McCook starts working on its water supply in 1883

A bit of a laugh, once in a while, is good for the soul. If you, like I, read old newspapers, you are aware of the many times the editor or reporter, often one in the same, injected humor with the news. I thought I’d share these two.

McCook Tribune, September 13, 1883: “As No. 39 (train) was pulling out on Sunday, a tramp was discovered on a truck under the sleeper attempting to steal a ride. The train was signaled by a passenger who thought he was dead, and stopped. As soon, however, as the train stopped, the aforesaid tramp made awfully lively tracks down toward the river for a dead man.”

“A Fowl Assassination: As a young man, connected with the Train Dispatchers office in this city, was wending his way home on Monday night, he was attacked by some unknown foe in a manner that threatened his life. Knowing that self-preservation was one of the inalienable rights of mankind, he quietly drew his weapon of defense and with one blow, slew his assailant. Remorse then capturing his soul, he carried it to the B. & M. Eating House, and the following day he and the genial landlord dined off of it. The query now is, was it one of Mr. Sander’s chickens, or did it belong to somebody else.” September 13, 1883, McCook Tribune

Now on just an information note, the next two articles are from the McCook Tribune, the first in the September 13 issue, the second from the September 27 issue 1883.

“Work was resumed on the tank to supply McCook with water on Saturday last, and the indications are fair that it will be pushed until the water works are completed. The completion of the water system will give our little city a new impetus, and will attract strangers into our midst. It will be but a short time until McCook will do the largest business, and contain the largest population in the valley. The rapid growth of McCook, the enterprise of her citizens, and the natural beauty of her location are matters of wonder to the strangers who daily get off at the station. McCook possesses all the natural advantages necessary to the growth of a large city.”

“Mr. George Hocknell returned from Lincoln on Wednesday, and brought with him a communication from R. O. Phillips that the Railroad Company would transport the material for the McCook bridge free. Also that the company would give the right of way through their land south of town, on the condition that if at the expiration of seven years, the land is needed by the R.R. Company, they propose to move the bridge to the east section line at their own cost. As the condition can make no difference to the people of McCook, the proposition will most likely be accepted, and work commenced at once. This will be good news for the people south of the river.”

Consequently after a scant year, McCook would now have a water storage system and supply lines plus a bridge over the Republican river, two improvements that would vastly improve both the living conditions and the commerce trade in the city.

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