1979 Gazette brings back memories

Among the newspapers given to SWNGS from Naomi Ruppert was a McCook Daily Gazette from August 1979 and right on the front page was Wendell Cheney with his beautiful hibiscus flowers from the garden he and his wife, Donna, grew in their back yard on Sunset Road.

The Cheney’s were my neighbors when I moved to McCook in 1965 from Indianola, and each year they gave their neighbors (my parents) blossoms from their five hibiscus plants. Wendell and Donna were a joy to have as neighbors, he of course having been the Red Willow County Court Judge and she a writer and poet. Interesting people who also had numerous slide shows from their many travels which they shared with friends and local clubs.

The other news taking front page reminded me of this last year and all the strange lights and activities seen in our beautiful night sky: “Two more residents of Southwestern Nebraska have reported seeing the strange, bright light Sunday night which was originally called to the Gazette’s attention by two employees of the Bison Drive In Theater. Jack Jones and David Dyer said they saw a very bright round light about 11:30 p.m., Sunday. The object had red fiery specks behind it and seemed to split into two pieces at which time the light went out.”

“State Decision Raises RW Values $35 Million: “The order by the State Board of Equalization for counties to bring valuations to the 85 percent level will mean an increase of about $35 million in the actual valuation of Red Willow County. Assessor Robert Prest said this is only an estimate and the county’s final valuation won’t be known until the state sets the franchise and railroad value.”

Continuing down in the article: “This means the assessed valuation of the county will now be about $100 million.” The raises were about 20 percent for farm land and 14 perceant for rural, urban, and commercial buildings.

Under “Today’s Topic” written by James E. Walters, and Associated Press Writer, was this story which is still fitting for today. “Palominas, Arizona- The scene was idyllic. Cows and horses nibbled at the seemingly endless range stretching under cloudless skies to shadow-etched mountains in the background. But all was not peaceful, Ginny Bradshaw said, pointing to a line of trees a couple miles away. “That’s where the burglars come from,” she said. “That’s Mexico on the other side of the trees. They just walk over and rip us off all the time.” Police in Arizona, with its 400 plus miles of common border with Mexico, say their state has long been a target-motor vehicle thefts, narcotics smuggling, shoplifting, burglaries.” What is that old saying, the more things change, the more they stay the same?

In this issue the advertisements are wonderful for memory lane. The Elks Club stag on Tuesday had $1.00 steaks! Wilmot’s Fireside Inn served breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., Al’s Army Store had Wrangler Short Sleeve shirts, 3 for $30. Ford’s Jewelry and Stone Wall Gift shop had backroom merchandise marked down up to 70% off and J. C. Penny had “color” portraits by Pixy for a charge of a penny a pound for each pound your child weighs. You could rent a piano from Hershberger’s for $25 a month, and J.M. McDonald’s was offering 20% off on all women’s new fall coats!

Jim Brooks was auctioning off items from the Piccalilli Pantry at 313 Norris Avenue, noting in the sale bill that it “Operated as a Delicatessen”. Strangely enough I don’t remember this business. When it comes to my last picking from the paper, I remember these activities well. “McCook’s demolition derby ‘demon” Ed Bass, No. 84, blasted into the circle of tires in front of the Furnas County grandstands Friday night, banged his stationwagon around a little and came home with a first-place heat trophy and runner-up feature race trophy.” Ed’s car is pictured with his name, car number and “Hellbent” painted on the side of his wagon. Kim Teel of Indianola won the Powder Puff division.

So, that’s my trip down memory lane for this week. Each article I read in the paper brought back faces and places very dear to my early adulthood years.

SWNGS library is open Thursdays from 1-4 PM. Located in the Temple Building, 322 Norris Ave., Rooms 2-7, there is an elevator for your use.