A Holiday Weekend

This weekend, "summer" is officially over. At least that is how I have always measured the seasons. In fact, I think school used to begin the week AFTER Labor Day weekend. At least, I have always thought that is the way it should be... School should begin the first Tuesday of September and end at Memorial Day, when summer begins. Or maybe school should be all year with more breaks throughout the year, since the kids don't have to help in the "fieldwork" and "farmwork" anymore. At any rate, I'm glad for the holiday weekend. I plan to do some things around the house and "catch up" on things neglected.

What are you doing to celebrate Labor Day?

"The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country."

Read more at: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

---

Today Labor Day is often regarded simply as a day of rest and, compared to the May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, parades, speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key, although especially in election years, events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to summer. Some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school. However, of late, schools have begun well before Labor Day, as early as the 24th of July in many urban districts, including Nashville and Atlanta.

In addition, Labor Day marks the beginning of the season for the National Football League and NCAA College Football. The NCAA usually plays their first games the weekend of Labor day, with the NFL playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. ...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

The Benkelman Post has new owners

We are fortunate to have had Richard and Glenda Bartholomew as the owner/publishers of the Benkelman Post & News-Chronicle for the last 14 years. They have published a quality newspaper that people who live all over the country enjoy reading.

I'm sure the new owners, Jason and Amy Frederick will continue to produce a quality local newspaper. They recently purchased the paper and also own The Hitchcock County News and the Hayes County Times-Republican.

Haigler Happenings Summary

I'm sure those of you who receive the Benkelman Post, Wray Gazette and St. Francis Herald will agree with me that Floy Ruggles is doing a great job reporting the "Haigler Happenings" every week.

This week, the report included a story about Dale and Dode Faylor's experiences taking a "jeep trip" in Colorado with Yvonne and Royce Clemans, their daughter and grand-daughter Daneen and husband Phil Hilger.

Other items were: a report of the guests that Sophia Zuege had for her birthday "weekend"; a note about the Collicott sisters visiting their dad at the Hillcrest Care Center; a mention that the owner of the company that moved the 67 South schoolhouse came to check on the project; Gregory and Heather Klein had a new baby. (great-grandson to Laura Pearl Wall); a report of visitors to Laura Pearl Wall's home; and an update about the Haigler Blog.

Get Well - Lyla Woodworth

Lyla Woodworth a former Haigler resident broke her hip and is in the hospital in Hastings. Her address follows:

Lyla Woodworth
Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital
715 North Saint Joseph Avenue
Hastings, Ne. 68901.

--Cal Freehling

Cicadas and Crickets

I was just sitting out on my deck enjoying the early morning "cool air" before getting ready for my work day. This morning is damp and cool after an evening storm last night and the only sound was the singing of the crickets in my yard.

On Sunday evening I was sitting on the deck resting after attacking the long grass with the mower and weed eater and there was a different sound coming from the trees! Those pesky cicadas! Their noisy song isn't the same as a cricket's happy sound. They are insistent on getting on my nerves by raising and lowering the volume level until I had to go inside to avoid them.

According to Wikapedia, the male cicada makes this noise to attract a mate and they are the longest living insect because they hibrinate and come back every year for up to 17 years. In some places they are considered "food"!!! I vote for a Cicada Harvest in my yard if anyone is interested in trying them out. However, since I have never prepared them for a meal, you will have to find recipes somewhere else.

Does anyone else feel that way about cicadas?
-- Editor

The Worley Twins

The Worley twins, Lee and Dee, lived on the Huey ranch. Their parents were Monty and Tiny Worley.
-- Don Smith

---

Click here to read a complete list of Haigler Twins. If you know of someone who is not on the list, send them to the Editor.

Happy Birthday - Sophia Zuege

Sophia, Happy Birthday on August 20!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Tucson Arizona. Sophia, we think of you often, and when we get to go to Haigler 3 or 4 times per year, we drive by your place and remember you and all the years that we have known you. I remember your dad and mom. And of course your boys. How proud you must be of them - at how they have turned out to be such wonderful people. Our years at East 10 school will never be forgotten - they were younger than me, but they were such nice kids.

Again, we wish you a very very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Dwight and Leah (Gregory) Brewer


Happy Birthday from Alice Straub, Lee Hunt, Rosella Ritchey and Eunice Tucker. Hope you can celebrate many, many more!!!!!!!!!!


Happy Birthday Sophia, hope you have a great day. Claudine (Wiley) Sterner


Hello, and Happy Birthday to Sophia. We wish you a Good Day and a GREAT YEAR! Lindy and Doris

You probably do not remember me Sophia, I was just a little boy that lived a block east of you in Haigler. Ed McKinney lived across the alley from us. I understand that you are having a birthday soon, and my wish is that you have a very nice Birthday and Birthday party.

Sincerely, Dallas Adams

SOPHIA.WE DO WISH YOU THE BEST OF YOUR BIG DAY ON THE 20TH. HOPE YOU HAVE MANY MANY MORE OF THEM.
-- GENE AND VIE PENNELL

_____________

Enjoy your day, Sophia. I remember you so well from the years I attended East 10 school with your boys. You were always so friendly and cheerful. And I remember that you worked so hard, along with Albert, to do the farming and ranching chores that were necessary to make it in those days. You are a wonderful mother and neighbor.
-- Sherri Gregory

___________

Happy Birthday, Sophia Best wishes and many more birthdays!
Don Smith

I printed the Birthday wishes off the blog and took them over to Sophia this afternoon. I did not stay to visit because her phone was ringing when I rang the doorbell. I just took time to tell her what it was all about. After a while she called and was so excited and appreciative of all the birthday messages and thought it was so wonderful of all of you who took the time to write a message. She didn't know how to thank everyone so I told her I would pass it on to you all. She enjoyed it all so much and is showing it to everyone. She is one gracious lady! Everybody loves Sophia!

--Floy Ruggles

If you would like to add your greeting, Email the Blog
or click on "Comments" below and add your greeting there.

February was Busiest Month

Here is a chart showing the number of visitors we have had since January 2007. February is the busiest month, probably because of the weather!! Its hard to sit in front of the computer when it is nice outside, but by February, we are so bored, we have to find interesting things to do!


Here is a map showing where today's visitors are from.

Dundy County Chamber of Comerce Website

Have you seen the new look at the Chamber of Commerce website? I hadn't visited the site for awhile, so maybe it isn't new to you, but I like it!! Go visit it here: http://www.bwtelcom.net/dcccd/index.html

Be sure to check out the Attractions/Recreation page for pictures of area attractions, the Dundy County Fair, and other recreation the town of Benkelman has to offer.

The Blog Continues

When The Haigler Blog began on August 29, 2006 with the first story “Haigler in the 1920’s,” by Don Harford, no one knew that there would be almost 700 posts and over 10,000 page visits a year later.

The entries are mostly comments, pictures and stories by people who live or have lived in the Haigler, Nebraska area.

This small town in the very southwest corner of Nebraska has a lot of town pride and has created many happy memories for 100s of people, even though the population is only a little above 200.

The first paper edition of The Haigler Blog Newsletter was produced at the end of March 2007 and included “The Best of the Blog” up to that point in time.

The next edition of the newsletter, “The Blog Continues,” will contain stories and pictures submitted by readers, with an encouragement to anyone associated with this little town to become involved by recording their piece of Haigler area history.

To know even the smallest story about someone is to know a little about others around them. The people and how and where they live is what determines the “personality” of a place.

Haigler’s personality is that of comfort, solidity and friendliness. It likes to stay the same today as it was yesterday and doesn’t do well with someone “from the outside” coming in to make changes.

In fact, to “fit in” in this community, you watch out for each other and protect each other. The minute someone hits the city limits, they are noticed. It is a feeling you get when you first come to town and it keeps you from doing anything that would cause concern to the citizens.

This is how it has always been and is one of the things that small towns all across America possess that the cities can’t keep when the population gets so large that people “don’t know their neighbor”. It is this that brings people “home” to visit or live when they retire or get tired of “running the rat race”.

So, the Haigler Blog Continues to add stories and pictures that will depict the “personality” of our corner of Nebraska.

— Editor

The Nebraskan

A guy from Nebraska dies and goes to Hell. He had been a horrible man all his life. The devil puts him to work breaking up rocks with a sledgehammer. To make it even worse, he cranks up the temperature and humidity.

After a couple of days, the devil checks in on his victim to see if he is suffering adequately. The devil is aghast as the Nebraskan is happily swinging his hammer and whistling a happy tune.

The devil walks up to him and says "I don't understand this! I've turned the heat way up, it's humid and you're crushing rocks. Why are you so happy?"

The Nebraskan, with a big smile, looks at the devil and replies,

"This is great! It reminds me of August in Haigler. Hot, humid and a good place to work. It reminds me of home. This is fantastic!"

The devil, extremely perplexed, walks away to ponder the Nebraskan's remarks. He then decides to drop the temperature, send down a driving rain and torrential winds. Soon, Hell is a wet, muddy mess.

Walking in mud up to his knees with dust blowing in his eyes, the Nebraskan is happily slogging through the mud pushing a wheelbarrow full of crushed rocks. Again, the devil asks how he can be so happy in such awful conditions.

The Nebraskan, with a big smile, looks at the devil and replies,

"This is great! It's just like April in Nebraska. It reminds me of working out on the farm with spring planting. It reminds me of home. This is fantastic!"

Now the devil is completely baffled. He is more determined than ever to make the Nebraskan suffer. He then makes the temperature plummet.

Suddenly, Hell is blanketed in six feet of snow and ice. Confident that this will finally make the Nebraskan unhappy, he checks in on him again.

He is again aghast at what he sees! The guy is dancing, singing, and twirling his sledgehammer as he cavorts in utter glee.

"How can you be so happy? Don't you know it's 40 below zero?!!" screams the devil.

Jumping up and down the Nebraskan throws a snowball at the devil and yells,

"Hell is frozen over!! This means the Huskers are going to win the Big 12 Conference and go to the Fiesta Bowl.

A. L. MILLER HAS A NARROW ESCAPE AT RAILROAD CROSSING

A. L. Miller, county commissioner, had a narrow escape from being run over by train No. 10 at a crossing near Elmer Caster’s farm Monday afternoon.

Mr. Miller was driving to Mr. Caster’s watermelon patch and in starting to cross the railroad track he did not see the train until he was almost on the track. He had the presence of mind to do the right thing at the right time, which was to put on the emergency brake with all his strength, bringing the car to a stop so close to the track that the train hit the bumpers and fenders. The car was not knocked clear from the track and was bumped by every car in the train. One fender and one wheel were damaged.

After the train was gone, Mr. Miller says he changed his mind about wanting water melons and drove directly home, and also said he had no excuse to offer.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

Elizabeth McVey Awarded Scholarship to Detroit School

Miss Elizabeth McVey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. McVey of Haigler, is completing her career at the Nebraska state university with extra-ordinary honor, having won a scholarship with one other member of the senior class of 1926 in the home economics course to the Merrill-Palmer school at Detroit, Mich. Miss McVey has gone to the Detroit school where she will be graduating at the end of the first semester. Winning this scholarship is a distinguished honor, only two being awarded in the entire senior class, and is an acknowledgement of meritorious work. It carries a cash allotment of $200.

Miss McVey was graduated from the Haigler high school in 1921. She taught school one year and entered the Nebraska state university in 1922 taking the course in home economics, specializing in dietetics. During part of her school career she was employed as assistant dietician at the Lincoln general hospital. She was out of school one semester, giving her full time to her employment at the hospital and also during the summer of 1925 at the hospital as a dietician. She returned to Lincoln in August this year to resume her duties at the hospital and complete her university course.

The announcement of the awarding of the scholarship was made last week at the beginning of the school year and Miss McVey departed from Lincoln for Detroit last Thursday. At the Merrill-Palmer school she will specialize in child nutrition.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

The Ladies Aid Society

The Ladies Aid society of the Methodist church will meet at the home of Mrs. Chas. Roach Friday afternoon, September 24, at 2:30. All members and friends are requested to be present.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

Millions in Pearls

This pagoda, a part of the Japanese exhibit at the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is made entirely of pearls and its value exceeds $1,000,000. The exposition continues until December 1.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

Did you know that the first snow of the season fell here last Sunday morning about 2:30? The Rattler knows at least three Wray men who will testify that a light snow actually fell Sunday morning. One young man who happened to be up at that rather early hour noticed that snow was falling, and he in turn called the attention of two other men to the rather unusual prank on the part of nature. So far as the Rattler has been able to learn, the snow on Sept. 11 this year is the earliest snow that has fallen in this part of Colorado for many years.

-- Wray Rattler.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

LIGHTNING STRIKES BARN

The gig barn out on the John Barnhart ranch a dozen miles northeast of St. Francis was struck by lightning last Tuesday afternoon about four o’clock and as no help to combat the flames was in reach, the barn was consumed by flames. The son, who makes his home there was in town and the hired man was so far out in the field that he did not arrive until too late to stop the destruction. This was one of the good barns in the country. It was something like 40x60, with a big loft. The loft was filled with hay and feed and of course, this was consumed. In addition to this, there were three horses in the barn and one calf, which could not be taken out. Eight sets of harness and two saddles were burned and also something like a hundred and fifty bushels of corn. Several hogs had been in the barn at noon but up to the time that this article was prepared it was not known whether or not any of them were killed in the fire. The loss of the barn and fee at this time will work a hardship on the Barnhart’s as feed is not any to plentiful this year. We understand that no insurance was carried on the barn nor its contents. In this case the loss will be complete.

--St. Francis Herald

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

DEPUTY SHERIFF ADVISED OF THE THEFT OF AN AIRPLANE

Has anyone around here seen a stray airplane? One was stolen about ten days ago at Iola, Kans. Deputy Sheriff Ed McKinney was advised of this fact Thursday of last week. The theft of an airplane seems to be something new in the way of crime. It is done occasionally in the movies, but in reality, this is about the first case that has been reported.

The information Mr. McKinney received stated that the identity of the thief was suspected. A man from Iola who was known to be able to pilot an airplane was missing and it is presumed that he took the plane. Whether he will be able to retain the use of the plane or dispose of it is a question. This depends on what investigations are made at landing fields. I may be, however, that the thief merely wanted transportation and will abandon the machine.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

REV. CARTER RETURNED TO HAIGLER FOR ANOTHER YEAR

The announcement was made at the Nebraska Methodist conference at Hastings Monday that Rev. Geo. M. Carter will be returned to Haigler for another year. The Carter family is visiting in Lincoln while Rev. Carter is attending the conference. At the close of the conference he will go to Lincoln and return with the family to Haigler.

Rev. W. W. Morris, former Haigler pastor, is returned to Arapahoe for another year and Rev. A. L. Kellog is returned to Doniphan.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

GRANDVIEW COMMUNITY, by Mrs. O. D. Daniels

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bartholma are enjoying a visit from Mrs. Bartholma’s cousin and his chum from eastern Kansas.

Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Barcus and Neoma were Wray visitors Saturday evening.

Mrs. N. C. Clark and daughter, June, who have been in the hospital at Wray for several weeks are reported better.

Mr. Scheer of Laird called at the O. D. Daniel home Monday morning.

Mrs. Ruhara Brown spent several days last week with her daughter Mrs. James Douglass.

Mrs. Fred Heins and daughter and Miss Jennie Trembly of Haigler spent last Wednesday at the N. W. Trembly home.

Mrs. Ruhara Brwosn spent last Thursday afternoon with her grand-daughter, Mrs. Allen Douglass.

Mrs. O. D. Daniels, Edith and Ardith called at the Stinehagen home Monday afternoon.

Grandview school has been preparing an exhibit to send to the McDonald fair.

Quite a number of people from the community attended the Beacher Island reunion Sunday.

Allen Douglass left last week for Loveland, Colorado.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Brown called at the James Douglass home last Wednesday evening.

Mrs. N. W. Trembly returned home last Friday evening after spending several days at the Bowker home during the illness and death of her father.

John Kamla called at various homes in this community in search of a stray calf.

Pauline Trembly has been on the sick list for several days.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bowker and children visited at the Wm. Minton home north of Haigler Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heins and daughter spent Sunday at the N. W. Trembly home.

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Smith called at the N. W. Trembly home Monday noon.

Mrs. Elmer Bowker and two youngest children went to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breese of north of Haigler Monday evening.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

DUCKS NOT AS PLENTIFUL AS FORMERLY, HUNTERS REPORT

Local duck hunters have met with only fair success since the opening of the duck season Thursday of last week. However, nearly all hunters have been able to get a few of the ducks of the small Teal variety, but they are not as plentiful, according to some reports, as in some previous years. It is probable that they will be more numerous as the season advances and the weather becomes colder.

Wm. Goodell and C. A. Larimer seem to hold the local record so far this season. On the opening day they bagged 16 birds with four shots on the Peterson lake 15 miles north of town. The News is going to hang this up as a record to shoot for and would like to hear reports of better luck should anyone exceed this record.

The Haigler News, Haigler Nebraska, Friday, September 24, 1926

It's Nebraska!!

It is so hot that:

Here we can dig potatoes out of the ground and take them to the house and eat them, they are already cooked.

Cal Freehling

ITS HERE!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, was a significant day for Haigler. Actually, the day before was a big event at the site of 67 South when the movers arrived and began the preparations for loading the building on the trailer.

By Wednesday morning the school building, complete with the United States flag displayed, had been loaded on the trailer and moved as far as the entrance onto the highway. Because of the muddy road from the rains of the previous 2 nights a tractor was needed to help it over the hill just before the intersection to the highway. Over a dozen people, former students, children of former teachers and others interested emotionally and curiously in the project had gathered around the intersection to escort or follow the procession into town, which began around 8:30.

Two Southwest Public Power employees preceded the procession to lift the power lines in several places. Others had gathered at the prepared site to observe the building being unloaded from the trailer and set down on the foundation. Backing the building between two large trees onto the lot was skillfully executed. Congratulations are due to the movers and all the helpers for a job well done.

By shortly after noon the movers were on their way back to Hastings to prepare for a big moving job the next day. But for the Carlocks the project has barely begun. New roofing is the next step. It will take months – possibly even years to restore the inside and outside as much as possible like the original.
--Floy Ruggles

John Terry is Kansas Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year

Congratulations to John Terry.

This was published in the McCook Daily Gazette today, August 10, 2007.

Rawlins County coach honored

Connie Terry/Courtesy John Terry, who has coached the Rawlins County-Atwood boys and track teams for 13 years and guided both to Kansas state track titles in the spring of 2007, was honored as Kansas Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year by the Kansas Coaches Association. Terry, right, accepts a plaque from a KCA vice president at an Aug. 2 ceremony in Topeka, Kan.
http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1245619.html

--Submitted by Cal Freehling

Recent Haigler stories in The McCook Daily Gazette

Bluegrass in the park

Old Haigler school becoming museum

Smith birthday

Fun-raiser will help save old school

Search Results: Haiger in the McCook Daily Gazette

Bluegrass Breakdown

This was the first year we attended the Bluegrass festival and really enjoyed it. Visiting was good and was glad to see so many people there, young , old and in between, all having a good time and the food was delicious. We use to have the Douglass reunions on the park but didn't remember the trees being so great. My husband and I use to go to Brownville, NE. to a fiddlers contest in his trucking days and this was a lot like it as for the out door event and good music. I hope it continues for a long time

--Esther Poe

A note from Phil Crawford - The Happy Wanderer - Tumbleweed

I read your blog on a regular basis

below is a copy of the Email I sent to Deb Stute.

I thought some of your readers might be interested.

I would like to compliment you on your bluegrass show .

I understand that the Nebraska Humanities council provides funding for the event.

I rode and played guitar on their float at the "Old West Days", 10th anniversary, in Valentine NE. October 2001.

The guitar I won at your raffle plays and sounds great.

It probably will be my guitar of choice this Oct. at Valentine.

My stage career has been around 70 yrs. It started at the age of 4 yr and at 9 yr I started playing the guitar.

I have played, sang and recited poetry from Calgary, Canada to The Mexican border, along the front range, with S Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Northern Texas thrown in.

2yr ago while in Montana; Reuters News beamed me around the world in an interview on Cowboy Poetry and Music, and I was on their entertainment web site for about 6 weeks.

So, you see, I have been around, and for "a small town" USA, your show is one of the best !!

Cowboy singer, song writer, poet,

"Got'ta saddle up and ride."
"The Happy Wanderer", "Tumbleweed" to be more exact.

-- Submitted by Phil Crawford
plcraw@sbcglobal.net (or) rollingthistle@yahoo.com
www.StFrancisKs.Com

"Tumbleweed's " Page
St. Francis Page

The Big Move

Less than a year ago, an idea was born to move the District 67 South school building from a cornfield to Haigler, where it would become a museum dedicated to the memory of the one-room school houses that used to be dotted throughout the southwest area of Nebraska.

Through the following months, funds were collected, arrangements were made and today, that idea moved into reality as the building moved down the road and onto the foundation prepared for its new home.

How exciting to see the dream come true!



We will continue to watch and help with this worthwhile project!

--pictures provided by Ray and Floy Ruggles

The Big Move!

Today is the day! District 67 South is moving to town.

Here is a picture of the Williams from Hastings getting the building ready for the move.

August 8, 1946 - Happy Birthday, Mel Fisher

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Mel Fisher was born 61 years ago today!

His life has been filled with many happy events, as that is his outlook on life. He is always cheerful and has something humorous to share.

Floy Ruggles and my mom, Alice Gregory are sisters and when we were kids, we lived only about 10 miles "as the crow flies" apart. They lived south of Laird and we lived southeast of Haigler. We went to church together, we spent holidays together, we went to school together, we still spend time together whenever we get the chance. So Mel, Garry and Sharna - Floys kids are like brothers and sister to us Gregory kids! (we are all around the age of 60! now)

So here is a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL!!!

--from the Gregorys

Don Smith turns 80

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The family of Donald "Don" M. Smith of McCook is hosting a card shower in honor of his 80th birthday on Aug. 5, 2007. He has two children, Melvin of Denison, Iowa and daughter, Patricia "Pat" Fortkamp of McCook; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. You may share a memory by visiting the Haigler Blog at http://haigler.blogspot.com/2007/07/don-smith-turns-80-happy-birthday.html or send cards of congratulations to 604 West G Street, McCook, NE 69001.

DISTRICT 67 SOUTH

The next important event in the South 67 schoolhouse restoration is scheduled to occur this week. The movers plan to be here to move the building from west of town to its prepared site at the corner of Porter and Noble Wednesday morning. It should be arriving around 10:00 a.m. if all goes as planned.

-- Floy Ruggles

I hope someone takes alot of pictures and sends them to me! hint! hint!
-- Sherri

BLUEGRASS BREAKDOWN

It was a hot day but The Haigler 6th Annual Bluegrass Breakdown was attended and enjoyed by well over 400 people from a wide area surrounding Haigler. The beautiful, well kept, Village Park with it's many tall trees provided plenty of shade to make the heat bearable. The concession booths were well prepared to serve hungry people. The Lutheran ladies began serving Barbecued Sandwiches, Baked Beans, German Potato Salad, Watermelon, etc. a little before noon until they ran out of food by six o'clock. The Methodist Ladies were prepared with 50 pies and gallons of ice-cream for dessert, all of which "hit the spot" considering the warm day. Their supplies were also sold out. Consequently, none went away hungry. A 4H group, C.W.H, was raising money to go to Washington, D.C. Banker, Pat Rotherham, of Benkelman, had the distinction of winning the "Kiss the Pig" contest. About $1600 was collected in the boot which will go towards village improvements and continuing the H.I.C. scholarship.

-- Floy Ruggles

The Harford & Williams Families Receive The Nebraska Pioneer Farm Family Award

The Benkelman Post and News-Chronicle this week has an article about two Dundy County Families, the Harfords and Williams, who were recognized for "owning the same parcel of land consecutively for at least 100 years". The Nebraska Pioneer Farm Family Award was given to them before the Thursday night event at the Dundy County Fair.

Congratulations to these families for being long standing and important residents of this county.