USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. I > Part 54
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THURSDAY'S RACES
Thursday afternoon the 39 hose class was called and was for all hose companies that had never beaten 39 seconds. The Kramer hose team of Kearney came up the hill against the wind and crossed the score in 40 seconds, Tony Cornelins, the great- est coupler on the face of the earth, getting time in 43 seconds; the Hollands of Red Cloud taking second money in 51 seconds : the Auroras made the run and coupling in 58.
The 44 hook and ladder class was then called and the York team appeared upon the traek. A terrific storm had come up that blew directly from the north and right in the face of the runners. The track was up hill about 15 inches to the 100 yards, or nearly 4 feet in the distance and was soft and spongy. All good judges pronounced it at least 5 seconds slow. When the York team took their place at the starting score the wind had risen to a terrific gale and was demolishing fences, stands and frightened the occupants of the amphitheatre so badly they left their seats and sought safety on the ground. Against this wind the York team came up the track and made the climb in 32 2-5 seconds. The time was considered marvelous. No one believed that it was possible to raise a 30-foot ladder in such a storm. The always ready hooks of Grand Island then started with twelve men and made a good run for 175 yards. when one of the leaders fell and was dragged until some one pulled him out of the way and a number of the York team helped push the truck home, their man climbing to the top in 75 seconds. The run created more genuine inn than any contest of the tournament.
The coupling contest was entered by Cornelins and Mott of Kearney and Dins- more and Hart of Aurora. The trial was a walk-away for the Kearney couplers, the best time being 6 2-5 seconds. The best time made by Aurora was 9 seconds.
Cornelins and Mott then gave an exhibition of their skill, making three 50 foot heats in 4, 4 and 3 4-5 seconds. Four heats of 3 feet each were made in 1 2-5, 1 1-5, 1 and 1 1-5. Cornelius made the 50 foot run and coupling alone in 4 seconds and 3 feet in 1 second. Blindfolded he made the coupling in 1 4-5 seconds.
The ladder climbing contest was won by Geo. E. Chilcote of York in three heats, the best time 7 3-5. Chas. Mott of Kearney won the second prize, the silver eup, best heat 8 seconds. The champion ladder, first prize, was awarded to Chilcote and the second prize, the silver cup, to Mott.
In the hub and hub race between the two hose teams making the slowest time the entries were the Hollands and the Auroras ; no coupling was made by either and the race was postponed until Friday.
FRIDAY'S RACES
The last day of the tournament opened bright and pleasant. The Grand Island Pompier corps gave an excellent exhibition on the front of the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building and were awarded first prize.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
The hub and hub race postponed from Thursday was first run off. The Holland hose company made the run of 100 yards and got a coupling in 26 seconds. The Aurora team failed to get a coupling. The silver trumpet given by C. I. Smith, representing the Gutta Percha and Rubber Mfg Company was accordingly awarded to the Hollands.
The state championship hose race was next. The Kramers made the run and coupling in even 42 seconds, covering the distance in 3816. This is considered a better run considering the track than the great run at Kearney in 1887, when they made their record of 3914 seconds. The Aurora Hose started next and got time in 58 4-5. The Hollands then made an elegant run to the plug, but the hose caught, smashing the reel beyond recognition, and thus failed to get it off. The board of control after examining the broken eart granted them another run, which they made in 49 4-5, winning second money. First money and the championship cart was taken for the second time by the Kramers.
The championship Hook and Ladder race was next on the programme and was filled with York, Red Cloud and Grand Island. The Red Cloud team drew first place and started making the run and climb in 571%. The York team then came upon the track and were loudly cheered. They presented the appearance of runners every man. The ladies waved their handkerchiefs and parasols and shouted "here comes the champions, don't they look splendid." The team modestly took their places at the start and at the word "go" came up the soft and spongy track like a field of thoroughbred racers on the home stretch for a neck and neck finish. Every man stayed in his place, not a runner dropping out until the score was crossed.
The ladder worked perfectly as usual, and Chilcote the surest climber that ever stepped on a track shot up the thirty feet and called time in 48 2-5. When the time was announced everybody went wild and the York contingent yelled with a peculiar York yell that was terrible to hear. The boys received the congratulations of the crowd gracefully. They realized that they had made the run of their lives. The tinie was fully a second better, everything considered than the great race at Kearney in 1887 when they lowered the world's record to 44 4-5. On the Kearney track with such a run their record would be below 44. The Always Ready Hook & Ladder of Grand Island made the run and got time in 71 1-5, York winning the cham- pionship belt for the third and last time and Red Cloud taking second money. In the tug of war contest the Holland hose company captured the trophy and first prize, the York. hooks taking second money.
Gov. Thayer made a speech and conferred all the prizes upon the winners. As he handed the championship belt to Captain Knapp of the York team he told them to "keep it forever" and pronounced them the "Champions of the whole world."
The summary of the winnings of the team at the tournament shows the cham- pion belt, the champion ladder, the chief's hat, the foreman's belt and $280 in cash, which is doing very well for a team picked up and put in harness on a week's notice.
Among the many pleasant incidents of the tournament was the presentation of a handsomely engraved gold watch to A. J. Tomlinson, chairman of the executive committee. John was the man who got up the whole tournament and in fact was the whole tournament himself. The watch was purchased by a number of his ad- miring friends and was presented by Gov. Thayer at the close of the presentation of the prizes. Mr. Tomlinson was taken by storm and completely knocked out. He
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
thanked his friends for the interest taken in his work, but thought that he had no more than done his duty.
The visiting firemen left the city on Saturday morning more than pleased with the treatment accorded them by the firemen and citizens of Red Cloud.
The board of control at its last meeting passed the following resolutions :
Board met at 8 p. m. Moved that a vote of thanks be extended to all visitors who so kindly assisted in making the seventh annual tournament a success and that special mention be made of C. H. Smith, representing the Gutta Percha and Rubber Mfg Company of Chicago, for his grand special prize trumpet and for his gallant and timely assistance during the entire week, and also special mention be made of J. I[. Meddaugh of the Boston Woven Hose Company, and Col. Phil Trounstine and C. E. Hagar of Denver and Gov. Thayer for their presence and courtesies shown the tournament management.
Moved that the thanks of the board are due the citizens and fire department of Red Cloud for their hospitality and sacrifices made by them to entertain the visitors at this tournament.
Moved that the board compliment the competing fire companies on their gen- eral good behavior and gentlemanly conduct at all times, and on the fact that the late tournament terminated so pleasantly and that not a protest was filed during the entire week.
Moved that a vote of thanks be extended to the ladies of Red Cloud for the elegant display made at the Art gallery and the financial assistance thereby rendered the tournament management.
Moved that this board censure T. R. Polglaze of the Interstate Fire Alarm Com- pany of Omaha for his treatment of the turnament committee in failing to furnish the electric starter after having voluntarily agreed to do so and failing to notify said committee until after the date set for the opening of the tournament. Board adjourned sine die.
"York. Neb., May 5, 1890.
To the Honorable, the Mayor and City Council, City of York, Nebraska. Gentlemen :
I have the honor to herewith submit my annual report as Chief of the Fire Department of the City of York. for the year ending May, 5, 1890.
The Volunteer Fire Department of this eity consists of about fifty active mem- bers divided into one hook and ladder company and three hose companies.
FIRES
The department responded to six fire alarms during the year, at two of which no service was rendered.
The city has had no disastrous fire during the year.
The four fires of the year were from the following causes:
Struck by lightning
1
Incendiary
1
Defective stove pipe 1
1
Unknown, but supposed incendiary
Total
4
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Total cash value of property destroyed by fire during the year $1,500.
Total cash value of property in hazard, which certainly would be lost without fire protection, $48,600.
Making the total loss by fire during the year less than three per cent of the property in hazard, which is a record of which the city may well feel proud, and speaks volumes for the promptness and efficiency of the volunteer fire service. This per cent would not be lower with a paid department.
Total number feet of hose laid at fires 3,600.
Distance traveled by department going to and from fires and alarms, 10,400 yards.
APPARATUS
One hook and ladder truck with seven ladders and buckets, hooks and other tools in fair condition worth about $ 500
3 hose carts, good condition 525
1,500 feet rubber hose, good condition 1,500
50
4 hose pipes
25 rubber coats and caps. 100
Total value $2,675
All of which has been paid for except $317.50 and the interest thereon due Aug. 19, 1890.
The apparatus is all in good condition except a broken boxing in one wheel of hose cart No. 1.
The department is now well organized and the discipline has been up to the standard of many paid departments whose members devote their whole time to the service.
The losses by fire next year must depend to a great extent upon the efficiency of this department of the city's servants.
As your honorable body will understand, this branch of the city employes has not cost the city funds a cent except for needed apparatus. The city cannot expect another year with so small a number of fire alarms and fires, and to keep the loss down, a little substantial encouragement should be extended to the officers of the depart- ment, who will have the brunt of the burden to carry, in order to keep fire apparatus in good, servicable condition and ready for instant use, and to keep the organization of the department in a good healthy condition. Plattsmouth has adopted a plan by which it pays to the foreman of each company $25 a year, to the chief $25 a year, and to the secretary of the department $50 a year, and $2.50 to each nozzleman for every fire, and in addition to this pays to the teams taking part in the annual state tournaments a sum equal to one dollar for each and every active member in the de- partment for the purpose of defraying their expenses.
The officers of this department have sacrificed considerable every year to keep this very necessary service in successful operation, and I would now recommend that an ordinance be passed, paying to the chief, foreman of each company and the sec- retary of the department $25 each, and to each nozzleman $2.50 for each fire at which services is rendered. This remuneration will in part reimburse the boys for the necessary damage and losses to clothing and wearing apparel and is in justice
.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
due them and will have the effect of promoting an interest among the members that will result in great good to the city. These men volunteer to defend the common property of the community without pay, and often undergo great hardships and dangers. A little trifle expended each year by the city will have a good effect, and maintain an organization of which every citizen of York is proud.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. F. CORCORAN, Chief Fire Department.
"The ninth annual convention of the Nebraska Volunteer Firemen's Association was held at Grand Island on Tuesday and Wednesday. Geo. F. Corcoran, J. V. Hyder and W. D. Fisher were the representatives of the York department. The meeting was an interesting one from start to finish and a great deal of work was done for the good of the association. John Wilson, of Kearney, was re-elected president : F. W. Crew, of St. Paul, vice president : A. J. Tomlinson, of Red Cloud, second vice president ; Geo. F. Corcoran, re-elected secretary; W. H. Havens, of Fremont re-elected treasurer. The new board of control consists of Geo. F. Corcoran, York, chairman ; A. J. Tomlinson, Red Cloud ; W. H. Havens, Fremont : F. H. Baillie, Grand Island ; Ira Johnson, Kearney ; W. Il. Pickens, Plattsmonth; C. C. Eroe, Stromsburg. The next annual meeting of the association will be held at Fremont, the third Tuesday in January, 1902. The contest for the meeting was a spirited one between Fremont and Kearney, Fremont winning on account of its central location. The matter of lo- eating the next annual tournament was referred to the board of control to locate in any city offering sufficient inducement for it. The matter will probably be decided in a few weeks. The firemen of Grand Island did themselves proud in entertaining the visiting delegates. The visitors were welcomed by Mayor Platt and the town thrown open to them. A grand parade was given Wednesday afternoon in which all the fire apparatus of the city was brought out. The meeting closed with a grand ball and banquet last night. The banquet was spread in the city hall and covers laid for 200. John Wilson presided as president of the banquet. William Geddes, of Grand Island, filled the place of toast master to perfection ; C. F. Bentley, of Grand Island, responded to the sentiment "Our Guests." F. W. Crew, of St. Paul, answered the toast "Fire" S. Il. Sornberger, of Wahoo, responded to the call of "tlose." J. D. Moore, of Grand Island, responded to the toast "The Ladies." Charles Fisher of Omaha, to the "Hook and Ladder." T. J. Ward, of Red Cloud, a man-who-never tasted-water-in-his-life, responded to the toast "Water." Geo. F. Corcoran responded to the toast "The Ninth Annual Convention." President Wilson responded to the sentiment "N. S. V. F. A." The banquet was a huge success in every respect and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The grand ball at the new A. O. U. W. hall was enjoyed by the young visitors who made many pleasant acquaintances, who will long remember the hospitality of the Grand Island firemen and citizens, all of whom hold a warm place in the heart of every fireman in Nebraska."
"STATE VOLUNTEER FIREMEN
Interesting Session of the Association at Fremont.
The State Association of the Volunteer Firemen met at Fremont last week (1890) and held an interesting session. The meeting was largely attended and the
Two VIEWS OF CITY PARK, YORK
1
THE ME RK PUBLIC Ii ARY
ASTOR, -- . OX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
boys were enthusiastic in their work, and were royally entertained by the good people of that city. A business meeting was held Wednesday to hear the reports of committees and effect an organization for business.
The committee on legislation reported that a bill had been passed by the legisla- ture of 1889 assessing all insurance companies two per cent. of their receipts for the support of the fire departments of the cities and towns of the state, and also that it was declared unconstitutional last month by the state supreme court. A committee consisting of Messrs. Sornberger, Carre, Golden, Johnson and Killian was appointed to draft a new bill, covering the same idea, to be presented and urged for passage by the next legislature.
Among the business of this meeting the following resolution was adopted :
Whereas, We believe that at the time of the World's Columbia Exposition, to be held in the city of Chicago in 1893, it would be very desirable that a most complete recognition should be tendered the volunteer firemen of America and the world and that proper arrangements should be effected to that end; therefore be it
Resolved, By the Nebraska State Firemen's Association, in convention as- sembled, that we hereby endorse the action already taken by the Illinois, Arkansas, and other state associations and that we recommend to the director general of the World's Columbian Exposition the appointment of George F. Corcoran, secretary of this association, to act with such other representatives as may be appointed from other state associations and similar organizations, as a proper and competent person to arrange to completion for a complete and interesting exhibit of fire-fighting ap- pliances and their workings, and also to arrange for a grand firemen's tournament to be national, and if possible, international in its character, to which undertaking the volunteer firemen of Nebraska, the state holding many of the best records in firemen's skill and endurance, pledge their hearty support and encouragement in an active and enthusiastic manner.
Officers were elected for the following year as follows :
President, W. H. Havens, Fremont : First Vice President, HI. L. Spaulding, Norfolk ; Second Vice President, S. H. Sornberger, Wahoo; Secretary, George F. Corcoran, York ; Treasurer, A. J. Tomlinson, Red Cloud.
The reports of the secretary and treasurer show $134 cash on hand. The com- mittee on tournament for 1892 reported the following schedule of prizes: For thirty-eight hose rare, $300; for forty-four hose race, $300; state hose race, $200; hook and ladder race, $200; green hose race, $150: green hook and ladder race, $150; badges not to exceed $100.
The board of control for the next tournament was appointed as follows: George F. Corcoran, York ; T. V. Golden, O'Neill : Louis Schwartz, Columbus ; A. C. Hall, Fremont : C. C. Evans, Stromsburg ; W. F. Pickering, Kearney ; and A. W. Tomlin- son, Red Cloud.
When the association convened in the afternoon of the last day, the first business was the presentation by Secretary Corcoran on behalf of the department of a fine gold headed cane to the retiring president. That gentleman having returned home, Mayor Johnson of Kearney gracefully accepted the elegant stick. Immediately following this pleasant incident, Mayor Johnson presented to Secretary Corcoran a costly gold chain, with an elegant A. O. U. W. charm attachment. This was as beautiful a token of appreciation of Mr. Corcoran's services in the interest of the association as it was a complete yet pleasant surprise to him.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Kearney was selected as the place for holding the next annual meeting. The place of holding the next tournament was left to the board of control. The asso- ciation closed with a grand ball and banquet at the Masonic hall Thursday night.
T. E. Hamilton, of York, reported the proceedings of the association.
PARKS
The following recent comment on the parks of York shows the extent of the wonderful park system developed by this city.
One of the things that York people have a right to take a special pride in, is the marked improvement in the playgrounds of the city and the notable extension of the facilities for enjoying outdoor life. The addition of the central park, the property of the school district, to the park system is one feature worth mention. This little breathing spot, within a block of the heart of the business center, is rapidly becom- ing a place of beauty which will give pleasure to hundreds of passers by, and, as the trees become larger, will afford a resting place for both residents and transients.
Up on Lincoln Boulevard, the generous parkways in the center of the street are being further improved by the park commission and like the central park will give delight to many people daily.
The trees in East Hill Park are assuming such a size that they now afford a real shelter and the plot is growing in favor from season to season with those who have convenient access to it. City Park will always, no doubt, remain the favorite, as it is the largest, of the park group. This spring it is in splendid form and the commis- sioners are adding swings. tables and benches for the use of children and pienie parties to the similar equipment that was installed last season. It has been sug- gested that a portion of the park, or its annex across the street, known as Chau- tauqua Park, be set aside for the use of tourists who may enjoy camping while traveling overland. The Commercial Club is considering the establishment of such camping grounds this summer.
Adjacent to City Park and stretching up over the hill to the west lie the Country Club grounds. These grounds are not public property, but the owners are so generous with their friends that many scores who are not stockholders enjoy the benefits of the spacious lawns.
Spending a vacation at home is yearly becoming more attractive to York folks as the playgrounds available grow in size and beauty.
CHAPTER VI OTHER TOWNS IN YORK COUNTY
ARBORVILLE-BRADSHAW-WACO-MC COOL JUNCTION-GRESHAM-THAYER-BENE-
DICT-HENDERSON-LUSHTON-OTHER TOWNS.
ARBORVILLE
Arborville is a pretty little village situated in the northwestern corner of York County. It was started in 1875 by Rev. C. S. Harrison, and was laid out in seetion 9. township 12, range 4, west of 6th P. M., upon some of Reverend Harri- son's land. Trees were planted on every street to make an arbor, and thus the town secured its name Arborville, This town was laid out in the expectation of a railroad line, which never arrived, and when the railroads did come one line went through Benedict, eight miles east, and the line which Arborville really expected went through Polk, about three miles north, and this sounded the death knell of commercial possibilities of this community. The first store building in this town was put up by W. HI. Fairchild. This store was five years later sold to J. L. Dorsey & Raymond, and the store finally burned down. After Fairchild and J. L. Dorsey & Raymond. the next commercial ventures in the community were made by G. L. Dorsey & W. II. Tenney. The drug store was started in 1877, and was sold in 1880 to S. Ensign. It burned down in 1884. Another was built by a stock company and is still running.
This community was started by Rev. C. S. Harrison, who built the First, Con- gregational Church in 1877. The present church was built in 1910. A Methodist Episcopal church was built about 1880 and moved away in 1907. The Congrega- tional pastors have been Res. G. W. Mitchell, Reverend Stocking, Reverend Payne, Reverend Gardner, Reverend Hart, Reverend Young, Reverend MeClery, Reverend Brownback, and Rev. S. Ilarvey, the present minister.
The town has had a publie school ever since it started. Arborville has never become an incorporated village, so has always remained under the local government of Arborville Township.
Among those who are living in town now who lived there in the first few years of its existence are Doctor Ensign, M. E. Bedient, Henry Kisler, A. E. Wilcox, C. Stouffer, and Fred Bedient.
The social and fraternal phases of life have always been intensively fostered in this community. Among the orders which have had lodges there are: M. W. A., which has a large lodge still running ; Royal Neighbors, A. O. U. W., Maccabees, G. A. R., and Sons of Veterans.
Among the principals of the public school who have served this community are: W. II. Lynn, Miss Baier. Miss Baugh, Miss Sullivan, G. W. Raymond, and Miss Wochner.
Vol. I-29
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
BRADSHAW
"In the fall of 1880, when the B. & M. Railroad was extended from York to Grand Island, the Town of Bradshaw was established. The town was first located on Mr. W. F. Morrison's farm, a little east of where it now is, but was soon moved from there and located on the land owned by Messrs. O. R. and J. M. Richards.
"Mr. W. D. Post opened up the first general store in Bradshaw in the fall of 1879, in the building now occupied by Mr. Yoder. The post-office was then moved from Plainfield to his store, and he became Bradshaw's first postmaster. Mr. Post also acted as depot agent and telegraph operator, besides running a drug store and elevator and handling live stock. As a competitor in the grain business he had our then worthy citizen, Mr. O. R. Richards, who began buying grain the same time. To Mr. A. Linsley, now deceased, belongs the disctinetion of being the oldest resident of Bradshaw. Ile opened up a blacksmith shop, as soon as the town was located, near where the hotel stands. About the same time Messrs. Le Count and Knapp opened the first hardware store. In the spring of 1881 Mr. O. A. Stubbs opened the second general store and became one of Bradshaw's business men. As a resident physician, Dr. A. R. Allen came first in the spring of 1882, and is thus one of Bradshaw's oldest residents. Thus the business enterprises began to increase and develop until we have an array of business firms of which we can well feel proud.
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