their possessions in three cars of an immigrant train from Sioux City, Iowa, to Stratton. There they lived in a tent while Mr. McFarland and his older sons built an adobe house on his homestead. The house still stands today five miles east of Stratton on the "old highway". It only took five years for a dream to turn to dust, and the McFarlands to move to Arlington, Washington, where many descendants live today. My father and mother, Noble and Winnie McFarland Bradshaw, met while both worked, the former as a rural letter carrier, the latter as a clerk, at the Stratton Post Office. They were married September 7, 1911, in Burlington and lived in Stratton until 1938 when Noble was transferred to the Burlington Post Office to carry mail on R.R. #1. He retired from the postal service in 1951. Noble carried mail by horse and buggy from 1911 to 1917 when he purchased his first car, a model T Ford. From then on, a route that took him nine hours to service in good weather became at most a five-hour task. Therefore, for several years he worked during the afternoon hours at the First National Bank of Stratton. Winnie Bradshaw was a liberated woman before the phrase was coined. She was her hueband's substitute on his mail route and became adept at changing tires and doing minor repairs to the car. Winnie also was substitute postmistress at the Stratton Post Office. Then during the Great Depression the government decreed that only one member of a family could hold a government job, and Winnie was "retired." I am the only child of Winnie and Noble Bradshaw, having been born in Stratton in 1918. I have lived with my husband, Lee Bruner, and my family in Colorado Springs area since 1946. With the death of my cousin, Shirley Hamilton Long, in 1984, there are no longer any living Bradshaw descendants of this branch of the family in Kit Carson County. by Jeanne Bradshaw Bruner �BRADSHAW, CURTIS AND ATHELDA Spurgeon Hugh Braly, born 1879 in Brown Co. Kansas, was the 3rd of 10 children to Benjamin Franklin and Laura Anne (Sweangen) Braly. Curtis and Athelda Bradshaw were manied in Wray, Colorado, in 1927. They Spurgeon attended University of Attawa, Kansas and the State Normal School of Emporia, Kansas. Taught school for 3 years in Washington County Kansas before farm- were both from pioneer families. Curt was the ing. F87 son of Joel C. Bradshaw and Mary Elida Coates Bradshaw. He was one of five children. He was born on the homestead near Stratton, Colo. He worked in his fathers mercantile store while in high school. He graduated from Stratton High School. He received his associated degree in business. He worked in the business field for several years then decided his first love was music. He played in many dance bands in the area but will be most remembered for his many years of teaching band and choir in the Burlington and Stratton High schools. Many people will remember, as adults, getting out their old horn and joining Curt behind the bank or in the center of main street for the Burlington Saturday night band concert. Stratton will remember Curt and Athelda as the proprietors of the Red and White Grocery Store from 1946 t0 about 1954. Athelda Permelia Farster Bradshaw was the daughter of Ord Percy Farster and Belva Lockwood Farst€r. She was the oldest of five children. The family lived on their homest€ad near Burlington. She graduated from Burlington High school where she had been active in drnma. She taught in a one room near Bethune. She was an active community member of both Burlington and Stratton. Curt and Athelda were the parents of Curtis Coates Bradshaw II and Anne Bradshaw Struthers, neither of whom stayed in Kit Carson County. by Ann Bradshaw Struthers BRALY, SPURGEON AND IDA (SIIARP) F88 Ida May Sharp, born 1888 in Brown Co. Kansas, was the oldest of five children to Nathan and Flora Emam (Rork) Sharp. Ida taught school in Washington County Kansas 7 years prior to her marriage to Spurgeon Hugh Braly, in 1910. To this union one daughter Reva Grace was born in 1913. Reva later married John Dewey Jackson. Mr. Braly came to Colorado without his family in early L922. He cnme on the Rock Island Railroad to Vona, with 2 mules, hogs, furniture and other worldly goods. He bought SE% 13-7-48. On March L4thL922Ida Braly and young daughter Reva came to Vona on the Rock Island. Newt Howell of Vona took model A cars they did not have enough power to go thru the fine dry sand. So, sometimes the passengers had to get out and push or walk rest of the way. In some of the real bad sandy places, adobe was hauled into mix with the sand. Later years when the north country schools consolidated with Vona School, the Dist. #67 building was moved into Vona and used as the school shop building. In 1959, the Bralys moved into Stratton where Mr. Braly lived till his death in 1964. As Mrs. Bralys eye sight failed, she moved to Grace Manor Nursing home in Burlington, where she lived till her death in 1973. by Mary McCaffrey BREITLING STROBEL FAMILY F89 them out to be with Mr. Braly. The Braly family then lived in a 1 room shack next to a dugout south of the land bought. Lived there while their 4 room adobe house was being built by Spurgeon and Ida's dad Nathan Sharp. They raised hogs, chickens, cattle, farmed and lived off the land. Reva attended grade school and 1 Year of high school (taught by Mrs. Bready) at West Point Dist. #67. Stayed in Stratton during school term to finish remaining 3 years of high school. Mr. Braly was the main promoter for organizing a Sunday School in the area. West Point Dist. #67 was also used as the meeting place for the Upper Room Sunday School na-ed by Mr. Braly. Those closest neighbors attending were Merlin McNess's, Mrs. Vincent and Ruth, Joe Queen's, Adoth Hartwig's, Ray George's and Fritz Hartwig a batchler who learned to read from the Bible with the Bralys help. Those attending in later years were Garr Mason's, lra Young's, Pearl Kerl's, Lester Yonts', Roy Wilkinson's, Daniel Shermerhorn's and Dewey Jackson's. The land in this area is very fine sugar sand. Many times with the early model T or Phillip and Carolina Breitling with children, August, Pauline and Jacob. Phillip Breitling (from the German word for wide) wan one of Kit Carson County's early settlers who spent most of his life moving. Born in Beresoma, Bergan, S. Russia 16 March 1847 he was orphaned by the age of two. His parents, Matthias Breitling (b. 1801 Boblinger, Wuettemberg) and Doro- lJ t, theas Friedrich (b. 2 March 1805, Grienbach) were both deceased by 1850. He was raised by his oldest sister in Bessarabia. Settling in the community of Berson/Barsina, he was married to Carolina Strobel (b. 3 May 1849 Beresia, Bessarabia) on the 31 October 1868. Her parents were Martin Strobel, (b. 4 August 1812) while migrating in the woods of present day Poland and Barbara Hahn born 5 October 1814 in Fadersbach. In 1885 Braly adobe home, 1940, adults; Ida Braly, Dewey Jackson, Fritz Hartwig, Spurgeon Braly. Children; Betty, Mary, Paul, Virgene, and Anna Belle Jackson. conditions became so difficult in Bessarabia that the Breitling family contacted relatives living near Scotland, South Dakota. Arran- gements were made and the oldest son, Johannes, was sent to America to earn money for the rest of the family to come to America. �Phillip and Carolina immigrated on 18 BROWN - CULLER June 1889, through the port of New York on the ship, Munchen. Accompanied by 6 children and some of Carolinas younger brothers, FAMILY they traveled in steerage, compartment #3 with 3 pieces of luggage. "In the hold livestock was quartered at one end and people were at the other and sickness and death was common on this long trip, with buried at sea on most mornings." Upon arriving in New York they were out of funds. Some food was given them by fellow travelers. This was the only food they had during the long journey by train to South Dakota. After several months oftravel, they arrived in Scotland, South Dakota joining a brother of Caroline's who was already there. Upon arrival, Phillip returned to his trades ofstone cutter and cobbler. A few years passed with South Dakota not satisfying their expectations, so the family once again packed and moved to Colorado by covered wagon where relatives talked of abandoned homesteads available for farming. Denver also promised employment for the elder son. Johannes did find work in Denver but sadly he died there of diphtheria after drinking water from Cherry Creek. Arriving in the settlement area in 1893, Phillip hewed and laid the stones for the first Lutheran church in the German Lutheran settlement north ofthe present day Bethune. He also laid up a stone house for his family home that is still standing near the site of the former post office of Yale. His stonework can also be seen in several other stone buildings in the area. A drought in Kit Carson County and land for homesteading led them to move again in 1897 or 98 to Hazen, N.D. followed by another move to Nebraska in 1910 and a final move back to North Dakota in 1918. He died in March of 1920. His wife, Carolina maried twice more, outliving all three husbands, passing away on February 26, 1931. Phillip and Carolina had 13 children: Johannes 1869. Katherina Isaak 1871, Gotthilf 1874, Phillip 1876, Fredrich 1878-79, Christina Schlichenmayer 1881, Emanual 1884, Elizabeth 1887, Othilia 1889, Ardt 1890, Pauline Knell 1891, August 1893, Jacob 1895. by Robert and Linda Coles BROADSWORD FAMILY F90 George Washington (Pete) and Angeline Broadsword came from Smith County Kansas to Colorado in 1887. With them they brought two sons, John and Bill and a daughter Mary. They first lived about three or four miles east of Hale, Colo.; they lived there for several years and a third son, George, was born there. They got their mail and groceries at Jacqua, a little town just across the state line. Around 1907 they moved to Kit Carson County. Pete bought some land 14 1/z miles north of Burlington, but at this time they considered their address to be Goff, Colo. Pete's three older children John, Bill, and Mary homesteaded on land right around that area. George was too young at that time to homestead but several years later he home- F91 I -'Fr:!...i.-1 !i.*-i! tu William Kreoger standing outside his home. steaded some land further west, part of what now belongs to the Spring Valley Ranch. Pete had two brothers that also lived in Kit Carson County. Israel, a veteran of the Civil War that lived to be 105, lived northeast of Pete and his family, and Jake, who bought some land about six miles north of Burlington. Israel's family later moved to Idaho and Jake's family wound up in Oregon. Pete's wife Angeline died about 1913, but Pete lived until 1944 when he was 91. In about 1907 John was married. His wife's name was Lucy and they had four children, Mildred, Margaret, Dorothy, and Lloyd (Bud). The children were born on the land John homesteaded and later they all moved to a nearby farm where they resided until they moved to town in 1923. John and his family moved to Oregon during the 1930's. Bill was never married. He worked out on his own for a while, but came back to his father Pete's farm to help with the farming after George left home. Bill lived there for the remainder of his life. George fought in WWI, and after getting out of the army he came back and farmed with Pete for a while. Around 1935 he went to Denver to live and work as a carpenter. He came back to Kit Carson County in L942, when he was married to Julia Falk. They moved south of town, where he farmed until he retired and moved to town. He lived here in Burlington until his death in 1967. Mary homesteaded her own land before she married. She put up a shack on her land and slept there in order to prove up on her homestead claim. Her father Pete farmed and paid the taxes on the land until about 1923 when his son-in-law, Louis Kreoger, took over farming it. Louis broke out the remaining grass to make more farm ground to add to what he was already farming. Mary Ann Broadsword was married to Louis Kreoger on April 29, 1909. They farmed and raised a family north of Burlington. by Marilyn Kreoger Schlichenmayer UGene Brown and Marjorie (Marge) Culler Brown on their Wedding day. UGene Brown, a native of Colorado, was born fifteen miles north of Arriba, Colorado, in Lincoln County, His parents, Irvin Brown and Laura (Brue) Brown ventured out from Waterloo, Iowa to a homestead in Colorado. When Gene was seven years old, the family moved toAniba, Colorado where he attended twelve years of school. He furthered his education by studying Public Accounting through the LaSale Extension College. Jobs weren't too plentiful in Arriba in the thirties, but he took jobs of construction work and attendant at a gas station. In the spring of 1908, Charles and Edith (Swallom) Culler and family moved from Washta, Iowa to Warner, Alberta, Canada. They went with a group of lowa farmers who bought land in that area to be nmong the pioneers of "Sunny Southern Albert", After two years, they, along with some other families sold their land and moved to homestead country several miles east ofwhere they first located. They made their home in that area until they moved to Colorado in 1917. Marjorie (Marge) Culler was born in Alberta, Canada, coming with her parents to Arriba at the age of three. She lived on a farm eleven miles north of Arriba and attended Grand Meadows School in the country. The School was two miles from home and most of the bussing was by foot. On really cold or snowy days the transportation was by horse with cart or sled. There weren't any hot lunch programs in those days, but on stormy days the teacher, along with the help of our Mothers, would prepare hot soup. It sure was a treat from a cold sandwieh. On cold, snowy days our favorite game was Fox and Goose, only to come in and hang our coats and leggings by the big heater to dry before going home. At the age of eleven, Marge's family moved �into Arriba where she finished her schooling. After graduation she clerked at Earl's Cash Grocery Store. The hours were long and everything was packaged from prunes to bulk peanut butter. Saturday evening was a big night in town. Everyone came to do their shopping. It was not unusual for the store to remain open until ten-thrity or eleven o'clock BROWN, NED R. AND LOUISE PEIRCE F92 stove. When Ned was 16 he worked for Richard and Conover Hardware Co. of Kansas City and at 19 became a traveling salesman, his territory being Colorado and Kansas. Ned met Mary Louise Peirce in tainment in the thirties wasn't too expensive. Movies, rabbit drives, family and friends gathering for dinners and baseball gsmss were the highlights of entertainment. Kansas City, they were married December 30, 1910 and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Two children were born there: Freder- Gene and Marge were married Feb. 2, 1936 in Arriba. Their new home was in Hugo, ,.rw Ned R. and Louise P. Brown when they moved to Burlington, 1916. where Gene was employed in the First National Bank, Iater joining in the business of Snell Grain Company where he was an accountant for Snell's elevators from Hugo to Stratton, when Snell sold out he worked for Clark Insurance Co. at the bank where he also was a director. He worked there until his retirement. Marge worked nineteen years in the Stratton Elementary School. She started as head cook when the hot-lunch program was introduced in the schools. It first began with the students going to the American Legion kitchen for lunch. Lunches were served to both the Elementary and High-School. Later :.4:)at)atu::,)':. ,',::;':::l:3:l::::,:, aa::..t,r,.;;.:4,::,, ' :'.:aa:,:::::::. a. ., a lunch room was provided at the grade school where all the students had meals. Marge later worked as Teacher's aide in the Elementary School. During the years in Stratton Gene & Marge have been active in school, community and chureh affairs. Gene was on the Dist. R-4 School Board for fifteen years, served one term on the town board, a charter member of the Stratton Rotary Club, and a member of the Burlington Masonic Lodge #77. They are both members of the Stratton United Methodist Church and have served as officers in different organizations in the church. Marge is a charter member of the Stratton Garden Club. in the Civil War and had his practice in Billings, Mo. until his death. Ned went to Kansas City, Mo. and began working in a hardware store, bedding down in the back room and cooking his meals on a pot bellied waiting for the customer to pick up their groceries. This was their night out to shop, visit and go to the ten-cent movies. Enter- Colorado where Gene was Deputy County Treasurer. The rent on their first home was fifteen dollars per month. Campaigning for a county office was quite different. To hustle votes, the campaigners didn't miss any of the pie socials or boxsuppers that were set up all over the county especially at the small rural school houses. They moved to Denver during the war yearc, '42 - '45, where Gene worked for Remington Arms as a Labor & Material checker. Later he worked as Senior Accountant for the State Highway Department. In July, 1945, the moved to Stratton, Colorado My father, Ned Ralph Brown, left his home in Billings, Mo. when he was twelve years old. His father, Eli Bedford Brown, was a doctor Ned R. Brown Hardware Store. 1916. The Brown's have two daughters; Margene, married to Richard Smith, and LuAnn, married to Jerry Lucas. They have seven grand-children and one great grand-child. Following retirement, the Browns' have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their daughters and their families. On Feb. 2, 1986, Marge & Gene celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends. by Marge & UGene Brown The Frank Mann Store bought by Ned Brown, 1g16 ick Henry (December 7, I9l2) and Ruth Marion (September 13, 1915). Ned as a salesman used the train as his mode of travel. Ned having hardware in his blood, bought the Frank Mann Hardware store in Burlington and moved his family in 1916. The �age of 70 years young, she then made her home near her son, Fred. She died suddenly, like Ned, of a heart attack December 30, 1961. Ned and Louise had pleasant memories of their life in Burlington, and those memories are left with their daughter Betty, Fred having died February 16, 1984, and Ruth in August 1956. by Betty Louise Brown Chalfant Sutton BROWNWOOD, NICK AND EDITH F93 Main Street, Burlington, Colorado, 1916. store then became known as the N.B. Brown Hardware, Furniture, Implements and Undertaking. As the family got off the train and starCed down main street, my mother, born in Chicago-reared in Kaneas City, thought she had never seen guch a small or degolate place. She quickly learned to love the friendly people and the excitement of helping the town to $ow. In the year of 1918, my parents built a home (315 12th). This is the home where Betty Louise (June 3, 1921) was born. Duringthe followingyears, Ned was always active in the town's affairs. He dropped the implement dealership and when Frank Mann, his dear friend, died, Ned decided that undertaking was not for him so he sold this business to Orin Penny. Ned and Louise loved football and because they did they had an annual footbal Thanksgiving Banquet for the boys out for football. Louise always did all the cooking while the rest of the family readied the house for the banquet. Ned was instrumental in getting Highway 24 through Burlington and that was a big moment for Burlington. Ned also served as President of the Colorado Hardware Association. He served as Worshipful Mast€r of the Burlington Lodge of A.F. & A.M., was a Knights Templar and a member of the Shrine. TVice Ned was elected to the School Board of Coneolidat€d Dietrict No. 1 and was President of this group. Louise was busy during these years with her church, Methodist, and a federated club. Louise had a group of Camp Fire Girls who gave her much joy. Ned and Louise left Burlington in the spring of 1942. They made their home in Spokane, Washington. Ned was employed by the Spokane Army Air Force Depot and was in charge of the Nordon Bombsight. Ned passed away suddenly of a heart attack February 5, 1945 and was buried in Spokane, Washington. Louise worked for the Air Depot for several years and then became a housemother to 2000 boys at Stimeon Hall at Washington State Univereity in Pullman, Washington. While there Louise enrolled in classes to further her education. Louiee retired at the Nick Brownwood in 1934. Nick Brownwood was an early real egtate man. He married Edith Dulmer. Edith and Nick start€d the Brownwood store. The post office was called EUis and was fourteen miles north and one mile west of Vona, Colorado. The Brownwood School was near their store. In the dry years they all moved to California. Neil cnme back and married Amy Brindle and lived in the area for awhile. Edith Brownwood was Emma Dulmer Klasgen'e sister. Edith was born on Januar5r 28, 1881 and died on August 23, L976. Nick Brown- wood was born on January 2?, 1881 and died September 25, 1948. by Edith M. Eugley Rcmodeled store of Ned R. Brown. �boys were known as good students and often worked at mowing lawns, delivering papers and playing football. They all are University graduates. Two, Phil and Carl, graduated from Colorado University, James and Lee at Colorado State University. About then they were sometimee referred to as the "Bruner Bachelors". Mom did not like that term. James married Adele Malcourme of Ft. Collins, Colorado, December f7, 1937. Carl married Ruth Brown of Burlington on September 25, 1938. (See Brown-Pierce story). Phil married Marion Clark of Windsor, Colorado on October 9, 1938. Le married Jeanne Bradshaw of Burlington on July 11, 1943. (See the Bradshaw-McFarland story). Marion Bruner, Phil's wife, died May 12, 1984. Phil and Marion lived in Mission, Kansas as Phil wae office manager for the Foeter Lumber company yards. They moved to Colorado and retired to Westcreek where Phil resides. There are two children, Snm Bruner of Overland Park, Kansas, and The children of Nick and Edith Brovrnwood. L. to R.: Baby Edith, Neil, John, Myron, Walter, Tresa and Bernard. Barbara Van Waas of Westcreek, Colorado. Carl and Ruth lived in Montana for ten years and returned to Colorado in 1950 and made their home in Pueblo. There are three children, Philip of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where he is a teacher; Fredrick ofCasper, Wyoming and Mary Reiter of Springfield, Virginia. Ruth died August 17, 1956. Carl remanied Jennie Mary Penney Sept. 26, 1959. She has a son Kenneth Bryce Penney of Plano. Texas. Carl worked for the Social Security Administration in Montana and Colorado. James worked for the Soil Conser- Some Burlington ladies L to R: Mrs. C.D. Reed, (Marie); Bessie Bruner, Mrs, Louis Voght, Seletha Brown, Mrs. Hoskine, Mrs. Begsie Wilson, Mrs. George Danforth, Mrs. Louise Brown, Mrs. A.W. Winegar. end the Bruner Boys Philip Levi (Lee) Bruner and Bessie Lily FAMILY teachers. Coaches and their wives often spent the holidays playing chess with Dad or bridge skating, football practice, picking apricots, delivering papers and the smell of home- Sappy Creek not far from the church in Lyle. Dad Bruner worked for the Foster Lumber Company in Norton and the family moved to Selden, Kansas in 1914. Jnmes and Loren Lee were born in Selden. The family of Mom and Dad and the four Bruner boys spent their first night in Colorado in a tent near the water tower in Seibert, Colorado. They were on a trip to the moun- tains in the "Grant Six." A year later the The Bruner residence in Burlington, Colorado, a constant meeting place for students and number of years where Philip and Carl were when he died. Bessie "Mom" and her two sisters were reared in a "sod" house near the F94 The Bruner house in Burlington was just across the street form the school house. It was with Mom and Dad. Activities flood our memories. Digging caves, flying kites, ice store in Norton. The Bruner boys never knew him as Dad Bruner was just two years old BRUNER - WITIIAM Supply Company as Sales Manager and lived in Colorado Springs. They moved to Westcreek upon hie retirement. There are two sons, Richard of South Pasadena, California and James of Westcreek. Witham were married Nov. 20, 1904 in Lyle, Kangas. They lived in Norton, Kansas for a born. Grandfather Bruner owned the first Edith Dulmer Brownwood at her home, vation Service in Cortez, Kiowa, Longmont and Canon City. After service in the Air Force, Lee worked for many years for the Colorado Springs family moved to Stratton, Colorado and lived in a small house just next to the water tower there. Our neighbors were the O.K. Arringtons and their daughter, Thelma. We also played with the Spurling boys, often catching ground squirrels and lizzards near the Landsman Creek area west of town. We moved to Burlington in about 1919. Dad Bruner built the house which still stands just south of the old high school. The Bruner made bread. Before Lee retired he helped Dad and Mom to establish a retirement home at Westcreek where they entertained their many friends from Burlington. Dad Bruner died February 18, 1968, in Colorado Springs. Mom died June 29, 1971 in Colorado Springs. They are buried in the Crystal Valley Cemetery in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Dad Bruner loved to hunt and fish. I can remember hunting rabbit in the old Grant Six. Phil on the right fender and I on the left with our legs hooked over the headlight. Phil with a twelve gauge and I with the little 410, we hunted duck and prairie chicken every winter. Dad Bruner also liked to fight - that is he hated to turn down a fight. He finally gave it up because Mom always found out. Mom baked bread on the old Majestic Range, six loaves, two pans of rolls, a big pan of cinnamon rolls - the kind that were all gooey and caramelized on the bottom. You could smell them clear to Main Street. It was a �considerable treat when you could find a slice or two the next morning for toast. by Carl W. Bruner BRYAN, ROBERT S. F95 Robert S. Bryan, born Feb. 18, 1892, at Singer's Glen, Virginia and Zola R. Reade, born Jan. 25, 1895, at Lexington, Missouri were married Feb. 16, 1912 at Lakeview, Missouri. Robert, better known as Bob, and Zola moved to Kidder, Missouri where he was employed as a clerk in the general mercantile store. It was while living there that their Flagler was growing, new homes were built and others were remodeled. Bob and his grandsons went into business painting and wallpapering, a trade Bob had learned from his father in Missouri. Pauline re-married in 1946. She and her husband Daniel J. Radebaugh moved to a farm south of Flagler in the Second Central District. They presented her parents with three children: Barbara, Daniel Duane and June. Zola's health declined, she died in May 1958. Bob, now retired continues to be active in managing the farming interests of Mr. A.W. Augspurger of Carlock, Ill. Bob suffered a heart attack, had a pacemaker implant, and after several attacks a few years later, his health continued to $sm, so Bob moved his family to Limon, Colorado where he went to work for the Rock Island Railroad as a brakeman. Later, being promoted to a conductor, he was able to move his family again to Flagler where he rented the Gibson property. Zola's parents moved from the homestead to Flagler to make their home with Bob and Zola. Bob continued working on the railroad, his wife and parents rented rooms and boarded teachers. After the war, Bob quit the railroad and went to work for J.C. Straub Hardware and Lumber Co. The theater was in the upper story of the store and Bob ran it at night. Bob and Zola were very active in the organization of the First Baptist Church of Flagler, both being charter membere. Bob held positions as Trustee, Treasurer and Choir Director. Accepting a job as store manager for the Christopher (Chris) Buchanan took up a homestead in 1892 and settled on it, the legal description being Section 34, Township 5 %, Range 42. In January 1893 Chris was united in marriage to Nellie Myrtle Sleight in Sherman County, Kansas at the home of the bride. To nan) Brooks, Mary Estella (Buchanan) daughters and one son. Nellie Ann (Bucha- BUCHANAN, CIIRISTOPHER JARED F96 Christopher Jared Buchanan was born in Carlisle, Iowa, on May 20th 1870 and lived there with his parents, Jefferson and Mary Buchanan, until March, 1889, when they migrated west in a covered wagon and located in the northeast corner of Kit Carson County on April 10, 1889. Upon arriving in Kit Carson County they stayed with W.H. Hargis for two weeks, then Mr. Jefferson Buchanan filed on a homestead located in the northeast corner of the County, Section 2, Township 6, Range 42. They built a sod house and plastered it with native lime. Later they helped build a number of these sod houses in the community, using native lime for plastering. He had no trouble getting water, one of the Snodgress Food Co. in Pueblo, Bob moved hie family again. It was here he had a chance to own and operate his own store, so once again he moved back to Flagler. Bob and Zola opened Bryan's Red and White Store, Dec. L,L927. During the years Bob operated the store, he was very active in the civic affairs of Flagler. He gerved several years as Mayor, councilman and fireman. He wae also a member of the Masonic Lodge 127 AF & AM in Flagler. Their daughter, Pauline, manied Donald Winn in 1933. She and her husband presented the Bryan's with two grandsons: James (Jim) and Robert (Bobbie). Pauline and her husband helped her parents in the store for several years. Due to ill health, Bob sold the store to V, and Ola Thompson in the fall of 1941. During World War II, Bob worked at the Kaiser Ammunitions in Denver. When the war ended he returned to Flagler. He drove for C.M. Smith and was later hired by the Coop as bookkeeper. They bought a small herd of cattle and horses. They did not go in for cattle raising but did more farming. The year they arrived was about the last year of the range cattle. by Pauline Radebaugh the homestead for 2 years, helping out. There wasn't much of a crop because of a drought, and Bob moved his family to Flagler, where and the railroad needed men, as well as Uncle did. They saw no buffalo, but there were herds of antelope roo-ing the prairies, and sometime forty or fifty in one herd would pass by. this union was born five children, four family moved to Colorado. Arriving at the homestead in Colorado, it was Boon found out that the sod house would not accommodate two families. So a frame house was built. Bob and his family lived on World War I was in progress at the time did not have to haul water as so many others deteoriate. Bob passed away Feb. L5, L974. daughter Pauline was born. They received a letter from Zola's parents, who had homesteaded in Colorado, that they needed help to farm the place. So in 1914, the he went to work for W.H. Lavington in the grocery store. brothers of Chris worked with a well drilling outfit, so had a well drilled on the claim and Chris Buchanan in his grocery stnre,1922. (Cranmer) (Weiser) Snyder, Ralph Buchanan, Ella (Buchanan) Cranmer, and Ruth (Buchanan) McCormick. Mr. Buchanan was a leader in the Republican political circle in both the county and state for many years. In February, 1928, the family moved to Burlington at the corner ofwhat is now 1692 Martin Ave, where he resided until his death. He was engaged in business until the last few years before he passed away. It was because of his success on the farm and in the community and business that the citizens selected him by vote in 1920 to serve as County Commissioner for two terms, and then re-elected again in 1924, eight years in all. It was during this time as a county commissioner that in 1928 the county purchased the Kit Carson County Carousel from Elitch's in Denver. The county commissioners who approved the purchase at that time were Chris Buchanan, G.W. Huntley and I.D. Messinger, which met withwidespread disapproval over the purchase price of $1,250, a sum considered an extravagant expenditure in hard times. Buchanan and Huntley chose not to run for re-election in 1928 because of this sentiment. �It was at this time, about 1925 and 1926, often times they would stop and inquire the way to Burlington. On January 4, 1893 she was united in that he was engaged in the grocery store business for several years located at what is marriage to Christopher Jared Buchanan. They moved onto their homestead in Kit Carson County about 20 miles northeast of Burlington. This union was blessed with five now.1461 Senter, then sold out and then engaged in operating the "Fairmont" Crea-- ery Station. He operated this until, due to health reasons, he had to grve it up and sell out. children, four daughters and one son: daughters, Nellie Ann, Estella, Ella and Ruth and creamery that he beco-e an avid cribbage player as did a lot of other fellows. Whenever he had slack time, you would find a group of cribbage players enjoying themeelves. Often times when Myrtle would be at the creamery, she would be testing the crenm and the cribbage players would continue on for hours on end. Once again in the fall of 1929 his capability as an administrator caused the voting majority to invest their confidence in him as their representative to the State Legislature for two terms. He also served as an officer in different capacities in Burlington. son Ralph Buchanan. One daughter Ella preceded her in death in 1935. Her husband Chris passed away in July 1949. It was during the time that he ran the The more than 60 years of residence in this part of the country qualified her to speak as few can from more and varied experiences of the pioneer life. While Myrtle was notin any way interested in the political endeavors that her husband Chris was involved in as County Commissioner and State Representative, she did carry on in the businesses ofthe Grocery Store and the Cresmery when he was away on business. Myrtle was a member of the local First Christian Church and a member of the When a young boy Chris confessed his faith in Christ and affiliated with the Northern Baptist Church. For more than 27 years he was a member of the Order of the Odd Fellowship Local Order No. 152, having held offices in the local, district and the state. Christopher Jared (Chris) Buchanan passed away on July 24,1949 on Sunday at the age of 79 years at the Memorial Hospital in Burlington. Funeral Services for Chris were held at the Methodist Church with Rev. Lloyd M. Green pastor of the First Christian Church. Special music was furnished by Mrs. Mae Billington and Betty Rutter with Vada Neidig as accompanist. Burial being at the Beaver Valley Cemetery northeast of Burlington. Preceding Mr. Buchanan in death was one daughter Ella, as well as all of his brothers and sisters. He left to mourn his passing his wife, three daughters and one son and 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Chris really enjoyed his grandchildren, always having candy for them. A portion of this story was written by Chris in 1934. women's council, being an ardent worker in this auxiliary. She was an artist in piecing and quilting quilts. Perhaps she had made and Myrtle and Chris Buchanan good, especially after the cattle or wild horses had tramped around in it. The first well was hand dug and hauled water up with a windlass. Myrtle wentto school in Cheyenne County, Kansas, in a sod house built about four miles from where the home was. Since there was no school house at that time, and there was no church or Sunday School; folks lived too far away to permit such meetings. Later a sod school house was built and they then had Literary Society meetings. Dancing was the chief amusement, and the only means of conveyance was with tearn and wagon or horseback. They had to drive forty miles round trip to attend a dance, dance all night, get home at daylight, and work all the next day. There was no railroad through this country by Nola Faye (Brooks) Mangus BUCHANAN, MYRTLE NELLIE (SLEIGIIT) F97 Myrtle Nellie (Sleight) (the daughter of Henry and Lydia) Buchanan was born December 25, L874 near Wanatah, Indiana. At the age of eight years old she and the family moved to Richardson County, Nebraska. After four years in this community, she with her parents beco-e residents of Sherman County, Kansas. Her father served in the army for four years, and when they came west he took a pre-emption and a homestead adjoiningjust across the Colorado State Line. From the home they could look into four counties and two states, the counties being Cheyenne and Sherman County, Kansas, and Yuma and Kit Carson Counties in Colorado. They hauled water from the Republican River, seven miles away; as they had but two barrels, it was necessary to go to the river every other day. They used water out of the lagoons for washing, but it was never very at that time, and they did their trading at Jacqua, Kansas, about eight miles away. In Myrtle's words "I remember my father drove to Oberlin, Kansas, to prove up on his homesteads. How well do I remember too, the first night we went to our new home in Kansas: There was no house or dugoutto stay in, so we piled our boxes of bedding and household goods round us in a circle and then all slept in the one big bed on the prairie. Father hauled the lumber to build the house from Haigler, Neb." Mr. Sleight helped to kill a buffalo in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and itwas divided up among the neighbors and all enjoyed buffalo meat for awhile. They never saw any buffalo where they lived, but there was plenty of antelope, and one large heard passed their farm less than a quarter of a mile to the south ofthe home, There were coyotes, snakes, and the little pert prairie dogs. They had plenty of fleas too and what a time they had with them, for they seemed to be so thick in the grass and on the prairie. They were so hard to get rid of, but later when the country became more settled they just seemed to disappear. The old Burlington trail crossed the homestead in Western Kansas, and every few days they saw people driving along the trail, and finished more than 250 quilts, as well as doing quilting for others. You could go to he house most any time and she would be in the basement quilting. There was hardly ever a time that she did not have a quilt in the frames that she could go quilt on any time she had spare time. She also loved to knit; one of her specialties was knitting booties for all of the great grandchildren. The earthly pilgrimage of Myrtle came to a close on November 8, 1950 at the age of 75 years 11 months and 14 days. She was the last survivor of the Sleight family. Services were held at the Hendricks Mortuary in Bur- lington with the Rev. Lloyd M. Green, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs. Reuben Rhoades. Mrs. Wade Davis and Jemes Winfrey, with Dorothy Colglazier the accompanist. Burial was in the Beaver Valley Ceme- tery, Northeast of Burlington. Most of this story was written by Myrtle in 1934. by Nola Faye (Brooks) Mangus BUCHANAN, NELLIE F98 The following account was written by Mrs. Nellie Buchanan about homesteading on the prairies of Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado and her experiences in living in the little town of Seibert, Kit Carson, Colorado, during the late 1800's, when Seibert was first founded. The Messinger family was well acquainted with Mrs. Nellie Buchanan; her daughter, Mrs. Zella Buchanan Hutchens, as well as Mrs. Hutchens'husband, Maj. Corra Hutchens: Nellie Buchanan, Seibert, Colorado I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1857, and grew to womanhood there. I was married while quite young, and in our early twenties my husband and I got the western fever, so we sold our little home, crated our furniture and took the train for the west.We did not plan where we were going to stop, nor just how far we would go. When we reached Kansas City the weather was getting colder �and it was snowing very hard, and we soon had the experience of a real blizzard. A few hours out of Kansas City our train got stuck in a snow drift; it took them twenty-four hours to get the train moving again. We traveled very slow and the car windows were covered with snow and ice so we could not see out. We were rather tired of such a tedious trip. It took us all day, all night and until eleven o'clock the next night to get to Atchison, Kansas. We decided to rest a bit so my husband and two babies and myself got a room in a hotel there, got a good hot bath and went to bed and slept until eleven o'clock the next day. Then we got a good breakfast and at noon took the train for farther west. The train traveled so slow and as the windows were covered with ice we could not see the country, so we at last reached a little town by the neme of Gaylord, Kansas, and we decided to stop and rest until the weather got better. The next morning when I went out on the hotel porch I was just thrilled, for the great prairie was one big blanket of pure white snow with here and there a little home like a dot on the whiteness; nothing in sight but the beautiful snow and the sky. Right there I knew I would never be contented until I had a home of our own in the wonderful WEST, so I urged my husband to take a homestead and build a sod houge and settle down. I had never seen a sod house, but had learned that theywere warm in winter and cool in summer, so I felt that was all that was necessary. My husband looked at me, and smiling said, "Nellie, you don't know what you are talking about." But a woman's job is to talk, so I finally induced him to buy a team of horses, a covered wagon, six cows and two dozen chickens, and we started west. The sun was shining bright, and the snow melting fast; we traveled two days and two nights, and the evening ofthe second day we saw a sod house on the prairie. We drove up to it and a man and woman came out. They asked us where we were from and where we were going. My husband told them we came from Indianapolis, and were going west to take a homestead. The man said "Man alive, go back to where you came from; go back now while you can, for in a year from now you won't have anything to go back with. Go back before you have to starve." My husband replied that any man in America thatwould work did not need to starve, so we bid them goodbye and drove on to the next water-hole where we made camp, about two and one-half miles from the sod house and the discouraged man. The next day we filled our bags with water and drove for miles and miles with not a thing in sight butland and sky, and camping atnight on the open prairie. On the evening of the third day we saw an object on the prairie; we thought it was another home, but when we drove up to it we found it was a echool house. We made our snmp there and just got through eating our supper when the wind began to blow the hardeet I had ever known; then the rain came down in torrents, so we made our beds in the school house. About three o'clock in the morning a bunch of coyotes came howling about the school house, and my husband got up and shot at them two or three times out of the windows. They went away and we went back to sleep, and did not wake until sunrise. Then we got up, ate our breakfast, and staded on another day's travel into the enchanted west. We drove for two days and about noon of the third day we saw another object on the far prairie, and when we got close to it we discovered it was a big covered wagon with big letters RBSTAURANT written on the side. There we ate our lunch, and learned that this was the first restaurant on the ground where Colby, Kansas, is now located. After driving for some days we came to two little towns built close together; one was called Voltaire. the other Sherman Center. Each town was striving for the County seat. Goodland was then platted as a townsite, and when the Rock Island Railroad was laid through this part of Kansas, Goodland was chosen as the railroad center, and the next election won it the place for the county seat. All the excitement made it so interesting to us that we decided to file a homestead south of Goodland, so we got a claim, built a sod house and I settled down to be a "homesteader" in every sense of the word. My husband worked atthe Rock Island shops in Goodland, and mytwo babies and I stayed on the ranch fifteen miles south of Goodland. We put barrels in our wagon, and I hauled water from the Smoky River ten miles south of us. I took care of the cattle - our six cows - and I learned to hitch and unhitch a team in record time. There was not a soul neat us, and not a house in sight. Nothing but the great broad prairies, the wide expanse of the blue sky, and the howling of the coyotes for music. I lived on this ranch for two years. I remember the first Fourth of July celebration in Goodland; the big excitement of the day was a chance to ride over the new rails that had just been laid. A car had been brought in from further down the line, and everyone that wanted to could get a free ride over the new railroad. My, that was so exciting. My husband was a lineman, and helped line the new Railroad from Chicago to Colorado Springs, and there were times when I would not see him for three to six months at a time. The railroad went on west, so they moved my husband to Burlington, the County Seat of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Most of our western towns gtew overnight, and the excitement is the biggest part of them for a number of years. Burlington had a hard struggle for some years, but it is quite a nice little city now, and one of which we are all proud. Later my husband was moved to Siebert, Colorado. Seibert wag not on the map until after the railroad was built. So my husband wrote to me, and told me to sell the ranch and come to Siebert to live. Although I was as much a homegteader as ever, I decided it best for myself and my two children to get nearer civilization, so we sold our ranch and moved to Siebert. But I certainly did not think much of the town, it was such a dry shabby little place. There was no water there; all water was hauled from the river four miles north of us, or from the well in the old town of Hoyt. Later the railroad built a section house, and dug a well, and then locked the pump on the well and gave instructions that no one but the Railroad employees was to get water from that well. However, the instructions were given to my husband, and not to me. So when a poor settler or one of his family came asking for drinking water or enough to make a cup of coffee, believe me, I did not turn them down. If the railroad was helping to build the country, what about the settlers who were brave enough to withstand the hardships of thirst, of starvation, of lonesomeness; I felt they had as much right to that good water as any of the railroad employees did. So I used to give away a pailful now and then, and then one day I learned that I had been reported. Not through malice, but by some one grateful for the kindness I had shown them, and they were merely relating this kindness. But the outcome was that the Supervisor came to my husband and told him that the key would be taken away after the pump was locked and we would have to use the hauled water. My husband regretted the affair, but told to him notify me too, as I used the key. When this man crme to my home and told me what he was intending to do, I remember I told him that ifhe were leaving orders the key, to take it with him, for as long as there was water there and people needed it I would give it to them. That I would be glad to haul water and share it with those around me just as they would do if I needed water. When I got through talking the Supervisor did not say anything, but he bid be goodbye and left the key with me. I really believe he saw what it meant to the people of that community to have a good drink of clear water once in a while; a drink of water that had not stood in a barrel in the hot sun. We had no more trouble after that. Of course, I was careful with the water, but the well never ran dry in spite of all the drinks I gave away. Everyone was poor, some poorer than others. My husband had a good job with the railroad, so we were more fortunate than a great many others who had to depend on their cattle and farms for a livelihood. I remember one poor family who had had a great deal of sickness, and on the day that the eldest little child died, another baby was born, and the poor mother had no clothes for the new baby and nothing decent to bury the other little child in. So a few of the neighbors got together and we sewed for the new baby and the mother and I made a pretty little dress for a burial dress for the little child. A neighbor man made a little casket, and we lined it nicely with solid white goods and trimmed it with a bit of lace and some white ribbon. I remember after we had the wee one all laid out it looked like a sweet doll, so we took it into the bedroom so the poor mother could see it, and I shall never forget how very grateful she was that her darling was to be given a decent burial. It was just such instances as this that made the neighborhood one big family, all ready to share each others joys or sorrows. We lived in cars on the siding until the section house was built, then we lived in Seibert for a number of years. My husband was transferred back to Goodland to the shops and again transferred to Burlington, where he worked as a Section foreman. We lived in the Montezuma Hotel until we found a house, and stayed there for a number of years, getting acquainted with a number ofthe pioneer settlers ofthat town, an acquaintance that has ripened into a life long friendship. We again were transferred to Seibert, and we decided to get a ranch and go into the cattle business. The children and I took care of the ranch while my husband did his work on the railroad. We lived here for some years, my husband died, and my children got married, so I moved to town and em now making my home with my daughter, Mrs. Zella Hutchens, the present Post Mis- �tress. Iam happy and contented, and enjoy recounting my experiences of the early days in this new country; I am glad that I was one of the pioneers that helped to develop the country; that I was privileged to do my bit towards making a bit brighter the lives of those around me. by clack Messinger BUOL FAMILY F99 John and Anna Buol came to the Burlington area from northeast Nebraska. They c4me, not in a covered wagon, but in a ModelT Ford, and were accompanied by a son, Kermit, who was nearly 3 years old at the time. John received much ridicule from his peers in Nebraska for leaving those lush, green, productive fields for a home in "the Great American Desert", but John had a vision and saw an opportunity which he made work successfully. Anna shed more than a few tears when she arrived on the scene, but the mystic enchantment of the plains with its beautiful sunsets, blue skies, and dry, healthful climate soon won her over, and she was happy to live here for the rest of her life. Her family, the Arduesers, soon followed her to Colorado, and settled on farms south of Bethune, helping to make her early life on the plains more endurable. John bought a farm a mile and a half north of Burlington from Mr. Ed Danforth. This farm is still in the Buol family and is operated by John's grandson, John A. Buol. Down through the years, the Buol cattle-feeding operation expanded from feeding a small pen of cattle a year to a 6,(XX) head feedlot today. To accommodate this expansion progtarn, in 1941, John built a country elevator. This elevator became quite a landmark, and was a check-point on many aviation maps. This elevator burned down in the early 80's. Two more sons were born to John and Anna. Martin in 1921 and Russell in 1926. In 1929, John and Anna built a new, modern home on the farmstead. When they tore down the old house, they found that the space between sheeting and laths was filled with dirt for insulation. The old highway, North 40, came a mile and a half north of Burlington, and turned east by our place. The turn wag sharp, and many speeding cars missed the turn, and tore out our fences. In Nov. of 1930, we had a bad blizzard about a week before Thanksgiving. The drifts on the highway were deep, and they didn't get the road opened until Thanksgiving Day. We walked to school during that time. During the famous blizzard in 1931 (the one of the Towner tragedy), two salesmen were travelling east on the highway. They got about a mile east of our corner and beco-e stalled. They started to walk back to town. One got as far back as our place, but the other collapsed about a quarter of a mile away. Our two hired men took scoop shovels for protection, and went out to find him. He was as stiff as a log when they brought him in and dragged him down the basement steps. Some men crme out from town to help them back to town, but the storm got so bad that nobody could go out, so we had a houseful for the duration. After the storm was over, they took the salesman to town, but we never heard whether the frozen one lived or not. All three boys went through the Burlington schools and continued their education at Colorado State University. They all served in the Armed Forces. Kermit was a navigator on a B-17 bomber that was flying in the European theater in World War II. He was shot down, and was a German Prisoner of War for 18 months. Martin was in the Army, and participated in the drive through Germany, and met the Russians on the Elbe. Russell was a communications officer in the Air Force, and followed that career for a number of years. Kermit married a Burlington native, Dorene Smith. They had three children; a son John and two daughters, Denise and Diana. Martin married Rogene Merwin, whogrewup in Burlington. They had a son, Terry, and a daughter, Shelley. Russell manied Elsie Jane Gross of Trinidad, and had three sons, Thomas, Donald, and David. John Buol Sr. died in 1970 and Anna in 1974. Russell died in May 1978 and his son, David, in 1987. The Buol families persevered on the plains. They saw many ups and downs. The minuses were dustbowl days, droughts, and blizzards, but the pluses of bumper crops, desirable living conditions, and a great environment in which to raise families far outn 'mber all of the uncomfortable aspects of living on these unpredictable plains. by Kermit J. Buol BURKART FAMILY Floo George Burkart Mr. and Mrs. George Burkart, Sr., of Walter, Russia, cnme to the U.S.A. on June 10, 1892. George and his wife were married August 19th and September 21, 1868, in Walter, Russia. They were among ten couples married the same day, as their church, not having a resident pastor, had a special pastor come at various times. It required great courage for George to dare thinking of coming to America. It required greater courage to undertake such a trip with a wife and two babies, George and Jake. They scraped up what they could sell and got what money they could, which was a pitiful amount for such a trip. Mrs. Burkart had to leave her dowry behind, a chest filled with the choicest linens, which were a gift from her father. It was difficult to leave parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends. It would truly be "goodbye", to know she could never see those whom she loved again. The uppermost reason for them wanting to come to the New World was the age old instinct to own a home and land of their own, ingtead of being a laborer in another man's vineyard. Some had braved the dangers ofthe "New World" and now one could own a home of their own by just living on a place for a short while and "Improving up on a Homestead". It took stout hearts and willing hands to go to the New World and face the hardships. The Burkart family finally anived in New York City. A baby had becoming desperately ill of a fever while enroute, but recovered safely by the time they landed. Upon arival, for eome reaaon they were shut in a cell-like room. George was afraid they would be returned to the old country for some reason. He could not talk English, so he couldn't find out why they were being detained. On the ship, some fellows were there to try to get the emigrants to work for a certain railroad, but Mr. Burkart refused to sign anything so these men threatened they would see to it that they would be returned to the old country. However Mr. Burkart refused to sign up with them. After a couple of days a gentleman came along past their cell-like room evidently John Buol Farm. John on horee, Kermit right front. In the early 1920's. looking for someone. At least he returned with a guard who unlocked their door. The �gentleman angrily exclaimed, "Why have you shut up my people like this." They guessed that he was an nmbassador from Russia and had not been able to account for one family that had not arrived. Anyway he saw that the tickets were purchased and placed them on a train headed for their destination, Culbertson, Nebraska, where a cousin, Conrad Burkart lived. After the train left New York City, the Burkarts were afraid to go to sleep because they had no idea of the location of Culbertson, Nebraska. They were afraid that the train would pass the station. So George saw a Negro a few seats ahead and since he couldn't speak English he made sign language with the Negro to find out how long he should be aboard the train. The Negro shut his eyes and laid back on his seat, help up one finger, then he sat up and help up one finger repeating until he had three nights and two days. Then George went back to his seat to sleep through the night peacefully. by Mrs. George Burkart BURKART FAMILY Flot Upon reaching the homestead claim near Kirk, Colorado, a shelter had been laid up for them by Mr. Burkart's father who had taken a claim nearby. Walls of adobe were built by him. George had sent money to him to buy windows and a roof. The floor was adobe. Later the walls in the adobe were plastered with native lime taken from a pit near the river. Whenever house cleaning came along, Mrs. Burkart would take a solution of the native lime and water and use a rag to rub it all over the walls to make them a beautiful white. The floor was cleaned and made presentable by rubbing a real wet gunny sack over it and sprinkling fine sand over it. Next morning aftcr their arrival, young Mrs. Burkart went outside to view the prairie about her new home. All she saw was a big, tall brown grass waving and sighing like pine trees in the wind. How useful the cooked down butter would be to the family now. No doubt she dreamed how useful her dowry of fine bed linens could be to her now. Later a severe drought sent George hurrying on horseback south to the Arkansas valley for work. He wrote for his father to bring his stock and family to him. A second daughter Lena arrived while there. by Mrs. George Burkart George Burkart How happy they were to have reached the promised land of their dresms. Harvest was on, so George and his wife, Katie, assisted with the harvest, Katie softly singing her favorite hymn: Bless us and keep us Lord, we look up to Thee Give us your blessing at all times. However, underneath it all, from the time Katie had left her loved ones behind. she being only a young bride, suffered terrible homesickness which made her very ill at times. The Burkarts soon moved to Trenton, Nebraska, where George got work on the Burlington Railroad. The small amount of money was getting smaller. One day a freight train was derailed and a carload of butter in wooden tubs was in a bad state with the butter getting mushy and running out of the tubs. The railroad foreman told George he could take home all he could use as it would be wasted. So George and his wife took a great deal of it. Being very conservative and far sighted, Mrs. Burkart cooks the butter down until clear colored and like lard and stored it in containers as lard. It proved to a real gift from heaven as we find in their later story of homestead life. While in Trenton, Mrs. Burkart did washing and ironing to earn money. Then George and his brother, Jake Burkart, went to Akron, Colorado. a railroad center and land office to file on homestead claims five miles southeast of Kirk, Colorado. Then George borrowed his father's covered wagon and took his wife, who was expecting another child soon, and his two sons and headed west. Enroute a daughter Lydia was born in a farm home. When the baby was an hour old, the young mother and baby were placed in the covered wagon, and it moved on toward the homestead claim. Considered by grown children today, it seems inconceivable such a thing could have been endured with the new mother living to ever tell about it. BURKART F102 George Burkart The next spring, 1897, they had earned some money to start farming so they returned to their homestead near Kirk, where another daughter, Amelia was born. She was the adored baby of the family and no baby could have been loved more. George walked five miles from his homestead to the John Pugh ranch on the Republi- can River when he could get work there and be spared from home. He walked to work Sunday evening and returned the same way Saturday evening. His wages were 50 cents per day, George says today, "And we were well fixed. I could buy a sack of "Cowboy" floor for 75 cents and two pounds ofArbuckle coffee for 50 cents which filled our needs. Often times homesteaders didn't have any flour in the house and never knew where the next meal was coming from." "When I worked for Pugh I would note where a bunch of cattle had bedded down for the night and would pile a few chips together here and there and come back later for them when I had time. So that way we supplied our fuel." George remarks of Mrs. Pugh, "She was a good woman and cooked many good meals for me for which I am grateful." Prairie fires were calrmities to the homesteaders. They were started by the train going to Limon. Everyone went out to help. Pastures, crops and homes were burned, often people lost their lives. A large prairie fire started near Flagler in 1901 and burned to the Republican River. The fire burned to the edge of the Burkart house when the wind suddenly changed and the fire turned south to the River where it died out. The prairies were covered with good thick grass and large grasses three foot tall in the hills along the river. George tells how he was fighting fire one day when two men came by dragging a dead animal between two horses to put out the fire. Everything was done to fight these fires. Back firing was also used, whenever the need arose. Mr. Burkart, like other pioneers, helped build early schools. He helped build three in all, including the Clark School. One was rock up to the windows, with adobe or sod used for the others. The family suffered many hard times, but were never sorry to have come to the new world, despite their hardships and homesickness. Mr. and Mrs. Burkart finally built up a lovely home and helped build a church nearby. They often times helped their neigh- bors build homes also. Mr. Burkart joined some friends in organizing the Kirk State Bank of Kirk on January 7, L917. He beceme a director on the bank board and always felt proud of his achievement for the community. So it was a gala day of Mr. and Mrs. George Burkart when the day of their 50th Wedding Anniversary arrived on February 3, 1938, and found them happily and comfortably settled as citizens of their new world. They had gained what their hearts had desired, looking forward from their wedding day in the old world. Their's is happiness a hundredfold and their land and home are their own: they are not hired servants. Looking back on their lives they remarked on their 50th wedding day: though they had travelled together, they agreed that God had been good to them, to bring them to America when He did, that nowhere else could a man and a family start out without a penny and by sheer hard work and good management pay for a home. Mr, Burkart says: "Here in America we have security. We can feel assured, when we go to bed at night, that we won't be dragged out by the Secret Police. Of course this security costs money. That's why we pay county taxes, and I hope none of my children will ever complain about having to pay taxes. If they could just appreciate the differences between America and the old country as I do, I'm sure they would not." Mr. and Mrs. George Burkart celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, on February 3, 1957. Mr. Burkart passed away in 1962; Mrs. Burkart in 1963. by Mrs. Sherman Corliss - lS57 BUTLER, WILLIAM AND AMANDA FloS In the fall of 1913, my parents, William and Amanda Butler, moved to a homestead north of Vona. My parents were born in north central Kansas. My father bought what was called a relinquishment. My parents had just bought a new 1913 Model T Ford. My father drove the car out to the farm, put it in a small shed, and went back to Kansas on the train. My parents and another couple who helped them move constructed one covered wagon, one wagon, and a hayrack. They had machinery and feed for the horses on the wagons. My younger sister and brother thought this was lot of fun, as sometimes they would ride with �the men in the wagons. This part was told to me as I stayed with an aunt to go to school. At night they slept in the covered wagon and they would co-p at a farm house so as to have water. They cooked on a two burner oil stove, and as a rule the weather was nice and the cooked outside, but one evening it rained, so they stayed in a hotel and put the horses in the livery barn. I came to Colorado BUTTERFIELD FAMILY F104 Melvin and Barbara Butterfield on the train all by myself on my seventh birthday. I thought I was plenty big to buy fruit and sandwiches and give the right change. The train got to Vona in the night. My father Witlard Milton Butterfield, was born in 1898 at Amherst, Colorado, the son of Ellen (Smith) and Edward Ulyssess (Edd) My parents, sister and brother, had driven to Vona, and had a room at the hotel. As the rado from Ohio in 1886. He was a farmer and rancher. My mother Lettie Mildred Bone, was born in 1898, at Corydon, Iowa, daughter of Alice (Rockwell) and Charles Bone, who came to Holyoke from Iowa in 1903-04. Lettie traces her lineage back 9 generations through her father on the maternal side of Stansbury's, to a Detmar Sternberg, who came to Baltimore, Maryland in 1658. Detmar was descended from William of Orange, and also back 7 generations to a Cromwell, who was related to Olvier Cromwell. Lettie and Willard married in 1920 in Holyoke, Colorado. Willard worked for his hotel had only one bed to a room, we all slept in the one bed until it was daylight and then we started for the homestead. My sister and brother were very excited as they said we were building a mud house. All of the neighbors came to work on that house. I still own the Homestead. and the house is occupied. In those days there were not many cars. My father took couples to Burlington to get married, and to prove up on their homesteads. If you were in your car and met people in a buggy or wagon, the man with the horse would get out ofhis wagon and hold on to the horseg'heads or the horses would run away. We lived in a one room frame house while the new house was being built. Then the little house was made into a garage. At that time a barn was built and also other buildings. We attended the Boger School. In those days as many €Nr fifty and sixty pupils would Butterfield. Edd Butterfield came to Colo- Dad Edd. It was born in L922, and Marvin Delet, was born in 1924, on the Butterfield farm south of Holyoke. ln 1924 they moved to a farm (owned by his Dad) located 16 miles south on Highway 51 and 3 miles east of Burlington, Colorado. They had 160 acres of farm and pasture ground. Dad bought a tenm of mules from his Dad for $300 and Mom's parents gave them a milk cow. There was a four room house of the farm. When Willard's mother, Ellen, died in1924, Willard's youngest brother Edward (Buzzie) Butterfield was 10 years old. He made his home with us until he married in 1934. Close neighbors wee the Henry Dragers, to the west, Vince Daniels, one mile north & one mile west: Fred Nortons, one mile north & one mile east; and the Lawrence Carlsons, one-half mile north. The children rode the bus nine miles to the Smoky Hill School. Willard drove the school bus for several years. The school was the center for activities and church services were held there. When Highway 24 was being built, Willard drove his team of mules and wagon to Burlington to work on the highway, hauling sand and dirt. Verna Ellen was born in 1927. She was such a tiny thing, four pounds. Kenneth Ervin was born in 1929 and Willard Junior, in 1932. They were born on the farm; Dad would go to town and get Dr. Remington who would deliver for $25. We always had lots of livestock on the farm. A good saddle horse was always saddled up and tied to a post ready to be used. In the summer time Dad and Marvin milked the cows and I would ride and bring in the horses. It was open range and they could roam as much as 15 to 20 miles from home. When Marvin was around 9 years old he would ride south to a sheep snmp and be going to school. Sunday School was held in many of the school houses. Our school was the main entertainment. Dances were held in homes, and baseball was a great entertainment in those days. In L923, my father became Postmast€r at Vona. We lived near Vona during the summer and then moved into town. My sister and I had worked for our room and board to go to high school. The years brought more schooling, teaching several terms of achool, and my marriage to Harold Summers. We went through the depression years, dirt storm years, with low prices for farm produce, and back to good crops and prices. Many people remember the rabbit drives and the grasshoppers that ate the little trees we eet out, and then the time came when there were no rabbits, and it seemed as if the deer, antelope, and coyotes had taken over. My husband was a lover of cattle and horses; of coutse, for many years he farmed with horses. We had Black Angus cattle. Our parents moved to California during the Second World War years, and they have all been gone many years. Also my sister passed away many years ago. My brother hag lived in California since 1937. Now a widow, I have been on geveral long tours east, west, north and south, and still think eastern Colorado is the best place to live. My two daughters do not live in my home town. Shirley Basinger and husband Virgil live in Gunnison, Colorado, where Shirley is in Banking. Jerry Weisshaar and husband Junior live in ldalia, Colorado, where Jerry is Postmaster. I have six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. One grandson, Dale Weisshaar, and his family live here in Stratton. by Fern (Butler) Summers The Willard Butterfield family, L. to R.; WiIIard, Lettie, Marvin, Verna, Melvin, George, and Junie (Willard Jr.) �bring home orphan lambs' Marvin and I shot rabbits and skunks to sell their hides and use the money to buy more shells. In the 30'e there were so many rabbits. The farmers ? & would hold rabbit drives and pay 10 or 12 l cents each. A place in town skinned them and the carcases were trucked to Denver for the mink farms. When we all went to town on Saturday. I would go right to the library and check out Zane Gray Bookg. Dad played the cornet in the city band when they had summer concerts in the city park. It was a treat to eat a loaf of bakery bread on the way home. Most of the time we kids stayed home and entertained ourselves by hitching up a wild horse and a tame horse to a wagon and let them go; or ride the wild horses. Kenneth and Junie would get up in the grainery and find eggs, throw them down, thinking they could pick them up later. Verna said they made mud pies with eggs, but Mom didn't know about that for years. One time Kenneth fell out of the hay loft and landed on a cow who bucked him off. The dust storms of the 30's were terrible. We would put up wet sheets over the windows but could never keep the dirt out. There were lots of bull snakes around, they'd get in the chicken house and eat the eggs. One time Mom gathered eggs and put her hand in the nest on a snake; she never did gather eggs after dark again. In the wintcr time during a blizzard, we would make ice cream in a covered gallon bucket and hang it on the clothes line; the wind would keep it stirred up until it was frozen. Four of us kids had February birthday's; we would take a freezet ofice cree- to school on the bus. The kids at school called Kenneth "George" because he was born on George Washington's birthday. by Barbara Butterfield BUTTERFIELD FAMILY F106 Melvin and Barbara Butterfield After completing the 10th grade at Smoky Hill School, I went to High School in Burlington for 2 years. Earl Sivey and I batched together at Shooks gn-p ground. After school I went out for football and track. I played right guard of the football teem that won state shnmpionship in 1940, coached by Curly Schlupp. I graduated from Burlington High School in1942 and served in the Navy L942-46. I manied Barbara Ann Magee, daughter of C.L. and Vera Magee of Burlington, in 1948. I wae elected County Clerk and Recorder 1950-59. We moved to Denver in 1959. I retired from ReaI Estate Sales in 1982. We have 3 children: (1) Kerry Lee, born 1949, married, 2 children, Jenny born 1972 and Paul, born 1975. They lived in Denver and Montrose, Colorado. In July of 1987 they moved to Woodinville, Washington. (2) Dea Ann, born 1952, married, has 3 boys, Thomas (1980), Scott (1982) and Eric (198 a). They live in Woodinville, Washington. (3) Lonny Jack, born 1955, married, 3 boys, Andrew (1982), Nathan (198a) and Jeremy (1986)' Jack is a fireman with Bancroft Fire Dept' His wife, Kathy, is a chemist at Coors. County Clerks Office in 1951 with Iva Gross seated on right, Melvin Buttcrfield and Mary Marnell. Mel was County Clerk of Kit Carson County. My brother, Marvin Delet Butterfield, graduated from B.H.S. in 1943; served in the Navy 1944-46. He married Dolores Ann Dunn, daughter of Al and Mattie Dunn of Burlington, in 1949. They moved to Denver in 1951; moved to LaSalle, Colorado in 1967. He died in 1971 at age 47. They had 3 children; (1) Bruce, born 1951, married, one son, Brett (1977). They live in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Dolores makes her home with them. (2) David, born 1955, married, has 2 girls, Jennifer (1981) and Dawn (1983), born in Oklahoma. (3) Tami Sue, born 1959, married, 2 children, Nickalos (1980) and Anneka Marie (1983). They live in Texas. Ellen Verna Butterfield was born 1927. She graduated from B.H.S. in 1949; married Glenn Franke, son of August Franke in 1952. They moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1956. Glenn will retire from Holy Cross Elec. in Feb. 1988. They have 3 children, (1) Jeffrey, born 1954, married, 2 children, Crystal (19?7) and Jason (1979). (2) Lesyle, born 1957, married, divorced, has twin girls, Linsey and Krysta (1983). Lesyle teaches school in Glenwood Springs. (3) Norman, born 1961, married, one son, Jarrid (1985). They also live in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Kenneth Ervin Butterfield, born 1929, graduated from B.H.S. in 1947. Served in the Navy 1948-1952. Married Ruby Buchholz, daughter of Fred and Gertrude Buchholz of Bethune, Colorado, in 1952. They moved to Denver in 1953. "George" joined the Denver Fire Dept in 1955 and retired in 1980. They have a daughter, LaDonna Connie, born 1955, married, has 2 boys, Michael (1981) and Christopher (1984). They live in Denver. Willard Butterfield, Jr. born 1932. Graduated B.H.S. 1950. married Connie Lee Wilcox, daughter of Irene (Chalfant) and Kenneth Wilcox, in 1951. They moved to Denver in 1955, "Junie" works at the Federal Center, in Research Electronics. They have 2 children, (1) Kenetha Ann, born 1956, married, 2 children; Justin (1983) and Stefanie (1986). (2) James Michael, born 1958, married, one daughter, Sarah (1986). "Mike" works for the Castlewood Fire Dept. and lives in Denver. On August 30, 1979, all ofthe Butterfield children and their families were gathered at Willard and Lettie's home to celebrate their 59th Wedding Anniversary, when Willard had a fatal heart attack. Letie lived in her home until her failing health caused her to make her home with son Kenneth and wife Ruby. In December of 1987, she entered the Villa Manor Nursing Home at 7950 W. Mississippi Ave., Lakewood, Colorado, 80226. by Barbara Butterfield CALVERLEY FAMILY Fl06 In 1924 Raymond H. Calverley moved to Stratton with his wife, Ellora, and two daughters, Lois Jane and Lola May. For the next thirty-one years that he and Ellora lived in Stratton, he not only ran the First National Bank but was active in every aspect of the community. His many years on the Stratton Town Council enabled him to be a part of the development of the town itself, while at the same time being a member of the school board showed his concern for the education of children. As a charter member of the Stratton Rotary Club, he became a part of the many fine programs assigned for the social benefits of the town. Mr. and Mrs. Calverly were faithful supporters of the Congregational Church which eventually became the United Methodist Church of today. Ellora particularly worked energetically for the many activities of the church. In the early 1960's the Calverleys left Stratton, moving to Loveland, Colorado, for their retirement years. by Ellora Calverley � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief biographies of the founding families of Kit Carson County Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families- B Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Description An account of the resource A brief history of some of the founding families of Kit Carson County whose names begin with the letter "B." As told in the book The History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Subject The topic of the resource History Kit Carson County Biography Genealogy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/17/456/Families-C.pdf b74828cf5ca8eca3032a0db6cc5857d9 PDF Text Text bring home orphan lambs' Marvin and I shot rabbits and skunks to sell their hides and use the money to buy more shells. In the 30'e there were so many rabbits. The farmers ? & would hold rabbit drives and pay 10 or 12 l cents each. A place in town skinned them and the carcases were trucked to Denver for the mink farms. When we all went to town on Saturday. I would go right to the library and check out Zane Gray Bookg. Dad played the cornet in the city band when they had summer concerts in the city park. It was a treat to eat a loaf of bakery bread on the way home. Most of the time we kids stayed home and entertained ourselves by hitching up a wild horse and a tame horse to a wagon and let them go; or ride the wild horses. Kenneth and Junie would get up in the grainery and find eggs, throw them down, thinking they could pick them up later. Verna said they made mud pies with eggs, but Mom didn't know about that for years. One time Kenneth fell out of the hay loft and landed on a cow who bucked him off. The dust storms of the 30's were terrible. We would put up wet sheets over the windows but could never keep the dirt out. There were lots of bull snakes around, they'd get in the chicken house and eat the eggs. One time Mom gathered eggs and put her hand in the nest on a snake; she never did gather eggs after dark again. In the wintcr time during a blizzard, we would make ice cream in a covered gallon bucket and hang it on the clothes line; the wind would keep it stirred up until it was frozen. Four of us kids had February birthday's; we would take a freezet ofice cree- to school on the bus. The kids at school called Kenneth "George" because he was born on George Washington's birthday. by Barbara Butterfield BUTTERFIELD FAMILY F106 Melvin and Barbara Butterfield After completing the 10th grade at Smoky Hill School, I went to High School in Burlington for 2 years. Earl Sivey and I batched together at Shooks gn-p ground. After school I went out for football and track. I played right guard of the football teem that won state shnmpionship in 1940, coached by Curly Schlupp. I graduated from Burlington High School in1942 and served in the Navy L942-46. I manied Barbara Ann Magee, daughter of C.L. and Vera Magee of Burlington, in 1948. I wae elected County Clerk and Recorder 1950-59. We moved to Denver in 1959. I retired from ReaI Estate Sales in 1982. We have 3 children: (1) Kerry Lee, born 1949, married, 2 children, Jenny born 1972 and Paul, born 1975. They lived in Denver and Montrose, Colorado. In July of 1987 they moved to Woodinville, Washington. (2) Dea Ann, born 1952, married, has 3 boys, Thomas (1980), Scott (1982) and Eric (198 a). They live in Woodinville, Washington. (3) Lonny Jack, born 1955, married, 3 boys, Andrew (1982), Nathan (198a) and Jeremy (1986)' Jack is a fireman with Bancroft Fire Dept' His wife, Kathy, is a chemist at Coors. County Clerks Office in 1951 with Iva Gross seated on right, Melvin Buttcrfield and Mary Marnell. Mel was County Clerk of Kit Carson County. My brother, Marvin Delet Butterfield, graduated from B.H.S. in 1943; served in the Navy 1944-46. He married Dolores Ann Dunn, daughter of Al and Mattie Dunn of Burlington, in 1949. They moved to Denver in 1951; moved to LaSalle, Colorado in 1967. He died in 1971 at age 47. They had 3 children; (1) Bruce, born 1951, married, one son, Brett (1977). They live in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Dolores makes her home with them. (2) David, born 1955, married, has 2 girls, Jennifer (1981) and Dawn (1983), born in Oklahoma. (3) Tami Sue, born 1959, married, 2 children, Nickalos (1980) and Anneka Marie (1983). They live in Texas. Ellen Verna Butterfield was born 1927. She graduated from B.H.S. in 1949; married Glenn Franke, son of August Franke in 1952. They moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1956. Glenn will retire from Holy Cross Elec. in Feb. 1988. They have 3 children, (1) Jeffrey, born 1954, married, 2 children, Crystal (19?7) and Jason (1979). (2) Lesyle, born 1957, married, divorced, has twin girls, Linsey and Krysta (1983). Lesyle teaches school in Glenwood Springs. (3) Norman, born 1961, married, one son, Jarrid (1985). They also live in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Kenneth Ervin Butterfield, born 1929, graduated from B.H.S. in 1947. Served in the Navy 1948-1952. Married Ruby Buchholz, daughter of Fred and Gertrude Buchholz of Bethune, Colorado, in 1952. They moved to Denver in 1953. "George" joined the Denver Fire Dept in 1955 and retired in 1980. They have a daughter, LaDonna Connie, born 1955, married, has 2 boys, Michael (1981) and Christopher (1984). They live in Denver. Willard Butterfield, Jr. born 1932. Graduated B.H.S. 1950. married Connie Lee Wilcox, daughter of Irene (Chalfant) and Kenneth Wilcox, in 1951. They moved to Denver in 1955, "Junie" works at the Federal Center, in Research Electronics. They have 2 children, (1) Kenetha Ann, born 1956, married, 2 children; Justin (1983) and Stefanie (1986). (2) James Michael, born 1958, married, one daughter, Sarah (1986). "Mike" works for the Castlewood Fire Dept. and lives in Denver. On August 30, 1979, all ofthe Butterfield children and their families were gathered at Willard and Lettie's home to celebrate their 59th Wedding Anniversary, when Willard had a fatal heart attack. Letie lived in her home until her failing health caused her to make her home with son Kenneth and wife Ruby. In December of 1987, she entered the Villa Manor Nursing Home at 7950 W. Mississippi Ave., Lakewood, Colorado, 80226. by Barbara Butterfield CALVERLEY FAMILY Fl06 In 1924 Raymond H. Calverley moved to Stratton with his wife, Ellora, and two daughters, Lois Jane and Lola May. For the next thirty-one years that he and Ellora lived in Stratton, he not only ran the First National Bank but was active in every aspect of the community. His many years on the Stratton Town Council enabled him to be a part of the development of the town itself, while at the same time being a member of the school board showed his concern for the education of children. As a charter member of the Stratton Rotary Club, he became a part of the many fine programs assigned for the social benefits of the town. Mr. and Mrs. Calverly were faithful supporters of the Congregational Church which eventually became the United Methodist Church of today. Ellora particularly worked energetically for the many activities of the church. In the early 1960's the Calverleys left Stratton, moving to Loveland, Colorado, for their retirement years. by Ellora Calverley �CALVIN, MELVIN FAMILY FtoT Melvin Gerald Calvin was born Sept. 27, 1915, at Smith Center, Kansas to Leonard and Katherine (Baetz) Calvin. At the age of six months he moved with his parents and two sisters, May (Calvin) Kellogg, and Irene (Calvin) Hermbloon to Stratton. The family moved to a farm southeast of Stratton. During the first year the family lived in a dugout basement while Leonard built the house and the other buildings. The farm is presently owned by Mrs. Chris Schwieger. In 1919 the family left Stratton to live in Greeley, Co. while their Dad Leonard attended teacher training at Colorado State Teach- ers College. The following year the family returned to the family farm south of Stratton. Melvin and his sisters all graduated from Stratton High School. Both of his sisters taught in the country schools. Melvin graduated with the class of 1933. His class was the only class to have graduation pictures during the depression. He then went on to attend college for a short time in Wichita, Ks. where he studied business. Bernice (Fass) Calvin met our father Melvin on her many visits from Syracuse, Nebr. She came to visit her aunt and uncle, the Peter Kruse family. On May 20, 1936 Melvin and Bernice were married in Goodland, Kansas. They eloped so they would have some time to tell Dad's parents about their marriage. But as it always goes the announcement of the maniage was published in the Goodland Daily News. So his parents found out before they got back to Stratton. The first ten years of their married life they resided in Denver. where two of their four children were born: Betty and Linda. Melvin worked for the Remington Arms Co. until he was drafted into the Army on March 4,L944. During his time in the service he was the recipient ofthe Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Star and the Purple Heart. He received his discharge papers on Oct. 20, 1945 with the ranking of Staff Sergeant. After his return from the war he decided he wanted to farm. So he moved his family to Stratton to live on his dad's farm which he finally purchased. His parents then moved to Denver. In 1946 and 1947 their last two daughters; Christine and Vickie, were born in Stratton at Mrs. Border's Maternity Home. Basically times were pretty good on the farm, except during the dirty fifties, where our greatest fears were having to move and leave the farm, but as with many things, we were able to withstand the drought and bad timee and stay. During this time Dad put the farm in the soil bank progro- and stafied working at the ASCS offrce. Mom started working at the Stratton Equity Co-op where ghe was employed by them for eighteen years. Melvin and Bernice were involved with many community activities. Dad was a member of the Stratton School Board for eighteen years. He was actively involved in the planning of the new high school. He also took many a load of pep club girls to football and basketball games. He also served on the fire district board for many years. Melvin and Bernice both were actively involved with the American Legion and Auxiliary. Dad marched in the honor guard at all Stratton Days and Homecoming events up and until his death Oct. L6, t974. Dad was up for reelection to the county assessor office unopposed on the Democratic ticket at the time of his death. After Dad's death Mom was asked by many people of the community to run for the assessorjob to which she was elected, serving a four year term. During this time she decided to sell the farm to Chris Schwieger and then she bought a home in Burlington, Co. where she resided until her death in Nov. 21, 1982. Their four daughters all graduated from Stratton High School and are now all married. Betty Belt lives with her husband Leroy in Alamosa. She has three boys and two girls and four step children. Linda Torline who died Feb. 5, 1984, lived with her husband Larry in Lakewood, Co. They have three sons. Christine Brachten- bach lives with her husband Dennis on a farm north ofStratton. They have one boy and two daughters. Vickie Hahn lives with her husband Lyden in Fresno, Calif. She has two girls and one stepchild. by Christine Brachtenbach served as County Chairman. They were members of the Congregational Church. Tope was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a charter member of the Lions Club and active in the American Legion. Blanche belonged to the Eastern Star and the Legion Auxiliary. Tope had a great interest in sports and managed many baseball teams through the years as well as playing in his younger years. As long as he lived he took an active interest in the sports activities in the commu- nity. After Tope's retirement and Blanche's retirement a little later, they spent five winters in Bullhead City, Arizona to enjoy a more mild climate. After a period of failing health, Tope died on Jan. 29, L976. Burial was in the Flagler Cemetery. Blanche has continued to make her home in Flagler, enjoying leisure time activities, after working for so many years. Their daughter, Jackie married Ray Spiars on Dec. 26,L954 in Riverton, Wyoming where she was teaching and where he worked for Frontier Airlines. Since then they had lived in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebr., and in New Castle and Worland, Wyo., Seattle, Wash. and in Denver. The Spiars have four children: Terri, Michael, Steve and David and six grandchildren: Mandy, Aaron and Benjie Armstead and Trevor, Brandon and Jordan Spiars. CARPER, H. C. AND BLANCHE FloS From the 1930's until 1968, H.C. (Tope) Carper and his wife, Blanche (Lipford) Carper, operated the Carper Barber and Beauty Shop on Flagler's Main Street. Tope had first come to Flagler in Lg22 to work in Harry Gray's Barber Shop, later returning to Jennings, Kansas, Blanche, the daughter of Lena and J.W. (Jack) Lipford, had lived in the Flagler area since coming to a homestead with her parents in 1908. She was a graduate of Flagler High School and had taught the Mt. Pleasant School, located north of Flagler on the Kit Carson - Washington County line for two by Blanche Lipford Carper CARTER, FLOYD AND ESTALEENE (ESTIE) Fr09 Floyd Carter born Sept. 3rd 1915 in Cass County Iowa came with his parents Adam & Katie Carter when a small boy of 4 years old from Cumberland, Ia., to rural Yuma County Colo. He and his sister Ruby attended the Prairie View grade school 12 miles north and years. The couple were married on May 24,L923, at Oberlin, Kansas, by a woman probatc judge, Emma L. Lathrop. Witnesses were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Nellans of Jennings, Kansas. The newlyweds made their home in Jennings, where Tope was a barber. While living in Jennings, their two daughters were born. Patricia Jean was born on June 8, 1927, but lived only 3 months. Their second daughter, Jacqueline Fae was born on Jan. 19,1929. In 1931, the Carpers returned to Flagler where Tope worked first at the Campbell Barber Shop located in the IOOF Hall which he soon bought. Then they bought the building on the east side of Main Street and moved the shop there. In 1936, Blanche attended the Charles Beauty School in Denver and upon completing it, began the operation of a beauty shop along with the barber shop. During their years in Flagler, the Carpers were active in the life of the community. Tope served on the Town Council and as mayor. He was also active in the Democratic party and Floyd and Estaleene Carter. �a mile west of Yuma, Co. In 1925 Adam & Katie moved with their children Muriel, Ruby, & Floyd into Yuma. Floyd attcnded grade school and High School there, graduating with the class of 1932 or 1933. As a little boy he delivered the Denver Post, raked leaves, mowed lawns, to help out at home. The Crash of 1929 and the dirty thirties were hard on this family as well as a lot of other families so any help was a blessing. Adam worked on the W.P.A. and Katie picked turkeys to make ends meet. The Dirty Thirties were hard to recover from but survive they did. Possibly making then appreciate the good life when it cane. In the teens Floyd started working for Ray Beanblossom in his creamery, carrying in cream and eggs and washing dirty cream cans. Little did he know then he would follow this route for the next 42 years. Later he changed jobs going to work for the Gisi Produce Co. By this time he was old enough to drive trucks so he drove for Mike Gisi as well as helping Nellie Gisi in the creemery. He picked up eggs, s1snm, & poultry and delivered them to markets in Denver for Mike. He later hauled corn & feed for Mike, hauling grain to Ia. Other markets for eggs were Omaha Nebr. and chickens to Norton Kan. In 1940 on May 6th Floyd married a displaced Missouri girl, Estaleene Haley. I was born Dec. 16, 1920 and had come to Wray, Colo. to visit my Aunt Iva Lair. Liking Wray so much I convinced my parents (with a lot of persuasion) Brack & Ona Haley to let me stay in Wray with my Aunt Iva & finish the last 2 years of High School there. They finally gave in and I graduated with the class of 1940. After our marriage Floyd bought his own cre4mery, Carter's Produce, as it was known and we started buying produce from the farmers of the surrounding areas. Eventually we had a new business added to our produce business and that was delivering Meadow Gold Milk and products to homes and through the years, Meadow Gold Milk, Sealtest Milk, & Sinton milk was to be the last. Estie, as all Burlington called me, was always active helping Floyd in the creamery & milk business. I also worked 15 years for the J.M McDonald Co. a family Dept. store. Had my own Hobby - Craft - Army Surplus Store for 4 years located on the west side of our creamery building. I worked part time for West€rn Auto for 2 years until it closed. Then 4 years at Burlington Flower Shop from where I retired in 1981. Our three children attended Burlington grade and high school in Burlington. Sheryl graduated in 1959. She is married to Glen Davis, an employee of Peoples Natural Gas. Sheryl being employed by Tyrrell's Insurance. They are the parents of a son Jeff who A new beginning . . . meeting new friends . . . neighbors . . . & most of all our new customers. We bought creo- for Beatrice Creamery Co, Eggs for Boswell's Produce & hatching eggs for Jamison Hatchery all of these located in Denver. Through this business we prospered & thanks go out to our valued cugtomers throughout the years of being able to deal with them, until our retirement Sept. 1981. Floyd spent his entire adult life in the creom and milk business, even though during the 1940's farmers beca-e more wealthy and didn't have to depend upon their cream and egg check for groceries as much as before. The crepmeries started closing over the country and ours was no exception & it eventually closed also. The milk business continued profitable for us and we continued to be in the milk business until retirement in 1981. So what Floyd Carter start€d out doing as a young man he continued for nearly 45 years. Milk business was hard and a lot of early morning hours . . sometimes a thankless job but it had been good to us. We delivered, and her husband. Theresa and Martin Blinde, gave him a place to "come home to". He continued to work cutting timber, picking and shelling corn and helping in Martin Blinde's General Mercantile Store. In the winters of 1917 and 1918, Art made five cents a bushel picking corn, picking an average of fifty bushels a day. He made 250 an hour when he cut timber. $35.00 a month was full time wages. Elementary. Art's formal education ended with the death of his father but he continued to read whatever he could and stayed in contact with family, especially some cousins from Oklahoma. When a teenager, he found out by accident that this especially nice girl cousin was actually his little sister, Anna. Anne Shinn was always very dear to Art and Fern. Anne, her husband Carl, and two children, Betty and Ed spent most of 1930 with Art and become a school teacher and he graduated Fern in Bethune and returned often for a visit. Art said that the first person that really is 21 and lives in Denver where he is employed in the Porcelian Dept. at Coor's Brewery. Jim graduated in 1961. Married Bonnie Clark. He worked for U.P.S. nearly 11 years & Schlosser Redi-Mix for 10 years and at present is working for Hitchcock Inc. They are the parents ofBrent 12 and Brooklyn age 8. Brent in middle school and Brooklyn in Dan graduated in 1966. He decided to from Western State in Gunnison in 1970. Received his Masters from C.S.U. in Fort Collins. He married Patricia Whaman Brews- ter from Bird City Kans. & they have a son Christopher age 9. Dan and Pat are both teachers in Natrona County, Casper Wyo. Since our retirement in 1981 we have enjoyed taking several major trips. In May 1987 Estie came out of retirement and accepted a job at Burlington's Old Town Museum and it is a job I dearly love. Hope I can continue to be a part of this great endeavor of Old Town for a long time to come. by Estaleene (Estie) Carter business places. Floyd and Estaleene were parents of 3 children Sheryl, Jim & Dan. On March ?th 1955 Floyd and Estie chose to move to Burlington to make their home. We bought Leo King's Produce from Charolette & Leo King & again we had Carter's Produce in Burlington after selling the one in Yuma. caused complete disaster for Art and his brother Al. They were on their own. Art took a small trunk, the family Bible and a couple ofhard bound books and ronmed the country picking up what jobs he could find, if nothing more than for his board and room. Art often told of cutting timber all day and having cherry soup for their meal. Finally a cousin CASSEN, A.E. AND FERN FllO Arthur Emil Cassen and Katie Fern Blount were manied June 15, 1918 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The following April the newly weds came to Bethune, Colorado by immi- grant train. They arrived with a team of horses, a jersey cow, six hens, a rooster and Fern's piano. They journeyed three miles south of Bethune to an unimproved 80 acres owned by Fern's father. Since there were no buildings a neighbor, Mr. Lamb, let them stay in a stall in his barn. He and his wife had only a one room house. They took the piano out of the box so the jersey cow had shelter. Their first night in Colorado was spent on a bed of straw. They awoke to a Colorado spring blizzard. Art Cassen was born to Charles and Anna Fredrick Cassens on August 31, 1880 on the family farm near Johnson, Nebraska in Nemaha County. In January, 1900 Art's mother passed away. Charles Cassens married Anna Behrman. Times were tough for the Cassens family. Art attended first and second grade in Roosevelt County school and then went to school in Johnson for three more years. Art's father passed away in 1911. This cared about him was Fern Blount and he was not going to let her get away. Fern Blount was the only daughter of William K. and Eliza Virginia Kite Blount. She had three brothers, Kay, Ora, and Roy. Fern was born April 26, 1897 near Auburn, Nebraska. She attended Fairview Country School, Auburn High School and studied music at Peru Normal Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska. Fern loved to play the piano and played for Sunday School, church, weddings, high school graduations and funerals. She also taught many young people the art of playing the piano. Being of such tough stock they were full of determination and hope. The snow melted, sod was plowed and crops were planted. A barn was built for the horses and then a one room frame house was built. Faith was what had kept Art and Fern going. While living with the Blinde's in Johnson, Nebraska, Art was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church. Fern was a member of the Bethel Methodist Church in Auburn, Nebraska. In 1920 Art and Fern helped organize a Sunday School that met in the old Bethune School. This was the beginning of many years of community involvement. By 1923 they had helped organize school district No.45, Prairie Star. Art served as president for 14 years. They worked until the Bethune Community Evangelical Church was formed in 1929. They were charter members and both served many years as Sunday School Superintendent and or Sunday School teachers. Fern helped organize the first Ladies Aide. Fern served many years on the Red Cross board helping in distribution of food and clothing to the needy. She made bandages and knittsd garments for the Red Cross for use during WWI and WWII and during the depression. In the late 30's Art served on the Bethune Town Council for four years. The depression hit Art and Fern hard as it did everyone. Art was working part time for August Heilscher in the grocery store in Bethune and trying to hang on to the farm. In 1936 Art and Fern had to leave the farm and moved to Bethune. Later in 1936 thev �purchased Heilscher's grocery store. Art and Fern spent the next twenty-six years side by side in a grocery store. No one wEur ever sent out of his store because they could not pay. ln 1942 Art and Fern bought the Freel Grocery in Arriba and moved to Lincoln County. They remained in the grocery business until retiring in the summer of 1962. They were as community oriented and caring in Arriba as they had been in Bethune. Though Art and Fern had no natural children they touched the lives of many young people including lris Rouse Taylor, Frances Bitter- Jack and Minnie had both grown up in eastern, Nebraska. Jack was born on Oct. 30, 1886, to John and Lena (Gantt) Chalfant of Rock Bluffs Township, Cass County, Nebras- ka. His parents had both emigrated to Nebraska from Pennsylvania with their parents in 1857. John and Lena were married in 1868 in Omaha, and lived on their farm for fifty years. Minnie was born September 17, 1889, to Matthew and Alice (Olds) Shoemaker of Liberty Township, Otoe County, Nebraska. Her parents, too, had both come from man Todd and Roland Schmidt. It did not take much to have Art or Fern produce pictures of their "grandsons", Delbert, David and Don, sons of Roland and Peggy Schmidt. Fern passed away November 21, 1983. The Pennsylvania. Matt and Alice were married at Wyoming, Nebraska, in 1874. They lived on their farm until they retired in 1910 and moved into Union. following March 22, t984 Art died of a 1910, and lived on a rented farm near Union. massive heart attack. Though they had not lived in Bethune for 41 years they stayed in All the farms in the area were small and the land was expensive. Jack had dreams of a bigger place and thought that the open contact with many of their old friends and Bethune was home. by Margaret Schmidt CHALFANT, JACK AND MINNIE Flll John Mac (or Jack, as he was always called) and Minnie Chalfant moved to Burlington in 1920. Jack arrived in early spring to plant wheat on his land south of town. Minnie and her four daughters - Alice, Mary, Irene and Margaret - c4me on the train in June. They moved into a small white house on the south end of Main Street, now 153 14th St. Minnie was shocked by the barrenness of the town. There were only a few trees, very little grass, some wooden sidewalks, and lots of brown, dry dirt moving around with every breeze. There was nothing green around the house. It was years before Minnie felt at home. Jack and Minnie were manied June 8, prairies of eastern Colorado might give him the opportunity to get some of the land and machinery that was changing the agricultural world. It was just after the first World War, and young men wanted to go west. Jack went to Colorado in 1919, and decided that it was what he wanted. He bought three quarters of land 12 miles south and 4 miles west of Burlington. Instead of building a house on the land, he bought a house in town. He knew it would be easier for him to get to the farm than to get his growing family to school in town. He then went back to Union for the holidays, and in early 1920 he returned to Colorado. When school was out at the end of May his family followed. Jack built a shop behind his house for repairing machinery and selling Case tractors. In the mid-1920's he operated the Victory Garage on Main St. at the site which is now 469 14th St. While there he was the Chrysler dealer. In the mid 1930's he became the John Deere dealer and had a large shop and sales room in the building which is now 478-48415th St. In 1945 he sold it to Harold t:: McArthur. Harvest time in the 1920's and 30's brought crews of men to operate the threshing machines and trucks. They worked from sunup to dark. Minnie cooked meals for them, sometimes uul many as thirty. Breakfast and supper were served in relays at the house. Dinner was taken to the fields. The summer of L92L, when John was born, Jack hired a cook to live on the farm and cook the food in a small trailer, called a "cook shack". Four children were born in the little house on Main Street. They were John, Betty Jane, Lucille and Danny Mac. It was a good place for children to grow up. They could go any place in town, and they were known to everyone. There were vacant lots to play in, machinery to climb, a city library where Mrs. Hoskins made children welcome, drug stores and grocery stores where children could take time spending their pennies, and school was within easy walking distance. All the children went to the Burlington public school and participated in many school activities. In the early 40's, Jack bought a farm two miles east of Burlington. He was one of the first farmers in the area to have an irrigation well, and he was a pioneer in the use of well water for irrigation. He was the mayor of Burlington from 1942 to 1946. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department from 1921 to 1961, and was chief for several of those years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Rotary Club. In 1943, Jack and Minnie moved to Bl? 12th St., where they lived the remainder of their lives. Minnie spent her time raising her eight children and helping those around her who needed help. Her favorite project was the repairing and dressing of dolls for the Santa Claus Shop in Denver. During her last twenty five years she contributed thousands of dolls to the children of poor families. In 1963, she received the V.F.W. Citizenship Award. In 1982, she received the National Enquirer's Good Samaritan Award. Jack died August L2,1973 at the age of86. Minnie died September 25, 1984, at the age of 95. Both died in Kit Carson Countv Memorial Hospital and both are buried in Fairview Cemetery. Their children are: Alice, who married Harold Shangle and now lives in Oak Grove, Oregon; Mary, who married A.R. Ormsbee, had two children, and now lives in Boulder' Irene, who married Kenneth Wilcox, had two children, and now lives in Burlington; Marga- ret, who married Doyle Ketchnm, had one son, and now lives in Kansas City, Kansas; John, who manied Betty Brown, had two children, and died November 6, 1968; Betty Jane, who married Lester Farwell, had five children, and now lives in Boulder; Lucille, whomarried Stanley Davis, had two children, and now lives in Colby, Kansas; and Danny Mac, who maried Anne Schaal, had four children, and now lives in Phoeniz, Arizona. by Mary Ormsbee The Chalfant Family, 1943. Standing: Margaret, Irene, Alice, Betty Jane, Mary, Lucille. Seated: Danny, Jack, Minnie and John. �was plastered inside, and the deep windows- CHANDLER, CHARLES FAMILY Fll2 ills had potted carnations in bloom, giving the place a cozy, homelike appearance. The barn was also of sod, except that it was half dug out, or half below the ground level, which provided a warm place for the livestock. One of the first tasks the spring of 1909 was to dig a well. Since the house was close to Spring Creek, a dry creek except after heavy rains or snow, a good water supply was found at 57 feet. Since the Homestead Act of 1862 had been a-ended to provide that an "additional" quarter section could be acquired, Charles and Meta Chandler each filed on an addition- al quarter section adjoining the original homestead, so now the family had 480 acres. Since there was still plenty of free range On March 1, 1909, Charles and Meta Chandler arrived at Stratton, Colo. on Rock Island Train No. 39, after a day and night from Kansas City, including a change of trains in Belleville, Kansas to No. 39 from Omaha. Charles and Meta were both 3? years of age. They had been living the previous 7 years in Dallas County, in the Missouri Ozarks. Mr. Gill, who was visiting in Mis- souri, told glowing tales of his homestead in Kit Carson County, Colorado. He actually wanted to get back to the Ozarks, so offered to relinquish his homestead to the Chandlers in trade for the Chandler place in Missouri. The homestead in Colorado included a quarter section of land, a 3-room sod house, a sod barn, and some livestock. So the trade was made and the family was headed for their new home on this first day of March, 1909. Besides Charles and Meta Chandler, the family consist€d of Marie, who had reached her 7th birthday the previous November, Elsie, who would be 5 on April 26, Joseph, who would be 3 on June 30, and John, who was 3 months and a week old on that date. The Gill homestead relinquishment to which the family was headed was four miles west and three miles north of Stratton. Mr. Gill met the family, prepared to take them out to their new home, in an open spring wagon (uncovered wagon) the seven miles, heading into a driving blizzard all the way. By the time they arived at the homestead, the family was chilled to the bone; so it was a great relief to get inside the cozy sod house. The house was a typical sod house of the day in that area, having three spacious rooms, warm walls of buffalo grass eod, at least a foot thick, with plank roof covered with rubberoid, and layer of sod over that. It was well l^^^+^l . .-rl norlnr hoofar Tf minutes, rather than hours it took by horse and buggy. Religion was an important element in the lives of the Chandler family. In fact, Charles had attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for two years but never attained ordination. In Colorado, he and Meta organized a Sunday School that met in interested neighbor's homes each Sunday. Charles offered prayer, and delivered a short sermon besides conducting the Bible lessons. Meta played the pump organ as the old h5nnns were sung; hymns like "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder", "Bringing in the Sheaves", "No Not One", "Jesus Lover of My Soul", and "Neater My God to Thee". About the year 1912, a Baptist church was organized in Vona and beyond, providing endless pasture for the cattle, the 480 acres of deeded land was sufficient to provide a living in those days' Crops consisted mainly of corn and cane, a form of maize used for livestock feed, and now generally referred to as Milo. The years 1909 thru 1912 were dry years, so harvest of the family attended that church regularly for several years, until they moved near Stratton in the fall of 1916, when they joined the Congregational (now Methodist) Church in living. The hens provided eggs, and there was attend college, Marie finished her last year of High School in Lakefield, Minnesota, where she stayed with her Grandmother. Elsie had her last year of High School in Boulder Colorada. Of the Chandler children, only Joseph graduated from the Stratton High School in 1924. In the fall of L924, a home was purchased in Boulder, Colo. so that the children could attend the University there. At that time Marie had already attended crops was rather meager. But there was always the buffalo grass, so the "cream check" from the weekly shipment of cream provided the necessary cash for the family The Chandler children in June, 1913, Top row, L. to R.: Elsie 9; Marie 1; Joseph 7. Bottom row: John 4. and Ruth 1. Stratton or Vona could be made in a few always plenty of milk, and cornmeal was ground with an hand mill. Two sows with pig were acquired, and within a year's time, the pigpen and barn were alive with.about fifty head of swine. The port barel was always well filled with tasty pork roasts and "Sow Belly". The skim milk was ready for market in Stratton. The cattle herd was soon built up to over fifty head, some of which could be sold off each year. Also one was butchered each year in the fall when cold weather had set in so the meat could be frozen in the well-house. So the only foot items necessary to buy were the staples, flout, sugar, yeast for homemade bread, and occasionally, for a treat, some oranges and bananas. Potatoes were homegrown, as were watermelons, cantaloupes, and wide variety of garden vegetables, such as peas, green beans, lettuce, radishes, sweet corn, catrotg, beets, cucumbets, squash, and pumpkins. The shelves in the cellar were lined each year with glass jars filled with fruit and vegetables, as well as a big five-gallon crock of cucumber pickles. When a carload of apples was put on the siding in Stratton, several bushels were purchased to fill the apple bin in the cellar. Besides eggs the chickens provided plenty of fried spring chickens for Sunday dinners. In February, 1912, a fifth child' Ruth Eva was.born, and that stme year a two-story white freme house was acquired from a homesteader who was selling out to leave the country. The house was moved to the end of the sod house with a door cut for access. The new house had spacious rooms on the main floor with a nice stairway and two bedrooms upstairs. Since Meta had been a school teacher for several years in Iowa and South Dakota, she was hired in 1913 to teach the neighborhood school, the Hansen School, 1 % miles north of the homestead. However, Marie was ready for High School in 1914, and had to ride horeeback the 7 miles to the Stratton High School. In the spring of 1916, a shiny new Ford Model "T" touting car was purchased from Jim Holloway, who had the Ford agency in Strqf.fnn wifh the Model "T" the trin to Stratton. The move to a place two niles north of Stratton was made in the fall of 1916, so that Marie and Elsie and later Joseph, could be closer to High School. But since Stratton High School was not accredited at that time, and since the Chandler children planned to three years there and Elsie one year. In Boulder the Chandlers operated a retail dairy until retirement. Charles was deceased in 1951 and Meta in 1964. Only Marie, who was married to Harry Greenwood in 1923, remained in the Stratton area, where she still resides. Marie taught in several area schools for several years, then as Marie Greenwood, became the Startton Postmaster in 1943, from which position she retired in 1971. Marie and Harry raised three children, Laura (Greenwood) Thomason, of Mclean, Virginia, Thelma (Greenwood) Hutton, of north of Burlington, and Allen Greenwood, of Stratton. Elsie maried Joe Frizzell in Boulder in 1932. They settled in Downey, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles, in 1943. They also raised three children, Guin Charles, deceased in a climbing accident in Yosemite Park in 1966, James Lowell, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and LaVonne (Frizzell) Rainey, of Placentia, Calif. Elsie was also a school teacher in Downey for many years until her retirement in 1969. she was deceased in 1981. Joseph was a school teacher in Longmont, Colo. until he joined the Indian Service in 1936. He was married to Edna (Walker) Chandler in 1930. Theyhad five children, Ted of Oxnard, Calif., Ruby (Chandler) Racine, of Columbia, Maryland, Donald and Robert, both of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Kristen (Chandler) Kania- tobe, of Albuquerque, N.M. In the Indian Service, Joe was principal of Indian schoolg in Rosebud, S.D., Eklutna, Alaska, and of Sherman Institute in Riverside, Calif. Then for five years before retirement in 1968 he spent five years in Liberia, Africa, with the Agency for International Development, helpine that countrv oreanized a school svst€m in �the hinterland. Joseph was deceased in 1971. John taught school for three years, then operated the family dairy in Boulder for five years. He was married to Thelma Maurine Young of Longmont, Colo. in 1932. He was appointed Immigration Officer in El Paso, Texas, in 1941. In this capacity, he worked in El Paso, Tex., Denver, Colo., San Juan, Puerto Rico, L.A., San Francisco, and Terminal Island, Calif., retiring in 1972. He and Thelna have two children, the Reverand John Richard Chandler, of Darouzett, Texas, and Jeanette (Chandler) Davis, of Prescott, Ariz. John and Thelma now reside in into Burlington in 1964. John Chapin graduated from C.U. in 1968, and from the University of Texas Law School. He married Carolyn O'Neal in 1970, and has recently become the law editor for advance students at the University of California. by Bernice Eberhart Spahr, a minister in Colorado Springs, and Doyl Spahr, with his own ice business in Loveland. The reason for mentioning the names is not to brag, but to give credit to the town and school we come from. Our school was small and had it's share of problems, like qualified teachers at times, financial problems, and others but we never lacked for enthusiasm. Bethune has had a lot of successful graduates, as have all the CHAPMAN - HOWELL FAMILY Prescott. Ruth was narried to Philip Reno in Fl14 schools in Kit Carson County. Getting in trouble at school, meant more trouble at home, when your Dad was on the school board. He absolutely would not tolerate disrespect for school. We played in town both day and night without the slightest Boulder, Colorado in 1933. She was deceased in Denver, Colorado in 1943. The Chandler Family's sixteen years in Kit Carson County, Colorado from 1909 to 1925 worry of being molested by anyone. As a young boy I remember helping people move in or out of town. We didn't expect to get paid, it was just a way to get acquainted with people. We built our own ice skating rink, made sled runs, built caves, made hide-outs, had picnics at the rocks west of Bethune, had had great influence on the lives of these "Children of the Prairie", by a lifetime of love and memories of the magnificence of the prairie sunset that can be gained only with an endless horizon; by the rolling hills of green buffalo grass; aft€r a month of May rains; by the sweet smell of wild flowers Sunday School parties, went to taffy pulls, went duck and rabbit hunting, played.all kinds of ball, rode our bikes as far ag blooming in the grass; by the trill of the meadowlark and the mocking songs of the Burlington or Stratton in the evening, went swimming when the lagoons were full or we could get someone to take us to Burlington to swim. We played with legal fire works on the fourth of July, and we would gather coal coyote that eent chills down your back while walking home after dark; by the distant wail along the railroad tracks for a candy bar. We sometimes hauled freight from the depot for a 5 cent Pepsi Cola. We had snow ball fights, went to the annual School Carnival, we went lark hunting; by floating a raft on Spring Creek when it was running; by the plaintive call of the prairie chicken, or the howl of a of a Rock Island train whistle; and the thrill of a hide-and-seek game in the hundred area out north to the river to fish and hunt pheasants, and we went to Sunday School and Church. Many of these activities were cornfield on a late August moonlit night. Then too, we left Marie there as a family legacy to Kit Carson County. by John T. Chandler CIIAPIN, ORVILLE AND FLO FlrS When the severe drought began to taper off, families began slowly coming back to the district. Some of the families came to farm on land that had been bought for a little bit of nothing, some for 500 to $f. per acre. Orville and Flo Chapin were living in Benkelman, Nebr. where Orville was a car salesman for Albert Kirschmer. Albert was one of those people who had purchased cheap ground here, and so he sent the Chapins here to farm. They ca-e in March 1944. Shirley was 9 years old and then John was born in 1946. A favorite teacher of Shirley's was Johnnie Robertson. John's favorite teacher was Hazel Fromong. The Kirschmer-Chapin farmers were one ofthe first to develop irrigation in this area. Irrigation has made a whole new world of the Smoky Hill Community. The Chapins were very active in the Community Sunday School, in 4H, card parties, gun club meetings, pot luck dinners, softball games, Extension Homemakers, etc. Shirley graduated from Fort Collins Aggies in 1953 and married Larry Woods. They have three children, and 1 grandchild. They are now living in Chandler, Okla. Orville still farms over south of Stratton. and they both are avid bowlers and outstandinggolfers. Theybuilt a newhome and moved Donald and Betty Chapman. Reflections of Bethune Growing up in a small town: Kit Carson County and Bethune have a special place in my heart. I was born in Bethune in May 1929, the fifth child of Earl and Blanche Chapman. My folks were of modest means and raising six children in the 1930's was no small task. What with drouth, depression and bank failure, only the heartiest survived. My parents taught all of us to love our home, our neighbors and to be proud of our community. Also to have respect for others and to appreciate the people of Kit Carson County. As a little boy, I never knew what it was like to not be loved by my farnily or by neighbors and everyone looked out for all the kids of the community. As a young boy I knew most ofthe business people in Burlington and Stratton and they knew who I was and they treated kids, from other towns, with respect. We kids always knew who the county elected officials were, and we always went with our folks to political rallies. We knew the Sheriff, the Police Chief and State Patrolman and they were looked up to and respected by all kids. We knew they were there if we needed them. My closest friends, as a boy; were Russ Knodel, a school administrator in Anchorage, AL, Ray Kno- del, a school administrator and textbook salesman, in Loveland, Ivan Amman, a minister in NB, Gene Amman, a PHD biologist in Ogden, UT, Alvin Buchholz, a senior member of the State of Colorado Tax Commission, in Grand Junction, Keith without parents help or knowledge. Most all boys were taught to defend themselves by their fathers. Fist fights were not uncommon, even with best friends, but they didn't last long and no grudges were canied. So you see why we didn't have time to get into trouble. Then World War II came and all of my older brothers were in the army. Dean was in the South Pacific, Vern was in Europe, Dale was in Texas, and each day brought fear of bad news at the post office. Many boys were drafted while in High School. Alvin Buchholz, Bud Stolz, George Bear, and Jinks Critchfield, who was killed in the South Pacific. I was 16 when the war ended. I started to help in the garage and on the gasoline delivery truck when I was 14. Many kids were driving at that age, helping parents in business or on the farm. You were not bothered by State Patrol, or Police when you were helping your folks. I'm sure, had we been driving for pleasure or at night, we would not have been over looked by the law. Having graduated from Bethune High School, most of us went our separate ways. I started in business with my father, Earl Chapman, brothers Dean and Vern, and later brother-in-law Neil Springer. Our business was good for all of us. Kit Carson County and its people gave us a great start in life. In 1950, I married Betty Howell from Vona. Her family cane to Vona in the 1880's, and she taught school in Vona for three years. We have been married for 38 years. We have two children and four grand children, our son Donald H. and his wife Judy, with their two children, Donald J. and Cheryl, and our �daughter Elizabeth and her husband Ross, and their two children John and Greg. by Don Chapman CHAPMAN MORELAND FAMILY Fl16 Earl Chapman was born October 25, L897, 1st son of Willian T. and Anna Mitchell Chapman in Clear Springs Mo. They moved to Ramah Colorado in 1910' He was married to Blanche Moreland in Colorado Springs June 30, 1917. Blanche was the third daughter of John and Emma Morris Moreland' She was born February 28, 1898 in Clear Springs Mo. They moved to Burlington in 1919 where Earl worked for Evans Brothers, which later beco-e Sim Hudson Motor Co. They moved to Bethune in 1921 where Earl started his first Garage. He built the cement block building on Highway 24 in 1931 under the Eastern Colorado and Western Kansae. Earl was a great supporter of Kit Carson County, a strong Mason, as were all his sons and sonin-laws. He was a life time Republican and loved hunting and fishing. The love of the mountains finally got to the entire family as they moved to Paonia, Colorado in Delta County in 1956. Earl died at 69 years of age in 1967. Blanche and all of her children are still alive and well. by Donald L. Chapman CIIURCH, GEORGE AND LOUISA Fl16 George and Louisa Church with their one year old daughter Ruth (Schaal) came to Burlington from eastern Nebragka in 1906. Their first few nights were spent in a not yet finished room in the Montezuma Hotel, while horses, wagon and meager supplies were being purchased. Then while a one room sod house was being built on the homestead nine miles northwest of town they stayed with the Mundt family whom they had known in Nebraska. This family lived on the farm now occupied and farmed by Bob Brown. There I, the second daughter was born. Three years later the only son, Garvin, was born. Our little sister Francis Faye wasn't born until we had moved from the homestead. She was cute and pretty with a head covered with blond curls. Being so much younger than the rest of us, she was the family's darling pride and joy. She died of diphtheria when eleven years old. As the family grew, from time to time another room was added to the sod house until it had four rooms all in a row. This house, with thick walls and sod on the roof was comfortably warm in winter and cool in summer. However the long narrow shape of the house made it bad for drifting snow. One winter when my dad wae working away from name of Chapman's garage, then Earl Chapman & Son's until the family moved in June of 1956 to Paonia, Colorado. Six children were born; Dale O. March 5, 1918 at Ramah, Colorado, who married Louise Bateman of Loveland, Colorado. Dolores E. October 11, 1919 at Bethune, Colorado, who maried Robert H. Grant of Colorado Springs. Dean A. April 16' L921, at Burlington, married Leona M. Guy of Bethune. Vernon R. May LL, L924 at Bethune, married Margaret R. Guy of Bethune. Donald L. May 9, 1929 at Bethune, married Betty J' Howell of Vona. Margaret L. August 21' 1930 at Bethune, married Neil M. Springer of Burlington. All of their children went to Bethune School for 12 Years. Earl was mayor of Bethune from the early 30s until leaving in 1956 and served on the school board as treasurer for many years. He also served on the Kit Carson County Hospitd board. He was a Conoco distributor in Bethune for over 35 years' The garage and machine shop was known for it excellence in motor rebuilding and machine work all over !i1*: 4tr;!. " 1."." - "' Daughtere Gertrude (Sally) and Ruth standing by their sod house on the homestead in 1910. The cattle bad iubbed the corner of the house making the indentation. The rug was brought out for the picture taking event. Remaing of the spring blizzad in 1915. The snow had covered the house. Mother shoveled the enow from the door and window so that we would not be emothered. home, as he often had to do so we could live, we had a big blizzard. No young person living The Earl Chapman family, L. to R.; Dale Chapman, Vernon Chap9an, Earl Chapman, Blanche Chapman, OonAa Cmpman, and Dian Chapman. Froni, Delores Chapman Grant and Margaret Chapman Springer, 1948. now can imagine the enormity and ferocity of the blizzards in those early days when the snow could sweep across the prairie for many miles without anything to stop it. In this particular blizzard the snow drifted against the north side ofthe house until it was roof level then came over the house and started piling against the south side, covering �with Kenneth and Lucile Lepper on their farm I mile north and 1 mile east of Stratton. doors and windows. To keep from being buried alive and emothered my mother went out every hour with a scoop shovel and shoveled the snow away from one door and one window. Before any of us were school age my dad helped neighbors build a one room schoolhouse 7z mile west and t/z mile south of our home. We walked to school about 3/ mile along a winding road across the prairie. I can't remember a time when there were over eight or nine pupils in this school including we three Churches. During Don's last year of high school, Kenneth went through several surgeries so Don stayed with the John Clark and the Zeke Kerl fanilies, graduating in May 1961. Kenneth died of cancer in July, 1961, and that fall, after the wheat was drilled, Don startpd working for the First National Bank of Stratton and continued there for almost four years. He now works as an Engineering Technician I for the Colorado Department of Highways in Grand Junction, Co. Don married Jackie Lynn Winkler 9 April 1966, and they have a daughter (Cynthia Lynn) attending the University of Denver, and a son (Kenneth William) finishing his Senior year at Central High School in Grand Junction. Eugene married Mary Forrester and they have six children; Barbara, Michael, Robert, Jay, Andy and Randy (twins). Their permanent residence is north of Jerusalem, Arkansas close to where Clarence is now residing on property owned by Harold. Our parents were determined that we should get a better education than they had a chance for. We were nine miles from Burlington with no school bus and no car. My dad did get his first car, an old Maxwell, about 1916 but it would barely get us to town occasionally to get groceries. So the parents sold the homestead and moved near First Central School where they had a country grocery store for several years. This school was twelve miles south of and half way between Bethune and Stratton and had a full four year accredited high school. There my brother and sister and I went through high school. This district was later absorbed by Stratton school and nothing remains of the buildings that were there. Ruth and I after one summer at Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley, now the University of Northern Colorado, and taking a teachers examination, started teaching in country schools. Garvin went to Barnes Business College in Denver, served in the Navy in World War II and now lives with his wife Lillian, in Camarillo, California. Ruth died in 1955. Our parents later moved to Burlington in 1929 where they lived on ?th St. the rest of the years of their lives. My mother loved flowerg and raised so many she becnme known as the "flower lady." by Sally Bauder CIIURCIIES - JONES FAMILY Fl17 Clarence Everett Churches was born to Cornelius and Maggie (Bozworth) Churches, 16 November 1906, near the town of Lawrence, Nebraska. Leona Pearl Jones was born to Roy Eugene and Matilda (Heisz) Jones, 8 October 1909' northeast of Stratton, Colorado at the Jones' Homestead place, which is located 9 miles north on SH 57 and 4 and 1/8 miles east of Stratton on the north side of the road. After graduation in 1928 from Stratton High School, Leona attended Barnes Business College in Denver. While working for Bernard Cummings (who ran for attorney general) she met Clarence who was working for MontgomeryWard. Theywere married 28 August 1933. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Humboldt, Kansas to live with his parents. In August, 1934, they moved to Stratton and raised chickens on what is known as the Park's Place now owned by Tom Price, approximately 1% miles north of the Jones homestead. While living on the Park's Place their first gon (Eugene Clarence) was born 27 by Donald D. Churches Clarence and Leona Churches and family. Left to right: Harold in front of mother (Leona), Eugene, CLAIR FAMILY and father (Clarence) holding Donald. DatB 1944 or 45. Fl18 The Clair family came to Kit Carson November 1935. When Eugene was one year old they moved to California. Clarence worked for Runnymede Chicken Ranch, which at that time was the largest chicken operation in the world. While in Reseda, California, their second son (Harold Wayne) was born 28 January 1938. Leona became homesick for Colorado so by December, 1938, they were back in Colorado living on the Olsen Place, 80 rods west of the Jones' Homestead. In December, 1939, they re- turned to California where Clarence was able to get a job at Lockheed Aircraft. While residing in Reseda, Leona became pregnant with their third child (Donald Dee). Due to the unrest in California (war time), Leona wished to be near her family for delivery, so she, Eugene, and Harold returned to Colorado by train in January, 1943. Don was born at the Stratton maternity Home on 5 March 1943, while Grandpa Jones and other family members looked after Eugene and Harold. As soon as Leona was able to travel, she returned with her three sons to their home in Reseda, California and resided there till her death from cancer on 28 June 1945. She is buried in the Claremont Cemetery at Stratton, Colorado. After her death, Clarence and sons moved to Stratton, Co. and lived on the Jones'farm. Eugene attpnded the 3rd grade and Harold 2nd grade at the District #28 school for the school year 1945-46. The school was located 1 mile south and 3 miles east of the Jones' farm. During August, 1946, Clarence and sons returned to Reseda, California. Harold and Don came back to Colorado on 7 July 1955, living with their aunt (Mettie Jones Sisson) and uncle (Elmer Jones, brother to Mettie) who reside on the Jones' farm. Harold graduated from Stratton High School in May 1956. He now lives in Eagle, Colorado and works as an Engineering Technician II for the Colorado Department of Highways. Don left his aunt's home in 1958 and lived County in the spring of 1908. They traveled here by covered wagon from Alton, Kansas. John Clair and his son, Warrenton, followed the carnivals to make a living; they also farmed. Warrenton married and began to raise his family of nine. His sons and daughters are Mrs. Hattie Clayton, of California, born June 23, 1902; Mr. William John Clair, of Burlington, Colorado, born August 30, 1904; Mr. Walter Clair, of Oregon, born July 27, 1906, deceased September 13, 1978; Mrs. Sarah Waitman, of Burlington, Colorado, born July 30, 1908; Mrs. Sylvia Klein, of California, born June 21, 1910, deceased December 17, 1983; Mrs. Goldie Higgins, of California, born April 16, 1913; Mr. Jesse Clair, of Burlington, Colorado, born June 14, 1915; Mrs. Gertrude Monroe, of Vona, Colorado, born March 16, 1917; and Mr. Johnnie Clair, of Bennett, Colorado, born May 13, 1918. Warrenton raised his family on the Clair homestead sixteen miles north and five miles east of Stratton. Colorado. On the homestead, he built a half dugout, half soddie house. They raised all of their meat and only bought itcms like sugar, coffee, at the store. There was usually a dance or card game to help pass the long evenings. On December 2, t926, William married Miss Lucye Belle Tryon of Stratton, Colorado at the Kit Carson County Courthouse in Burlington, Colorado. They had six children, one of whom did not survive. The two older boys were raised during the Depression when Bill and Walter were forced to make beer and bootleg it to provide for their families. The two boys also beca-e marksmen to help provide for their families and often, for entertainment or practice, took a Velvet tobacco can and would shoot the pipe out at twenty-five yards. They would then put a card in the can and shoot through that same hole at twenty-five yards. Bill and Lucye's children were James, born at Kirk, Colorado �on July L7, L927; Donald, born at Vona, Colorado on February 6, 1930; Ethel, born at Vona, Colorado July 28, 1935; Jeanne, born at Boulder, Colorado on August 6, 1937; and Richard, born at Alo-oga on January 27, 1945. In 1937, Bill and his family moved to a resettlement house and farm five miles south and five miles west of Alamosa. Colorado. In 1962, they sold that farm and moved to 6755 Trinchera Lane in Alnmosa, Colorado. They remained there until May of 1986 when they left because of health reasons and returned at that time to Burlington, Colorado. In September, 1984 they bought a trailer house at 355 Senter Avenue, Space 54, where they are at present. Their children are now in the following places: Je-es is in Englewood, Colorado; apartments. Paul Clapper's father, Charles Clapper, was Pennsylvania Dutch and his mother, Tina Alice (Tiny) Lierle, was Cherokee and German. Paul was born the youngest of nine children and was raised on a farm south of Dodge and in Dodge. Paul Clapper and Billie Wolf met at a dance during W.W. II, when he wag home on leave. He was a gunner on "the Spirit of FDR", one of the escorts when they dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan. Being a secret mission, he and his crew didn't know what was about to happen. Paul and Billie were married in 1944. They lived in Dodge, where their first three children were born; Terry in 1947, Chyrl in 1949, and Paul in 1951. In 1951, they bought the Fred Fuhlendorf homestead, 5 miles Donald is in Buena Vista, Colorado; Ethel is in La Jara, Colorado; Jeanne is in Alamosa, north, 3 east and 1 north of Vona. They lived in a very small, two-roomed house with very low ceilings; about 6'9". Jody was born here Colorado. They have nineteen grandchildren in 1953. Colorado; and Richard is in Burlington, living, one grandchild deceased, and twenty seven great grandchildren with two more on the way. There are also countless nieces and nephews belonging to the brothers and sist€rs of Bill. by Richard R. Clair CLAPPER FAMILY Fl19 One beautiful sunshiny March day in 1952, the Clappers had company from Kansas. Along about bed-time Paul jokingly told them they'd better put their car in the quonset as it might snow. They laughed and went to bed, only to awaken to a two day blizzard. It was five days before they could get out to go home. Caught by surprise this way, they had to butcher chickens and roll their own cigarettes. Needless to say, everyone was glad when the road opened. In 1954, Oscar Wolf, suffering from ill health, turned his farm, 2 miles east of Vona on Highway 24, over to Paul and Billie. Soon after they moved there, Chuck was born. Penny was born in 1956, Jerry in 1958, Tim in 1960, and Chris in 1961. The girls have all married and moved away, but the boys remained in the county. Living along a main highway brought many strangers to the house looking for handouts or gas. Others sought refuge during the bad dust storms of 1955-56. One couple, from Illinois, stopped in just to see how people survived in such dusty country. In 1975, Paul and Billie, bought a trailer house and moved it over the old Barsock basement home in Vona. Gib Anderson, who ran the Foster Lumber Co. in Vona, built this basement house in 1928. Paul quit farming and around 1980 went to work for the Kit Careon County Road and Bridge. At this time, 1987, all of the sons are involved in farming; Terry married Glenna White of Seibert, they have three sons: Jay Allen, Todd Michael, and Jeffery Paul; Chyrl married Dick McAuley and had two sons: Chyrl and Terry Clapper at our home north of Vona. Oscar V. Wolf was born in Tipton, Missouri Lance, and Eric. She remarried Ron Statler from Greeley; Paula married Keith Eaton, they have 3 children: Tonya, Brent, and Alicia and they live in Torrington, Wyo. Jody married Jim LeVecchi; they live in Pueblo; Chuck is living on and leasing the Tom McCormick farm south of Stratton; Penny married Roger McCaffery, they have 3 children: Cory, Sarah andTyler, and theylive in 1880 and moved to a god house south of Wright, Kansas in 1905, where he married Gertrude Vogel in 1908. They had ten at Grand Junction where Roger works for the Warner Bros. ranch; Jerry and Tim rent some to buy land east of Vona, although he farm. children, with Lucy (Billie), being the ninth. In 1945, Oscar came to Kit Carson County continued to live in Kaneas. Billie was raised on a farm south of Wright. The houee was so large, that after the family sold it, it was moved into Dodge City and made into three McCormick farm ground by Bethune; and Chrie married Cathy Busby, they live in Burlington, where Chris works on the Busby CLARK - ALBRIGIIT FAMILY FI.20 Ralph Clark, son of Emma and Edward Clark, was born on Oct. 30, 1879 on a small farm near Bloomfield, Iowa. His parents sist€rs and two brothers lived on several small farms in Davis County. Land was high and crops were sometimes destroyed along the creeks and rivers by high waters, so in 1908, Ralph decided to go west to try to locate cheaper and more desirable land to farm. The fields he had been farming were small, and large tree stumps and roots kept hindering the plowing. So he vowed that he was going to go where he couldn't see a tree. Ralph first made a trip to the sandhills of Nebraska near Thedford, but didn't find the soil to his liking. The wagon wheels cut into the sand and traveling was difficult as there were no improved roads at this time. He then returned to Iowa and later in the year ceme to western Kansas and eastern Colorado where he and hig father located some land approximately twelve miles north of Kanorado, Kansas. Plans were made to come to their new home the fall of 1908. An immigrant railroad car was loaded with cattle, a team ofhorges, chickens, some farm machinery, furniture and other necessary things for their new home. Ralph cnme with the immigrant car taking care of the stock enroute. He arrived in Kanorado, Dec. 2, 1908, and found the snow very deep and no way to get his stock and possessions out to the farm they had purchased. He rented a small barn and house in town to keep the stock and store the furniture until his parents and younger brother Dewey anived in the paseenger train. He then inquired of some of the merchants if anyone was in town from around where his farm was located. Someone told him at the Winn store that one of his neighbors, Emil Stalgreen, was in and he got in contact with him and followed his wagon and team to his home, which was about one and a half miles south of the Clark land. This was the beginning of a lifeJong friendship with the Stalgreen family. They were neighbors and helped one another many times. He found a vacant farmstead about one-half mile north of where they planned to build their farmstead buildings, so they rented it and moved their possessions there until they could get their farm buildings built. They built the house of lumber. Some of Mrs. Clark's neighbors were envious of her new frnme house as most of the people lived in sod houses at this time. Their home was located on one of the main traveled roads, now known as the Beecher Island road. Most of the farmers north of t}ris point traveled this road coming from Idalia, Hale, Bonny and St. Francis. The Clark farm wag about half way between these places and Kanorado. Many stopped, fed and watered their horses, and the Clark's graciously offered them their meals and a nights' lodging. The next morning they would continue their journey towards Kanorado where they sold their grain, purchased their supplies and came back to the Clark farm, spent the night again and then returned to by Glenna Clapper their homes the following day. A man near Idalia owned a steam engine. He would fagten several wagons loaded with �grain for several of his neighbors and begin the long trip to Kanorado. When he was two miles north of the Clark's he would blow his whistle several times and they would hear it and know he would be a guest for a meal before too long, so Mrs. Clark would prepare the meal and it would be ready for him when he arived. Most of the guests were glad to pay for their accommodations. Mr. and Mrs. Clark raised a big garden, kept a flock of chickens, butchered their own pork and beef, canned vegetables and meats, so meal preparation could be quite speedy. They farmed small grains and raised feed for their cattle. In 1909, Ralph bought a corn binder. He cut and shocked feed for several of his neighbors, some of whom were Se- Morrow, Frank Morrow, Jim Barnett, Roy Pratt, Bill Cody Sr., and the Stillwagons. His sister and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Kneedler, had come to Colorado by this time and lived in the same neighborhood for eeveral years. Two of the Kneedler sons remained and owned and operated farms near the Clarks. They were Falace and Ralph Kitten and Bliss. After living on this land five years and doing the required amount of improvements on it, the land becnme their property. Then Allie, Bliss, and Kitten signed their property over to the husband and father James Clark so that he owned one section of land. Lewis Beck (7 /24/76-5/27161) son of Mary Helen (1844-1881) and Lewis Beck (18431879) (both died of tuberculosis) lived with uncles and an older brother Joe from the age of 5 until at the age of 16 he moved to Colorado with an uncle who also had tuberculosis. He died in a few years and Lewis worked as a farm hand and cowboy from Kit Carson They received their mail from the Wallet post office. Later from the Ashland post office which was located on Mrs. Louise Kneedler. Edward and Emma Clark continued to live in Kanorado, where they had built a new home, until Edward's death in 1922. Emma stayed in her home until she became ill as a result of a fall, when she moved to Ralph's home in August, 1931. She was an invalid and passed away in August, 1932. In 1943, Ralph and Bina purchased a home in west Burlington, Colorado, having a farm sale and retired there in October, 1944. For eight years, Ralph was custodian of the city parks. He enjoyed the many visitors of the parks. Bina enjoyed her home and hobbies of fancy work, quilting, sewing, flowers and textile painting. She also did baby sitting for Stratton on the north side of Smokey Creek. The adobe was made by running well water daughter of Ralph and Bina Clark.) Later a rural route was established and mail was delivered with a teqm of horses pulling a church as long as health permitted. Ralph suffered a broken hip and spent two and a half years in Grace Manor Care Center, passing away December 6, L972, at the age of ninety-two years. Bina continued living in Anderson's farm. This is where Keith, Phobe, Fortmeyer, son John and wife Fayrene and son Jordan now live. (Fayrene is a great grand buggv. Sunday school was held at the Wallet schoolhouse. Sunday ball ga-es, with two tenms of local residents being the contestants, were held as a form of recreation and were held in different locations in the vicinity. As in many of the early day western stories, Ralph left his sweetheart in Iowa when he ceme to Colorado. They kept in touch by letter and in December 1912, he returned for his bride, Bina Albright, also of Bloomfield, Iowa. Her mother had passed away in 1904. She had remained at home helping her father care for two younger eisters and a small brother. They were married on December 29, different people. Both enjoyed attending the home with the loving care of her daughter, Maxine, until July, 1977, when she passed away at the age of ninety-two years. They enjoyed seeing the country develop, observed the changes, such as travel by horses and buggy to space travel and man landing on the moon. Della Statler CLARK - BECK FAMILY F12t 1912. They spent the next month visiting then boarded the relatives near their home As the train train for far away Colorado. neighbors here also. In November, 1914, their first child, Della, was born. In 1917, Ralph and Bina purchased the Fletcher farm, also known as the Charlie Hansen homest€ad. which was located one mile west of the original Clark place. His parents had gold the place and moved to Kanorado to retire in 1916. In August, 1921, a second daughter, Maxine, came to bless their home. Ralph and Bina continued to raise stock and farm. In 1930 they began to improve their farmstead. Much of the labor was done by Ralph and the help of a hired man. It is now the home of Esther, Paul and Dean Kneedler. side. This was about 18 miles south of on the clay soil in a corral during the day and then turning the cattle into the corral at night so that they would walk in the mud all night and mix it up. The next day the cattle were turned out on the prairie grass and adobe blocks were made from the mud and some straw, and then the whole process started over again that night. This continued until enough blocks were made to build the house which had walls 18 inches thick with wooden frames and roof. The lean-to was made of sod with a sod roof and used as a store room, milk separator room, and as a kitchen in the summer. A cement walled barn was built in 1915 and is still standing. They did some farming, had horses, cattle, hogs, and chickens and raised a large garden. A smoke house for curing meat and a cellar for food storage were added. Later two rooms (built from wood) were added on the south side of the original structure. Marian Louise (8/31/09-) Bliss Belle erts (2/2L/L7-4/L3/85), and James Lewis (1/10/19-) were born during the years on the farm. A stillborn baby was born in 1911. Lewis built a small wooden casket and lined it with a baby blanket and buried the baby one. enjoyed lasting friendships and friendly owned the Beck and Wagner Ranch south of Stratton for a few years. Anna Bliss Clark and Lewis Beck were maried in Burlington, Colorado on November 21, 1908. They moved into his two room adobe house with a sod lean-to on the north (4/L3/L3-'), Allie Jean (5/3LlL5-), Doris Rob- reached western Kansas, she noticed how far she could eee. When she caught her first glimpse of a sod house, she said she would never live in one of them. This unfortunately was not true as she lived for several years in They spent the next year with Ralph's parents, then moved to a farm northeast of Burlington, which is now where Paul Janssen lives. They engaged in raising small grains and feed for their small herd of cattle, milking cows and raising poultry for a livelihood. There was open range in the neighborhood and many large herd roamed the prairies near them. Some of the owners being the Reinholds, Pooles and others. Ralph and Bina to Hugo, Colorado. He and Jim Wagner on the farm. After a land resuwey showed the land on which the farm buildings were built was not on the Lewis Beck property and he was not financially able to buy the additional land, he sold the farm and they moved to Stratton in Lewis and Bliss (Clark) Beck at home east of Stratton, summer of L942. Anna Bliss Clark (7/2L/85-r2/22/45) with her parents, James Clark (L/L5/61-4/22/15) and Allie Mae (Newton) Clark (L2/8/6Ll0/8/4L), and her sisters, Kitten (9/19-8610/58), Allie Mae (L0/27/89-7/22/51), and Ruth Belle (51L7/94-LL/29/60) moved to Stratton from Spearfish, South Dakota in 1908 with all of their possessions in railroad box cars. They claimed four quarter sections of land. that was made available by the Homestead Act of Congress. These quarters formed one section of land, on which they put up their buildings so that the four adjoining corners were each a part of the actual improved portion. These were claimed in the names of James, and Allie Clark and their two daughters who were over 21 years of age, April, 1919. They lived in town while their home on the corner of State Highways 24 and 57 were being built. They moved into the new house in July, 1919. William Clatk (a/La/2L), Leon Victor (2/15/25-) and, Ruth Joyce (Ln /27 -) were born in this house. It had three bedrooms, a bathroom (no fixtures), living room, dining room, kitchen, and pantry. There was no water in the house and it was heated by a wood and coal furnace in the basement with one heat register directly above the furnace in the living room. A large coal range in the kitchen provided heat for cooking and warmth in the wintcr. A kerosene three burner stove did the cooking in the summer. Water was collected in a barrel at the windmill and carried into the house. A three hole (one low hole for the children) toilet (privy) was built out in the yard. Baths were taken in a wash tub in the kitchen. �ln 1927 carbide gas lights were installed in the home.The gas was formed in a tank in the yard from water and powdered carbide, then Dean lives in Hugo and their daughter Roxanne lives in Seattle; neither is married. Joyce is married to Gene Clark and they live in Stratton. Their son Paul is in Germany with his wife Heather, and Scott, Tonya, and Tnmara; son Kenny married Nancy and their children Sean and Lauri, live in Grand Junction, Colo.; Candi Spicer and daughters Casey and Britan live in Denver; and Bonnie married Jim Mattix, they have two children, Jason and Annie, and the four of them live in Grove, Oklahoma. piped to the light fixtures, and lighted by a spark or a match. A two burner carbide stove by Belle B. Danforth One by one the children left home to go to work, to school, or to be married. Bligs and CLARK, ELLIS L. AND AMY BELLE SMITH Kerosene lamps were used to light the house. When they moved to Stratton they bought their first car, a Model T Ford. Lew worked at odd jobs around town, butchering for the butcher shop, plowing gardens, building, etc. until he was hired by the Stratton Equity Coop in 1921. The children graduated from the Stratton High School. and a carbide iron also made life a little easier. These were used until 1929 and proved to be too expensive so kerosene lsmps were again put into use. Lew sold their home with approximately eight acres for $1,800 in lg43 and moved to 222 New York avenue in Stratton. In 1931 the family who were still living at home became members of the Stratton Et22 Family of Ellis L. and Amy Belle Clark. Front Row Left to Right Bess Clark Wells Hayball and Robert EIIis Clark. Second Row Ethel Clark Church of God. Lew retired from the Stratton Equity Coop in 1946 but still worked at the - Foster Lumber Yard, did cement work with Hank Pelle, sharpened saws, and did other odd jobs until in his 80's. L. Clark and Ada Clark Andes, Lola Clark Chenot. Taken at Arvada, CO about 1939. Bliss died in the hospital in Burlington from a stroke in 1945 at the age of 60 years. Her burial was in the Clarmont Cemetcry in Stratton. Lew died in the Pueblo hospital 2 months before his 85th birthday. His burial was also in the Clarmont Cemetery, Stratton. Marian Louise Weddell had two children, Our Grandparents came to Kit Carson in 1906 from Nebraska. Harrison L. Clark (1862-1928) and wife Nellie M. Clark (18641944) moved to a homestead 16 miles north of Burlington because of the good water. Ellis (our father) (1886-1946), the oldest of Joan Rosier and Lewis Klein. Lewie has never married, Joan and Steve Rosier have one son, 4 children, Ethel, Walter, and Opal. He Stevie. They live in Port Clinton, Ohio. Marian lives in Flagler, Colorado with Lewis. Her husband T.J. Weddell died in 1966. Belle manied George Danforth, Jr. of homesteaded. and met and married our mother, Amy Belle Smith (1888-1973), who had homesteaded as well as her parents, Moses T. Smith (1862-1923). There were 6 members of this family, most of whom homesteaded 16 miles north of Burlington in Burlington and they have two children, George, III (Gerry) and Dolores. Gerry had one daughter by his first wife, Marilyn, and the snme geographical area as the Clarks, her name is Kristi. She is now married to Ronald Nelson and they have a gon n"med Trent. They live in Yuma, Colorado. Gerry and his wife Betty have a son Craig, who is a sophomore at Colorado State University in Fort Colling. They life in Greeley, Colorado. Dolores lives in Carson City, Nevada. Her Ellis Leroy Clark (188ti-1946). Picture taken in 1911 at Burlington, Colorado. daughter Kathy and Kathy's husband, Glenn. live with her. Her son Kent and his wife, Sonya, and children, Jessica 4 and Steven 3, live in Santa Barbara, California. Allie Jean is married to Clarence Iseman and they have no children. They live near Ellicott, Colorado. Doris was married to Ernest Englebrecht and they had three sons, Rick of Tucson, Arizona, Robbie of Chicago, and Russell who farms in Strasburg with his father, Ernest. Doris died April 13, 1985. Amy was one of the six which included Maye, Elva, Dora, Myron and Edmond Smith. Our father, Ellis Clark, filed a claim for his homestead located about 18 miles north of Burlington around 1909. He had a dugout to live in at first. later a 2 room house. He and our mother, who had taught school in Iowa, had a store and Post Office made of cement on that property. It was called Morris P.O. Our Father had a ice house which was sort of a dugout with an A frame roof. Dad would haul ice from Launchman Creek in the winter. The farmers were glad to be able to have that ice in summer time. Dad also made a ball diamond for the men of the community to play ball. It was at this location that our brother Verle (1911-1983) was born. Also sister Ada was born (1913), followed by Lucille (1915-1979). In 1914, our father purchased his parents' homestead, as they wanted to move to Sterling so their daughter Opal could go to high school there. It was in this house which our grandfather had built, before bringing his family to Burlington to live, that I, Lola Clark Chenot (1917), and my two sisters. Bessie Clark Hayball (1919) and Ethel Clark Fay- Lewis married Margo and they had two children, Debbie and Mike. Debbie is married and has a daughter and two sons. Lewis, Margo, and Debbie and her family live in Greeley, Colorado. Mike was killed in the war in Vietnam. Clark married Shirley and they live in Strasburg, Colorado. They have two sons, David of Denver, and Steve who teaches school in Walden, Colo. Neither of them is married. Leon maried Nadine, they have two sons, Keith and Kevin, and the three families live in Fleming, Colorado. Their daughter, Lynn - Faydock, Lucille Clark Mitchell, and Mother MayBelle Clark. Third Row - Ellis L. Clark, Verle dock (1920-19&t) were born. Amy BeIIe Clark (1888-1973) and baby Verle (1911-1983) Burlington, Colorado. Our Aunt Opal (1900-1982), to whom we give great credit for recording much of our family history gave us this account of their arrival at Burlington on a cold and blustery day. The wind was blowing so strongtheyhad �to hold onto posts as they walked from the depot to the hotel. The next day they rode to the homestead in a horse drawn buggy with their heads covered with a buffalo robe to keep from freezing. The one and a half story house on the homestead was a landmark. They lived there until Opal was 14 yrs. old at which time they moved to Sterling. The Ellis Clark farnily lived on this farm until 1923, when Ellis bought a grain elevator in Glade, Kansas. They lived there until 1925, then cnme back to Burlington. That fall 1925, Robert Ellis was born. Later we moved to the old homestead where we were in the Happy Hollow School Dist. At one time there were 5 Clark children in that school at one time. One of the early day teachers of that school was Lola Reneau, who taught 3 yrs (which was remarkable), as most young teachers beca-e home sick and quit mid term. This young dedicated teacher was instrumental in getting a larger school with a belfry and bell, also an organ. The organ and bell were purchased with money raised from box socials and programs put on by the pupils. Lola Reneau James is living in Wheatridge at this writing. Also at this writing four of Ellis and Amy Clark's children are living: Ada Belle Andes, Lola Marie Chenot, Bessie Maye Hayball and Robert Clark. Written Jan. 1986. by Lola Clark Chenot CLEMENT - SKOW FAMILY Fl23 Our father, Marvin J. Clement, came to Colorado from New York in 1904. He shipped his livestock, equipment and household goods by train to Nebraska, which was the closest rail terminal to his destination of the Thurman, Colorado area. The last leg of the journey was by team and wagon and driving the livestock. Marvin homesteaded north east of the Thurman store, first digging a well and building a sod house. Our mother, Carrie Skow, was raised in north central lowa. Due to hardships, she had gone to Minnesota to work. There she and 2 other young ladies felt the challenge of the process of low bidder wins. He was then appointed Flagler Town Marshal and remained in this position until his health failed in 1934. He passed away in 1936. During his tenure as Marshal, he planted the original trees in the Flagler park and cared for them as long as he served the town. He was at every fire, guarding the water hose to keep traffic from crossing. He cleaned the gravel from the gutters and shoveled snow from the cross walks of Main Street. At one time, there were signs welcoming people as they cqme into town. On the signs were other information giving the population and the speed limit of 10 miles per hour. Once a man inquired if he would be arrested if his horse trotted faster than 10 miles. There was no TV nor radio in those days. One of our fondest memories is an evening secretary-treasurer which included the hand- ling of bookkeeping, money, and food supplies for the needy at that period. She went with the chairman to take cotton to Flagler for a mattress making project, drove people who had no means of transportation to pick up flour and foodstuffs, going with the local Doctors to make calls in the country when needed. The plan ofserving hot lunches to school children was started by Pearl and was later sponsored by the Inter Sese Club. She was active in community affairs and served in various offices, always giving more than her share of time and talent. Pearl was a charter member of the Garden Club, organized in 1928, the County Historical Society, and served on the local Library Board from 1921 to 1959. then listening to the Edison phonograph with cylindrical records and a big horn, while eating pop corn. Mother continued to live in Flagler until 1941, when she moved to Limon, and on to moving to a home on 12th Street, where she passed away on June 15th, 1972 from a massive heart attack. Denver in 1946. After her retirement, she enjoyed the pleasure of traveling to many of our western states. She passed away in 1973. Of the four children, two have died Frank in 1926 and Harry in 1983. Charles lives in Denver with his wife, Charity (Wolfe). Lena lives in Southern California, her husband having preceded Harry in death by 24 days. Charles, Harryand Lena, each attended Flagler schools from beginning through graduation from high school. She was manied to Hank Schell in 1924, and they sold the Montezuma in 1944, The Montczuma Hotel, started in 1905, operated continuously under the same name and management for 39 years, but Mr. J.A. Haughey made many changes in the building during that period, which included removing the third story and lowering the roof to cover the second story, and later raising that same roof, and rebuilding the third story when business improved after the dust bowl days. by Bill llaughey by Charles M. and Lena C. Wheeler COAKLEY - SCHELL FAMILY Fr24 Pearl Coakley Schell was born in Sherwood, Iowa in 1885 and received her early education in the Omaha Public Schools where she later taught. Her first visit to Burlington was in 1905, returning in 1907 to file on a homestead eleven miles south of town. At that time it was permissible to work in town during the day and stay at the homestead at night. The only transportation was horseback or horse and buggy. One night when she arrived at her cabin after dark, steaded three miles southwest of Flagler and also worked in the Lavington store in Flagler. In May, 1910, she and Marvin Clement were married. She sold her homestead and moved when she was opening the door, she heard a strange noise. She quickly closed the door, went to a neighbor's home, returning with one her cattle to Thurman. After a few years of farming, Carrie was appointed postmistress of the Thurman post rattlesnake under the table on which the larnp was sitting. It was generally believed that when you found a snake there were two, but Pearl was brave and stayed alone that night and slept well. Pearl also worked in the Montezuma Hotel, which her mother had established in 1905, and in which Hank Schell later became a partner, and subsequently married Pearl. Pearl also operated the Racket Store in the north side of the Hotel building. This store office and Marvin was mail carrier from until the dirty thirties. She also served as listening to our father play the mouth harp, new frontier and came west. She home- Thurman to Arickaree, having the first motor driven route. He also carried the mail from Flagler to Thurman, first by team and wagon and again having the first motor driven route. The family moved in 1919 to Flagler, into the new houee built by John Collier and Fred Probasco, according to their design. Later, they becnme charter members of the Baptist Church. Three sons were born to this union, while living in the sod house Frank J., Charles M. and Harry C. After -moving to Flagler, a daughter, Lena C. was born. In L924, Marvin lost the mail route in the Baker of the Red Cross from World War I of the men, lit the oil lamp and saw a was similar to a variety store today where she carried many fine articles including china and linens, in which establishment Peggy Wilson was a partner. Pearl also taught school until she moved to Denver. The store was in operation until 1919. Pearl was co-chairman with Mrs. E.C. CODDY, GEORGE AND BERTHA Fl26 Sometime around the year 1906, three sisters and their brother and their families answered the call "Go west, young man, go west." They chose land 20 miles north of Flagler, Colorado. My mother and father were George and Bertha (Phipps) Coddry. The Robeys and the Hollenbecks and the Bert Phipps families moved to the area. My parents had lived in Shelby County, Missouri all of their lives. Mom's parents were William H. and Martha (Heckart) Phipps. The Heckarts had moved into Missouri as early as 1838 and William H. Phipps moved there in 1869, moving from New York state. The families rented a freight boxcar and brought their teams and what items they needed most of their new home. My Dad and one of the uncles rode in the boxcar from Shelby County, Missouri to Flagler to care for the animals. They proceeded to build their sod shanties, meager barn and then fenced their property. The first winter they were in Colorado, the weather was so cold they had to bring their tenm of horses into the sod house for protection. The Robys and Hollenbecks became discouraged and moved back to Missouri, and then later they moved to California. Uncle Bert Phipps moved his family into Flagler and he worked as a bridge contractor. My parents, the George Coddry's stayed out on the homestead on the prairie. They braved the hardships and trails ofthose early days and were too poor to think about moving anywhere. My sister came into the scene in March of �and in trying to figure out what was wrong, my Dad lit a match and looked in the gas tan. !!Boom!! What an explosion! For years my Dad was teaeed about that. The old Tin Lizzie was more stubborn than a Missouri mule. Once Dad broke hie arm trying to crank it. Sometimes we'd get the tenm of horses out : 'and tow it to get it gtartcd. I can still see my Dad coming over the hiU in his bobsled with a 4 ft. x 4 ft. box loaded with dried fruit, clothes and other supplies from our family in California, making our Christmas a delight. Each year at harvest time, the neighbors would get together to help each other harvest their wheat and barley. My job was to drive the tenm of horses to the header barge. The women would furnish a bountiful dinner of fried chicken and freeh produce from our gardesn. Even though we were poor those early memories of life on the prairie were t i 9r happy one. In the fall of 1933, we had a big gale, selling the homestead, livestock, farm machinery Modern school transportation as of 1925. Trusty "OId Colonel" is pulling a one-horse buggy. On t!" l.ft doing the driving is Kenneth Coddry, Middle - Lorene (Coddry) Goode, Teacher - Miss Ella (Robb) Hunizinger. The neighbor boy standing by is Roy Pratt. This was the first year the school was held in the new frade building, Mt. Pleasant school, district 14. Note: This is the same type buggy to which we attached a sail that was pushed by the wind as we scampered over the prairie. We finally quit and that was all for that school year. The next year, they had the ninth grade at Mount Pleasant and then I took the tenth grade at White Plains. Glenn Thompson, son of Aaron and Mnrnie Thompson, and joys of those early days on the prairie, I herders trailer. My sister and I rode to school by Kenneth Coddy I batched that year, living in an old sheep The Coddry Homestead, a two room sod house where I lived the first 18 years of my life and the trusty old windmill that supplied aII our water. We are cutting potatoes on the entrace to our ground vegetable cellar. L. to R. George Coddry, Lorene (Coddry) Goode, Olen Hollenbeck, Mildred Robey Nelson, and Kenneth Coddry age five yeare. Note: The Robey and Hollenbeck families had stayed over for a visit enroute from Missoud to California. The year was 1920. 1914 and I followed 18 months later. We lived in the 2 room sd house until I was 18 years of age. In the meantime my Mom'g father, William H. Phipps came and bought a farm, later belonging to Rube Sparks. My grand- father moved into Flagler and lived to be past ninety. My sister, Lorene and I, attended the Mount Pleasant School District 14 all eight grades, and in the ninth grade we attended the Shiloh School until a big blizzard struck and we could not get to school for six weeks. and household itemg. We were heading west. These were the years of the big dust bowl. In the spring we loaded our Model A Ford and headed to California and settled once again near the Robeys and Hollenbecks. I have been in California now for over 50 years but I left a part of me in eastern Colorado. My father and mother are both gone. My sister and husband live a couple of miles from us. We are all retired, getting the most from life as possible, traveling a little and getting back to Flagler about once every ten years. Although I remember the hardships and each day in a one horse buggy with trusty "Old Colonel" in the lead. Usually a whole flock of kids would hang on to the side of the buggy."Old Colonel" was quite an attraction at recess time and he was so patient when the kids climbed all over him. My early childhood memories are roo-ing the prairies, herding the cattle on the open range, and picking up wagon load after wagon load of cow chips. I have seen the time when we would run out of fuel and have to burn corn to keep warm. Our dogs would catch rabbits and we would skin and dress them, and then hang them on the fences until we went home from the fields at noon or evening. We'd have fried rabbit the next meal. In the spring, I remember how beautiful the green rolling hills were, spotted with blooming cactus and other wild flowers in shades of yellow, purple and white. My parents allowed me to roam the prairies. The only danger out there was the rattlesnakes. We would kill them with dirt clods, a hoe or anything handy. Life on the prairie was not all hard wouldn't trade the experiences for any amount of money. COLES - SCHLICHENMAYER FAMILY Fr26 Life began for me in Coldwater, Kansas on October tO, L947 with the assistance of my father, Doyle C. Coles. I war' named after my two grandfathers, Robert Tempel Coles and Charles L. England. I progressed through most of the aches and pains of childhood without major dnmage. Starting school in Vona, I was transferred to Wichita, Kansas in 1954 and returned to Stratton in 1959 and graduated there in 1965. Beginning college in 1965, I returned home the next summer and purchased a new to me 63 Chewolet Impala and soon found just the girl to go with it, a Bethune cheerleader and, my future bride, work. Taking advantage of the strong winds in East€rn Colorado, my sister and I would borrow old quilts from Mom which we used Linda Sue Schlichenmayer. which we paraded around the prairie. One of the highlights each day was seeing the mailman, Ray Thompson, coming over the hill from the east bringing the Flagler News and the Cappers Weekly. We went to town lington, Colorado on 21 June, 1950. Over the next few years Linda was to see the hospital in Burlington several times as a ruptured appendix and resulting complications kept Dr. R.C. Beethe busy with two surgeries and resulting care from age 10 through 12 years. A stormy off and on long distance coutship, while I continued at CSU and Linda attended Pikes Peak Institute of Medical Technology, finally resulted in our marriage to rig sails on an old one-seated buggy in once a week taking our small amount of cream and eggs with which we used to buy a few staples. Sometime around 1917 my dad bought his first car, a "Model T". (Our first Tin Lizzie). One time my dad ran out of gas Linda a native Coloradoan as were her parents, R.O. Schlichenmeyer and Anna (Weiss) Schlichenmayer was born in Bur- �went to work for Mountain Bell as a loop technician, where I am gtill working today. . by Robert Coles COLES, DOYLE AND FRANCEIS w * I t .,rl Robert and Linda Coles with Megan and Meriah, July 1985. on 14 June 1969. Linda immediately went to work financing my last year and a half of schooling to my graduation with a B.S. in Education from Colorado State University in 1970. New jobs, with me teaching school, and Linda working as a medical secretan5/, resulted in our moving to Cheyenne Wells, CO. for the next two years. After two years of teaching, itchy feet led me to join the Army in 19?2. The pay was better and there sure were lots of travel opportunities. My first stop was Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by Ft. Bliss, Texas for radar school, where Linda joined me for 1 year. My next step wae a big one to Wacherheim, Germany where Linda again joined me after a separation. This was a memorable trip for Linda traveling alone, on Ft27 Doyle Coles and I, Franceis Bngland grew up in Comanche County in Kansas. We both attended rural schools then attended Coldwater High School where we met. I went on to college, at Kansas State in Manhattan while Doyle went into the Army service. For three years, he moved from Ft. Riley, Kansas to Fort Leonard Wood. Missouri and later to San Luis Obispo, California. Finally in San Luis Obispo, Doyle was told that we would set out the nrar as a drill sergeant so we decided to get married. We were married in the Methodist Church in San Luis Obispo on September 5, 1943. Three weeks later Doyle was in Hawaii and from there on to the New Guinea area. I went back home and worked at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita in the Personnel Department. Later I moved back home to be with my dad and help him on the farm. Doyle came through the war years with only a broken finger. He received the Bronze Star as a Scout in the first wave of troops to return to Luzon in the Phillipines. He arrived back in the United States on September 21, 1945 and was discharged in Denver. We next made our home in Coldwater where Doyle was a Standard Oil Bulk agent and I worked one year as high school secretary. Doyle also worked for his brother as bulk agent inButtermilk, Kansas. Rob, our oldest son was born October 10, 1947 in Ashland, Kansas. My dad, Charles England bought the former Tony Kordes farm west of Stratton in the fall of 1950 and wanted Doyle and I to her first plane flight, while pregnant to a strange country to live in civilian quarters giving a lot of new eye openers. Along with traveling extensively in Germany and surrounding countries, Germany was memorable for the birth of our first daughter, Meriah Danielle Coles at Wiesbaden Air Force Hospital on 9 July, 1974. l.J.tr'r 2-Yz years a desire for change led us to a reinlistment and a change ofjob to L.P.N. The trip home was memorable for 3 reagons: first, a 15 month old daughter who didn't sleep in 18 hours, a Coors beer and McDonalds hamburger, the first in two years, and a blizzard that isolat€d us for 4 days the same night we got home. Our next stop was Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texae followed by another year at Ft. Bliss. Another big change came when we were reassigned to Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey and our eecond daughter, Megan Kathleen, was born at West Long Branch, New Jersey. In 1979 we felt it was time for the kids to grow up in a gmall town go it was out of the Army and back to Stratton for a new job at Co-op. Building a house and new jobs for Linda, first aB secretary and later as Director of CECAA followed by ad salesman and typist at the Stratton Spotlight occupied the next few years. I also changed jobs again and Doyle and Franceis Coles and Sons, JD and Robert. come with him. Jeffrey Doyle (J.D.) was born October 5, 1951 in the Burlington hospital, making our family complete. Bad weather and poor crops forced us to leave the farm and move back to Wichita in 1954. Doyle and I both worked for Boeing aircraft on different shifts. After four years Doyle quit and went to Barber School graduating in April 1959. He worked in the Indian Hills Barber Shop in Wichita. We were homesick for the farm and Dad wanted us to come back so we returned to Stratton in June of 1959. Doyle started working as the American Legion manager in 1960. I started teaching 3rd and 4th grade at Vona, Colorado in 1961, where I continued for the next four years. I went back to Ft. Hays in 1965 receiving my B.S. Degree in Education in 1966. Rob started to college at Ft. Collins in the fall of 1965. We were both in college at the seme time. J.D. stayed home with Doyle. I staded teaching at Stratton in the fall of 1966. Doyle, who had been working for the county road crew, took over as foreman in July, 1966. I retired in the spring of 1986 after 20 years of teaching at Stratton, then went back for 1/z year in 1987. Doyle retired from the county road crew in June of 1987. by Franceis Coles COLLIER, JOHN AND AGNES Fl28 My parents, John and Agnes Collier, cnme from Iowa in 1908 and took a homestead 18 miles from Flagler, Colo. Dad cane in January and Mother and I came in March. Dad built a fre-e building in which we lived until the 3-room sod house was built later that year. My father and uncle, Elmer King, came in a railroad car with a team of horses, a cow, chickens and pigs, as well as �furniture for each family. All the farm buildings were made of sod. After arriving here, Mother and I spent the night in the hotel, then owned by W.W. CONARTY, WALT Walt Conarty was born in Norton, Kansas, Aug. 10, 1878 to Patrick Conarty and Marga- Reynolds. Dad came for us the next day in the wagon. It was a nice warm day. I remember thinking how nice it was, ae it had been storming when we left Iowa. After the crops were in, my father cnme to Flagler to do carpenter work. After a very bad hail, he shingled the schoolhouse (now an apartment house) and the Madole house (now owned by John Herzog). He also built ret Waltprs Conarty, the sixth of eight children. At age 24 he was married to Ina Kinzer and started farming south of Norton. After six years of drought and disappointment, Walt and hie brother-in-law, Milton Kinzer, cnme to Colorado to claim a farm. It was March, 1908, when they brought two covered wagong, two 4 horse tenms, and 2 milk cows about 200 miles and started working on their claims. Walt had a heavy tent 15 feet long. They pitched the tent and anchored it so no creeping animals could get in. They put bales of hay down through the center forming 2 rooms. Milton put his bed, dresser, and chairs and an oil stove on the west side. Walt had a bed, table and chairs, the house on Main Street now owned by Russell Goodin. In 1909, my sister, Garland Lucille was born and in 1911, my brother, Paul J. In the early years, maybe 1909 or 1910, the neighbors went together and built the first sod school house in that neighborhood. It was called Ash Grove. It was located about L/2 mile north of the Shiloh School. It was used as a church and general meeting place. My first teacher was Claire Williams. a brother of Ivy Stevens and Viola Willia-s. The second was Dora Wolverton and then Daisy Hewett, who always came to school riding a horse, using a side saddle. There were many other teachers later. In 1911, my folks moved back to Iowa and in 1916, we c'me back and lived in Flagler. My father built the house which Glenn Saffer now owns as well as the one owned by Don Moss. The new brick school had just been built and we were so proud of it! yard southwest ofSeibert in 1921 leaving for farm sale where he would be the auctioneer. L922 on the homegtead. which is now owned by Ted Wickham. In 1926, my parents moved from the farm and builtthe place in town now her brother, Milton Kinzer, loaded up their furniture in two covered wagons and drove 200 miles to Seibert, Colorado, then 13 miles They lived there until their deaths. In southwest of Seibert, where they had staked their claims. The men came to Colorado in March 1908. They sent for their wives and My father built up the farm buildings in owned by Clair and Agnes Loutzenhiser. February of 1948, my folks celebrated their 5fth wedding anniversary. In October of 1948, my father passed away. He was buried in Sterling where he had worked for some time. Mother passed away in 1969 and was also buried at Sterling. My father and Ho-er Shaw did a lot of building in Flagler through the years. Dad always said something always called him back to Colorado. He loved this country. CONARTY, IDA an oil stove with a separate oven, and a large woven rag carpet for the floor. They each had dishes, skillet, etc. They had bought groceries Mr. and Mrs. Walt Conarty in their farmhouse in Colorado. With a wife and three children he thought he might do better on his own land. Ina was a good helpmate and never complained when times were hard. She took her three children and moved into Norton withWalt's sister, Ada Smith, while Walt and children in May. The two women, Ina Conarty, with three children and Bess Kinzer with two children came on the train and they brought the cattle and chickens in other cars. They were happy to have their families together and didn't mind living in a tent until the frost was out of the ground so sod could be plowed to build sod houses. Milton and Bess went back to Kansas but Walt and Ina worked hard to make their by Velma Taggart Ft29 Ina Kinzer was born to John Henry Kinzer and Laura Taylor Kinzer, March 4, 1884, in Scandia, Kansas. Her father was a Civil War veteran. He helped build the Rock Island railroad from Phillipsburg, Kansas to River- bend, Colorado. Ina was married to Walt Conarty when she was eighteen years old. His first gift to her was a New Home treadle sewing machine. She sewed all of her clothes and clotheg for her children, too. They were married March 23. L902 and their frrst child was born, a girl, Irma, March l4th, 1903. They rented a farm south of Norton, Kansas, and when Irma was 18 months old a boy was born but he died soon after. Times were hard and women had midwives instead of a doctor. Their next child, born in 1906, was a girl, Opal. Then in January 5th, 1908, they had a boy, Tom. Since crops were poor, Walt filed a claim F130 home like they wanted it. There was no school and Ina kept talking about it until Walt and other neighbor men built a sod school house two miles west and they hired a teacher in 1911. Later three school districts consolidated and built Second Central in 1915. Ina was a loving mother and a good neighbor. She raised 8 children along with her husband, Walt. It seemed she got very crippled with arthritis and she could not do things like she used to but she never complained. Then, in 1940, Walt died suddenly with a heart attack. She was lonely and missed him very much but she lived with her children. Her hands beca-e so twisted that she could not turn a door knob or tie a shoe. She could always see that someone was in worse shape than she was and went about cheering others. She lived 25 years after Walt died and was missed by her children, grand- children and friends. She died October 31, 1965. by Opal Joy in Seibert, Colorado, enough to last for several weeks as they were located ten miles south and three west of town. They were camped on a draw on the south part of Walt's claim and hand dug a shallow well so they could water their animals. Milton made a trip to town to get fence posts and barbed wire so they could fence in their animals and keep stray animals out. By May they sent for their wives, Ina Conarty and Irma 5, Opal 2, and Tom 3 months; Bess Kinzer and Laura 4, and Everett 5 months. The women and children came on the train and also there was a car with cattle and one with chickens. They left the women and children in town with a kind lady, Mrs. Jones. She ran a restaurant in her large frame house and she was glad to accommodate them and they helped her. The men drove the cattle out to the claim but left the chickens at the livery stable until they could fix a crude hen house. The next trip to town was made to get the women and children. The ground had thawed now so they could break sod. They put up a 3 room sod house on Milton's place first. Walt insist€d that he wanted the well drillers to come first and get him a good well. Then he'd know where to put his house. Also they could now plant corn and feed. It was a hard struggle the first year. Then Milton Kinzers moved back to Kansas. Walt helped build the first school house three miles west of his farm. He served on the school board several years. He was instrumental in getting 3 school districts to consolidate in 1915 and build a large frame 3 teacher school, Second Central. He was a good farmer and had good crops when neighbors didn't. He and Ina raised eight children. His farm income never seemed to be enough, so he worked as overseer, building county roads and went to auction school and became a successful auctioneer. His two eldest daughters, Irma and Opal, went to Flagler High School by working for their board or batching in town. He said that he had only an 8th grade education so he wanted all eight of his children to finish high school; so he rented the farm to a family and moved a mile east of Flagler so the children could live at home and go to school. Then several politicians coaxed him to run for county sheriff. Ina was opposed to this because it was during prohibition time and �they wanted him to catch the bootleggers. The election was a landslide and the fanily had to move to Burlington during the middle of the school term with four children still in school. Walt worked hard catching the bootleggers, but when they came to trial the jury would let them go. Also there was a murder while he was in office. Walt caught and convicted the guilty one, but the people complained about the expense of the trial and defeated him on the second term. His farm was still rented, so he rented a farm north of Burlington until the lease was up. The crash came at this time and the Burlington bank closed its doors and Walt, like many others, lost all they had. So he moved back to his farm with the youngest daughter still in high school. She was able to stay with her eldest sister, Irma Rowden, and finish school. Walt's health was broken and his second son, Edward, did most of the farming but he insisted on working hard, too. His second daughter, Opal Murphy, was divorced and needed to go to college to finish her college degree. Her two daughters stayed with their grandparenk, and their mother went to college summers and taught winters to supplement their income. In the summer of 1940, Opal was to graduate on August 8, 1940. She begged her parents to come to her graduation in Greeley. Harvest was late in July and Walt insist€d on helping out at the field. Then just as harvest was over on July 20, L940, Walt Conarty dropped dead with a heart attack. by Opal Joy CONGER, JOHN THOMAS FAMILY FrSr 1889; Lee Roy Dec. 27, L892; Harley March 30, 1897; Elvin Feb. L2, L902; Everett Merle March 19, 1904. John T. was a carpenter and mason, having completed his apprentice training as a young man in Iowa. Viola's father, John Burtlow was an army scout in the 1860's at Fort Wallace, Ks. and Fort Laramie, Wyo. He was known for his hair raising and wonderful stories ofthe west upon his return to Iowa. This may have been what influenced John T. to come to Colorado. In 1898, John T. cnme to Landsman, near the Republican River to work for the summer, returning to Iowa for the winter. He did this for several years. In 1906 he filed for a homestead and brought his family, including his mother Mahala, to Colorado. They traveled by wagon driving a few head of stock, samping at night in a tent. Their trip took about six weeks and it was autumn when they arrived. Feeling it was too late in the year to build a soddy house, they dug a dugout using the tent for a covering to make a roof for the winter. Grandmother Mahala died in 1907. John T. made her casket and Viola and good neighbors lined it with padding and cloth. John T. harnessed the horses and drove to the Kirk Cemeterywhere Mahalawas laid to rest. In the years to follow John T. and his sons farmed and built houses and barns for the homesteaders and ranchers, mostly on the Republican River. The following w{ls taken from John's journal telling about some of the places he built: A house for Garfield Scherer Stone barn for Jacob Scherrer Dipping tank on Harry Cox Ranch Stone house for John Evans Stone chicken house for Fred Bitman Stone house for Mace's Built house for Rosser Davis for $50.00 and six hogs. The Conger boys were coming of age, marrying and establishing homes of their own. Alfred Conger married Jessie Harmon, Horace manied Maude Andrews, and John married Reva Andrews. John T. moved to another farm. south of the Pugh ranch, where they lived out their remaining years. The John Conger Fn-ily portrait just before corning to Colorado in 1907. Back row: Horace, John Jr., and AUred. Front row: LeRoy, Viola, Evertt, John T. and Harley. John Thomas Conger was born in Keokuk Co., Iowa on October 5, 1861. He was descended from John Conger who was born in Brooke, England in 1640; he was also descended from Robert and Ann Fuller ofthe Mayflower pilgrims. Robert Fuller was a signer of the Mayflower Compact and was the brother of the ship's doctor, Samuel Fuller. John T. Conger was married March 8, 1885 in Butler, Iowa to Laura Viola Burtlow. To this union were born eleven children: Laura Isabel Nov. 2, 1885; Alfred Allen Jan. 21, 1888; John Thomas, Jr. Oct. 4, 1891; Amos Feb. 6, 1895; Alvin Feb. 12, 1902; Martha Ellen Dec. 14, 1886; Horace Gilbert Nov. 11, Harley Conger was in the army from 1917 to 1919 and eerved with the Expeditionary Forces in France. In 1920 Viola was badly burned in a tragic accident and passed away on August 25th; she was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Burlington. In 1921 John T. died of cancer and was also buried in Fairview. Harley and Merle left the farm after the death of their parents working around the county at carpentry and farming. In L922 Harley built a barn and did other carpentry jobs near Hoxie and Quinter, Kan. It was here that Harley met Pansy Belle Bailey and after dating for a year, they were married Aug. 5, 1923 at Hoxie, Kan. To this union were born two sons, Milton (Pete) Oct. L, L924 and Harley Jr. Dec. 4, 1935. Harley and family moved back to Burlington in 193L and he worked as foreman for the Orin Penny ranch until 1935. He spent most of his life as a contractor and builder. In 1940 he supervised the building of the gymnasium at what is now the grade school. Harley was an active member of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. Everett was married to Cherald Bailey, sister of Pansy, at Pueblo, Colo. on Aug. 26, 1927; they were parents ofa son, Richard, and a daughter Laura Belle. Merle was a professional army man starting his career with Co. T in Burlington. He passed away April 16, 1980 and is survived by his wife Mae. After the death of Pansy in 1939, Harley married Helene (Reteuke) Taylor, March 9, 1940; also joining the family were Helene's two daughters, Shirley Ann, and Carole Helene. Helene worked many years as a practical nurse at the Kit Carson Co. hospital. Later she worked for the Department of Social Services, retiring in 1984. Harley died of heart failure on Jan. l, L974 at his home in Burlington. by Milton (Pete) Conger COOK, GEORGE Fl32 The George Cook and Clifford (Cliff)E. Reavis family moved from Smith County, Kansas to Flagler, Colorado, the 16th of April, 1916. The Cook family numbered twelve, George and Nora Cook with their ten children. The children were Vernon, Lois, Vinnetta, Ruby, Christine, Howard, Marvin, Forest, and Arroll. The oldest daughter, Estella, was married to Clifford Reavis. It was a long journey for the two families. The Reavis family consisted of Clifford and "Stella", with three small children, Verland, Bernadine, and 6-month old Maxine. One mode of travel was a Model T Ford touring car. The Reavis family, plus Arroll Cook, who was a mighty little tyke, rode in the car. The rest of the Cook family drove through in a covered wagon, except for Vernon, the oldest boy, who rode in a train with the livestock. The Cooks moved onto a farm northwest of Flagler known as the "Officer Place". Clifford and Stella Reavis went into the restaurant business located on the main street of Flagler. Vinnetta Cook worked for them in the restaurant. Vern joined the Army and served in World War I. He came home early in 1919. Soon after returning home, he married Bernice Garett, who was a sister of Fred Garrett, Flagler, and Bertha Stewart of Seibert. They lived on a farm northwest of Flagler and had one son, Donald. Vern was one of the first to have an Atwater Kent Radio. For the marital status of the rest of the Cook family; Lois married Dana Strohmeyer. They had one girl and 4 boys. Vinnetta married Orlo Searcy, and they had 3 girls. Ruby married Leslie Miner, and had no children, and Christine married Clyde Bigelow, and they had 5 girls and one boy who died. Dana Strohmeyer, Orlo Searcy, and Clyde Bigelow were all residents of the Flagler area. Howard married Margaret Marsh of Missouri, and they had 2 boys and one girl. Marvin married Goldie Peyton of Idaho, having 3 boys and one girl. Marvin married Mary from Goodland, Kansas, after Goldie died. They had one boy. Forest married Geneva Hamilton of the Second Central area, and had 2 girls. Arroll married Doris Woodring of Goodland, Kansas and they had one girl. Those deceased as of January, 1986, are �Est€lla Reavis, Ruby and Leslie Miner, terminal building; rebuilt, resurfaced and Goldie Cook, Forest Cook, Orlo Searcy, Dana Strohmeyer, Clifford Reavis, and Donald refenced the ramp. "Built a new police building, sixty thousand dollars; bought a street sweeper, fourteen thousand dollars; and an eleven thousand dollar garbage packer truck. Meantime payrng off bonds reducing taxes. - and accounting system, au"How? A modern thorized purchase orders, separate accounts Cook. The living Cook children and their spouses keep in close touch with each other, even though they live miles apart. Vern and Bernice live in Agra, Kansas; Lois Strohmeyer lives in Stayton, Oregon; Vinnetta Searcy lived in Englewood, Colorado, until recently, when she moved to Valley Center, Kansas; Christine and Clyde Beigelow live in Falcon, Colorado; Howard and Margaret Cook live in Kansas City, Kansas; Marvin and Mary Cook live in Kirkland, Washington; and Arroll and Doris Cook live in Denver, Colorado. In 1920, the Cook family moved to a farm northwest of Arriba, Colorado, and then in 1925 moved to a farm one-half mile south of Second Central School, which was located southeast of Flagler. Here they resided until 1936. George Cook died in 1936. for separate departments, investing idle money. In other wordg 'Good Housekeepingt.tt This is a salute to an excellent woman and in hopes of inspiring capable women to fill public office, Willa Wales Corbitt is showing the way. by Dessie Cassity CORLISS - GRAMM FAMILY by Arroll L. Cook CORBITT, WILLA WALES F133 In 1909 and 1910 Mr. Bert Corliss and Mr. John Pugh, two of the directors of the Tuttle School (we are unable to get the n'me of the other member) hired a Miss Willa Wales to teach their school. Mrs. Mable Guy, who has kept in touch with her and who was in the eleventh grade at that time, had the following sent to her from a clipping of a Wyoming paper, written by Paul Hawey: "Willa Wales Corbitt is a widow with two sons." I don't know what they were thinking of back in 1955 when they asked her to run for mayor of Riverton, Wyoming. She had accumulated a measure of distinc- tion in educational circles, had her Master's degree from Wyoming University, and had been active in community, county, and state affairs. She took it seriously, their proposal for her to run for mayor. "Riverton had stagnated, civic pride was at a standstill. Downtown streets were still dirt; muddy when it rained, and dusty when it didn't. "First thing Mayor Corbitt did was to pave the streets. Next, with a town council, which at first watched in awe, and at last cooperated with enthusiasm, Riverton institut€d five paving districts. Copper water-service lines were laid underground. As soon as the frost was out of the ground, new sewer lines were laid. High-powered gas and phone lines moved. "Willa Wales Corbitt has now been elected to four congecutive terms. Most every street in Riverton has curb, gutter, storm drainage, and asphalt surfacing. "This was a big undertaking for a town of seven thousand people, but it was all done without five cents of 'Government money'. The projects were financed by a sale ofbonds, and already, within five years, 74.9 percent of those bonds have been repaid. "They purchased two hundred and forty acres for ten thousand dollars for a new city park; built a fiireproof maintenance shop and yard; remodeled and enlarged the airport Fl34 Esther Gro-m Corliss was born on September 26, L932 on the home place north of Bethune, Colorado to Gottlieb and Lydia (Stutz) Gramm. She was the youngest of five children and has three brothers and one sister. Esther attended the Prairie View and Bethune Schools. After she quit school she helped on the family farm and helped other families with household work when the need arose. Just before her maniage she worked as a clerk at the Duckwall Store in Burlington, Colorado. Mervin Corliss was born on April 7, L929 to Sherman and Grace (Messing) Corliss at Hebron, Nebraska. He has four brothers and five sisters numbering ten children in the family. When Mervin was five years old the family moved to Colorado to the Corliss Ranch northwest of Burlington, Colorado along the Republican River. He attended the Tuttle and Kirk schools. Mervin served his during the Korean war from February 29, 1951 to December 28, L952. He was stationed in Korea during the war. After his discharge he returned to the family farm and helped his father with the farming and cattle operation. Mervin and Esther were both members of the Settlement 4-H Club and have served as leaders when their children were in 4-H. Mervin along with his brothers enjoyed rodeoing at home and at the county fairs. Mervin also participated in the 4-H Rodeo at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. Mervin and Esther were married at the Hope Congregational Church north of Bethune on March 7 , 1954. Mervin had attended the Four Square Church at Kirk, Colorado and joined the Hope Congregational Church where Esther was a member after their marriage. They are both active members in their church. Esther and Mervin have made their home on the Corliss Ranch and are residing there presently. Mervin and Esther were blessed with two children, Verlin and Nadine. Verlin was born in Burlington, Colorado on August 3, 1955. He attended the Bethune school and graduated with the class of 1973. On December 14. 1984 he was manied to Rhonda Davis of Thornton, Colorado. At that time she was teaching at Liberty School, Joes, Colorado. They have two children, Krista and Stephan- ie. They are also living on the Corliss Ranch and Verlin is working with his father in their farming and livestock operation. Esther drove the school bus for nine years from 1969 thru 1978 while her children attended school. This was a very interesting experience and she drove through good and bad roads and weather. Nadine was born on Februar5r 15, 1958 in Burlington, Colorado and attended Bethune school and graduated with the class of 1976. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, Colorado in 1980, majoring in Home Economics. She spent her first three years teaching in Benkelman, Nebraska then moved to Joes, Colorado to teach at Liberty school. In July, 1987, she graduated with her Masters Degree in counseling and guidance from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. Both Verlin and Nadine were active in 4-H work receiving many honors for their projects over the years. They were also active in the youth fellowship of the Hope United Church of Christ where they are members. Growing up on the farm meant you had to make your own entertainment and also you helped with the work even if you were too small for the job. We thought we were really something if we could help with special jobs and, of course, there were a lot of things we could do in spite of age and size. I remember farming with horses, especially picking corn. Dad was picking corn and I was helping being the age of 12 years. The horses took off, I climbed on the wagon and got one leg in the box and the other one still out. I thought I could grab the reins and stop the horses. I finally gave up and jumped off and the horses, Barney and Hank, ran next to a bank and upset the wagon full of corn. That stopped the horses! I will never forget that event. Sunday afternoons usually brought company and, of course, we kids always found something to do. The great excitement that one Sunday was that dad got a new tractor. Of course we kids had to have a look. It was a new "Farmall" tractor and he had it parked in the garage. We, Esther and Gladys Grarnm, were sitting on the rubber tires. (Our dads were playing horseshoes.) Raymond wag pretending to drive and Richard Grn-m wae going to try and see if he could st€rt it. He oanked it and it start€d! Off it went, pushing the wall out of the garage and did stop, somehow, before anyone got hurt. My how thankful we all were that no one was hurt. not even the new tractor! by Esther Gramm Corliss CORLISS - IIASART FAMILY Fl36 Lowell Wayne Corliss was the firrst son of Sherman and Grace Corliss born in Hebron, Nebraska, on May 22,1926. As a child Lowell and his family moved to Colorado and lived along the Republican River on the A.N. Corliss homestead. He started his school years at Hebron attending the first grade there and after moving to Colorado he attended north Tuttle school and after the flood finished the 8th grade at T\rttle school �south of the river. Lowell drove a horse and buggy to and from school bringing his sister, Betty, and brothers Lyal and Mervin with him. "How quick can we get there?' Lowell would ask. Betty would just squeeze Mervin a little tighter and say, "Now Lowell, slow down!!!". The 1935 flood was full of lasting memories for a small boy. The water just missed coming into the basement of their home but Lowell's mother fixed the upper story so that they could stay up there until the waters were going down. They were surrounded with water for 3 or 4 days and Lowell remembers that they really felt isolated as they could not go outdoors due to that water. Lowell attended Kirk High School for Llh years driving a model A Ford. He began working for Mark Jay, Harvey Wood, Jerry Guy and A.W. Adolf after he left school. Lowell and Virginia Corligs at Corliss Centenial, September 7,198? Lowell joined the Colorado National Guard. Lowell Corliss and Virginia Hasart, daughter of Jake and Nettie Hasart were married on November 6, 1949, in Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Bethune. Virginia was born in her grandmother Adolfs home north of Bethune on January 24, L932. She attended Union School riding with her brother, Jim, on his horse Tippy and later riding "Nellie". Every day she would ride her horse the three miles to and from school making for some memorable times. The horse has some bad habits and when Jake would see Virginia turn the corner he would head for the water tank, the horse Colorado and Kit Carson County Hereford Tour at Corliss Hereford Ranch, 1981. would stop with a jerk and there would be Virginia in the water tank if Jake wasn't there to catch the horse. After attending Union school for eight years she went to Stratton High School for three years. In 1948 Virginia was Kit Carson County Queen Attendant. Lowell and Virginia started their manied life together on the HommRanch where Lowell was employed in 1949. tn 1950 they moved to their ranch northeast of Stratton. With their first child due in the spring of 1951, consider the problems of going to the hospital in Goodland, Kansas. It's now May 21, 1951. "Lowell it's time, the babys on it's way!", Virginia stated and off they go in Jake's Buick, mudding it into Stratton and then on the highway to Goodland most likely erceeding the speed limit. Every thing was going fine until they pulled up at the hospital and who would be behind them but a policeman. "Why were you going so fast?" Lowell, a little anxious, "my wife's having a baby"? The policeman replied "well okay, but don't let it happen again". The two additions of the family were Vickie Marie born on May 21, 1951 and Russell Lowell born on October 10, 1958. Family activities were very important, so 4-H and the Stratton Roping Club found the Corliss'really involved. Lowell helped from the Little Britches Rodeo Association in Kit Carson County, ofwhich he was a director for 23 years. Virginia and Lowell were both 4-H leaders with Virginia sewing 15 years and Lowell serving 27 yean. Lowell was also Superintendent of the Beef Barn at the Kit Carson County Fair. In the early 1950's Lowell was the lineman for the Northeast Stratton Telephone Company and also helped wire houses when the REA came to the area. Registered Hereford cattle have been a part of their lives since 1963 when Lowell purchased his first registered Hereford cattle starting small and growing with the cattle industry. Corliss Herefords have shown cattle at the Kit Carson County Fair, other local fairs, the Colorado State Fair, and the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Lowell is a life member of the American National Hereford Association and the Kit Carson County Hereford Association. The Corliss ranch hosted the Colorado Hereford Tour in 1971 and 1981. Four registered Hereford bulls were selected by the Hungarian Government from the Corliss Hereford Ranch in 1973. These were chosen by the Hungarian delegation who selected 35 buls from ranches in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. These animals were taken to Denver loaded in trucks for shipping to Chicago where they were placed aboard airplanes and flown to Hungary. TRUC :Ol mry/4 There is still a major interegt in the National CCA, Colorado CCA, Kit Carson County Cattleman's Association and the Kit Carson County Cowbells. Lowell has been an active member of KCCCA for 38 years serving as a director for a nu-ber ofyears and as Becretary for five years. Virginia has been serving as president for the past 8 years and is still serving in that capacity. Lowell was elected to the Stratton Fire District Board and served as Treasurer. Virginia has been employed at Dishner's Grocery in Stratton since 1977. One of the most exciting events was helping with the Colorado Cattleman'e Convention when it was held in Burlington in 1986. Lowell wae in charge of the Ranch Roundup and they hosted the Pre-convention Steak Fry at their ranch. Lowell has collected many bits and spurs Colorado Hereford breeders (from left) Morris Richardson of Simla, Don Norgren of Platteville, BiIl Diehl of Can, Lowell Corliss of Stratton, Harold Sidwel of Carr and Ruesell Corliss watch as a Hungarianpurehased shipment of Colorado Herefords were loaded preparing to leave for Chicago. and has an extensive barbed wire collection. Lately he has been learning the art of flint knapping (arrow head making). Virginia enjoys crewel work and sewing and in the summer you will find her driving the tractor and working in her yard. �Now that their children are grown and started families of their own, Lowell and Virginia enjoy special times with their grandchildren, Peggy Sue and Mathew Allan Schlepp. Vickie graduated from Stratton High School and completed the Data Processing course at Northwest Kansas area Vocational-Technological School in Goodland, Kansas in May of 1970. On June 13, 1970 Vickie married Clinton Schlepp and are living on their ranch northeast of Idalia, CO. Russell graduated from Stratton High School in 1977 and married Susan Korbelik on July 18, 1980. Russell is now ranching and living on the home place. The family tradition is "the coffee pot is always on and a neighbor's always welcome." by Virginia Corlies CORLISS - KORBELIK FAMILY Fr36 said, "Hang on to your jeans Russ!" That's all it took, he went three days in the hospital with his jeans on! The Corligs fanily enjoyed family events which Russell and Vickie both participated ice cream. Russell's other two main interests were wrestling and 4-H. 4-H was a year long job, getting ready for the next year's fair. The family raised Registered Herefords, so the beef projects were Russell's favorites. In 1974, Russell had the Grand Qftnvnpion Market Steer at the Kit Carson County Fair. National Western Stock Show was a big time to show cattle and his senior year he participated in the Catch-It-Calf, where he received Top Showman honors. 4-H had other important effects on Russell and Susan. They met at a judging contest in Sterling, Russell on the livestock tenm and Susan on the home-ec teem. Kit Carson County Fair Superintendent of Catch-It-Calf, which he also works with the Kit Carson County Cattlemen's Association who sponsor the Catch-It-Calf program. Susan is the fair superintendent of the Fashion Revue, one of her favorites! She is also the Recording Secretary of the Kit Carson County Cattlemen's Association. When Russell and Susan were married in 1980, they got a taste of the worst. Ten days born in Burlington. They were united in marriage on July 18, 1980, in the St. Cath- erine of Siena Catholic Church in Burlington. Russell Lowell Corliss is the son of Lowell and Virginia Corliss. He grew up northeast of Stratton. One of his earliest memories was his "large mosquito bit€". Russell had been playing down by the old silo (this was not allowed) when he was bit by a rattlesnake. At the age of four, he didn't want to get in trouble for being at the silo - so he didn't say anything! At noon, his sister, Vickie, was showing her dad her mosquito bites. Russell said, "That's nothing, look at the big one on my foot." Lowell and Virginia knew it was a snake bite, so in to the hospital they went. Luckily Russell didn't receive a full bite (or dose of venom). Then it became a game; Russell didn't want to take off his jeans - the nurses tried every trick. One evening Dr. Ross :i:ll:l,r: night long and then devour a half gallon of Russell is a director of Little Britches and the Russell and Susan Corliss are lifetime Fr37 rope! Even at the card parties, they'd rope all Little Britches and 4-H gave so much to Russell and Susan, they are giving now. residents of Kit Carson County, both being AND LTLLTAN in. Little Britches, the Stratton Family Roping Club, and the community card parties. Russell and Tony Paintin - born to Susan Marie is the daughter of Hawey and Connie Korbelik. She grew up southeast of Burlington. The Korbelik fanily also took great int€rest in family type activities. Susan was very active in school and 4-H. Being in Pom-Pon was really exciting to Susan; school spirit was always really important to her. The thrill of being selected FFA Sweetheart will always be with her, too. 4-H offered so many opportunities, like the trip to Washington, D.C. with the Citizenship Shortcourse . . . the pride that came to heart just to be in the nation's capitol but also from Colorado! Russell and Susan Corliss'Fifth Anniversary, 1985. CORLISS, ALBERT after their wedding, Susan was admitted to the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital Mr. and Mrs. A.N. Corliss The family records show that George Corliss, the founder of our family in America, was born in Devonshire, England and came to this country in 1639 and settled that year at Newbury, Massachusetts. In 1864 Albert Nathan Corliss was born at St. Albens, Vermont, to Martin Joseph and Paulina Skinner Corliss. In 1887 at the age of 23 Albert N. Corliss c'me on a train to Wray, Colorado. He worked on the Bar T Ranch near the Republican river in Kit Carson County, where Burt Ragen was the foreman. Soon after, he took a homestead north of the Yale Post Office, around 12 miles northwest of Burlington. Here he met Lillian May Yale, who he later manied on June 26, L892. Sherman Henry and Sarah D. Bevier Yale came to Kit Carson County in the early 1880's with 104 degree temperature. The next two weeks were touch and go for awhile, even a trip on Flight for Life to St. Anthony's in Denver. It was finally diagnosed as Toxic Shock Syndrome. It's not a time Russell or from Illinois in a covered wagon and settled on a homestead about 12 miles northwest of Susan would want to relive again, but with a strong faith and love for each other they both Post Offices north of Yale. He used a 2 wheel cart and an old white horse. Sarah Yale was the postmistress, also a midwife. She delivered many babies in the area which is known survived. The remaining six years are full of many happy memories. They are both active in the church activities and Susan has taught the First Communion class for seven years, with each class being "her kids"! They are both looking forward to what their future will bring especially in Kit Carson County, each as a 4th generation member of their respective families. by Susan Corliss Burlington. Here the Yale Post Office was established. Sherman Yale was the mail carrier from Burlington to Yale and other as the German Settlement. Lillian May Yale was born May 17, 1876 in Knox County, Illinois. Albert and Lillian Corliss lived on the homestead north of the Yale Post Office for a few years. Their home was a dugout and later a room was built on top. Here Luella Yale Corliss was born December 29, L894. After a few years, Albert relinquished this homest€ad to John Schlichenmayer and took another homestead on the Republican river in 1895 around 27 miles northwest of Burlington, the address being Tuttle, Colorado. Albert Corliss, also known as A.N. Corliss, was Kit Carson County assessor in 1898. He �driven through the rubber. It was known as the Stratton Telephone Company. Lillian Corliss was the switchboard operator, with the switchboard in the southeast corner ofthe living room in the cement house. The Corliss ring was four short rings. Albert N. Corliss had forty shares at $5.00 a share. Sherman still had this contract from the telephone company. In 1908 A.N. Corliss received a sugar beet growers contract to plant 50 acres of sugar beets in order to get a railroad formed along the Republican river. There wasn't enough interest so it never took place. Ifthe railroad had been built they would have been paid $5.00 a ton for sugar beets. Sherman has this beet growers contract in his files. One of the happenings that Sherman recalls is about his older brother Joe. It was the first fall snow storm around 1910 when there was free range for cattle. Joe and his dad (Albert) went to look for cattle in the later afternoon. Dad told Joe to go home as it was getting cold and late. They were about four miles from home at this time. Joe started out going over the hills and somehow got going in the wrong direction. When Dad got home and Joe was not there, Dad went back to look for him and notified the neighbors Early day picnic, year 1900, at the Cor Ranch, now the McArthur Ranch. Mr. and Mrs. A.N. Corliss far left Holding Sherman. Some of the others are Will Richards, Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Davis, Martin Joe Corliss (old man with beard), Bill Richards holding son, Luella and Joe Corliss setting on the ground. moved his family to Burlington at this time and served two terms. Joseph Martin Corliss was born in Burlington on March 8, 1898. Between 1898 and 1900 they moved to the homestead on the Republican river near Tuttle. They lived in a sod house and Sherman Henry Corliss was the first child born here on April 5, 1900. On the L3th of December, 1902, A.N. Corliss proved up on his homestead on the Republican river. Three more sons were born to Albert and Lillian in the sod house. They were Edward, Harold, and Ralph. In 1908 A.N. Corliss built a two story cement house with a basement under it, next to the sod house. Here in the cement house Mary, Frank, and Myrna were born, making a family of 9 children. In 1895 Martin Joseph Corliss, father of Albert N. Corliss, c4me from Vermont after the death of his wife and took a homestead the 3fth of April, 1896, under a Soldiers Declaration. (He was a Civil War veteran.) This homestead joined his son Albert's. After Martin Joseph proved up on his homestead he sold it to Albert for $200.00 in 1901 and returned to Vermont. A homestead consisted of 160 acres and you lived on your homestead a few years before you proved up. These homesteads have never been out of the Corliss family. Albert N. Corliss was interested in education. He was on the school board for Tuttle School District #39. Tuttle District had a sod gchool house. In 1901 or 1902 they moved a frame school house from south of Seibert to northeast of the Tuttle Ranch to the site where the sod school house stood. They were in need of a larger clasgroom. Those who moved the school house were John J. Pugh, G.G. Bur, A.N. Corliss and others. Horses and wagons were uged to move the school house. Ethel Boyles Burr was the school teacher and several of the older Corliss children attended school here. A few years later, around 1907 or 1908, the Tuttle school was moved north about one and one-half miles close to the G.G. Burr ranch, now Wood ranch. Then again around 1913 or 1914 Tuttle school was moved further north about two miles, close to the Tuttle store. This is where the school got its name of North Tuttle. At this time, around 1913 or 1914, people could homestead one-half section of ground. There were 50 children in the one room school. Mabel Pugh was the teacher, teaching all 8 grades. It was decided to build another school, which was known as South Tuttle. It was built on the southeast corner of the Hightower place. Several of the younger Corliss children attended classes at South Tuttle. Suzie Underwood was the first teacher of South Tuttle and stayed at the Corliss home with Uncle Bill and Aunt Nellie Yale while the Corliss family was in Ft. Collins. The school year of 1913 and 1914 Albert N. Corliss moved his family to Ft. Collins. Luella, Joseph (known as Joe) and Sherman attended the agriculture school. Joe and Sherman also received military training. The younger children attended grade school in Ft. Collins. In 1917 Albert and Lillian bought land near Hebron, Nebraska, and leased the ranch in Colorado. They moved their family to Hebron because ofbetter schooling. Paulina was born here making a fanily of ten children, six boys and four girls. Joe moved back to the ranch in Colorado in 1919. Luellaalso joined him.In 1921Luella and Gordon Hitchcock were married and were in partnership withJoe for several years. Rose Mae, Marie, Merton and Albert Hitchcock were all born on the ranch. In 1906 there was a telephone line built up and down the river to the ranches. It was a one wire line on the fence posts, with two by fours holding it up. Some places it was just on the barbed wire fence with rubber (from old boots, etc.) for insulators with a staple that Joe was lost. Dad got Jake Strobel to go and help him look for Joe. Joe had drifted into the Tom Jones place up south in the hills. Tom Jones boy took Joe to the Pugh ranch. It had been decided that if he was found they would ring their dinner bells, so Pugh's rang their dinner bell and so on down the river to let Mom (Lillian) know that Joe had been found. Joe stayed the night with Pugh's and went home the next morning. Joe was about 12 years old and he was riding their pony Mexico. Sherman also tells of his and Edward's (known as Ed) first train ride. Around 1910, Dad (Albert) had two carloads of cattle shipped to Denver from Stratton. Dad went on the train to Denver with the cattle. Sherman and Ed went on the train with Mr. and Mrs. Pugh, Lloyd and Luther. Dad met them in Denver and they went to the stock show. Here they saw Buffalo Bill ride his horse into the arena with his buckskin suit on. Dad had to hold us boys up so we could see him as there was such a crowd. They also went to the top of the Daniel and Fisher tower and they could see all over Denver. Sunday School and Literary was held in the schoolhouses and different ones ofthe neigh- bors would help with the teachings. Lillian Corliss was known as a hard working Christian woman. Some of the old timers would recall seeing her going to help a neighbor, riding her gray horse with side saddle, with two small children. Albert and Lillian enjoyed 63 years of married life and are both buried in Hebron, Nebraska. Albert lived to be 91 vears and Lillian 84 years. by Lois Henry �brothers in the sod house until his father built a new two story cement howe next to the sod CORLISS, SHERMAN AND GRACE house in 1908. Sherman's education started at the Tuttle Fr38 School District #39 northeaet of the Tuttle ranch. In 1913, after completing the 8th grade, Sherman and his brother Joe went to Ft. Collins for two years of agricultural school. This was a school teaching vet€rinary, shop and livestock judging. Rabbit Drive on 1935. The largest drive was north of the Loyd Pugh Ranch (formerly Tuttle Ranch). It regulted in the kill of 10.000 rabbite near Hell Creek. The Corliss family moved to Hebron, Nebraska in 1917 where Sherman helped his father. In 1924 Sherman married Grace Messing, a school teacher, daughter of William and Lilly erwin Messing of Gilead, Nebraska. Sherman was involved in farming for ten years in Nebraska. The children born to Sherman and Grace in Nebraska were Betty, Lowell, Lyal, Mervin, Albert and Doris. In the spring of 1934 they had a farm sale and Sherman and Grace Corliss, year L972. moved their family of six children and household goods to Colorado with a Model T ton truck and Chevy car, pulling a trailer. They rented the ranch from Sherman's Dad (Albert). It was a dry year and Shermau irrigated from the Republican river that ran just south of the big cement house. On the north side of the bottom land was artesian wells on a spring creek. These artesian wells supplied wat€r for the north ponds and irrigation was algo done from these ponds. Sherman remembers a good crop was raised that year in spite of the drouth. The school year 1934 and 1935 the children Betty, Lowell, Lyal and Mervin went to the North Tuttle School. They drove the horse Goldie hitched to a two wheeled buggy. There were a lot of dust storms that year. Sherman and Ruby Corlise. The children remember going to the teachers house, who was Glen Smith, near the school and waiting for the dust storms to be over before starting home. There was a plague of rabbits, the neighbors formed a company and bought chickenwire and corn cribbing to build pens to drive the rabbits into and then the rabbite were Corligs home built on 1908. East eide showing picture windows. ? of the 10 children were born here and the 4 Hitchcock children were also born here. Gordon Hitchcock and eon Bert after the 1935 flood ofthe Republican River on the Corlies Ranch. On April 5, 1900, Sherman Henry Corliss was the third child born to his parents Albert Nathan and Lillian May Yale Corliss, in a sod house on the Republican river near Tuttle, Colorado. Sherman was named for his grandfather Sherman Henry Yale, the founder and postmaster of Yale, Colorado. Sherman lived with his parents, sist€rs and Children of Sherman and Grace Corliss. Boys L. to R. Mervin, Albert, David, Lyle, and Lowell. Girls L. to R. Mary, Doris, Betty, Ruth, and Lois. �clubbed to death. The schools were dismissed so that the children could help drive the rabbits. The largest drive amounted to 10,000 rabbits. The drive was north of the Tuttle ranch (then known as the Pugh ranch) near Hell Creek. In the fall of 1935, South Tuttle wag moved to the Corliss land on the southwest corner of the east one-half of Section 18. This is where the Corliss kids continued their educa- tion. On May 30th, Decoration Day 1935, the wind blew hard all day from the south. That night it started raining a little after dark. It rained all over the country. Hell Creek, Spring Creek, and South Fork Republican all came together about 3 miles above the Corliss home dumping into the Republican river. Water was one mile wide through the bottom with our house about in the center. About midnight the water was splashing up on the weet side of the cement house, so we began moving things upstairs (flour, water, gugar, potatoes, etc.). The water never did get in the house. The Rosser Davis family, about one mile up the river, had to get in their upstairs. Water was in their house getting up as high as the keyboard on the piano. They tell that they thought the Corliss family would be worse off than them. Roeeer got on the house roof waving a lantern thinking the Corliss neighbors would see him trying to let them know of the danger. The waves were so high no one could see him. Shortly after daylight the water began to recede from around the house. We couldn't get out until the next day. The flood washed out a lot of big cottonwood trees and changed the course of the river to where it is one-half mile north of the cement house. Before the river was south and east of the house. We lost 33 head of cattle, 4 head of horses, and lots of hogs and chickens. Davis'lost more livestock and chickens that we did. There was a fanily by Seibert, a young man, his wife and hig wife's father, drowned in the flood. The young man wag found one-fourth mile southwest of our house. The other two people were found later in the summer further down the river. As soon an we could get out in tenm and wagon, we took the bedding, food and cooking utensils and moved up to the Babeon rock houee, two miles southeast on a hill. We lived there through the summer, getting back to the cement house in time for the children to walk to school through the sandbar south of the house. The boys stayed with Uncle Joe's off and on through the gummer on the John Weisshaar place. Betty stayed some with the Jerry Guy fanily. Mom (Grace) and Doris stayed with Aunt Luella in Burlington where Lois was born on August 9, 1935. Sherman recalls meeting Homer and Dolly Hightower on their way home from town and they told him that he had another little baby girl. It took a long time getting the ranch back in shape after the flood. There was not a fence left across the bottom. We got some fences in on the west and east so we could keep the cattle home. There was Corliss and Davis lakes up and down the river and the flood filled all of these with sand and there were no more. Lots of good timee, picnics, swimming, and fiahing went on at these places by many people of the country. Indian camp grounds were uncovered by the flood and buffalo heads, pottery, beads and arowheads were found. Trees were also found that had been buried years before in a flood and the banks of the river where it is now shows that the river had run here many years before. When Dad (Albert N. Corliss) came to this country, it is said an old Indian chief told him to not build in the river bottom as he had seen water from one hill to the other. It is believed he knew what he was talking about. After the flood, Mom (Grace) was always terrified whenever she saw a cloud in the sky, even if it wag a little one. She carried this fear the rest of her life. After the flood Sherman continued to irrigate his crops. It took a lot of hard work and patience to irrigate from the river. The water level was lower so a da- had to be put across the river to form a pond and then a ditch had to be dug for the water to run out of. Every time a little flood came up it would take out the dam, which would have to be replaced and then the ditch would also have to be dug deeper. Each time there was a flood the water table lowered, sometimes as much as a foot making the ditch digging quite a job. After a few years Sherman bought a centrifugal pump, (it had to be primed with water to start it) and punped the water from the river. This pump wag used for about three or four years, Sherman then had his first irrigation well dug in 1956. Sherman said this is one of the best things he ever did. Eventually we had two more wells drilled and went to the circular sprinkler systems. For a few years after the flood Sherman had a large truck garden, raising produce and delivering it to customers in Burlington and other towns. Many people came from miles around the country to buy tomatoes, potatoes, onions and melons. Sherman would do his own butchering and curing and Grace took care of the lard rendering, frying the sausage to be stored in crock jars in lard, and also making lye soap from the cracklings. After the butchering, the carcass (usually a hog) would hang overnight from the big cottonwood tree lime in front of the house to cool. Of course the Corliss kids always had a job to help with the chores or whatever was going on. The first tractor Sherman had was a used G.P. John Deere and the first washing machine Grace had was a one cylinder Maytag. Sherman traded T.W. Backlund some hay for it in 1934. In 1944 Sherman bought the ranch from his Dad (Albert). He continued to improve the ranch. One of the first improvements was to get grass and hay started in the sandbars left by the flood of 1935. The house was also modernized, getting electricity and telephone in 1945 and 1946 on a teaching permit. Doris was in sixth grade and Lois in third grade. Lowell worked for Jerry Guy and A.W. Adolf as a farm hand for several years until he married Virginia Hasart in 1949 and then he worked for Homm ranches. Lyal, Mervin and Albert were in the Army in Korea during the Korean conflict. David was a paratrooper in the Vietnnm War. In 1954 Mervin and Esther Gramm were married. A second place was built up for them north of the river, making sure it was above the flood level of the 1935 flood. In 1968 when David and Betty Gramm were married a new house was built for Sherman and Grace on the south side where Martin Joseph Corliss (Sherman's grandfather) had originally homesteaded. It was also above the flood level of the 1935 flood. David and Betty made their home in the old cement house. The Corliss family attended church regularly, belonged to the Settlement 4-H Club and were also members of the Farm Bureau, Grange, and Cattlemans Association. Grace enjoyed crocheting, writing and painting in her later years. Grace passed away in April of L974 at the age of 70 years and is buried in Burlington. Sherman and Grace would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December. Sherman's grandson, Verlin (Mervin's son) and wife Rhonda, live in the new house. This makes the fifth generation to live on Martin Joseph's homestead. The Sherman Corliss children all married and several are still living in the area. They are Betty and Richard Guy, Bethune, Colo- rado, Lowell and Virginia Hasart Corliss, Stratton, Colorado, Lyal and Delores Miller Corliss, Crescent City, California, Mervin and Esther Gramm Corliss, Stratton, Colo- rado, Albert and Arnella Adolf Corliss, Yuma, Colorado, Doris and Roy Henry, Joes, Colorado, Lois and Ralph Henry (deceased), Vona, Colorado, Mary and Clinton Hasenauer, Wallace, Nebraska, David and Betty Gramm Corliss, Stratton, Colorado, and Ruth and pisl flnmpton, Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1975 Sherman manied Rubbie Deloris Schmitt Corliss (his brother Joe's widow). Rubbie, the fourth child of A.A. and Frieda Dandliker Schmitt, was born at Davenport, Nebraska on April 12, 1909. Sherman and Rubbie now reside in Bur- lington, Colorado. by Loie Henry when the lines went through the country. In February 1941 Mary was born and David in April 1942. Ruth was born in February 1944. This made a family of ten children, five boys and five girls. All the Corliss children except Ruth attended the South Tuttle School. David was in the first grade the last year classes were held. Tuttle school was closed in 1950 and the Corliss kids, Lois, Mary, David and Ruth, drove to Harvey Woods and went on to Kirk to school with the Woods children. In 1960 Tuttle disbanded or consolidated, the Corliss children going to Bethune. David and Ruth graduated from Bethune High School. Mary graduated from Liberty High School in 1959. Joeg and Kirk schools consolidated in 1955 and was named Liberty. Betty went to Blair Business School in Colorado Springs and taught Tuttle School COX FAMILY F139 Cox Ranch The Cox Ranch was originally part of the large Tuttle Ranch, which fell upon hard times in the late 1880's. The terrible blizzards of that time severely stressed the cattle industry in eastern Colorado and although the Tuttles managed to hang on for awhile after that, the depression of the early 1890's finally did them in. Herman Tuttle died in 1894 and the ranch was taken over by a bank in London, England, among others. Shortly thereafter John and Jane Pugh �bought the headquarters portion ofthe ranch (now the Price Ranch) and Harry Cox those who follow will get as much from it as we did. Ranch, so called because it was located six miles from the Tuttle Ranch headquarters. Mr. Cox began constructing his ranch headquarters in 1896 and had completed several stone buildings including a barn and by Kenneth McArthur purchased what was called the Six Mile some stone corrals by 1897. The house, CRONISE, FLORENCE Fl40 bunkhouses and a cook house were completed in 1898. Construction ofother stone buildings and corrals continued most of the time while Mr. Cox owned the ranch. The rock was a limestone which came from the surrounding hills. Except for the house, most of the construction wffr accomplished by ranch hands and some part-time help during slack periods. A contractor and small crew were hired to build the house. All the stone was shaped by hand using hnmmers and chisels. Harry Cox was an interesting and highly respectcd man. He was small, about 5'6", rather frail, a bachelor, and very English. He had some trouble walking but was an outstanding horseman with a reputation for being able to ride hard for days at a time. He wore English riding breeches, English riding boots and rode English saddles. He was a progressive cattleman running some 800 cows and was among the first to import quality British bulls for herd improvement. He was active in the Cattleman's Associations of that time and was one of the first to install a dipping vat for the control of parasites. This vat was made available to everyone in the area and was used by most. Incidentally, Mr. Cox did not call his ranch "Cox Ranch". He called it the "Rock Haven Ranch". In 1910 due to poor health, Harry Cox was forced to sell the ranch and it was bought by John and Art Pugh. John Pugh died in 1913 leaving Art and Ruby Pugh, along with his widow, Jane, to operate the ranch which they did until 1924 when hard times caught up with them. During this period, the property was referred to ae the "Art Pugh Ranch". The Art Pughs remained on the ranch until the late 1920's when they moved to Burlington. A bank in Colorado Springs owned the ranch from L924 to 1944. During that time it was occupied at various times by the Guys, Radcliffs and the Coopers. In 1944 the ranch was purchased by Mark and Fay Jay and, in 1946, they sold it to Ernest and Mary McArthur who still own it. In 1970 Kenneth and Beverly McArthur came into the operation with Ernest and Mary. In 1981, Ernest and Mary retired to Burlington while Kenneth and Beverly continued on. The history of the ranch is much the same as that of the other ranches in this area. A story of good times and bad. The problem all ranches had was that they were totally dependent upon the cattle market, usually a feast or famine situation. Most of the larger cattle operations went out of business in the 1920's or before and it was not until after World War II that diversification into farming was undertaken on any scale. The combination of cattle and crops has enabled most of the operations to survive and even thrive at times. This short history has covered over 100 years and while times and techniques have changed, at least one constant remains; whether we were a Tuttle, Cox, Pugh, Guy, Radcliff, Cooper, Jay or McArthur, the land remains and we are here because we love it and when we leave it we can only hope that Youngsters or relative newcomers to Flagler hear the carillion from the Congregational Church of a Sunday morning of - some them may even know that it is the Cronise Carillion. For those who knew this remarkable lady, however, the ringing bells from the church have a very special meaning indeed. She was a pioneer in more ways than one and yet the antithesis of what we generally think of as a "pioneer woman". Born on June 15, 1861 in Newark, New Jersey, her father was a prominent and prosperous business- man and very active in church affairs. Her mother evidently died when Florence was still young. She went to a woman's seminary and then to Europe on three occasions where she studied languages in both France and Germany. Back in the United States she studied for and received a BA in Philosophy. Then she joined other Congregational Missionaries for a tour of duty in Sierra-Leone, West Africa, returning to Iowa where she taught at Leander College in Toledo. But, here we come to the part that we don't know about and never will. Here was a woman who in youth and as a young adult was in the upper-class of the country, extraordinarily educated and of a refined, prosperous and genteel background, and yet she came to Flagler in 1907 to homestead 8 miles northeast of town on a parcel that in future years becnme part of the Baxter ranch. We know that she fulfilled the requirements of homes- she died. The house is now the Lester Loutzenhiser residence. Her home had many works of art and craftsmanship she had secured in the Orient and another feature unique in Flagler homes. A small, sunny room with southeast exposure was an aviary in which she had dozens of birds, many of them one-of-a-kind, most of them ofa singing variety. She and her friends used to enjoy watching and listening to them and many a youngster in the community would come by to see them and, incidentally, get a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on a near-priceless piece of hand-painted china from Japan. Nothing but the most serious illness would keep Miss Cronise from Sunday morning Church services. She, along with others who had homesteaded in about that period, was a charter member of the Congregation Church and one of it's staunchest supporters. In her ankle-length dresses of pale blue or grey, Miss Cronise was a part and permanent fixture in the community. She died in Flagler in her 87th years, on March 1, 1949. She loved the land, the high plains, the people and her life there. Given the advantages ofher youth, it is a little difficult to fathom why. Her grave in the Flagler Cemetery is near many of the other early pioneers and her close friends, and it just may be that relationship to old and dear friends made her feel that Flagler, and only Flagler, was home. by Donald Page CUCKOW, LEROY Fl4t When Leroy Cuckow (pronounced Cuckoo) died on April 4, 1942, the Flagler News teaders to "improve up" her property and received title to same. We know that she had to live in almost primitive circumstances to do so. But why? Once in a conversation with Fred Page she hintcd that she had once planned marriage but that the gentleman involved changed his mind. At any rate, she never married and the real reason for leaving the collegiate, refined and prosperous region ofher birth for a 160 acre dry-land homestead was and will always remain known to her carried the standard-type obituary and concluded that, although he was an eccentric, he had many friends, was honest, etc., etc. One is tempted to point out that saying Cuckow was "eccentric" took fully as much journalistic courage as saying the Pope is Catholic. For Cuckow was eccentric and in retrospect one is suspicious that he enjoyed if not revelled in that eccentricity. Born in Wisconsin and educated in South Dakota, he saw alone. Manila Bay, was mustered out in 1899 and almost immediately came to Flagler (1900, to be exact) to homestead. His quarter Section was across the road from the Kliewer place and shared one-fourth of the Section homesteaded by Fred Page. Cuckow (few ever referred to him by his first name and all pronounced it, as did he, as Cuckoo) built his homestead shack much the way many did half was dug-out from a small hillside and part then the upper completed with sod. The roof, in all probability, was of planks with sod laid over those planks. Any remnant of that shack has long since disappeared but one story of when he lived there remains firm in my memory. One day Fred Page went by the shack and noticed dozens upon dozens of empty baking powder tins laying in the dirt outside the shack. "How", he asked, "could Cuckow use so much baking powder?" "Hell", said the ever-profound if not profane one, "Ijust learned that I was supposed to be putting flour in with the baking powder and water from now on I won't be using near After gaining her homestead, Miss Cronise, as she was always to be known to each and all, including friends of her own age, stayed in Flagler; but in short order joined her Congregational Missionary organization again, this time to go to Japan. Close friends would hear Miss Cronise give graphic and wonderful descriptions of Japan and - land a people that she dearly loved. Loved enough to learn their language so that she could communicate adequately with them. She did not appear to have the same affection for the land and the people of Africa. She taught English in Yokohsma and Nagoya but, as mentioned, could also communicate with her students in their own language. On her trips back to the United States in about two decades of missionary service in Japan, she would inevitably come back to Flagler and, in the late 20's or very early 30's, came back home to stay to Flagler. She taught English for a few -years in the high school and built the home across the old Baptist Church that would be her home until battles in the Spanish-American War at - as much." �Scratching at the earth wasn't really Cuckow's dish of tea, however. In the early 1900's he started a Garage business in Flagler which later turned into a parts shop. In the 1920's and 30's he sold Case tractor parts, an honorable enough business proposition but somewhat fiampered by the fact that there were precious few Case tractors or other implements in or around Flagler. His shop, on Main Street, now occupied by Steven's Garage, undoubtedly saw days when less than a dollar changed hands. Cuckow lives at the back of the shop which had somewhat primitive toilet facilities but, you can be certain, no bathtub. Or at least you would have been certain if you had had occasion to visit Cuckow in those days. Then there was Cuckow's dog whose na-e, unfortunatply, is lost to history. It would be unfair to say that this dog was of indeterminate breed as there were probably 50 or 60 separate breeds in that mutt. The dog was about knee-high and the only adequate description of him would be that he was a scroung'y, flea-bitten mutt but all of that is quite beside the point -because Cuckow loved him and would tell any and all who would listen that the dog had extraordinary intclligence. For instance, the dog (according to Cuckow) heartily disliked Republicans and could distinguish them by smell. A familiar sight on a Saturday evening was Cuckow and his dog slowly walking up the street to the theater where Cuckow would lay down the 15 or 20 cents that it then cost to go to the movies and he and his dog would then go in and watch it. The following Monday Cuckow could tell all visitors not only what he thought of the movie but what his dog thought of it. At any rate, sometime in the 30's the Republicans arranged to rent the theater, mid-week, for a big election year rally (probably Alf Landon versus FDR in 1936). Cuckow claimed that his dog wouldn't set foot in the theater until they fumigated it and, as far as recollection serves, he did not. Cuckow had many dislikes or pet-peeves. He was outspoken about two in particular, however and they were W.H. Lavington, the town banker and without question the richest man in the community and the other wag women in general and "high school girls" in particular. The term high-school girl, understand, included anyone under 30. It is not "character" to satisfy the whole town and western end of Kit Carson Countv. in the fall. by Donald Page CURE - POOLE FAMILY works at home. She also officiates volleyball Er42 Bill was born in Burlington, Colorado. He was the sixth of eight children born to Bunny and Ernie Cure of Stratton. St. Charles Academy was the site of Bill's first six years of education. Continuing his schooling at Stratton Public School, Bill became a member ofthe football, wrestling and track teams. As a senior, Bill was na-ed to the All-State Football f,sam, became State Heavyweight Wrestling Qlampion in helping the team bring home the State Championship and placed second throwing the shot-put at the State Track Meet. He graduated in 1974. During the years following Bill became engaged in farming and ranching with mem- bers of his family. The second of four children. Janet was born in Oklahoma in 1961 to Jim and Nora Poole. They moved to Bethune in August, 1964, where he (dad) accepted the position of superintendent of schools. Janet received all Dex and Sadie Poole, daughter of Janet's older brother Dave, share the sarne "lucky" birthdate, Friday the 13th, February 1987. Bill is still farming and ranching with his brothers Ed, Mike and John. His sisters include Jane Hubbard of Hugo, Kay Unrein of Eaton, Colorado, Mary Bohnen of Stratton and Theresa Cure of Aurora, Colorado. Presently, Janet's brother Dave and his family Janet, Sara and Sadie are in Homestead, Florida. Dave is in the Air Force training to be a fighter pilot in the F-4 Phantoms. Her sisters are Sharon Green of Simla, Colorado and Kristy Liming of Kirk, Colorado. by Janet Cure DANIEL - KYLE FAMILY It was Aug. 7, L954, that Raymond and I were married at St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton. Colo. Raymond Urban Daniel was the youngest twelve years of education under the watchful eye of her dad! Participating in many activi- son of Frank and Gertrude Daniel, his two older brothers being John and Robert. He was born April 18, 1925 at Burlington, Colo. and spent his childhood on the farm with his ties, including volleyball, basketball, track family five miles south of Burlington. This and cheerleading she graduated valedictorian in 1979. Two years later, Janet transferred farm was where his Grandfather John Daniel came to in 1906 from Crete, Nebraska, and being a carpenter, he built the house and barns that are still on the place. Raymond and his brothers spent many hours playing in the hay mows of the barns and it is told that one of them made some wings and tried to fly out the hay mow door and consequently suffered a broken arm. It was on very rare occasions that the family ever missed Sunday from Colorado State University, Ft. Collins to the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. Graduating with a teaching degree in 1983, she accepted a position teaching kindergarten in Burlington. In December of 1983, Bill and Janet were mamied. Blessed with their first son, Luke, in March 1985, Janet continued teaching, but only half-time. Dex was born almost two years later. Janet has since resigned and Mass. Raymond attended school in Burlington and graduated in 1943. He did spen ' difficult to conclude why the poor dislike the rich (and Republican to boot), but the source of hie hatred for women lies buried with the man. If he had ever loved but lost, he didn't divulge the fact to anyone. On any given spring or summer day, however, you could find Cuckow at the front of his shop uttering low-down remarks about "high school girls." One short ditty that was current in those days was attribut€d to Cuckow but was unquestionably written by someone else - Cuckow never ghowed any such literary "f,slslf,s" at any rate, it went like this: The gum chewing girl and the cud-chewing cow, yet, different gomehow Somewhat alike - it now Ah! yes, I remember It's the intelligent look on the face ofthe cow. Well, every family should have in it's background some ancestor who qualifies as a real "character". A small town is very much like an extpnded family and one Leroy Cuckow, born Nov. 9, L872, qualifies as a predecessor or ancegtor with enough Fl43 Christmas 1987, BiU and Janet Cure with their children, Luke and Dex. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief biographies of the founding families of Kit Carson County Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Families- C Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Description An account of the resource Brief histories of the founding families of Kit Carson County whose names begin with the letter "C." As told in the book, The History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Histoy of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Subject The topic of the resource History Kit Carson County Biography Genealogy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a>