USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. I > Part 64
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The year 1881 and succeeding years witnessed rapid organization through York County under the Farmers' Alliance movement, which lasted for a while and then as rapidly subsided.
Not all of the interest of York County agrienlturally has been devoted to grain raising. From the very start live stock played an important part. The early organization of the live stock interests was portrayed by a meeting in February, 1887.
Pursuant to call issned some time since, between forty and fifty live stock shippers met at the Exchange Building in South Omaha yesterday afternoon for the organization of a live stock shippers' association. The meeting was called to order and Dave Anderson of Columbus, who, by the way, is the originator of the scheme, was temporarily appointed chairman. There was a good deal of dis- cussion regarding the various grievances against which the live stock shippers are forced to contend. Dibble of York, Wiggins of Columbus, Virgin of Utica, Smith of Friend, Willett of Albion, Weyant of Germantown, and Foley of Blair were appointed a committee on constitution and by-laws. A committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of. Alter of Grand Island, Stevens of Waterloo, and Morrison of York. After a recess of half an hour, during which time the committee met, the following officers were elected: President, H. B. Dibble, York; first vice president, D. Anderson, Columbus; second vice president, Isaac Alter, Grand Island ; third vice president, II. Smith, Friend ; secretary, John Wiggins, Columbus; treasurer, John G. Smith, Blair; directors, W. E. Walton, Genoa; A. C. Virgin, Utica; William Rozeyenkaup, Bennett.
A resolution was adopted objecting to the rough and careless manner in which hogs are handled at Sonth Omaha, and to paying $1.00 per bushel for corn to be thrown into the filth in the pens, where the hogs cannot even find it, under the guise and pretense of feeding the hogs.
Wiggins, Barstow and Dibble were appointed to represent the association at the meeting of the stock breeders' association to be held on February 8th at Seward.
The association will be known as the Nebraska Live Stock Shippers' Association and will have for its object the protection of the legitimate live stock shippers. The following was drawn up and signed :
We, the undersigned live stock shippers, hereby pledge ourselves to support this association and upon payment of $1.00 and signing these articles are hereby con- stituted charter members of this association: Il. B. Dibble, York; H. Smith, Friend : James Foley, Blair; Frank Willet, Albion; A. W. Virgin, Utica; Wolsey
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Weyant, Jr., Germantown: John Wiggins, Columbus; John A. Smith, Blair; Isaac Alter, Grand Island ; D. Anderson, Columbus; S. Beveredge, Fremont : John Primers, Grand Island: B. F. Stilley, Tobias; W. B. Morrison, York; Bennett Erwin, Exeter; M. B. Sullivan, Spaulding : A. F. Nihart, Rising; A. H. Nelson, Utica : A. W. Bchm, Cortland ; H. Ford, Marquette; G. W. Hoffman, Genoa : John Lewis, Eagle ; B. King. Bradshaw; W. II. Barstow. Aurora; W. E. Walton, Genoa.
After signing the roll the meeting adjourned until the third Wednesday in February.
A few Iowa shippers, mistaking the call for a general meeting, came over to join but were barred out. Among the number were W. C. Potter and John Rae, Corning. Iowa. These gentlemen talk strongly of issuing a call for a meeting of the Iowa shippers.
The York County Cattle Feeders' Association met and organized in the room over the Demoerat office. The following York County feeders were mem- bers of the association : Charles R. Keckley, D. N. Blood, Thomas Price, G. F. Ingalls, A. C. Eberhardt, G. W. Mayo, D. C. Kuns, William Meradith, G. W. Bowers, A. B. Codding. David Price, M. P. Ilarrison, J. R. Morrison, D. S. Davis, J. M. Gardner, J. B. Brooks, L. II. Wheeler, E. A. Butterfield, D. S. Zimmerman, John Meagher, David I. Ilunter, W. B. Morrison, W. Il. Newcomer. S. A. Myers, E. A. Wells, C. Il. Post, J. C. Lenox, and W. H. Reader. The following are the officers elected : President, J. P. Miller; vice president, D. N. Blood ; secretary, F. K. Atkins; treasurer. D. Kuns, and an executive committee consisting of Rev. D. S. Davis, S. A. Myers and W. B. Morrison. The object of the association is stated in article II of the constitution :
"The object of the association shall be to advance the interests of the association in buying. selling and shipping cattle; also in borrowing money for feeding purposes."
The annual meeting of the Bee Keepers' Association of York will be held in the supervisor's room at the courthouse in York, at 1:00 p. m. on Saturday, Decem- ber 20, 1890, to elect officers for the ensuing year and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The order of exercises will be as follows: Call to order, roll call, secretary's report, treasurer's report, presi- dent's address, receiving members, election of officers, miscellaneous business. Five minute addresses by E. A. Butterfield, R. E. Leael, Seymour Spellman, John Tewal, E. A. Wells and others. Every person in Nebraska interested in bees and honey, and especially the ladies, are invited to meet with us.
R. R. RYAN, President. L. D. STILSON, Secretary.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Only an excerpt or two for each class of activity may we give space for. but the horticultural interests have played an important part in this county. Corn shows, farmers' institutes, harvest picnies and the work of the County Fair Associa- tion carry out these demands.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING AT YORK
The summer meeting of the Nebraska State Horticultural Society will be held this year in York, July 19th and 20th. The sessions of the society will be held in the District Court room. The official program has just been issued and shows that the meeting will be one of unusual interest.
The exercises will open Wednesday morning the 19th, with an address of welcome by Mayor Sovereign, to which the response will be made by President Christy of the society. George F. Corcoran, president of the Commercial Club, will extend the greeting on behalf of the business men of the city. Charles A. Scott, superintendent of the Dismal River Reserve, will have the subject "Work of the United States Forest Service in Nebraska," and being a man of national reputation in tree and forest lore will be well worth hearing. Mr. Keyser of the state uni- versity will talk on the "Need of Horticulture Education in the Schools of Agricul- ture." C. H. Green of Fremont will have the interesting subject, "The Flower Garden." and everyone will want to hear Rev. C. S. Harrison on the "Present Outlook for Horticulture." The subject, "Small Fruits," which is a very live subjeet this year, will be handled by President Christy of Johnson, in a manner that every farmer should hear. Mr. Christy has made a great success in this line and his information will be worth acquiring. In the evening Hon. E. Von Forrell of Aurora will talk on "Horticulture Education." To close the first day's session will be an address by J. H. Hadkinson of Omaha on "Ornamental Decoration of Home Grounds." Mr. Hadkinson should know something of this interesting subject, as he very ably filled the position of superintendent of ornamental decoration of the grounds at the Omaha, Buffalo and St. Louis expositions. His address should be of special interest to town people, but country people will also enjoy it and get mueh good from this gentleman's experience and knowledge of this valuable topic.
On Thursday Mr. G. A. Marshall of Arlington will talk on the homely subject of "Apples." l'rof. R. A. Emerson, who occupies the chair of horticulture in the state university, will have for the subject of his address, "Ornamental Planting of School Grounds," and A. J. Brown of Geneva will discuss the subject, which is a very practical one, "Hardy Fruits from South-Central Nebraska." Prof. J. A. Parks has arranged for the musical program, and the exercises will be interspersed by musical numbers arranged by Mr. Parks, which should insure the success of the entertainment part of the program. The Commercial Club is looking after the arrangements of the meeting, and will do their best to entertain all visitors. The public is cordially welcomed to all meetings. With the harvest over there should be a good attendance from both country and eity.
CORN EXHIBIT
The first corn show ever held in York County occurred in the County Court room on last Monday. Great interest was shown both by business men and farmers, and it is hoped that such a display will become a permanent institution. There were fifty-seven entries of not less than twenty ears each. The following are the varieties shown :
Large Yellow Dent, Sweet Hominy, Stowell's Evergreen (sweet), Small Yellow
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Dent. Small White Dent, Mammoth Sweet, Golden Beauty (yellow). Lang's White Dent. Leaning Yellow Dent. Ninety-day Small Yellow, Red, Mammoth Keppel Yellow. Early White, Yellow Gourd Seed. Calico. Bloody Butcher. Mixed Dent. Legal Tender (yellow). Flour (white). Einsel (yellow). Queen's Golden. Red Rice and White Rice pop corn.
There were four samples brought in too late for entry. There were also samples of wheat, oats and grass seed.
Large numbers visited the exhibit during the day and all expressed themselves as well pleased with the show,
Messrs. Metcalf of York. Fitzpatrick of Charleston, and Vanderveer of MeCool were selected as judges and awarded the premiums as follows as per report of committee :
Premiums Awarded Large Yellow Dent
Score Points
1st-No. 51. Ilarvey Pickrel, Waco, Einsel Yellow 53216
2d-No. 37. O. N. Hurst, York, Large Yellow. 5301/2
Small Yellow Dent
1st-No. 17. Willie Harrison, York. 545
2d-No. 33. J. L. Richardson, York. 510
2d-No. 40. A. Nickle, York. 510
Large White Dent
1st-No. 19. S. Spellman, York, Large White. 555
2d-No. 46. J. R. Porter, Benediet, Flour White. 535
Small White Dent
1st-No. 15. J. W. Boston, York. Small White. 545
2d-No. 34. J. L. Richardson, York, Small White. 530
Red Dent (Bloody Buteher)
1st-No. 20. S. Spellman, York 515
2d-No. 25. S. M. Carlin, York .. 495
Mixed Dent
1st-No. 31. George Fair, MeCool. Calico. 515
1st-No. 49. Edward Garner, York. Mixed Yellow 515
2d-No. 39. Aug. Blaseng. Gresham, Mixed Yellow 495
White Flint Hominy
1st-No. 2. W. Wolgamuth, York 540
2d-No. 24. S. M. Carlin, York. 48116
Sweet Corn
1st-No. 10. W. HI. Reader, York, Mammoth Sweet. 505
2d-No. 3. E. A. Butterfield. York, Stowell's Evergreen. 485
Pop Corn
1st-No. 54. T. C. Robertson, Waco, Queen's Golden. 510
2d-No. 56. 11. W. Johnson, Waco, Red Rice. 480
The Farmers' Institute held at Waco February 20th and 21st. 1908, was a complete success. All speakers at the Institute were capable of filling their place on the stage. They were also well versed upon the subjects of which they
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
spoke. Music was mostly furnished by the Waco High School which everybody enjoyed to the fullest extent. The officers for the ensuing year were elected and voted to hold the institute three days next year. as follows: Two days for state speakers and one day for discussing subjects that may come before the meeting by home talent. Everybody is always welcome at these meetings of the Farmers' Institute and the officers will be glad to receive all help offered to them that is beneficial to the meetings.
I will herewith submit to you a list of the prize winners exhibiting at the above meeting.
Prize winners at the Waco Farmers' Institute :
1st on yellow corn, R. F. Getty.
2d on yellow corn, C. F. Uffelman.
3d on yellow corn, Joe Newcomer. 1st on white corn, John Snyder.
2d on white corn, J. W. Pickrel. 1st on wheat, Samnel Strickler.
2d on wheat, Theodore Worthington.
1st on oats, John Abbott. 2d on oats, Elmer Mulig. 1st on clover seed, S. Strickler. 2d on clover seed, J. E. Brubaker.
1st on timothy seed, John Abbott. 2d on timothy seed, S. A. May.
1st on potatoes, Joe Trollope. 2d on potatoes, J. W. Piekrel. 1st on butter, Laura Trollope. 2d on butter, Carrie Reeves.
1st on white bread, Dora Campbell.
2d on white bread, Ruth Applegate. 1st on cake, Dora Campbell.
1st on best piece of fancy work, Mrs. J. A. Gilbert.
2d on best piece of fancy work, Mrs. X. Brandhoefer.
1st on best sample of patch work, Irene Stafrin. Boys' Corn Judging
1st. Cecil Thorpe.
2d, Harry Williams.
3d, Robert Getty.
Poultry 1st on Best P. Rocks, R. Stephens. 2d on Best P. Roeks, S. Strickler.
1st on W. P. Rocks, John Brubaker.
1st on Buff P. Rocks, Joe Newcomer. 1st on White Wy't, Elmer Mulig. 2d on White Wy't. M. E. Getty. 1st on Light Bra .. L. Lancaster. 2d on Light Bra., Carrie Reeves. 1st on Buff Cochin, Lucy Mastin. 1st on Rosecomb White Leghorn, Lucy Mastin.
R. F. GETTY, Secretary.
HARVEST PICNIC
On July 23, 1892, a called meeting for an old settlers' harvest picnic met and was called to order by Chairman Shepherd. S. A. Thomas was elected secretary of the meeting. It was moved by J. D. P. Small that members from each township appointed act as police to watch the grove on the premises during the day.
Speakers for the occasion are Dr. S. V. Moore, Bradshaw ; J. D. P. Small, Leroy Township; M. Sovereign, York; Geo. Bowers, Lockridge Township; and A. C. Eberhart.
On motion it was decided to hold the picnic August 25th.
On motion a committee on music was appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen : J. M. Gunnett, J. F. Harrison and M. Sovereign. The chairman appointed the following committee to prepare and seat the grounds: J. F. Harrison, J. D. P. Small, J. W. Boston, R. Shipman, Wm. Collingham.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Finance committee: John Reed, J. D. P. Small and A. C. Eberhart.
The following are the officers: G. W. Shepherd, president; J. W. Boston. vice president : J. P. Miller, marshal of the day. On motion all the committees are requested to meet at the courthouse at 2:00 o'clock Saturday. August 6, 1892.
Parties desiring refreshment stands on the grounds will please confer with committee on grounds.
No disorderly conduct, drunkenness or gambling will be allowed on the grounds.
On motion the proceedings of the meeting were ordered published in all the county papers.
The committees from each township are as follows :
Stewart: Swan Lindstom, Ben Willis.
Thayer: John Oberg, R. V. Rice.
Morton : J. F. Tilden, Benjamin Myers.
Arborville: E. C. Smith, G. Mason.
Bradshaw : J. P. Mosgrove, Alf Lichtenberger.
Lockridge: A. C. Eberhart. John Bremer.
New York: Robert James, Chas. Keckley.
Waco: Wm. Strickler, H. S. Burtch.
Beaver: L. Hohensee, E. H. Burhoop.
Leroy : V. C. Thuleran. Nate Johnson.
Baker : John Reed, Seymour Spellman.
Brown: J. E. Tracey, S. P. Brewer.
Henderson : Jud Armour, Bob Henderson.
Layes : J. S. Caywood. O. P. Hager.
McFadden : J. F. Albin, Thomas W. Smith.
West Blue: John Kelso, Wm. Morgan.
York: John Ittner, Wm. Kemser, Judge Moore, Frank Bell.
Everybody cordially invited.
S. A. THOMAS, Secretary. G. W. SHEPHERD, President.
YORK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Agricultural Society of York County was organized at the office of F. M. Bidwell. in the month of June. 1872. N. W. Groves was elected president, F. W. Liedke, secretary. and L. D. Stillson, general superintendent. The first fair was held in October, 1873, upon the present grounds of the society. The half mile track had been surveyed and laid out during the summer of 1842. There was a fair representation of trotting stock. The exhibits of cattle, sheep and farm produce were limited, for it will be remembered the county was then enjoying the days of its tutelage. However, there was a good representation of all classes of entries, and an interest manifested by the farmers of York County that was highly encouraging to the founders of the society. The premium list for this year aggregated $500. Since its organization, the society has enjoyed a steady progress, and is now one of the more important in the state. The grounds are furnished with a good number of roomy stables. The present officers are: W. E. McCloud, president ; J. C. Kilner, secretary ; J. P. Miller. treasurer; G. W. Butter- field, general superintendent.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
The county fair has been carried out at periods throughout the history of the county. Since the present fair association revived the fair some six or seven years ago, the affairs have been in the hands of the following men. The officers elected in 1917 to carry on the fourth annual fair in 1918 were:
Board of Directors
Chas. T. Wiswell Gresliam, Nebraska
Arlo Diehl
Benedict, Nebraska
Geo. S. Tilden Benedict, Nebraska
Harry Harrington
Bradshaw, Nebraska
Jas. B. Carlisle Bradshaw, Nebraska
A. A. Barr . York, Nebraska
E. J. Hays.
. York, Nebraska
R. F. Getty
. Waco, Nebraska
Frank Widdle
Waco, Nebraska
W. C. Foster.
York, Nebraska
J. W. Tracy
Henderson, Nebraska
A. J. Regier. Henderson, Nebraska
Frank H. Finney Fairmont, Nebraska
Leslie F. White.
. York, Nebraska
Henry Gocke
Waco, Nebraska
C. N. Beaver York, Nebraska
A. J. Martin. York, Nebraska
A. W. Thompson . York, Nebraska
W. E. Gould. . York, Nebraska
Con. MeCarthy York, Nebraska
Jas. A. Barr . York, Nebraska
Executive Committee
Con. MeCarthy, C. N. Beaver, Jas. A. Barr, Jas. B. Carlisle, C. A. McCloud. The present officers for next year are:
Con. MeCarthy, president; R. F. Getty, vice president; Geo. W. Shreck, secre- tary ; these were all re-elections. Seven new members were elected to fill expired terms on the board of directors as follows: E. J. Hays, York; David Price, Thayer ; Elmer Jenkins, Benedict ; R. F. Getty, Waco; James Carlisle, Bradshaw ; James 1. Barr, York; and Mr. Whittemore, York.
THE 1920 FAIR
For some years within the past decade or two the county fair somewhat dwindled in its importance, as the state fair increased in magnitude and drawing power. But within the past few years this time revered institution has been recovering its old-time vitality. Not only as indicative of this faet, but to make record of the modern agricultural activities and achievements of York County to sueli length as we can possibly spare the space, a very elaborated press account of the 1920 fair will be now given :
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Next year's fair, when that occasion arrives, will have to be a very great occasion indeed if it lives up to the record set on the closing day of the 1920 event. Everybody expected a crowd on school day and everybody knew that the community chorus would have a good audience at the pavilion in the evening. but nobody yet found pleads guilty to expectations quite up to reality. It is esti- mated by those who have had some experience in the estimating line that there were approximately two thousand automobiles driven in from outside points and parked along the streets of York that day, and that ten thousand visitors thronged the streets and the various exhibits of the fair. When night fell they did not go home: rather the number was augmented by new arrivals, and midnight was approaching before the guests had all turned their faces homeward.
The chief events of the day were the school parade in the morning, the chil- dren's concert in the afternoon, and the evening recital by the chorus, composed of singers from all parts of the county. Three thousand children from the schools of the county were in line for the great pageant. all of them, with the exception of the few who rode in two floats, being on foot. As is usual the teachers and pupils had spared no pains to make the costumes and banners significant and attractive, and hundreds of lads and lassies in fancy dress, impersonating the people of history and tradition as well as those of modern life, kept time to the musie as they passed along the street. sometimes enlivening the way with yells and songs. Teachers marched with their scholars, giving aid and encouragement. Uncle Sam, Columbia, the Goddess of Liberty, Puritans, both men and women, farmers and farmerettes, housewives, impersonations of well known advertisements were in the procession with scores of little folks wearing their school colors in caps and sashes. The district and school banners were perhaps more handsome than ever before. The parade was over all too soon for the spectators who felt that the line moved too swiftly to allow time and opportunity for full apprecia- tion of the individual features of the pageant. Among the people who viewed the parade was State Superintendent Matzen, who had heard that this annual event by the schools of York County was unique and unequaled anywhere in Nebraska, and now believes what he has heard.
At half past two the children from the York and the village schools united in a splendid musical at the Chautauqua pavilion. This program had been prepared by means of practice hours in the individual schools, and the chorus as a whole had never sung together until the hour for the recital. A delightful audience testified to the merit of the performance. Miss Conaway, director of musie in the York schools, condneted the program. Five hundred children took part.
Even the most widely heralded attraction in the palmiest days of the Chautauqua never drew a larger audience than that which assembled under the roof of the pavilion Friday night and spilled over until there was little standing room between the building and the fence. Conductor Parks and the singers from the various districts of the county received a genuine compliment in the eager interest mani- fested by the people in their coming together, and the event proved to be fully up to the expectation of the audience, which gave repeated evidences of apprecia- tion and pleasure. The concert was the last item on the week's program, and its successful conclusion was a happy ending to the fair and festival. Aside from its excellence musically the entertainment was a testimony to the interest the people take in an event of this kind, and those who worked for so many months to
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
make it possible must have felt gratified. Certainly they deserve both commenda- tion and congratulation.
A Part of the Story. An endeavor to give a complete and satisfactory report of the fair was doomed to failure in the beginning. The undertaking was too big. Many things deserving of mention have been omitted. from these sketches, and at best they can only tell a part of the story.
The Boys' Stock Show. York County girls as well as boys had a perfect right to make entries in the new department of the fair this year, but since only boys took advantage of the privilege, naturally they carried off all the premiums, praise and credit. Another year it may be different. The showings in the department, though few because of limited time allowed for creating an interest in the move -. ment, were of excellent quality and excited so much interest among lads who visited the exhibit that a goodly number of them expressed a readiness to join a calf and pig club, if one can be organized, and work to make next year's show one of note.
Among the most enthusiastic exhibitors was Raymond Stuhr, who belongs to a Capper Pig Club and is assistant secretary of the Duroc Jersey Breed Club for 1920. Raymond has put both time and money into his pen of Duroes and took first and second prizes on his pets.
Ralph Fenster, who won second and third prizes on his Poland Chinas, is another young man who has been in the hog business for some time. A few weeks ago he had an article on his particular breed in the Poland China Book, issued by a leading stock journal.
There are four in the firm of Tisserat Brothers. The youngest is only five years old, but he is just as much interested in the business as any of his older brothers and pretty well pleased with the three first prizes and one second prize won by the Poland Chinas belonging to the firm. Those ribbons will be appreciated by all the lads.
Leslie Kuhn entered four head of Poland Chinas and carried off two second prizes and one third prize. Ile also exhibited three Short Horn calves and took first, second and third prizes.
Harold Foster won first prize on his Short Horn calf.
The Dorsey boys had some fine Duroc Jerseys in the hog class and took two firsts, two seconds and two thirds, about all there was to get.
People not initiated in the real workings of pure bred stock clubs among boys can learn some surprising things about the results attainable. Over in Seward County they have a very prosperous pig club, sponsored by the county agent. One of the members who has been working for several years entered his litter of pigs at the state fair and later sold them for $4,000. The deal would look big to many adults who are trying their hand at stock raising. P. J. Tisserat, who was in charge of the exhibit last week, was pleased to see the interest taken in the project by youthful citizens of the county and feels sure that with a little encouragement and the right sort of practical backing York County could have a large and thriving calf and pig club, which would be of benefit not only to the members but also to the stock industry of the county.
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