McCook in 1893 (Part 1)

G.W. Barnes, Editor, Red Willow Times-Democrat

One of the most interesting of the old-time McCook documents, to my way of thinking, is the McCook Columbian Souvenir 1893. This was a publication put out by the McCook Times Democrat, a 30-page promotional booklet, which was distributed to fair-goers at the Chicago Columbian Exposition, commemorating Columbus' voyage to the New World. The style is typical of that time, and is a highly entertaining bit of propaganda, extolling the virtues of McCook, Red Willow County and Southwest Nebraska.

Excerpts from the Souvenir: There is always gross misinformation in regard to a newly settled region, but particularly this is true of Western Nebraska. This is due, we believe to over-enthusiastic tourists who see only the advantages and beauties of the section, and picture the Great Plains in all their majestic grandeur without a blemish, while others, led to expect so much, find themselves disappointed and write doleful newspaper articles about droughts, mortgages, cyclones, deserted town, sharpers, etc, which frighten the most sanguine. Therefore, it shall be our aim to picture things as they actually exist. We shall even qualify any enthusiasm that might creep into a description of this section with its many hued flora and glories of climate.

As this is the objective point for a large class of people, it is of this wonderful little city that we would speak. Rapid as has been its growth, it is evident to the careful observer that it is but on the threshold of its prosperity, and the future holds for it much more and greater success than has been vouchsafed it in the past. While envious rival towns were jeering McCook has gone steadily on, until today she has become THE CITY between Lincoln and Denver. Her equi-distance from both insures that she has nothing to fear from either as competitors, and must, of necessity, make McCook a 1st class market.

George Hocknell, President, First National Bank

Nebraska: The territory known as the State of Nebraska was practically unknown at the end of the Civil War in 1865. Thousands of our brave boys returned from the war to find jobs they had once known now filled by others. Yet the plains of Nebraska swarmed with game. "They came. They saw. They conquered". The "waste lands" have become a garden. The Great American Desert has become the Seat of an Empire. Churches and schools have taken the places of the trappers and the Indian Wigwam. Over 12 million acres within our state are under cultivation, increasing at the rate of a million acres per annum. Nebraska has for 25 years furnished more of grain, cattle and hogs to market, than any state in the Union.

Nebraska produces two fifths of all the sugar beets produced in the US, yet the business is still in its infancy. This section of the state is peculiarly adapted for sugar beets. It may not be inopportune to suggest that here the capitalist can find the opportunity of a lifetime to produce sugar.

Climate: A beautiful climate is of paramount importance to the prosperity of any country. To touch upon the climate of this greatly abused country is to develop one of its strongest points. The main basis for its excellence lies in the altitude of the region. The atmosphere is invigorating. The catarrhs and rheums, the neuralgia, and the consumption of the East are unknown, except such cases, which were contracted before coming here. Although, in summer temperatures range high, sultry heat is, of course, an impossibility at such an altitude. To be perfectly comfortable in the hottest weather, it is only necessary to keep out of the direct rays of the sun; the nights are always cool. The medium latitude of this region affords as near perfect climate as the U. S. affords. As between wintering in SW Nebr. or in Florida, there is much in favor of the former.

Fowler Wilcox, Stockman

The Soil: The rich black loam is practically inexhaustible, and susceptible of a high rate of cultivation. No soil in the world surpasses it in the production of cereal grains, vegetables and fruit orchards. The yield of corn, wheat, and oats is enormous. With intelligent cultivation the soil of R.W. Co. is unexcelled farming or fruit country.

The Republican River and its adjacent streams make R.W. Co. a well-watered county, a paradise for the stock grower. Divides between the streams are gently rolling, but a small portion, if any, being too rough for agriculture, is splendid pasture land. A company of local capitalists have already in operation, a Canal, capable of supplying to manufactories, 3,000 horse power.

Railroads: The state is literally gridironed with Railways, having mileage of 5,400 miles. Nebraska has more railway miles than all the New England States put together. The Burlington Railroad, with its head in Chicago, and its terminus in the Rocky Mountains, connects the great RR systems from the Atlantic to the Pacific. McCook is a Division Station on this great line, containing a Round House with 35 stalls, Repair Shops, Machine Shops and the like. Railroad executives have their homes here, actively engaged in promoting the welfare of this town, in which lie their interests.

It will readily be seen that the Railroad is in the welfare of this growing town. 516 men are employed in the passenger and freight departments, whose monthly pay amounts to over $22,000. There are five miles of track in the yards and 23 yard men. During the past year 29,000 cars of freight were handled in the yards. 74 train crews, with not less than five men to each crew have their homes in McCook.

In view of the increased travel anticipated the coming season, the RR road bed is being newly ballasted in the county and every preparation made for comfort and safety. The perfection of comfort of modern travel may now be experienced by patrons along the entire route, with smooth, safe road bed, elegant vestibule trains, and obliging efficient employees, and rapid transit. It offers security and comfort to all.

Population and Business: McCook has a population of over 4,000. Every branch of business necessary for an agriculture centre is here represented. McCook has two grain elevators, one flour mill, three cigar manufactories, five hotels, three banks, and a multitude of minor establishments, representing every line of trade. A view of business streets on Saturdays is enough to convince the most skeptical of the commercial activity, strongly suggesting a city of greater age and size. At present houses are scarce and rents are high, but by fall things promise to be more balanced, as many houses are already in course of construction and many more are contemplated.

Schools and Churches: McCook public schools are second to none in the state. The State Legislature has made it obligatory for a district to furnish books and supplies, in addition to school houses and teachers. Three school houses, containing 11 rooms are now occupied. 12 teachers are employed. More will be needed next fall.

There are five church buildings, with two more in the planning stage. The Catholic Church was built in 1885. The Congregational Church, begun in 1882 has one of the neatest new edifices in the West. The German Congregational Church is small, but ambitious and thriving. The Methodist Episcopal Church is large, with a flourishing Sabbath School. The Lutherans have a neat brick building, but at present have no pastor.

McCook in 1893,

to be continued