"FULLERTON'S FIRST 100 YEARS (1879-1979" PAGES 1-50 This full text transcription was done by Ted and Carole Miller from a copy of the original publication. Submitted to the USGenWeb Nebraska Archives, January, 1998, by Ted and Carole Miller (susieque@pacbell.net) USGenWeb Project NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the internet, data may be used by non-commercial researchers, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, nor for presentation in any form by any other organization or individual. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than as stated above, must obtain express written permission from the author, or the submitter and from the listed USGenWeb Project archivist. *************** Fullerton's First 100 Years 1879-1979 The history of Nance County and thus of Fullerton is rich in its heritage of the vision and far-sightedness of its early inhabitants. It is a history filled with conflict, hardship, successes and failures. It has all the earmarks of the problems confronting any new settlement on the edge of the ever-advancing frontier line. One unique element of this early background is the Indian and his efforts to mold Nance County into a secure settlement. The Pawnees are one of the great mysteries of prehistoric America. Unlike other Indian tribes, they have no legendary history which identifies them with early occupants of other parts of the country. And, their customs and traditions are unlike those of other tribes. They claim to have been created right where the palefaces found them and to have descended from the union of the morning star and evening star. For nearly 500 years these savage warriors are known to have offered annually the most beautiful young maiden of their race or of captive tribes as a sacrifice to their great ancestor, the evening star. The sacred pit where these maidens were buried was found in the Indian Hill vicinity near the southwest corner of Nance County. The Skidi clan of the Pawnees were the only Indians in [Image: Village of the Pawnee at Loup Forks, Nebraska, 1870.] 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- North America, north of the Rio Grande, who practiced human sacrifice. The Pawnees were first heard of through the Illinois, the name being of that language. They were a versatile people who hunted and were industrious farmers, cultivating beans, corn, melons and other crops. There was a sort of treaty in 1832, by which a right of way was granted to immigrants on the south of where the Indians were supposed to have prior rights. The line was to be the Loup River, but of course there was no real supervision or control, so the Indians roamed more or less at will, though they did, in 1839, cross to the north of the Loup. Two bands made their villages south of the Cedar which at that time was known to them as "Willow Water". In July, 1843, some 700 Sioux attacked the Pawnees near Plum Creek, killing approximately 70 or 80 Pawnees. Immediately after the battle, the Pawnees left for their summer hunt and upon their return all four Pawnee tribes met at their village near the mouth of the Cedar River. For hundreds of years Nance County had been the territory of the Sioux. They were skilled hunters and ferocious warriors who deeply resented encroachments on what they believed was their territory. However, in spite of this, under a treaty dated September 4, 1857, during the administration of President Buchanan, the Pawnees sold much of their land to the federal government, and were given in return the tract of land comprising the present territory of Nance County, with the exception of a few sections later annexed on the west. Fear of the Sioux discouraged the Pawnees from taking immediate possession of their newly-acquired reservation, and they [Image: Trading Post, Pawnee Reservation, Genoa, Nebraska.] 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- continued to make their settlement near Fremont, taking their usual buffalo hunt upon the plains during the summer, and exercising great care to avoid their enemy, the Sioux. As early as 1840, near the present townsite of Fullerton, the county began to acquire an appearance of civilization, because missionaries appeared from time to time, and there were a few scattered settlers. On May 11, 1857, four months previous to the grant of the reservation to the Pawnees, a band of Mormons, consisting of 110 families, led by H. J. Hudson settled upon a tract of land comprising a large part of the present townsite of Genoa, near the junction of the Beaver and Loup rivers. These people were from England, Scotland and Wales. On coming to America, they first settled near St. Louis, Missouri, but were persecuted because of their religious beliefs. They were caught up in the conflict in the Mormon Church at the time and chose not to follow Brigham Young as the leader of the church. They were anxious to obtain homes in a locality where they would be free from the trials of religious persecution. The little group endured many hardships. They had few work animals and these were kept busy breaking up the prairie sod, while men and women worked together to construct crude homes of sod and logs. The settlers decided to erect a sod fence around their settlement, and a wall five miles in length and six feet high was constructed. After breaking all the sod in this enclosure, the settlers decided to enlarge their efforts and selected a site near the mouth of the Cedar River, where they broke about 300 acres of prairie sod. Some of the "dead furrows" of this breaking could be seen about one and one-half miles northeast of Fullerton well into the early 1900's. In the summer of 1859 the Pawnees, unable to provide for their needs on their usual territory, plundered the Elkhorn Valley in a series of raids. They were reported as being in a "half-starved condition" and consequently in a mood to commit acts of thievery or violence that might give them temporary relief from their problems. A citizens' committee appealed to Governor Black for aid, but the Governor being absent, Secretary J. Sterling Morton was called upon to act in his place. Morton called upon Col. Charles May, Commandant at Ft. Kearney, for troops; but in the meantime Major General John M. Thayer set out for the scene of the trouble as the head of the light artillery company of Omaha. He was joined three days later by Governor Black and a portion of Company "K" of the U.S. Dragoons. Gathering south of the Elkhorn, near Fremont, they were later joined by volunteer groups from Columbus. The results of the military actions can best be summed up by examining the report that General Thayer wrote describing the campaign. 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The troops came upon the Indians and the Indians surrendered. The line was formed, the cannon planted and the chiefs of all the different bands came forward, throwing down their arms and raising white flags. The interpreter was directed to communicate with them, and they asked to have a council. They acknowledged that their young men had committed these depredations, offered to give them up, and did surrender six of them. Two of them were shot while trying to escape the next day." Eight of the marauding Indians were killed by the settlers, but no whites suffered death in the historic so-called "Pawnee War". In the 1857 treaty, the Pawnees ceded all their lands from the Niobrara on the north to the Platte on the south, and from Shell Creek on the east to the Rocky Mountains on the west - with the exception of the territory comprising Nance County - for a consideration of a yearly annuity of $22,000 in cash plus numerous educational and vocational training programs. The tract of land retained by the Indians was, until 1879, familiarly known as the "Pawnee Reserve", and was always considered by these Indians the very cream of their broad possessions. Late in the summer of 1859, after the Pawnees had finished their annual hunt, and after the so-called "Pawnee War" on the Elkhorn, the tribe decided to locate on their reservation, and accordingly a government agent was appointed to plan with the Pawnee in providing suitable winter quarters. In September, 1859, 3,100 Indians - all that was left of the once celebrated Pawnee tribe - arrived at Genoa with the agent and other employees of the government. H. J. Hudson and the Mormon settlement at Genoa at once made overtures of peace to the Indians through their agent. His idea was that, having settled on a portion of the land given to the Indians before the treaty was made, it was the duty of the government to protect the settlers in their possessions and remunerate the Indians by an equal or greater amount of land in some other area. The agent informed Mr. Hudson that the Indians demanded their entire territory, and unless the site of Genoa was speedily vacated they could not be restrained and bloodshed might be expected. The little band of Mormons left their homes and relocated three miles southeast of Genoa. They quickly built rough sod houses and gathered large quantities of hay for feeding stock during the rapidly approaching winter. Just when everything had been made relatively secure against the winter snows, a prairie fire whipped by gale-like winds destroyed all they had. The colony disbanded. Some went to Utah; others returned to the East; but a large number settled in and about Columbus, Nebraska. 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directly after the departure of the Mormons from Genoa the Pawnees set up their village just southwest of the present site of Genoa and within the sod enclosure built by the Mormons. In 1863, the government decided to put up a school building in which to educate the young Pawnees in the "arts and sciences of civilization". Upon the completion of the school building, a dinner was given by the agent to dedicate the new structure; and while all hands were having a feast, a large force of Sioux warriors, intent on plunder, rode into town. Thirty Pawnees were killed in a cornfield east of the school house while trying to save their ponies, and one soldier was killed in the fight that followed. In the summer of 1870, the Sioux and the Pawnee had a pitched battle at the mouth of Cottonwood Creek, and from 200 to 300 Pawnees were buried on the battleground the following day. A short time later, while nearly 300 Pawnees were hunting in the Republican Valley, they were pursued by a band of Sioux, surrounded, and literally cut to pieces, only two or three escaping. It is quite clear that the Pawnee had little chance to live secure and unthreatened lives in Nance County. In addition to threats from the Sioux, the Pawnee were constantly annoyed by the settlers from Merrick and Hamilton counties, who were attracted by large areas of cedar and oak timber along the Cedar River. Occasionally as high as 20 teams of woodcutters would be in the timber at one time, and the Indians, concluding it was an unwarranted infringement upon their rights, planned to punish the offenders. One day in mid-winter, a large number of men from near Central City were devastating a choice piece of forest about a mile west of the town site of Fullerton, when a group of about 200 swooped down on them and captured a number of the group. It was reported that they would have been literally cut to pieces if they hadn't offered their most vehement promises never to show up in the area again. In 1873 the Pawnees became tired of the reservation on account of the repeated and continued devastations by the Sioux and the destruction of their wooded possessions by the white settlers in Platte, Boone, Merrick and Howard counties, and asked to be removed to the Indian Territory now Oklahoma. Their request was granted, and in 1874 a part of the tribe was removed to the Territory of Oklahoma. In 1875 these were followed by the remainder, who were conducted to their new location by the agent, William Burgess. It was stipulated on their removal that the reservation lands should be sold for the benefit of the Pawnees; and on April 10, 1876, a bill passed by Congress requiring the land to be appraised and in due time offered for sale to the highest bidder, and not to be sold below its appraised value, was duly approved and a board of appraisers was 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- appointed. Thus Nance County is unique in that almost no homesteading was to take place here. All land had to be purchased by settlers or by investors for resale. On April 25, 1876, Robert Compton and Lee Goddard settled at the mouth of Timber Creek and built a dug-out. They brought a large herd of cattle to feed on the luxurious grasses of the valley. In July, Randall Fuller of Faribault, Minnesota, enroute to Colorado with a large herd of cattle, came through the reservation, and like Compton and Goddard, was extremely impressed with the many excellent features of the country. He decided to locate, and established his headquarters in the little nook below and a little east of what was formerly known as Buffalo Leap (now known as Lover's Leap). Here he built a small frame shanty. The only thing that gave him much trouble was an army of fleas that pestered him nightly. They attacked him from all quarters, and filled him with an almost desperate anguish. When he was unable to endure the pests any longer, he went to Columbus and had a huge sack constructed, a little less than 12 feet in length, with a puckering string at the mouth, and when evening came he would crawl into "the sack", draw the puckering string tightly about his neck and snore defiance to the fleas and bed bugs until morning. In August, 1876, the Crow brothers, Hart and Ed, with their sister, Mrs. H. H. Knight, all from Douglas County, Minnesota, reached Grand Island, enroute for Dawson County, and finding grass too poor for feed for their stock, retraced their steps by way of St. Paul to the reserve, where they found Mr. Fuller herding his stock on the present town site of Fullerton, who directed them to a fine location for the stock-raising business among the bluffs. In the fall of 1876, shortly after the arrival of the Crow brothers from Minnesota, Andrew Johnson and a Mr. Knudson, from near Madelia, Minnesota, struck camp on the east side of the Cedar, Johnson about a mile above the site of Fullerton, and Knudson two miles. Hans Anson, a son-in-law of Johnson, settled at Council Creek. W. A. Davis also pitched teat at Council Creek, and commenced improvements by building a combination residence - a cross between a log cabin and a dug-out. Mr. Derrick located seven miles northwest of Genoa. James Scully, a well-to-do stockman, came onto the reservation that fall. This was the full extent of the settlement made in Nance County during the year 1876. Late in the fall Randall Fuller returned to his home at Faribault, Minnesota, leaving his stock to be wintered by S. Y. Coffin of Platte County. In the winter, O. H. Crow and his sister, Mrs. Knight, returned to Minnesota, leaving Ed to care for the stock. Another influx of immigration struck the reserve in 1877. In the spring of that year Clark Cooncey located his ranch on Council 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Creek, and Andrew Erickson squatted near the mouth of the Cedar, on the east side. In September, Frank Hodges settled on the farm just below the mouth of Timber Creek. Eric Nelson and Andrew Thompson located between Council and Plum Creeks. In October, Henry L. Vandewalker, Frank S. Gay, William Barton and Jacob Piatt, with their families, comprising in all 16 people, settled on Timber Creek, around what was called the "big grove", being the largest body of timber in the county. On August 16, 1877, the board appointed to appraise the reservation lands sent in their report to Secretary Schurz, by whom it was approved, November 17, 1877. The land was appraised at from $2.50 to $6 per acre. In the summer of 1877, O. H. Crow returned from Minnesota, accompanied by his brother, Elmer. They brought a small herd of cattle. Randall Fuller also returned bringing another herd to summer on the rich grasses of the Loup and Cedar valleys. D. A. and George Willard, with an eye to the future, took squatter's possession of the town site of Genoa. The winter of 1877-78 was exceptionally open and mild, which made things much more tolerable for the settlers on the reserve. Despite the mild winter, few of the settlers prospered. The nearest attainable market place was Albion, and Columbus was the nearest railroad point. The settlers traded fence posts with the farmers of Boone County at the rate of a load of posts for eight or ten bushels of wheat, which they would take to the Albion mill to be ground. Bob Compton furnished the settlers with plenty of juicy, grass-fed pork, and all who possessed firearms helped themselves to rabbits and prairie hens. Potatoes were hard to get, but cornmeal was plentiful, and milk flowed freely. Money was scarce, and Bill Bowman, claimed that "on his word as a Christian gentleman", for one whole year the closest thing to currency in his possession was a three-cent stamp. Timber, as well as lush grasses, was one of the major assets of early Nance County. As early as the spring of 1875, news reached the Interior Department at Washington that the settlers of Merrick, Platte and Boone counties were stripping the reservation of its most valuable timber. Deputy U.S. Marshal Ball of Omaha was directed to take action against them and bring them before the U.S. Circuit Court, then in session in Omaha. The order was quickly obeyed, and more than 40 wood gatherers were rounded up for trial within three days. Several were captured in the very act of cutting down the timber. Others were drawing it home, and a few were arrested wholly on suspicion. The men boarded the train at Columbus enroute for Omaha. Each man expected that his neighbor would furnish testimony against him, but a general understanding was reached 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- before they struck Omaha, and when the day of trial rolled around, out of the 40 culprits who were called upon to testify, not one could testify of his own knowledge that a stick of timber had ever been unlawfully taken from the reservation land. And, a few pleaded guilty to the charge of taking loads of wood from other parties whom they supposed had procured the wood in Howard County. The result of the trial was the acquittal of all concerned, with a severe reprimand. On reaching home many of them immediately set out for the reservation after more wood. During the fall of 1877, Randall Fuller secured the services of J. C. Knapp of Merrick County to make a survey of the original town site of Fullerton. Shortly before this event the Cedar settlement had been reinforced by the arrival from Minnesota of Martin McCrellis and family, who took up their abode with Crow Brothers, but shortly moved to Fuller's ranch. Most of the settlers constructed crude "dug-outs" or "soddies". Several persons put in their time in November and December husking corn on shares south of the Platte River and by this means a fair supply of grain was provided for the stock. Those who assisted in the labor of transporting the corn over the unfrozen Loup, or via St. Paul, a distance, round trip, of over 100 miles expressed the opinion that every ear was "well earned". As was earlier recalled, the winter of 1877-78 was remarkable for its mildness. The ambitious "squatters" improved their "spare moments" by laying in a supply of firewood and building timber, as the numerous ravines abounded with small groves. Nothing created any social opportunity save now and then a genuine country hoe-down at Compton's ranch, in which old and young took animated part. Bill Bowman, John Foster and others scraped the violins on these joyful occasions; and while the music was not remembered as being the most aesthetic, it was loud, and strong and durable, and the "time" was perfect. Toward spring the settlers began to feel uneasy in regard to how and when the lands were to be disposed of and a petition was sent to Congress asking that they be opened for homesteads. But in April the edict went forth from the Department of the Interior that the Pawnee Reservation lands would be sold at auction at Central City, commencing the 15th of the next July. On the strength of the belief, or hope, that no one would bid against them for the lands upon which they had squatted, the settlers began making improvements of a permanent nature. A large amount of breaking of sod was done before the sale. In the spring of this year, O. E. Stearns took formal possession of the land adjoining the town site on the east. Charley Wier, who came from Minnesota a few months later, claimed the land upon 8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- which Mr. Stearns was located. It was the ground that he had selected the year before; but, as he could furnish no evidence in the way of improvements to justify his claims, Mr. Stearns concluded to exercise his sovereign right of "eminent domain" and "allow Mr. Wier the privilege of selecting some other spot". Conflicts and disasters were to play a common role in the history of the Fullerton area. One of the greatest fears of the early settlers was of prairie fires. One day in April of 1879, when the wind was blowing strongly from the southwest, a careless traveler in the Loup Valley started a fire which swept with terrible velocity over the divide, directly onto the Crow boys' big ranch. Hart Crow was at Genoa that day, it being his turn to bring the neighborhood mail, and Ed was alone. As the fire passed over the bluffs above the ranch a young man who had seen the approaching smoke arrived upon the scene, and these two persons made a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to stop the flames. Their large herd of cattle happened to be at a safe distance, but the horses and hogs about the sheds were liberated with great difficulty. A fine young mare had been hitched to a sapling a few rods away, where she seemed perfectly safe, but the heat from the flaming sheds became so intense that she was roasted alive. Several attempts were made to cut the animal loose, and each proved futile on account of her rearings and the inability of the men to endure the heat for more than a few seconds at a time. All the household goods, rifles, saddles, harness, wagons, implements and tools went up in smoke. The fire was whirled over the river and all the hay in the meadows vanished in flames. The total loss was nearly $1,000. That night Ed and Hart slept beneath the roof of a neighboring "soddy", homeless. On the 15th of July - the opening of the land sale - the settlers of the reserve were on hand at Central City to secure [Image: Early Day Land Office.] 9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- possession of the lands upon which they had squatted. They were to be sold at auction, one-third down, the balance in two equal annual installments, interest at six percent. It was rumored that a syndicate of eastern land speculators would be on hand to bid against the settlers, and a good deal of uneasiness was felt by those who had ventured to make improvements, but the scare proved to be without much foundation. The settlers bought their lands at the appraised value. The Willard brothers, D. A. and George, purchased the town site of Genoa and all the government buildings, except the "big brick", for $3,500. Randall Fuller bought seven quarters, including the original town site of Fullerton. Other settlers secured from one to two quarters, with the exception of a few who decided to wait awhile. Frank Hodges bought a half-section below the mouth of Timber Creek. The sale lasted four days, and a comparatively small amount of land was disposed of. In the latter part of July, from excessive rains in the northern part of the state the Cedar River became a seething flood, and for a week it was impossible to cross with a team of horses. O. E. Stearns operated a small ferry boat for passengers at the old ford northeast of town, but horses had to swim. A short time after the flood subsided malaria fever appeared in several families living near the river. Alfred Bixby was stricken down with congestive chills, and died on the 21st of August, aged 68 years. It was the first death of a resident white person on the reserve. The funeral services were held on the 23rd, Rev. J. N. Dressler of Merrick County officiated. Shortly after the land sale, Luther Hull, John Simons and sons, George W. Davis and others, made settlement on Timber Creek, and Wylke Durkee secured a quarter-section in the Beaver Valley and took immediate possession. During this year the first white child was born on the reserve to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Williamson. Rev. C. Starbuck, a Congregational minister, dispensed the Gospel to the few settlers in and about Genoa. More prairie fires damage the reserve from time to time. George McChesney lost his entire crop of hay twice in succession, but instead of giving up, kept right at work cutting frost-killed grass; and what the hay lacked in quality he made up in quantity, so that his stock lived through the winter adequately. A brother of O. E. Stearns had located at the mouth of Plum Creek, just in season to secure hay for wintering 100 head of cattle, when a heavy fire swept down from the northwest and burned every stack on the farm. Scully also lost heavily, and the same fire, continuing in an easterly direction, destroyed thousands of dollars worth of property, and burned two persons to death, a mother and child, in the Shell Creek Valley. 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Communication was difficult at its best in early Nance County, and always painfully slow. The nearest post office being Genoa, the settlers of the town-to-be along the Cedar took turns at carrying the mail. In the winter of 1878 the Cedar River post office was established, with O.E. Sterns as postmaster. The government refused, however, to furnish a mail carrier, though it did issue a sack for carrying mail. Everyone on the reserve who could possibly be mustered into the service, was sworn in as mail carrier, but for a small consideration Johnny Johnson was hired to perform most of the service. On April 15,1879, Frank S. Gay received his commission as postmaster of the newly created Redwing post office in another part of the reserve. As the time approached for the convening of Nebraska's lawmakers in Lincoln, the question of what disposition would be made of the reserve became an all-absorbing one. Some thought it would be sliced up like a piece of cake and apportioned to the several adjoining counties. Merrick County wanted all south of the Loup. Boone County would like the balance, but there was opposition to that particular division because the annexation of any new territory on the south, would endanger the stability of Albion as the county seat. Also, many prominent citizens there stood to lose wealth by the probable resulting decrease of real estate values there. The majority of the residents there, thus, were in favor of making the reservation into a county itself. Building on this conviction, George Willard canvassed the reserve for the purpose of raising funds to engage in an active lobbying effort in the legislature to enact a bill providing for a new county. Over $100 was subscribed by the citizens. Among those who visited the reservation in the fall of 1878 were Brad D. Slaughter and J. H. Edgington. Mr. Slaughter was living in Lincoln at the time, and came out to look the reserve over with a view to locating. He was very favorably impressed with the "lay of the land", and fully decided to become a resident in case the territory was organized into a county, instead of being sliced up and divided among the neighboring counties. J. D. Edgington, who at the time owned a large farm not far from Council Bluffs, Iowa, came out partly to view the country, and largely to hunt deer, which at that time could be found in large numbers on Timber Creek and its branches. He was very successful in his hunt, "killing a wagon load of them" in a few days, and was so impressed with the many advantages the county offered for farming and stock-raising, the beautiful scenery and remarkable "fine wagon roads for so new a county", that he decided to sell his Iowa possessions at the earliest opportunity and move to "God's country". In view of the prospect that a new county might be organized from the reservation, the Willard brothers, in January of 1879, 11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- circulated a petition in and about Genoa to the governor, asking that the temporary county seat be located at Genoa, that C. D. Rakestraw be appointed temporary clerk, and that the new county be named Delane, in honor of D. A. Willard, chief owner of the town site of Genoa. About this time Randall Fuller returned from Minnesota, and having been informed of the status of affairs, circulated a petition in the Cedar and Loup valley asking that the temporary county seat be located on the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 16, Range 6; that A. L. Bixby be appointed clerk, George W. Chesney, Orson E. Stearns and Andrew Thompson be appointed commissioners pro tem, and that the county be called "Nance", in honor of "His Excellency the Governor". The idea of naming the county after the governor was suggested to Mr. Fuller by Alfred Bixby the previous summer. O. E. Stearns accompanied by Mr. Fuller, carried the petition to the governor in person, and Mr. Stearns, who was acquainted with the governor, presented the case to him in such a manner that he was left in little doubt as to what advantages would result from the county's organization. B. D. Slaughter, who was chief clerk of the Legislature's House of Representatives at this time, drew up the bill for a new county, and realizing the popularity of the governor, inserted a clause in the bill that the county was to be named after him, thinking thereby to capture votes for the measure. His expectations were realized, for the bill passed on February 4 with but one dissenting vote. In May of 1879, B. D. Slaughter and his father made a trip to the reserve, now soon to become Nance County, and on the 19th of May at the residence of O. E. Stearns, an agreement was entered into with Randall Fuller for the purchase of half-interest in the town site by Mr. Slaughter who then returned to Lincoln and brought his wife out to see the country; traveling several hundred miles back and forth across the North Nebraska regions before reaching the Cedar at the new town site. They reached here June 18, and at once made a contract with Fuller for a half-interest in the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 16, Range 6 West of the 6th principal meridian (now Fullerton). On the 21st day of June, the board of commissioners appointed by the governor met and read the following order: "Whereas, a large number of citizens of the unorganized county of Nance have united in a petition asking that the said county be organized, and that Orson E. Stearns, George S. McChesney and J. W. Whitney be appointed a board of county commissioners, and that DeWitt Eager be appointed special county clerk for said county, for the purpose of forming a permanent organization, and that the Northeast Quarter of Section 14, Township 16, Range 6 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: 1885 Scene of Fullerton] 13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- West, be designated as the temporary county seat of the said county of Nance, and it appearing that the said county contains a population of not less than 200, and two or more petitioners are taxpayers and residents of said county; Now, therefore, I, Albinus Nance, Governor of the State of Nebraska, in accordance with the memorial of said petitioners, and under and by virtue of the authority in me vested, and in pursuance of the statute in such cases made and provided, do declare said county to be temporarily organized for the purpose of permanent organization, and do appoint and commission the persons above named as the special county commissioners and the person above mentioned as the special county clerk, and do declare the place above named and described as the temporary county seat." A short time after this action, an influx of people began to pour into the new settlement near the confluence of the Loup and Cedar rivers. Some actually camped along the rivers until suitable shelter could be built. Randall Fuller went to work immediately erecting the first building in what was to become the City of Fullerton, the old Pawnee land office of Slaughter and Lindsay. In working on this building the scaffolding broke and Mr. Fuller fell about 12 feet, striking his head and shoulders, and receiving injuries from which he never fully recovered. The next house was put up by Jacob Smith, who had purchased a nearby farm. This was followed by J. W. Dresser's store building, erected by himself, H. E. Reynolds, (the first contractor and builder in the town), W. C. Phillips and a Mr. Seeley. The cellar was excavated by two of Andrew Thompson's sons, at 75¢ each per day - high wages at the time. N. C. Judson then constructed his store, and Mr. Slaughter, while on his second trip to the county seat, made arrangements to have another structure built. In the latter part of June, M. S. Lindsay, a young graduate of a law school, came from Waco, York County, to grow up with the new country. There being no opportunity for a lawyer at the time, he took a job with Tiffany and Dresser as cook, afterward worked through harvest in Polk County and haying in Nance, then entered into co-partnership with Mr. Slaughter in the land and law business combined. About this time Dr. J. S. Christison, finding Columbus a little too thickly populated with "saw bones", decided to locate in the new county, and settled at Genoa. He was the first physician to locate in the county. In the latter part of August, Mrs. Tiffany commenced keeping a boarding house in the building owned by I. A. Beagle, and occupied by Wilson Brothers as a store. In September the first school meeting 14 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- was held in front of the old Pawnee land office. Those present were Slaughter, Tiffany, Dresser, Noah Judson, Hosea Judson, Rev. R. G. Adams and Jacob Smith. Arrangements were made whereby Hosea Judson agreed to build a school house, on the condition that Fuller and Slaughter should donate a lot, which was done, and the building constructed. Miss Cora Judson was engaged to teach the school, at a salary of $2 per student for the term. Also in August, John N. Reynolds, an attorney at Columbus, put up a building in town and S. L. Sturtevant built a store which he stocked with groceries and dry goods. Samuel Buckner, Fullerton's first Jewish resident, engaged in a small general merchadise (sic) business in the Beagle building. Later in the fall C. H. Gilmore located and erected a building to be used as a restaurant and dwelling, which he also stocked with drugs. During this period in Nance County's history the question of the permanent location of the county seat was agitating the minds of the residents in the rival villages of Genoa and Fullerton, and the Willard brothers for Genoa and Brad Slaughter for Fullerton were working diligently to secure the quota of "actual settlers" necessary to make their "election sure". The first political convention ever held in Nance County was called at Genoa, on September 10, 1879, to nominate candidates for the several county offices, to be elected the ensuing November. In October, Fullerton held a similar convention and put in nomination their candidates for the same county offices. The results of all these activities were reported in the last week of October in the first edition of the Nance County Journal. It was begun by A. E. Verity with an old newspaper outfit including a wooden press. The six column folio had a subscription list of 50. Tuesday, November 4, 1879, the first election in Nance County was held in due form, and among the results was the following vote for county seat: Genoa 98 Fullerton 89 East side of Cedar River 15 On Monday following the election, the county commissioners met at the Pawnee land office to canvass the returns. During the interval between the election and the date of this canvass, M. S. Lindsay applied to Judge Donaldson of Merrick County for a writ of injunction to prevent a count of the returns of Genoa on the grounds of fraud. When Genoa's vote was reached, the writ was served, which suspended further action for the time, and the board adjourned. On the 10th of December, in the district court of Osceola, Judge George M. Post issued a peremptory mandamus commanding the commissioners of Nance County to meet and canvass the entire 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- returns, including the votes of Genoa precinct which were excluded by the injunction. In pursuance of the order the commissioners met on the 13th of December to finish the count, which they did, but the result was not made public at once. C. D. Rakestraw, the temporary county clerk by appointment from Governor Nance, resigned. The commissioners then unanimously appointed J. N. Reynolds to replace him. After this appointment the recount proceeded and when the count was completed, the vote for county seat was: Genoa 56 Fullerton 89 East side of Cedar River 15 It should be noted that similar changes took place in the voting for county commissioners resulting in Fullertonites being elected to the County Board of Commissioners. In conformity with this result, which was brought about by throwing out 42 votes from Genoa precinct, it having been roughly estimated by the Commissioners that it represented "about" the number of illegal votes cast at Genoa, and "just" the number necessary to make the election of the Fullerton ticket complete, Clerk Reynolds issued certificates of election in accordance with this result, and the county government was declared to be complete and in running order. In the meantime the candidates of the Genoa ticket, relying on the face of the returns as lawful evidence of the rightness of their intentions, were sworn into office. On January 5 the new board met pursuant to adjournment, with Burgess and Patterson present. They were arrested and taken before justice Edgar Tiffany, who released them on their own recognizance to appear the following Tuesday and answer to the complaint of usurpation of office. They didn't appear. On the 13th of January, both boards met in regular session. The Fullerton commissioners held their session in the old Pawnee land office, the Genoa board tried to get the use of Josh Brown's store. Failing in this, they sought refuge in the bar room of the City Hotel, then kept by George Rogers, and on being refused, they went to George Odell's livery barn where they began their meeting in a vacant stall. Having just begun their meeting, they were arrested by W. H. Bowman "in the name of the commonwealth of Nebraska" and taken before Judge Lindsay. Andrew Thompson was brought to trial on the charge of usurpation of office and after a due trial, a fine of $150 was imposed, and the prisoner ordered remanded to the jail at Central City until the fine should be paid. The judge finally agreed to suspend the fine if Mr. Thompson would pay the costs, amounting to $11, and give bonds in the sum of $5,000 not to appear in the role of a county commissioner again or call the board together as its 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- chairman. The bond was executed and the prisoner was released. Thus ended a spirited conflict between Genoa and Fullerton in the race to become the permanent seat of government of the newly formed Nance County. With the settlement of the county government affairs and the arrival of spring in 1880, Fullerton experienced a boom that has been equaled in few instances in the State of Nebraska. As a business place it was but one year old, and yet it had a population comparing favorable with any of the old cities in the vicinity. Although the county was not as well settled as those surrounding, nearly all kinds of business were represented. In 1880, Dr. J. F. Johnson moved from Hamilton to Nance County, and resided here until his death. In 1881 and 1882, J. N. Reynolds, A. Edgington and J. H. Fee moved here and laid out the additions which bear their names. Although lumber and all goods were freighted overland, building was carried on expeditiously. John Russell and family came to Nance County in 1882, hauling household effects across the country from Lincoln and fording the Loup River. The only serious epidemic the people of the county ever experienced was the outbreak of diphtheria in 1884, when 30 succummed (sic) to the dreaded disease. There were many cases in this territory during the season, and the efficient medical service of the county's two pioneer doctors was credited with the prevention of far greater loss of life. The next few years saw Fullerton grow rapidly. Slaughter and Lindsay continued to be the agents for the sale of the Indian lands, with Mr. Lindsay acting as county judge. N.C. Judson, the oldest merchant of the place, carried a complete stock of groceries, and was appointed postmaster, operating that office in a corner of his store. Numerous, more diversified stores began to open their doors. By 1888, the town boasted over 40 businesses and professional offices and was about to graduate its first high school class. Fullerton had weathered the test of Indian conflict, prairie fires, epidemic, and political rivalry. Like all frontier towns had to, it met and overcame each of them with courage and determination. It sustained the pioneer ethic of hard work and nurtured an optimistic eye for the future which lingers into the 1980's, and shows every promise of being perpetually maintained. - Compiled and written by Rodger Bassett. 17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIOGRAPHY OF RANDALL FULLER FOUNDER OF FULLERTON, NEBRASKA Randall Fuller, founder of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska, was born in Shaftsbury, Vermont, on June 16, 1823. He believed his ancestors, Samuel and Edward Fuller, were among the passengers on the Mayflower, landing in 1620. Among the artifacts on display at Plymouth Hall is the Fuller cradle and the names of his ancestors are engraved on the monument to the pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Fuller's grandfathers on both paternal and maternal sides participated in the Revolutionary War. When Randall Fuller was three years old, being the fifth child in a family of 12, his parents moved from Vermont to Ohio, and he first went to school there in a little log school house. They lived in Ohio for two years before they moved to Michigan, near White Pigeon, where Fuller again attended the common school. In 1837, the family decided to move farther west and made a settlement on land that is now the site of Waukesha, Wisconsin. There for a short time, Fuller attended school and worked to assist in supporting his family. By working morning and night for his board he was able to attend Waukesha Academy for a few terms. He quit school to organize an expedition to the California gold fields, and in March, 1849, his party left Waukesha, passing through Illinois and Iowa, and on May 1, reached Council Bluffs, Iowa, then a major Mormon settlement. At Council Bluffs, a number of people joined the party and new supplies were obtained. The company of 25 people began the long march across the plains. They crossed the Missouri River where Omaha is now located. There were few white settlers west of the [Image: Home of Randall Fuller. Used as Wesleyan University.] 18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- river, and the Indians were plentiful, giving the travelers much trouble by stampeding their cattle. In Nebraska, other companies bound for the same destination swelled the party to about 150 men, women and children. The party was organized in military style, officers and guards appointed, and the journey was continued without trouble until the Loup River was reached. Here a day was consumed in crossing. Some wanted to rest for a day on the west side, others were opposed to delay. The party split into two halves each going their separate ways. A direct quote from Randall Fuller's diary and daily log book gives his account of his first view of the territory which was destined to become Nance County. The portions of the diary are the entries for May 15, 16 and 17, 1849, approximately two weeks after leaving Omaha. Their progress was about 20 miles per day. The words, (and the spelling) are his own. May the 15th we went 19 miles. Thare was six horse teems in our company and they got a head of us and we did not cetch them and they camped alone and about midnight they were atacked by the Pawnees indians. The indians shot their arrers at the yard and at the wagons. Thair was men asleep in the wagons and the arrer and bolletes went threw the wagon covers and box. And the yard give the alarm to the company and as soon as they got up and fired at them they dispersed and their was no one hurt. They found fore arrers, one sticking in the fely of the wagon wheel and one bollet in the end board of the box. The arrers had steel in the end of them and fethers in the other end to make them go strate. After these men were attacted they returned back to us. We went today to Looking Glass Creek. We found wood and good water. On the 16th we went from Looking Glass Creek to the old Pawnee Village and their camped beside the river. This village was destroid by the Sews. Here we found wood. This river is the Seder River. The river is seven rods wide, one foot deep. The old Pawnee Village is situated on the north side of the river and it has ben a large vilage in its day. We saw today two misionary houses partly down and no one liven in them. The distance that we performed today is 22 miles. And on the 17th we went to the Loup fork and camped. We found wood here. And in the morning on the 18th we crosed it. We drove into it above the old ford and went up stream and cept on the sand bars. We raised up the boxes of the wagons about fore inches and the water did not come into the boxes. A wagon dros (draws) vary hard on the quick sand. The sand runs out from the wheels and the wheels settles down. The river here is about three quarters of amile wide. Before crosing this river go in and 19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- find where the sand bars run. They change every year. And we laid over here the rest of this day. The Fuller party reached Weaverville, California, on August 12, 1849. He was offered jobs but decided to try his hand at mining, finding moderate success with his gold mining, and making between $25 and $75. He found this inadequate because of such expenses as eggs, potatoes and flour at $1 per pound. He made an unsuccessful try at ranching, but due to Indian problems decided to return to the East. He listed such adventures as "lassoing an elk among a drove, and running off a big grizzly bear that came one night to my camp". To return home, he took passage on a steamer at San Francisco going by way of Central America, the Nicaragua route, 31 days to New York, then to Niagara Falls, New York, and from there to Detroit in the dead of winter. Railroads were few in those days, none west of Milwaukee. After visiting his parents, Fuller decided to form another wagon train for California. In his own words he gives an account of this and four other such trips. In the spring of 1852, I formed another train of passengers and cattle for California. On this trip, had several fights and narrow escapes with the Indians up the Platte River, at one time they running me back to camp while I was ahead looking for a camping place. They followed me and crossing the road in front of the camp would not allow us to go on. We had to fight and killed several. They then made peace with us, showing us a medal given them by Andrew Jackson (a medal with Jackson's picture given to indians by the government on various occasions) and allowed us to go on, arriving in California in the month of August where I put my cattle onto the ranch. Saw also on the Platte River thousands of buffalo, country black with them. After this they all went north. The fall of 1853 returned again to Wisconsin where in the Spring of 1854 I piloted another large company of passengers at $100 dollars apiece to the gold fields of California. Returned in the summer of 1855, where in the fall of that year I was married at Mayville, Wisconsin, to Esther W. Reed. We then moved to the almost unsettled territory of Minnesota to begin life and settle down. But the old love of travel and adventure asserted itself and I yielded to the urgent requests of parties who wished me to pilot them to the glittering fields of gold whose wealth still seemed inexhaustible, and in the spring of 1859 I made my fourth trip. Returned that fall to home and family, Faribault, Minnesota, but in the spring of 1860 made my last and most dangerous trip to California going with passengers to those gold fields at Denver, just opened, but finding them 20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Randall Fuller] [Image:Mrs. Randall Fuller] disappointing we went to California Gulch where Leadville now stands. Then I came back to Denver, advertised for passengers and left the place in June. Returning home in the fall and quietly settled down for a few years. In Minnesota at that time the Indians were quite troublesome, and killed many of the settlers. Mr. Fuller organized a company, and was commissioned captain by the Governor, to fight the Sioux at the time of the massacre near Faribault. Afterward, he saw 38 of the "red troublemakers" hanged at Mankato. During his many trips over the plains he was attracted to the site of Fullerton, then part of the Pawnee Indian Lands. The old Overland Trail passed near by this point, and in 1876 he moved there and settled on the land where Fullerton now stands, and started a cattle ranch. In 1877 he platted the town, and named it after himself. Its growth was small until the building of the Union Pacific branch line, when it became an important point, and upon the organization of Nance County, was made the county seat. Fuller bought 2,200 acres of land when it was sold by the government in 1880. The townsite he platted contained 80 acres. At first he gave away business and residence lots to those who would build. When the location of the county seat was made at Fullerton, Mr. Fuller gave 60 acres, which were sold and the money used to build the court house and he also furnished the site for the building. He also furnished all the sites for the churches. On the land which Mr. Fuller purchased at first was located a 40-acre tract of oak undergrowth. He watched this tract carefully and with care the underbrush grew into a stand of fine oak trees. The bluff above the trees had a drop of 283 feet and in the early days was known as Buffalo Leap and later as Loon's Leap, the latter name coming from an Indian legend concerning a Pawnee chief and his 21 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- sweetheart, who jumped to death at that point. In 1897, Mr. Fuller gave the use of these grounds for the purpose of holding chautauquas, and this grew to be one of the most popular and largely attended of any of these events in the state, lasting from 10 days to two weeks and advertised widely as the "Fullerton Chautauqua" featuring such attractions as William Jennings Bryan, Billy Sunday and a full three-ring troop of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. The town was always a source of much pride to its founder, who built his home on a hill overlooking the country for many miles, naming it "Fuller Heights". There he lived his declining days, socializing with friends and relating his pioneer days. He was always fond of travel, and visited many parts of the world. He accumulated a comfortable fortune, and was able to live at ease in his old age. He was a Republican, always liberal in his views, and an extensive reader. He never joined a club or a society, but attended the Baptist Church. He raised a family of three children. Mr. Randall Fuller died on February 26, 1901, and is buried in the Fullerton Cemetery. - Written by Rodger Bassett. THE KU KLUX KLAN IN FULLERTON As Fullerton enters the decade of the 1980's it seems difficult to envision a time in the past when the town was a center for a fraternal organization which had historically been one of the most-bigoted groups the U.S. had known. In an era of pre-depression politics the Ku Klux Klan became a well-organized part of the lives of some of Fullerton's citizens. The W.A.S.P. (White-Anglo-Saxon-Protestant) values of the Klan were not nearly so pronounced in small rural Nebraska settings as they were in the South, but their very presence stands as a reminder that there is no immunity of time or place to the elements of hatred and bigotry which surface from time to time across the nation. The following "history of the Fullerton Klan" appeared in the July 21, 1928, issue of The Fellowship Forum, the National Fraternal Weekly of the Ku Klux Klan. It was a special "Nebraska Edition" filled with Klan happenings around the state. The paper billed itself as "A National Weekly Newspaper Devoted to the Fraternal Interpretation of the World's Current Events". The current event they were focusing on in this issue was the 1928 Presidential elections in which the Democratic Candidate Al Smith was running against the Republican Candidate Herbert Hoover. Why all the fuss???? Al Smith was Catholic and thus the enemy of the W.A.S.P. ideals of the Klan. From: The Fellowship Forum (National Fraternal Weekly of the Ku Klux Klan), July 21, 1928. Fullerton, Nebraska - The Fullerton Klan was 22 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- organized early in 1924 with a large membership as a result of out-door meetings attended by hundreds of men. It has steadily grown from then until the present. It became a chartered Klan in September of 1926. It is now the home of Nance County klansmen with its large membership from every section of the county. Its officers are men whose moral and Christian standards are of the highest type, men of education and splendid judgment who hold sacredly their responsibility to their country and their God. The membership is very largely made up of men who are church members and are regular in their attendance at Divine worship. Scores of these klansmen have been converted and joined the church. They are also active in other social, patriotic, civic and fraternal groups, where their influence for good is felt. The Fullerton Klan has experienced no friction, has distributed charity on several occasions, both inside and outside the membership. It has a large 16-foot electric cross that has been taken to other towns adding to the attractiveness of klan meetings. This cross was shown to good advantage on occasion of the visit of the Imperial Wizard to Nebraska. The Fullerton Klan has never failed to be represented at all province and realm meetings. From its membership a realm keeper has been elected as a delegate to an Imperial Klonvocation. One of its officers is often invited to make addresses at other klan meetings. He has gone to over 50 cities and towns for this purpose in the last few years, always preaching the klan doctrine of Americanism and Protestantism. Last February one of the Fullerton members while in Washington, D.C., visited The Fellowship Forum and was shown through the plant by James S. Vance, who was very kind and courteous. This member also visited Senator J. Thomas Heflin and gave him a written message of sincere appreciation and endorsement of his splendid and heroic work he is doing for Americanism and Protestant Christianity. The senator sent letters of appreciation and good will to each signer of the message. The Fullerton Klan has gone through severe and unfair persecution. Members who have been suspected of being klansmen have been blackballed and boycotted, meetings spied upon, its purposes knowingly misrepresented, its work grossly misjudged and other members denounced in signed articles in the local press. A so-called Protestant minister has used his pulpit and the radio to denounce and misrepresent citizens who make up the klan here and elsewhere, all to no avail. One professional man on a visit to Europe writing a letter to 23 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- the local paper told of an outbreak among the Communists and bolsheviks and likened it to the Ku Klux Klan of America. This sort of false propaganda is letting up some now. The klan has gone on ignoring such attacks, and devoting its efforts at creating an American mind, proving the righteousness and sincerity of its cause and adding to its manpower from month to month. The W.K.K.K. (Women's Ku Klux Klan) has a very strong organization here, meeting each week. It is well-officered by intelligent women of this place. They have won silver cup prizes at realm and province meetings with their patriotic programs. The Fullerton Klan owns its own klavern, has a roomy auditorium, hall, lockers, office and rest rooms completely equipped. The inside walls are adorned with portraits of great Americans; the flag and the cross have prominent positions. The women gave a new piano and Old Glory floats from a flag staff in front of the building. Since the nomination of Al Smith many are coming to the klan here and saying: "Now you klansmen do your stuff and we to a man will do our utmost to keep this Roman, this nullifier and booze Tammanyite out of the American White House". The article was almost certainly written in Washington, D.C., where the paper was published. News items were regularly sent in by many local Klans. It might be of interest to note the membership requirements for the Klan. 1. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - For male, white, Protestant, native-born Americans of good moral character over 18 years old. 2. Women of the Ku Klux Klan - For white, Protestant, native-born American women of good character over 18 years old. 3. Junior Ku Klux Klan - For white, Protestant, native-born American boys from 12 to 18 years old. 4. Tri-K Girls - For white, Protestant, native-born American girls from 12 to 18 years old. 5. American Krusaders - For white, Protestant, naturalized American citizens of foreign birth. - Written by Rodger Bassett. 24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "THE LEAP" Legends, myths, and romantic accounts of a bygone era surround a very special place that looms large in any glance backward at Fullerton's historic past. "The Leap" has played a significant role in the growing up of generation after generation of Fullerton's children. It was prominent in Indian lore. It was the backdrop and the setting for three decades of spirited summer Chautauqua shows. It provided a cool green shelter from hot summer winds while the old Chautauqua grounds served the spiritual needs of participants in the Baptist Bible Camp activities for several years. Although now privately owned and known as "Quiet Oaks," it still furnishes opportunities for social gatherings and a chance to walk under the majestic oaks and enjoy the beauty . . . and just maybe to contemplate the rich history that seems to emanate from the very earth itself. One early reference to this place used the name "Buffalo Leap". It was not uncommon for Indians to drive small herds of buffalo off such cliffs as a highly effective hunting technique. The name "Loon's Leap" was also a common name, coming from an Indian legend concerning a Pawnee chief and his sweetheart who supposedly leaped to their deaths from the highest point on the rim of the formation. "The Leap" was also known for a time as Cedar Bluff, and under that name played a noteworthy part in the history of Fullerton and of the State of Nebraska. The earliest recorded history of this area was written by Mrs. Elvira Gaston Platte, and published by the Nebraska State Historical Society in 1892. Mrs. Platte was an old-time missionary pioneer who, along with a tiny group of family and like-minded companions, first "set foot on Nebraska soil" on June 24, 1843. They settled along Plum Creek and seemed to develop a good relationship with the Indians. This group held the first formal 4th of July celebration known to have been held in the state at the bluff overlooking the Cedar River, then known as the Willow Creek. Her words best describe the event. "We of Plum Creek were off very early in the morning (of July 4, 1844) for a ride to Willow Creek settlement, five miles away, where we were to breakfast with our friends the Mathers. Five children belonging to the different mission families were my pupils for that season. These were fitted with regalia, and Henry M. Allis was banner bearer for the occasion. Our point of rendezvous was Cedar Bluff, a height overlooking the Willow (Cedar) where Fullerton, Nance County, now stands. The young men of our party, with the aid of two Indian boys who accompanied us, built a bower of cedar branches from 25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Lover's Leap.] the trees near by. Our banner was planted on the edge of the precipice 200 feet from the water below, and our little company gave themselves up to the enjoyments of the hour, feasting our eyes on the wondrous beauty of the landscape before us. Blessed above most county seats is that of Nance County for views of delight. After leaving that region my heart always turned to that spot as the most desirable for making a home." "After an hour or two spent in rambling and chatting our company was called to seat under the bower, where was spread a collation very inviting to hungry wanderers. Before eating we had a short exercise, and though I do not find it recorded in my journal, I have the impression that L. W. Platte read the 'Declaration of Independence' and Mr. James Mathers gave a short oration. During the exercises 'America' and an original poem were sung, prayer was offered, and before partaking of the feast the blessing of the Almighty God upon us was invoked by Mr. Allis. On our return home the large residue of our feast was left at the Indian village for the old and infirm who were unable to go on the hunt". The more recent title of "Lover's Leap" had its beginnings in 1857 when a small party of five people camped beneath the Leap 26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- while on their way west. The party had come from Illinois and consisted of John Edgington, his wife, and daughter Nellie, accompanied by two brothers, Frank and John Wickland. Frank and Nellie were engaged, and would have married earlier if Mr. Edgington hadn't insisted that Frank achieve "a start in life" first. The prospect of a homestead and the "challenge of the west" brought them to where they camped that night. The oxen were unhitched from the two wagons and the men caught fish from the Cedar River which then ran almost directly beneath "The Leap". While they were eating they watched a small herd of deer become suddenly spooked and run wildly away from the river where they'd been drinking. A dog ran from the bushes and looked behind him as if to see his master follow. The little party was sure Indians had discovered them and prepared to stay on guard all night. About two in the morning a single Indian sneaked into camp to scout the situation and, being revealed by a cloud moving away from the moon, hurried back into the bushes. Shortly thereafter the Indians attacked and captured the five pioneers. The livestock was killed, the wagons were burned and the Indians indicated their intentions of killing the people. The chief indicated that Nellie was to be spared, presumably as "His Squaw". Frank Wickland offered a frenzied protest to the chief and Nellie herself requested death with the rest of the prisoners. Angry at this, the chief derisively said that if the young man was so brave and wanted to take such good care of the woman he could have her if he would ride "down the bank". The "bank" (Leap) had a drop of 283 feet around the turn of the century, and the constant cutting of the Cedar River kept it steep and sharp. Frank astounded the Chief by agreeing to the bargain with little hesitation. He extracted a promise that the rest of the party would not be harmed and climbed on an Indian pony. His hands were freed, and among cries and tears from his companions he was led to the top of the hill. He rode over the brink and fell to his death in full view of the rest of the party. The Indians silently released the party and left. Frank was buried near where he fell and the party left when morning came. Early settlers perpetuated this story and it was reportedly confirmed by some of the survivors who returned some years later. "Lover's Leap" and the land around it was purchased by Randall Fuller in 1878 during the sale of the Indian lands when the Pawnee were sent to Oklahoma. Fuller cared for oak undergrowth and eventually a 40-acre forest of fine oak timber was the result. In 1897, Mr. Fuller gave the use of these grounds for the purpose of holding Chautauquas. For years thereafter, it was known as Fuller's Park and was open to the public nearly all year-round. A Chautauqua is a festival-like gathering of people to socialize and to be entertained by traveling musicians, actors, lecturers, evangelists, politicians and circuses. The event lasted from 10 days to 27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: The big tent at Chautauqua.] two weeks and featured afternoon and evening shows of great variety. The camp grounds were alive with people each paying about $2.50 for "season tickets" or 50¢ for a single admission. Many people built summer cabins in the cool shady area, but most people just rented a tent for the two weeks ($4.50). The price was $8.50 if one wanted a board floor. Meals were served from a big circus tent and there was all morning to relax, or take a leisurely boat ride down the placidly lazy Cedar River. (One could rent a rowboat for 50¢ or get a ride on a bit larger boat for 25¢.) Forty to 50 tents were usually erected at first, with dozens added as necessary. Campers, along with the local daily admissions, created crowds in the hundreds to watch the performances or hear the debates echo off the curved walls of "Lover's Leap". One could even take a dip in the "swimming pool" provided for the campers or even play tennis on the temporary courts. Chautauquas were held all over the U.S., and the Chautauqua circuit lined up a certain number of very famous people along with entertainment acts to increase crowds and further the educational as well as the entertainment goals of the organization. Fullerton hosted such celebrities as Billy Sunday (the Billy Graham of his day); William Jennings Bryan, three-time presidential candidate and Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson; the Hon. Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy during WW I; and Lillian Gish, the silent movie queen who stared in the first full-length silent movie "Birth of a Nation". Ringling Brothers circus did two performances here, as did off-Broadway plays and touring vaudeville acts. By 1917, the Fullerton Chautauqua Association had purchased another 90 acres of land to expand its facilities. They had acquired ownership of the original site from the Randall Fuller estate and had put themselves into excellent financial shape. Excursion trains had nearly been replaced by auto transportation and more participants meant greater needs. WW I brought a patriotic theme to the program for 1918. Soldiers and veterans in uniform were admitted free. A spur-of-the-moment demonstration of patriotism was displayed by placing 28 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image:..Official Chautauqua Song..] 29 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Boat landing near Chautauqua grounds.] dummy figures of Kaiser Wilhelm and General Von Hindenberg in a seven-passenger touring car and setting it to run off "The Leap" at a high speed. The event seemed to please on-lookers greatly. People from several states came to spend their vacations at this, the largest Chautauqua in Nebraska, and "the best one between Omaha and Denver". Excursion trains arrived three times daily during the Chautauquas of the 1912-1920 era. They came from nearly every direction. Round trip fare from Columbus, for example, cost $1.40 and took 1 l/2 hours one way. The town furnished cars to take participants to the camp. The three hotels filled quickly as all the tents were rented. Rooms were $2 per day. Restaurants were packed, and town kids sold lemonade and "other refreshments" to the thirsty and impatient people who walked from downtown to the camp for the afternoon show. Literally thousands of people attended during each Chautauqua season. The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation. Friendly people greeted friendly people and enjoyed the beauty, each other, and life in general. The three-decade span of the Fullerton Chautauqua Association (1898-1929) gave much to Fullerton. Besides bringing tourism and an element of fame, it reflected the admirable character of the people of the community. The non-profit organization provided much more than entertainment to the people. Any surplus money left over each year was donated for the building of roads and public works to bring improvements. The automobile, which was such a help in swelling attendance of the yearly festivals at first, became the eventual instrument of its decline. The better and more reliable cars of the late 1920's permitted longer trips and the prospect of a vacation trip to the mountains, "back east", or even the coast was within nearly everyone's grasp. The luster of the once-great Chautauqua shows slowly dimmed. They became shorter and less well-attended. They began to incur financial losses and finally faded away into history; tucked neatly away in the treasured memories of those who knew and loved them. - Written by Rodger Bassett. 30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOMELESS COURT HOUSE BEAR FINDS HOME NEAR NORFOLK (Reprinted from the October 8, 1953, issue of the Nance County Journal) Bruin, the court house bear, after startling strangers for many years from his position on a stair landing at the Nance county court house in Fullerton, is about to become an open-air bear again. He will be a roadside attraction on a highway near Norfolk, where tourists can take photographs of each other in his company. Bruin came to Nance County some time in the late 1890's after he was bagged by a party of local hunters in Wyoming. The party, Theo Kock, John and Joe Edgington and John Hardwood, had the skin stuffed and Bruin, posed in an erect and life-like attitude, was a fixture in the lobby of the former Farmers State Bank for many years. The closing of the bank left the bear without a home, and he was adopted by the county board at that time and set up on a stairway landing at the courthouse. Moths worked on the once luxurious coat and Bruin began looking a little more threadbare year by year. He was removed some time back and stored in a local barn. He was transported to Merril Park to add a natural touch to the scenery. He was gradually becoming the bear nobody wanted and abandoned at a roadside, was secured by Bud and Marvin Furby and spent a few weeks at Bud's place. Recently Oswald Reiche of Norfolk heard about the homeless bear and came last week to examine it because he thought he would have a good home for it. Mr. Reiche and Bruin left together, both looking happy. [Image: Nance County's first court house.] 31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: New Nance County Court house with old one partially visible in the rear.] 32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWSPAPERS IN FULLERTON - 1879-1979 [Image: First newspaper office.] The Nance County Journal was the first newspaper started in this section of the country. The first number was issued in October of 1879, by A. E. Verity, and was six column folio. In the fall of 1880, J. K. Calkins bought a half-interest in the newspaper, and in January of 1881, J. F. Bixby bought the remaining interest. The firm name then became Calkins and Bixby. In September of 1881, the name of the newspaper was changed to The Lariat, but after two months the old name was resumed. The newspaper also changed to a seven column format. It was Republican in politics. In 1882, A. L. (Doe) Bixby purchased Calkins' interest, and the firm became Bixby Brothers. Later the Bixby's sold to M. H. Barber, who ran the newspaper until about 1896, when it was sold to a stock company. The stock company had several men as editors for the newspaper, one being H. Burtman, who after several years bought the newspaper. It was later sold to W. L. Dunten. During Dunten's ownership of the newspaper the name was changed to the Fullerton News-Journal. The Nance County Republican was first issued in Fullerton on October 22, 1881, by J. N. Reynolds. After an existence of about three months, it was sold to John C. Thompson and apparently 33 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- suspended publication a short time later. Another competing newspaper in the community, The Telescope, was edited by J. S. Shurk from March 14, 1884, to February 25, 1887, then discontinued. The first Democratic newspaper in Nance county, the Fullerton Post, was begun by J. W. Tanner. The first issue appeared on June 8, 1888. Mr. Tanner sold his interest in the Post in 1902, and the newspaper was operated under the management of Dopf and Taylor. Later it was sold to Wolfgang Schmidt. In 1924, W. H. Plourd purchased the News-Journal from W. L. Dunten. In September of 1928, Mr. Plourd purchased the Fullerton Post from Wolfgang Schmidt, and consolidated the two publications to again form the Nance County Journal. It has since operated under that name. In September of 1945, the Belgrade Herald suspended publication and the subscription list was acquired by the Nance County Journal. The newspaper yet today carries a Belgrade News section. The present plant of the Nance County Journal, located on 4th Street, was built in July of 1946. Oldtimers in the community have stated that the first newspaper office in Fullerton, shown in the photo on the preceding page, was situated very near this same location. On April 1, 1961, Mr. Plourd sold the Nance County Journal to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence S. Hebda, who are still co-publishers of the newspaper. Mr. Hebda had been employed by the newspaper for 15 years prior to purchasing it. The 100th anniversary of the newspaper was observed during 1979 by the co-publishers through a number of activities. A special logo was designed and used in issues published throughout the year as well as on all of the firm's printed stationery. A coloring contest was held for elementary school children at Easter, and prizes were awarded. An essay contest with the topic, "What The Journal Means To Me or My Family", was sponsored with $100 in cash prizes being awarded to three winners. A float, displaying an early day printing press and depicting printing procedures at the turn of the century, was a first place divisional winner in Fullerton's Centennial parade. A special souvenir publication of "Pages From The Past" was distributed from the float. Copies of the publication also were mailed to all subscribers. Throughout the anniversary year, a page from early day files of the newspaper was featured each month. Since early files of the newspaper printed in Fullerton are not complete, it was not possible for the Centennial Book committee to do research for historical highlights. However, since 1924 when the Journal came under the ownership of fewer individuals, files are more complete and the following is a resume of events which made history to the present day. 34 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Fullerton Mill on the Cedar River after turn of the century.] [Image: 1917 paving of Main Street.] [Image: Cross Hospital.] 35 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Main Street looking North.] EVENTS THROUGH THE YEARS 1924 - December of 1924 was the coldest December the state had known for the past 48 years. The mean temperature was 15.7 degrees. 1925 - The Krasne Store advertised men's Easter suits for $37.50; dress shirts, from 98¢ to $1.95; men's dress hats for $.95; and socks for 15¢ per pair. The Nance County Board of Supervisors voted to spend federal aid funds for graveling the east-west highway in the county. In a few years, it was observed, that Nance County would definitely be "out of the mud". J. R. Bitner was a delegate from the Fullerton American Legion Post to the Legion national convention in Omaha at which President Calvin Coolidge was speaker. President and Mrs. Coolidge arrived in Omaha by special train from Washington, D. C. There were 70,000 from outside Omaha in attendance. 1926 - Miss Jessie Kreidler filed as a candidate for county superintendent of schools after having taught for a number of years in town and rural schools. Each of the 69 School Districts planned to donate $20 to erect an educational building on the Nance County fairgrounds. 1927 - Residents of Fullerton were able to talk by telephone to all points in England, Scotland and Wales. The charge was $81 for the first three minutes, and $27 for each additional minute. A 24-hour advance notice for placing calls with the telephone company was advisable. A tractor, which could plow alone without human guidance, was demonstrated at the Nebraska State Fair. The spectacle in itself was awesome enough, but when the onlookers realized that here was an invention that would soon revolutionize farming, the immensity of the affair became apparent. Grocery stores and barber shops in Fullerton, which were open every evening of the week, made an agreement that the grocery stores would remain open only on Wednesday and Saturday evenings and barber shops would be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening. A course in vocational agriculture was being offered in Fullerton high school, under the direction of R. E. Weir. The Fullerton Drum and Bugle Corps won a prize as best in the state at the Nebraska American Legion convention in Lincoln. Fullerton defeated groups from 36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Columbus and Schuyler to take the prize. B. L. Anderson was drum major for the Fullerton group. Scoring was on appearance, music, rhythm, cadence, and percentage of enrollment. [Image: Fullerton Drum and Bugle Corps] Top row, L-R: B.L. Anderson, Bill Russell, Clyde Dean, Keith Trotter, Jake Bitner, O.S. Finch, Louis Mattea, H.A. Elmore, Hewett Anderson, Cowgill Adkison. Bottom row, L-R: Jack Mills, Harry Blackman, Leonard Fitch, Fred Kremer, Dr. Barstow, Leonard Hashburger, Mike Kearney, Gus Saville, Theo. Wozniak, Eddie Downing. 1928 - The Farmers State Bank was forced to close, and was being operated by the Guaranty Fund Commission. While the failure of the bank was an inconvenience to depositors, it didn't seem to create a great amount of excitement. Those in charge were optimistic in their hopes of giving depositors the quickest possibe (sic) settlement. The cornerstone for Fullerton's new $150,000 high school was laid in ceremonies held on July 8, 1928. 1929 - Fullerton lost two businesses in the same week. The Penney Company, established 45 years ago, closed its doors after conducting a going-out-of-business sale for several weeks. The store was one of Fullerton's oldest. The Golden Rule Company took over operation of the store. A night fire destroyed the Krasne Store building and contents. Several adjoining buildings were damaged by the blaze. Fire departments from Genoa, Belgrade and Central City assisted Fullerton firemen and townspeople in battling the blaze which at one time threatened a half-block area. Over 1,000 attended dedication ceremonies on April 1, 1929, of Fullerton's newly completed high school. Miss Chloe Baldridge, from the state superintendent's office, and guests from Hastings College, the University of Nebraska Teachers College and the Lincoln Journal were speakers. Supt. J. R. Bitner; W. H. Plourd, member of the board of education; and Jessie G. Kreidler, county superintendent of schools, also were speakers. The building was considered one of the most efficiently planned in the state. The Belgrade Bank closed its doors. A rumor was started that the bank was in serious financial trouble, as was the case with many Nebraska banks, causing an immediate run on the 37 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Early Fullerton Depot.] bank by depositors. 1930 - The population count for the 1930 census was taken in Fullerton by Mrs. Harold P. Krause. The City showed a gain of 92 to 1,687, from the 1920 total of 1,595. Genoa and Fullerton businessmen met at Fullerton with representatives from the Niobrara Commercial Club which was sponsoring the building of a bridge across the Missouri River at Niobrara on the K-N-D highway, creating a direct north-south highway which passed through Fullerton. J. T. Russell was named a director from the Fullerton community on the Nebraska-Dakota Bridge Corporation. The proposed bridge would be a toll bridge and was expected to be paid for by toll charges in 12 years. The Fullerton Lions Club voted support for the project. 1931 - An open house to observe the 50th anniversary of the First National Bank was attended by 3,000. Two orchestras provided entertainment, refreshments were served and favors given. The bank began in 1881 as the Nance County Bank, changing to the First National Bank in 1883. More than 200 delegates and other interested persons attended a state convention of the Nebraska Christian Endeavor Union held in the Presbyterian Church here. Among program speakers were Samuel R. McKelvie, former governor of Nebraska; Judge G. F. Robinson, Nance County court judge; and Judge Bayard H. Paine, associate justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court. Among resolutions adopted was a declaration that the Union be in hearty accord with the movements for law observance, disarmament and world peace. The Fullerton American Legion Post announced sponsorship of a local drive for relief of more than 1,000 destitute families in the seven drouth and grasshopper stricken counties. 1932 - Employment was given to 164 unemployed persons in the county opening highways and county roads and clearing City streets of heavy snow. The Fullerton board of education reduced teacher and janitor salaries and reduced the number of each to affect a savings of $7,500. Supt. J. R. Bitner voluntarily took a $500 reduction in salary. Further reductions in expenditures were achieved 38 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image: Barefoot Club of the 1930's.] through a reduction in the purchase of books and supplies. The reductions were necessitated due to a drop in tax collections because of hard times. More than 4,000 attended "Fullerton Day" at the second annual Nance County Homecoming picnic, sponsored by the Chautauque Park Board. J. H. Kemp, chairman for the local Red Cross Chapter, directed the distribution of 150 barrels of flour and over 2,000 yards of various fabrics to be sewn into clothing for the needy in the county. The Fullerton Welfare Society was organized by representatives of 21 local lodges, clubs and societies to distribute donations of clothing and money to needy in Fullerton. 1933 - Governor Bryant announced a State Conciliation Board to work with local Conciliation Boards in each county to arbitrate farm mortgage indebtedness problems. The Columbus-Genoa Loup Canal project was one of only five proposed power and irrigation projects that received state approval. The two-year project was expected to employ 1,000 persons presently unemployed. A $600,000 loan for the project was approved by the Federal Public Works Administration. 1934 - The Fullerton Lions Club honored veteran physician Dr. F. W. (Wad) Johnson as Fullerton's "First Citizen". A graduate of the Omaha Medical College, Dr. Johnson began practice in Fullerton with his brother in 1894. A CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Camp was opened at the Chautauqua Park grounds here for 200 men who were employed on the Plum Creek soil erosion project in Nance County. 1935 - Weather extremes were noted. January had temperatures of 15 degrees below zero, and March brought a slight earthquake, abnormal 82-degree temperatures, followed by a severe dust storm, a swift temperature drop and snow. April and May had severe dust storms. Unusual weather occurred in June when temperatures dropped to 45 degrees, followed by heavy rains which caused some flooding. WPA funds were used to build an amphi-theatre on the new fairgrounds, located north of the Fullerton City Park. Farmers favored the continuance of the Corn-Hog Plan. Corn loans were at 45¢ a bushel. A fire, which started in the Lothrop 39 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bakery building, did much damage to the Bake Estate, the Diers Estate and the Fullerton National Bank buildings. A fire destroyed the Fullerton Elevator and Mill, south of town, as well as the nearby Standard Oil Company warehouse and three storage tanks. 1936 - The year began with raging blizzards and severe cold which continued into February. Traffic was nearly at a standstill. Even the trains failed to make their runs. Flooding in March washed out the roadbed near the depot. Drouth developed in late summer with heat waves of 116 degrees registered. Dust storms, along with the heat, caused illnesses. Grasshoppers, which menaced crops, were fought with a carload of poison supplied by the government. Drouth aid was sought. As late as November, dust storms scourged the community. WPA projects were approved for Fullerton, and 400 men were employed until the program was discontinued in December. The Old Age Assistance program was inaugurated. The more popular federal soil conservation program replaced the invalidated AAA. Farmers organized to secure electricity in rural areas. The Fullerton School observed its golden anniversary with programs, a picnic and a banquet. Fifty-four seniors received diplomas in commencement exercises at which Walter Pillsbury, a professor at the University of Michigan and a former student, was speaker. World War veterans received payment of baby bonds, and at least $27,000 was paid to local residents. Death came on May 11 to Dr. F. W. (Wad) Johnson, who had been named "Fullerton's First Citizen" by the Fullerton Lions Club. The County Fair highlight was an appearance by Governor Roy Cochran. 1937 - Blizzards and snow-blocked roads crippled traffic in the county, and on January 26 Fullerton was designated "the cold spot of the state". Dust storms in March halted traffic on highways. Although spring had near normal rainfall, record-breaking heat waves came in July and August and grasshoppers again were a menace and drouth aid was requested. Nance County experienced a mild epidemic of sleeping sickness among horses. The disease also affected a few residents, but all recovered. The January 30 birthday of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was commemorated with a Ball, with profits going to the March of Dimes. Since the observance fell on a Saturday, local stores, which normally remained open for business much later, closed at 10 p.m. so that store employees and owners could attend the Ball. By May, a federal regulation required all employees to have Social Security numbers, and in September all drivers were required to pass an examination to secure a driver license. A Community Club was organized in Fullerton to promote better trade relations. A Pancake Day was the first project sponsored by the club. A new business was opened in Fullerton in July when a refrigerator-locker system was opened. Farmers in the county took 40 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- much interest in a pasture improvement contest and a corn husking contest. The Nebraska State Highway Patrol made its first appearance in November. Residents could find entertainment at a local theatre where they not only viewed feature films, but also a cartoon and news reels. 1938 - It was another year of drouth in Nance county, with the grasshopper population so great an organized fight was waged. There were 367 farm grants issued in Nance county even though the property assessed was valued at $13,442,510. A contract for rural electricity was sought, and a natural gas line came to Fullerton. Irrigation prospects were initiated in the Cedar Valley. Citizens rejoiced because the Fullerton to Palmer Highway was graveled. The community was improved by the purchase of 3,000 trees by the City Council with the labor for planting to be provided by the WPA. In an effort to attract retail business, Fullerton merchants provided Wednesday evening entertainment and held a public celebration of the first airmail letter to arrive or be sent from here. Another first for the county was an open pheasant season. Fullerton's oldest Civil War veteran, Jefferson Meyers, 91, attended an old soldiers' reunion at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Fullerton Business Women's Club held their annual Christmas party for children in the community, and 43 businesses extended Christmas greetings in the Journal. 1939 - Nearly spring-like weather was enjoyed by residents in January, but February brought extreme variables of temperatures and a traffic-stopping snow at the end of the month. March, also, was a month of extremes, and April had dust storms - a forerunner of the drouth which followed in late summer. Farmers again were eligible for drouth relief. Plans were made early to combat grasshopper damage, and farmers asked for and were granted a closed season on pheasants since it was determined that the pheasants, were instrumental in destroying the grasshoppers. Highway 14 south of Fullerton was straightened and surfaced with an oil mat. WPA projects included the graveling of a road from south of Fullerton to Genoa and the manufacture of concrete culverts. The sudden death of G. F. Robinson in April brought an end to his 30 years of service as county judge in Nance county. The annual county free-gate Fair was held in August, with the featured attraction being the White Horse troop from a ranch near Stuart. Nance county had 67 rural teachers. A Food Stamp plan for distribution of foodstuffs to relief clients was endorsed by Fullerton organizations. Another weather oddity occurred in December when on the 12th a "Black blizzard" plagued residents. A Christmas carnival was held with proceeds to go to charity and the usual program and Christmas treat distribution was held. Home lighting contests were popular at Christmas time. 1940 - January again brought snow and blocked roads, with 17 41 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- consecutive mornings when temperatures were below zero. Efforts were initiated in February to feed the pheasants and other birds due to the heavy snow and cold. Late summer brought crop-wilting drouth, with July having temperatures over 100 degrees on seven consecutive days. August was cool, but September and October had heat, wind and dust. A blizzard on November 11 cancelled (sic) Armistice Day activities, marooned travelers and broke power lines. Rural residents were elated when in February electric service was turned on in 275 rural homes in Nance and Boone counties. A county land use committee was formed to unite all the 14 groups working with agriculture in an effort to improve local farm conditions. Fullerton residents were treated to a rare astronomical event which occurs not more than once in a century when five planets - Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Saturn and Mars, hung like lanterns in the sky. The Loup river bridge was closed to vehicles in March when piling was damaged by floating ice and the bridge was declared unsafe for traffic until repairs could be made. Citizens provided transportation into town for those parked at the south approach to the bridge and walked across. Nance county was one of the first counties to participate in the distribution of surplus commodities by use of federal food stamps. Plans were initiated to secure a soil conservation district. The Business Women's Club took over the care of the City Park, and the Community Club sponsored free bingo games with merchandise prizes. A ruling made it compulsory for all grocery stores to remain closed on Sundays. The KND (Highway 14) south of Fullerton was newly surfaced with an asphalt mat coating. The free gate County Fair attracted a record attendance for a mystery wedding at which Miss Opal Stern and Leslie Boardman were married. The machinery for the nation's first peacetime draft was started on October 16. All men, between the ages of 21 and 35, were required to register. Registration numbers were assigned, and the first drawing was held on October 29. Alien registration was required, and 57 aliens were registered and finger-printed here. The county's population was set at 7,651, and since it was under 8,000 the office of Clerk of District Court was abolished. 1941 - The year began with the best subsoil moisture in a long time. February brought flooding which damaged the stockyards, railroad property, sale barn and football field in the north part of Fullerton. Flooding also occurred in June, September and October. A gravel pump in the Cedar river was swept away in October. Because of heavy poultry and young livestock losses, county-wide coyote hunts were organized. As many as 400 men participated. There were 70 rural schools in Nance county, and they were the locale for P.T.A.'s and Literary Societies which provided entertainment for many. Various projects were offered to the people of 42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fullerton and surrounding areas some of these included a trade school for young men, with no expense to participants; a defense training class for men, from 17 to 25; a mattress project for low-income families which permitted them to make their own mattresses for $1; a supervised playground and recreational activities; a City horse shoe tournament; and a Community Day. A soil conservation district for land north of the Loup river was formed. Oil testing was tried in the western part of the county. An irrigation plan was assured and the new farm program was set to increase food for defense. Nance county had a draft quota every month during the year, and many activities were geared to the defense effort, including a drive for scrap aluminum. Many housewives sacrificed pots and pans. Old license plates had to be turned in before new ones would be issued. The Red Cross collected scrap paper, and rubber rationing was begun. Manufacturers of women's silk hose were closed down, so there was a big rush to buy extra hose, but limits of one or two pair per customer were imposed. The sale of defense bonds was organized. WPA projects were losing men to private jobs, but two projects, graveling and grading roads from Genoa to Belgrade and a project six miles north of Genoa were still in operation. There were 64 businesses which offered Christmas greeting advertisements in the Journal. 1942 - The new year was ushered in with severe cold and blizzards. the temperature was below zero the first eight days in the year. High winds and dust storms occurred in April, but rains came in May. Although a heat wave came in July, the corn crop in the county yielded the best since 1931. Because of the continuing wartime draft, farm labor was in short supply and a school holiday was declared in October so that students could assist with the corn harvest. Early in the year a county Defense Council was organized. On February 8, wartime conditions began when residents first experienced Daylight Savings Time. A new registration for men, between the ages of 20 and 44, was held in February. In April, those between 45 and 65 were required to register for the draft. Many people gave up card parties and club activities to sew and knit for the Red Cross war effort. A victory garden program was launched, and there were campaigns to sell war savings bonds. Sugar and coffee were rationed. There were drives to collect scrap metals. One such drive netted 504,657 pounds. By November, gasoline rationing was ordered, and on December 14 Fullerton experienced its first electrical "black out". The Chautauqua Park was sold to the Nebraska Baptist State Convention. 1943 - It was considered a drouth year. February was the driest on record. The spring was unusually cold, and the fall and winter were dry. A farm Mobilization Day was requested by 43 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 12. Rationing of 200 grocery items as well as gasoline, tires, fuel oil, incubators, brooder and coal-fired heating stoves was in effect. Names of those receiving tires were published, and a motorist could lose their gasoline ration book if apprehended for speeding. No gasoline was available for vacation trips. Campaigns to sell war bonds continued, and scrap metal, including tin cans, was collected for the defense effort. Men of draft age were requested to carry registration cards showing their draft status, and by fall the drafting of fathers was begun. The local creamery produced 213,000 lbs. of butter, most of which was shipped overseas. The war brought other changes. Citizens were urged to buy a supply of coal for winter use in June. Boys State sessions were cancelled (sic). There were no restrictions on the planting of wheat. There was a campaign to enlist women in the Army, and the railroads were under federal control. Polio was on the increase, and suicides were more numerous than normal. 1944 - Wartime regulations continued to govern many activities of residents. War loan campaigns were common, and rationing of food, gasoline, tires and fuel oil continued. An individual selling a used automobile was required to turn in their gasoline ration stamps. Scrap metal, tin cans and scrap paper drives were common. In one drive, the Fullerton School collected 19 tons of scrap paper. A Red Cross work room was opened, and many of the activities were on a volunteer basis. In one shipment, 1000 pair of bed socks, 525 hospital bedside bags and 144 kit bags were sent to servicemen. Women made history in Nance county, when for the first time, seven served on a District Court damage case. Victory gardens were common. Grasshopper poison was available free to farmers, and the county treated all roadsides for the pests. Because of the War, a teacher shortage was being experienced in Nance county. School children collected milk weed silk for use in the manufacture of life jackets. A hardship or emergency were the only criteria allowing anyone to build a new home. Some military personnel were released to assist with the corn harvest. Outdoor Christmas lighting and street decorating was prohibited due to the war emergency. 1945 - There was a continuation of rationing and the drafting of men into military service. A happier event, however, was the beginning of a return of men with discharges from military duty. VE Day was observed with joy. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died, and a memorial service was held in Fullerton to honor the nation's leader. The Fullerton high school basketball team played in the state tournament in Lincoln. Very few fans went due to the gasoline shortage. 1946 - With the continuing return of military personnel, the Fullerton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary were 44 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- organized. A committee was organized to study the need for and the possibility of building a hospital. However, because of the scarcity of building materials following the war, it was decided to remodel the Hawthorne Nursing Home. 1947 - Gene Beaman and Robert Palmer purchased a residence on North Irving Street, and remodeled it for use as a funeral home. Polio was on the rampage. Due to many people becoming afflicted with the dreaded disease, donations were solicited to purchase an iron lung. There were numerous deaths from the disease. 1948 - The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce was reorganized with nearly 100 percent membership among business and professional people in the community. Fred Petersen was elected president. Harold Williams was vice-president; Dayle L. Rumsey, secretary; and Fred Ward, Treasurer. A $50,000 bond issue was passed, with the money to be used for remodeling a residence on Germand Street for use as a hospital. Polio continued to ravage the country in epidemic proportions. 1949 - Winter blizzards were termed as the worst on record. Deaths in Nebraska from the cold and snow were listed at 579, and livestock and property losses were estimated at $236,000,000. Residents in Fullerton and western Nance county were on edge when reports were made of sighting of what appeared to be an African lion or a black panther. There were numerous reports of sighting the animal and of its killing livestock, but no one was able to apprehend the beast. Dr. James C. Maly arrived to set up a medical practice in Fullerton. 1950 - The congregation of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church broke ground in June to build a new church at the corner of 4th and Irving Streets. In July, 10 inches of rain fell in four days, and considerable flooding resulted. 1951 - The Korean War was on, and by the end of that year a total of 492 Nebraskans were listed as war casualties. Of the 87 Nebraskans killed in action, one was from Nance county. Raymond Schweitz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schweitz of Belgrade, was killed in action in Korea. Dr. B. W. Kramer, a graduate from Iowa University College of Veterinary Medicine, began a practice in Fullerton. Dr. John Hartsaw of Sigourney, Iowa, began a medical practice here. Gene Beaman and Robert Palmer built a new furniture store on Broadway. It was considered one of the largest and finest among small communities in central Nebraska. 1952 - Polio continued to be in the news as the disease again broke out in epidemic proportions. The Korean War also kept residents in a somber mood as 175 Nebraskans were reported killed, 594 wounded and 91 were listed as missing in action. A group of local men purchased an 11-acre tract of land, north of Fullerton, to 45 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- provide a landing strip for visiting aircraft and to hanger their private aircraft. The new facility was named C.A.M.P. Airport. Dr. A. Montero, a native of Central America, left Fullerton after practicing medicine here for two years. 1953 - Dr. John Hartsaw closed his medical practice which he had operated here for two years. The Korean War was again brought close to Fullerton residents when Cpl. Robert Kula, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kula, was killed in action on April 4, 1953. In was a drouth year, and water diversion became an important topic. So important, in fact, that a bus load of interested individuals from Fullerton went to Lincoln to attend hearings on the topic. 1954 - Pfc. Clinton Medberry, son of Mrs. Elmer Miller of Fullerton, died in Korea when a military fire truck overturned. The Twin Loup Reclamation District was organized, and plans for an irrigation project west of Fullerton were made. New floodlights were installed for a new high school athletic field in the southwest part of Fullerton. Polio was again at epidemic proportions. A 4-H building was erected on the Nance County Fairgrounds. 1955 - Drouth conditions marked the weather pattern during much of the year, and residents in parts of the county took part in cloud-seeding activities in the hopes of ending the drouth. In late summer, Fullerton residents had to be restricted on their use of water due to the city's wells being unable to pump a sufficient amount of water. Irrigation drew much attention, and irrigators and the Public Power District were in conflict over water rights from the Loup river. The State Department of Roads began construction of a new route for Highway 14 through Fullerton on Johnson Street. The route formerly had been through the downtown business district. Fullerton paving indebtedness was paid off. Voters approved bonds for the construction of a new swimming pool to be located south of the City Park. Fullerton children received immunization for polio with the new Salk vaccine. Girls were banned from wearing jeans to classes at Fullerton high school. One of the largest crowds to assemble for a business meeting was on hand when over 700 patrons from 10 counties attended an annual meeting of the Farmers Co-op Creamery here. The Creamery had won first prize in a butter-making contest. 1956 - Drouth conditions continued to plague the county so much so that interest in cloud-seeding programs continued. Nance county was declared a drouth area and farmers received disaster payments. The Cedar river irrigation plan was again revived. In August, the dust was so bad that on one occasion the swimming pool had to be closed. Grasshoppers, again, were a threat to crops. A National Farmers Organization was formed in Nance county. Significant improvements were made in Fullerton when the North 46 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Broadway boulevard was resurfaced and a contract was let for construction of a new additional water storage tank in the west part of town. As a part of the new Highway 14 route through Fullerton, new bridges were constructed over the Cedar river north of town and the Loup river south of town. Governor Victor Anderson attended a ribbon-cutting for the latter upon opening the bridge for traffic. The Nance County Sportsmen's Club was organized, and the county was stocked with pheasants. Much controversy developed when four rural school districts in Nance county requested a merger with the Palmer District. The mortgage for a 4-H building on the fairgrounds was burned. The Farmers Co-op Creamery again garnered first prize for manufacturing the best butter in the state. 1957 - The dry weather of the previous year caused many county farmers to sign up for the Soil Bank being offered by the federal government. By May, however, the rains came and by the end of the year there was above normal moisture so ideas for cloud-seeding were ended. Grasshoppers, again, were a crop menace. The Farmers Co-op Creamery was Fullerton's largest industry, employing 47 people. It had been in operation for 23 years. In spite of objections, a District Court decision upheld petitions filed by residents in four Nance county rural school districts to merge with the Palmer town district. The Union Pacific Railroad Company asked permission for three days per week rail service to towns on the Columbus to Spalding branch line through Fullerton. An organization was formed to oppose such curtailment. A radio-phone relay tower was being built west of Fullerton. A short wave police radio was installed in the sheriff's office. The Fullerton City Council rejected the sale of beer on Sundays. Children, again, were given free Salk vaccine shots for polio. An all-Nebraska unit of Navy recruits was being formed, and Fullerton twins, Delbert and Donald Steinwart, were among the first enlistees. 1958 - Fullerton's Farmer's Co-op Creamery was recognized as a leader in the state in converting whole milk to butter and dried buttermilk powder. During the year, over $2 million was paid to area dairymen for whole milk which was delivered to the Fullerton plant by a fleet of route trucks. In spite of efforts to keep daily service, rail service was reduced to three times a week. Highway 14, north of Fullerton, and Highway 22, east to Genoa, were being relocated, straightened and blacktopped. Fullerton's high school basketball team earned a trip to the state tournament and was defeated by Minden in a semifinal game in Class "B" competition. Fullerton's Legion and V.F.W. Posts and their Auxiliaries erected a Memorial Center at the Fullerton Cemetery. Jessie G. Kreidler was re-elected county superintendent of schools, although her name was not on the ballot and she had asked to be replaced. The Fullerton Lions Club 47 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- began a project of numbering houses and erecting wooden street markers here. A new neon sign on Highway 14 directed traffic to the downtown business district. 1959 - Early in the year, residents heard their first concert from the carillon bells which had been installed at First Presbyterian Church. The Fullerton School District gained enrollment through the merger of several rural districts. For the first time, rural pupils from those merged districts would be bused to the Fullerton School. Instead of a traditional "sneak day" members of the Fullerton high school senior class took an educational tour to Chicago. The swimming pool was a popular recreation area as shown by the over 15,000 admissions that season. Bingo games were legal locally. Governor Ralph Brooks visited Fullerton in March and that fall attended a Horse Show held in the Timber Creek area. St. Peter's Parochial School opened with an enrollment of over 100 pupils. Formal dedication ceremonies for the new school also were conducted in 1959. A new paved section of Highway 22, between Fullerton and Genoa, was opened. Northwestern Bell Telephone Company moved into a newly constructed building at the corner of 3rd and Fuller Streets. 1960 - It was one of the snowiest and coldest winters experienced in this section of the state in many years. The Fullerton Warriors earned a ticket to the Class "C" state basketball tournament, but lost in the semi-finals to Seward-Concordia, the team which went on to win the state Class "C" championship. Fullerton's town baseball team tied for first place in the Central Nebraska Baseball League. Work was begun on the construction of a new elevator by R. R. Christensen at a location north of Fullerton. The new business was operated as Fullerton Elevator Co. by Mr. Christensen. The Fullerton Lions Club installed intersection signs on Broadway as a community service project. There were 26 marriage licenses issued to couples during the year, and only four divorce cases were filed. E.E. Agnew, county resident since 1889, died at the age of 90. J. T. Russell, prominent banker, livestock raiser and farmer, died. 1961 - Fullerton's population, according to the 1960 census, was 1480. Robert C. Brower was appointed as a judge for the Nebraska Supreme Court. Keith Trotter, lifetime resident and county judge for 22 years, died. Sheriff Dave Johnson was shot and killed and his deputy, Aaron Hadfield, was wounded when the two officers went to the farm home of Theodore Heule, southeast of town, and attempted to pick up Mr. Heule on a mental health complaint. The two unarmed officers apparently entered the house where Heule clubbed them and fired a shotgun injuring Hadfield. The two officers took refuge in a barn. Sheriff Johnson was shot in the back as he attempted to run from the barn to his automobile to get his gun. 48 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hadfield escaped from a rear barn door to notify authorities. Heule drove away from the farm in his automobile and was killed later the same day in a gun battle with law officers near Ellsworth, Kansas. The Fullerton Warriors advanced to the finals in the state Class "C" basketball tournament, but lost in the championship game to Weeping Water. For the fourth consecutive year, the Farmers Co-op Creamery won first place in the state buttermaking contest and also in the process of manufacturing a special butter which was sold on the New York market to the Jewish people during the Passover season. Fullerton telephones were changed over to dial system by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Fred Petersen, prominent businessman, died suddenly. George R. Bowman, pioneer Fullerton businessman, died. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Nathan opened a new coin operated self-service laundry. Plans were announced for the construction of a new post office and federal building. A test oil well was drilled on the Robert Pullen farm, located five miles south of Fullerton. A depth of 3,186 feet was reached, but no oil was found. Several owners donated dogs for training at the Lions Club Seeing Eye School. St. Peter's school received a first place state architect award plaque, one of only six given in statewide competitions. 1962 - James H. Kemp, attorney since 1898 and a widely known member of the Nebraska Bar, died at the age of 90. Mrs. George L. Sheaff, lifetime resident of Fullerton, died at the age of 80. Bryan J. Snyder, retired as postmaster after nearly 28 years of service. Lloyd W. DuRell was named acting postmaster. Charles P. Nixon, well-known barber, died. Dr. Lottie M. Anderson, longtime resident, died. A transaction was completed for the sale of an acreage, south of the Loup river, by Chester Cunningham to the Nance County Sportsmen's Club. Charles E. Peterson, longtime insurance agent, died. The First National Bank was extensively remodeled. The Fullerton Eagles Aerie observed its 50th anniversary. John Knipphals, pioneer resident, died at his farm home at the age of 87. Donald R. Treadway became associated with John M. Brower in the practice of law in Fullerton. Mrs. George R. Bowman and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowman announced the sale of Bowman's Supermarket to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Shotkoski. An open house was held by the Fullerton National Bank following extensive remodeling. Mrs. William C. Mangels, pioneer resident, died at the age of 83. Mrs. George Palmer, resident of Nance County for 73 years, died at the age of 84. Sabin oral polio clinics were being held here. 1963 - St. Peter's Catholic Church observed its golden jubilee. Ground was broken for the construction of a new Masonic Temple at the corner of 3rd and Esther Streets. An Eagles Auxiliary was chartered for the local Eagles Lodge. 1964 - A historical marker for the Mormon Trail was installed 49