From the Osmond Republican Files
May 20, 1897 —
There have been countless rumors flying through the country as to the probably construction of the Yankton and Norfolk line of road, and we with common humanity, often felt doubtful, and even believed that the people were being worked in the interest of a land syndicate. We are more than gratified, this week, to announce that the Yankton and Norfolk railroad is just as sure of being constructed as we are that the month of June is approaching. The reason of our faith is based on the fact that Leonard Schmits, a gentleman whose word is as reliable as a bond, and an old resident, informed us on Tuesday that he had received a partial payment for right-of-way through his valuable farm five miles northeast of town. To our mind, this settles all doubts, and is the best evidence of the good faith of the company.
100 Years Ago. . .
Frank Widhalm’s little son met with a bad accident when he caught one hand in a wringer, smashing the fingers so badly that it was feared that he might lose one finger. [An article a few weeks later stated that he was getting along nicely, although it was necessary to amputate a part of the finger.] A brilliant crowd attended the card party at St. Mary’s hall, given by the Ladies’ Guild, 26 tables — 100 players — playing at the beginning.
Father Krings was called to the outside, where the men of the parish showed him a brand new Ford touring car standing on the sidewalk. “This is yours, Father. We take liberty to kick the Oldsmobile out of the garage and put this new one in its place.” The surprise was complete.
Casper Theisen was in Omaha and purchased 10 new dump wagons for his road outfit. Just as soon as the weather would permit, he was going to start the grade between Osmond and Wausa, and when completed it would be as fine as the road between osmond and Pierce, which was as good a grade as you would find anywhere. Cap was a master grade builder, and all that was needed was a good coat of gravel on the highways, not only the meridian roads, but also the roads leading from the farm home to the main highways.
75 Years Ago. . .
The Darrel Theisen was the proud owner of a new Taylor Craft airplane, which he had recently purchased.
Darrel had taken flying instruction at both Norfolk and Creighton, and had a private pilot license.
The six-room home of Ted Goeres, former Osmond State Bank cashier, sold for $2,740 at public auction.
The purchaser was Casper Schock Jr.
Plans for the occupancy of the home had not been announced.
The city residence of the late Christina Hinrichsen sold for $5,150 at public sale. Purchaser was Carl Netz, son-in-law of Mrs. Hinrichsen.
The Masons and Eastern Stars held their annual George Washington party at the Masonic Hall here with about 50 present. The evening program began with group singing of patriotic songs. A. G. Swanda then gave the welcome after which Mr.
John Blezek, accompanied by Mrs.
Glaze Reed, sang “On The Road To Mandalay" and "Dear Hearts And Gentle People. Joseph Cizek gave a reading on George Washington as a statesman and mason. Mrs. Henry Thomsen and Mrs. Al Lundstrom, accompanied by Miss Emma Cizek, sang "Whispering Hope." After the program, progressive pitch was played, after which a lunch of cherry pie, sandwiches and coffee was served.
The Osmond Community Club went on record as favoring the inauguration of six-man football at Osmond High School. Superintendent L. E. Nelson was present at the meeting by invitation and told of progress made to date. The club offered to help finance the project if such help was needed. The school had some $400 in the football fund at that time.
65 Years Ago. . .
Sid Magdanz of Pierce called the newspaper to enlist its support in urging area residents to be on the lookout for a possible rabid stray dog. The dog bit his 8-year-old son, Jim, and was confined on Alsidon Farms between Osmond and Pierce for observation but escaped. The boy was taking a series of rabies injections and 12 more would have to be given if the dog was not found.
Consensus of Osmond veterinarian Dr. E. D. Boice and others in the area was that, while odds were against the dog being rabid, precautions had to be taken until proof was obtained. A week later, an article announced that the dog was captured and found to not be rabid, and the rabies injections were stopped immediately.
David Johnson Jr., senior at Wayne State Teachers college, was awarded the YMCA scholarship. David was active in the “Y” and had served as treasurer the past two years. He was also in the Wesley Club and Lambda Delta Lambda Physical Science fraternity of which he was president.
He was accepted at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. The scholarship provided full tuition for one semester.
Barbara Brunckhorst was the winner in the upper division and Lynn Edwards was winner in the lower division spelling contest held at Osmond Public Schools. They would represent the school in the county contest in March. The lower division spellers were in grades 5 and 6 and the upper division spellers were from grades 7 and 8.
50 Years Ago. . .
The Clark Division all-conference team was selected for the 1974-75 basketball season and Osmond’s Doug Stratton was a unanimous first-team selection. Doug’s 22-point scoring and 12 rebound average was second best in the division. Senior forward Marty Kumm was also selected to the second team. Marty’s 14 rebound average was good for second place in individual stats.
Bob Gansebom came through the C-4 district wrestling tournament at Neligh with a second-place medal and the right to participate in the state wrestling tournament held at Persh- ing Auditorium in Lincoln. Although unseeded in his weight class, Bob proved that season records don’t tell the whole story as he pinned Bob McBride (10-9) of Newman Grove in the opening round and then went on to decision Gail Borer (17-3), the number one seeded wrestler from Elgin Pope John, 17-6, before losing to Kurt Hanlin of Neligh by fall in the finals. Bob's record then stood at 10-5.
The Junior Foresters of St. Mary’s Court met with 21 children and two adults present. Lori Petersen received an attendance pin for perfect atten- dance 12 times in a row. A checker tournament was held. Lori Petersen won first place, Annette Schmit placed second, Mary Beth Rice was third and Diana Maxey placed fourth.
One of Osmond’s oldest businesses was going to disappear from the scene in the near future, according to A. J.
(Tony) Richstatter, who had operated a shoe repair and sales business in Osmond for nearly 55 years. Mr.
Richstatter said he had sold his shoe repair equipment to a person from Wood Lake, NE. He was going to sell his remaining stock of shoes and some of the store furnishings prior to closing the business. Tentative arrangements called for the purchase of the building by Jerry Stark, owner and operator of the Rain-Bo Bar, who planned to expand his present business into the building. When the 75-year-old Richstatter was asked about his plans after disposing of the business, he replied, "I'm going fishing."
25 Years Ago. . .
Petersen Ag Systems, Inc. was a new name for a long-standing business in Osmond and Norfolk. Henry Aschoff purchased the business from Petersen Agri Sales, Inc. The Os - mond native had been affiliated with the Petersen firm for 16 years. He indicated that both the Osmond and Norfolk outlets would be maintained.
John Halsey would serve as branch manager at Osmond, and Aschoff would manage the Norfolk operation.
10 Years Ago. . .
At the D-2 district wrestling meet, Max Frank qualified for the state tour - nament by finishing fourth at 285 lbs.
Osmond High School junior Margaret Kruse was named the local and county winner in the Pierce County Government Day essay contest. The Lewis and Clark Conference awards the Jim Winch Service award to individuals of conference schools for service and dedication to their respective schools. In 2015, the conference recognized Chick Reed of Osmond.
