August 20, 1896. . .
A gang of young bloods from north of town have been waiting around the streets looking for a scrap, and they found it on Saturday night when they ran against an orderly and well-behaved gentleman from south of town, who, after listening to and putting up with their insults for a time, proceeded to give them a sound thrashing. He knocked one fellow thro’ the glass door in Borchert’s store while he caught the wooly cowpuncher from the vigilants stronghold in Holt on the wing. This lady was so warmly drubbed that he howled like a hound pup on a hot trail. Thus the imaginary tough young men were given a lesson which, we hope, they will remember, and in future conduct themselves as gentlemen when in our quiet little village.
100 Years Ago. . .
Col. Welch handed the publisher the following interesting information regarding Plum Grove precinct, which he had just completed assessing. There were 94 in the precinct engaged in farming, and of those, 48 were landowners and 46 renters. There were 108 autos (that was on the farms, not counting those in town), and 429 dozen poultry outside of town.
The Legion and Auxiliary banquet held in honor of the new members which had been obtained in the drive was a big success. Captain Ben L. Schmitz was toastmaster, and with his pep and enthusiasm and witty stories, made a big hit. Song Master Shinkle led the crowd in the army song, “Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag,” and the way they made the walls ring showed that the old army spirit which won the war still lived.
This community in common with other parts of the country was hit by a high wind and rain. It was in fact almost a tornado, and with the town in darkness there was considerable excitement for a time. However, no damage was done here, although some hail fell earlier in the day, and had the crops been farther along, would have ruined them. While going home from town that evening, A. Gutz and family had a narrow escape. The wind blew the top of their car off, and they thought for a moment the car was going over.
75 Years Ago. . .
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Schultze announced the opening of a new coffee shop in the building just north of Golter’s store recently vacated by Anthony Novickas, who operated a repair shop there.
Sunday, June 5, 1949, dawned a fine day for the dedication of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School, built by members of the congregation. Services were held with more than 400 attending. The choir sang, and Rev. E. V. G. Holstein, pastor from 1926 to 1945, was the guest liturgist. Rev. J. H. Ruff, who taught during the 1944-45 term, gave the dedicatory address. Revs. Holstein, Ruff and Braunersreuther gave congratulatory addresses, followed by congratulatory messages read by Rev. Theo. Wieting. From the church, the congregation reassembled on the grounds in front of the new school where Rev. Wieting gave a prayer and dedicated the school to the service of the Lord. Emil Broekemeier, chairman of the building committee, then unlocked the doors of the school. The choir immediately sang “Now Thank We All Our God,” followed by the Lord’s Prayer and benediction. Dinner was served by ladies of the congregation to over 400 people, followed by an open house at the school which was attended by close to 500 people.
65 Years Ago. . .
Months of planning and hard work
came to a successful conclusion on Sunday and Monday, June 14 and 15, 1959, as the county officially observed the 100th anniversary of its founding as the county seat. On Sunday, when the program drew the largest crowd, attendance was estimated variously between 6,000 and 12,000 persons. A feature of both days was the huge parade. Entertainment included the Mel Beerman family doing rope tricks, Pierce and Plainview High School bands, Gesundheit Band, Ramona Maule and Her Maids of Melody of Crofton, Indian Dancers from Macey, Pierce County Rural Teachers and their trained horse, “Princess” of Osmond, and many others. Osmond’s entry in the parade, an oldtime cutter, a form of fancy sleigh, now mounted on wheels and available for such use by Fred Jewell, commanded an honorable mention in the historical division of the parade. An accompanying act by Jim and Clarice Hoffman and “Princess” drew wide applause.
Frank Beck, 75-year-old farmer, who with his daughter Mary operated his place northwest of Osmond, suffered painful burns as he was burning trash in a tank heater. He had poured tractor fuel on the refuse that was to be burned and took what he deemed were proper precautions in igniting it. An explosion resulted, however, and Mr. Beck was burned about the neck, chest and hands.
50 Years Ago. . .
Victor Childvall celebrated his 99th birthday on June 1, 1974. Mr. Chindvall said he was born in Sweden and came to the United States when he was eight years old. He lived in his house in the north part of town since 1948 where he moved after retiring at the age of 75 from his farm near Bloomfield. Mr. Chindvall still maintained his own yard and house and frequently walked downtown.
Jim Broekemeier received foot injuries when the motorcycle he was driving was in collision with a car driven by Marvin Hamm, also of Osmond. According to Police Chief Jim Burger, the Hamm car was traveling east on Highway 20, just beginning to turn into the Redwood Broaster Inn and the Broekemeier motorcycle was traveling west on the highway. The motorcycle struck the car approximately head-on, causing about $75 damage to the motorcycle and about $25 damage to the Hamm car.
In an attempt to help solve the prob- lem of finding qualified, dependable, reliable babysitters willing to care for their small children, and hopefully to attract more nurses back to work, Osmond General Hospital was considering the establishment of a “Day Nursery” at the hospital.
25 Years Ago. . .
The Osmond 16-and-under girls softball team placed second in the Pioneer League Tournament. They opened the tournament with a 12-0 victory over Coleridge, then defeated Pierce 6-3 and Randolph 12-2 before falling to Pierce 0-8. In the championship game, they fell to Pierce once more, 4-9.
Tracy Manzer, daughter of Steve and Beth Manzer, was named to the Junior Nationals Basketball Team. Manzer was chosen as a Nebraska state representative after competing in the Junior Nationals tryouts in Lincoln.
10 Years Ago. . .
After the previous week’s hail and wind storms, Mother Nature was still not finished "visiting" the area.
More of the same was experienced the following Saturday. Rain in Osmond amounted to 2.60 inches. More moisture came on Monday, and about midafternoon, the most violent of the storms developed. Twin funnel clouds descended on the rural Stanton area and community of Pilger.
