From the Osmond Republican Files
Dec. 5, 1895. . .
Saul Ritts’ team took a little run on Monday, breaking the wagon somewhat.
Dec. 12, 1895
On Friday night, Fred Cate had the misfortune to fall down the stairway leading to the O. K. barber shop. It was dark and he thought he was entering the alleyway that leads to the Pythian Hall. He was badly shaken up and laid insensible for a few minutes. He is better now, and the way to the cellar has been closed up by a gate.
December 26, 1895 —
Arrangements have been perfected for the Ball of the season and it will be held at our Hall on New Year’s Eve. The finest line of masks and suits to be had in Sioux City have been ordered for the occasion, and will be furnished at from 50 cents to $5 per suit. Order your suits at once and save delay. — Suckstorf & Cizek 100 Years Ago. . .
Ivan Haswell had one day old chicks for sale, $12.50 per hundred for Barred Rock and Buff Orphington. If any different breed was wanted, the order must be placed ahead of time. Phone number Oak 1221.
For the first time in the history of St. Mary’s Church in Osmond, a golden wedding took place. The jubilarians were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Book. The church’s sanctuary was fittingly decorated in white and gold.
Long white streamers hung from the ceiling. Above the bride’s canopy were two large golden rings, the symbol of wedlock. At the entrance of the church the jubilarians were met by the priest, who blessed the golden wreath. Surrounded by their children and a number of relatives, they took the place of honor in the sanctuary, prepared for them. Father Krings delivered a short address of felicitation and then performed the ceremonies laid down in the ritual. A golden wedding is not a re-marrying act, but a renewal of the marriage vow. The celebration was continued at the home.
75 Years Ago. . .
Miss Rolanda Hoffman, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hoffman and a junior in Osmond High School, was selected by the Osmond American Legion Auxiliary at a recent meeting as the local nominee for Girls’ State. Miss Lavern Gansebom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Gansebom, was first alternate.
Kilroy was here in the OHS senior class play, “Along Came Kilroy,” a three-act farce held at the Osmond city hall. The cast of 12 members included: Mr. Smyth, Ronald Koehler; Mrs. Smyth, Joan Theisen; Miss Smyth, Charlotte Schuttler; Miss Ballew, Delores Stech; Leroy Clymer, Gene Hixson; Eunice Shirmer, Marjorie Tech; Ike Tuttle, Jim Bowling; Kate Hogan, Lavern Weber; Jim Harris, Dale Reed; Jay J. Kilroy, Eldred Folkers; Carrie, Marjorie Wragge; Alex Dubbins, Leonald Warneke.
The Osmond Village Board received a petition containing an estimated 90% of the property owners in a four-block proposed paving district area. The probable paving location extended four blocks from the city hall south to intersect Highway 20. The petitioners asked creation of a paving district, long under discussion. Plans called for no east-west street paving.
65 Years Ago. . .
Casper Theisen, who headed the contracting firm that bore his name, was reelected mayor of Osmond at the organization meeting at the city hall. Mr. Theisen had been the city’s major for many years. He was reelected to the two-year trustee job at the April 1959 election.
David Johnson, president of the school board of District 42 and extensive farmer and land owner at the north edge of Osmond, reported a 600-lb. steer was killed by a rifle bullet in his pasture. Mr. Johnson said Osmond youths frequented the area, shooting rabbits and other animals and inanimate objects. Because of the continued presence of many cattle on his lands and the danger to the animals by rifle fire as well as the danger to youths by frightened cattle, Mr. Johnson was going to enforce the no trespassing law. Because of the seriousness of the situation, he said, trespassers would be arrested.
Horace Windeshausen, associate professor of business at the University of Nebraska and 1941 graduate of Osmond High School, gave the commencement address during graduation ceremonies at the city auditorium. David Johnson Sr., president of the school board, presented diplomas to 17 seniors. Karen Luebbers was valedictorian of the class, and salutatorian was Barbara Broekemeier.
50 Years Ago. . .
Robin Reed broke his own record of 6 ft., 2 in. in the high jump with a winning leap of 6 ft., 2.5” in the Randolph invitational track meet. There were 14 schools present as Scotus of Columbus won the meet. Osmond scored six points. Competing for Osmond were Blake Moritz, Alan Maxey, Mike Geneski, Doug Stratton, Larry Broekemeier, Keith Purdie, Ray Boice, Bob Gansebom, David Fuelberth, Marty Kumm and Robin Reed.
Funding was now available through the Farmers Home Administration for the construction of rental housing developments in cities such as Osmond. William Wallwey, FHA supervisor for Pierce and Madison counties, told local interested persons that funds could be made available under the Rural Rental Housing Program to a local non-profit group, such as the Osmond Development Corporation, for the construction of a multiple unit rental facility. Action had to be taken immediately by the community if the funds were to be obtained for a rental complex in Osmond which had been needed for some time. Initial plans would provide for the location of the rental unit, probably a six-plex, on a tract of land at the corner of Fourth and Meadow Streets on the western edge of the city.
25 Years Ago. . .
An open house at Country Plaza Auto Body was held at the newly renovated shop located across the street east from Osmond Farm Supply.
The firm was owned by Barrie Braden and Jim Schmit with Bill Hamilton of Bloomfield as operator-manager.
The business site also housed Country Plaza Auto, a used vehicle firm oper ated by Braden.
Osmond vocal and instrumental students received 22 superior and three excellent ratings at the district music contest which took place at Laurel-Concord Public School. .
10 Years Ago. . .
Fourteen Osmond High School seniors received their diplomas on Saturday, May 10. The valedictorian of the Class of 2014 was Chelsea Wiese. The salutatorian was Blake Brummels. The motto chosen by the Class of 2014 was “Don’t cry because it's over; smile because we finally get to leave." The class flower was the Tiger Lily while the chosen colors were black, orange and white.
The 20th annual Northeast Nebraska Track Classic was held on May at Norfolk High School. It was the third time Cameron Moes had competed there, so he knew what the competition was like. He was second in the 3,200 meters the year before, so his expectations were high. Cameron claimed the championship of the 3,200 meter run in 10:16.37, just two seconds shy of his school record.
