Dec 30, 1915 (all papers were dated on Thursdays)
The Denton State Bank transferred to J. Henry Teten, lots 14 to 17 of Gilbert’s addition Denton for a consideration of $150.00. (Editors note. J. Henry Teten was the Catholic Bishop of Lincoln and so assume these lots were for the church and rectory. The church was built in 1912 and so assume that the bank held a note on the church which was paid off in 1915.)

Jan 6, 1916
Peter Brandenberger found dead in his home 7 miles southwest of Lincoln.
(Editor’s note: Wyuka cemetery has a record of the death of Peter Broudenberger who died Dec 31, 1915.

Jan 13, 1916 Sprague
Skating on Crystal Lake is fine. The ice is about 6 inches thick.

Jan 20, 1916 Sprague
Crow Bros. received a contract to furnish 100 tons of ice to a party in Panama.
25% discount on skates at Sprague Hdw Co. Buy your skates now while skating is good at Crystal Lake.

George Hile made a library table for Arnold Egger out of walnut timber. The walnut tree was raised and sawed on Mr. Egger’s farm.

O. Hile, the blacksmith is kept very busy these days shoeing horses.

Housekeeping hint---For setting a rat trap, use bread soaked with linseed oil. Rats cannot resist linseed oil.

Jan 27, 1916 Sprague
The Sprague Hardware store unloaded a half car of John Deere implements Thursday.

Feb 3, 1916
SPRAGUE CONCERN BUYS ROKEBY ELEVATOR
CHARLES WITTSTRUCK IS STILL NURSING HIS SORE HAND BUT IT IS HEALING NICELY

Art Mundorf is working for the Farmer’s Grain Company

John Hartze, Auctioneer is kept quite busy crying sales. 

Jeff Kirk and Henry Peters were arrested for drunkenness Thursday and were sentenced by Justice Clark to ten days at hard labor.

Don’t forget to buy your Oysters, Celery, Bread and Pastries at Harry’s Place.

Mar 16, 1916 Rokeby
FAREWELL PARTY AT ROKEBY

Mrs. F. M. Hosford of near Rokeby was surprised last Friday evening by 25 of her most immediate friends with a farewell party. Mrs. Hosford, a resident of Lancaster County for a number of years is leaving for Chicago for an indefinite long visit with relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Evers who will occupy the Hosford place in the future were given a pleasing reception.

April 20, 1916 Sprague

FORMER SPRAGUE MAN RETURNS AFTER 25 YEARS

LEAP YEAR BASKET SOCIAL BOOKED FOR THIS FRIDAY

MORE AUTOS PURCHASED FROM HICKMAN OF LATE—SPRAGUE DEALER BETTER ADVERTISE

Candidates and automobile agents flooded our town the last few weeks.

The play in the Opera House given by the Hallam people was well attended.

Wm. Hoppe and Wm. Krull motored to Lincoln Saturday.

John Wendeling is building a chicken house for Steve Vlasik.

Frank Gerbig is visiting with the home folks over Saturday. Frank is working for the Fairmont Creamery Co. in Lincoln.

Steve Vlasik bought a Ford from the Hickman Auto Co. Friday.

There will be a Leap Year Basket Social given in the Sprague Opera House Friday night. The proceeds will be given to the church.

Jess Johnston of Sioux City IA, the man who ran the first lumber yard in Sprague 25 years ago, was in town Monday selling lumber for the firm in Sioux City Ia. This was Mr. Johnston’s first visit since he left here. 

Mrs. Kurtz and Mrs. William Hoppe papered for Mrs. Wm. Krull Monday.

David Patee from Lincoln has purchased the store in Rokeby from the Farmers Grain and Lumber Co. He will have a full line of groceries and hardware.

Thursday June 29, 1916

SPRAGUE PEOPLE VISIT LINCOLN TROOP CAMP

REV BINTZ AND FAMILY START ON CALIFORNIA TRIP

FRED OLTJENBRUNS BOUGHT 160 ACRE FARM OF ED GLOE

SICK LIST IS IMPROVING

Mrs. John Schafer and John Kurtz were Lincoln passengers Monday

Clyde Mitchell shipped four carloads of cattle Monday to So. St. Joe Monday. Mr. Mitchell has shipped eight carloads of cattle and four carloads of hogs during the last six months.

Henry Gerbig’s barn is about completed.

Mrs. Krause and children of Hastings, visited last week with Otto Gloe and family. Mrs. Krause departed Monday for Arizona where she expects to stay 6 months for the benefit of her health.

A number of our people went to Lincoln last Saturday and Sunday to view the Nebraska troopers.

Fred Egger and Paul Egger motored to Lincoln Saturday.

Albert Golz shipped a carload of cattle to So. Omaha on Monday.

Mrs. C.O. Hale, Grace and Clarence of Beatrice visited Sunday with Sam Spellman and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Mitchell and children visited Sunday with Hayes Mitchell and family

Henry Burhman’s who were quarantined on account of their daughter having scarlet fever, had the quarantine lifted Saturday.

Mrs. Hoppe who has been on the sick list, is well again.

Mrs. Harry Hile and baby spent Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Weilage.

Dora Burhman was a Kramer passenger Monday.

Bertha Grote is visiting with Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Krull

Frank Spellman and Lou Willman went fishing and caught nine big fish.

Rev Bintz sold his span of horses to Dick Bargman.

William Hoppe is cutting grass on the right-of-way and ditching for the Missouri Pacific.

The funeral of Mrs. Henry Zimmerman was held Sunday and the Hallam M. E. Church.

Clyde Mitchell shipped four carloads of cattle Monday to So. St. Joe Monday. Mr. Mitchell has shipped eight carloads of cattle and four carloads of hogs during the last six months.

Henry Gerbig’s barn is about completed.

Mrs. Krause and children of Hastings, visited last week with Otto Gloe and family. Mrs. Krause departed Monday for Arizona where she expects to stay 6 months for the benefit of her health.

JUL 20, 1916
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wittstruck and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Betten and family, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin and Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Armann visited Sunday with Grandma Armann. The occasion being her 78th birthday anniversary. 

Dec 28, 1916 Emerald

EMERALD COUPLE MARRIED WEDNESDAY

MR. AND MRS C. WELLS HAVE NEW BABY BOY

BABY GIRL BORN TO MR. AND MRS. E. LIPPS

CLARENCE SCHAFFER ENCOUNTERS HIGHWAY MAN

Miss Maggie Harris and Harry Giles were married at the bride’s home at twelve o’clock Wednesday by the M. E. pastor. Their immediate relatives and a few friends were present. They will make their home on a farm near Emerald.

Mr. and Mrs. Charley Wells got a new baby boy for Christmas.

Mrs. L. Shafer entertained the young folks of Emerald last Friday night by giving a sock shower on Miss Harris and Harry Giles.

Mr. and Mrs. E. Lipps got a big baby girl for a Christmas present.

Clarence Shafer of Emerald was held up on the way home from Lincoln last Wednesday night. The robber got about 4 dollars in cash.

Mar 23, 1917
Emerald —
EMERALD MAN’S AUTO STOLEN IN LINCOLN

THE ADAMS LEAVE FOR ROCHESTER TO NEW MAYO BROS.

M. E. LADIES GIVE BOX SOCIAL

Mrs. Adams is enjoying a visit with her sister from New York.

The ladies of the M. E. Church gave a box social Friday evening. There was a good crowd and all seemed to enjoy themselves.

Albert Schroeder and his bride have gone to housekeeping on their farm south of Emerald. 

John Harris purchased a Ford from A. C. Heydorn Wednesday.

Mrs. Alexander of Nebraska City has been visiting Mrs. Leon Minard last week.

John Harris had his new Ford stolen in Lincoln Saturday afternoon. Up to the present time he has failed to get any clue to the thief.

Denton —
APRIL 1 IS CLEANUP DAY IN DENTON

SURPRISED MRS. BILL BRADY WILL MOTOR TO WYOMING

TWO NEW BUICK CARS RECENTLY PURCHASED

17 MONTH SON OF JOHN M. SULLIVAN DIED THURSDAY.*

Since the Denton Progressive Club has been organized for Historical as well as the moral and social welfare of the community, the club considered within its province to set April 1 as a general cleanup day for the town. If this action is entered into with the proper spirit and not considered as a joke on account of the day selected a different aspect can be given for the town and one that will be in accordance with the freshness of spring.

A general cleanup of the litter, straw, and rubbish heaps not only tends to a more pleasant surroundings, just shows a regard for our neighbor, the pride in the community and a preventative of fire.

*son of John M. Sullivan and wife Kate Sullivan Sullivan was named Lawrence. They lived on the farm on the SW corner of SW 56th St and Denton Rd. The house was recently torn down. This family moved to the Denver area in about 1920 after Kate had committed suicide. She was my father’s sister. (Teresa Sullivan note)

Oct 25, 1917 Emerald

TWO EMERALD MEN BUY WESTERN FARMS

HENRY SCHULTZ’S FARM HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE

JOHN NADERHOFF BLOWS HIMSELF TO A NEW OAKLAND

SURPRISE PARTY GIVEN FOR MRS. CHARLEY WESSEL

John Nelson and Anton Stenburg have each bought a farm out west.

Mrs. Harvey Lee and daughter entertained at a miscellaneous shower Wednesday in honor of Miss Mabel Giles. Twenty four ladies were present. Miss Giles received many beautiful gifts. The ladies departed wishing Miss Giles success and declaring that they had spent a very enjoyable afternoon. (Editor’s note: According to the website www.llcgs.info Mabel Giles age 20 married Earl E. Miller age 21. Date of license was Nov 14, 1917)

The young people around Emerald gave a shower party in honor of Robert Pickel and Leda Borgman last Saturday night. A very good time was enjoyed and the young couple received many nice gifts.

John Naderhoff is the happy owner of a new six-cylinder Oakland automobile which was bought from H. C. W Jarms last Friday.

Robert Pickel has dug a cellar for his new home. People in this neighborhood are wondering what is going to happen.

Oct 25, 1917 SPRAGUE

SPRAGUE TO HAVE NEW CHURCH BUILDING

HALLOWEEN PARTY TO BE GIVEN TUESDAY NIGHT

DR. AND MRS. LAMB AND MINNIE AND HENRY BARGMAN MOTORED TO NORFOLK LAST WEEK

A large number of men turned out to excavate the basement of the new church this week. The work is progressing nicely.

Don’t forget the empty fruit jars are here to be filled for the Omaha Hospital.

Dr and Mrs. Lamb and Willie and Henry Bargman motored to Norfolk Friday evening where they spent Saturday and Sunday visiting with the Dr.’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Lamb Sr. also a brother John E. Lamb and family and returned home Sunday night. This is the first time they have made a visit to the parental home in nearly 14 years.

We’re planning a party for old Halloween where bogeys and bogeys and spooks will be seen. Can’t you dress as a bogey, an out and out sight and join us at eight on that Mystical night. At the hall basement in Sprague.

Jan 3, 1918
Emerald

EMERALD ICE HARVEST ON NOW

LYLE LAUNE INJURES HAND CATCHING IT IN PUMP JACK

WILFRED BECKER OPERATED ON FOR APPENDICITIS

FIRE AT JOHN MILLER’S HOME

Rudolph Busboom, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Busboom died last Saturday. Funeral was held New Years Day at the church of Rev. Hubner. The little boy was about 4 years old when he died. He underwent an operation last spring for appendicitis from which he never recovered.

Mr. Lyle Laune, son of C. Laune caught his hand in a pump jack last Sunday, tearing off one finger and smashing several others.

A surprise party was given to Christ Borgman New Years Night in honor of his birthday. 

The people in this neighborhood are very busy putting up their ice. The ice is about 10 inches thick.

You will find a good stock of Ford repairs at the store of H. C. W. Jarms.

Mr. Henry Schnell, the local auctioneer of Emerald and his wife took a trip to Omaha last week.

Miss Emma Hanich from Lincoln spent New Years Day with her brother Carl Hanich on the farm near Emerald