https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/427/Seibert.pdf 065f9ef25cbd9fa5038454a0b4ec7783 PDF Text Text A history of Seibert must begin not with that town, but with the town of Hoyt, Iocated originally about four miles north of Seibert between the Republican River and Buffalo Creek. Hoyt was established in 1887 by a Doctor J.S. Hoyt on whose homestead the town developed. Doctor Hoyt, along with many other newcomers, established his Howard Kious and children with an early day auto 1916. ready to go to Church north of Vona - homestead along the Republican River because it was such a tremendous source of water, As a locator and surveyor, Doctor Hoy't was instrumental in bringing homesteaders to Colorado from Haigler, Nebraska. It was he who established the trail from Haigler to the new town of Hoyt by surveying the route and Seibert, which was incorporated in 1917, was a patent town, meaning the town's lots were given away. In order to own a lot a person had only to pay the taxes on the lot. If the taxes weren't paid, the lot was put up for auction. Many individuals claimed lots in the town, but few managed to pay the taxes, thereby losing their lots. Nevertheless, businesses did spring up. by Judith King SEIBERT T332 turning up the sod along the trail. Once a trail had been established, he helped freight homesteaders from Haigler (at that time one of the stopping points on the railroad) to Hoyt. Two of these homesteaders were his mother and sister. Not much else is known about Doctor Hoyt. He seems to have faded from the picture after Seibert was established in 1888. He may have spent little time in Hoyt since he surveyed other trails than just the one from Nebraska to Hoyt. Although Hoyt only existed as a town for about one year, a great deal of development occurred there. The town sported a restaurant run by Mrs. Wiveness; a drug store and saloon operated by Jerry Sands; a post office with Leander Hutchens as postmaster; a An 1892 view of the Davis General Merchandise establishment. blacksmith; a livery stable and feed barn run by Bert Hendricks and George Tucker; two general merchandise stores, one run by Kate and Leander Hutchens and the other by \ Seibert water tower erected in the 1920's. A 1921 view of Seibert Main Street with Mrs. Punshon's Cafe on the right. Seibert in the 1930's. V.S. Fitzpatrick published the "Seibert Settler" newspaper. Arenscheild and South; a hardware store operated by Mr. Scheib; a hotel; andthe Hoyt Free Press, owned and operated by G. L. Olds. Hoyt also had a school which was in a sod house just south of the town. It had a dirt floor, homemade desks, and books gathered from the settlers. The first teacher was Mrs. E.P. Trull. Other teachers were Charlotte Rose (whose family homesteaded near Hoyt), Lora Scheib, Luella Bell McKenzie, and A.P. Blair. By the time Hoyt was fully established there were approximately 150 people living there. For entertainment, dances were held wherever there was enough space. Many were held in Scheib's hardware store, where the participants would dance up and down the aisles between the counters. A Fourth of July celebration was also held in Hoyt. Numerous people attended, including the men from the Rock Island grading crew and cowboys from the KP Ranch in Hugo. James Priest, an early-day homesteader, estimated there were 500 people present. Several fights broke out between the grading crew and the men from the KP Ranch. Priest said the drinking and fighting kept things exciting. When the railroad came through Colorado in 1888, water stops were established. Seibert, which was named for Henry Seibert, an official of the railroad who donated books for a library, was developed from one of these stations. Since the workers needed food, the first business moved from Hoyt was the restaurant owned by Mrs. Wiveness. The grading crew used their mule teams to haul this building to the new town site four miles south of Ho1't. It wasn't long before other merchants moved their businesses to Seibert. In little time, Hoyt became a ghost town and Seibert became an important stop on the railroad. Kit Carson County's first National Guard drilling for Army service before going to France in World War I at Seibert looking northeast. A July 3 celebration in Seibert in 1909. w, r'. DAvrs, 'rt. .rut A letterhead for the W.P. Davis store established in 1892. �""d;;i;;'tuilding south of the hotel was used for various purposes including a real estate office and at one time was a store run by Oliver Hendricks, though not for long. Also on the east side of the street, several Iots south ofthe hotel, stood a building built by L.C. Rogers, a carpet weaver. This building also served as a post office of which Rogers was postmaster. A carpet weaving loom was in the front room to the left of the door as one entered. The post office was in the northwest corner of the building. When a person wanted his mail, Mr. Rogers would quit weaving, unload his mouth of tobacco juice, and then go across the aisle to get the mail. Rogers'wife Mary was an agent for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad for many years. Located about one hundred feet north of the post office was the Seibert Free Press, formerly the IIoyt Free Press. Its owner, G.L. Olds, sold the paper in 1889 to a Mr. Patterson who only published it for a few months before it failed. The paper's assets were sold to Frank Mann who used them to start a paper in Burlington. Thie early day store is the 1988 site of the Seibert Food Store. The first hotel, located at the north end of main street where the Seibert Community building now sits, was built by Oliver Hendricks. His sister Kate Hutchens and her husband Leander ran the hotel. Leander had Water well in the center of town in Seibert. Water was piped from the original Rock Island Railroad well to center of town. ?] dn i71 Sfrcef Seibert's resident physician was Doctor been the postmaster in Hoyt, but if he continued in this capacity in Seibert it was not for long. For a short time two brothers nnmed Davis operated a store from one of the hotel rooms. Kate Hutchens was a great supporter ofthe town and was fondly referred to as Aunt Kate. She did everything she could to further the town and was notorious for matchmaking. She gave parties at her house and organized the singing for Seibert's Fourth of July celebration in 1888. Kate and Leander had one son, Corta, an Indian boy whom they had adopted after his parents were killed in an Indian massacre. Corra, known to everyone as Hutch, was a good person and well liked, but he did have his bad traits. He had a tendency to get drunk and take up with women he didn't know. Hutch eventually maried Zella Buchanan, the daughter of the section foreman. In later years they moved to Denver to live. They had , h Jct bc r t :'-t,,r',j, : L;l' " .. ::...,..:.4'.,. f Paul Godsman. Along with his business partner Sidney Laune, Godsman ran the Seibert drug store. Though its exact location is uncertain, the drug store was probably located on the east side of main street north of the post office. Dr. Godsman had a consulting room in the back ofthe drug store, though much of his practice came in the form of house calls. Dr. Godsman married Charlotte Rose, a teacher in the community and daughter ofJohn Rose whose homestead was near the old town of Hoyt. Godsman and Laune eventually sold the drugstore stock to Bert Hendricks, and Godsman and his wife turned the drug store into a residence. Even though he was a doctor, Godsman was interested in the law and decided to change professions and became a lawyer. In time he developed a law practice in Burlington and later became a county judge. In 1918 he was elected State Representative for Kit Carson, Lincoln and Cheyenne counties, and even became a candidate for governor in 1922. He withdrew from the race, however, before the election. Paul and Charlotte Godsman's only child was a boy, Sidney, who also became an attorney. Bert Hendricks built the first house in Seibert, but he never lived in it. It was used as a saloon run by Jake Hoffman. The location of this house is unknown. The Hendricks family was quite large and several of them lived in Seibert. The most prominent, however, was M.B. (Bert) Hendricks. He owned a general merchandiee store situated on the west side of main street nearlv across from the hotel. by Judith King An early day Seibert street scene. �oEpot, Seibert, Colo Thistles stacked for cattle feed. for the street cars. Bert Hendrick's brother Oliver, who had built the Seibert Hotel, and his wife Tamah had four children: three girls, Hattie, Eulah, and Myrtle, and one boy, George. George was about a year younger than his cousin, Corra Hutchens. The boys often rode their horses together. On one such occasion the boys had tied the horses together with a rope, each end ofwhich had been fastened to the neck ofthe horses. The horses were about one length apart with George riding ahead of Corra. Seibert depot in the early days. SEIBERT T333 He also ran the livery stable to the west of his store. Hendricks and his wife Cora had two children: one boy, Abe, and one girl, Cordy. Bert and his family moved to Denver where he became the head of the track crew Suddenly, Corra's horse stepped into a prairie dog hole, stumbled, and yanked George's horse over backwards. George fell to the ground, and the horse fell on top of him, crushing him. Corra also fell from his horse but was not injured. George was taken home and attended to by Dr. Godsman, but he never regained consciousness. George died before the next morning. Naturally this was a terrible blow to his family. The lumber yard in Seibert was managed by a young man named George Bryant who ran it for a well-to-do uncle. also named .bffi &, Trucks, Seibert. The Holiday homestead near Seibert. Bryant, who lived in the east. George Bryant did not particularly like the lumber business, but he was in love with a woman named Dell Rhinehart whose brother was the telegraph operator. However, when Bryant's love for Dell came to nothing he gave up the lumber yard and left Seibert. The uncle came to Seibert to see about the business. he was anxious to find someone to take over the lumber yard. After having asked Paul Godsman for advice, he asked the doctor to take it over. Bryant eventually persuaded Godsman to take the business. However, because he was now county attorney and needed to be in Burlington most of the time, Godsman engaged Jim McCombs, who owned a coal yard near the lumber yard, to work both yards together. McCombs did this for a number of years. Later, McCombs, along with Stephen Bell, purchased the lumber yard. In years to come, a man named Weaver became the manager. Jim McCombs, who ran both the coal and lumber yards, had settled on a homestead near the old town of Hoyt near the homesteads of his sister and brother. He hauled lumber and coal from Wray or Haigler until the railroad was finished. McCombs was a great talker and a very personable man. However, he had a terrible birth mark on the left side of his face. One person described it as looking like a bunch ofgrapes; another said it didn't look like human flesh. Even though g How most folk paid for their groceries. The egg and cream money was the only ready cash. this birthmark hurt him socially (some people couldn't even beat to look at him), McCombs was described as a fine man who managed to get people to overlook his affliction. However, it did prevent him from having a family of his own. Stephen Bell, who later became one of the �The second Seibert post office building with Jim Priest, John Kistler, Joe Smalley standing; Francis Hendricks, Bert's daughter, and Effie Priest sitting with Bill Shanahan. ,, Mae and Jess Messinger in their grocery store in Seibert, Colorado in 1925. Homer Hughes had this rare spotted mule, the only one known in the United States. which he sold for $200. Jess Miller, a well-known Seibert oil dealer and collector of artifacts. Doc Williams and his 1911 Maxwell. owners of the lumber yard, and his son hauled water from Hoyt to Seibert before a well was dug. The railroad dug a well which was to be used only by railroad personnel. Everyone SEIBERT T334 w else had to drink the water from the barrels that had been hauled from Hoyt and had sat in the hot sun. The section foreman's wife, Nellie Buchanan, frequently gave settlers water from the railroad well. She felt that the settlers were important to the growth of the west and deserved to have fresh, cool water. The supervisor came and told Mrs. Buchanan that she was not to give anyone but railroad employees water. She told him she would not refuse anyone a drink and finally convinced the supervisor that she should be able to give the water freely. As it was, the well never went Fosha Gorton, Jr. in the 1930's by his Conoco pumps and station. Until the railroad built a section house, the Buchanans lived in railroad cars to the north of the tracks. Seibert also had a large depot drv. in which town activities and church services by Judith King held for a number of years. When the railroad went out of business, the depot, which is greatly different from the original, was Jess Miller's old home at Seibert. moved to a point along highway 59 and is at this writing a gas station and cafe. Scheib's hardware store was also moved to �gas station and cafe on the west side of Highway 59. by ,Iudith King SEIBERT CEMETERY T336 The Seibert Cemetery is located one mile east and one mile north of the west edge of :il;fi Seibert. After checking through available records, I find the first marked and identified graves in the Seibert Cemetery are Mary Agnes Glaister 1870-1891 and George R. Hendricks 1882-1891 and Henry Howell 1882-1893. The oldest persons buried there are David Herald Born, 1817-1894, and i*1 .t& l' Joseph Glaister, 1819-1909. ,,]s Seibert in 1955, looking from southeast to northwest. Another interesting resident of Seibert was Jess Miller. Jess claimed to be related to the notorious Jesse James. He also claimed to have killed a man in Missouri. He did kill a man in Seibert in 1948. Jess had a filling station on the northwest corner of the There are many unmarked graves in the section which we have no way of identifying in any way. So it is very possible there were others before our records indicate. There are ten World War I veterans, three World War II veterans, six Civil War veterans, two peace time service veterans and one Spanish American War veteran, that are identified as such. There are a total of 34 Veterans buried in the cemeterv to this date. 1987. by Twila Gorton intersection of Highways 59 and 24. He also sold "historical" relics and had a cottage camp. Diagonally across from Jess's filling station was a beer bar. Some of the men who frequented the bar had taken to harassing Jess who was getting on in years and was somewhat senile. One day Jess went over to Chicken ranch on south side of Seibert, owners: Emmett Bell and later Martin C. Johnson. Seibert and was located on the west side of main street in about the middle of the block. Bill and Charles Blake ran freighting business and used oxen teams to haul merchandise from Hugo and Haigler. A large school house was built by the railroad in 1893. It was located about four blocks south of the present - day school house. However, this building burned. Part ofthe present school also burned in 1971. The students were sent to school in Vona. Later, the Seibert and Vona schools consolidated, forming the Hi-Plains School District. In the 1920's Seibert also had a bank. However, it closed during the depression years. AIso during the thirties, in order to provide much needed jobs, the Work Projects Administration (WPA) sponsored the building of the VFW hall (now the Seibert Community Building) after the Seibert Hotel and the building next door burned down. One of Seibert's most prominent citizens during the late 20's, the 30's, and the early 40's was Valentine (V.S.) FitzPatrick. He operated the town's newspaper, the Seibert Settler, and served six terms as mayor. During the difficult depression years he and his associates created the National Directory Company and published business directories for Colorado. FitzPatrick, who at this writing in 1987 is 101 years old and resides in Aniba, Colorado. has written a series of books titled The Back ?roil which recounts his life and give a history of specific areas in Colorado. the bar to get a beer. The men began harassing him, pouring an open beer in his front pants pocket. Then one of the men threatened to cut off Jess's long handle bar mustache of which Jess was quite proud. Jess told the men if they tried to cut off the mustache he'd kill them. He then went to his station. One of the men followed, weilding a knife and telling Jess he was coming to cut off the mustache. When the man reached the station, Jess took out his gun and shot the man between the eyes. A trial was held, the verdict of which was justifiable homicide. Businesses thrived during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Although they are too numerous to list individually, they included grocery stores, gas stations and service garages, creameries, hardware stores, a blacksmith, a telephone company, real estate offices, insurance salesmen, restaurants, a bank, a pool hall, and a theater, to name just a few. The number of businesses declined throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's. The major businesses in Seibert in 1988 are as follows: the Seibert Food Store, located on Main Street just south of the Seibert Community building; the Seibert Equity Co-op Association, located on the north end of the town; Steel Corner, a welding shop, located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Highways 59 and 24; Witt's Travel Shop, located south of town just off Interstate 70; Seibert Liquors and Seibert Self Service, located east of Highway 59 on the west side of town; Turner's Service, located on Highway 24 one block west of Main Street; and a SEIBERT LIONS CLUB T336 The Seibert Lions Club was chartered Tuesday, May 10, 1949, at 7:30 p.m., in the old red brick high school gymnasium. It was done at banquet attended by the new members and their wives. There were 42 charter members; of the 42 members 23 have passed away as of 1987. Sponsors of the Seibert Lions Club were the Flagler Lions CIub. The charter night chairman was John Bear; welcome was by Robert Snell, Mayor of Seibert; invocation by Dr. A.G. Hahn, Pastor of the Congregational Church in Flagler; Toastmaster - Rev. A.J. Abel, Pastor of the Lutheran Church in Arriba; gift of sponsoring club - Bill Stebbins, President of the Flagler Lions Club; presentation of Charter - George A. Doll, Lions District Governor of Fort Morgan; acceptance of charter - Fosha S. Gorton Sr.. President of the Seibert Lions Club; and benediction - Rev. T.A. Marks. Pastor of the Evangelical United Brethen Church in Seibert. The first club officers were President Fosha S. Gorton Sr.; First Vice President Robert G. Snell: Second Vice President - Zoder N. Golliher: Third Vice President Harley L. Greenlee; Secretary - Howard Taton; Treasurer - B. Dale Hargrove; Lion Tamer - George B. Grey; Tail Twister Ralph L. Rowley; and the Board of Directors - Ward H. Cheu, Ben H. Short, Earl Livingston, and Cecil Boren. Members still in the club for the 20 year celebration were: Earl Boren, Earl Livingston, Ralph Gorton, Howard Taton, and Roy Dykstra. Through the years some of the clubs projects were seeding the park, starting a tennis court and an ice skating rink in the park. Home demonstration Clubs helped �with many of these projects. But through lack of use these soon deteriorated and are now gone. Glasses were purchased for the needy children. They helped build wooden bleachers for the school's outside activities, some ofwhich are now at the gun club. They helped sponsor the Seibert Labor Day celebration on Monday, September 3, 1951. They helped with all community activities. Through the years, following the chartering of the club, members began moving away, dropping out as members, and many passed away. This caused the elub to gradually grow smaller in membership. The last elected officers, found in the records, to be installed was in April, 1972, and, were: President - Hulon Webb, Vice Presi- dent Lion - Robert Schmidt, Secretary Lion - Gerald O. Guy, Lion Tamer - James Smith, and Tail Twister - Roy Dykstra. Both Hulon Webb and Robert Schmidt resigned and moved from the community in early 1973. The club was disbanded in 1973. by Twila Gorton It was becoming such a hardship and attendance was dropping gradually. As soon as the V.F.W. purchased the Old Post Office Building in 1963, we immediately started meeting in the small hall. We continued to meet there until September 1978, when the Vets decided to shut off the utilities in the hall because of the expense. We started meeting in our homes and are still meeting in our homes, There have been 133 members joined the auxiliary since it was chartered, many are deceased, moved away and are non-resident members. Many continue to pay their dues for the insurance we have as a group. There are 56 paid members in 1987. Highest membership was 67 in 1982. There are four charter members of the auxiliary still in the organization. They are Marjorie Gorton, Lois Atkins, Bortha Niles, and Alice Rose Stoffell. Officers are holding the offices over and over to keep the organization going. At this writing, 1987, the offices are: President - Nancy Phillips; Senior Vice President Delphia Burr; Junior Vice President - Mar- garet Tovrae; Secretaryflreasurer - Twila IIISTORY OF POST # 6492 AUXILIARY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WAR T337 Gorton; Chaplain - Louise Gamble; Conductress - Carol Smith; Guard - Ellen Cruickshank; Trustees 3 yr. - Jean Jarnagin, 2 yr.Lois Atkins, 1 yr. - Marjorie Gorton; Color Bearers # 1- Shari Graham, # 2 - Dee Felker, # 3 - Donna Gorton, # 4 - Jeanette Kemp; Historian - Marvel Geiken; Patriotic Instructor - Myrtle Shaw; and Musician - Bonny Hughes. by Twila Gorton The Women's Auxiliary to our post was instituted in May, 1947. First president was Mae Cruickshank; Sr, Vice President, Lois Atkins; Junior Vice president, Marjorie Gorton; Chaplin, Rose Kemp; Treasurer, Minnie Fingado; Secretary, June Short. The 2nd president was Lois Atkins, 3rd president, Marjorie Gorton,4th, Mabel Linder, and 5th Juanita Greenlee. They were a great help to us in getting our post home equipped. During out first three years they gave $50 towards building the stand, $275 to buy chairs, $100 for ladies shower room, lumber for the tables and cupboards, stove for the kitchen, helped to buy the stage curtain, gave money towards installing the ceiling, and gave the post cash services. When time came that the "White Ele- phant", our old V.F.W. hall and skating hall, was to be renovated into a new community building, we donated the big blue velvet stage curtains to "Old Town," in Burlington, in 1986. "Old Town" is now being developed into a tourist attraction. "Received Mar. 16, 1888" office of First Assistant Postmaster General. Signed by A.E. Stevenson: Washington D.C." "Post office to be located NE quarter of Section 16, Township 8, South Range 49, West of 6th Principal Meridian, County of Elbert, State of Colorado. This would be located on the direct route from Tuttle to Hugo on which the mail is now carried two times a week. Hugo being 40 miles southwest and Tuttle 28 miles northeast. The name of the nearest Creek Buffalo on the north, name of the most prominent River south fork of Republican on the South. Number of inhabi- tants in the town of Hoyt being 40 but expecting to supply 600 or more with mail." Instructions were to select a short name for the proposed office, which, when written will not resemble the name of any other Post office in the state. Hoyt was the name the Post office was called. A note of interest written at the bottom of the page signed by Charles H. Scheib, is as follows: "The town of Hoy't is located on the north halfofsection 16, township 8, south ofrange 49, west 6th PM. Elbert, County, Colo. No post office within 28 miles, the nearest being Tuttle, Burlington being the next which is 35 miles. Hugo is our nearest Rail road station at which place our people get their supplies, being 49 miles south west of us on the Kansas Pacific Ry. We desire a special Post Office and mail pouch so we can get supplyed from Hugo. Hoyt has five stores, one printing SEIBERT POST OFFICE T338 office, one livery, and five stables, one lumber yard, and one blacksmith shop. Charles H. Scheib prepared P.M. The first post office in Seibert was housed in a two story building which also served as a hotel and general merchandise store. Lee Hutchens was the first postmaster as well as manager of the store and hotel. Several people served as postmasters in the early years after Lee among them, John Sutton, Lee Erskin. W.A. Weaver. L.C. Rogers and Miss Lint. Robert Wrenn was postmaster for many years. In 1918 Mae C. Cates was postmaster followed by Mrs. Simmons in 1925 and later Zella M. Hutchens. Meryl D. Haynes became Zella's clerk in May 1930 and later served as postmaster from May 1936 until November 1943. Meryl many times. Some of their first money projects were serving for dances, sponsoring a basketball team, giving plays, and bake and rummage sales. The charter members were Dortha Niles, Mae Cruickshank, Rose Kemp, Rosa Akers, Minnie Fingado, Katherine Gleason, Norma Arthur, Marjorie Gorton, Alice Stoffel, Minnie Crum, Betty Cox, Edith Boren, Bertha Ricks, and Lois Atkins. Through the years the auxiliary has purchased or received by contributions, several hospital items which have been loaned throughout the communities at no charge such as hospital beds, crutches, wheel chairs, walkers, coffee pots, and folding chairs. We have also assisted with funeral dinners and Of interest is a copy of the application to establish the Post office at Hoyt, Co. dated 2-28-198 , which has been acquired through the Archives. This was applied for through the Post office at Hugo, Colo. by Charles H. Scheib, and through A.K. Clarke Postmaster at Hugo, the 12th day March, 1988. The application has a cancellation stamp recalls his salary in 1943 was 91500.00 a year. His clerks were Gladys (Andre) Kerl and Donna Fingado. His wife Myrna followed him as a temporary postmaster for about 9 Seibert Post Office, 1988. good Way back when days - in thethe townold before Seibert was founded, ofHoyt was located 4 miles north of the present location of Seibert. Mail came to Hoyt from Hugo once a week via wagon and horses. The rails hit Seibert Aug. 14, 1888, and Seibert was founded in 1888 and the mail came by train. The business places then moved from Hoyt to Seibert and the Hoyt post office "via Hugo" was discontinued. months. The post office was located in the bank building then. Two south routes were established about this time with Clarence Bell and Frank D. Allen as carriers. The routes were combined and Fosha S. Gorton Jr. started carrying the mail for both routes in July 1937. Fosha Gorton retired Dec. 1980. Ralph F. Gorton substituted as mail carrier for the rural routes from 1943 to Oct, 1980. After the Haynes moved to Pueblo where Meryl took another position with the Postal Service, George Simon was appointed postmaster in 1944 and served until his death in January, 1960. Earl Atkins who was clerk at �the time took over as Acting Postmaster with Arthur O'Neill as clerk; he held this position until May 1961 when William A. Fitman was appointed postmaster. Earl went back to his job as clerk, which he had 19 years in, having served from January 1946 to January 1975. Phyllis E. Fox served as clerk, having repla- ced Earl upon his retirement. Bill Pitman retired July 1979 with over 18 years as postmaster. The Cope Star Route has been in effect for Dick Baker secretary. A2 V2 H.P. siren was ordered March 1956 and was installed 1 block east and one-half block south of Main Street and Highway 24. The firemen were called at 6:30 PM Aug. 30, 1956 to respond to a flat car loaded with poles on the railroad track which had caught fire. The fire was extinguished with less than half of the poles being damaged. The April 29, 57 election resulted with Ralph Gorton fire chief, A.A. Curtis Asst. many years and some of its early carriers were chief, Fosha Gorton Jr. Sec. RobertW. Work, HenryGaylor, Mr. Winkler. Ezra Atkins had the route from 1942 to 1959. Vern Miller contracted the route in October 1959 and a few years later his wife Kay took proposed a fire District Aug. 19, 1957, Dale Hargrove and A.A. Curtis and bill Pitman to contact farmers & etc. Hargrove reported over with Vern and Kathryn Myers as The Seibert Volunteer Fire Dept. first substitute drivers. Other subs over the years most farmers contacted were skeptical of phone service. Curtis reported the town Greenlee among others. council decided the truck could not go out to fight grass fires, only to protect farm build- have been Martin Johnson and Harley Parker D. Calvin was one of the mail messengers bringing the mail from the Rock Iskane Depot to the Post Office when the mail came by train. George Simon also hung and picked the mail from the train when the Rocket came into being. In the early years the Post Office was located in a small building on the east side of Main Street. It was moved to the old bank building in 1936 and back to the east side in 1944 where it remained until Postmaster Bill Pitman had the new building constructed on the corner of Highway 24 and, Main, which they moved into in November, 1961. Since Bill Pitman's retirement there have been several changes in the Postal department. Sandra Claus to Colorado Springs was appointed as O.I.C. (officer in charge) and served from Aug 1979 to February 8, 1980, when Phyllis Fox was appointed Post Master of Seibert. Charles Turner was the clerk from 1980 till he transferred to Burlington post office. Jim Levin started as substitute Nov. 1980 and was appointed the Highway Contract Routes July 1, 1981, carrying both the former rural Routes south of Seibert that Fosha Gorton had been carrying. Eleanor Short was appointed clerk June 29, 1985. by Twila Gorton SEIBERT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. T339 ings. Officers elected April 21, 1958 were Fire Chief Bill Pitman - Asst Chief Richard Baker and Sec. John Martin; same officers were of Vona. Colorado. One Ford F-600 used truck chassis. 1975 purchased - Pumper unit built by Steve Miller Vona, Colorado. The command car, purchased 6,23,1984, from the Flagler-Seibert Community Ambulance Service, is a 1970 Chevy Suburban that was used as an ambulance til 1984. The building houses 3 fire trucks, one command car, two ambulances. The original members of the new district were: Vern Miller Chief - Gene Hase, Assistant Chief - Jim Cowen, Rick Dykstra, Stan Geiken, Fosha Gorton Jr., Ralph Gorton, Jerry Guy, Wilford Huppert, Ervin Jones, Ed Killiam. MelvinLevin, Glen Myers, BillNoel, Ernie Noel, Jim Smith, Clifford Hughes, Mike Hatfield, Jim Levin, Kenneth McCaf- Bill Pitman Sec. June 2, 1959 orders were issued by the Board of Trustees that the fire truck could no longer be taken out of the incorporated boundaries of Seibert because of limitations due to insurance, and not having a 2nd truck to remain in town. At this time the only firetruck was a 1938 Ford pumper truck which had been pur- chased seconded handed and as of this date December 1987 only had 4049 original miles on it. Firechief elected 1965 was Earl Atkins Asst chief, Les Hase, Bill Pitman Sec.; 196770 Les Hase elected Chief. Gene Hase Asst Chief, Bill Pitman sec.; 1971 Les Hase elected Fire Chief, Glen Myers Asst Chief, Bill Pitman Sec.; 1972 Earl Atkins Fire chief, Dale Murphy asst. Chief and Bill Pitman Sec. Besides the phone being used for fire calls all these years at the Gorton Hardware store and the Ralph Gorton home, a special fire phone was installed in the hotel lobby in 1976. However. the whistle still had to be rung manually. Members wishing to retire from the board Mar. 15, 1976, were Dale Hargrove, Wanen Bowser, Bill Pitman, Alva Cruickshank and Les Hase. Officers elected in 1976 were Earl Atkins Chief, Asst Chief Vern Miller, Jim Cowen Sec. Again in February they tried to organize a Vona - Seibert fire District by getting members of Vona Farmers Union, Seibert ton Fire District but apparently this idea was also dropped. fire chief - Bob Anglen assistant fire chief - unit was built on the truck by Steve Miller frey, Carlos Arnold, Leon Blackwell, Dick Keiter and Wes Pelser. Meetings were to be held the 3rd Monday each month, Bob officers was held resulting with Ralph Gorton One Ford F-350 4WO Crew Cab 1980 chassis was purchased new and a fire fighting Elected Officers Mar 21, 1960 were: Ralph Gorton Fire chief, Asst, Chief Dick Baker, Farm Bureau, Vona's mayor and councilmen, were presented to the town council for approval, 19 members had signed for active status and 1 for inactive duty. Election of steel building. Contract signed 4-10-80. retained 1959. Seibert Volunteer Fire Department was officially organized in October 1954, and bylaws were written up at this time. Bylaws Committee: Orville Thisius chairman, Art Anglen, Chairman, presiding. November 15, 1954 Bylaws read: active membership be limited to 20, and must be 18 years or older. Three members were elected to the membership committee and were: Dale Hargrove, Virgil Hase and Les Hase. January 17, 1955 the copy of the bylaws director, Vern Miller lst Fire Chief. The building contract went to Don Herman Construction of Burlington for a 76 ft x 40 ft Vona's Fire Department and Seibert PTA together, but this didn't materialize. In 1965 they discussed joining with Strat- The first organization meeting with a lawyer was held Dec. 16, 1977 for a fire district. Seibert Fire District legally was established March 27.1978. A bond election to finance a new building and trucks was held February 12, 1980 for the amount of $80,000.00; this passed 84-2. First bylaws were approved November 19, 1980. First board members of the new district were Jerry Guy President, Bill Livingston Vice President, Ervin Jones Secretary, Rich- ard Herman Treasurer, Harry Hatfield * Herman, Bob McCaffrey, Dick McAuley and Stan Scheer. Present membership is limited to around 20 members. There are radio and telephone contact spread throughout the District, to help keep contact with the truck with messages, and also water trucks farmers have ready to go to assist if needed. A second fire whistle was purchased and installed about 1983 or '84 and is located by the fire house. Fire phones connections to the whistles were installed in six homes or businesses in Seibert so that it will ring into all at the same time and the whistles can be rung by any of the connected phones. The first ambulance housed in Seibert was in a garage at the time owned by the town and Iocated just north of Melvin Levin's residence, but is currently owned by Mel Levin. Seibert started housing their first ambulance in 1976, and the ambulance was moved across the street when the fire shed was finished in 1980. Also "Old Green", the Army Red Cross unit the service has as a back up unit, is housed in the fire shed too. The present ambulance we have is a 1976 van which was used by Flagler until the new unit was purchased and we received this unit May 10, 1984. by Twila Gorton SEIBERT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION T340 In the early fall of 1954, Evelyn (Scheidegger) Wanczyk, Leona (Scheidegger) Cowgill, and Twila (Murphy) Gorton, got the idea of starting an alumni organization. They immediately tried to get addresses and locate as many people as possible. In September, 1954, a meeting was called to gather interest- ed parties in the community, and the ball started rolling. Many hours were spent writing letters and with the cooperation of the Seibert High School Superintendent, George Cuckrow, we were on our way. The first banquet was held Saturday, October 9, 1954, in the V.F.W. Hall. Seibert organizing officers were: President - Leona �Cowgill, Secretary - Evelyn Wanczyk, and Toastmaster - George Simon. September 24, 1955, elected officers were: President Ralph Gorton Sr., Vice President - Cecil Boren, Secretary - Arthena (Aumiller) O'Neill, Treasurer - Lillian (Schemerhorn) Reid, Toastmaster Russell Goodwin, and Bylaws Committee - Russell Goodwin, Charles Boren, and Paul Short. The banquet continued for every year following. In 1958 other parties decided we should combine Homecoming and Community Day. Donations were asked for and a free barbecue was added to the event of September 27,1958. A large crowd attended at noon and a nice alumni banquet was held in the evening. In 1959 it was back to just a class serving the noon meal and no barbeque. In 1962 the graduating class of 1922, consisting of Ralph Burden, Martha (Abbott) Boggs, Ellowise (Allen) Pearson, Royal Reul, Olive (Johnston) Hill, Elmer Everett and their superintendant Homer H. Bishop, were here to celebrate a big day. September 20, 1969, a suggestion that possibly a potluck supper might encourage a better attendance, was tried, but the result was the worst attendance we ever had, with only 53 attending. Saturday, September 26, 1970, having no football game, the Roping club helped with the afternoon at the Rodeo grounds with activities and junior events. There was a 12:30 soccer game with Bethune, which ended up in a l-1- tie. At 5:00 p.m. there was a demolition derby west of town at the old baseball field. Because the Seibert High School burnt down on April 1, 1971, and the Seibert High School students were now attending school in Vona, the day's events were held on Vona's Main Street. The football game, Hi-Plains (Vona-Seibert) vs. Genoa was held at the football field in Vona. Seibert still held their alumni banquet at Seibert and continued to hold the annual dance in the V.F.W. Build- ing. In L972the Blue Vona Wildcats and the Red Seibert Bulldogs soon became the Red, White, and Blue, Hi-Plains Patriots. We then decided to hold our alumni banquet open to the public. Several attending the day's events suggested that they would like to come to the Seibert banquet, and it was decided that they could come. Both Seibert and Vona held separate banquets with Vona's being a buffet supper in the Vona lunch room. It was decided at both banquets to hold a joint banquet the following year. On September 29, 1973, the joint banquet was held and a large crowd attended. The banquet was held in the multi-purpose room in Seibert, CO. At this banquet it was decided to combine the two associations to the Hi - Plains Alumni Association, officers elected were: President - Larry Pickard (V63), Vice President - Kelly Burr (568), Secretary - Marjorie (Boren) Blackwell (S54), Treasurer - Ralph Gorton Jr. (364), Corresponding Secretary - Hazel (Thompson) Ford (Va5) andTq/ila (Murphy) Gorton (S41), and Historian - Mary (Jackson) McCaffery (V54). It was also voted to eend a girl to girls'state as has been Vona's custom. The parade and all day events, including the football games, are always held at Vona football fields with volleyball games, if any, being back in the Seibert gym. On Saturday, September 2L, 1974, the banquet was held but after discussion and lack of response to letters of invitation sent out, it was decided to try the Alumni banquet by not sending individual letters because of postage expense. It was thought that by just putting it in the papers and on the radio enough people would respond. In 19?5, after discussion as to lack of response, it was decided to try the alumni banquet every five years. In 1980 again the banquet was held with a good crowd. Again in 1985, there was a good crowd for the banquet at the school and the dance held later in the Seibert Town Hall. Twila (Murphy) Gorton has been an active officer of the Seibert Alumni Organization since it was first suggested and organized. She has also added some enjoyment for the old and young as a clown, throwing out candy and gum. For many years her grandchildren have also joined the ranks as clowns with her; even friends and her children have helped out, In later years many classes are holding their class reunions on the annual Seibert Day. It is always held on the last Saturday of July, this way people know ahead of time when it will be and can plan ahead for their vacations. This is also a convenience for most children do not attend school in the month of Julv. by Twila Gorton �l't' :: url.',t:: lli:' :' i:lar: ..r..il : $d,- "X*.6.. ;ee$ :. .:'u L $ '::' !!$ '.rr'ri:}lr:' l$' ''':'':."'*; -.rlF*J*. :4, $s'*!!lld1*il!*$'' N$ry"'$ "..'tl'" : @qtr$i �SEIBERT BRANCH, RLDS CHURCH ,,N' {t Reid was appointed Pastor. Bro. Wilbert Richards of Denver and Gerald Gabriel were also in attendance. Ministers from Denver. Genoa, Goodland, Wray, Pueblo and other communities helped with the spiritual growth through the early years. Some names which appear in the first decade ofour history were those mentioned above and Wesley Evans, Apostle D. Blair Jensen, Ward Houg- as, Owen Self, A.H. Christenson, Hilton Lamphere, Kenneth Buckmaster, Ernest Crownover, J.R. Graybill, Steve Bullard, Charley Zion, Conrad Graybill, Don Cash, Ted Sammons, Walter Lutz, Bernard Buchanan, Peter and David Judd, Calvin Carpen- ter, Pete Harder, Malcolm Barrows, Missionaries Herb Linn, Larry Shoemaker, Dale Argotsinger, Arthur Gibbs, and Norman Page. In 1956 the Seibert Mission became The original Seibert Branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Chriet of Latter Day Sainls building in November, 1956. part of the newly established Kansas-Colorado District. In 1957 Wm. Livingston was appointed pastor as Lewis Reid's health was failing. Lewis passed away February 27, 1958. Seibert was organized as a Branch in May 1972. Those having served as Priesthood in our congregation are Wm. Livingston, David Reid, Orlen Reid, Roger Reid, Norman Eagleton, and the late Lewis Reid and James Boren. Pastors of the congregation through the years have been the late Lewis Reid, David Reid and Wm. Livingston. Ground breaking services for the present building were held August 25, 1974, just north of where the church building was located at that time. Apostle Russell Ralston turned the first shovel of dirt, followed by Bishop Jack RLDS Church, Seibert. The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church in Seibert, Colorado had its beginning when a few people from the Fair Haven community, 8 % miles north of Seibert. attended a tent reunion near the river by Cope, Colorado, in 1920, hearing sermons from J.Charles May, J.D. Curtis and J.R. Sutton. This led to these missionaries holding a series of meetings in the Fair Haven School. Some were baptized at this time and church school was held in the school house almost every Sunday. Many of the people traveled by horse and wagon to attend. Priesthood from other congregations came when they could and others were baptized from time to time. Some of the early members of the church were the families of Alva Cruickshank, Lewis Reid, Earl Boren, J.A. Brown, Ernest Akers, J.W. Gales, Ralph Roberts, Ben Bartlett, Ernie Bancroft, Claude Hughes and Mrs. Fischer. (These names are from memory and if we left someone out we apologize and would appreciate hearing who, so we could up date our history.) In 1951 a rural schoolhouse was purchased and moved into Seibert. It was set on a basement in what is now the parking lot just south of the sidewalk. This building served as our place of worship until the present structure was built in 19'i4-75. On October 5, 1952, with 30 members on the roll and a congregation of about 60 people in attendance, including some from Denver, Genoa and Goodland, Kansas, Bro. J.A. Hufferd, Counselor to the D.P. declared us a mission of Eastern Colorado District. Teacher Lewis Curtis, R.A. Lewis Landsberg, Seventy Norman Page, Edith Boren representing the eldest member of the congregation, Earl Boren, Mayor of Seibert and Sr. member of he building committee, Gordon Hamit, contractor, Rogene Livingston, Women's leader, David Reid, Bishop's agent, Sandy Hughes and Cheryll Levin representing the youth and others, followed by Wm. Livingston, Pastor. The service closed with Bonny Hughes singing "How Great Thou Art". Jack Curtis gave a benediction. A hamburger fry followed with about 40 people in attendance. We held our consecration service on December 2L,L975 with over 100 in attendance. Elder Wm. Livingston presided, southeast Colorado D.P. Lawrence Colby, Platte River D.P. Bernard Buchanan of Yuma and western Kansas D.P. Vaughn Young of Tribune, Kansas, extended greetings and made brief comments. The sermon of consecration was delivered by Apostle Russell Ralson of Independence, Mo. He stated it was his hope that this church building might become a center for the achievement of God's purpose in all who came to worship, and all those whose lives are touched by those who worship here as they reach out. We consecrate not only the building, but also the people, that the cause of Jesus Christ might become known among all men. Bro. Ralson said that as we consecrate this church and its people, we challenge you to respond to the challenge to be a light unto the world and this community. Other priesthood assisting in the service were Lewis Landsbe.'g, Elder David Reid with Orlen Reid as Deacon in Charge, assisted by Norman Eagleton. The dedication services were held September 5 and 6, 1987. Howard Sheehy, member ofthe First Presidency of the Church, was our special guest for the weekend activities. Bro. Sheehy grew up in Colorado and was pleased to renew friendships from his teen years. Dedication activities included a hamburger fry and pot luck picnic in the Seibert park September 5, with approximately 50 in attendance. This group returned to the church where the youth group, under the direction of their leaders David and Betty Reid, entertained with skits: Vickey Eagleton led the group in campfire songs; movies and slides of years past were viewed (My, how some of us have changed!); memories were recalled and special recognition given to Alva and Ellen Cruickshank who have been members of this congregation the most years; to Bonny Hughes for many years of service in the music department and a special moment for Pastor Bill and Rogene Livingston. David Reid served as emcee and President Howard Sheehy shared some reflectoins with us before we closed the evening with the group holding hands singing "We Are One in the Spirit" followed by prayer. Sunday September 6, dawned bright and beautiful as we gathered for services on Dedication Day. A communion service was held at 9 A.M. High Priest Lawrence Colby of Pueblo brought the ministry to worship. He and Sister Regina Colby sang "He is Worthy" as a special. We experienced a first in our congregation when we had two ordained women priests, Regina Colby and Barbara Reid of Maquoketa, Iowa, assisting Priests Norman Eagleton of Seibert and David Carlock of Pueblo in serving the communion. The world church began ordaining women to the priesthood following the revelation which was presented to the 1984 World Conference. A beautiful spirit blessed the congregation as the service ended with congregational response of prayers and testimonies. The dedication service began with a welcome and a "Praise Medley" sung by the choir; Jacque Levin, Norman, Vickey, Dawn and Carma Eagleton, Nick Price and Betty Reid, directed by Bonny Hughes. Carla Herman was organist. President Sheehy brought the sermon. Bro. Colby gave the dedicatory prayer. The choir sang "Faith of Our Fathers". Following the services a pot luck lunch and roller skating were enjoyed at the community center. Some people played volleyball at the park. We have at various times sponsored Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Skylarks, Orioles, Zion's League, Women's Dept., Young Adults and Choir. Some projects we have enjoyed are service to families such as taking in meals, cleaning, ironing, mending, etc., visiting rest homes, community Good Friday and Easter Services, Easter breakfasts, bread baking, goodie boxes to service people, fruit plates or baked bread for the elderly shut-ins or those alone at Christmas, community vacation church school, pageants at Easter and Christmas, serving banquets, retreats, cook-outs and swim parties or volleyball, riverside picnic and worship, community mother daughter banquets, world day of Prayer, funeral dinners, Christmas caroling, witnes- sing weekend, church growth classes and workshops, family social, puppet, clown, and chalk talk workshops; temple school classes; craft fair; Sr. Citizen dinners and activities; Scripture study and many more. We haven't done it all, nor have we done it all right . . . but we have done many things to try to further the work of the Lord here in Seibert. Some of the furnishings in the church bring to mind special memories . . . the pulpit was �a gift from Bro. Orval Schall of Loveland. Various memorials given through the years have proved our library, candleabra and brass flower stands, public address system, bhe curtain for the kitchen serving window, ceiling fans and our new organ. Our heritage is rich with the blessings of God and the cledication of the Saints. We are grateful for all who have contributed in the growth and progress of the work of Christ in the community. Praise the Lord! by Betty Reid new church organized, with 11 charter members as the Seibert Congregational Church. August 1, 1896, Rev. Charles W. Smith served as pastor of the Seibert Church. In the year of 1906 in order that a church building might be erected, grant loan of $215.00, was secured from the Congregational Church Building society, and a frame building erected, and dedicated on June 16, 1902 with an ordination service by the then pastor, Rev. N.H. Hawkins. With membership growth and church work growing during the pastorate of Rev. E.P. Owen, another grant loan from the Congrega- tional Church Building was secured for SEIBERT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH T343 $400.00 and a new building was completed in 1914. In 1915 the old building was sold to B.E. Roller, and the interior of the new building was remodeled and completed. In the following years m{rny different pastors served the church, and most of them preaching in other churches, such as Stratton, Cope, Flagler and others, and progress was very slow. The following persons served as pastors from the time the first church was built until the year 1920: E.S. Hughes, Jas. Read, Jan J. LeFebre, Mrs. E. Shimrock, E.P. Jnited Methodist Church, Seibert, built in 1914. Owens (who was pastor at the time the present church was built), Rev. A.E. Hartman, P.R. Kiplinger, Charles W. Smith and Mrs. Charles W. Smith, who alternated Sundays as they served for a second time, having served first before any building was erected. Serving from 1920 to 1926 were: Rev. A. Sturgis, Rev. W.P. Barton, Rev. Charles D. Gearhart, Rev. S.J. Snyder, Rev. Peter Rasmussen, and Rev. J.N. Trompin, officiating when there was no other pastor. There was little progress and being left without a pastor, they requested advice from Rev. I.A. Young, Evangelical Pastor who was visiting his daughter in Seibert, Mrs. John Schekel. Rev. Young suggested that the Evangelical Church might be able to supply pastors if the people so desired, resulting in Rev. B. Barthel, the District Superintendant of Colorado Conference of the Evangelical Church, visiting the Seibert community, and at the following conference session in 1927, Rev. F.D. Dexheimer was appointed pastor of the Seibert Mission. Rev. Dexheimer arrived and people of the community rallied immediately to his aggressive manner and much progress resulted and at a publicly announced meeting of the memberg of the Seibert Congregational Church held on August 25,1927, it was voted to see if the church would become an Evangelical Church, results being 28 in favor, none opposed. Rev. D. Barthel preached several Sundays before and following the above action. October 5,1927 , the Seibert Congregation- vlethodist Church today after brick was added to he exterior of the building 1988. Religious work began in the town of Seibert n 1889, by a D.H. Minich, a Home Mission- ry of the Congregational Church. Others vho helped get it established were Robert (nowles. Rev. Lee and Rev. Jones of lowa. In the spring of 1892, Rev. E. Tuttle, who vas commissioned Home Missionary for lastern Colorado, came and served as pastor rntil 1896. Meetings were held in the Seibert {ouse. Feeling the organization was not rroperly organized, it was voted to disband md reorsanize. On Februarv 10, 1896, the al Church disbanded and became the new Seibert Trinity Evangelical Church, a community church. Sixty-four people were received as charter members. A class was organized resulting with the following elected as Trustees - S.M. Abbott, President - H.C. Greenlee, Secretary - Martin C. Johnson, L.M. Brown, and John Schekel. A full basement was built under the church. A house was secured and purchased for a parsonage which was diagonally across the street. With the new basement and purchase of the parsonage a new debt of $465.66 was acquired. With the transfer of propertv from Congre- gation Church to Evangelical, the grant loan from Congregational Church Building Society became due in the amount of $615.00 plus interest. this was not discovered until twelve years later, however. The Seibert Trinity Evangelical Church was formally dedicated Nov. 4-5-6th 1927 by Rev. B. Barthel Dist. Supt. of Colorado Conference. Other ministers present besides the Pastor R.D. Dexheimer were: Rev. Nash of Genoa - Rev. I.A. Young, Denver Alameda church - and Rev. L.D. Hale of Stratton. A large crowd was in attendance and rejoiced throughout the day. During the following months, calls from Bethune, and many surrounding schools came for someone to preach, and Leslie E. Gabel was appointed by the Dist. Supt. Rev. B. Barthel to serve as Assistant Pastor of the Seibert Field and to serve many nearby appointments. He arrived March 15th, having been recommended as capable for the Gospel Ministry be the Sterling Congregation. Regular preaching services were held at Rock Cliff twelve miles south of Seibert, Second Central fifteen miles southwest of Seibert, Prairie Gem twelve miles northwest of Seibert and Bethune and Seibert. The Pastors daughter Roberta Dexheimer preached at Rock Cliff, and Rev. L.E. Gabel Second Central and Bethune. Rev. F.F. Jordan, an evangelist from Illinois, held revival services at Seibert and Second Central with many souls being saved and uniting with the Church, and by Conference time 1928 there was a total membership of 150. Christian Endeavor Societies, Women's Missionary Society were organized and also there was an active Ladies Aid Society. At this Conference Session the Seibert Society requested the Conference to be put on the selfsupporting Fields and this request was granted. The following year Membership reached 194 and a total of $3,620.00 was raised for all purposes, excluding building. The next year, however only having a parttime preacher, a steady decrease of membership and amount of money raised resulted. The severe depression, crop failures and dust storms caused many people to move from Seibert and businesses were discontinued. In the year 1936 and '37 a low of 94 membership was left and only $771.00 was raised for all purposes. From this time on the steady decrease, resulted in the church again being placed on the list of missions. However there was an increase of money raised and progress in spite of the war conditions and workers going to supply the war jobs. In 1938 the Church was painted, and in 1940 the balance ofthe indebtedness of$200 was paid off. In L943-44 the entire interior was repainted and varnished. Pastors who served the Trinity Evangelical Church include Rev. R.D. Dexheimer L927 -28 with Rev. L.E. Gabel as Assistant part-time - Rev. J.A. Brewer a short time 1929 - Rev. Wm R. Van Devender part-time 1929 - Rev. W.C. Johnson moved here from Colo. Springs Trinityin Nov. 1929, to May 1931 -Rev. A.G. Hettler May 1931 to December 1932 - Rev. T.A. Marks May 1933 to May 1935 and also serving Stratton 2nd year. Rev. B. Barthel Dist Sup t. from May 1935 to Sept. 1935 when Rev. V.H. Schroeder served Seibert and Genoa for some months and secured a supply pastor. Rev. S.E. Parrott who served under the Supt. until May 1936. Pastor L.E. Gabel served the feild from Mav 1938 to 1944. In �May 1942 the Smokey Angle, formerly part of the Kit Carson Mission was added to the Seibert Mission and the pastor who had also been preaching at the Cope Congregational Church took it on also. This field showed promise of a fruitful Mission of the Evangelical Church along with Joes Territory; Cope is 26 miles north of Seibert and Smokey angle 35 miles Southeast of Seibert. Rev. C. Lafoon served several years followed by T.A. Marks who carried on the ministry until 1950. Rev. Oliver Davidson was here one year, followed by Francis Bayless, assigned here from Stratton in 1952, serving two years. Rev. Raymond Scott followed him in June 1954 and progress strived all these years. A large Sunday School class of young people, youth and adults developed. Other accomplishments were interior redecorating of the walls, new furniture for the front of the church being added as memorial gifts. A Hammond Spinet Organ was given in memory of Fosha S. Gorton who passed away in 1955, by the Gorton families, and many other items. Money for floor tiles were given. An addition was added to the west side of the church during the ministry of Rev. Francis Bayless and the front of the church shifted from the north side of the church to the west side in the new addition. Under the ministry of Rev. Raymond Scott a rededication Service of the Evangelical United Brethern Church was held. In June 1958 Rev. Scott was transferred to Peetz. Co. and Rev. R.M. Churchill came to Seibert. During the year of Rev Churchill's pastorate, the E.U.B. Church was given a new coat of paint, a memorial fund was set up in memory of Mary Tiffany in a savings account. In 1959 a Wurlitzer piano was given in memory of Dale Jones by Irene Jones and the children. April 23, 1968 the Evangelical United Brethern Church and the Methodist Churches merged and beceme United Methodist Churches, and the first session of the uniting Conference began Tues, April 23, 1968 with Bishop W. Maynard Sparks presi- ding. June 18, 1968 Seibert took formal action to change its name to United Methodist Church, Seibert, Colorado with Dist. Supt. Lloyd D. Nichols here. panelling down stairs, padded cushions for the pews, paint for the interior, carpet for the church floors, all this brought about by the labors of the ladies by quilting, bazaars, selling nuts, making hen door stops, (which are in many countries of the world), and new tables for the basement. Except for the Adult Senior Sunday Class, the Sunday School was nearly defunct in 1975. April 1975 the church members decided to brick the outside of the church instead of painting. The Conference was contacted and a request for a loan from the money from the sale of our parsonage was made and the loan was granted. Mohave brick was ordered Nov. 1975, new doors were added from memorial money, and new storm windows were added at the time of the bricking. Under the pastorate of Rev. George Dageenakis in 1976 an active Youth group again was organized. Following Rev. Dageenakis was Rev. Frank Harvey and Interim pastor who filled the pulpit from June 1979 til Pastor Doris Bingham came Sept. 1, 1979. After Pastor Doris came the church once again grew in active membership and attendance and Youth activities. In 1980 the Dist. Supt Jon Nieves was approached about the possibilities of a full time pastor at Seibert, but we were informed by the Supt. that we would have to have an additional $9000.00 in conjuction with the $11,000 budget that we were trying to meet before we could think about it. So after much discussion and hopes it was decided to set up an improvement Fund and thus it was started. But still in 1987 we are still a two charge church and hopes dim. 1981 brought about a speaker system for the church. The young ladies Carpet Capers U.M. groups also installed two much needed ceiling fans in the church. Later they have gotten a stereo, T.V., kitchen stove, microwave oven, and other help. New Gold Choir robes were purchased from a personal gift for the 14 robes. Doris Bingham was pastor in 1981. Improv- ements to the church included a new roof. new ceiling fans, choir robes and a P.A. system. A thirty member group, including Seibert's U.M. choir, presented a Christmas Contata directed by Denis Stahlecker. Choir members also joined Stratton's choir to Pastor David Newman was here in 1969 but when Rev. David B. Finley was here in Jan, 1970 we were a two charge church with present ajoint Easter Contata. Fourteen were Stratton. membership was recorded via transfer. The In 1970 the church Membership voted to sell their parsonage (the former John Martin home) to Hulon Webb. Year 1972 showed still a decrease in Sunday School attendance, a week of Special meetings were held with Dr. Nichol Presiding. Dr. Charles Wood came to Pastor the two churches inl972. The front of the church was paneled to add a great appearance to it. Due to an apportionment assessed on our churches by the Conference, which was based on membership, it made it impossible to meet the apportionment, as many of the members were older persons and non-resident members who wished to still have their names remain on the roll. The United Methodist Church does not recognize an inactive list for such members, so our apportionments were too high to be met. Without the help of the United Methodist Women through the years it was next to impossible to survive. Many times they came to the rescue with finances in various wavs. Special Seder services were held on Maundy Thursday. Pastor Lewis started "Kids Klub" which was geared towards Grades One through Six. The children of the community met once a week for study, recreation and refreshments. The Seibert/Stratton parishes cost shared a VCR, but this was dissolved later. Seibert participated along with other local United Methodist congregations in a special program in Burlington in honor of Bishop Sano. Pastor Doug Lewis moved to South Carolina in June with Pastor Marge Huffman coming on board as his replacement. Membership rolls were updated and audited showing a decrease in membership to 54. Recognition was given to Bessie Short who celebrated her 100th birthday. Richard Gilbert completed his six year term as District Superintendent. Mason Willis was named new District superintendent for the Greeley District. The Seibert congregation participated in a "Hats Off' Celebration planned by the Stratton U.M. Church honoring Pastor Marge Huff- man's ordination as an elder. The Youth Group has remained active over the years and has almost always had representation at Buckhorn Camp and/or the Up With Youth Conference every year. They participated in a variety of activities, usually in conjunction with the Stratton U.M. Youth. Another active group over the years has been the United Methoidst Women (U.M.W.). They hold an annual bazaar and use the profits from this event for local church needs as well as various mission oriented concerns. The U.M.W. distribute fruit baskets at Christmas and send cards and visit sick and shut ins throughout the year. The Carpet Caper Group, composed of the younger U.M. members, also contribute to church and community needs. This group has made hundreds ofwall hangings over the years and are now concentrating on barbed wire wreaths and country crafts. Other yearly traditions include Galilean Services at Bonny Dam, Bible School held jointly with the RLDS Church and a Sunday is set aside each spring to honor graduating Hi-Plains seniors. by Twila Gorton confirmed and baptized and an additional Pastor reported six funerals and two weddings in the Seibert community in 1981. The Seibert congregational joined in voicing their opposition to homosexuality in the church. Pastor Doris Bingham left our parish in May and Eldon Shoemaker served as pastor for a brief period of time until his death. Reverend Douglas Lewis came as a interim pastor at the close of 1982. Pastor Lewis continued to serve the Seibert parish on a part time basis until June at which time he was asked to serve Seibert/Stratton as full time pastor. The combined choirs presented an Easter Contata directed by Maxine Matthews. Seibert's choir was a part of a community contata, directed by Denis Stahlecker, which was presented on Good Friday. Seibert voted to participate in the three year Church Development and Redevelopment Program, a fund raising effort to enable the construction of additional United Methodist churches. Seibert's membership totaled 95. SEIBERT CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE T344 A Church of the Nazarene was organized at Seibert, Colorado, Sunday morning December 22, 1940, with Rev. C.W. Davis. District Superintendant in charge. This organization was the result of the revival held by Rev. and Mrs. Paul Doddy of Casper, Wyoming. Rev. Vogt and Rev. Mize started the revival. The Lord wonderfully blessed and gave us souls and victory in this meeting. Rev. George Vogt acted as pastor, his salary started at $4.00 per week. Charter members were: Miss Daisy Hase, Mrs. Hope Hase, Mrs. Opal Hase, Mrs. Margaret Hase, Mrs. Laura Sawhill, Mr. Ben Sawhill, Mrs. Opal Sawhill, Miss Dixie Sawhill, Mr. Robert Sawhill, Miss Nellie Sawhill, Miss Betty Sawhill, Mrs. Isabelle Clifford, Mrs. Mertie Bigelow, Margaret �Clevenger, and Floyd Clevenger. In 1941 the elected trustees were: Brother Ben Sawhill, Brother Floyd Clevenger, the Sister Isabelle Clifford, to serve one year on the annual board. Three trustees for the church board were: Sister Laura Sawhill, Sister Margaret Clevenger, and Sister Isabelle Clifford. Rev. Vogt appointed Isabelle Clifford, secretary, and Brother Ben Sawhill, treasurer. The church started holding their meetings in the Blake Building on the west side of Main Street. July 6, 1941, Rev. Vogt was Pastor. In September 1941, Sister Lillian E. Johnson, sister:in-law of Pastor Vogt, came to serve. They rented and began meetings in the old shops building across the street, north ofthe Griffith, the Elphis Church be moved to Seibert as property of the Nazarene. The property located two blocks east of Main Street and one block south ofHighway 24 had been donated to them. At July 8, 1946 annual meeting, permission was given by District Superintendant, Glen Griffith, that the Elphis Church could be moved to Seibert where a basement had been made for it. The church still sits there in 1987. Rev. Walden rode the top of the Elphis Church in the chimney from north of Vona to Seibert. The cost of moving the Elphis Church was $800.00 and the money was borrowed from the District, and was paid back on a monthly basis. The money was raised by Laura Sawhill, who raised chickens big White Elephant building on the north end and sold them. purchase the shoe shop building and did at a tax sale October 17, 1941, for approximately come, the church voted to purchase other lots to square the property. New song books were $350.00. In 1941, The Women's Missionary Society, also purchased. of Main Street. They decided to try to made a quilt for the campground, bed spread for the Missionary Cottage, two dresses and a blouse for a Missionary family. The wallboard petitions were taken out of the building to make room for services. With the help of the Stratton Church and Mrs. Howell of Vona, the church was soon ready for public worship. Two rooms in the back were living quarters for the pastors. The celotex wallboard was given to Rev. Vogf, for two stoves. In February 1948, after Rev. Fraley had In April 1951, it was decided to buy some seats from the county for the church. Sister Lorraine Ripper and Sister Berneice Markey came to serve the church from August 1954 to July 1956. In August 1956, Rev. Helsel came. Permission was given to his Pastor Johnson resigned May 30, 1942, due request to lower the ceilings in the parsonage at his own expense. Discussed telephone for parsonage; prices to be checked. Sometime before the end of 1956 an overheated stove has caused a fire in the church, and asphalt shingles were put on December 1957. Rev. Helsel left for a calling to Manzanola on to his health. Miss Anna Nuter, of Broadwater, Nebraska, came as pastor to assist Pastor Johnson a while. Rev. Anna Nutter left the following notes, in part: "I arrived in Seibert, June 20, 1942, were here in November 1959-1960. Restrooms were put in the church at this time and that night a hail storm damaged the church roof and broke a west window out of the church. Oil stove purchased $5.00, a heater $1.50, and a bookcase $1.00 for parsonage (Mrs. Combs of Hastings, Nebraska, gave a rug for the church, Mrs. Johnson donated an organ stool.) As offerings increased the board decided the salary to be $5.00 per week. The entry way January 12, 1958, and Rev. Guy, of Burlington, filled the pulpit until another pastor could be gotten. Rev. Floyd Totten and wife also. October 1967, the church was cleaned and floors varnished. In September 1968, a gas stove was purchased for the basement. Rev. and Mrs. Walden returned in November 1960, to serve the Seibert Church. Membership having gone downhill, due to people moving away, transferring of member- ship and deaths, had made it financially on the north was built before winter and made the parsonage more comfortable and unfeasible to maintain the church any longer. by Floyd Clevenger. The church paid Mrs. closed. warmer. Coal and cobs for fuel were furnished Johnson for the linoleum on the kitchen floor. April 4, 1943, five members were taken in. Six children were dedicated to God. On May 13, little Betty Noel's funeral was held. A stove was purchased for the church for $12.50. The minister was recalled and accepted, salary was increased to $6.00 per week by a vote of members to increase the salary a $1.00. The pulpit, altar and piano was varnished and the church roof repainted. Brother Ben Sawhill furnished over half of the expenses and did most of the painting. Mr. Perrine was hired to help and also donated part of his time. Attendance average was 15. (End of notes). At the annual meeting in 1943 it was voted to get Brother Ben Sawhill a preacher license for the coming year, this was granted' and was also granted for the following year. Rev. Howard and Anna Howetter carne in 1944' 1945. Brother Walden came as pastor in 1945. It was agreed to have Pastor Walden see about having the Elphis Church, north of Vona, moved into Seibert. A motion made at the request of the Seibert Church, that through the courtesy of District Superintendant So due to failing health, Brother Walden retired on July 1971, and the church was Brother Walden and Mrs. Walden are making their home in Seibert, CO, where they purchased the parsonage building and prop- erty in approximately L972. The church property was sold approximately the same year to Edie and Carol Reed. by Twila Gorton ..WIIITE ELEPHANT'' COMMUNITY BUILDING' T345 The "White Elephant" as it became known for its size after being built as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project about 1934 or 35 was never completely finished until the VFW was formed in Seibert, Colo. It had a finished stage floor and one of the meeting rooms on the side had flooring finished, but the other one and the main floor had a sub floor in it with a little flooring laid. However, when the veterans tried to lease it, they had to wait for sometime to start work as the Moser Grain elevator had wheat stored in it for a couple years prior to that, which had to be gotten out. The VFW. John Maurice Wren Post # 6492, Ieased it in Jan. 1947, and held every kind of a project to help make money to complete the building as the school, needing a bigger gymnasium wanted to lease it, so the veterans borrowed money from the bank to finish the building. The school used it for several years until the new school was built in 1952, and the veterans lost their lease. A mortgage burning ceremony was held March 14, 1953 for the debt incurred on the hall. The veterans had a 99 year lease on the hall with the town. But due to the dwindling of active members and various things through the years the expenses became too hard to meet so the veterans bought the old small Post Office building on the east side of main street in 1963, and the big hall was turned back to the town. The building housed the Civil Defense emergency hospital unit for about 25 years, beginning in the 50's. This unit included everything necessary for a good hospital in a disaster, including an operating room which was stored in crates, stacked 4 feet out from the wall and to the ceiling, and a generator, cots for 200 patients. But all this equipment was disposed of about 9 years ago by the civil defense director Agnes Loutzenhiser. During the years the VFW had the hall, the building was used for roller skating weekly and in later years as it started to go down in activities, it was used only through the summer months for the skating due to heating the building. Early years activities were regular Saturday night dances, men and women town team basket ball games and town team leagues being formed, and many town team tournaments. About 1982 the town board made a financial commitment to maintenance of the building and repaired the roof. The community started suggesting the necessity of a nice community building perhaps in the city park, where some beautiful sod had been placed and some new buildings for a picnic area and barbecue pit had been erected. After the state highway department had some loads of dirt to be placed somewhere (more than was needed on the streets), Dale Murphy suggested to Mayor Ralph Gorton, that they dump it into the northwest corner ofthe park area, and try to fix it into a nice area for uee. Thus it was taken before the town council and the park project was soon begun about 1982. So once again Dale Murphy, being on the town council, suggested that there were great possibilities of the "White Elephant" being renovated into a nice community building, since it was already sitting there and of no use and deteriorating. He drew some blue prints which were presented to the town board with favorable reactions and the possibilities of checking into grants was suggested. The search for money in the emount of $65,000.00 for the work that was planned began. Murphy Construction submitted the low bid for the remodeling work on the building of about $48,000 to lower the ceilings, build walls, partitions, heating, laying carpets for the new town office, kitchen and dining room area, and rest �rooms, which had to meet specifications for the State Health Department for preparing meals for Project Srnile for local senior citizens. These appliances were purchased separately by the town, councilman Jeny Many people prefer the hall now be called the Community Hall instead of "White Elephant". I still think "The White Elephant" holds a distinction for Seibert, Colorado. Guy said. The rear of the building was also renovated by taking out the old rest rooms, two rneeting rooms and a storage room and shower rooms and the stage to make the skating area about equal to the previous area plus the bleachers on the north side were removed. by Twila Gorton DAYS OF THE OLD WEST Renovations came about from grants received with the help of the East Central Council of Governments, with Mary Jo Downey's help. Ten thousand dollars each The "sqauws": Anna Guy, Minerva Stone, Elnora T346 Yti:J,J:'irt|;rs plav their roles well at the "Davs came from Coors Foundation and Baughman Farms, which had formerly had large farm holdings in the Seibert Area. The Arthur E. Johnson foundation in Denver and Gates Foundation contributed $15,000 each. With the renovation finished in 1987, the outside was ready for a coat of paint. Jerry Guy town councilman was visiting with County Commissioner Bill Hornung and was told of the program offered by the army. Bill had a nephew, Lt. Col. Michael Pendergast, who had told Bill about the battalion and cities participating in an adoption program where local communities "Adopt" Fort Car- Y;;"'.. 'lri::ili.,irr,., :ill *),,,,;... The 1939 enactment of "Old West Days" begins. son units, and the soldiers have and will continue to do volunteer civic projects, such as painting the town hall. Units and their cities also exchange invitations to social, athletic and entertainment events. Carol Levin, city clerk, was instructed to contact Lt. Col. Pendergast and soon the bond was made and Seibert adopted the 68th Transportation Battalion. July 13th, 1987 Capt. Anthony Swain and four other soldiers flew to Seibert in a large Army Red Cross helicopter and landed on the school grounds near the ball field. A survey was made of the building as to the facilities to accommodate the crew to come (there were some ladies) and to what would be necessary for the job. While the 'chopper was landed the The wagon train prepares to make camp while Indians are at their tepees in the background. ehief White Eagle the only real Indian in the Indian raid enactment. I children and adults were invited to inspect the chopper, go aboard and even sit in the pilots seat. What thrills! A bus load of 27 soldiers of the 68th Transportation Battalion arrived Friday, July 27th and the project began, in spitc of high winds. Dinner was served by the community for volunteers who helped. Again supper, breakfast and dinner on Saturday was pre- pared and served before they departed for their base in Colorado Springs, the job finished. The association with the soldiers was a very enjoyable one. The Indians attack the settler's camp. Soldiers from the 50th Ordanance Co. participated in the bed race on Seibert Day July 25, 1987, and kept their record of winning by defeating over 8 other teams, and being known locally famous as winners. Other members of the 68th transportation and 50th Ordnance Company enlivened the parade with the Battalion color guard and company guidons, and also participation in other events of the day. The Battalion Commander and Sergent Major acted as targets in the town dunking booth. Another highlight of Seibert Day was when Lt. Col. Michale Pendergast flew in, in the big Army Red Cross helicopter, landing at the school first, then taking the chopper to the vacant land south of the city park where the day's events were taking place, and people could look at it and visit if thev wished. The flurry of gunsmoke and dust obscures the view as the battle rages. The old "prospector", John Peterson, 1939. �not. A large beef barbecue lasting for hours awaited the hungry actors and observers. Later, there were parades, trained horses exhibitions with a set of four putting on 'i ftr. "rn-ai*." mounted for the attack. interest the other business men in staging a re-enactment of that massacre. Some of the "settlers" in the Old West Days: Fosha Gorton Jr and Sr. with Dorothy Lundey and Elfie Gorton. "Most of those businessmen had a thousand reasons not to do it. They voted it down, 10 to 1. "It'd be a nice thing," they said, "but people are to hard up ." But a few including Fitz, went ahead and did it anyway. The result was open air theatre which would rival Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in excitement and authenticity. Featuring more than 400 local people, the show highlighted a full day of activity that became nationally known in its three year existence, 1938-40. Preparations began long before the big day, which was Labor Day each year, with creation of props and costumes, and with development of the script. The day before, truck loads of horses and riders would move into town from as far away as Loveland, and one Aurora man would bring his wagon and four %--j head of trained oxen. About two dozen cowboys would ride in from the south country, Second Central south ofFlagler, and east of there, on horse back, and bed down in a local barn. Early the next morning, the "Indians" went into makeup. Their skin color was darkened with liberal doses of brick dust (which didn't come off very easy, especially if you had wrinkles), and they were decked out in Indian garb crafted from burlap bags and bows and arrows built by local Boy Scouts. At 9 a.m. the large crowd of observers gathered on a hillside, to watch the show. A long prospector, with long whiskers and an old burrow, wandered into view, and as he slowly made his way across the basin, under the watchful eye of the audience, the "Indians" quietly slipped out of sight behind the hill, to await their moment. As the prospector left the basin, a train of about 40 covered wagons entered and formed a circle. The horses were unhitched and taken behind the hill to avoid scaring them. Then came the Indians over the hill, in single style. Roughly 140 of the Indians were mounted: others were on foot. The Indians { George Simon, another "settler", perhaps. t attacked, dragging the settlers and their families from the wagons, "killing and scal- ,1 r2 t:,. ti tr d$ ping" them, or riding off with a few as prisoners. But the Indians didn't have it all their own way, either. The settlers fought "\. "Indian" Warren Kemp . . . Old West Days. In 1859, Indians attacked a wagon train of settlers near the site of present day Seibert, killing most of them. In the late 1930's a few of Seibert's merchants, led by former news- paper publisher V.S. Fitzpatrick, tried to back, firing black powder blanks, and "dead" Indians fell from their horses to lie in the dust. True to their roles, the "dead" men lay still as a hundred horses continued to race back and forth, but never stepping on anyone. And then it was over, with the surviving Indians racing back to their tepees, leaving scores of massacred settlers, and at least one burning wagon, in their wake. The squaws and the maidens entered the battle- field only long enough to "finish off' the crippled. But while the show was over. the dav was square dancing on horse back, prize fights, rodeos and horse races, culminating with a square dance in the street, which lasted to 3 or 4 a.m. During the first year, as the Highway 24 ran through the town, patrolman directed traffic and many people upon being stopped, would be amazed at the bustling busy little town, and when told would immediately pull off the highway and take the days activities and the word passed fast to other parts of the nation, and in 1939 the Iocal promoters sold nearly 2,100 tickets for 25 cents each, and when the show started, there were 748 cars registered in 34 states among those parked on the hill. In 1940 all 48 states were represented. Two of those out-of-state visitors were in the motion picture business, and they almost had the Seibert celebration on the film for posterity. In 1940, a movie producer and five crew members were coming to film the show. When they didn't show up on time, the show was delayed for an hour or more, but as the crowd grew impatient, the show went on without the film crew. Later, they received the word that the airplane carrying the movie crew crashed somewhere near Deer Trail, enroute from Hollywood, killing all aboard. An end came to the show in 1941 when the United States entered World War II. Men of fighting age joined up or were drafted, and there no longer were enough cast members to stage the massacre. It never was staged again, although a rodeo and barbecue continued for several years. During all three years, with hundreds of people on the ground in the field, with horses running and milling about, with cowboys and "Indians" lying "dead" onthe ground. . . no one was seriously injured. One man was burned by the direct hit with a wadding from a blackpowder pistol, and Fitzpatrick was kicked in the leg by a horse. "But at the end of the show, I offered up a prayer of thanks, that nobody got hurt," said Fitzpatrick. AII in all, things pretty well came off without a hitch. There were riders, horses, mules, warriors, gquaws, Indian maids, oxen, wagons, cattle and herders whiskered oldtimers, emigrant women, and old-fashioned boys and girls. Yet, by use of the timed script, the show proceeded like the real thing, with only one rehearsal. "Nobody had a dime, coming out of the thirties," but they gave a lot of themselves. One of the years a true Indian Chief was here and took park in the celebration. He was Joe Davis, "Chief White Eagle." There are many fond memories of these celebrations. It is impossible to write the excitement in put into your blood stream at the time. by Twila Gorton THE SEIBERT BOY'S BAND T347 The Seibert Boys Band from Seibert, Colorado, composed of boys ranging in age from 8 to 15 years, gave a serenade in front of the News and Times office vesterdav �August 27, L889 from C.F. Jilson Trustee of the county of Shawnee, Kansas to School District # 37 of Kit Carson county, Colorado, all of lots 1 thru 18 block 27 in the town of Seibert. A deed made May 2, 1918 went from the school to J.L McNeill, the school board members were: Pres. A.C. Tinsley, Sec. Frank D. Allen, Treas. Elmer Everett. Later Oct. 6, 1919 it went from McNeill to Felix A.C. Schmitt April 18, 1921 from Schmitt to J. Henry Tihan, Bishop in Denver, - then onto Bishop Urban J. Vehr. The property is cunently owned by Louise L. Gamble of Seibert. All transactions ofthis deed are not included just some to tie the school and church into this story. Apparently there was a little white building used for the school for a short time prior to the building of the two story frame school. Dwight Frankfather said the first school was a single story white frame building located in Ted Cruickshank, 7 year old drummer, was the youngest member when the Seibert band started. In 1916 Mr. G.W. Klockenteger organized the trained the band. afternoon. The band, in company with the five Seibert business men who financed the enterprise, is on a tour of the state in five automobiles, and for the last few days has been camped in the tourist camping grounds in city park. The band was organized two years ago by it's director G.W. Klockenteger, a Seibert banker, and is primarily a character building plan. While it is founded on a somewhat similar basis as the Boy Scout the National Guard - El Paso Countv Democrat. by Twila Gorton SEIBERT SCHOOL T348 movement, it is independent. But tho it would seem that the music is only incidental, too much cannot be said in praise of the boys and their directors as regards to their playing. Scorning ragtime and "easy pieces", the Khaki-clad kids rendered different overtures and marches with all the ease of seasonal musicians. When one considers the ages of the boys, he can realize in a degree the credit due Mr. Klokenteger for their performances. The present trip is an educational one H.L. Cated, C.D. Frankfather, E.L. Smith, Dick Hendricks and their director - the founders of the organization - furnishing the cars and meeting the expenses. They have visited so far Colorado Springs, Seibert school built in 1893. given by the Seibert Boys Band, an organization ofthe boy scouts from a little town of300 population on the Rock Island in the eastern part of Colorado. The boys are on a tour of the state, traveling in automobiles furnished by the vice president of the Seibert State Bank, Mr. G.W. Klokenteger. Mr. Klokenteger organized the band last September at his own expenses and trained the boys himself. Seibert is the little town in eastern Colorado that within three days after the call of President Wilson, furnished a Company for Martha Abbott (Boggs - Allen) says she went to school in the one story building starting in 1918, and went three years of her high school years, while three grades were combined to each of the four rooms, grades L-2-3- 4-5-67-8-9 and 10-11-12 being together. Her senior year she attended school in the second story which had been built and finished so in 1921 fall classes began in it. This addition was being done in 1921 at a cost of925,000. Their class being the first to graduate from the top addition, they also had given the first Junior - Senior banquet in 1921, was the first class to organize and have a class sponsor. An excerpt for the annual says, "We also had the went to school in Seibert School in 1910 in the white two story frame building. A copy of the "first High School Annual - One of the big features of the Mask Ball last Thursday night was the band concert deeded to the school District all of block 13 and 14 in Seibert, July 17, 1917, and on this property the large red brick school house (a half basement and one story) was erected. honor of naming the Seibert High School Annual "The Yucca". which name shall be carried through all the forth coming years." A note from Maxine Messinger (Radcliff) is: A note per "Reminiscence" by Della Hendricks is that Elaine and Bill Hendricks Canon City and Cripple Creek, traveling .slowly enough to take in all places of interest and to inspect all interesting features. Yesterday they visited the rifle range and gave the guardsman a concert. They will remain in Denver till Thursday in order to view the circus today, leaving then for Estes Park Denver (Daily) News, August 23, 1916. the southeast edge of town, and was built by the Rock Island railroad in the late 1880's. The picture included shows the white frame building after the second story had been added about four years later, making it a grade and High school. The picture says it was built in 1893 and was the first grade and high school. The first graduating class of 1919 including Reva Sawhill - Florence Muck Lida Cruickshank and Elizabeth Schauffler graduated from this building, but no exercises were held, Paul R. Veeder the Supt. Records in Book 7 4 page 581 at the county clerks office shows that G.W. Klockenteger "1922" in the hands of Maxine, which was Seibert School built in 1917, top floor added in 1921. dedicated to The Seibert High School shows; Faculty: V.E. Worley, Mrs. W.I. Conley, Marie Farquahar, Mrs Avis Simmons, Lora Mae Moore, Ora Cruickshank (Maxine's 2nd After much researching there isn't much to be found on the history of the early schools of Seibert. However after many phone calls to a few of the old timers who are living that attended the first Seibert school and the Red Brick school, I will try to piece together a bit there was a consolidationin1922 with several other districts, and many new students joined of history. their ranks from these districts, which was Records from the Abstract Office in Burlington, shows a warranty deed record # 6260 from C.F. Jilson to school District # 37 was recorded at 3:15 PM January 9, 19 893 by R.G. Cambell. recorder. The deed was made apparently when students began coming to town to attend high school to graduate. The two story white frame building in block 27 was torn down and twin houses built from the lumber according to Dwight Frank- grade teacher) and Agnes Beedy, her 1920-21 year. From the annual the information is that �of the building and stopped and reported it. It was in the early pre-sun-up hours. The fire was extinguished and kept contained mainly in the northeast class room of the middle section, and the evidence was discovered. Some typewriters and other articles were missing from the building. The gymnasium is the three story red brick building, being to small for regulation basketball games was condemned for the league games, the school district leased the V.F.W. Hall (The White Elephant) from the veterans for their basketball, proms and other activi- ties from 1948 to 1953. In the 1940's a small frame building, the old Progress country school was moved from 12 miles north and 3 Vz east of Seibert to town and was located to just the north east of the brick building and was used for some Jr High classes and a shop. Later this building was sold and it once again returned to the country to the Denis Stahlecker farm. The fall of 1950 brought about another Hi Plains High School, Seibert, 1988. furter. These houses are now owned by Ervin Jones and Gladys Tovrea, and were built approximately 1918 to 1920. I have received much help from many people and wish I could include all the remarks but it is impossible, but I wish to thank them for the help, for without it, it would not be possible to put this information together for an almost lost history. Thanks to John (Jack) Messinger, Dwight Frankfath- er, Martha Abbott (Allen), Vernis Boger, Myrna and Meryl Haynes, Dwight and Pete Guy, the telephone visit was great. &:r',. ., ' $i ,,' -.;l $ View from south west part of Library and Home Ec section after the fire. There was a fire in the Red Brick school in 1948 during school vacation, which had been deliberately set, as inflammable soaked rags were found under each fire hose at each flight of stairs in the building. A trucker coming from the east on Highway 24 (The only highway then) saw flames in the east windows .:at:: ..,....:,. .r:i:,\i..a.,.:r,:i:',,:, consolidation, this time bringing the remaining country pupils to town, ending the area of most small country schools. The Seibert School then became Seibert Centralized School R-2. After the high school and gymnasium had been built and in service for several years the need for a new and safer elementary facility began to be discussed among the patrons and a committee of: Luthur Tatkenhorst, Chairman; Marvin Burr, Orlen Reid, Lloyd Short, and Fay Knapp started checking into the possibilities of a new addition, in Oct 1959. In addition to the road for a safer elementary school building it was brought out that other school needs included. a well on the school property, landscaping, a lighted baseball and football field, a kindergarten, and elementary teachers salary closer to the line with High School teachers salaries. A bond Vote in February 1960 carried 5 to 1 in favor ofthe above proposed. This would also help with the accreditation ofthe school, as it seems that prior to this accreditation requirements were on the High school. A multi purpose room, lunchroom combina- tion, new administration offices, teachers lounge, and the seven class rooms for elementary were added. Later some landscaping and lights were put up for the baseball field. The Addition had been added to the west side of the gymnasium and high school unit, and stretched to the south. The year of 1960-61 was the first kindergarten class in Seibert, with Ollie Taton being the teacher, this was held in the basement of the old red brick 3 story building. The pupils were: Mike McElroy, Nila Niles, Charles McCaffrey, Deborah Hughes, Theresa Bancroft, Michael Mitchell, Connie Livingston, Charles Pelser, Terri Taton, Kenneth Viken and Doyle Atkins. After the new elementary was built the first Kindergarten class to attend were: Johanna Atkins. Sheree Mitchell, Jo Ann Miller, Kathryn Webb, Janice Knapp, Marilyn McCaffrey, Fred Bloom, Seibert School in the 1950's which burned on April 1' 1971. Rodney Smith, John Levin, Randy Gorton, Joseph Marx, and Cordell Atkins in 1961-62. June Short the teacher. April 1, 1971 brought disaster to the Seibert community when by-passers out on I-70 spotted flames in the windows of the gymnasium area of the school at 3:45 AM and once again came in to town to report it. The previous day had been one ofvery high winds and dusty conditions with the winds continu- �ing through the night and into the next day. The fire had evidently started in or near the g'ym area, from something caused by the high winds. The gym and the complete high school addition of the building were destroyed, but with the help of fire fighting equipment from Vona, Flagler, Stratton, and I believe Burlington was bringing a water truck, the elementary wing of the school was saved. The high winds at this point were a contributing factor in saving the part of the building that was saved, because it was blowing so hard from the northwest that it helped to keep the flame away from the west wing. The rest of the school term was finished in the local churches, VFW Hall, Elementary Classrooms. Mr. Hardy's home (a teacher), and the multi-purpose room, and kitchen, which the fire protection safety commission had okayed as being safe for use. The graduation ceremonies were held on the church yard of the Re-organized Latter Day Saints Church in Seibert. C.L. Stiverson a former Supt. giving the address. by Twila Gorton Year 1929 - *Albert Bell - *Ben Wrenn *Bonny Gaunt (Clay Gould) - *Bruce Jones - Cecil Boren - Goldie Mae Lambert (Cox) - Richard Plecker) - Robert Edwards - *Robert McBride - Shirley Short (John Matthews) - Vivian Smith (Murl Mayberry) - *Virgil Short - Voyle Larson*Lila - Claude Ingram - Inez Jones (Melton) Johnson (Reginald Allen). Year 1930 - Herbert Shults - Joe Campbell Doris Stewart (Baum) - Ada Brower -(Clarence Scheidegger) - *Marguerite Bonham (Heber) - Madeline Ott (Leander Becker) - Gwendolyn Eaton (Elmar Kerl). Year 1931 - *Harley Greenlee - *Viola Sheets (Seal) - Wayne Jones - Loretta Bonham (Collins) *Duane Oldson - Floyd McCart - Norma Johnson (Conoly) - John (Jack) Messinger - *Lucille Rose (Chris Peterson - George) - Shirley Bonham (Tay- scHooL Year 1919 - Reva Sawhill (Ed C. Wolfe) *Florence Muck (Anderson) * Lida Cruicksh- ank (J.B. Richardson) - *Elizabeth Schauffler (Green Dwight Cruickshank). Supt. Paul R. Veeder. Year 1920 -Zelma Probasco (Bridge) Supt. A.B. Cook. Year 1921 - Gladys Messing (Anderson) - *Grace Minter (Joe McCannon) - Marie McMulkin (Deutsch) - Charles Conley (first Male Graduate). Year L922 - *Olive Johnston (Herk Hill) - *Elmer Everett Martha Abbott (Boggs Allen) *Ralph W. Burden - Royal Reul Ellouise Allen (Pearson) - Supt. Homer Bishop. Year 1923 - *Mavis Leao (Maitland Helderman) - *Mabel Zimmerman - *Lillian Schermerhorn (Lewis Reid) - *Walter Burden - *Lindley Cates. Yeat 1924 *Julia J. Howard (Clayton Kivett) - Ruth Beckman (R.8. Elder) Vaughn L. McKenzie - *Ted Albert Cruickshank - Dorothy Burden (Everett Beckman) - Supt. James P. gttit. Year 1925 - Hazel Holton (Don Stewart) Myrna McKenzie (Meryl Haynes) - *Murl Mayberry - *Zella Sawhill (Lester Yonts) *Clio Huff Iva Ross Paul Reul Mary - Huff. Year 1926 - *Zelma McKenzie - *Maurice Wrenn - *Ruth Minter - Evelyn Duncan (Blythe Allen). Years 1927 - *Wayne Gesner - Robert Bancoft - Mary McCart (Martin - Blodgett) - *Francis Reul - Jerome Hinshaw - *Aubrey Edwards - *Velma Campbell (Miller) *Effie Priest Cogswell). Year 1928 - Nelta Cates (W.8. Copeland) Yarnell - *Velma Manion (Stewart) - *Edna*Murray (Williams) - Clara Yarnell (Ritch) *Robert Walker - Short - Lloyd S. Roberts - George Van Der Koi - Charles Boren. Year 1938 - Earl Allen - Lorene Miller (Scott) - Evelyn Johnson (Rabou - Smith) Russell Goodwin - Don Parrott - Eugene Perrine - *Paul Short - John D. Martin Christine Johnson (Bill Simmons) - Eugene Edler - Supt. E.G. Bjornstad. Year 1939 - Wayne Peterson - Lois Jones (Kenneth Smith) - *Doris Copley (Baker) Dorothy Gillispie (Berger) - *Katherine Clark (Crabbe) - Cecil H. McCormick Delbert Rowley - Robert Miller - Raymond Cox - Eloise Ruth Livingston (John Martin) - Maxine Smith (Wayne Peterson) - *Cecelia Ruth McCormick (Sterling Johnson) - Dorothy Rasmussen (Cribbs) - John Aegerter *George Thomas Winkler) Supt. E.G. Bjornstad. - Year 1940 - Juanita Perrine (Chester Jackson) - *Irene Aumiller (Eddie Thweatt) - Pearl Martin (Geo. Pfalzgraff) - Asa Faye Johnson (Ernie Bancroft - Savage) - Ralph Year 1932 - Garland Guy - Viola Short Edward Miyoshi) - Supt. E.G. Bjornstad. Year 1941 - Robert Guy - Burleigh Sharp *John Atkins Donald Hamilton - Jacqueline Olmstead (James McKee) - Esther Simon (Cecil McCormick) - Winifred Kemp (Thaine Ingram) - *Leila Gillispie (Hicks) Twila Murphy (Ralph Gorton) - Supt. E.G. Bjornstad. Year 1942 - George Simon - Leonard Watson) - Vernis Boger. Oleta Gillispie (Eide - Hollman) - Harley Short - Leroy Guy - Dougal Robbinson - T349 E.G. Bjornstad. lor) - Robert Andre - Gladys Andre (Kerl) Melvin Shipman - *Dan Oldson - Bernice Harmon (McBlair) - Pearl Minter (Bert Floman) - Dorothy Short (Lt. Col. James (Earl Pursley) - Roland Shults - Emily Jones (Ervin) - Bertha Larson - Ralph Schekel - GRADUATES OF SEIBERT HIGII (Don Parrott) - Ray Stewart - Viva Livings- ton (Vernis Boger) - Eugene Oliver - Supt. *Ruth Sperry Orville Larson Fannie Boger (Robinson) - Lila Jenkins - Kenneth Eaton. Year 1933 - Albert Larson - *Alice Alexander (Oldson) - Lloyd Edwards - *Glen Newton - Marjory Manion (Miller) - Vera Livingston (Wallace Gattshall) - Arvetta Shipman (Mauldin) - *Paul Scheidegger Elwyn Hays - *Ray Sperry - Homer Killalay - *Minnie Anderson (Walter Eastin) d Merl Ingram (Baker) - Gerald Shults - Lavon Eaton (Roland Shults) - Clem Patrick McCart - Supt. M.H. Brown. Year 1934 - Frederick Lyle Aegerter *Nita Elaine Mason (Paul Miller - Frank) Sterling Johnson - Marjory Edweards (Lammerman) - Gertie Vera Sears (Pat Shea) Gerald Max Roller - Leona Irene Scheidegger (Peters - Earl Cowgill - *Birney Eugene Short - Fosha Sheldon Gorton Jr. - Eva Rowley (Murray Walker) - Fern Lavinia Gardener (H.J. Martin) - Rodella Henrietta Hase (Chas. Boren) - *Pearl Faye McCart (Art Gaines) - *Mark Garrett Stewart Frank Marion Allen - *Leora Mae Andre (Phil Garlick) - *Gordon Erskine Clark Ruby Letitia Perrine (Murphy - Murphy) Supt. M.H. Brown. Year 1935 - Jane Simpson (Gearhart) Marion Simpson - Clyde Jones - Florence Sheets (Harold Adair) - Viola Perrine (Baxter - Gettman) - *Leroy Newton - *Tom Holland - *Marie Jones (Frank Smith) *Thurman Shipman *Leigh Short *Leigh - - Short - *Jay O. Guy - Thaine Ingram Robert Brown - Mildred Woltkamp (Lyle Eagerter) - Donald Everett - Supt. Richardson. Year 1936 - *Lucille Bonham (Weiser) *Edwin Cox) Judson McCormick *Ralph Gorton - Norvin Gillispie - Weldon Parker *Dale M. Schekel *Rose Rassmussen - *Lucille -(Barstad) Knowland - Alta Sessler (John Pulver) - Supt E.G. Bjornstad. Year 1937 - Alice Short (Burr Keller) Hope Smith (Virgil Hase) - Troy Murphy Norma Brown (Gerald Brown) - Max Parker Marcella Sawhill (Ground) Las Perrine -*Helen Jo-es (Reynolds) - Fern Aumiller Aegerter - *Norma Olmstead (Daily - Kemp - Betty Aegerter (Bob Miller) - nGerald Cox Darlene Akers (Zuckelwoski) - Illa Mae Jones (Hojara) - Donald Clark Loyd R. Moore Jr. - Supt. Art Watson. Year 1943 - Dixie Belle Sawhill (Gouge) - Marvin Taylor - *Eva Rose Livingston (Leonard Kemp) - Doris Rose (Crum Gagnon - Loyd Murphy) - Eleanor Scheidegger (John Atkins - Flood) - Betty Jo Stittsworth (Ray Schroeder) - Arthena Aumiller (Dick O'Neill - Ruby Wood (Flageolle - Van Winkle) - *Dale Taylor - Supt C.W. Lanning. Year 1944 - Jack Chew - Elbert E, Akers - Vivian Radebaugh (Morford) - Ma"y Christie (Earl Allen) - Martha Lou Ricks (Lloyd) - Gene Clifford - Maryld Edmunds - Supt. C.W. Lanning. Year 1945 - Robert T. Sawhill - Orline Reid - Wayne Aumiller - *James Boren Dorothy Johnson (Gene Cummings) - Dale Bartlett - Supt. W.G. Brandstetter. Year 1946 - Josephine Atkins (Joe Mazella) - Ira Cooper - Ruth Laffoon (Cline David Reid - Neville Dunnan Jr. - Jo Anne Bancroft (Bob Waldron) - Juanita Winfrey (Adrewjeski) - Louise Johnson (Azel Dorsey) - Supt. A. O. White. Year 1947 - Wm. Earl Livingston Jr. Joyce Aumiller (Bob Austin) - Betty Lou Cox (Orville Monroe) - Edna Blanche Aumiller (Akin - Gerald Duncan) - James William Akers - Dorothy McCart (Ray Atkins) - Supt L.W. Mortenson. Year 1948 - Marjory Aumiller (Merrill Amsberry) - Ruth Lange (Ruhter - John Stewart) - Norma Cruickshank (Arthur Nisson - Hunter) - Katherine Jackson (Paul Short) - Ruby Lange (Kunkel) - Betty Paxson (Jones) - Eleanor McGriff (Harley Short) - Rogene Boren (Bill Livingston) Supt. Chas. Berhens. Year 1949 - Betty Lou Hughes (David Reid) - Donna Rae Paxon (Hawley) - John Graham - Gale Corwin - Dorothy Cox (Virgil �Schwartz). Supt. George B. Guy. Year 1950 - *Vera Barnes - Dorothy Akers (Claude Rogers - Noel) - Jeanne Malm (Pursley - Bosley) - Barbara Boyd (Wm. Snow) - Bonnie Boren (Clifford Hughes) Floyd Reid - *Paul Eugene Bramlett Jr. - Supt. George B. Guy. Year 1951 - Dale Steele - Vern Miller Doyle Atkins - Erma Fulton (Jim Boren) Supt Geo. B. Guy. Year 1952 - Duane E. Miller - Esther Bramlett (Lawrence Taylor) - Sam Brewer Mary Lou Miller (Dusty Henderson) -*Irene Fuller (Orlen Reid) - *Shirley Hartley (Elbert Akers) - Melvin Levin - Betty Malm (Berelue) - Bob Kramer - Supt. George G. Guy. Year 1953 - Joan Boyd (Donald Finken) Sharon Linder (Leonard Mullen) - Myrna Belle Clifford (Brecheisen) - Carol Ann Wold (Malm - Rothgeb) - *Patty Boren (Richard Baker) - Virginia Kelley (Duane Miller) Gary Tagtmeyer - Phyliss Levin (Bob - Fox) - Thomas Weaver - Colleen Oliver (Ira Cooper) - Charles Boren Jr. - Wilma Bloder (Angel) - Supt. Ray Bartlett. Year 1954 - Marilyn Kay Malm (Norma Kent) - Clinton Lee Jones - Roger London Reid - Ruth Marie Bramlett (Sylvia Pierce) - Jacque Kae Boren (Melvin Levin) - Arnold Duane Kelley - Carol Imogene Hase (Melvin Mullen) - Ray White - Ethel Arlene Taylor (Goin - French) - Patricia Ann Harmon (Weihmuller) - *Harvey Leroy Bowser Alice Brewer (Don Burch) - Frank Lee Miller - Nylen Bruce Bartlett - Marjorie Lee Boren (Leon Blackwell) - Irvin Leon Blackwell Supt. Ray Bartlett. Year 1955 - Bonnie Peters (Dick Wharry) Blackwell (Thomas Sims) - Doris - Arliss(Bowser Fuller - Randall - Vernon Pelser) Sonja Viken (Al Randall) - Warren Golliher - Richard Herman - Annabel Oliver (Steinke Jr.) - Koenig) - Margaret Weaver (Ken Potter) - Barbara Cruickshank (Jack Scheidegger - Smith) - Marjorie Smith (Norman Crabb) - Doyle Fulton - Ronnie Hartley Supt. George B. Cukro. Year 1956 - Janet White (Jacoby) - Mary Golliher (Wayne Weaver) - La Vada Reid (Hefner - Britt) - Marlyn Hase (Don Herman) - Edith Malm (Stough) - Shirley Cowgill (Roy Tatkenhorst) - Tom Sims Donald Herman - Junior Kelley - Eugene Hase - Harold Dykstra - Roy Tatkenhorst Jim Miller - Floyd Taylor - Donald Levin Supt. O.B. Lauth. Year 1957 - Robert Hase - Alma Tatkenhorst (Marvin Dove) - Verda Maloney (Don Weaver) - Marvin Dove - Leo Thorson Beverly Harmon (Claude Robinson - Tom Miller) - Helen Hase (Bruce Colyer) - Al Leo Leoffler - Patty Martin (McFarland - Herman) - Bill Oliver - Supt. C.L. Stiverson. Year 1958 - Meredyth Hargrove (Richard Herman) - Iris Hargrove (Lynn Fisher) Dallas Weaver - Helena Hase (Jim Milller) - Lloyd Kelley - Barbara Harmon (Harry Lee) - Gene Miller - Ralph Zrubek - Bonnie O'Neill (Lloyd Kelly) - Grace Levin (Robin- son - Jagger) - Darlene Herman (Larry Fadenrecht) - Florence Pelser (Delmar McGriff) - Raenita Monroe (Artzer) Shirley Smith (Ray Daily) - Supt. C.L. Stiverson. Year 1959 - Carlos Eugene Arnold - Ethel Kay Cruickshank (Vern Miller) - Aileen Faye Hase (Dhooge - Leroy Lamb) - Gordon Lesley Hatfield - Ronald L. Kelley - James A. Levin - LaNell Mason (Harold Dykstra - Dunn) - Benny L. Noel - Don L. Ray - Jerry Ray Short - Jacque Marie Taton (Saunders) Roberta M. Thorson (Lee Miller) - Donald L. Wanczyk. Supt. C.L. Stiverson - Neil W. Patty Eastin (Dennis Hickman) - Supt. Hulon Webb. ty Twila Gorton Williams (last 10 weeks). Year 1960 - Larry Leoffler - Larry Hase - Larry Schnell - Vernon Tovrea - Sue Short (Gerald - Maloney) - Gerald Maloney - SEIBERT HISTORY T360 Ralph Atkins - Donna Herman (Corky Patterson) - Dixie Herman (Delmar Mullen) - Peggy Martin (Hamm-Rick Eckroth) Supt. Neil W. Williams. Year 1961 - Myra Tovrea (Elrod) - James Harmon - Virgil Taylor - Margaret McElroy - Everett Urie - Ardis Jones (Ronald Kelly) - Deborah Murray (Joe Balweg) - Supt. Neil W. Williams. Year 1962 - Dee Ann Gorton (Donald Felker) - Paul Pitts - *Sidney B. Hedgecoke - Barbara Graffis (Dewey Staatz) - Margaret Ward - Patricia Weaver (Larry Leoffler) - Ronnie Tovrea - Bonnie L. Tatkenhorst (Paul Pitts - Miers - Larsen) - Marvin Kelley - Supt. William W. Welsh. Year 1963 Stanley Scherr - Mike Hatfield - Stanley Graffis - Fred Bloder - Gary Atkins - Dick McAuley - Faith Hase - Myrna Jones (Roger Gosnell) - Sharon Tovrea (Jarnagin - Jolly) - Charlotte Santala (Lonnie Polzin - Marvin Thomas) - Supt. William W. Welsh. Year 1964 - Ralph Francis Gorton Jr. - Merikay Erck - Donna Eastin (Horton) Keith Taton - Joe Tatkenhorst - Bob Stevens - Margaret Conarty (Earl Hedge- coke) - Jacqueline Phillips (Kalb - Anderson - Wise) - Allen Niles - Ernie Noel - Rex Reid - Supt. William W. Welsh. Year 1965 - Glenna White (Terry Clapper) Betty -(DennisTaylor (Wilkins) - Ardath Pitman Fowler) - Pamela Joan Gorton (Dwight Young) - LeRoy Miller - John Phillips - Larry Kemp - Charles Ward Larry Hostetler - Supt. William W. Welsh. Year 1966 - William Cowgill - Ervin Jones Seibert Community building. T - Hazel Stahlecker (Lengel) - Jeanette Kay Gorton (Larry Kemp) - Jerry Eastin - James D. Smith - Carol Atkins (James Smith) Steven Santala Supt. Wayne Lorance. Year 1967 - Cheryl Conarty (Bill Reese) Linda Kemp (Dan Denke) - Linda Johnston (Gilley - Wahl) - Barbara O'Neill (Rick Young) - Jerry Millsap - Beverly Hase - .. -r,..:*i-. ,-1: ' ' t'*-.: ;,;:/;Xf),,; l',::;* The old depot moved to the west side of town in 1959 is now Nile's Restaurant and Gas Station. 1980's. Darice Pitman (Larry Hostetler) - James Gorton - Ron Phillips - *Dean Short - Supt. Wayne Lorance. Year 1968 - Kelly Burr - Melva Stahlecker Bowser (Ron Towea) - Cathy - Margaret Short (Leroy Miller) - Merla White (Ron Oneal) - Tom Taylor - Keith Specht - Terry Tagtmeyer - Maxine Hill (Scott) - Sup t David MacKaye. Year 1969 - Marilyn Atkins (Kenny McCaffrey) - *Robert Graham - David Hostetler - Mickey Livingston - Meredith Murphy (Bezdek - Slocum) - Rodney Murray - Larry Newman - Vickey Reid (Norman Eagleton) - Gary Short - Barbara Turner (Schaffer) Supt David S, MacKaye. Year 1970 - Marlis Jean Conarty (Hamm) - Ronnie Lee Hase - Roger Lynn McCaffrey - Denis Stahlecker - Ralph Lynn Specht Mary Jo Tagtmeyer - (Stan Ravencamp) Mary Ann Turner (Sebert Morgen) - Supt. David S. MacKaye. Year 1971 - Fred Niles - Kenneth Lynn McCaffrey - Doris Graham (Jim Leoffler) Original bank Building as seen today 1988. �STRATTON T35l To tell the story of the development of the Town of Stratton is a formidable task. $m Everyone sees and recalls things differently; tgoo Jro; N.H. Fuller's Store before 1908. This store burned in 1908. Seibert Days, 1986. i r', r;,:.',:9 Interior of Fuller Store after the restoration ltll following the fire. r,.l1.' ':a, ft.l ,,9, 'l :i.14 few remain who were here even in the 191015 period who were old enough to be sure of their memories, and so constant is the evolvement of any city or town that it is difficult to explain in an accurate, meaningful manner. With these realizations in mind we L:3 ?; have written the story of Stratton. When the town of Claremont was laid out by R.J. Newell at Frankfort, Kansas, and G.F. , :l Seibert Days, 1986. J'ct ry Jilson of Topeka, Kansas had the town of Claremont site surveyed on July 13, 1888, the stage was set for two other prairie early day towns to cease existing and another one to assume their place. The location the men platted and surveyed was Section 36 in Township 8, south of Range 47. This site we know today as "Stratton", a warm and friendly community, located in a richly endowed farming area in central Kit Carson County, Colorado. The year this book is published marks the centennial year of the town of Stratton. Records indicate that on May 6, 1888, the Chicago Rock Island Railway Company had laid its roadbed and tracks to a point on the sand creek three miles west of what is now Stratton. A small town called "Columbia" had been laid out previously three and one half miles south and east of the site where the railroad finally passed. When it became Seibert Equity Coperative Association. 1976 - Seibert Park. obvious that the railroad was bypassing Columbia, reality had to be faced. With the railroad built and a depot erected and well drilled, the town of Columbia was moved to the railroad site and the name of the new settlement and post office became "Claremont". Among those moving establishments there the fall of 1888 with four good teams and wagons was a Mr. Bell who moved his store �office located in part of their store. Dr. Tripp, M.D. was Claremont's first physician. Mrs. J.W. Borders recalled those times and how her father, Mr. Fuller, sold his blacksmith shop and bought the general store from Mr. Bell. She told of very trying times when her father would travel to Benkelman, Nebraska, for supplies for the store, leaving her at home alone. Once three or four gaunt and bedraggled Indian braves came into the yard and looked things over before they started walking round and round the house. She tried to keep completely hidden, thinking they would finally go away. They peeked in the windows and stomped about but did nothing menacing and in a few hours trailed off across the prairie much to her relief. Five farmers lived around Claremont Wellman and Kern east of town along the railroad, Fuller on the north and Hobart and Chalmers northeast of town. Otherwise the expanse was open prairie. People became discouraged with farming for the years of the '90'g were less than favorable for crops. Records reveal that many soon moved away. s Cleaning up after the October 6, 1908 fire that destroyed the whole block where N.H. Fuller Store stood. and all its stock from Columbia. (It is known he had a post office in his store as he was a postmaster, but whether it was Columbia or Claremont post office no one is certain.) Mail was delivered from Claremont to Beloit and also to Tuttle, an inland post office located about eighteen or twenty miles northeast of Claremont. Then J.T. Roberts moved his store located in Beloit to the new town of Claremont. Mr. Roberts was paralyzed in both legs and had to handle his business from a wheelchair. Sam Schaal, Sr. wrote in the Norrotiues of Stratton Dessie Cassity compiled in 1967 that Jim Roberts had "dry goods, drugs, groceries and a little hardware. He sat in a wheelchair, as he could not walk, but his head was all business. To get trade he would pay one or two cents per dozen more for eggs, and sell a sack of flour five cents cheaper than Burlington, and that would do it. He got around pretty good in the store. At noon his wife would come after him for dinner and bring him back, and the same morning and evening." They built a board sidewalk wide enough to accommodate his wheelchair from his home to the store. In a few years Claremont consisted of a railroad depot, the two stores owned by Mr. Bell and Mr. Roberts, a blacksmith shop operated by N.H. Fuller; a saloon; a hotel operated by Miss Smith located on the lots across the street south of today's Stratton Equity Coop Hardware store; a printing shop; the Claremont Leader edited by A.V. Griggs; the Claremont State Bank, Mr. Root, presi- dent; a drug store; and a hardware store owned by the Hobart brothers with the post A Stratton Day Float in 1912, probably a first; Mrs. Fuller at left, Children: Floyd, Hazel, and Hal. Roy Jones driving and his son to the right. Then the saloon, bank, and drug store closed. Mr. Roberts purchased Miss Smith's hotel and made it into a residence, where he lived many years, until he sold his store to his nephew, S.O. Otis Roberts and moved to Rogers, Arkansas. by Dorothy C. Smith �the Roberts store which had become a general store handling everything from groceries and hardware to patent medicines and anything one would choose to order. "Order farm implements, plows, wagons, and in two weeks you would have it and you paid for it when you got it. I got two John Deere plows and a Moline Wagon from him, and saved ten dollars each on them," Sam Schaal, Sr. related. The first school had Charlie Dickinson as teacher to seven pupils in a small frame building on the spot where D.G. Liquor now stands. This building became too small and in 1895 a two story school building was erected on the ground where the school building stood the next 15 years. Teacher in 1896 was Miss Ruth McCoulogby, pronounced McCalby. Her students included Hazel, Inez, and Susie Roberts, Manda Fuller, Clara and Billie Lindford, and Albert Bradshaw. In 1900 Jennie Wellman was the teacher. About 1904 the Rock Island Railroad decided to change the nnme of Claremont to Interior of N.H. Fuller Store, with Mr. Fuller on right rear. Note the gas lights before the fire. STRATTON T362 At some time in this span of years the post office had been moved to Hobart Bros. Hardware, so that when Hobart Bros. elected to close their hardware store and go into the sheep business, the post office was moved to something else because of many mixups caused by express and freight being sent to Claremont, California. The abbreviations Cal. and Col. were making mail and express a mess. A daughter of one of the pioneers ordered white fabric for a July 4th celebration dress. but it didn't come and didn't come. After waiting many months, authorities put a tracer on it and found the material in California. So with this and other dissatisfaction and complaints the United States Postal Department changed the office's name to "Machias" there was one like it in Maine, but they didn't think this would cause problems. But the Rock Island would not permit that name to be used for their station, so after lengthy negotiating the name "Stratton" was compromised upon. (The young Iady got her dress material for Christ- mas.) At that time the legendary Winfield Scott Stratton, a millionaire created by the discovery ofColorado gold, was scattering his monies prodigiously among colleges and other state institutions and some one must have thought this gesture might bring something to the town. No one has recorded any recognition of this man's response, but it is a plausible idea. And the name "Stratton" stuck, Winfield S. Stratton notwithstanding. In 1906 Stratton grew very rapidly. The Foster Lumber Yard was opened and another lumber yard known as the Square Deal was The firgt elevator in Stratton, Floyd Border's dad in picture. Stratton Friends! ,r t "{rF {{ '\.. I L lr ?41t & built on the block occupied today by the Twin Oaks Motel. When this yard closed in 1917 Joe Collins bought their lumber sheds and converted them into the Collins Hotel. The south half of the south wing of present day Twin Oaks Motel was that lumber yard. On October 1908 there was a disastrous fire along the east side of the main street of Stratton which consumed the general store operated by Mr. Fuller, a hotel, the land office, and the J.W. Borders residence which they had lived in only a few days. All were soon replaced except the hotel. From 1908 to 1910 the town experienced a real building boom at which time several impressive business houses were erected ,r.l .....,r;;?cl1i': ' tlq The hotel which bore many names. "West Side", "Farquahr", and "Commercial" about 1908 or 1909 operated by a Miss Smith and others. Some folk called it the Stratton Hotel. including the Stratton State Bank on the east side of Colorado Avenue in the building now occupied by the D.G. Liquors and the Linford Building in 1910 which is now the Someplace Special site. The Linford Building was built with a large hall on the second floor for use of lodge meetings, public meetings, dances, �STRATTON T353 The oldest building in Stratton, the "State Bank Building" built in the 1980-1910 era. The interior and dining room of Stratton Hotel when owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Amos L. Ryun. who owned and operated the store. Later the building was used as the post office. After the post office was moved, Logan Woodson, Jr. purchased the building and operated a dry goods store there for many years, living in the apartment overhead converted from what was once the community meeting hall. In intervening years this store housed a variety of businesses among them an interior decora- and picture shows. One can yet read the faded Spotlight published by Rick and Beverly original "W.H. Linford - 1910" sign in bold Ietters and numbers high above the Some- news. Currently it is the location of Someplace Wiley Baker and his father A.J. were also land agents at this time with their land office located on the west side of Main Street (Colorado Avenue) south of the Linford Building. Joe Collins and a Mr. Blair later bought the building and continued the land Special, a clothing store. In June of 1909 Hugo Stedman completed a large cement building on the west side of Stratton's main business street which housed a meat-market, a cafe, and a drug store with a hotel located on the second floor. A.B. Combs was the druggist. Later he sold the store to H.E. Janeway, who in turn after some years of operation sold it to Tom Harpham. Ivan Houtz purchased the drug store later and in the 1940's sold it to J.C. Bradshaw II and III, with J.C. ilI the acting pharmacist. The store became known as B & B Drug. Today the store is owned and operated by Charles and Julie Nelson who purchased the building and business in February 1967, and it is now known in business circles as B & B Drug, Inc. place Special marquee. The first Stratton newspaper was owned and operated by a man named Sharp, but it soon died as did the next one that was started. The "Stratton Democrat" was founded and edited by Wiley Baker in 1908 and on April 30, 1919 the name was changed to the "Stratton Press", a name which continued for the local newspaper for many years through numerous changes in ownership and editing. Roy and Gladys Herburger published the paper for many, many years, selling it to J.C. Carnathan in 1959. J.C. continued publication ofthe Stratton Press until 1979 when he sold it to Bill Schweitzer who ran the paper until November 11, 1982, Today the Stratton Gaddy appears weekly with local and area business. For many years Ready and Linford operated a blacksmith shop west of the Linford Building approximately where the William Cure home is today. D.O. Beahm and Eden Wade operated a store in the Linford Building for some years, then sold it to J.C. Bradshaw, Sr. by Dorothy C. Smith tor and two or more dry goods stores. Church in early times was held in school houses in the country. In Stratton the first known church service was held in Mr. Dryer's grocery store. In 1908 the Congregational Church built the first church building in Stratton. Later this site was purchased by the Evangelical Church which later became known as the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Today this church is the Stratton United Methodist Church at the corner of Kansas and Third Avenue. The first service of the Catholic congregation was held in the Woodman Hall in 1910. Originally "Robertson & Watt" Grain Company about 1910; Iater part of Snell Milling and grain, located west of main street. By Tuesday, September 22,L910, St. Charles Congregation dedicated the ground for the first building and conducted the cornerstone laying on November 17, 1910. During the intervening years the congregation has made many building changes and additions. Today the beautiful St. Charles rectory, church, and hall are outstanding structures one sees upon entering Stratton from I-70. The Seventh Day Adventist Church was built in 1913 and many faithful members kept it in operation until so few remained to attend that it was unfeasible to continue. Then the church was closed and remained empty for some years. In 1985 this historic �building is gone from Colorado Avenue and the old grade school houses the local bowling alley and a popular eating establishment. In 1912 Snell Grain Company of Clay Center, Kansas built a grain elevator in Stratton, and J.W. Borders became its manager. About the same time Robinson and Watt Grain Company built another elevator west of the Stratton main street which was purchased in later years by Snell Grain and in turn by Stratton Equity Co-op. In recent years this land mark was razed. By 1913 Stratton's population had reached 350 persons. The newspaper was The Enter- prise, formerly the Vona newspaper. by Dorothy C. Smith Ed Davis Ford Garage. landmark in the community located at 331 New York Avenue was purchased by the town of Stratton and remodeled to house the town library. Although the first service of the Church of God was held at a country site, the original church building was built in 1920 and St. Paul Lutheran Church also built within the next year. A few years later the Nazarene Church was erected, but this congregation closed services in 1949. St. Paul Lutheran then purchased this building and remodeled it. In the following years St. Paul's congregation diminished so that they sold the building which was then converted into a lovely, modern home. School had enlarged by 1910 to such a point that a two story brick building was built to replace the two story frame building used prior. Then in 1935 this building became too small and another cement building located north of the original building to be used for the grades one through eight was constructed as a WPA project. Part of this building was a large gymnasium, one of only a few adequate in its time. In 1951 additional construction joined the two buildings in such a way as to create areas for school shop classes, a music department, and a lun- chroom and kitchen. Since that time further changes have located the high school on Illinois Avenue in a structure dedicated in March, 1961. In 1976 a fine elementary buiding was completed in the vicinity of the high school building forming a small campuslike arrangement with the playgrounds, football and athletic fields between the two school buildings. Today the old high school -6char*{ " ,i 8&-A ! ,i i: ]i t:1 ,:t::,,,& :?1;a A I I I lT:l: The original St. Charles Catholic Church with old Stratton School in background. � 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 Seibert 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 Seibert 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>