USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 15
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The professional spirit of the teaching force of the county is all that could be desired. The annual institute and county teachers' meetings are always well attended, which gives ample proof that such teachers are wide awake and desirous of new ideas and better methods of instruction.
Three county associations are held during the school year in which papers on timely school topics are read and discussed with enthusiasm. Teachers derive much benefit from these meetings in the discussion of the various features of the program.
According to a long established custom the annual institute is held during the third week of June in the assembly room of the Columbus high school. Three instructors are usually employed who are thoroughly in touch with the general conditions of school affairs in Nebraska, and especially as to the rural school and its problems. All instruction must be practical and applicable to the majority of our schools.
No trouble is experienced in teachers not attending the annual institute, as it is only necessary to make the announcement in order to assure that all teachers will be present.
The grade in professional interest is earned, not given. Each teacher receives 1 per cent credit for each day of institute and teachers' meetings attended. The reading circle work of the county is fairly satisfactory. Noticeable results are obtained in actual school work by those teachers who do the reading circle work in a thorough and systematic manner.
During the past two years ten new modern schoolhouses have been built in the city and rural districts of Platte County. In the building of each of these ten schoolhouses a practical architect was employed to draw the plans and superintend the construction. These schools are modern in every respect and the pride of the community. Although Platte County is making rapid strides in the erection of new school
V.J. 1-10
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homes for the boys and girls, we still have several school buildings that are far from being sanitary in light, heat and ventilation.
About 50 per cent of the rural schools of Platte County are equipped with a system of heating and ventilating. The first plant of this kind was installed over four years ago. In no instance have teachers, pupils or patrons complained as to any defects in these systems, but all are enthusiastic as to practical and hygienic results being obtained.
The Nebraska course of study is doing much for the uniformity of work in the rural schools of Platte County. It is a worthy guide to the experienced teacher and indispensable to the teacher who is teaching her first term. Platte County schools are in much better condition as to grades and progress in class work, since an effort has been made to comply with the work outlined as near as conditions will permit. A much used course of study is found on the desk of each teacher in the county.
Eighth grade examinations are conducted by the different high school principals of the six town schools of the county, thus making it quite convenient for all pupils wishing to take the examinations. All papers are corrected by the county superintendent and only those who are worthy in every respect are permitted to pass into the work of the high school.
The school affairs of the county as a whole are quite satisfactory. The co-operation of the teachers, patrons and school boards make the work along all lines pleasant and profitable.
CHAPTER X THE PRESS
THE COLUMBUS GOLDEN AGE
The first newspaper published in Platte County was the Columbus Golden Age (nicknamed Golden Sausage), printed by C. C. Strawn, on a Washington hand press. The forms were put up on a cotton- wood slab from John Rickly's sawmill nearby. The paper was a six- column folio and published every Thursday. It was the only paper printed between Omaha and Fort Kearney at that time. The rates of advertising were for one column one year, quarterly in advance, $350; one-half column, $200; one-quarter column, $100; locals, 20 cents a line. Notices of births, deaths and marriages, $1 each. The editor promised his readers the latest and most reliable news from all parts of the world. He said his paper would devote itself espe- cially to local and territorial interests, and give a fair and candid view of the great questions before the people. Its columns would be open for the discussion of all important questions of public interest. He claimed his paper to be a lively little sheet, having a large circula- tion. In addition to conducting the paper, the editor of the Age advertised himself as an attorney-at-law, insurance agent and light- ning rod dealer.
Among those who advertised in the first issue of the Age were L. M. Cook, blacksmithing; American Hotel, C. H. and C. Whaley, proprietors : Becker & Wolfel, dealers in groceries and dry goods; H. J. Hudson, groceries, ice cream, justice of the peace; Jacob Ernst, blacksmithing: Stillman & Garwood, druggists, physicians and sur- geons : J. H. Roberts, coffin maker; Moses Welch & Company, black- smithing; Francis A. Hoffman, dry goods, groceries and hardware; L. M. Beebe and Guy C. Barnum, meat market; Kummer & Galley, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes; Barns & Co., lumberyard; John Rickly, exchange store, merchandise, saw logs, lumber and town lots: Gerrard & Taylor, attorneys and real estate; J. E. Kelley, attorney
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at law; Williams & Speice, solicitors in chancery. F. G. Becher and J. P. Becker gave notice to the public that a pontoon bridge had been put across the Loup River, thus doing away with the ferry boat; no delay on account of sand bars and high winds. Charles Bremer, pro- prietor of the Cross Keys Brewery, was an advertiser in the Age.
Over seventeen columns of advertising appeared in the first issue, about one-half from Omaha. The fourth issue contained the farewell address of Doctor Adonis, who bade adieu to Columbus and departed for Utah. J. M. Carothers then became the local editor. Among the items of news that appeared subsequently in the Age were the following:
"Some of our enthusiastic young men have formed themselves into a phrenological club. They will examine anything from a bump on a log to a mosquito blister, from a political sore head to that of a Pawnee brave, or an Omaha editor. Brothers J. E. Kelley, C. C. Strawn and L. Gerrard are the shining lights.
"A meeting will be held at the house of Patrick Lynch, of Shell Creek, tomorrow evening, for the purpose of raising funds to build a schoolhouse.
"Reverend Maxfield will preach at the town hall next Sabbath at 11 o'clock A. M., and at 7 o'clock in the evening.
"Rev. Mr. Erlach will say mass at the usual hours in the Catholic Church.
"Elder Hudson of the Latter Day Saints Church will hold services at McAllister's schoolhouse at 2 o'clock P. M. next Sabbath."
Issue of July 12, 1866: "Gen. John M. Thayer and Thomas W. Tipton were elected United States senators on yesterday by the Nebraska Legislature. Both are radical republicans. O. T. B. Williams and Hon. E. W. Arnold were in the Legislature from Platte County.
"The tide of emigration, checked for a season by the disturbing influences of the war, is again pouring over the western bank of the Missouri.
"The Johnson Democratic Club meets every Saturday evening.
"The Johnson Lager Beer Destroying Angels hold a six hours' session every Saturday evening.
"Our enterprising townsman, Frank G. Becher, is burning the first kiln of brick in Platte County at the bluffs, north of Columbus." This brickyard was located east of where W. T. Ernst now lives.
"On Saturday, July 29, 1866, Bishop Clarkson will hold Episcopal services in the town hall."
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Issue of July 12, 1866, contains the more important passages of Governor Butler's message to the Legislature. September 6, 1866, contains nearly three columns of an address delivered before the Johnson Democratic Club, by H. J. Hudson. The editor, although not agreeing with all the sentiments expressed in the address, com- mended it very highly.
Notwithstanding the Golden Age had weathered the storm that usually overtakes pioneer newspapers, the editor was compelled to make an assignment at the end of three months' publication. The assignees were Charles H. Whaley, John Rickly, J. P. Becker and V. Kummer. The paper was sold at public auction, September 18, 1866, to the highest bidder. W. B. Dale being the lucky purchaser, for the sum of $275. The last issue appeared September 13, 1866.
COLUMBUS JOURNAL
Shortly after the collapse of the Golden Age, in the fall of 1866, O. T. B. Williams established the Platte Journal, which remained under that title for about a year, or until it went into the hands of M. K. Turner & Co., which was in 1870. The first number of the Jour- nal appeared a six-column folio, and before the expiration of the year, the name had been changed to the Columbus Journal. In the Platte Journal, of date May 11, 1870, the earliest issue of any news- paper published in Platte County, on file. the editor, M. K. Turner, made his bow to the reading people of the community in the follow- ing salutatory:
"We have two objects before us as publishers: First to conduct a good local, independent newspaper; second, to make money thereby. By a newspaper, we mean a paper that will answer the question. 'What's the news?'
"Seeking information from all quarters, we shall especially open our columns to news from communities and sections where our paper circulates most -- Madison, Stanton, Merrick, Polk, Butler, Dodge, Colfax and Platte counties.
"Gentlemen, you have answered scores of letters touching a set- tlement in your neighborhood, etc .; after this, write one good letter answering all such questions, send it to us and we will publish it gratis-thereby saving you considerable trouble and expense.
"By independence we mean the opportunity of saying what we think on any subject which we choose to write upon without feeling under any obligation whatever to do our thinking at second hand or to conciliate any one by going out of the line of truth and fair dealing.
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"It is too common for partisan politicians to wage indecent war against their foes, but the day is dawning when fair minded men, honest, capable men, will be the ruling politicians. Honest men and honest measures! that secure these fair criticisms; free expression of opinion, and action not constrained by party whips.
"By a local paper we mean one devoted to local interests par- ticularly, though not exclusively. Columbus is and will continue to be the business center of as fine a farming and grazing country as human eyes ever beheld, and which in a few years will be thickly dotted with residences, groves, orchards and fields of grain. Every other business rests upon the farming interests and to that interest we purpose devoting a great deal more time and space than is usually given. We shall keep a carefully corrected price list of the chief articles bought or sold by farmers and a faithful price list of building material that those contemplating settlement here may rely upon as correct. We shall do all in our power to encourage emigration by honestly presenting the advantages of our section of the state. In the conduct of the Platte Journal we cannot hope to please all, but we do expect to further every laudable interest of the community and in so doing we confidently bespeak your support."
The Journal made its first appearance as a six column folio, neatly printed, and had a fair measure of support from subscribers and business men. On its first page were the following cards:
Speice & North, Andrew H. Adams, Higgins & Conroy, A. Miller, attorneys at law; J. O. Shannon, justice of the peace; S. A. Bonesteel, C. B. Stillman, B. B. Kelley, physicians; Crandall & Griggs, millinery; Smith and Henderson, Jerome MeGinnis, painters; James Hannan, boots and shoes; Bernard Bubach, merchant tailor: A. J. Arnold, jeweler; Dan Faucett, harness: 1. M. Cook. William Hoefelman, blacksmiths; Lewis Phillips, boots and shoes.
On the second page were the cards of Gerrard & Taylor, attorneys and real-estate agents; Mrs. Arthur, millinery; John M. Bowman, billiard hall; Davis & Brewer, carpenters: Andrew J. Stevens, real- estate agent and banker; Turner & Hulst, lumber; C. B. Stillman had a half column drug ad. and the dry goods house of Will B. Dale occupied a whole column in advertising its advantages. At the time Dale was mayor of the city.
The third page had a few locals, also an advertisement of the Clother House, C. D. and George W. Clother, proprietors; E. A. Gerrard & Co., dealers in horses, cattle, etc .; Pawnees goods, Indian curios, buffalo robes, etc., by L. W. Platte, alias Keatsco-toose; Eben
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Pierce, dealer in staple and fancy dry goods; HI. P. Coolidge, hard- ware and cutlery; J. P. Becker, wholesale and retail dealer in gro- ceries, grain, flour and agricultural implements; also proprietor of the Shell Creek Flouring Mill; W. C. Sutton, the Cheap Store, north side railroad track; H. Compton & Co., wholesale and retail grocers, boots and shoes; The Home Insurance Company, by Gerrard & Tay- lor, agents; bakery and confectionery, Ruegg Brothers & Co., who advertised that they also kept in connection with the above business, a coffee saloon and well assorted stock of the best tobaccos and cigars, opposite the U. P. depot, near the Clother House; Columbus Meat Market, by S. J. Marmoy.
On the fourth page were comments on various topics and two columns of advertising taken up by Will B. Dale, dry goods, cloth- ing, etc .; the new store of Bonesteel Brothers; Exchange Store of J. Rickly; advertisement of the Omaha Republican; liquor house of Adler & Heller; the American House, corner Seventh & Washington avenue, C. Whaley, proprietor; J. B. Beebe, rauch cattle.
M. K. Turner died in 1902, after which a stock company was organized and purchased the paper and plant from the estate, Fred II. Abbott holding the position of editor and manager. Mr. Abbott was succeeded by R. G. Strother, who conducted the business until the plant was sold to A. J. Mason and M. S. Binney, this firm was succeeded by Mason Bros., who sold to a stock company, and the paper was edited until October, 1914, by F. R. Galbraith. In October Mr. Thomas Curran, of York, Neb., purchased Mr. Galbraith's inter- est and was elected president of the present Journal Publishing Com- pany, the other officers of the company are R. L. Dickinson, vice president; M. G. Fallon, secretary; C. N. McElfresh and David Thomas, directors. Mr. Fallon is the managing editor.
COLUMBUS REPUBLICAN
Frank B. Burgess started the Columbus Republican in May, 1875. This was an eight-column folio, which attained a good local circulation and the paper continued successfully for over a year, when, in 1877, Burgess sold the office to Calmer McCune, who removed it to David City and there started the David City Republican.
COLUMBUS GAZETTE
The first number of the Columbus Gazette was published March 1. 1881, by William Burgess, editor and proprietor. Emerson J.
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Potts, who operated a well paying book and job office, started the publication of a six-column paper in 1879, called the Independent. This office was purchased by the Burgess family, who issued there- from the Columbus Gazette, when the Independent lost its identity. The Gazette was republican in its political bias and maintained a decided position in favor of the cause of temperance, woman's suf- frage, Indian civilization, progressive education and salutary reform. Mr. Burgess remained in control of the Gazette until 1882, when he went to California after establishing the Genoa Leader.
PLATTE COUNTY DEMOCRAT
The first number of the Platte County Democrat made its appear- ance in Columbus on the 19th day of August, 1897. The Democrat was a six-colunm quarto, published every Thursday by B. P. Duffy & Son. The subscription price was $1, payable in advance. "Demo- cratic at all times and under all circumstances," appeared as the motto. In his salutatory the editor stated that he did not issue the Democrat because of there being a shortage of newspapers in Platte County. He said he had no apology to offer for issuing a democratic newspaper, as none was required. He believed that the time had come for the publication of such a paper, and hoped that he would be able to conduct the editorial columns in such a manner that all would recog- nize it as democratic at all times and under all circumstances. The editorials of the Democrat were bold and aggressive. The Democrat was removed to Humphrey, Platte County, the first issue appearing from that place on the 17th day of March, 1898. From February 10, 1898, George Duffy was the manager of the Democrat, B. P. Duffy still remaining the editor. In January, 1901, the paper was sold to HIerbes Brothers, of Humphrey. The new editors changed the name to the Leader.
THE LEADER
Friday, September 24, 1897, appeared in Columbus the first issue of The Leader, a republican paper, with William M. Hutt as editor and proprietor. It was a five-column quarto, subscription price $1 in advance. The editor said his paper would speak for itself-must stand or fall on its merits. The Leader suspended publication with the second number.
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THE COLUMBUS DEMOCRAT
The Columbus Democrat was established as The Era in February, 1874, by W. N. Hensley, editor and proprietor. The paper was con- tinued until November, 1880. For a few months there was no publi- cation, but on April 9. 1881. the first number of The Democrat appeared, under the management of A. D. and J. K. Coffroth, with the former in editorial control. The Democrat was a seven-column folio, with the partisan leanings its name indicates. On account of increasing patronage, the paper was enlarged, and the name changed to
THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM
The Telegram remained under the control of the Coffroths for some years. About the year 1899 Edgar Howard secured control of the Telegram and in 1901 the Telegram Company was incorporated under the laws of Nebraska. The authorized and issued capital stock amounts to $10,500, in shares of $100 each, fully paid. All of this stock is owned by Edgar Howard, Helen, Mary, Findley and Eliza- beth Howard, Will Gregorius, Zela Loomis and Lloyd Swain. In a notice heading the first cohumm on the editorial page, the statement is made that "Lloyd Swain, Zela Loomis and Edgar Howard, and none other, are the writers responsible for all unsigned or unaccredited editorial, or local opinion expressed in the columns of this paper." Zela H. Loomis, vice president; Lloyd Swain, secretary-treasurer; Edgar Howard, editor.
The Telegram is a twelve-page, six-column paper, issued every Friday. The editor is brainy, fearless and a ready writer, and in the Telegram he has been giving the people of Columbus and a wide area of country, local and foreign news, neatly and beautifully printed. In 1913 the Telegram moved into a new modern. two-story brick home, in which was installed a linotype, news and job presses, and all the necessary material required by the twentieth century newspaper.
THE NEBRASKA BIENE
On May 15, 1914, the Nebraska Biene (Nebraska Bee) enjoyed its twenty-first anniversary under the above name, and its thirty-sixth as the only German paper in Columbus and Platte County, under its original name of "The Columbus Wochenblatt" (Columbus Weekly).
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For this occasion it published the following statement under its editorial :
With this number the Nebraska Biene celebrates its twenty-first birthday and anniversary of its weekly appearance. As is seen on its front page, the old annual number of the ex-Columbus Wochen- blatt is No. 36, the new annual number of the Nebraska Biene is No. 21. So it is the oldest of all the Columbus papers of today, and may justly be called one of the old settlers.
Thirty-six years ago, an educated young German-Pole, Mr. Rob- ert Lange, who is now a mine speculator in a Western State, founded and established the Columbus Wochenblatt. This first paper con- sisted of three pages of patent print, which were shipped in, a fourth page of whatever news he could gather together from the locality and the four directions of the hemisphere, which was also printed by another paper. These papers he then addressed himself, and mailed them to his subscribers. Mr. Emil Pohl, at that time in partnership with Mr. Gerhard Schutte in the implement business on Thirteenth Street, where the Columbus Mercantile Company stands today, who had been elected the year before to the position which he filled admir- ably throughout his lifetime-as leader of the newly founded Colun- bus Maennerchor-a German Singing Society-assisted in the editing of the Wochenblatt and frequently wrote political editorials, although a stern republican himself, while the Wochenblatt was sup- posed to be a democratic paper.
Platte County could already be called a German county, but the German paper did not bring its founder riches, so he sold it to Doctor Schoulau, an old doctor and newspaper man, who struggled along with it until his death in August, 1890. He now rests in peace in the Columbus Cemetery, while his family moved to Omaha.
After the death of Doctor Schoulau, Maj. J. N. Kilian bought the paper and changed its name with the first issue of the year 1893 to the present name, Nebraska Biene, and made it a strictly republican paper. He was a fiery young attorney, but his vehemence and dash in changing the political character of the paper in a German demo- cratic community was a hindrance to the development of the German press. However, upon going to the Philippines as captain of Com- pany K, of the First Nebraska Militia Regiment, in the spring of 1898, Mr. Kilian sold the paper to his assistant agent, J. H. Johannes.
Mr. Johannes immediately restored the paper to the democratie ranks, and as he was a bright young fellow, brought up among Ger- man friends on Shell Creek, he understood their wants better than any
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of his predecessors and gained a large circle of subscribers. An early death on February 12, 1908, unfortunately called him from a suc- cessful career.
Ilis successor was Henry Wilken, who bought the paper merely as a business investment, and trusted its management to Mr. Otto Kinder, an able newspaper man, now in Omaha. Mr. Wilken sold the paper to E. A. Harms, who likewise left the editorial manage- ment to Mr. Kinder, and to his foreman, Mr. Jos. Tagwerker. Under this regime, the printshop was moved from the old wooden building on Twelfth Street, south of the Union Pacific track, to the brick building of Eleventh Street which is its present home. This building he bought and rebuilt, also installing a press and other machinery, making the paper independent.
On January 11, 1913, the Nebraska Biene was sold to its present owner, Mr. Leopold Jaeggi, an old resident of Columbus, who had come here from the City of Berne, Switzerland, in 1873, and who has been a resident here since then, being for twenty years a partner in the real estate firm of Gus. Becher & Co., and Becher, Jaeggi & Co., now known as Becher, Hockenberger & Chambers. Having received a good education in the oldest republic on the globe, Mr. Jaeggi edits the paper himself. Following his own convictions and respecting the differing political creeds of his readers, Mr. Jaeggi has followed his predecessor in issuing a politically independent paper -the aim being to tell the news-at all times to stand for truth and right, and to champion the cause of the German speaking citizen in America.
CRESTON STATESMAN
This paper was established by R. B. Thompson in 1897, who remained at its head until 1899, when he sold his interests to Miss Ella Sharpnack. In December, 1901, the paper went into the hands of C. E. Wagner. The plant was totally destroyed by fire on the 31st day of October, 1903, but was rehabilitated by Wagner, who continued as editor and proprietor until April, 1914, when he sold to Mrs. Anna Roberts. The new management only lasted a few months and then, on October 19, 1914, Ray P. Burch came into possession of the Statesman. He enlarged the paper to a five-column quarto, installed a power press, new body display type and is giving the Creston people a very creditable little weekly.
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LOOKING GLASS
The first copy of the Looking Glass was issued as a five-column folio, April 11, 1889, at Monroe, by E. A. Gerrard as editor and pro- prietor. The subscription price is $1 per year, payable in advance. It is now issued as a six-colunm folio, and is recognized as the official organ of the prohibition party of the state. In his salutatory the editor stated that the name of his paper was suggested by the Looking Glass Creek, a small stream that flows near the town. He said he hoped to make the columns reflect so truthfully and pleasantly Mon- roe matters and surroundings that all might read his title clear to the name.
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