When trees were brought to Red Willow County

I am a confessed garden hose mender. Doesn’t matter if it was an expensive or a cheap hose to begin with, my irritation at having something I purchased not last more than a year or two is unequaled. Unfortunately, in most instances the hose displays the hole in a spraying fountain as far away from any shade as possible. Since I have already set the hose up where I want it, I gather my tools and my trusty garden shears and mend away in the sun….such as yesterdays’ sun. My tool box supplied with a selection of joiners, male and female ends for both sizes of hose. Does it make common sense? Not really but having grown up in an era and location where you couldn’t run to the store every day, you learn to mend things.

The following tidbits were taken from the McCook Tribune, March 18, 1886.

If you ever wondered how the prairie of Red Willow County ended up with a large variety of trees, this might answer that question. “One hundred car-loads of Nebraska grown Forest Trees, ranging in height from 6 inches to sixteen feet, suited to timber-claim planting, or ornamental shade trees. Varieties: Yellow Cottonwood, Sugar and Soft Maple, Hardy Catalpa, Blade and White Walnut, American Sweet Chestnut, Black and Honey Locust, Ash, Elm, Box Elder, Linden, Sycamore, Native, Russian and French Mulberry, Poplar, Pecan, Birch, Red Bud, Coffee Tree, Persimmon, Yellow, White, Diamond and Basket Willow. By the single tree, hundred, thousand or car load. In car lots special rates will be given. Also, a general Nursery Stock. Write for prices: Robt. W. Furnas, Brownsville, Neb.”

“Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Nettleton, Jr., arrived from Stockbridge, Mass., Saturday last, and will cast their fortunes with the people of Red Willow County henceforth.”

I’ve written before covering a local Doctor’s take on the quality of the brick buildings being built on limestone foundations in McCook’s early days. It seems they came down faster than they went up but with a lot more fanfare. “The probabilities are that brick for building purposes will be much cheaper, this spring, than ever before in the history of our city. (This cracks me up, McCook was only 4 years old when this was written.) Contractor Collins received his immense brick making machine, the first of the week, and will in a short time be prepared to turn out brick of a superior quality in double quick order, while tow or three other parties are also arranging to burn (Referring to the heating of the brick in kilns.) in the near future. Cheap brick will do much toward encouraging the erection of more brick buildings.”

Here are references to historical newspapers of the area and their editors: “Editor Solomon of the Culbertson Sun and Pence of the Palisade Journal both transacted business in the city, Monday Night. Editor L. E. Martin of the Orleans Sentinel passed few hours in the city on Sunday, remembering THE TRIBUNE with a short call. H. B. Crane of the Franklin Echo spent Thursday and Friday of last week in the city. THE TRIBUNE received a fraternal call.”

“We are informed by B. F. Olcott that he has almost completed the house he is building on his claim a few miles from town and that he will remove with his family thereto, the first of April. B.F. is putting up a residence 24 feet square (often referred to as four-square house style) and will be as snug as a bug in a rug on his claim. THE TRIBUNE is glad to note the erection of houses of such character out in the country. It is a good indication when comfortable frame houses take the place of dug-outs and sod houses.”

Genealogical research has led to answers for many families but sometimes it takes a bit more experience to uncover those answers. SWNGS is glad to help you with your research questions.

Our new library is located at 322 Norris Ave., in the historic Temple building, second floor rooms 2-7. We are open on Thursdays from 1-4 PM and there is an elevator available for your use.