172 10 1803 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3814/kccrecordobits0071.jpg 5146efa9670ba1696a285acde06eed8f https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3814/kccrecordobits0072.jpg f68f9851ae0edabc678290acad4e9988 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Jewell Bowen, Peter Guthrie Sr., John Boggs and the C. Rumells Child Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Guthrie, Peter Sr. 1849-1916 Boggs, John 1882-1916 Bowen, Jewell 1915-1916 Rumells, C. Son ????-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Jewell Bowen, Peter Guthrie Sr., John Boggs and the C. Rumells child as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3815/kccrecordobits0072.jpg f68f9851ae0edabc678290acad4e9988 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3815/kccrecordobits0073.jpg 086eddc16074d04408362a0b34a849e6 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3815/kccrecordobits0074.jpg 206bcf59e40972945dc833b217bff24d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Edward Kruchten, Mary Barber and the J. E. Rhoades infant Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Kruchten, Edward 1886-1916 Barber, Mary 1853-1916 Rhoades, J. E. Infant 1915-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Edward Kruchten, Mary Barber and the J. E. Rhoades infant as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3816/kccrecordobits0074.jpg 206bcf59e40972945dc833b217bff24d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Nettie Stultz and A. J. Hill Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Stultz, Nettie 1901-1916 Hill, A. J. 1851-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Nettie Stultz and A. J. Hill as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3817/kccrecordobits0075.jpg c97a4164c930114ff168ab68f8f5af37 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3817/kccrecordobits0076.jpg ddb25139c0e8e68d3a08baf809888997 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituary for Melzar Winslow Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916-08-03 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Winslow, Melzar 1852-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Melzar Winslow as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3818/kccrecordobits0076.jpg ddb25139c0e8e68d3a08baf809888997 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Georgia Price and the Wren Boy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Price, Georgia ????-1916 Wren, Boy 1904-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Georgia Price and the Wren Boy as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3819/kccrecordobits0077.jpg 45d3dee4850e063dd8802c04e1f83740 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3819/kccrecordobits0078.jpg 294d08bf114e80ae9e1bebca039491a4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for the Carl Zick daughter, Hazel Hassen, Calvin Edgerton and the Frank Boger daughter Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Zick, Daughter 1901-1916 Hassen, Hazel 1900-1916 Edgerton, Calvin 1901-1916 Boger, Daughter 1908-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for the Carl Zick daughter, Hazel Hassen, Calvin Edgerton and the Frank Boger daughter as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3820/kccrecordobits0078.jpg 294d08bf114e80ae9e1bebca039491a4 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3820/kccrecordobits0079.jpg e9c11cc9b3ae156695aa585761e92e1f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Leo Haworth, the Claude Ervin child, John Weisshaar, John Kline and Nancy Davis Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Haworth, Leon 1892-1916 Ervin, Infant 1916-1916 Weisshaar, John 1863-1916 Davis, Nancy 1838-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Leo Haworth, the Ervin infant, John Weisshaar and Nancy Davis as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/3821/kccrecordobits0079.jpg e9c11cc9b3ae156695aa585761e92e1f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries for Friedarika Kramer, Hugh Clark and August Schaepercotter Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Kramer, Friedarika 1860-1916 Clark, Hugh ????-1916 Schaepercotter, August ????-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for Friedarika Kramer, Hugh Clark and August Schaepercotter as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/4090/kccrecord20024.jpg c3a2fc6c7e9c1394728f3245ea8d1cc4 https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/11/4090/kccrecord20025.jpg 7134de98eabcc7d4fd5829b764f3e506 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituaries Pre-1930's Description An account of the resource Obituaries from before the 1930's for 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 Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituary for John A. Boggs Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1916-05-11 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Obituary Boggs, John A. 1882-1916 Description An account of the resource An obituary for John A. Boggs as taken from the Kit Carson County Record in 1916. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kit Carson County Record Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Obituaries Pre-1930's Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text/jpg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Kit Carson County Record https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/405/Bethune.pdf 4874ea5184ac1a8b81811debde07b4c3 PDF Text Text HISTORY OF BETHUNE \r.i t-al -,u:J I \PA @ t& T24l | :6J Fa3 ii* zltydoa /rbrry (Z€45e) t4GCog t/ C. 17'/- lt-{z';<z l, t& /) I l'2 t^ \ a) *; A--' \./rt | :a - --J- B-:- lrf HISTORY OF BETHUNE tu .'t:' :1;i. /6 i j"t ' ,'€cus to Indianole, Nebraska stopping at the old Benkelman Ranch near the present town of T242 a 640 l- &sl*& ,?efce - : )- -*-- I Aas/tn w :!.:: &'a :r/@ I | Taurbu4 I I t6a 3\ ?40 Aaa F€, ,t& &tlet .{& -( G,-L; ',*h"fr Satah R nr*fAleaza 82d I '% /-tzz" fi fu4'/2. ,1 lecunlu ,/ny 6, Ctaner ,6d /60 ; T/te Eelhune Iou Ca u*,r, "eQ.ge ./60 L jao n /Ya4 A -l$ 'fugerze t60 5E l4amer #v;r \1@ YunzgSo f.*ry/A ./@ lol/izs I /t)//tbaza '-;;; z (/tnlen- I ":{:'4 :{-l | ["* ^rt't q5rt Chzs $_ a. /uo/i, fpabr ffi f. klt .': - ,/f\ : -_ : -_ +_ -:; t& .J@ F.n h? t$o , lii*". b/ler.$i -{60 ?..F€ frank L1", 32O -, -u.6t 160 t.f 6jc 77?lmer rc cr-\r L(J .i. .:.. ..'-dtli... t t t.,'O.: lt24 r I 4/66;r l"ftxtzvaod '.1 I Bethune, Bethune being French for farmer or farming. Dutch Jake shot Buffalo and also trapped fur animals. He would take the hides tt// Ri/4r Schoa/ land 35 634 fup.-"* ,*._ I 36 64a , \ 1908 water tower serving the Rock Island R.R., Bethune. St. Francis. Kansas. He would visit with Mr. Benkelman. Mr. Benkelman would say "Vee 3ehtz Laundsman?", which became the name Part 1 Bethune first got it's name in 1886 from the first settlers and first trappers. Dutch Jake, an indian who lived in a cave Northeast of Bethune, used to tell people he lived by Lost Man Creek (presently called Landsman Creek). It was to French trappers he told of lor "Landsman Creek", October 3, 1928, the United States Geographic Board rendered this decision regarding the creek in Kit Carson County to be the "Landsman Creek". When the Rock Island Railroad was built through Bethune in September 1888, railway sectionmen built a section house just West of town. The section foreman, J. B. Pfaffley, moved into the house in 1897 with his wife and daughter Erma. Erma later became Postmaster from 1920 to 1962. An Indian burial ground was located Northeast of Bethune on the Landsman �.: now lives on First Avenue and Main Street. In 1932, Bank failure and depression caused the bank to close it's doors. Later a store was run in the bank building by Arthur Cassen. Mr. Kingsbury ran the store later, and Walter Seelhoff after him unitl it closed it's doors and was torn down. Across the street and to the North, Mr. Carr and Bill Stutz also had l a store. Among the businesses built in Bethune in the early 1900's was a lumber yard opened by Carl Alexander. A hardware store owned by Carl Alexander, was located west of the lumberyard. These were located across the street from what is now the Bethune Grain elevator. A Farmers elevator was built by the 'l1l'i t. ,: ,t;., farmers and run by Tom Dillon; It burned in 1925, was rebuilt in 1926 and enlarged in 1936 and again in 1949. Cora Lovelace opened a Cafe in her home, which operated until 1940. This was located next to the Yersin store. On the north side of the Cafe, a pool hall was opened. Jim Erveu built the Hotel in 1920. This was next to the pool hall and Bank building. Bill Chapman bought it, later his son Earl bought it. Ethel Smith ran a Telephone office and soda. by Clara Mayers Aerial photo of Bethune about 1950. Several graves were explored in 1920 by several pioneers. They found Indian blankets, tomahawks, knives and various trinkets. In 1889, Elbert County was divided and Bethune fell in the portion forming Kit Carson County. Bethune established the first school district in Kit Carson County in 1889. The first school board members were Sam Beidelman and Dr. C.A. Gillette whose office was located in Bethune. The school house occupied the Southwest corner of the present school grounds. A well there supplied water for all the town residents. Mrs. Della Hendricks, who later became County Superintendent, was Bethune's first school teacher. In 1926 a new school house was constructed on eight acres purchased from Mr. Delaney. The HISTORY OF BETHUNE townspeople and those of surrounding areas decided to add two years of high school to the curriculum. Luella O'Hare and Ray Boggs taught the first high school classes in the T243 school year t927-28. The school had six teachers and 90 students. .U,r.. l:i:t. :irtlr.' ::l'i Bethune's first store was a combination General Store and Post Office owned by William Yersin in 1910. It was a small sod building located south of the present townsite on the south side of Highway 24. "fhe ,"'i "li' _r l.t ..- ':.. store was moved in 1916, it was then located where the Duane Monroe home now stands on the corner of Pikes Peak and Main Street. The Bethune State Bank opened it's doors in 1916. The Bank president and owner was J.J. Delaney with William Steur, cashier. It was located where the Dean Fisher familv '::l', aiti,',,%. )....,:tat: \"1 1i,: ::.:. ,''rl .:.i..r,. :l:ltil lri.l.. r'r:l .,::1..'\liili: :li, ']]:: . ::ir::,,i,.'::ii'. 2 lt::i:l '::,;:l t,* ,.,.,ti! ryl Earl Chapman's first garage 1925. t -.# Part 2 Fountain in the Chapman Hotel. Tom Davis started agarage in 1920 on what is now Pikes Peak Avenue West of the Monroe ,i; First store and post office in Bethune, Yersin Store. home. It had living quarters above it at the time, it still stands. The Barber Shop was built by Everett Blackburn, it was on First Avenue and Main Street across from the first Post Office. In 1921, the livery barn was built. �rtr::i:.r li:.t. rt }till&.iitr, '; ',11. ';1,;1;11; twice a day. Mail was hung so a catcher on the mail car of the train could pick it up as the train went by. Ted Knodel, who had been carrying mail as a tri-weekly on the south route since September 1924, took over Route 1 and carried until July 1965 when he retired. Albert Amman carried Route 2. the triweekly route since 1936. The routes consolidated in 1966 to an 86-mile route, which covered both the north and south routes. Albert Amman continued to carry until 1971, when he retired. The route was then changed to a Highway Contract Route and Carl Adolf Jr. became the mail carrier. Bethune has again grown in the last few years from a population of 52 in 1962 to around 200 in 1985. It has one garage owned and run by Johnny Johnson, the Bethune Grain Co. owned and run by Charles Schulte, Onahue Trucking Co. run by Bill Powell, and ofcourse the Post Office and school. Bethune has an accredited school with grades ranging from Kindergarden through twelve. James Poole has been the superintendent since 1964. The following is a recollection of some Celebrating Armistice Day in the 1920's on Main Street in Bethune. It was where the David Richards home now stands on Second Avenue and A Street. The Baptists held Sunday School and Church services in the school house until 1924. Then they had Mr. Arnet build the church. In L927 it was purchased by the Evangelical Congregation. The pastor from Stratton held services. The town of Bethune was incorporated in L926. ln t924, The Post Office was built. Erma (Pfaffley) Cordonnier was the first Postmaster until March 1962 when she retired. Clord Meyer built the present Post Office in 1962. Clara Meyer served as Postmaster from April 1, 1962 until April 1985, when she retired. Kathy Witzel is the new Postmaster since April 1, 1985. The townspeople built a City Park by their water tower, later a new park was started northeast of it's former site. The townspeople called their growing town "The Land of Opportunity" and put up a sign proclaiming that fact West of town. It drew customers and visitors. But the depression and bank failure in 1932 brought a marked halt to Bethune's upward climb. People were forced to sell out and move away, rapidly decreasing the population. By 1936 Bethune still had a hardware store, lumber yard, general store, two cafe's, a railroad depot, two grain elevators, a filling station, and two garages. Because the County seat was in Burlington, most people went there to do their trading. Eventually most businesses went out of business. The first mail carrier was Jesse McFarland. He carried Route 1 starting in July 1911, a 36 mile route by one horse and top buggy. Later a regular mail wagon such as was in use at that time, was used and drove two horses. He resigned in 1915. Tom Dillon carried until 1920. Roy Smith took over and carried until his death in 1935. In the early years, it would take two days to get mail delivered if there was a lot of snow. Mail came by a fast train people, and their families, who might not now have any connection in Kit Carson County. John & Gladys Argebright, Orla Anderson, H. H. Ernest, "Billy" Lamm, John Robinson, C. C. Tony, Mike Golden, Hugh Rouse, Charles Hopson, Dr. Dickey, L. Youtsey, L. Doughty, Ed Chipman, "Shorty" Stephen, Bertha King, Harry Roberson, C. L. Spahr, Dvoraks, Charles & Johnny Day, Noah SydeBotham, Fred Kasten, C. W. Sawyer, Fred Buchholz, Roy Smith, John Burns, Debakeys, Amos & Ida Holland, Charles Chandler, Walt & Anita Baer, Charles & George Baer, Thomas Davis, Elwood Richards, Cora Lovelace, Bill & Norma Negus, Art & Mary Haviland, Bruce Davis, Bill ZiegIer, Fletcher Vilott, Austin Johnson, Truman Hightower, B. K. Springer, Bill Stutz, Balls, Carl Mitchel, Harry Brogun, Jake Gramm, Charles Evens, Robert Wilburn, Critchfields, Leo & Nan Kindsvater, Floren Kuhn, Ralph Humrick, Henry Fanslow, John & Jesse Thomas, "Shorty" Stockwell, Henry & Esther Daum, Preston Simer, "Swede" Johnson, Iver & Ever Iverson, Eugene & Iris Taylor, Claude Zimmerman, Clark Rutter, Logan Stitt, J. J. Delaney, Charles Short, Bob Gaddy, Ericksons, Brownawells, Sanstedts, Lynns, Art & Fern Cassen, Millers, Clotiers, Henry Kline, Herb Kukuk, Glen Chapman, Ed Bower, Truman Hooker, Emil & Pauline Knodel, Fred Rock, E. H. Mitchel, Harold & Velora Hopkins, E. L. Kingsbury, Floyd Mills, Bill Ratuke, Oscar Olson, Ira Rowbothan, Chance Humphry, John Halter, John Kible, Mrs. Connor, Joe Reese, "Rusty" Evans. I'm sure that being gone from Bethune for over 30 years has dimmed my memory and some have been forgotten. by Clara Meyer and Donald L. Chapman Bethune Lumber Company. In the 1920's when Bill Stutz worked there. �across from Hotel and a little south. On the south side of the building it had a hitch rack, where farmers gathered. Also there were horse shoe pits on the south side. The farmers BUSINESS IN BETHUNE T244 These are memories of Dean A. Chapman, 2nd son of Earl & Blanche Chapman born in Burlington in 1921. Grocery Stores: Dan Carr, east of Main St., Bethune Grain Co. owned by Charlie Schulte,1988. came in from the settlement and south of town. They would arrive at about 10:00 AM and leave around 3:00 to 4:00 PM. They traded produce, eggs, chickens and cream. This store was later run by August Helcher, who after a couple years moved across the street west. Art Cassen purchased the store from Helcher's widow. He later moved the store to the Bethune State Bank Building. This store was then run by Mr. Kingsbury during W.W.2, then was sold to Walter Seelhoff, and then closed in 1954. W. T. Chapman ran a store in the front of the Hotel from 1920 till 1935. Bill Yearsin ran a store just south of the Post Office, later sold to Bill Stutz, later sold to Charles Helcher, brother of August Helcher, who later changed it to a Shoe & Clothing store. This building was later used for a residential use. Black Smith Shops: O. J. Speaks due west of Bank building. J. G. Walgamott built his shop just east of Earl Chapman's Garage on *w,*"*Enm srnr,slB ",*iryFj, . .,),,, Elevator. Creameries: The first Creamery was next door, east of Tom Davis Garage. Art Gramm ran one across the street, south of the Davis Garage. Kingsbury built a creamery between the Bank and the Hotel. Elevators: The first was the Robinson elevator across the street, south of the Davis Garage, run by Ben Pyle, later leased by Henry Daum. The Farmers Elevator was on the south end of Main Street, first run by Thomas Dillon, then owned by Henry Daum, later sold to the Bethune Co-op. The East Elevator was built in the late 1930's by O. E. Powell, run by Preston Symer, later sold to Bethune Co-op. Garages: The first was built by Tom Davis, probably built in the late teens, who had Walt Baer as a partner, with Charles Dvorak as salesman and mechanic. They sold ChevroIets. This garage closed in 1934. The second garage was built by Earl Chapman (who was a mechanic for Evans Brothers in Burlington, later Sim Hudson Motor Co.). This small building was just west of Post Office. Earl's second garage was built in 1925 across the street east of the lumber yard, on the north side of the old highway. Along with his garage, he furnished electrical power for the Town of Bethune. Each home was allowed one sixty watt bulb. He would at 5:00 P.M. fill and start the generator and it would run until it ran out of gas, which usually lasted dkmo,., from 9:00 to 10:00 in the evening. Each family helped pay for the gas, this was a one cylinder Delco plant. In 1931 Earl built the building on US 24. In 1956 Earl and his sons Dean, Vernon, Donald and son-in-law Neil Springer, moved this business to Paonia Co. The Bethune business was sold to Bill Storrer. This building later burned. Filling Stations: Both garages sold gas. In 1932, Tom Davis built a new station on U.S. 24, on the south west edge of town, later run by Fred Kasten, Bill Wilcox and others.. In 1932 Glen Chapman opened up a station in the old barber shop across the street from the Post Office. Bethune had the oldest Conoco bulk gasoline agency in CO in numbers of years. Earl Chapman was the agent from 1924 Bethune State Bank check, 1920's. i to 1956. {F,r"*- The poolhall, recreation parlor and barber shop was just south of the Nebraska Hotel and was run by Bill Evens. The Bethune State Bank was started by J.J. Delaney in 1916. William C. Steur was the last cashier, and the bank closed in 1931. EA,ffiH ': i,:.,, . t :t.: the old highway, just across from the East i. :... ,e4* by Don Chapman : BETHUNE POST OFFICE T245 Route 1 started in July 1909 as a 36 mile Route with Mr. Jess McFarland as carrier. He carried the mail in a top buggy pulled by one :::it .. e.. -# horse. Later, he got a regular mail wagon. These wagons were in use at the time and were pulled by two horses. Mr. McFarland resigned in April of 1915. Tom Dillon started carrying the mail and continued until 1920 *%*{-q - when he resigned. Martin Stahlecker was the temporary carrier taking over the duties until Chapman Garage. Don Chapman, Leo Kindsvater and Vern Chapman. Roy Smith took the route on. He delivered �Yersin, September L2, t9L0; Edward L. Newton, June2,l9ll;Albert L. Bell, January 18, 1917; William H. Yersin, April 20, 1917; Erma Cordonnier, October 18, 1920; Clara Meyer, April 1,1962;and Kathy Witzel, April covered by insurance. The Burlington Call, November L2. 1925. by Anna Strobel 1, 1985. A poem composed by Mrs. C. W. Sawyer of Burlington paid tribute to Mrs. Erma Cordonnier, retiring postmaster at Bethune. Mrs. Cordonnier recently retired after 42 years service in postal department. The Poem follows: RETIRED In eastern Colorado in the town ofBethune In the year 1920, two months after June, A new postmaster started her career, Her name - Mrs. Erma Cordonnier. At that time the mail had to go Thru rain. sleet. hail or snow. Smith, Knodel, then Amman, on the RFD Carried the mail to and from the country. When Erma wished to take off a day or more Thru 41 years she had subs galore. Pfaffly, Ardueser, Evans and Casten, Woods, Chapman, Helscher and Batson. Klein, Knodel, Springer and Taylor. The last two, Bucholz and Sawyer. March 31. 1962. Erma retired. 41 long years she had worked and perspiRoy Smith delivering the mail out of Bethune, Colorado. about 1935. red; So, Erma, it's time to say adieu And all our best wishes go with you. by Clara Meyer FARMERS ELEVATOR T246 i"%.*;". \d! *- New Bethune Post Office opened in October of 1986, Kathy Witzel Postmistress. the mail until he died in October of 1935. A fire Wednesday morning completely destroyed the Farmers Elevator at Bethune, Colorado. The building caught fire from a stove in the office and as there was no water system in the town the flames made rapid headway. A call for help was phoned to Burlington and the fireman with both trucks left at once, but the damage was wrought when they arrived at the scene of the fire ten miles away. About ten thousand bushel of wheat stored in the elevator was practically all damaged. It was reported that the loss was Claude Zimmerman was temporary carrier for a year, then Ted Knodel took over the route on September 8, 1936. The route had been extended to 43.6 miles by that time. T247 In 1899, Bethune Colorado organized the first school district in Kit Carson County. The original school was located on the west side of County Road 40, directly west of the present school grounds. Dr. C. A. Gillette and Sam Beidelman were the first school board members. Mrs. Della Hendricks was their first teacher. In 1926 it was decided to purchase eight acres of land from a Mr. Delaney, and it was on this land that the present schoolhouse sits, being completed in 1928. It was decided that there would be two years ofhigh school taught in this new school, so they began to teach Freshman and Sophomores along with the grade school. Luella O'Hare and Ray Boggs taught the first high school classes in 1927-28. At that time there were a total of 6 teachers and 90 students. The first class to "graduate" from Bethune School was in 1930. A basement was dug east of the school and this was used as the cafeteria for many years. Later, the old Prairie Star School from south of Bethune was moved onto this basement. The upper floor was used for a teacherage, the basement for the cafeteria, and the middle floor as the Superintendent's home. In 1955 the cafeteria was moved to the main school building, and a beautiful large gymnasium was added to the west side of the original schoolhouse. InIg74,a separate shop building was added, also on the west side. Mr. Orin Pankratz was the first to call this "home". Kindergarten was instituted in 1g74. The year 1978 saw Bethune School become accredited, under the direction and guidance of Mr. James Poole. Bethune School fielded its first football team in 1983 to add to the volleyball, basketball and track programs already in progress. New additions to the school also include a . Route 2 started on Septembet L7,1924 as a 36 mile tri-weekly with Ted Knodel as carrier until September 8, 1936 when he was transferred to Route 1. Albert Amman who was the temporary carrier, took on the route and delivered the mail until May 7, 1966 when the routes were consolidated. Albert continued carrying the mail until September 30, 1971. Albert Weiss was temporary carrier until the Star Route was established on November L, 1972. Carl Adolf Jr. was awarded the contract for the Star Route and is the present mail carrier. Postmasters through the years were Sam- uel Beidelman, January 1889; Josephine Parody, July 23, 1890; Emma Mutchmore, September 19, 1890; John Griswold, December 8, 1891; Mary E. Braden, September 27, t892; Margaret Gruwell, June 4, 1896; Nancy Root, April 5, 1899; John Lamb, October 15, t901; William Blake, September 17, 1906; Iohn McFarland, March 1"5, 1909; William H. BETHUNE SCHOOL Farmer's Elevator at Bethune, burned to the ground. �Humrich, Don Noxon, Arthur Adolf, Eugene Rowbothem, Mary (Smith) Stahlecker, Maxine (Helcher) McCoy, Ethel (Kasten) Dragiff, Irene (Adolf) McAuliff; 1937 - Aletha lll'i (Woods) Taylor, Delores (Chapman) Grant, Raymond Ray, Iris (Rouse) Taylor; 1938 Gladys (Adolf) Patterson, Nina (Dunlap) Lanham, Harry Olson, Anna Dvorak, Dean Chapman, Stanford Ernest; 1939 - Hilda (Ratenka) Vilott, Loren Ardueser, Fern (Knodel) Gremm, Norman Meyer, Mary Louise (Dillon) Schemfsll' 1940 - Wallace Eslinger, Gladys (Schaal) Byington, Harold Rouse, Stanley Sydebotham, Virgil King; 1941 - Robert Knodel, Blanche (Stolz) Beckstrom, Vernon Chapman, Janet (Dillon) Toland, John Burns; 1942 - Velma (Eslinger) Sweet, Sylvia (Kiebel) Malone, Mabel (Meyer) Bishop; 1943 - Raymond Knodel, Doris (Gulden) Travis, Helen (Gulden) ,r;*1r;l111,.;r,11, .,.1.11.:.,11'' 11'.1 Schaal, Eleanor (Ardueser) Dreitz, Dixie (Wood) Conkey, Ruth (Spahn) Jensen, Rueben Zeigler; L944 - Alvin Buchholz, Steve Sydebotham, John Critchfield, Owen Powell; 1945 - George Baer, Viola (Humrich) Critchfield, Lewis Parsons, Elsie (Miller) Powell, Dr. Earl Berens, Thelma (Kirkendall) Young, .'.''.'l:.'.::..il'rr' I:":,l Mary Louise (Dreitz) Waechter; 1946 - Bethune Public School, grades K through 12. 1988 Joanne (Guy) Wolf, Russell Knodel, Peggy (Wood) Jensen, Ardith Gulden, Rona (Spahr) Shaner; L947 - Donald Chapman, William Stolz, Roberta (Guy) Kindred, Eleanor (Knodel) Thomas; 1948 - Norman Kramer, Marge (Chapman) Springer, Lorena (Kramer) Buchholz, Ivan Amman, Ruby (Buchholz) Butterfield;1949 - Gene Amman, Jeanette (Knodel) Amman, Henry Stolz, Melvin Berens, Della (Adolf) Pugh; 1950 - Max Kramer, Clarine (Stahlecker) Fergus; 1951 - Eva (Adolf) Wood, Marvin Buchholz, Maureen (Amman) Felger, Ernest Ziegler, Gerald Johnson. Paul Knodel: 1952 - Lucille (Schlichenmayer) Krnmer, James Miles, Esther (Richards) Young, Bob Young, Vernon Stolz, Ed Kramer; 1953 - Wesley Eslinger, Eilert Weiss, Willard Stahlecker, Delos Amman, Irene (Kramer) Hilt, Bill Stewart, Allan Adolf, Ernest Adolf, Hazel (Hicks) Adolf; 1954 - Lela:rd Ernest, Loyd Knodel, Lester Powell, Aldene (Weiss) Beringer, Bethune School looking east. large library, computer room, upgraded office space, and an addition on the Superintendent's home. A large grassed area was made into a new playground with new equipment installed in 1984. It should be noted that Mr. James Poole, Superintendent, and his wife, Nora came to the Bethune School District in 1964. a position he holds to the present day. In 1988, there are 105 students attending Bethune School with 12 teachers on the staff. The school board consists ofFrank Ruhs, Art Waitman, Pat Williams, James Cummons, and George Stahlecker. by Marylyn Hasart BETHUNE SCHOOL GRADUATES T248 1931 - Hilda (Adolf) Ziegler, Agnes (Dvo- rak) Berthiaume, Janet (Mitchell) Moore; L932 - Amanda (Adolf) Richards, Leona (Adolf) Hefner, Harold Chipman, Crystal (Hartsook) Schlosser; 1933 - Ethel (Chipman) Pearce, Dallas Chipman, Howard Rouse, Carlos Dillon, Lillian (Dvorak) Wil- der, Pauline (Sandstedt) Dillon, Dorothy (Erickson) Rictichy, David Richards; 1934 Earl Perry, Lester Mitchell; 1935 - Marie (Perry) Hasenbalg, Alvin Ernest, Eleanor (Ernest) Varce, Dale Chapman, Opal (Esling- er) Schaal, Melvin Eslinger; 1936 - Dale Geraldine (Schlichenmayer) Carter, Duaine Richards, Phyllis (Waitman) Brown, Narieta (Ziegler) Hines, Kenneth McArthur, Darlene (Ziegler) Hendricks, Paul Jacobs, Edna (Schall) Fross, Bonnie (Johnson) Moorhead, Alfred Schritter; 1955 - Philip Stolz; 1956 Phyllis (Schlichenmayer) Hall, James Schlichenmayer, Donna Kay (Richards) Powell, Barbara (Schick) Briggs, Viva (Eslinger) Witzel, Margie (Stahlecker) Schneider, Leo Rutter, Geraldine (Zieeler) Weiss, Eileen (Waitman) Wahl, Leroy Arends; 1957 - Alice (Knodel) Gramm, Verlin Taylor, Louise (Adolf) Schlichenmayer, Rose Marie (Leik- am) Gwinn, Dorsey Carroll; 1958 - Iva (Stahlecker) Crist, Elaine (McArthur) Taylor, Donald Ziegler, Norman Arends, Arlene (Waitman) Nider, Bonnie (Matthies) Covey, Leona (Leikam) Brunmeir, Arthur Waitman; 1959 - Delmar Zeigler, Beulah (Stahlecker) Lambert, Mary (McArthur) Harris, Jerry Meyer; 1960 - Charlene (Taylor) Robinson, Roy Schlichenmayer, Jerome Warner, Maryln (Schick) Tofoya, Dr. Larry Weiss, Doris (Kramer) Barchanger, Ralph Stolz, Nolan Carroll, Judy (Schlichenmayer) Carroll, Clord Adolf, Virgil Eslinger, Celestina (Leikam) Brown; 1961 - Wilford Adolf, David Corliss, Darlene (Ruhs) Yates, Sue �(Dower) McDonald, Betty (McArthur) Barker, Annette (Stahlecker) Scherre, Ivan Stahlecker; L962 - Art Taylor, Marie (Schaal) Eslinger, Clord Meyer, Ruth Corliss, Julia (Leikam) Fox, Joan (Adolf) Carroll; 1963 - Linda (Taylor) Barnhart, Evelyn (Ruhs) Kelly, Ruby (Eslinger) Hundertmark, Mary (Richards) Colglazier, George Gramm, Dennis Moore, Paulette (Powell) Brachtenbach, Phoebe (Schauer) Friston, Jerry Jenkins; 1964 - Jane (Guy) Downing, Margaret (Kaplan) Stripes, Dorothy (Meyer) Soward, Elizabeth (Blagg) Wolfe, Frank Ruhs, Dennis Arends; 1965 - Gerald Ardueser, Annabel (Eslinger) Nickolson, Edwin Guy, Jerry Guy, David Hillman, Peggy (Matthies) Clark, Rick Young, Fred Zeigler; 1966 - Linda (Moore) Stolz, Fred Shauer, Marsha (Carroll) Rau, James Rau, Timothy Ardueser, Jean Stahlecker, Elaine (Weiss) Morrow, John Kuhn, Dale Schlichenmayer; 1967 - Grant Guy, Dianne (Stolz) Cox, Virginia (Leikam) Wright, Carl Schaal, Tom Rau, Troy Williams, Allan Weiss, Fred Matthies; 1968 - Janis Ardueser, Linda (Guy) Rau, Linda (Matthies) McDaniel, Linda (Schlichen- mayer) Coles, Everett Matthies, Eric Martell, Roy Williams; 1969 - Art Martell, Carolyn (Matthies) Martell, Terry Young, Rita (VanTassel) Hendon, Joe Leikam, Kathy (Dreitz) Hermann, Arlinda (Adolf) Thomas, Ronald Gramm, Anne (Guy) Cody, Don Kraus; 1970 - Velda Adolf, Karen (Adolf) Baird, Dale Jenkins, Lynne Powell, Jackie (Williams) Critchfield, Terry Weisshaar; 1971 - Loraine (Ardueser) Beeson, Judy (Dreitz) Garrison, Carl Jenkins, James Dobler, Bill Kraus, Victor Bill Powell, Fred Gramm, Roy Schlichenmayer, Beverly (Weiss) Ruhs; 1972 Nina (Elsey) Powell, Ellen (Guy) Eastin, Dean Matthies, Gene Matthies; 1973 - JoAnn (Gramm) Barber, Kathy (Kramer) Jenkins, Sherry (Kramer) Friesth, Pat Williams, Eugene Weiss, Ernest VanTassell, Verlin Corliss, Doyle Adolf; 1974 - Judy (Kramer) Whipple, Betty (Matthies) Ganser, Randy Dreitz, Tom Schlichenmayer, Raymond Dobler; 1975 - Mark Beringer, Curt Graham, Trudy (Elsey) Powell, Sandra (Hardwick) Wade; 1976 - Nadine Corliss, Lacey (Hansen) Stokley, Dalene (Knodel) Enyart, Glen Heidschmidt, Kerry Stahlecker, Millie (Leikam) Brawley, Steve Kramer, Kathy (Adolf) Witzel; 1977 - Wayne Adolf, Ronnie Dreitz, David Rutledge, Vicky (Crouse) Cox, Ralene (Dobler) Adams, Carol (Kindred) Keil, Shelly (Powell) Mangus, Karen (VanTassel) Loganbill, Pam (Kramer) Mills; 19?8 - Pam (Adolf) Burton, Connie (Beringer) Peterson, Brent Crouse, Scott Crouse, Lisa (Hardwick) White, Cecilia (Leikam) Criswell, David Poole, Dan Wahl; 1979 - Scott Powell, Barry Crouse, Stanley Kramer, Lori (Brown) Nordorf, Janet (Poole) Cure, Tammy (Crites) McGuire, Brenda Hanson, Maurice (Dreitz) Weyerman; 1980 - Tryn (Hendricks) Pizel, Dora Crouse, Sharla (Beringer) Troyer, - Charlene (Adolf) Flock, Lisa (Beechley) Mullis, Lisa Monroe, Lora (VanTassell) Burnet, Robin (Smith) Smith, Kenneth McArthur, Dawn (Harrell) Kramer, Matt Corcoran, Rick Monroe, Jerry Loeffler; 1985 - John Stolz, James Eslinger, Rhonda Waitman, Greg Zieglet, James Stolz, Mike Price, Nancy Weiss; 1986 - Angie Davis, Deanna Stahlecker, Debra Waitman, Michael Crites, Deanne (Dreitz) Heskitt, Darron Lightle, Dawn Adolf, Esther Schlichenmayer; 1987 Shelle Davis, Deanna K. Stahlecker, James Stahlecker, Scott Webb. by Amanda Richards INTRODUCTION TO BETHUNE CHURCHES T249 the pastor, and served until November 1902. Rev. Newman H. Hawkins served for the year 1903. On March lst, 1094, B. S. Hughes came as pastor, and served for six months. On account of removals it was thought best to suspend all services at Bethune and the few members left attended S. S. and church at Claremont until the Spring of 1906. When the community began again to be resettled the Sunday School was reorganized. In September 1906, Rev. J. L. Read who was pastor at Claremont and Seibert was called to become pastor of the Bethune Church and regular services were resumed. How long the work continued is not known. The Congregational Church at Bethune, like the one at Claremont and Seibert was destined to not make a go of it due to the lack of financial help from a Conference or General Church which would have enabled the work to have kept going Iong enough to become strong enough to be Bethune are the Evangelical United Brethern Church in Bethune. now abandoned, Imman- self-supporting. The Colorado Conference of the Evangelical Church had a number of school house congregations to the south and west of Congregational Church both located north of Bethune. There was a Nazarene Church located on the correction line south of Bethune. The site Central, Bethel and Smoky Angle, and was attracted to Bethune as hopeful territory for missionary operations. However, before it became possible for them to enter the field, the Baptist Gospel Car was taken in for a The churches included in the history of uel Lutheran Church and Hope United Church of Christ formerly know as Hope consisted of the church building and a cemetary behind the church yard. Agnes Beeson remembers attending some of the services held there when she was a girl and lived about five miles away. There is a fence around the graveyard and may be a grave left there. The church was moved off in about 1950. Immanuel Lutheran Church is mentioned in the book "White Churches of the Plains" by Robert Hickman Adams. Hope United Church of Christ and Immanuel Lutheran Church are still active serving the community and drawing members from Burlington and other towns near them. EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH T250 Church work was started in the Bethune Community on October 19th, 1900. A Congregational Church was organized in the school house by Rev. Sanderson with five charter members, five more soon thereafter Adam Burkey, Bill Crites, Douglas Stolz, Mary (Campbell) Holcomb; 1981 - Todd Hendricks, David Price, Danny Leoffler, Allan Matthies, Monte Arends, Sandy (Atkins) Adolf, Gina (Crouse) Hines, Teresa Crouse, Sharon (Poole) Greene; 1982 - Deb Yates, Margaret (Meyer) Robben, Monte Carroll; 1983 - Deb (Arends) Miller, Penny (Zieglet) Aeschilman, Rita Leoffler, Tim Campbell, Patricia McArthur, Kristy (Poole) Liming, Mark Crouse, Roger Stahlecker, Nathan Kramer, Carla (Eslinger) Foth; 1984 joining. The Rev. M. A. Bevier was called as Bethune E.U.B. Church. 1940's. Bethune such as First Central, Second special meeting, and pursuant thereto regular services were held. A baptist minister was stationed to the place, though there were less than a dozen charter members, and as far as is known, never any more. These people soon undertook to build a new church in Bethune at a cost of $3,000, soliciting aid in the community and where funds were available. Because of local conditions the Baptist friends felt necessitated to withdraw from the field, leaving the town without a pastor and open to any Protestant denomination ready and willing to take up the work. For a while there were no services of any kind conducted in the church. Less than two years after the church was built, The Colorado Conference of the Evangelical Church was asked to place Bethune on their list of appointments. This urgent invitation was accepted. The Bethune people again organized a Sunday School in the consolidated school building with the Evan- gelical Church representatives including President Elder B. Barthel present. The people were very anxious that they be served regularly provided such arrangements could be made in the interim of conference sessions. Consequently the Brethren R. D. Dexheimer and Leslie E. Gabael of Seibert were asked to serve this new point for the remainder of the year as time would permit. In the spring of 1928 these same brethren were by Conference appointed to serve Bethune in connection'with the Seibert Charge. In about six months it was considered expedient that the Services of Worship be changed from the school house to the church building. This permission the Baptist headquarters in Denver cheerfully granted. Initial steps were taken January 1, 1929 in a regularly announced meeting, with the thought of receiving members and effecting an Evangelical Organization. Subsequently 32 charter members were received. Later the Colorado Conference Trustees purchased the church property from the Baptist State for �the consideration of $850.00. On Sunday February 24,L929, this commodious building was dedicated by President Elder B. Barthel as an Evangelical Church. The Pastor's assisted in the services. Though the weather was cold and stormy was the attendance good. More than 9400.00 was secured in cash and pledges that day toward the purchase price of the property. At conference in the Spring of 1929, Rev. Leslie E. Gabel was appointed to serve Bethune along with the school house congre- gations to the southwest such as First Central, etc. The next year this circuit was without a pastor. In the Spring of 1931, Rev. Edward J. Ness was appointed to serve the south country school house congregations, and Rev. Wm. R. Van Devender was appointed to serve Bethune and Stratton, living at Stratton. In the Spring of 1935, Rev. J. Ness was assigned the Bethune and Stratton Congregations in addition to the South Country School House Congregations. One pastor continued to be appointed to all these churches including Bethune until 1945-1946. That year the Rev. Delbert C. Paulson was appointed, and the churches at First Central, Smokey Angle and Bethel discontinued. Annual Conference in the Spring of 1946 ordered these churches liquidated. Membership was transferred to either the Stratton or the Bethune Churches, depending on the wishes of the members. The membership of persons who could not be contacted were transferred to the Bethune Church roll. In 1952-1953 the Bethune Council with the Pastor V. J. Lamm removed 21 of these names "without certificate" when they were unable to contact them. From the Spring of 1946, Bethune has shared with Stratton the services of a pastor as a charge with the minister residing at Stratton. During the pastorate of Rev. Francis M. Bayles, Jr. from 1949 - 1952 great improvements in the physical property were made. The flat roof was removed and built up to a peak which improved appeilances and stopped leaks in the ceiling. Also the interior ofthe sanctuary was completely redecorated. A gas fired heating system has replaced the ineffective coal and oil units. The basement was plastered and decorated and modernized with cesspool, gas range and kitchen cabinets so that an adequate room is now available. The entire exterior was painted and the windows reputtied. Sidewalks were laid and the stairs repaired. Rev. Edward J. Ness directed a week of meetings in December of 1949 after which a number of members were received. Rev. B. Barthel came to lead in a week of revival prior to Easter in l95L and our hearts were made to rejoice in the Lord. Rev. Marvin M. Hudson conducted a meeting to strengthen the Sunday School program in the fall of 1952. Rev. C. P. Gates of the Oregon-Wash- ington Conference was to have come for meetings in the Spring of 1.953 but due to ill health couldn't and Rev. C. G. Bartsch held a weeks'meeting in March 1953. In February 1955, Rev. Ralph C. Hiness held a weeks' meeting. During Holy Week the last of March 1956, Rev. W. C. Lasater preached. Due to drought conditions it was not attempted to hold a revival meeting each year. The physical property was further improv- ed in the winter of 1952-1953 with the purchase and installing of six pews for the sanctuary to replace the chairs previously use. The floors were sanded and refinished before the pews were installed. Plans were made to build on a four room Sunday School addition north of the church during 19b41955. These plans were not carried out due to the drought which not only made it impossible to raise the needed money but caused a number of our church families to move from the community. This drought continued until the summer of 1957 when rains came and a good feed crop was raised which however did not help the farmers in their need for cash. The moisture in the Spring of 1957 caused plaster on the ceiling to fall. This was repaired and the entire sanctuary re-decorated. Mr. Ammonn who lives west of the church deeded the two lots north ofthe church to the church as a gift. This was much appreciated as more space was needed if it becomes possible to build onto the church for Sunday School purposes. Friendly relations were established with our sister church, The Hope Congregational Church north of Bethune, in 1960. The two women's groups invited each other to a meeting for fellowship. January 1st and Good Friday in 1961 and 1962 were utilized to have Union New Years and Good Friday Commu- nion Services, one at one church and the other at the other, alternating. October 25-29, L96l "Four Days for God" services were held under the leadership of Rev. Carl Anderson, Pastor of the Ravenna Blvd. United Presbyterian Church, Seattle, Washington, with an average attendance of 38 and 6 conversions, 1 dedication and 1 reclamation. As a result of these meetings, 8 new members were received into the church and a mid-week prayer service was started with an average attendance over the following months of 17. In January and February 1962, the pews were removed from the sanctuary and the floor sanded, then 10 coats ofseal and 3 coats of wax applied. Carpeting was laid on the chancel floor. The basement walls and ceilings were painted and plans made to put tiling on the basement floor. Annual Conference Session, June 1964, transferred Rev. U. J. Lamm and family to the Peetz congregation, to assume his duties there on July lst. In the reading of the assignments by Bishop W. Maynard Sparks, Stratton-Bethune was left "to be supplied", due to a serious shortage of ministerial supply in the Rocky Mountain Conference. This caused much concern for the Bethune congregation, as well as Stratton, as no indication could be given when the pulpit could be supplied with a regular minister. Mr. Lorin Lindstrom of Sterling, Colorado supplied one Sunday; Rev. Harold Maxwell, Professor of Religion at Westmore College, working on his PhD in Denver this summer, supplied on Sunday. Dr. Wm. L. Young, Conf. Supt. supplied several Sundays. Finally, after consultation, the decision was made by the Conference Cabinet to transfer Rev. David B. Finley from the Niwot Congregation to the Stratton-Bethune charge, to take over his duties here, August 1, 1964. This left Niwot to be supplied. October, 1965, saw the church building reshingled. This was a very much needed project. November 1, 1967, Bethune Church was re- aligned on a circuit with the Methodist Church of Burlington. The Rev. Ole Aarvold, Pastor. Thus ended a long history of alignment with the Stratton Church. Stratton was re-aligned with Zion Church of Kirk. This change was made necessary because of the severe shortage of ministerial supply in Rocky Mountain Conference which left Kirk without ministerial supply until this arrangement was made. This continues a policy in our Conference that has seen several Methodist - E.U.B. yoked circuits, as the Union of the two churches approaches. In June of 1969, Rev. Willis C. Wisehart was appointed to the Burlington-Bethune charge. Some consideration had been given to closing the church at a Church Conference in May 1969 due to declining population. It was decided to continue for another vear and then evaluate this situation. A speciai congregational meeting was held on September 10, 1970 at which time it was voted to close the church as of October 1, 1970. The last service was held at 9:30 A.M. on September 27 and, a basket dinner was served at noon. The Trustees were authorized, to dispose of the property under the direction of the Rockv Mountain Conference Board of Trustees. This brings to a close a spiritual pilgrimage and ministry of more then forty years of service, by Betty Guy IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH T25l The pioneers who came to live north of Bethune and Burlington establishing the "Settlement" community soon gathered to worship and have christian fellowship because they missed their religious services, needed instruction for their children and there were babies to be baptized. They gathered together and arrangements were made to start worship services in the home of Mr. Christian Dobler which was located near the center of the community. Because there was no pastor, one was selected to read a sermon using their books and Bibles that they brought with them. These services were held every Sunday and were called "Lesegottesdienst" or reading services. The fathers Dobler and Strobel took turns reading the sermons and leading the meetings. These services did not satisfy these people; therefore, they called Rev. Maier who served another church 15 miles northeast called the Evangelical Lutheran Salem Church in the summer of 1890. Rev. Maier served them every third Sunday and they held their Lesegottesdienst on the other Sundays. This was the official beginning ofour congregation. The first child baptized was A. W. Adolf. Mathis Schaal and Eva Baltzer was the first couple to be manied and Daniel Adolf was the first person buried in the summer of 1892 and Rev. Leupp was called that fall. The following are some of the families that settled in this community: Baltzer, Stutz, Bauer, Dobler, Schaal, Strobel, Adolf, Win- ters, Haefner, Fanslau, Bauder, Jacober. Kramer, Wahl, Stahlecker, Schmidke, Gramm, Weber, Zeigler, Weisshaar, Amman, Knodel, Weiss, Stolz, Schlichenmayer, Gowagner, and others that came later. �Iw fl:l:::. ,it.'] call and came in January, 1930. He also served St. Paul's in Burlington and because he chose to live in town, the parsonage was now vacant. One bright event came to the congregation in 1932 with the ordination of Rev. Ernest Stolz, a child of the congregation. The church remained strong despite the difficult times brought on by the depression and drought. They were able to maintain t. .A '6.lhl li:':lll er€ w I rs* a{tl .f9r ffi : their pastor by sharing food etc. The sunday school was conducted in two languages, the German consisting of three classes and the American with five classes along with a large Bible class which were held each Sunday. *s. 3iil & I Worship services were conducted in German for many years with the transition to the English services being made in the 1940's. Activities and special events were the annual ( I 3t'4&) Children's Day with the making of homemade ice cream in huge wooden freezers, the church picnic, the annual Mission Festival held in the fall, and the Children's Christmas program held on Christmas eve. The last two Immanuel Lutheran Church located north of Bethune. This picture shows the group that gathered to celebrate their 90th anniversary in July of 1980. in July of 1909 and was followed by Rev. Martin Jensen. Recorded in the Dakota Free Press, November 8, 1909, Immanuel's congregation had 17 voting members and a total membership of 287. In 1911 congregational differences brought about the separation of several members and they established Hope Congre- gational Church located 1 mile north of Immanuels. Rev. Jensen left during the summer of 1912 and Rev. V. Brun came in 1913 and in the spring of that year Immanuels bought their first organ. Rev. G. Adolf came in the spring of 1916 and was followed by Rev. Otto Kloeckner in 1921. The 1920's were prosperous as a nation and April, 1985, after worship services. In the spring of 1893 these pioneers decided to build a church, 24'x40'x10', out of rock. Each married family had to haul eight loads and the single members had to haul four Ioads of rock. Mr. Dobler was the carpenter and all work was donated. Rev. Leupp laid the corner stone and in the latter part of October the church was dedicated. Rev. Leupp and Rev. Jansen officiated. Sam Schall Sr. was confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1894. This was the first confirmation class in the rock church. The church was incorporated on September 7, 1902. In the spring of that year the congregation decided to build a new parsonage, 30'x 30', one story with four rooms. The dedication was in the fall and Rev. Jansen was the first pastor to live in the new home. He went to St. Francis, Kansas and helped start Salem Lutheran Church north and west of St. Francis in 1901. He left in May of 1902 and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Ackerman who came in the summer and remained until May of 1906. Rev. Stein was called and he left community with many changes coming about. As the congregation grew in number it was decided to build a new larger church. It was to be 32' x 60' with a steeple 55' high. Mr. Schmidt was the main contractor and was finished at a cost of $7500. The alter, pulpit, and lectern were hand made by Mr. Schmidt. Thorwald's statue of Jesus was placed on the altar and the spun brass bell, cast by Stuckstede and Bros. of St. Louis, Missouri, 1926 was hung in the bell tower. The benches were hand made by Jacob Hasart Sr. The congregation supplied much of the labor with Mr. Zeiglet, Mr. Adolf, Mr. Hasart and Rev. Kloeckner in charge. The day of dedication was well attended with pastors A. Bishop, G. Bergstrasser and O. Kloeckner presiding. Rev.. Kloeckner was given a gift of gold coins from the congrega- tion for his untiring efforts in getting the project completed. When the church was completed it was debt free and valued at $10,000. The dedication was on September 26,1926 and the offering was over $360. The first couple married in the church was Daniel and Naomi Adolf on the following Wednesday. events being a part of the congregation's activities as long a can be remembered. Immanuel Lutheran church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1940 and during these past 50 years in this congregation 531 were baptized, 231 confirmed, 64 couples married, and 109 died. On January 1, 1940 the church had 63 voting members, 241 souls, 60 sunday school children, and 145 communicants. The church council consisted of six members as follows:: A.W. Adolf, Jake Hasart, Fred ZiegIer, Crist Kramer, and George Wiedman. Organist for the English service was Mrs. Woebler and Ed Stahlecker played for the German service for the last 29 years. There were about 25 to 30 men from the congregation who were drafted into the military services and all returned. In 1944 the church remodled the sanctuary consisting of the removal of the arches and the round dias. The metal wall panels were removed and replaced with new wall siding along with new drapes being hung. In 1945 they enlarged the basement by excavating under the building and adding much needed fellowship space, sunday school area and kitchen facilities. That year the old organ was presented to Mr. Ed Stahlecker for his many years of faithful service as a new piano was purchased. Mr. Rudolf Schlichenmayer became the pianist. By this time worship was conducted in English to meet the needs of a changing congregation. Rev. Woebler left after serving faithfully for 17 years with Rev. L.C. Johnson coming in 1947 to serve Immanuel and St. Paul's. Many changes were made while he was pastor. The brown hymnals were purchased, Vacation Bible School was started, Luther League for the youth was organized and the Ladies Aid was started. The Brotherhood was organized in the 1950's. New altar hangings were made of wine velveteen with gold fringe. May 21, 1950 finds the congregation cele- brating their 60th anniversary with guest speakers Rev. H.L. Woebler of Loveland, Colorado addressing the afternoon service in 1928 and died August 17, 1931 and was laid German and Dr. E.G. Fritschel, District President. Special music was presented by the choirs from neighboring Lutheran congregations from the Tri-State Conference the church. The congregation was without a pastor until Rev. H.L. Woebler accepted the note that Immanuel Lutheran Church of Bethune was the oldest active American Rev. Kloeckner also served St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Burlington during his pastorate here. He resigned in November of to rest in Immanuel's cemetery just west of and our own choir. It is of special interest to �Lutheran Church in the State of Colorado at that time. The Central District of the A.L.C. of which Colorado is a part, presented a bronze plaque to the congregation to memorialize their 60th anniversary. There were 50 active families in the congregation with a total of 198 souls. Improvements and changes made during this time were the connecting to the REA and improving the electrical system in 1951. The League had the candle holders and Communion ware gold plated. In 1953 the church was enlarged with bathrooms and sunday school rooms being added. Rev. Johnson left in June of 1954. The congregation decided that they needed to be independent and could support a pastor of their own so in 1955 they built a new parsonage south ofthe church and called Rev. A.F. Boese who came in 1955 and served the congregation through the drought of the 50's. The interior of the church and the furnishings were painted and the wood floor refinished. Due to the involvement in the Korean War several members of our church went to serve their country and all returned home. Two sons of the congregation joined the ministry of the ACL with Ivan R. Amman being ordained in 1956 and Henry Stolz was ordained in 1957 with services being held at Immanuel. Pastor Boese died in 1960 and his loss will be remembered as he served for six years and was our first pastor to live in the new parsonage. Rev. Herbert Schauer came in June of 1962. At this time church records show that in 1964 we had a baptized member- ship of 231, and 166 confirmed. During the 50's and 60's many of the young people left the community to find employment as farms were getting larger and fewer people were needed to till the land. Many members now Iive in Burlington and faithfully come to worship services and in 1960 the Ladies Aid became the American Lutheran Church Woman with all confirmed women as members. This was brought about with the merger of the American Lutheran Church with several other Lutheran bodies creating the new organization. The red hymnals were purchased in 1963. Immanuel celebrated their 75th anniversary on May 9, 1965 with guest speakers: Rev. Henry Stolz, Minden, Nebraska and Dr. E.G. Fritschel, President of the Central District. A taped message from Rev. Ivan Amman, Missionary, Territory of New Guinea was purchased a used organ in 1978 from the church in Benkelman. Nebraska and the new green hymnals were bought. Jean Weisshaar is providing music and guidance for the men's choir with Lois Jacobson as our organist with younger members assisting in the music for worship. The basement was remodled and redecorated during the winter of 1979 and the church and steeple were painted on the outside. As of January 1, 1980 membership consists of 63 active families, 228 baptized. and 178 confirmed. We began 1980 by celebrating our 90th anniversary with our first day of celebration on May 4 with Rev. Ivan Amman, Randolf, Nebraska as guest speaker for the morning service. Music for the day was provided by our own men's choir and a German Quartette from St. Francis, and by the Hope United Church of Christ choir. Mr. A.W. Adolf shared some memories from the past. A reception was held in the afternoon for the friends who were able to come and share in the fellowship of this event. Attendance for morning services was about 188 and 258 for the afternoon program. On July 27,1980, Immanuel held its Heritage Day Celebration. Bringing us the message for the morning service was Pastor Henry Stolz with Pastor Henry Thorburg and Pastor Howard Jacobson conducting the German and English worship service commerating our past. Many worshippers arrived in their buggies and wagons and riding horses and driving old cars with many people dressed in period clothing to help set the atmosphere for the day. The church was overflowing with worshippers numbering over 350 for the morning and afternoon services. Everyone gathered on the south side of the church where a group picture was taken. The afternoon program consisted of special music and a slide presentation covering events from the past 90 years and special historical events of interest were shared. Everyone shared in a huge basket dinner with the crowd overflowing outdoors as the weather was just perfect. Events held were the horseshoe games and the beard growing contest with refreshments of homemade ice cream and cookies being served and enjoyed by all creating a warmth of christian fellowship that was shared by all and will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Pastor's Fred Schauer and Greg Adolf visited us in August and our annual Mission Festival was held on September 28 with Bishop Archie Madsen, President of the presented. Mrs. Eulalia Schauer was pianist with music by several choirs from the community. Our congregation was once again called to supply young men for service in the Vietnam War with all returning home safely. The church steeple was repaired and painted Central District of the ALC bringing the morning message and the afternoon slide in the late 1960's. Rev. E. Martell came in 1967. New carpeting was purchased to cover the sanctuary windows were replaced with colored glass and the sound system was updated. As ofJanuary 1, 1988 we are a part of the new Evangelical floor and the living and dining rooms of the parsonage. New altar paraments were made ofraw silk in the colors ofthe church year and the red velveteen backdrop was hung in 1968. Rev. Henry Thorburg came to Immanuel in 1973. In 1974 Fred Schauer, former member, chose Immanuel for his ordination. In 1976 the congregation held a special service celebrating the Bi-Centenial of our nation. Pianists were Louise Schlichenmayer, Karen Ziegler and Janet Weisshaar Willis. In 1977 Rev. Howard Jacobson accepted our call and arrived in Januarv. The church presentation on his trip to Africa. Rev. Michael Greenwalt accepted our call in September of 1983 and left in the fall of 1987. During this time the upper part of the Lutheran Church in America due to the merger of three large Lutheran bodies. Membership consists of 2l9baptized and 162 confirmed members. Pastor Dennis Mueller is serving as supply pastor and pianists are Jean Weisshaar, Gladys Stolz, Eulalia Mueller and guitarists James Lightle and Roger Weisshaar providing music for our services. If those first pioneers could be with us now, they would see that their dream of freedom and a home of their own became a reality in the presence of this congregation and com- munity today. May our God who has so faithfully showered His blessings upon us be Praised! by Marlyn Hasart HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST T252 Hope United Church of Christ was organized in a School house 11 miles north and 1 mile east of Bethune, Colorado, on Aug. 31, 1911 in what was then called Yale, CO. At this time a group of 11 families gathered with the Pastors F. Sattler, G. Schmidt and J. Wagner who helped with the organization of the "German Evangelical Congregational Hoffnungs Church" as it was originally named. The names of those charter member families were: Andreas and Beata Bauer. Margareta, Martin and Mathilda; Christian and Christina Gramm, Gottlieb and Eliz- abeth; Jacob and Emma Gramm; Gottlieb and Christina Knodel, Edward and Gottlieb; Gustave and Christina Paster, and Katherina; Matthias and Eva Schaal, Edward and John; Anna Magdalena Schmidke and Emma; Samuel and Bertha Schmidke Jr.; Christian and Dorothea Strobel, Lydia, Emil, Pauline and Christ: Friedrich and Maria Stutz, Lydia, Ida and Whilimina; Joseph and Margareta Weisshaar. On January 18, 1912 the congregation voted to build a church and this task was undertaken immediately. The first church building was a small one-room frame structure which stood some 250 feet west and north of the present brick church. It was completed and dedicated, together with the cemetary, on Feb. 18, 1912, only one month after it was started, on land donated by John Dobler Sr. In 1923 he added to this parcel so that a parsonage could be built adjacent to the church. The details of the construction are as follows: Building funds were obtained in the sum of $150.00 from the Congregational Building and Loan Association; member donations were collected in the sum of $316.75. This was a total of $466.75 which was also the construction cost. Needless to say, many hours of dedicated volunteer labor went into the building. Christian Dobler was the carpenter. A pump organ was purchased on November 20,l9l4,atacost of 975.00. The first organists were William Stutz and Doro- thy Schaal. For several years the congregation was served by student pastors during the summer months, and the rest of the time reading of sermons by the elders of the church for the worship services. The elders and older members also helped conduct the Sunday School for the children which always preceeded the morning worship service. The afternoon hours were devoted to Christian Endeavor for the Youth and immediately following an hour of prayer and singing. Christian Endeavor especially gave the youth the opportunity to use and develop their talents, formulate and express their thoughts on a given subject, based on the study of the Bible. The prayer meeting or hour of prayer was an outgrowth of the revival meetings conducted by the Evangelist Rev. John Schwabenland. This filled a real need and the deep spiritual longing of these first pioneer families. The �able at that time. Rev. J.P. Flemmer was then called to Hope Church and he was the first to call the new parsonage "home". This was erected on a site north of the present church in 1923, being dedicated on July 15 of that year. Rev. Flemmer came direct from Redfield, So. Dak. Seminary in the summer of 1922 and boarded ,t\ at the home of the Jacob and Katherina Strobel family until the new parsonage was completed. Rev. Flemmer was married to Marie Fahrenbruch on May 16 and so he and his new bride began their life together in the new parsonage and served the church until L925. ;)!.::: t :1:l . *.-'I . &:Ws'ry' -i ,, " " ::6 Hope United Church of Christ formerly Hope Congregational Church, 1912 student pastors that served the young church during the first six summer months from 1912 to 1917 were: John Rothenberger, Karl Haemmelmand, J. Peter Wagner, R. Otto, A. Selmikeit and V. Pietzko. Then in 1918 Rev. Karl Haemmelmann was called to serve as the first full-time pastor. He remained to served the church until 1922. During his ministry, the yearly salary paid was $500.00. It is also interesting to note that the first Mission Fest offering was $50.50. A joyous occasion took place when Rev. Haemmelmann and Minnie Stutz were married here at Hope Church as Minnie was a charter member of the new church. They lived approximately three miles south of the church on land they purchased, which had an adobe house standing on it. The church came together and helped them set up housekeeping since no parsonage was avail- The brick church was built in 1928, a beautiful sight on the plains north of Bethune. During the ministry of Rev. C.E. Maedche the congregation voted to erect a new church. The basic contract was awarded to Mr. J.A. Haughey of Burlington, Colorado. He completed this work for $5,494.00. The total cost of the finished structure was $7,500.00 in- cluding furnishings. The new church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God on September 2,1928. Present at this dedication were Rev. Mssr. J. Peter Wagner, J.P. Flemmer, J. Rothenberger, H.J. Stroh and Theodore Strobel, all of whom assisted in the dedication service. Present also were pastors from Burlington, Co. churches who brought greetings in the English language, Rev. Alley, Methodist Church and Rev. Tyner, First Christian Church. Rev. Maedche served Hope Church longer than any previous minister, 8 years, terminating his pastorate in 1934. Rev. and Mrs. Maedche lost their oldest son during their tenure here and he is buried in Hope cemetary. On a more joyous note Rev. Maedche had the privilege of officiating at the marriage of John and Margaret Weisshaar, being the last couple married in the little frame church, and John Gramm and Frieda Adolf, the first couple in the new church. In a note which was found written in John Strobel's personal handwriting, some of the costs of the church were broken down as follows: Brick (25,000)-$29.50/thousand- $73?.50. Tile-$90.00/thousand-$94.00. Cem- ent for basement, side steps-$320.00. Seats (each)-$4.25. 3 Art stained glass windows- ;r;t .rlilijr,rrj.!:!1i..'::l:r:,., ],:tl ll::.:. l.ltl,.. ,,1., :l':],.' :r':,,':, :ti.::; .' a)a',,,a: : ::,.,:,t;. i . ,,,:t,, . ,:::, l.',,.. ",,]j,' $402.00. In 1935 Rev. John and Julia Hoelzer came to Hope Church and they ministered through the difficult depression and dust-bowl years. A number of families left during this time to find better opportunities to make a living, which made it more difficult for those that remained to maintain the church. However, the Ladies Missionary and Aid Society was organized the first year the Rev. Hoelzers were at Hope, and the 25th Anniversary of the church was celebrated the following year, August 29-30, 1936. Rev. J.F. Reister filled the pulpit from 1939 to L942. Rev. H.G. Pfeiff began his ministery in 1943 and it was during this time the church became self-supporting. Previously, the church had received financial assistance from the Board of Home Missions. In 1944-46, during the ministry of Rev. D. Schurr, the church came very close to being consumed by fire. Lightning struck close to the church and the wiring carried cunent to the furnace room where a fire was started. Fortunately, this was discovered and did very little damage. Student Arthur Siewart served during his Christmas vacation from Yankton College. Rev. J. Rothenberger called Hope The parsonage, church and cemetary of Hope United Church of Christ, 1950's. Church his home from 1947-1950; he had �previously served as the first student pastor in 1912. In 1951 Rev. Wm. R. Schafer came to serve the church and was ordained here. He served the church until 1953. During the ministry of Rev. H.E. Wilske, (1953-1959), the parsonage was moved to Burlington, Co. It was completely remodeled and still remains at 325-16th St. During 1960 and 1961, the church was served by several supply pastors including students E. Schoessler, Rev. B. Barthel, P. Kreuzenstein and V. Schively. On Aug. 26-27,t961, Hope Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary. There were over 250 members and guests present for this occasion. It was during this same year that the congregation voted to accept the constitution of the United Church of Christ. Rev. John Eversole was at Hope from 1962-1963. Rev. Arthur Hoffman served from 1964 to 1968 and during this time (1967) a new organ was purchased by Mr. Jake Schaal. This was a surprise to everyone when they came to church for Mission Fest Sunday that year. During the ministery of Rev. Virgil Kellogg, it was voted to build an addition over the south entrance of the church. This also provided an extra Sunday School room. This was the year 1970. Rev. Kellogg became ill and passed away during his calling at Hope Church. Students R. Freeman, Ron Wunsch and Rev. H. Griffith then filled the pulpit. Rev. Ruben Isaak came to the church in 1971. At this time extensive remodeling was undertaken with carpet being Iaid in the sanctuary and side room. Linoleum was put in the basement. Rev. Isaak eventually left Hope Church due to the prolonged illness and death of his wife, Alta. Under his ministry, however, many new members were added to the role of the church and many were baptized in the name of the Lord. During Rev. Isaak's absence, Rev. Howard Johnson filled the pulpit. Rev. Isaak returned to the church in 1978 retiring as a full-time pastor at the end ofthis year. Rev. Loren Swanson served Hope from 1979-1981. The Dr. Rev. Albert Wetzel was called to the church in 1982 and served the church through 1986, along with his wife Rosemary and daughter Julie. In 1982, during his installation as pastor at the Hope Church, he was also recognized for serving 25 years in the ministry. It was under his direction and guidance that we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Hope United Church of Christ. It was noted that in celebrating this joyous occasion, new pews had been added to the sanctuary and remodeling of the kitchen completed. Two of the charter members are still living. They are Christ Strobel and Mathilda (Hohn) Mitchell, as well as 8 of the charter family's children, who were Sunday School age and under at the time of the organization. They are: Eva (Knodel) Schaal; Margaret (Weisshaar) Strobel; Pauline (Gramm) Schaal; William Stutz; Emil Schmidke; Emma (Schmidke) McDowell; Anna (Bauer) Hays; and Edward Bauer. On Easter Sunday, April lg, 1987, Pastor Ted Meter first served Hope Church. He and his wife, Betty, arrived from North Dakota and were surprised to be greeted by an extensively remodeled and modernized parsonage. At this writing, Meters are actively and busily involved in the work ofthe church serving the Lord. Registered thus far in the church records: 255 Baptisms; 183 Confirmations; 73 marriages; 88 Funerals; and 104 Families. OUR CHURCH SCHOOL- The purpose of the Sunday School is to teach the children the Bible stories that would mold their lives into law abiding and God fearing citizens. In the beginning it was conducted in the German language and children were taught the German ABCs and how to write in German. The memorizing of Bible verses and studying of Bible stories taught them about the love of God and singing the song "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so," has helped them to love God and also to love their fellowmen. The first week in June a week of Vacation Bible School is held and children bring their money for a missionary in a foreign land, and a program at the end to tell what they have learned during the week. One of the highlights of the year is the Sunday School picnic on a Sunday in July in a grove of trees by the river and singing of the hymn "Shall We Gather at the River" and an open air church service. After the service we share a potluck dinner and freezers of homemade ice cream. Also games and visiting makes for a day of good Christian fellowship. Near Thanksgiving time, recitations and parts for drills are handed out for the Christmas program on Christmas eve. The program ends with a pageant and a nativity scene to commemorate the birth of the Savior of the world. PAIRS & SPARES- Pairs and Spares was organized in 1982, under the direction ofRev. and Mrs. Albert Wetzel. The group is open to anyone, and presently consists of the younger married and singles of the church. Meetings are held in various members'homes on the third sunday evening of the month. Fellowship consists of Bible study and sharing views on controversial issues concerning Christian living. During the summer months we take advantage of the various outdoor activities. Our goal is to further our education in Jesus Christ and His teachings, and use it to walk closer with Him in our everyday lives. THE MUSICAL DEPARTMENT- It ap- parently started as a mixed choir in the early years (1912-13), and later Rev. Flemmer started a men's quartet, consisting of himself, John Dobler, Bill Stutz, and Ted Knodel. From there it has blossomed into a larger men's choir that has lasted until the present time with various choir directors through the years. The church has been fortunate to always have two or three, or more, accompanists available. There is also a host oftalented singers as demonstrated in the congregational singing each Sunday. At the present time there is a men's choir that sings in the winter months. In the summer and fall a mixed choir sings, or special numbers are provided by various members of the church. There have been cantatas and concerts performed at the church. Most of the cantatas were performed with Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Hope Church combined. A lot of dedication and hard work have made the music at Hope Church an important and necessary part of the church and has been very instrumental in the growth of the church. MISSIONARY AND AID SOCIETY- The first official meeting was held on July 1, 1935, at the church. Some of the highlights of this meeting are: The name of the organization shall be called the "Missionary and Aid Society". Meetings shall be held the first Thursday of the month. The motto will be "Alle Eure Dinge Lasset in der Liebe Geshehen" (Let All Your Efforts Be Motivated bv Charity and Love). The present motto is "Wi No Longer Strangers Are". All 2l ladies present were recognized as "charter members". They were Christina Gramm, Magdalena Dobler, Julia Hoelzer, Carolina Schaal, Emma M. Schaal, Lena Strobel, Emma Schaal, Edna Dobler, Pauline Schaal, Martha Gramm, Margaret Strobel, Lydia Gramm, Frieda Gramm, Christina Knodel. Pauline Stahlecker, Martha Adolf. Anna Strobel, Martha Schlichenmayer, Pauline C. Schaal, Lydia Adolf and Rev. John Hoelzer. The first meeting held in English was on Feb. 2, 1950. This group was organized to be mission dedicated to help the needy in the community and foreign missions. The aid celebrated its 25th Anniversary in June 1960 and the 50th Anniversary in June 1985. AND THEY WENT FORTH- Three young men have gone forth from the Hope Church into the full-time service of the Church. THEODORE. C. STROBEL graduated from Redfield Seminary and was ordained in 1921 in Canada, where he served a church parish for about three years. Ted also served churches in Colorado and the Dakotas, as well as on the West Coast, for the past 50 years, the last 10 years as interim pastor. DR. WALTER E. DOBLER graduated from Yankton School ofTheology, Yankton, South Dakota. He then attended the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Cen- ter, Mass. where he completed residence requirements for his Doctorate degree. He was ordained in 1942 at the American FallsTwin Falls, Idaho parish. Dr. Dobler was appointed to the faculty of the Yankton School of Theology as a Professor of German Language and Literature. He served several churches throughout the Northern and Eastern areas of the United States. Dr. Dobler was Associate Conference Minister for the western area of the Missouri Conference. HERBERT R. SCHAAL graduated from Yankton School of Theology. He was ordained in Crook, Colorado in 1966. In 1958 he was commissioned as missionary to our work in Concordia Entre Rio Argentina, South America. He served as Superintendent ofthe work there, including the School of Theology in which ministers were trained for both Brazil and Argentina. He and wife Doris served in Argentina f.or L2 years and then served several churches in the United States. In addition to these persons, yet another young lady from Hope Church has served for many years as a ministers wife, namely, Minnie (Stutz) Haemmelmann. Two of her sons and a daughter, as well as a grandson, are also in full-time christian service. AND THEY FOLLOW AFTER- Dr. Robert Strobel, son of Rev. Theo. Strobel was Professor of Religious Education at United Theological Seminary for 25 years from the very beginning, and his wife, Alice, as Admis- sions Secretary during those years. Robert also served in the Air Force as Chaplin for many years, and Betty, daughter of Rev. Strobel also was active in church work for many years as the wife of Rev. Ernest Sprenger. Rev. David Dobler, son of Dr. Walter Dobler is also in the ministry and presently serving in Alaska. Patty (Schaal) Browning, daughter of Rev. Herbert Schaal and her husband, Steve, are scrving in the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (College Campus Ministry) presently at Seattle, � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bethune Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource The history of the Town of Bethune as recorded in the History of Kit Carson Count book. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a>