News articles from the 1880s about McCook area

I’ve reached the age where I have “long time ago” memories; I just need check them to make sure they are correct! When asked if I remembered Chef LaLanne’s restaurant being in McCook, I did, at the location of the former Chief Restaurant, now VK Electronics, back in the 60’s. There was some blow back to that, with some memories being of a building close to the old Penny’s, now Ace Hardware, so I did some internet searching and came up with a flyer that was printed by Chef LaLanne advertising both the McCook (West 6 & 34 or more commonly West B Street) and North Platte on Highway 30 businesses. Case closed, simply because I’m not sure how to check further on a location on West C Street.

The following “pre-Susan” memories are taken from the McCook Tribune with the dates of publication following.

Taken from the Danbury Times and printed in the Tribune: “James Minniear got into a den of rattle snakes a short time ago, and for the space of an hour must have had a lively time, as he dispatched no less than 35 of the venomous reptiles in that time. He was armed with a club, and corn knife, and after the battle counted eight heads hanging to his boot legs. Strange to say, Jim came out unscratched. He says one such encounter is sufficient for a life time.” (9/16/1886)

From the Culbertson Sun and printed in the Tribune: “Divorce proceedings have been instituted by Mrs. Louisa C. Williams against “Dr.” S. D. Williams, late of Trenton. The “Doctor”, we understand, has hung out his shingle in McCook, and we look for an increase in the mortality rate of that town.” (7/16/1885)

“Two horses valued at $375, the property of two men who were en route from one of the eastern counties of this state to this locality, were drowned in the Red Willow (creek), near its mouth, early Sunday morning. It appears that both of the men were pretty full of Indianola’s “school-fund liquid,” and that in driving along the creek very closely, and the water being over the banks and a foot or two deep on the road, they drove the team into a deep hole, where the horses were quickly drowned, the men evidently being in no condition to afford them any assistance. The harness and other property were recovered. They took the train east, Monday.” (9/03/1885)

“Wednesday night, a man by the name of Ross was fatally stabbed by one Hudson, at Palisade, Hitchcock county, while engaged in a game of “seven up” at 25 cents a corner. Others had a hand in the game, and whiskey seems to have been the favorite beverage.” (9/17/1885)

“The pews for the Catholic Church have been ordered and shipped and are expected to put in an appearance any day. The pews 28 (double) in number are to be of white pine material, with walnut trimmings, will be provided with kneeling stools and book racks, and will be withal handsome and comfortable. A number of other improvements are contemplated, which will be carried out as the necessary means are forthcoming.” (2/25/1886)

“Mrs. C. Redfield of South McCook had a very narrow escape from death, last Sunday, by falling into a cesspool on their place. The excavation was about 20 feet deep. In falling she came in contact with a board near the bottom of the pool, which saved her, doubtless, from death by drowning or suffocation. The little children aroused the neighbors, and the woman was rescued from her perilous position, fortunately not much the worse for her terrible experience.” (8/22/1911)

I said last week that our September meeting was last Saturday however, it was rescheduled due to a conflict to this Saturday, the 15th, at 1 PM, 110 West C Street, Suite M-3. We will also be in Norris Park for Heritage Days. Stop by and see us there.