This is another phenomenal winter. As an exchange remarks, we haven't had such a winter since last summer. Scientists are all at sea, some alleging that the gulf stream has changed its course, and others that the cultivation of large tracts of land of what for years was considered desert land in the west accounts for the change. If they are correct we needn't look for any more Greenland weather in Iowa.
WANTED.
A man and his wife (Swede preferred) to keep house and take charge of one of the Wheeler ranch boarding houses. Apply to Emett Starner, North ranch on the farm.
Notice.
Whereas, my wife, Annie has left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, I hereby warn all persons that I will not be responsible for any debts she may
contract.
Odebolt, Iowa, March 13, 1890 SWAN NELSON
Emett Starner is building a barn on his farm south of town.
Dr. Gromann has put down a substantial broad gauge sidewalk on the north side of his residence property.
Saturday, May 10, was the 55th milestone in the life journey of our honored townsman, Hiram C. Wheeler. The day had no special significance to him until Mrs. Wheeler notified him to be at home that evening, as she had invited a dozen of his friends to come and congratulate him on his youthful appearance. Accordingly, about the hour of six P. M., 12 gentlemen with vigorous appetites appeared on the scene, and after complimenting their host were ushered into the dining room, where a repast in keeping with Mrs. Wheeler's high reputation in that line awaited them. Thirteen men were seated at the table, but all agreed that the omen shouldn't count, and no stag party ever better enjoyed a supper. When the coffee had been disposed of, W. A. Helsell, in behalf of the guests, presented to Mr. Wheeler an order on A. E. Matthews [a jeweler in Odebolt] for a gold-headed cane, to be selected by the recipient and to bear the inscription "To Hiram C. Wheeler from his friends; May 10, 1890." Although completely surprised, Mr. Wheeler expressed his appreciation in words befitting the occasion, assuring his friends that he highly valued the token of esteem and confidence. The remainder of the evening was devoted to cigars, whist, cinch, and other amusements peculiar to stag parties, and at eleven o'clock the guests bade their host goodnight, wishing him many happy returns of the day.
Mr. and Mrs. John Potter, who have been visiting with the families of W. J. Summerwill and A. L. Miner, returned yesterday to their home in Prairie City, Jasper county, Iowa.
At a meeting of the corn palace directors last Monday evening it was decided to hold the corn palace exposition this year from September 25 to October 11 inclusive. The old site and a quarter block to the east has been selected and the building will surpass all previous efforts.
Last Friday was warm, but not oppressive, and a goodly number of people were in from the country to witness the Decoration Day ceremonies. All in all, the observance was the most successful ever held in Odebolt.
Five soldiers sleep beneath the sod in the Odebolt cemetery: Charles Dingman, Adam Widel, Jacob Meyer, Geo. Perry and the father of the late Treasurer Marks. Mrs. H. W. Stratton, a member of the Women's Relief Corps, also lies buried there. The graves of the dead named were beautifully decorated.
The opera hall was filled to its utmost capacity during the memorial exercises, and never did an Odebolt audience listen to more eloquent and appropriate addresses than were delivered by H. D. Peck and Rev. J. C. Melrose. Mr. Peck was the first speaker, and for three-quarters of an hour he held the wrapt [sic] attention of the throng. His remarks were studded with gems of eloquence, and many passages brought tears to the eyes of his hearers. We never listened to a finer Decoration Day address than the one which stamped Herbert D. Peck as an orator of whom Sac county may well be proud.
Rev. J. C. Melrose, pastor of the Presbyterian church, followed in a brief but eloquent and thoughtful address which did credit to his scholarly training and made a profound impression on his hearers. It was a matter of general remark that two better orations had never been delivered in the opera house, and everyone felt glad that the Post had secured the services of home talent for the occasion. We very much regret that we cannot publish the full text of both addresses.
Enumerator Pearson completed his [census-taking] work in the country, and yesterday started in on Odebolt. We advise all married people to decide who is the head of the family before he calls. When he asks whether you are married or single, don't get angry; the fact that you have six or seven children is not evidence to Uncle Sam that you have a marriage certificate. Women should make up their minds in advance as to their ages, as the enumerator will put down the first figure given. It will also be well to decide in advance whether you are white or black.
John Fuchs, of Clinton township, completed the erection of a splendid barn last week, and on Friday evening gave a dance in it. A number were present and had a good time. The building is 58x78, and is composed of the best materials. It has plank floor and stanchions for 30 cows, stalls for 10 horses, a separate compartment 30x50 for colts and calves, and room for 175 tons of hay. A water tank with a capacity of 100 barrels supplies the stock, and everything is conveniently arranged. Mr. Fuchs is a progressive farmer, and understands the advantage of improvements.
Mr. Henry Hanson has sold his elevator and grain business to the St. Paul and Kansas City Grain Co., of Minneapolis, a corporation that owns and operates 25 elevators in Iowa. Negotiations were commenced several weeks ago, but the formal transfer was not made until Monday.
The people of Odebolt, and the farmers of this vicinity who have dealt with Henry Hanson for 13 years will regret his retirement from the grain business. No man in that line was ever more popular with his customers or had a better reputation for integrity. It is gratifying to know that he still retains the livestock and the brick and tile part of the business, which with the management of his three splendid farms will occupy his time. He will have an office in Odebolt and will still be an active citizen of this community.
Mr. Hanson was one of the first residents of Odebolt, coming here in 1877 as manager of a co-operative Swedish farmers grain company. In 1880 he succeeded to the business by purchase, built a new elevator and warehouses, and enlarged the business that he has so successfully conducted up to present writing. Active, energetic, honest and public-spirited, he has been an important factor in the growth and prosperity of Odebolt: a man whose removal would be a misfortune to the town.
It is probable that the present working force of the elevator will be retained by the new management.
Sol. Peterson is one of the old timers in this section. He lives down in Wheeler. Sol. well remembers the time way back in the spring of 1874 how he broke the trail across the prairie from his place to Sac City. He struck out in a bee line in the general direction of Sac City and had it not been for the fact that rain had fallen during the trip might not have found his way back very easily. As it was he followed the wagon tracks. Others used the same trail for a long time.
Conductor D. W. Duncan of the band advises us that the organization is making excellent progress. The organization has forty-three members at this time and more are expected to join later. At present three evenings out of each week are devoted to practice. They are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and an effort is being made to advance the organization as rapidly as possible. Mr. Duncan has demonstrated his capability as a leader, and will one day give the town a band of which it may feel proud. He expects to move his family here about the first of the month and become permanently located among us.
Monday night a valentine social was held in the parlors of the Methodist church by the young people of the Epworth League. A pleasant evening was spent playing valentine games. The decorations were in red hearts which were much in evidence over the rooms. Apples and popcorn were served.
Wednesday evening of last week a party of eighteen young people enjoyed a sleighing party out to the Mrs. Josephine Schuckles home east of town. Fred, Charles
and John Schnuckles were the hosts of the occasion. The evening was a merry one with games as the amusement. A nice luncheon was served.