As previously stated, I am striving (to the greatest degree possible) to transcribe the original document verbatim. Scanning of the document is not possible, as the original was typed using one of the old cloth-tape typewriters (which frequently lint-fills the center of the 'e' and 'a', or loops of the 's'), and my copy is at least a second-generation reproduction, so any issues of quality are exacerbated. I tried scanning one of the best pages of my copy and...well let's just say that typing from scratch saved time.
The "ligit" search feature on the right-side of the page will allow searching posts for specific words. I have found the tool to be inconsistent. But, in general, very useful when searching for all entries that contain a specific family name.
You will encounter apparent errors in spelling, grammar, and potentially even facts. It is my opinion that such 'flaws' need to be retained in order to convey the flavor of the original document. The archaic spelling "drouth" occurs frequently instead of the more modern "drought". Colloquialisms are common. And, in the first month of posting, I had one comment that a family genealogy is incorrect. But, I hope that readers will overlook these 'flaws' and realize that many of the chapters were written in the form of letters in response to requests from Madge Bischoff Dickerhoof. And, were almost certainly written from memory, without scholarly research. Lastly, that most of the anecdotes and information are unavailable anywhere else.
When necessary, I have changed some formatting of the original document. The post on "Veterans" is the most significant example. The original document used a column format that was simply not possible with the narrower format used by blogspot. I hope the reader will forgive this deviation from my original intent and trust that only the formatting was changed.
In the course of this transcription, I have thought much more deeply about each chapter than I ever did when 'just reading' the original. I find that I am more-than-impressed with the Kansas pioneers (and American pioneers in general). They were not only survivors in the truest sense of the word. They were visionaries and builders. The first permanent settlers to the area arrived around 1869. The first bridge across the river wasn't built until about 1887 (be sure to read the post about the Hutchins family and their Diphtheria-stricken father swimming the river to get to a doctor). And yet, by about 1910, they had a very functional community. This accomplishment, I find impressive. They had none of the infrastructure that we take for granted; clean water, roads, emergency teams of any kind, or even an effective form of long-distance communication...it all had to be created. In addition to dealing with the basics of food, water & shelter, they found time to coordinate efforts to build churches, schools, roads, and government. The word "pioneer" does not seem strong enough to describe these amazingly tough and resilient people.
Some of the comments make me want to rethink the history we were taught. For example, if one reads history books about the "Dust Bowl", they will likely see family farmers blamed for almost the entire event. Usually blamed on 'unsustainable' farming methods. But, if you read Roy Moore's comments in this document, you find that Republic County farmers were terracing their land to control erosion as early as 1900. And, the 1901 publication "A History of Republic County Kansas" reports that "Artificial Forestry" (planting of trees) accounted for 2663 acres of trees (in one county). Further that "Nearly every farm has its artificial grove". Both of these efforts at soil preservation run counter to what we are taught about the dust bowl. Further, there are references to "black blizzards" in the 1840s (long before cultivation in the area). Lastly, the document being transcribed in this blog reports of deep layers of "Loess" discovered while digging wells, etc. Loess is wind-blown sand that can be many feet thick and is a well-documented geological characteristic of Kansas. And, it is evidence of past "dust bowl" type events in the plains.
I find the number of social clubs fascinating. It appears that the population of Norway never got much above 400 people. And the average populations is likely far lower. So it seems likely that each person in the community knew almost every other person in the normal course of community activity (e.g. school, shopping). Even so, we find several 'fraternal' organizations, and a sizable number of social clubs. It would be interesting to learn what drove the creation of all these clubs.
The chapter on "jug houses" also fascinated me. Whiskey was sold in much the same manner as we have seen with magazines, books and recordings. That is, with the seller's objective being to send-a-new-one-every-month-until-the-day-you-die. Seriously, who would think that such a business model could survive for so long...unless there really is consumer demand? But that possibility is too depressing to consider.
I hope you will find this document interesting, and perhaps even entertaining. I am thankful that I was inspired/motivated to get this information posted online. And, I hope that it will remain available for a very long time to come.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
INTRODUCTION
The grassy quadrangle which geographers called Kansas. Her undulating fields are the floors of ancient seas. These limestone ledges underlying the prairies and cropping from the foreheads of the hills are the cemeteries of the marine insect life of the primeval world. The inexhaustible humus is the mould of the decaying herbage of unnumbered centuries. It is only upon calcareous plains in temperate latitudes that agriculture is supreme, and the rich nourishment imparted essential to bulk, endurance and speed in animals, to grace, beauty and passion in women and in man to stature, courage and longevity.
John James Ingalls, 1833-1900
DEDICATION
To the brave pioneers with vision who began the shaping of Norway Township in Republic County, Kansas in 1869, to all those who have or have had homes here, and to those who in the future may call this home--to them this story is dedicated.
Today's future is more uncertain than ever before. Our part of Kansas has never been ordinary or dull or subdued, and we have no reason to expect it ever to be different. There has always been happiness and beauty and tragedy here. Life is made up of all three. Should our future become even more vague, Kansas may still continue to be our safest and best home.
Today's future is more uncertain than ever before. Our part of Kansas has never been ordinary or dull or subdued, and we have no reason to expect it ever to be different. There has always been happiness and beauty and tragedy here. Life is made up of all three. Should our future become even more vague, Kansas may still continue to be our safest and best home.
NORWAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE
The Indians lived in this land of ours for countless years before any white man arrived. Coronado and his band came first in 1540 looking for gold which he did not find. His second expedition, according to most historians, came to Kansas in 1542 as far north as Saline County, the Smoky Hill River, and to Junction City. His journals say that the expedition found the blackest loam they had ever seen, that any grains, fruits, or vegetables grown in Spain could be grown here and more abundantly than in any lands of Spain.
We do not know much more about Kansas until nearly three hundred years later when in 1806 Lieutenant Pike was sent out in command of an exploring party, to visit the Indian Tribes in Kansas. He entered Kansas at a point which is now Linn County.
He traveled northwest and by the time he had crossed the Solomon River he found that a Spanish expedition was ahead of him. He came to a Pawnee Village and here found blankets, bridles, saddles, and other things the Indians had received from the Spaniards. After having been visited by this lordly army, the Indians were not inclined to be courteous to Pike and his small band of dusty bedraggled men.
After much unpleasantness and delay a council attended by four hundred braves was held. Pike addressed the council and spoke of the Spanish flag flying above the old Chief's tent. The Indians paid little attention to Pike. He demanded that this flag be lowered and the American flag be raised and that they must choose between American and Spanish governments.
Finally, the old Chief arose, hauled down the Spanish flag, laid it a Pike's feed received the American flag, and unfurled it above the old Chief's tent. As far as is known, this is the first time the Stars and Stripes had floated over Kansas.
Later Major Steven Long was sent to Kansas by the United States government in 1819 and 1820. Neither man liked Kansas. They said the land west of the 98th meridian was excellent pasture for millions of bison but of no value for human habitation. Pike thought the plains made a barrier against settlement of the mountain regions, which did not appear to him to be of any value whatever.
Before 1855 there were very few white people in Kansas. Some missionaries who had come to try to teach the Indians religion and a better way of life and some other white people who had married Indians and accepted their ways of life.
One hundred years ago when Kansas became a state, all was virgin prairie covered with bluestem and other luxurious grass and with trees along its streams. Its inhabitants were Indians and the bison. Beautiful country, described by an early Kansas writer as "God's Masterpiece".
The first mention we have of Republic County is by the Kansas Legislature of 1860 which defined its boundaries and gave it a name from the Republican River, which enters this county at its northwest boundary and leaves it about eight miles east of the Southwest boundary. Norway Township was platted on April 3, 1870. In less than ten years civilization had moved westward and the first settler built a log house on the S. E. 4 of Section 17. He broke prairie and planted corn. He left in the spring of 1869. The Indians and the soldiers harvested his ????, ??? ??? ?????? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ???? ??? ??????? years. When Indians took his good team, he too, became discouraged and moved to Jamestown where he died a few years later.
The first permanent settler was Rasmus Rimol who came to America from Tronhjeim in Norway, Europe. After working for two years in Chicago, he came to Norway Township at the age of thirty-two years. He settled on his homestead N. W. 4 of Section 27 on February 11, 1869. This was his home until his death in 1917 at the age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Anna Pherson settled on her homestead in July 1869 and lived there many years.
Mr. Rimol was soon followed by the rest of the Norwegian colony of ten families who also came from Norway in Europe. The river valley and its tributary streams on the east side of the river were nearly all settled in 1869 and 1870. The prairie on the east side of the township was settled in 1871 by a good thrifty colony of eight families from eastern Indiana.
West of the river was settled in 1872 by people from many states and foreign countries. Agents had scoured Europe offering every inducement possible, to get the frontier settled up. The results were that most of these settlers were poorly equipped, poorly armed and ignorant of the dangers of this new country so primitive and so different, They had very little money.
Those who came between 1865 and 1870 encountered severe Indian trouble, but it was fairly quiet after 1870. Before that time very early settlers found it necessary to eat, sleep and work with a gun nearby. There was some dissatisfaction with the government for furnishing the Indians with Spencer Carbines which could fire eight shots without reloading while the colonists had only muzzle loading guns such as the Civil War soldiers used. These Indians had a contract with the government as to land and had been given Spencers to protect themselves from hostile tribes and later used these guns on the settlers, that they considered also hostile. They had horses other than those taken from the settlers.
Olaf Peterson had his team taken from him by Indians one very hot day. He was carrying a water jug, seed corn, and gun, and everything seemed peaceful, had had laid down his gun. The Indians were hidden close by and he was fortunate to escape with his life. After the arrival of the United States Cavalry, the Indians did not make much trouble.
The blizzard of Saturday, April 3, 1873, following fine weather and a mild day, increased in fury and lasted three days. The air was filled with thick powdery snow and did not subside until Tuesday. A new settler and family had arrived on Saturday. He found a dugout and took his family and cow into this shelter. People were frozen to death and also lost their lives in other ways. Much stock perished and no one could venture out to care for them stock for three days.
In 1872, '73 and '74 considerable wheat was raised. In 1874 the rainfall was ????? ??????? ????????? ????????? ???????? ????????? ???????? since the settlements in the Township. In '72 and '73 there had been 22 and 28 inches of rain. In 1874 the prospects were bright. The drouth set in on June 15th with temperatures reaching 110° on July 25. On September 10th rain fell in abundance, with sixteen rainy days in September and eight inches of rain. But on July 26th the grasshoppers came. They ate every green thing in an incredibly short time. Onions, peppers, and tobacco they seemed to like extremely well. Sorghum cane was all they spared. No grass, corn, weeds, gardens or leaves on the trees were left and even the clothes on the lines were devoured.
Nothing was left except people and livestock. Some wheat had been raised. That fall abundant rainfall. In the spring a crop of grasshoppers was hatched from the eggs left in the fall but these soon moved on and did no damage. Nothing was left that fall and people faced a hard winter. 1874 was the Aid Winter. The government provided some money but not enough to be of much help. The people in the East sent all kinds of food and clothing and Eastern Kansas sent some help although they, too, had suffered, but not as badly, from the hopper invasion as this locality. People came through the winter and faced another year.
In the spring of 1875 many gave everything they possessed for a team and wagon and enough money to get back to their former homes. At the end of twenty-five years there were only five homesteaders remaining west of the river. Dr. Scott, Erastus Stanton, James Nelson and two other families. In 1875 these remaining went to work with whatever corn and wheat they were able to obtain for seed and had a fair crop that year.
After the Blizzard of 1873 and Grasshopper invasion of 1874, it does not take a very vivid imagination to see why so many were so thoroughly discouraged. There was still some threat of Indians although they had made very little trouble after the arrival of the United States Cavalry and the local arming of the settlers. In the fall of 1874 all the food available for their stock was a small amount of wheat which they fed to their hogs, butchering them for whatever meat they would make, when the wheat was gone. Corn was much more profitable because it could be fed to stock while wheat had to be hauled many miles to market. These farmers took their wheat to Waterville.
Among the settlers were carpenters, cabinet makers, stone masons, brick layers, blacksmiths, farmers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, clergymen, merchants, and many more. In 1864 the editor of "The Kansas Annual Register for Farmers" said in his paper that Kansas had everything needed to make a farmer happy and prosperous--water, stone, for all purposes needed, sufficient timber, coal and prairies ready for the plow. Daniel Wilder, State Auditor wrote, "One year a large tract of country without homes, or cultivated fields; Indians wander over it without doing a thing to change the face of nature. Ten years hence, this desolate waste has become the homes of thousands of people from every state in the union and from territory of every European power." Norway township is a part of this vast territory and now does its share in making Kansas the bread basket of the nation.
Those who weathered the first few years in Norway Township were the sturdy pioneers with vision. They came with plows, guns, teams and Bibles. Whatever kind of house they were able to establish was Home and they had come to stay. They wanted comfortable homes for themselves and their families, education and a good life. Probably our most valuable heritage is being descended from these people. They worked together, their ties were very strong and the joys and sorrows of one where the joys and sorrows of all.
The food of the Pioneers was very simple. For meat they had fish, wild turkeys, geese, ducks, prairie chickens, and rabbits in the valley. Antelope, deer and bison for those who were good shots. Cornbread was a standby and later wheat made bread. Vegetables were scarce and the women picked greens to go with the salt pork. Sugar was rarely on hand and homemade sorghum and molasses were the pioneers' "sweetening". When no one had any money, they roasted corn, wheat, or rye, and ground it in a coffee mill, or more often between two flat stones and made "coffee". They used a weed called "shoestring," dried, for tea and shoestring was also used for tobacco.
Waterville and Junction City were the "out posts" where those who had a little money could buy sugar, coffee, and bacon. The Indians came to call sometimes and to see what they could get from the settlers. While under protest they were given Limberger cheese and then were sure that they were poisoned.
Clothing, like every thing else the pioneer possessed was simple, coarse and homemade. Much clothing was made from floursacks and many pioneer babies began their lives in floursack clothing. The women and girls knit mufflers and mittens for the families and some families kept a few sheep, carded and spun the wool into yarn. Occasionally cloth was woven. Calico dresses with several muslin petticoats, slat sun-bonnets and high-topped shoes were worn. Blue and black were the colors. For Sunday wear, a few women had poplin dresses. Silk dresses were rare indeed. When the men's shoes were worn out they were resoled with wood.
Only two holidays were observed during these times. Christmas was nearly always kept, ad was the only holiday. Little trees were wound with paper and decorated with strings of popcorn and popcorn balls. For Christmas dinner there was head cheese and pickled pigs feet and a little later, cookies made with molasses. If there was a little money, there were little 10¢ gifts and at other times home knitted mufflers and mittens brought just as much happiness. A little later Christmas included cake and pumpkin pie, and sometimes the flour used was rye flour.
Grease lamps and homemade tallow candles were the pioneers first lighting equipment. Any time there was a kerosene lamp, it was cleaned and polished for use at Christmas time.
After the first hard years, the fourth of July always meant a country wide picnic with a barbeque and political speeches and some read the Declaration of Independence. There was gunpowder for noise. In the early '80's the celebration included a concert by the Norway band, composed of eight pioneers, in the '90's the Clod Hopper Band and later a younger Norway Band. Doctor Scott's Grove perhaps could tell of many July 4th picnics and also John Hugos' grove saw many such celebrations.
In the earliest pioneer times life was incredibly hard but still people were happy and very close.
The earliest pioneer marriage was Jerusha McCathron and Reuben Everhart on May 30th, 1871. Nels Rimol was the first white child born in Norway Township. He was the son of Rasum and Ann Lehn Rimal and was born on October 13, 1870.
We do not know much more about Kansas until nearly three hundred years later when in 1806 Lieutenant Pike was sent out in command of an exploring party, to visit the Indian Tribes in Kansas. He entered Kansas at a point which is now Linn County.
He traveled northwest and by the time he had crossed the Solomon River he found that a Spanish expedition was ahead of him. He came to a Pawnee Village and here found blankets, bridles, saddles, and other things the Indians had received from the Spaniards. After having been visited by this lordly army, the Indians were not inclined to be courteous to Pike and his small band of dusty bedraggled men.
After much unpleasantness and delay a council attended by four hundred braves was held. Pike addressed the council and spoke of the Spanish flag flying above the old Chief's tent. The Indians paid little attention to Pike. He demanded that this flag be lowered and the American flag be raised and that they must choose between American and Spanish governments.
Finally, the old Chief arose, hauled down the Spanish flag, laid it a Pike's feed received the American flag, and unfurled it above the old Chief's tent. As far as is known, this is the first time the Stars and Stripes had floated over Kansas.
Later Major Steven Long was sent to Kansas by the United States government in 1819 and 1820. Neither man liked Kansas. They said the land west of the 98th meridian was excellent pasture for millions of bison but of no value for human habitation. Pike thought the plains made a barrier against settlement of the mountain regions, which did not appear to him to be of any value whatever.
Before 1855 there were very few white people in Kansas. Some missionaries who had come to try to teach the Indians religion and a better way of life and some other white people who had married Indians and accepted their ways of life.
One hundred years ago when Kansas became a state, all was virgin prairie covered with bluestem and other luxurious grass and with trees along its streams. Its inhabitants were Indians and the bison. Beautiful country, described by an early Kansas writer as "God's Masterpiece".
The first mention we have of Republic County is by the Kansas Legislature of 1860 which defined its boundaries and gave it a name from the Republican River, which enters this county at its northwest boundary and leaves it about eight miles east of the Southwest boundary. Norway Township was platted on April 3, 1870. In less than ten years civilization had moved westward and the first settler built a log house on the S. E. 4 of Section 17. He broke prairie and planted corn. He left in the spring of 1869. The Indians and the soldiers harvested his ????, ??? ??? ?????? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ???? ??? ??????? years. When Indians took his good team, he too, became discouraged and moved to Jamestown where he died a few years later.
The first permanent settler was Rasmus Rimol who came to America from Tronhjeim in Norway, Europe. After working for two years in Chicago, he came to Norway Township at the age of thirty-two years. He settled on his homestead N. W. 4 of Section 27 on February 11, 1869. This was his home until his death in 1917 at the age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Anna Pherson settled on her homestead in July 1869 and lived there many years.
Mr. Rimol was soon followed by the rest of the Norwegian colony of ten families who also came from Norway in Europe. The river valley and its tributary streams on the east side of the river were nearly all settled in 1869 and 1870. The prairie on the east side of the township was settled in 1871 by a good thrifty colony of eight families from eastern Indiana.
West of the river was settled in 1872 by people from many states and foreign countries. Agents had scoured Europe offering every inducement possible, to get the frontier settled up. The results were that most of these settlers were poorly equipped, poorly armed and ignorant of the dangers of this new country so primitive and so different, They had very little money.
Those who came between 1865 and 1870 encountered severe Indian trouble, but it was fairly quiet after 1870. Before that time very early settlers found it necessary to eat, sleep and work with a gun nearby. There was some dissatisfaction with the government for furnishing the Indians with Spencer Carbines which could fire eight shots without reloading while the colonists had only muzzle loading guns such as the Civil War soldiers used. These Indians had a contract with the government as to land and had been given Spencers to protect themselves from hostile tribes and later used these guns on the settlers, that they considered also hostile. They had horses other than those taken from the settlers.
Olaf Peterson had his team taken from him by Indians one very hot day. He was carrying a water jug, seed corn, and gun, and everything seemed peaceful, had had laid down his gun. The Indians were hidden close by and he was fortunate to escape with his life. After the arrival of the United States Cavalry, the Indians did not make much trouble.
The blizzard of Saturday, April 3, 1873, following fine weather and a mild day, increased in fury and lasted three days. The air was filled with thick powdery snow and did not subside until Tuesday. A new settler and family had arrived on Saturday. He found a dugout and took his family and cow into this shelter. People were frozen to death and also lost their lives in other ways. Much stock perished and no one could venture out to care for them stock for three days.
In 1872, '73 and '74 considerable wheat was raised. In 1874 the rainfall was ????? ??????? ????????? ????????? ???????? ????????? ???????? since the settlements in the Township. In '72 and '73 there had been 22 and 28 inches of rain. In 1874 the prospects were bright. The drouth set in on June 15th with temperatures reaching 110° on July 25. On September 10th rain fell in abundance, with sixteen rainy days in September and eight inches of rain. But on July 26th the grasshoppers came. They ate every green thing in an incredibly short time. Onions, peppers, and tobacco they seemed to like extremely well. Sorghum cane was all they spared. No grass, corn, weeds, gardens or leaves on the trees were left and even the clothes on the lines were devoured.
Nothing was left except people and livestock. Some wheat had been raised. That fall abundant rainfall. In the spring a crop of grasshoppers was hatched from the eggs left in the fall but these soon moved on and did no damage. Nothing was left that fall and people faced a hard winter. 1874 was the Aid Winter. The government provided some money but not enough to be of much help. The people in the East sent all kinds of food and clothing and Eastern Kansas sent some help although they, too, had suffered, but not as badly, from the hopper invasion as this locality. People came through the winter and faced another year.
In the spring of 1875 many gave everything they possessed for a team and wagon and enough money to get back to their former homes. At the end of twenty-five years there were only five homesteaders remaining west of the river. Dr. Scott, Erastus Stanton, James Nelson and two other families. In 1875 these remaining went to work with whatever corn and wheat they were able to obtain for seed and had a fair crop that year.
After the Blizzard of 1873 and Grasshopper invasion of 1874, it does not take a very vivid imagination to see why so many were so thoroughly discouraged. There was still some threat of Indians although they had made very little trouble after the arrival of the United States Cavalry and the local arming of the settlers. In the fall of 1874 all the food available for their stock was a small amount of wheat which they fed to their hogs, butchering them for whatever meat they would make, when the wheat was gone. Corn was much more profitable because it could be fed to stock while wheat had to be hauled many miles to market. These farmers took their wheat to Waterville.
Among the settlers were carpenters, cabinet makers, stone masons, brick layers, blacksmiths, farmers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, clergymen, merchants, and many more. In 1864 the editor of "The Kansas Annual Register for Farmers" said in his paper that Kansas had everything needed to make a farmer happy and prosperous--water, stone, for all purposes needed, sufficient timber, coal and prairies ready for the plow. Daniel Wilder, State Auditor wrote, "One year a large tract of country without homes, or cultivated fields; Indians wander over it without doing a thing to change the face of nature. Ten years hence, this desolate waste has become the homes of thousands of people from every state in the union and from territory of every European power." Norway township is a part of this vast territory and now does its share in making Kansas the bread basket of the nation.
Those who weathered the first few years in Norway Township were the sturdy pioneers with vision. They came with plows, guns, teams and Bibles. Whatever kind of house they were able to establish was Home and they had come to stay. They wanted comfortable homes for themselves and their families, education and a good life. Probably our most valuable heritage is being descended from these people. They worked together, their ties were very strong and the joys and sorrows of one where the joys and sorrows of all.
The food of the Pioneers was very simple. For meat they had fish, wild turkeys, geese, ducks, prairie chickens, and rabbits in the valley. Antelope, deer and bison for those who were good shots. Cornbread was a standby and later wheat made bread. Vegetables were scarce and the women picked greens to go with the salt pork. Sugar was rarely on hand and homemade sorghum and molasses were the pioneers' "sweetening". When no one had any money, they roasted corn, wheat, or rye, and ground it in a coffee mill, or more often between two flat stones and made "coffee". They used a weed called "shoestring," dried, for tea and shoestring was also used for tobacco.
Waterville and Junction City were the "out posts" where those who had a little money could buy sugar, coffee, and bacon. The Indians came to call sometimes and to see what they could get from the settlers. While under protest they were given Limberger cheese and then were sure that they were poisoned.
Clothing, like every thing else the pioneer possessed was simple, coarse and homemade. Much clothing was made from floursacks and many pioneer babies began their lives in floursack clothing. The women and girls knit mufflers and mittens for the families and some families kept a few sheep, carded and spun the wool into yarn. Occasionally cloth was woven. Calico dresses with several muslin petticoats, slat sun-bonnets and high-topped shoes were worn. Blue and black were the colors. For Sunday wear, a few women had poplin dresses. Silk dresses were rare indeed. When the men's shoes were worn out they were resoled with wood.
Only two holidays were observed during these times. Christmas was nearly always kept, ad was the only holiday. Little trees were wound with paper and decorated with strings of popcorn and popcorn balls. For Christmas dinner there was head cheese and pickled pigs feet and a little later, cookies made with molasses. If there was a little money, there were little 10¢ gifts and at other times home knitted mufflers and mittens brought just as much happiness. A little later Christmas included cake and pumpkin pie, and sometimes the flour used was rye flour.
Grease lamps and homemade tallow candles were the pioneers first lighting equipment. Any time there was a kerosene lamp, it was cleaned and polished for use at Christmas time.
After the first hard years, the fourth of July always meant a country wide picnic with a barbeque and political speeches and some read the Declaration of Independence. There was gunpowder for noise. In the early '80's the celebration included a concert by the Norway band, composed of eight pioneers, in the '90's the Clod Hopper Band and later a younger Norway Band. Doctor Scott's Grove perhaps could tell of many July 4th picnics and also John Hugos' grove saw many such celebrations.
In the earliest pioneer times life was incredibly hard but still people were happy and very close.
The earliest pioneer marriage was Jerusha McCathron and Reuben Everhart on May 30th, 1871. Nels Rimol was the first white child born in Norway Township. He was the son of Rasum and Ann Lehn Rimal and was born on October 13, 1870.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOLS
The first schools were subscription schools that is, the funds were raised by the settlers. The first religious services were in the dugouts and soddies and the schools, of course, were just as primitive. Among the settlers a small amount of money was raised to hire a teacher for a three-months term. The teachers' pay was very meagre. The first school in Norway Township was taught by Mary Dutton, daughter of Chester Dutton on the Ole Hammer farm S. W. 4 of Section 35, two miles east and three miles south of present day Norway, in the spring of 1871. The second in the fall of the same year by Julie McCathron in the Peder Hammer dugout in the S. E. 4 of Sec. 11, a mile and a half north and a ½ mile east of Norway. Alfred Hammer now owns and lives on this quarter, homesteaded by his father. A very early school was held in a dugout in the bank very near the place where Hungry Hollow school was built later. Alfa Scott Moore attended this school.
Another was in a sod house in the bank on the Chester Lewis homestead across the highway from the present "48" schoolhouse on N. E. 4 of Section 24. Mrs. Josephine Taggart Smith was the teacher. Mary Rhoda Kelly was a pupil. Mrs. Bill Ainsworth taught a school on the Isaiah Burk homestead in Section 1 in 1872. Her pupils were Margaret Evans Bowling, Sarah Fritzinger Ames, Laura Hall Kelly and her sister, and Charles, Will and George Fritzinger.
Indians on the trail from Nebraska to a reservation in Oklahoma came by the school house one day. They ran around the house and put their heads in the windows crying, "Many papoose! Many papoose!" The children were really frightened but the teacher was not.
Another was in a sod house in the bank on the Chester Lewis homestead across the highway from the present "48" schoolhouse on N. E. 4 of Section 24. Mrs. Josephine Taggart Smith was the teacher. Mary Rhoda Kelly was a pupil. Mrs. Bill Ainsworth taught a school on the Isaiah Burk homestead in Section 1 in 1872. Her pupils were Margaret Evans Bowling, Sarah Fritzinger Ames, Laura Hall Kelly and her sister, and Charles, Will and George Fritzinger.
Indians on the trail from Nebraska to a reservation in Oklahoma came by the school house one day. They ran around the house and put their heads in the windows crying, "Many papoose! Many papoose!" The children were really frightened but the teacher was not.
Monday, December 20, 2010
ANOTHER SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOL?
Some of the oldest people now in Norway Township, say there was a dugout school on the farm now owned by Amos Dulen east of Norway. A depression in a bank there indicates a dugout but no one now seems to know anything about this school.
In 1872, in Fairview Dist. 93, forty-five dollars was raised among the settlers for a three months school, but no teacher was available. Mrs. Dan Hanson wrote to her sixteen year old sister in Illinois saying she could teach the school if she would come to Kansas. She was Lucy Dickerhoof and she arrived by train and stage on Oct. 10, 1872, in the evening at Scandia, at Mrs. Henry Hanson's Hotel with no money left after paying her fare. She had chicken, cake, and sandwiches for the journey. There was no one to meet her since her letter had not arrived. Mrs. Hanson took care of her and the next morning Lucy went with the mail carrier in his buckboard to find her brother, Owen Dickerhoof and her sister, Mrs. Dan Hanson. She taught the first six weeks in Dan Hanson's kitchen and in the fall the second six weeks in Ole Tiller's sod house with frame top on the N. W. ¼ of Section 21, a mile and a half southeast of Norway. The older boys went to school when there was no work needing to be done at home. The seats were blocks of wood with planks for seats. There were no windows and her father sent her $14.00 to buy a stove.
The first school board in Fairview Dist. 93 was Mrs. Mary Dutton Arnott, Mr. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mr. Ole Tiller. Some later teachers were Mrs. Ella Rockhold-1885; Mr. Osmond-1881; Anna Rimol-1905; Mr. Smart for several years, Owen F. Brewer, Very Houghton Anderson, and a Miss Williams. Mrs. Rockhold taught in 93 for a number of years.
The pupils in 1873 were: Charles Pearson, ???? Larsen, Walter and Willie Meade, Selma Larson, Oscar Hanson, Frank Poore, Andrew Mellon, Ellen and Rachael Merica, Pete Pherson, a Rodgers boy, Lars Hammer, Betty Pherson, Lide moore, and Alfa Scott.
The school districts were platted in 1871 and the next step was making plans for school houses. Subscription schools continued until school houses were built and sometimes longer.
On March 18, 1871, an organization meeting was held and these officers were elected for Norway District #23: Amos Austin, director; James Raymond, clerk; Joe Merica, treasurer. Then ten days later, on March 28, these officers were duly elected and qualified: John McCathron, Director; Ezra Harding, clerk; and Ole Hugos, Treasurer. The earliest teachers were Julia McCathron, Annette Burge, Charles Dutton, Ida Carey, George Page, E. Sheldon, and Laura Stanton, who was only fifteen years old.
The first schoolhouse was native stone built on the corner a half mile east and a mile north of Norway, N.E.4 of Section 16. It was later replaced with a good frame building, very comfortable and well equipped for that time. School was held whenever finances permitted and teachers were available.
In the fall of 1873 eight youngsters, including Lucy Dickerhoof, went to Clyde, in a lumber wagon, to take a teachers' examination given by Sam Doran of Clyde and Mr. Robinson, principal of Concordia Schools. In the Illinois Geographies, Kansas was spoken of as the "Great American Desert". One of the questions was "Bound Kansas" and missed by all but a boy by name of Shrader. They stayed a week with Mrs. Langworthy and she didn't charge them any board or lodging. They all received the necessary certificates for teaching. Those taking the tests besides Lucy were Josephine Taggart, Rose Patrick, Nancy Shrader and her brother, Emma Patrick, Ferd Kunkle and one other boy.
Both teachers and funds were scarce in the 70's. Schools were in session whenever finances were available. The terms ran from twelve to twenty weeks and usually the twelve week term was decided upon at twenty-five per month. Then later the settlers could manage a twenty-four week term at twenty-five dollars a month. By 1900 many schools had from six to eight months terms and twenty-five to thirty dollars per month. In 1889 in district 23, J. F. Dickerhoof was Director and Osul Thompson was Clerk and Tena Dickerhoof was teacher. Before 1890 some of the teachers in 23 were-- Dr. Way, Harry Heaten, Tena Dickerhoof, Charles Houghton, and Vera Crossen.
In 1893 David E. Dickerhoof, Anna Throbeck Nelson, and Selma Anderson Frankforter were eight grades graduates in 23 and in 1895 May Dickerhoof Carney, Miss Nellie Tosslin, Karen Hammer Ross, and Thressa Nelson Mancill were the eight grade graduates.
The first eight grade graduate from 93 was Julius Olsen. He then attended Bethany in Lindsborg, Kansas and later graduated from Harvard.
In 1908 Norway became one of the few consolidated districts in Republic County. District 95, two miles west of Norway, and Norway District 23 were united and became Consolidated District Number 3. Hungry Hollow, as district No. 95 was called, was organized July 19, 1873. In 1889 P. O. Larson was director, Nelson was clerk, and Miss Jennie Workman was the teacher. One of the earliest graduates was Andy Moore. The district presented him with a gift. Other early teachers in District 95 were Margie Stanton, Grace Carney, and May Dickerhoof Carney. The Hungry Hollow schoolhouse was moved to the Alex Scott farm and used in the construction of his farm home.
In 1908 the last board to serve in 95 was: W. J. Dunlap, Director; Alex Scott, clerk; and F. W. HolgersonBlosser, director; A. D. Norris treasurer and C. L. Ross, clerk; Teacher T. L. C. Hall.
The old frame building, northeast of Norway was moved to town and remodeled into a two-room school building and in 1914 the two room building was moved over on the main street remodeled and enlarged and has been the township hall since that time. It has been useful in many ways. Also in 1914 a brick building replaced the two room school. In 1916 a four year high school was established. The high school was discontinued nearly thirty years later because of decreased attendance and increased expenses.
Norway now has an excellent grade school with an attendance of sixty. Three regular teachers and a music teacher. A fine auditorium and gymnasium was built two years ago. They now have a lighted ball park, playground equipment, and hot lunch program. Mr. Dart, Mrs. Ahrends, Mrs. D. Sheets, and Mrs. Nystrom make up the teaching staff. There is an excellent grade school band. The members of the Board are Mr. Milton Stensaas, Mr. Bob Raney, and Mr. Burt. Consolidated No. 3 is made up of six districts. 1961.
In 1872, in Fairview Dist. 93, forty-five dollars was raised among the settlers for a three months school, but no teacher was available. Mrs. Dan Hanson wrote to her sixteen year old sister in Illinois saying she could teach the school if she would come to Kansas. She was Lucy Dickerhoof and she arrived by train and stage on Oct. 10, 1872, in the evening at Scandia, at Mrs. Henry Hanson's Hotel with no money left after paying her fare. She had chicken, cake, and sandwiches for the journey. There was no one to meet her since her letter had not arrived. Mrs. Hanson took care of her and the next morning Lucy went with the mail carrier in his buckboard to find her brother, Owen Dickerhoof and her sister, Mrs. Dan Hanson. She taught the first six weeks in Dan Hanson's kitchen and in the fall the second six weeks in Ole Tiller's sod house with frame top on the N. W. ¼ of Section 21, a mile and a half southeast of Norway. The older boys went to school when there was no work needing to be done at home. The seats were blocks of wood with planks for seats. There were no windows and her father sent her $14.00 to buy a stove.
The first school board in Fairview Dist. 93 was Mrs. Mary Dutton Arnott, Mr. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mr. Ole Tiller. Some later teachers were Mrs. Ella Rockhold-1885; Mr. Osmond-1881; Anna Rimol-1905; Mr. Smart for several years, Owen F. Brewer, Very Houghton Anderson, and a Miss Williams. Mrs. Rockhold taught in 93 for a number of years.
The pupils in 1873 were: Charles Pearson, ???? Larsen, Walter and Willie Meade, Selma Larson, Oscar Hanson, Frank Poore, Andrew Mellon, Ellen and Rachael Merica, Pete Pherson, a Rodgers boy, Lars Hammer, Betty Pherson, Lide moore, and Alfa Scott.
The school districts were platted in 1871 and the next step was making plans for school houses. Subscription schools continued until school houses were built and sometimes longer.
On March 18, 1871, an organization meeting was held and these officers were elected for Norway District #23: Amos Austin, director; James Raymond, clerk; Joe Merica, treasurer. Then ten days later, on March 28, these officers were duly elected and qualified: John McCathron, Director; Ezra Harding, clerk; and Ole Hugos, Treasurer. The earliest teachers were Julia McCathron, Annette Burge, Charles Dutton, Ida Carey, George Page, E. Sheldon, and Laura Stanton, who was only fifteen years old.
The first schoolhouse was native stone built on the corner a half mile east and a mile north of Norway, N.E.4 of Section 16. It was later replaced with a good frame building, very comfortable and well equipped for that time. School was held whenever finances permitted and teachers were available.
In the fall of 1873 eight youngsters, including Lucy Dickerhoof, went to Clyde, in a lumber wagon, to take a teachers' examination given by Sam Doran of Clyde and Mr. Robinson, principal of Concordia Schools. In the Illinois Geographies, Kansas was spoken of as the "Great American Desert". One of the questions was "Bound Kansas" and missed by all but a boy by name of Shrader. They stayed a week with Mrs. Langworthy and she didn't charge them any board or lodging. They all received the necessary certificates for teaching. Those taking the tests besides Lucy were Josephine Taggart, Rose Patrick, Nancy Shrader and her brother, Emma Patrick, Ferd Kunkle and one other boy.
Both teachers and funds were scarce in the 70's. Schools were in session whenever finances were available. The terms ran from twelve to twenty weeks and usually the twelve week term was decided upon at twenty-five per month. Then later the settlers could manage a twenty-four week term at twenty-five dollars a month. By 1900 many schools had from six to eight months terms and twenty-five to thirty dollars per month. In 1889 in district 23, J. F. Dickerhoof was Director and Osul Thompson was Clerk and Tena Dickerhoof was teacher. Before 1890 some of the teachers in 23 were-- Dr. Way, Harry Heaten, Tena Dickerhoof, Charles Houghton, and Vera Crossen.
In 1893 David E. Dickerhoof, Anna Throbeck Nelson, and Selma Anderson Frankforter were eight grades graduates in 23 and in 1895 May Dickerhoof Carney, Miss Nellie Tosslin, Karen Hammer Ross, and Thressa Nelson Mancill were the eight grade graduates.
The first eight grade graduate from 93 was Julius Olsen. He then attended Bethany in Lindsborg, Kansas and later graduated from Harvard.
In 1908 Norway became one of the few consolidated districts in Republic County. District 95, two miles west of Norway, and Norway District 23 were united and became Consolidated District Number 3. Hungry Hollow, as district No. 95 was called, was organized July 19, 1873. In 1889 P. O. Larson was director, Nelson was clerk, and Miss Jennie Workman was the teacher. One of the earliest graduates was Andy Moore. The district presented him with a gift. Other early teachers in District 95 were Margie Stanton, Grace Carney, and May Dickerhoof Carney. The Hungry Hollow schoolhouse was moved to the Alex Scott farm and used in the construction of his farm home.
In 1908 the last board to serve in 95 was: W. J. Dunlap, Director; Alex Scott, clerk; and F. W. HolgersonBlosser, director; A. D. Norris treasurer and C. L. Ross, clerk; Teacher T. L. C. Hall.
The old frame building, northeast of Norway was moved to town and remodeled into a two-room school building and in 1914 the two room building was moved over on the main street remodeled and enlarged and has been the township hall since that time. It has been useful in many ways. Also in 1914 a brick building replaced the two room school. In 1916 a four year high school was established. The high school was discontinued nearly thirty years later because of decreased attendance and increased expenses.
Norway now has an excellent grade school with an attendance of sixty. Three regular teachers and a music teacher. A fine auditorium and gymnasium was built two years ago. They now have a lighted ball park, playground equipment, and hot lunch program. Mr. Dart, Mrs. Ahrends, Mrs. D. Sheets, and Mrs. Nystrom make up the teaching staff. There is an excellent grade school band. The members of the Board are Mr. Milton Stensaas, Mr. Bob Raney, and Mr. Burt. Consolidated No. 3 is made up of six districts. 1961.
ELGO OR NORWAY VILLAGE
In 1879 Gust Nelson gave the land for pioneer Norway. He lived across the road (section line) on the north side in a stone house which he had built earlier. He had a small grocery store in his home. His homestead was NW4, Sec. 21. The original townsite contained thirty-six lots, each lot 25 feet wide. Block one on the east side had 12 lots and Block two on the west side had 24 lots--12 lots on each side of an alley. Between the two Blocks was Nelson Avenue 100 feet wide. On the east side of Block 1 there was a roadway between the railroad and Block 1. (It is the same today.) The section line was on the north side of the village and a street 40 feet wide on the west and south sides. Farm land west, south and east of the Lutheran church and parsonage. This land was also a gift of Gust Nelson to the Lutheran congregation.
The plat of the present Norway in the 1884 Republic County Atlas gives "Elgo Village" instead of Norway. In some of the early deeds to lots in this village the description says "Original townsite of Elgo". It was changed later to Norway at the suggestion of John McCathron the first postmaster in the township, honoring the first ten settlers who were Norwegians.
The 1884 atlas shows--one church and parsonage, three cemeteries, five schools, many groves and orchards on farms and along the streams and coal on the Peterson homestead on the NE4 of Section 30.
The plat of the present Norway in the 1884 Republic County Atlas gives "Elgo Village" instead of Norway. In some of the early deeds to lots in this village the description says "Original townsite of Elgo". It was changed later to Norway at the suggestion of John McCathron the first postmaster in the township, honoring the first ten settlers who were Norwegians.
The 1884 atlas shows--one church and parsonage, three cemeteries, five schools, many groves and orchards on farms and along the streams and coal on the Peterson homestead on the NE4 of Section 30.
NORWAY POST OFFICE
Norway Township was platted on April 3, 1870 and Mr. J. G. McCathron was appointed the first Postmaster with the post office in his dugout home, a mile north of the present site of Norway Village. He was also first Justice of the Peace, and later named the Norway Village and Norway Township in honor of the ten Norwegian families who were its first settlers. Mr. McCathron kept the mail and Postal supplies in the bottom dresser drawer.
The second Postmaster was Ole Tiller whose homestead was a mile and a quarter southwest of Norway. Being a cabinet maker he built a cabinet for his mail and postal supplies. He received his commission in 1876. One of his daughter's, Inge Carlgren's, most cherished keepsakes is her fathers' postmaster's commission.
T. A. Nelson was the next Postmaster and he was first in the village of Norway which was platted in 1879. Gust Nelson had donated the land for the village and had given T. A. Nelson lot number one and helped him erect a store building where Loren's Hardware and Electric Store now stands. Thus the Post Office came to Norway Village to stay. Jim Beamis had eighty acres of land a quarter of a mile east of Norway. He traded this to T. A. Nelson for his store and Post Office and became the fourth Postmaster. Frank Dickerhoof moved to Norway from his homestead in the fall of 1883. He was appointed Postmaster and served from May 9, 1887 until July 31, 1898. In 1890 he purchased the Nelson-McGowen store building and moved the post Office into his store on Lot number one on the west side of the street.
The office being in his store, it was quite easy to get one's mail, since the place was open long hours every day. He had a $200.00 stamp credit and always kept that amount on hand. Also, he had fifty-seven call mail boxes for which he received ten cts. per box every three months. During the summer months when work days were many hours long, he was often called out of bed at midnight or later to get some one's mail, who was perhaps just getting home from a threshing job of other work, and they often stopped for a chat too, or perhaps for some groceries.
Next came Wm Beatty with the Post Office in his general merchandise store on the east side of the street from 1890 to 1903.
From 1903 until 1913 Owen Brewer was Postmaster with the Post Office in his general merchandise store also on the east side of the street.
Owen Brewer erected a small building on the west side for Ben Bartlett for a store and Post Office. Mr. Bartlett became Postmaster in 1913 and served in that capacity until his death in January of 1922. Mrs. Hattie Bartlett, his widow, was appointed in July of 1922. She had been her husband's clerk and served until Jan. 31, 1940, when she was retired because of age and length of service. She was the first Norway Postmaster to be retired under the new civil service law and receive an annuity. She was seventy-nine years old and had served a total of 27 years in the Norway Post Office.
Madge B. Dickerhoof was appointed on February 1, 1940 an was retired on Jan. 31, 1955 because of age and length of service.
Belva brewer was appointed on February 1, 1955 and is presently serving.
From 1870 until 1880 the mail was brought to the Norway Post Office from Junction City to Ft. Sibley and by way of buckboard over the Fort Riley-Fort Kearney trail. That trail runs through the pasture on the farm of the late J. A. Brewer south of Norway. After the railroad was in operation mail was brought by train until the mail-car was discontinued. Then by private carrier for a while. Later the Rural carrier from Scandia picked up and delivered mail every morning except Sundays and holidays. Emmit Consilman is the rural carrier. This service still continues. Since 1940 the Star carrier from Belleville picks up and delivers mail every afternoon, six days a week and on Sundays and holiday mornings. Ora Bell is the Star Carrier. In 1884 seventy-eight percent of Norway Township families received their mail at the Norway Post Office.
When the Civil War veterans first began receiving their pension checks they came in registered mail and had to be delivered to them regardless of distance.
The second Postmaster was Ole Tiller whose homestead was a mile and a quarter southwest of Norway. Being a cabinet maker he built a cabinet for his mail and postal supplies. He received his commission in 1876. One of his daughter's, Inge Carlgren's, most cherished keepsakes is her fathers' postmaster's commission.
T. A. Nelson was the next Postmaster and he was first in the village of Norway which was platted in 1879. Gust Nelson had donated the land for the village and had given T. A. Nelson lot number one and helped him erect a store building where Loren's Hardware and Electric Store now stands. Thus the Post Office came to Norway Village to stay. Jim Beamis had eighty acres of land a quarter of a mile east of Norway. He traded this to T. A. Nelson for his store and Post Office and became the fourth Postmaster. Frank Dickerhoof moved to Norway from his homestead in the fall of 1883. He was appointed Postmaster and served from May 9, 1887 until July 31, 1898. In 1890 he purchased the Nelson-McGowen store building and moved the post Office into his store on Lot number one on the west side of the street.
The office being in his store, it was quite easy to get one's mail, since the place was open long hours every day. He had a $200.00 stamp credit and always kept that amount on hand. Also, he had fifty-seven call mail boxes for which he received ten cts. per box every three months. During the summer months when work days were many hours long, he was often called out of bed at midnight or later to get some one's mail, who was perhaps just getting home from a threshing job of other work, and they often stopped for a chat too, or perhaps for some groceries.
Next came Wm Beatty with the Post Office in his general merchandise store on the east side of the street from 1890 to 1903.
From 1903 until 1913 Owen Brewer was Postmaster with the Post Office in his general merchandise store also on the east side of the street.
Owen Brewer erected a small building on the west side for Ben Bartlett for a store and Post Office. Mr. Bartlett became Postmaster in 1913 and served in that capacity until his death in January of 1922. Mrs. Hattie Bartlett, his widow, was appointed in July of 1922. She had been her husband's clerk and served until Jan. 31, 1940, when she was retired because of age and length of service. She was the first Norway Postmaster to be retired under the new civil service law and receive an annuity. She was seventy-nine years old and had served a total of 27 years in the Norway Post Office.
Madge B. Dickerhoof was appointed on February 1, 1940 an was retired on Jan. 31, 1955 because of age and length of service.
Belva brewer was appointed on February 1, 1955 and is presently serving.
From 1870 until 1880 the mail was brought to the Norway Post Office from Junction City to Ft. Sibley and by way of buckboard over the Fort Riley-Fort Kearney trail. That trail runs through the pasture on the farm of the late J. A. Brewer south of Norway. After the railroad was in operation mail was brought by train until the mail-car was discontinued. Then by private carrier for a while. Later the Rural carrier from Scandia picked up and delivered mail every morning except Sundays and holidays. Emmit Consilman is the rural carrier. This service still continues. Since 1940 the Star carrier from Belleville picks up and delivers mail every afternoon, six days a week and on Sundays and holiday mornings. Ora Bell is the Star Carrier. In 1884 seventy-eight percent of Norway Township families received their mail at the Norway Post Office.
When the Civil War veterans first began receiving their pension checks they came in registered mail and had to be delivered to them regardless of distance.
HISTORY OF OUR SAVIOR'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION
This Congregation, like most in our church, had a humble beginning consisting of just a few Scandinavians who gathered together for Services in individual homes and neighboring school houses.
This was kept up for a year or two, but then, after a Service conducted by Pastor N. C. Brun, at the C. J. Stromgren home, on Aug, 4, 1872, at the request of Pastor N. E. Anderson, it was decided that the Scandinavians around here, Norway, should organize into a Congregation.
A short temporary constitution was drawn up and accepted. According to that constitution, the first name given to this Congregation was: Our Savior's Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
The signers of that constitution were: Rasmus Lehn, Ole Hugos, Oly Ingebregston, Lars Tiller, Gust Nelson, Severt Lehn, Amund Larsen, Andri Larson, O. Peterson, Martin Hammerstad, Soren Sorenson, A. E. Ostberg, P. Hammer, N. Garberg, C. J. Stromgren, R. Rimol, John Hugos and P. Peterson.
At the annual meeting in 1873 the following officers were elected: R. Lehn, Pres,; R. Rimol, Sec.; G. Nelson, Trustee; and Deacons were Soren Sorenson and John Hugos. During these days a real pioneering, Pastor Jens Highland served this little flock.
In 1881 Pastor H. C. Roernes was called to succeed Pastor Highland. A parsonage was built for him by the congregation, in the fall of 1881, on a piece of land donated by Gust Nelson. In 1888 this parsonage was sold to Pastor Roernes for $425.00 and it is now a part of the Joseph Melhus home.
At the Annual Meeting Jan. 7, 1888, the congregation decided to build a church, on a log, again donated by Gust Nelson. This was built that spring, by popular subscription among its members and friends. Assistance was given by the Ladies Aid.
The size of the church was 24 by 40 and height of spire 60 feet. The Building committee consisted of: C. O. Hugos, Ole Tiller and H. Nelson. That church was dedicated Sunday, Feb. 26, 1893. And this was followed by a Mission Meeting that lasted two days.
The congregation worshiped in that church forty-four years. The ten shepherds who faithfully served that Congregation during these years were: Jens Highland, H.C. Roernes, T.O. Tosseland, H. H. Holm, T. M. Bakke, C. L. Rachie, O. R. Svore, R. H. Wareberg, C. H. Hjortholm and T. O. Torgeson.
This church had no basement but during Pastor Bakke's pastorate a kitchen annex was built to the church. Here the Ladies' Aid held their bazaars and church suppers. In 1893 a church bell costing $85.00 was hoisted in the steeple. Mrs. Amund Larson, the Aid Pres., was instrumental in soliciting the funds.
Charlie Hugos was the first choir director and was very faithful for many years.
The last services in the first church were conducted on Easter Sunday in 1934.
On Jan. 6c 1934, under the leadership of Pastor T. O. Torgeson, the Congregation decided to build a new church. That building committee: Pastor Torgeson, P. P. Hammer, E. A. Eastvedt, E. A. Carlgren, J. K. Melhus, and A. N. Hedstrom, was formed. The architect engaged was H. E. Linebaugh of St. Joseph, Mo., and J. A. Peterson of Brantford, Kansas was the contractor. The church was erected at a cost of $8,500.00. Much of the labor was contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
On Nov. 11, 1934, at 10 o'clock A. M. the corner Stone was laid and immediately following, the Consecration Service was held. Dr. N. A. Larson, the District Pres., preached the Dedicatory Sermon.
The congregation has now worshiped in this present church 18 years under the guidance of these four Pastors: T. O. Torgeson, V. O. Aaker, O. L. N. Wigdahl, and H. Severin Bly.
Sunday, July 12, 1942 was a Red Letter Day, for on that day, Norman L. Hammer, the first and only son of the Congregation to enter the Ministry, was ordained. He is now, Aug. 3, 1952, serving a Congregation in North Hollywood, Calif. 1961 in Hawaii.
On June 7, 1944, Evelyn, a daughter of the congregation married Pastor A. B. Heltne and is thus serving the joys and problems of a minister's home and parish.
In 1946 a gas burner was installed in our church furnace now automatic heat is enjoyed.
In 1949 the church yard was landscaped and during the past three years many improvements have been made, both in the parsonage and in the church basement. The kitchen has been remodeled, with new equipment. New floors have been laid in the basement and ceiling and walls have been redecorated. Considerable repairs have been made upstairs in the church proper.
The Sunday school was organized Nov. 22, 1891. Mr. Osul Thompson was elected Supt., Mr. O. Tiller, Sec., Mr. C. O. Hugos, Treas. First teachers were Mr. Osul Thompson, Mr. P. G. Peterson and Mr. Joe Hugos.
Presently, Aug. 4, 1952, officers are Mr. Chas. Carlgren, Supt., Mrs. Harold Smith, Asst. Supt., Mr. Glenn Stensaas, Sec.-Treas., and Miss Jan Dutton, Pianist. Teachers: Harry Buer, Ivan Carlgren, Milton Stensaas, Eddie Buer, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Porter Hammer, Mrs. Iver Hammer, Jan Dutton and Mrs. Joe Carlgren.
Lutheran Ladies' Aid---organized in 1873 by Pastor Jens Highland. The charter members were: Mrs. Peder Hammer, Mrs. Martin Hammerstad, Mrs. Ole Hugos, Mrs. Amund Larson, Mrs. Rasmus Lehn, Mrs. Severt Lehn, Mrs. Rasmus Rimol, Mrs. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mrs. Ole Tiller.
Mrs. Amund
Lutheran Brotherhood.-----was organized Feb. 8, 1955, with 14 members. The first officers were, president-Walter Darlington, vice-president-Joseph Melhus, secretary-Cecil Dickerhoof, treasurer-Loren Hedstrom. They meet once a month.
1961--All men in the congregation are members of the Brotherhood. Officers are: Pres.-Loren Carlgren: Vice-Pres., Porter Hammer; Sec., Cecil Dickerhoof; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Ladies' Aid in 1961 has 48 members. 1952 to 1961. Officers are: President, Mary Stensaas; Vice-President, Vivian Hammer; Secretary, Mabel Hammer; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Luther League.----Was organized early, then disbanded and reorganized about 1953. Officers in 1951: Robert Carlgren-Pres.; Elaine Carlgren-Sec.; Gary Hammer-Treas. The League has eleven members. Sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Dickerhoof.
The Ladies' Aid is now the A. L. C. W. (1961). The letters stand for "American Lutheran Church Women" and has the same duties as the former Ladies' Aid.
Rev. Knutson is pastor.
This was kept up for a year or two, but then, after a Service conducted by Pastor N. C. Brun, at the C. J. Stromgren home, on Aug, 4, 1872, at the request of Pastor N. E. Anderson, it was decided that the Scandinavians around here, Norway, should organize into a Congregation.
A short temporary constitution was drawn up and accepted. According to that constitution, the first name given to this Congregation was: Our Savior's Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
The signers of that constitution were: Rasmus Lehn, Ole Hugos, Oly Ingebregston, Lars Tiller, Gust Nelson, Severt Lehn, Amund Larsen, Andri Larson, O. Peterson, Martin Hammerstad, Soren Sorenson, A. E. Ostberg, P. Hammer, N. Garberg, C. J. Stromgren, R. Rimol, John Hugos and P. Peterson.
At the annual meeting in 1873 the following officers were elected: R. Lehn, Pres,; R. Rimol, Sec.; G. Nelson, Trustee; and Deacons were Soren Sorenson and John Hugos. During these days a real pioneering, Pastor Jens Highland served this little flock.
In 1881 Pastor H. C. Roernes was called to succeed Pastor Highland. A parsonage was built for him by the congregation, in the fall of 1881, on a piece of land donated by Gust Nelson. In 1888 this parsonage was sold to Pastor Roernes for $425.00 and it is now a part of the Joseph Melhus home.
At the Annual Meeting Jan. 7, 1888, the congregation decided to build a church, on a log, again donated by Gust Nelson. This was built that spring, by popular subscription among its members and friends. Assistance was given by the Ladies Aid.
The size of the church was 24 by 40 and height of spire 60 feet. The Building committee consisted of: C. O. Hugos, Ole Tiller and H. Nelson. That church was dedicated Sunday, Feb. 26, 1893. And this was followed by a Mission Meeting that lasted two days.
The congregation worshiped in that church forty-four years. The ten shepherds who faithfully served that Congregation during these years were: Jens Highland, H.C. Roernes, T.O. Tosseland, H. H. Holm, T. M. Bakke, C. L. Rachie, O. R. Svore, R. H. Wareberg, C. H. Hjortholm and T. O. Torgeson.
This church had no basement but during Pastor Bakke's pastorate a kitchen annex was built to the church. Here the Ladies' Aid held their bazaars and church suppers. In 1893 a church bell costing $85.00 was hoisted in the steeple. Mrs. Amund Larson, the Aid Pres., was instrumental in soliciting the funds.
Charlie Hugos was the first choir director and was very faithful for many years.
The last services in the first church were conducted on Easter Sunday in 1934.
On Jan. 6c 1934, under the leadership of Pastor T. O. Torgeson, the Congregation decided to build a new church. That building committee: Pastor Torgeson, P. P. Hammer, E. A. Eastvedt, E. A. Carlgren, J. K. Melhus, and A. N. Hedstrom, was formed. The architect engaged was H. E. Linebaugh of St. Joseph, Mo., and J. A. Peterson of Brantford, Kansas was the contractor. The church was erected at a cost of $8,500.00. Much of the labor was contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
On Nov. 11, 1934, at 10 o'clock A. M. the corner Stone was laid and immediately following, the Consecration Service was held. Dr. N. A. Larson, the District Pres., preached the Dedicatory Sermon.
The congregation has now worshiped in this present church 18 years under the guidance of these four Pastors: T. O. Torgeson, V. O. Aaker, O. L. N. Wigdahl, and H. Severin Bly.
Sunday, July 12, 1942 was a Red Letter Day, for on that day, Norman L. Hammer, the first and only son of the Congregation to enter the Ministry, was ordained. He is now, Aug. 3, 1952, serving a Congregation in North Hollywood, Calif. 1961 in Hawaii.
On June 7, 1944, Evelyn, a daughter of the congregation married Pastor A. B. Heltne and is thus serving the joys and problems of a minister's home and parish.
In 1946 a gas burner was installed in our church furnace now automatic heat is enjoyed.
In 1949 the church yard was landscaped and during the past three years many improvements have been made, both in the parsonage and in the church basement. The kitchen has been remodeled, with new equipment. New floors have been laid in the basement and ceiling and walls have been redecorated. Considerable repairs have been made upstairs in the church proper.
The Sunday school was organized Nov. 22, 1891. Mr. Osul Thompson was elected Supt., Mr. O. Tiller, Sec., Mr. C. O. Hugos, Treas. First teachers were Mr. Osul Thompson, Mr. P. G. Peterson and Mr. Joe Hugos.
Presently, Aug. 4, 1952, officers are Mr. Chas. Carlgren, Supt., Mrs. Harold Smith, Asst. Supt., Mr. Glenn Stensaas, Sec.-Treas., and Miss Jan Dutton, Pianist. Teachers: Harry Buer, Ivan Carlgren, Milton Stensaas, Eddie Buer, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Porter Hammer, Mrs. Iver Hammer, Jan Dutton and Mrs. Joe Carlgren.
Lutheran Ladies' Aid---organized in 1873 by Pastor Jens Highland. The charter members were: Mrs. Peder Hammer, Mrs. Martin Hammerstad, Mrs. Ole Hugos, Mrs. Amund Larson, Mrs. Rasmus Lehn, Mrs. Severt Lehn, Mrs. Rasmus Rimol, Mrs. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mrs. Ole Tiller.
Mrs. Amund
Lutheran Brotherhood.-----was organized Feb. 8, 1955, with 14 members. The first officers were, president-Walter Darlington, vice-president-Joseph Melhus, secretary-Cecil Dickerhoof, treasurer-Loren Hedstrom. They meet once a month.
1961--All men in the congregation are members of the Brotherhood. Officers are: Pres.-Loren Carlgren: Vice-Pres., Porter Hammer; Sec., Cecil Dickerhoof; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Ladies' Aid in 1961 has 48 members. 1952 to 1961. Officers are: President, Mary Stensaas; Vice-President, Vivian Hammer; Secretary, Mabel Hammer; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Luther League.----Was organized early, then disbanded and reorganized about 1953. Officers in 1951: Robert Carlgren-Pres.; Elaine Carlgren-Sec.; Gary Hammer-Treas. The League has eleven members. Sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Dickerhoof.
The Ladies' Aid is now the A. L. C. W. (1961). The letters stand for "American Lutheran Church Women" and has the same duties as the former Ladies' Aid.
Rev. Knutson is pastor.
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
The Highland Baptist church was started by a group of pioneers who came from New Croydon, in Jay County Indiana in June 1871. Their first meeting was held in the William Kelly home in the section west in Norway Township, across the highway from where the church now stands. Meetings were held in homes until Highland School was built. Later they met in "48" schoolhouse until the church was built and dedicated in 1904 on a lot of ground donated by George Cowle. On November 26th in 1961 this church celebrated its 90th anniversary. An all-day meeting with a fellowship dinner, a program of music, talks and a history of the church marked this outstanding occasion.
EARLY RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT FAIRVIEW
Rev. Nelse Nelson came to Sibley in 1868. He rode horseback and ministered to all the early settlers. He came every Sunday to the dugouts and sodhouses.
During the eighties and early nineties services and Sunday school were held in Fairview schoolhouse diagonally across from Valley Cemetery. Rev. Edd Bruner came from Concordia every Sunday. Mrs. Ella Peck Rockhold taught Fairview for several years and with the help of a few others organized a Sunday school. Mrs. Rockhold, Mrs. Henry Norris, Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof were teachers and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof was choir leader. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof later were charter members of the Community E. U. B. Church in Norway.
During the eighties and early nineties services and Sunday school were held in Fairview schoolhouse diagonally across from Valley Cemetery. Rev. Edd Bruner came from Concordia every Sunday. Mrs. Ella Peck Rockhold taught Fairview for several years and with the help of a few others organized a Sunday school. Mrs. Rockhold, Mrs. Henry Norris, Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof were teachers and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof was choir leader. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof later were charter members of the Community E. U. B. Church in Norway.
HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY EUB CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
Rev. E. E. Gale of Scandia, Kan., organized a class at Norway, Kans, on Oct. 26, 1913, with 23 charter members. They were adopted into the Scandia Work and by the action of the quarterly Conferences, which met at Scandia, Kan., Oct. 27, 1913, became a part of the Scandia Charge.
Rev. B. F. Henry came on the work in 1916. He took up the matter of church building and carried the plans out there until a beautiful brick building was erected in 1917 at a cost of $10,000.
In the year 1919 the conference was held in Topeka, Kans. A young man, R. L. Cortner was sent to the Scandia work. In the month of December a revival was held by Evangelist Chas. Roach, of Ohio. This was very successful. There were conversions and a number became members of the church.
The last quarterly meeting of the year 1920, with Rev. M. Roby Supt. presiding. (he died in 1938.) Mr. G. W. Wright was elected delegate to the Annual Conference with P. T. Gile as the alternate. The Conference of 1920, which met at Salina sent Rev. R. C. Conn to this pastorate. A salary and parsonage was voted to him for the year. The work of this past year was very satisfactory and the return of the pastor was requested. There were additions to the churches. There were two revivals--the pastor and his wife conducting the Scandia meeting and the pastor doing his own evangelistic work at Norway with help of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Vineroff singing evangelists. The meeting closed with a Community gathering at the church on Sunday with Mrs. Vineroff preaching in the morning. A basket dinner and Mr. Vineroff's life story in the afternoon to a packed church. Rev. and Mrs. Conn with the delegate R. J. Mahaffey and Conference Superintendent Rev. M. Roby left the next morning for the Conference. The Conference Station read the report and Rev. Conn returned for another year. This had been a successful year and the church debt had been reduced.
At the 1922 Conference W. S. Baker came to this charge which he filled for one year. Then there was no pastor until 1928 when Rev. Herrick came to Norway. Through his efforts eleven members came into the church.
At the 1929 Conference Rev. V. G. McGill came to take up the work. He brought several of the young people into the church. He came back after the 1930 Conference and then the next year took a charge at Edmond, Kan.
For the next several years Norway was without a Pastor. It was decided to keep up the Sunday School and decrease the church debt as much as possible. With help of the Ladies' Aid the church debt was steadily decreased.
Supt. Jones decided to send Rev. Conn back to the field. Rev. and Mrs. Conn arrived in Scandia Oct. 8, 1935 and remained through 1935 and '36. The parsonage was repaired and cleaned and gas was installed. In May 1936 Mrs. Conn passed away.
On Sept. 26, 1937 the church debt was paid in full and a small amount of money was left in the treasury. Rev. and Mrs. Walker were assigned to Norway in 1940 with the pastor agreeing that the pastor should reside in Norway.
In Sept. the Rundus Brothers conducted a revival. In 1941 a junior Sunday School was organized. In 1943 Rev. and Mrs. Walker went to New Mexico and he became Supt. of an orphanage and School.
From official Church Record, copied by Rev. Ronald Williams, Pastor. Rec'd. -- July 18, 1961. (No later history available.)
This Brief History of the Norway Community Church in 1908 was taken from the "Norway News", a paper printed in Norway from 1910 until 1920 by a Mr. Lewis.
"In the summer of 1908, a number of families of the Norway community felt they needed a place where they could study the Bible and also desired to have their children in Sunday School. Among these families were the families of A. D. Norris, Bert Ainsworth, Figgins, Halls, Crossons, Blossers. The effected a small organization which held its sessions in the school house. The enrollment of the Sunday School then organized was about twenty-five or thirty. Bert Ainsworth was elected superintendent and Mrs. Blosser assistant. They held their sessions for some time in the school house, then moved over the hardware store owned by G. W. Wright. Following Ainsworth, Mr. Norris was elected superintendent. After serving for a time he was followed by Mr. Gile who is superintendent at the present time (1908).
In the spring of 1916, the Sunday School and Church services were moved to the township hall. This Sunday school has grown till at present it has twelve officers and teachers and over a hundred scholars enrolled. In October 1913, this church organization had a membership of about thirty members. It has grown until the membership is eighty-nine. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1914. It has been growing and has done much to make the present building possible. It was they that saved the first money with which to erect a place of worship. Mrs. Blosser has been president from the beginning.
The Christian Endeavor Society took form in 1914 and reached its largest membership in the fall of 1915. In the fall of 1916 an Otterbein Guild was organized and a study of the missions of the church was taken up by the girls and young women of the church. Miss Vivian Blosser was made president."
Official Record copied from Community Church Record as corrected September 3, 1922, by R. C. Conn, Pastor, Norway, Kansas.
Received from Rev. Ronald Williams, July 18, 1961.
Rev. B. F. Henry came on the work in 1916. He took up the matter of church building and carried the plans out there until a beautiful brick building was erected in 1917 at a cost of $10,000.
In the year 1919 the conference was held in Topeka, Kans. A young man, R. L. Cortner was sent to the Scandia work. In the month of December a revival was held by Evangelist Chas. Roach, of Ohio. This was very successful. There were conversions and a number became members of the church.
The last quarterly meeting of the year 1920, with Rev. M. Roby Supt. presiding. (he died in 1938.) Mr. G. W. Wright was elected delegate to the Annual Conference with P. T. Gile as the alternate. The Conference of 1920, which met at Salina sent Rev. R. C. Conn to this pastorate. A salary and parsonage was voted to him for the year. The work of this past year was very satisfactory and the return of the pastor was requested. There were additions to the churches. There were two revivals--the pastor and his wife conducting the Scandia meeting and the pastor doing his own evangelistic work at Norway with help of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Vineroff singing evangelists. The meeting closed with a Community gathering at the church on Sunday with Mrs. Vineroff preaching in the morning. A basket dinner and Mr. Vineroff's life story in the afternoon to a packed church. Rev. and Mrs. Conn with the delegate R. J. Mahaffey and Conference Superintendent Rev. M. Roby left the next morning for the Conference. The Conference Station read the report and Rev. Conn returned for another year. This had been a successful year and the church debt had been reduced.
At the 1922 Conference W. S. Baker came to this charge which he filled for one year. Then there was no pastor until 1928 when Rev. Herrick came to Norway. Through his efforts eleven members came into the church.
At the 1929 Conference Rev. V. G. McGill came to take up the work. He brought several of the young people into the church. He came back after the 1930 Conference and then the next year took a charge at Edmond, Kan.
For the next several years Norway was without a Pastor. It was decided to keep up the Sunday School and decrease the church debt as much as possible. With help of the Ladies' Aid the church debt was steadily decreased.
Supt. Jones decided to send Rev. Conn back to the field. Rev. and Mrs. Conn arrived in Scandia Oct. 8, 1935 and remained through 1935 and '36. The parsonage was repaired and cleaned and gas was installed. In May 1936 Mrs. Conn passed away.
On Sept. 26, 1937 the church debt was paid in full and a small amount of money was left in the treasury. Rev. and Mrs. Walker were assigned to Norway in 1940 with the pastor agreeing that the pastor should reside in Norway.
In Sept. the Rundus Brothers conducted a revival. In 1941 a junior Sunday School was organized. In 1943 Rev. and Mrs. Walker went to New Mexico and he became Supt. of an orphanage and School.
From official Church Record, copied by Rev. Ronald Williams, Pastor. Rec'd. -- July 18, 1961. (No later history available.)
This Brief History of the Norway Community Church in 1908 was taken from the "Norway News", a paper printed in Norway from 1910 until 1920 by a Mr. Lewis.
"In the summer of 1908, a number of families of the Norway community felt they needed a place where they could study the Bible and also desired to have their children in Sunday School. Among these families were the families of A. D. Norris, Bert Ainsworth, Figgins, Halls, Crossons, Blossers. The effected a small organization which held its sessions in the school house. The enrollment of the Sunday School then organized was about twenty-five or thirty. Bert Ainsworth was elected superintendent and Mrs. Blosser assistant. They held their sessions for some time in the school house, then moved over the hardware store owned by G. W. Wright. Following Ainsworth, Mr. Norris was elected superintendent. After serving for a time he was followed by Mr. Gile who is superintendent at the present time (1908).
In the spring of 1916, the Sunday School and Church services were moved to the township hall. This Sunday school has grown till at present it has twelve officers and teachers and over a hundred scholars enrolled. In October 1913, this church organization had a membership of about thirty members. It has grown until the membership is eighty-nine. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1914. It has been growing and has done much to make the present building possible. It was they that saved the first money with which to erect a place of worship. Mrs. Blosser has been president from the beginning.
The Christian Endeavor Society took form in 1914 and reached its largest membership in the fall of 1915. In the fall of 1916 an Otterbein Guild was organized and a study of the missions of the church was taken up by the girls and young women of the church. Miss Vivian Blosser was made president."
Sent by Nadine Blosser Whitebread
DEDICATION OF THE NEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
From the "Norway News"
Beckman of Scandia. Bishop Kephart of Kansas City then read a portion of the Scriptures from Paul's Second Letter in the Corinthians, 11th chapter beginning at the 16th verse. This was followed by prayer by Rev. Roby, District Superintendent. after the announcements by Rev. Henry, the choir sang "I am Glad." There followed the sermon by Bishop Kephart from Paul 1:8 which was certainly an inspiration to higher and better things to all who were fortunate enough to hear him. He lingered more on the 16th verse which reads "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." He ended by reading the 84th Psalm which was very suitable for dedication.
He gave the figures of the cost of the church which was $9,673.51 which included the cost of the lots $600 which were given by Q. Blosser. Of this sum, $5,380.11 is left to be paid.
After dinner in the church basement, the afternoon service was well attended by people from the surrounding community and from other towns. Music and short talks by ministers were a part of the program. Bishop Kephart gave a talk on community work. The program closed with the singing of "America" and benediction.
Sent by Nadine Blosser Whitebread
THE CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE
COMMUNITY E. U. B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
COMMUNITY E. U. B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
1. Ainsworth, Bert 23. Medlin, Mrs. F. E.
2. Ainsworth, Eva 24. LaHew, Eiha
3. Ainsworth, Dale 25. Hawse, Minni
4. Ainsworth, Lela 26. Hawse, M. H.
5. Gile, Perry T. 27. Figgins, Lulu
6. Gile, Gertrude 28. Figgins, Marie
7. Norris, A. D. 29. Figgins, Francis
8. Norris, Mrs. A. D. 30. Figgins, Mrs. Carrie
9. Norris, Ruby 31. Figgins, Peter
10. Norris, Graydon 32. Zerbe, Florence
11. Blosser, Quincy 33. Decker, W. A.
12. Blosser, Mrs. Betty 34. Decker, Mrs. L. E.
13. Blosser, Vivian 35. Decker, C. M.
14. Blosser, Nadine 36. Decker, Sadie
15. Blosser, Martin 37. Decker, Marina
16. Lewis, W. A. 38. Addams, J. A.
17. Lewis, Mrs. W. A. 39. Addams, Lillie M.
18. Wright, George W. 40. Wilson, William
19. Wright, Mrs. George W. 41. Wilson, Mrs. William
20. Dickerhoof, Mrs. J. F. 42. Bartlett, Ben
21. Hanson, Theodore 43. Bartlett, Mrs. Ben
22. Medlin, B. B.
Official Record copied from Community Church Record as corrected September 3, 1922, by R. C. Conn, Pastor, Norway, Kansas.
Received from Rev. Ronald Williams, July 18, 1961.
PASTORS SERVING COMMUNITY E.U.B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
1913-1916 - E. E. Gale 1936-1937 - R. C. Con
1916-1919 - B. F. Henry 1937-1940 - Miss Fogleburg
and Miss Keyes
1919-1920 - R. C. Cortner 1940-1943 - H. L. Walker
1920-1922 - R. C. Conn 1943-1947 -
1922-1923 - W. S. Baker 1947-1951 - D. W. Smith
1923-1928 - No Pastor 1951-1952 - Lowell Herrick
1928-1929 - D. V. Herrick 1952-1956 - Glenn Claycamp
1929-1931 - V. Glenn McGill 1956-1960 - F. E. Wendland
1931-1936 - 1960- - R. J. Williams
From Official Record
Monday, December 13, 2010
PIONEER DOCTORS
The Pioneer Doctor in Norway Township was Dr. W. S. Scott. He was born in Westfield, Indiana, 1836. When a young man he enlisted in the Union Army and received medical training during his first tour of duty. He was wounded in battle and invalided home. When recovered he again enlisted, this time in a different division where he received more medical training during his second tour of duty. After the war he came west to Blue Rapids in Kansas to establish a home some place in this new country. The following tribute was written by his grandson, Warren Scott, Probate Judge in Belleville:
"The tall, gaunt bearded man, in his early thirties eased himself into the clear waters of the Republican River. His rifle and boots were strapped to his pack, which he balanced on his shoulder as he grasped his wading stick in his downstream hand. The time was September 20, 1870, and the location was one mile west of the townsite of Norway, Kansas.
The man was Winfield Scott, M. D. of Westfield, Indiana, coming west on foot from Blue Rapids, Kansas to stake his claim. He had walked seventy-five miles in the past two days and the cold water felt good on his bare feet.
Across the river he saw the Rogers family digging a dugout on the hill. He purchased some bacon and cornmeal from them and inquired if the Northwest quarter of Section 20-4-4 was claimed. They said not, so he proceeded to stake the claim and started to Junction City on foot, to file, since that was the nearest land office.
He had traveled a scarce half mile when he jumped and elk from a thicket in a ravine, but the old 50 calibre Sharps Rifle was not up to what was needed for accuracy and the fresh meat did not find its way to the Rogers' supper table, for he had hoped to repay their friendliness.
Winfield Scott returned in March 1871 with covered wagon and located on his claim. He was the only physician and surgeon for miles and had to travel horseback to his patients.
When the river was high, he carried a pistol and if someone had borrowed his boat and crossed in it, leaving him stranded, he would fire the pistol twice which was a signal to the family in the dugout on the hill one-half mile away and one of his sons ran post haste to the river and met him with the boat.
He had a large black stallion that he rode, making calls on the sick as far as Lovewell, Kansas, dozing in the saddle on all night rides as "Old Bill" always knew the way home."
Dr. Scott knew all the hardships of a pioneer doctor, riding along trails to visit the sick, crossing rivers and creeks, -only part of the time having a boat, -in floods, winds, zero weather adn hot weather the only physician in many, many miles, he earned the gratitude, love and respect only the early settlers give to one to whom they owe so much.
Dr. Scott was married to Christena Smith in Indiana and his two daughters, Alfarata Moore deceased in 1958 aged 91 years, and Lennie Dunlap now 93 years old were born in Indiana. His sons were born in Norway Township, Alex and Logan, now deceased and George who died when a small child and LaRoy of Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Scott died in 1916 and Mrs. Scott in 1904. Dr. Scott in his 46 years in Kansas saw many changes. From the horse and wagon and buggy to the automobile, from the hand sickle to the raper and thresher and from the dugout to the comfortable modern home; and section lines and bridges instead of fords and railroads, besides many changes in medicine. Dr. Alex Scot, Jr., a grandson, is a doctor practicing in Junction City, Kansas.
Dr. Anna Rimol, and Osteopath Physician, now retired at the age of 85, practiced in Norway for 41 years. She is the daughter of the late Rasmus Rimol, Norway Township's first permanent settler, and his wife Kjerati Lehn. She was born in her father's homestead a little over a mile southeast of Norway, and attended Fairview school two miles south of her home. Her first teacher was Mr. Osman. She graduated from the eighth grade there, then attended Emporia Normal School for one year, then Bethany College at Lindsborg for 5 years, graduating there in 1905 with an A. B. Degree. Following that she taught school in Republic County for 3 years. After working three years in Owen Brewer's general merchandise store and Post Office in Norway she enrolled in the Kirksville, Mo. Osteopathic School, graduating there in 1915 with a D. O. degree.
Dr. Rimol practiced in Macon, Mo. for one year, then came to Norway and has practiced here since that time. She began with a horse and buggy for a while, then purchased a used Ford run-about. Her first baby delivered was Rev. Warberg's tiny, less than five pounds, daughter. She knows all about the stormy nights the mud and the snow and the ice and the cold and the all-night vigils beside a dying patient and of the fervent wish that she might do something more. Dr. Rimol has been a member of the National Osteopathic Association for 45 years, attending National Associations in the United States and Canada. She is now an Honorary Life member of that Organization. She has a huge store of memories of a pioneer childhood and of a busy and useful professional life. She retired in 1960. She owns part of her father's homestead 1869, where her parents spent all of their married life. Her mother died at the age of 63 and her father at the age of 69.
Dr. J. C. Sherrard of Norway, was a country doctor. He spent 54 years with us, coming here when he finished Medical School in 1905. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1958, at the age of 81 years and a few days. He was born in Republic, Nov. 19, 1878. After finishing grade and high school, he attended Emporia Normal School and was a rural school teacher in Union Valley School in Republic County. Soon after that he began the study of medicine and received his medical degree from the Kansas University, medical school. He was married to Katheryn Fay Cuthbertson in 1902 and two children were born to them, a son, James, who passed on in early infancy and a daughter, Irene, now Mrs. Harry Ferguson of Belleville. Like all early doctors, he had his share of the hardships of that time, beginning with a horse, or horse and buggy.
Dr. Sherrard saw many changes during his life, and many advancements in the field of medicine. His tastes and demands were small but he used his life in the service of the community. One of the highlights of Dr. Sherrard's life came in 1955 when he was honored for his 50 years of service to the community. He received his 50 year pin from the Scandia Masonic Lodge and from the Elk Lodge in Concordia. More than 500 came to honor him that day. The Anniversary observance included a basket dinner at noon and a program in the afternoon, held in the United Brethren Church. Roy Scott, of Manhattan, was the Chairman. The Doctor's first and last babies, his one pair of twins and many other babies delivered by him, came to honor him that day. Mrs. Alfa Moore, nearly 90 years old, the daughter of our Norway pioneer doctor of 1870 presented him with a cash gift from the Community. Dr. John Sherrard graduated in 1905. Dr. Milton Sherrard and Dr. Grover Sherrard in 1906 and Dr. John Sherrard's grandson, Harry Ferguson, Jr., in 1961--all four from the Kansas University Medical School in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. John has two great grandsons, Dr. Harry's children. Dr. Harry is now practicing in the Kansas City General Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ferguson, Sr. live in Belleville.
"The tall, gaunt bearded man, in his early thirties eased himself into the clear waters of the Republican River. His rifle and boots were strapped to his pack, which he balanced on his shoulder as he grasped his wading stick in his downstream hand. The time was September 20, 1870, and the location was one mile west of the townsite of Norway, Kansas.
The man was Winfield Scott, M. D. of Westfield, Indiana, coming west on foot from Blue Rapids, Kansas to stake his claim. He had walked seventy-five miles in the past two days and the cold water felt good on his bare feet.
Across the river he saw the Rogers family digging a dugout on the hill. He purchased some bacon and cornmeal from them and inquired if the Northwest quarter of Section 20-4-4 was claimed. They said not, so he proceeded to stake the claim and started to Junction City on foot, to file, since that was the nearest land office.
He had traveled a scarce half mile when he jumped and elk from a thicket in a ravine, but the old 50 calibre Sharps Rifle was not up to what was needed for accuracy and the fresh meat did not find its way to the Rogers' supper table, for he had hoped to repay their friendliness.
Winfield Scott returned in March 1871 with covered wagon and located on his claim. He was the only physician and surgeon for miles and had to travel horseback to his patients.
When the river was high, he carried a pistol and if someone had borrowed his boat and crossed in it, leaving him stranded, he would fire the pistol twice which was a signal to the family in the dugout on the hill one-half mile away and one of his sons ran post haste to the river and met him with the boat.
He had a large black stallion that he rode, making calls on the sick as far as Lovewell, Kansas, dozing in the saddle on all night rides as "Old Bill" always knew the way home."
Dr. Scott knew all the hardships of a pioneer doctor, riding along trails to visit the sick, crossing rivers and creeks, -only part of the time having a boat, -in floods, winds, zero weather adn hot weather the only physician in many, many miles, he earned the gratitude, love and respect only the early settlers give to one to whom they owe so much.
Dr. Scott was married to Christena Smith in Indiana and his two daughters, Alfarata Moore deceased in 1958 aged 91 years, and Lennie Dunlap now 93 years old were born in Indiana. His sons were born in Norway Township, Alex and Logan, now deceased and George who died when a small child and LaRoy of Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Scott died in 1916 and Mrs. Scott in 1904. Dr. Scott in his 46 years in Kansas saw many changes. From the horse and wagon and buggy to the automobile, from the hand sickle to the raper and thresher and from the dugout to the comfortable modern home; and section lines and bridges instead of fords and railroads, besides many changes in medicine. Dr. Alex Scot, Jr., a grandson, is a doctor practicing in Junction City, Kansas.
Dr. Anna Rimol, and Osteopath Physician, now retired at the age of 85, practiced in Norway for 41 years. She is the daughter of the late Rasmus Rimol, Norway Township's first permanent settler, and his wife Kjerati Lehn. She was born in her father's homestead a little over a mile southeast of Norway, and attended Fairview school two miles south of her home. Her first teacher was Mr. Osman. She graduated from the eighth grade there, then attended Emporia Normal School for one year, then Bethany College at Lindsborg for 5 years, graduating there in 1905 with an A. B. Degree. Following that she taught school in Republic County for 3 years. After working three years in Owen Brewer's general merchandise store and Post Office in Norway she enrolled in the Kirksville, Mo. Osteopathic School, graduating there in 1915 with a D. O. degree.
Dr. Rimol practiced in Macon, Mo. for one year, then came to Norway and has practiced here since that time. She began with a horse and buggy for a while, then purchased a used Ford run-about. Her first baby delivered was Rev. Warberg's tiny, less than five pounds, daughter. She knows all about the stormy nights the mud and the snow and the ice and the cold and the all-night vigils beside a dying patient and of the fervent wish that she might do something more. Dr. Rimol has been a member of the National Osteopathic Association for 45 years, attending National Associations in the United States and Canada. She is now an Honorary Life member of that Organization. She has a huge store of memories of a pioneer childhood and of a busy and useful professional life. She retired in 1960. She owns part of her father's homestead 1869, where her parents spent all of their married life. Her mother died at the age of 63 and her father at the age of 69.
Dr. J. C. Sherrard of Norway, was a country doctor. He spent 54 years with us, coming here when he finished Medical School in 1905. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1958, at the age of 81 years and a few days. He was born in Republic, Nov. 19, 1878. After finishing grade and high school, he attended Emporia Normal School and was a rural school teacher in Union Valley School in Republic County. Soon after that he began the study of medicine and received his medical degree from the Kansas University, medical school. He was married to Katheryn Fay Cuthbertson in 1902 and two children were born to them, a son, James, who passed on in early infancy and a daughter, Irene, now Mrs. Harry Ferguson of Belleville. Like all early doctors, he had his share of the hardships of that time, beginning with a horse, or horse and buggy.
Dr. Sherrard saw many changes during his life, and many advancements in the field of medicine. His tastes and demands were small but he used his life in the service of the community. One of the highlights of Dr. Sherrard's life came in 1955 when he was honored for his 50 years of service to the community. He received his 50 year pin from the Scandia Masonic Lodge and from the Elk Lodge in Concordia. More than 500 came to honor him that day. The Anniversary observance included a basket dinner at noon and a program in the afternoon, held in the United Brethren Church. Roy Scott, of Manhattan, was the Chairman. The Doctor's first and last babies, his one pair of twins and many other babies delivered by him, came to honor him that day. Mrs. Alfa Moore, nearly 90 years old, the daughter of our Norway pioneer doctor of 1870 presented him with a cash gift from the Community. Dr. John Sherrard graduated in 1905. Dr. Milton Sherrard and Dr. Grover Sherrard in 1906 and Dr. John Sherrard's grandson, Harry Ferguson, Jr., in 1961--all four from the Kansas University Medical School in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. John has two great grandsons, Dr. Harry's children. Dr. Harry is now practicing in the Kansas City General Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ferguson, Sr. live in Belleville.
Will Carleton's "The Country Doctor" (A tribute to the Country Doctor)
There's a Gathering in the village, that has never been outdone
Since the soldiers took their muskets, to the War of '61,
And a lot of lumber wagons near the church upon the hill,
And a crowd of country people, Sunday dressed and very still,,,,,,,,
Maybe half the congregation, now of great or little worth
Found this Watcher waiting for them, when they came upon the earth;
This undecorated soldier, of a hard, unequal strife,
Fought in many stubborn battles with the foes that sought their life,
In the night time or the day time, he would rally brave and well,
Though the summer lark was singing, or the frozen cycles fell
'Twas the brave old virtuous doctor,
'Twas the good old family doctor,
'Twas the faithful country doctor--
Fighting battles all the same,
'Twas the faithful country doctor who would praise his Maker's name.
God has called him---his busy life is done,
He has seen old views and friends disappearing one by one;
He has learned that God is Master both of science and of art,
The strong old country doctor,
The kind old country doctor,
He has given lie his all, with a loyal and steadfast heart!
Dr. Reitzel was a pharmacist and had a drug store upstairs in a building on Lot 10 on the east side of the street which is the lot between the Dickerhoof's and the late Dr. Sherrard's residence.
Monday, December 6, 2010
NORWAY BANDS
Norway's first band was composed of nine of its earliest settlers--Joseph Melhus, Adolph Larson, Charles Hugos, Frank Dickerhoof (1852-1942), Peter Hammer, E. Vollen, John Hugos, Iver Tiller, and Gust Nelson. (Frank Dickerhoof was the snare drummer. When he was a boy of eleven and twelve, he played the drum and sometimes the fife for the militia drilling in the village street during Civil War Days in Illinois.
THE CLODHOPPER BRASS BAND
The Clodhopper Brass Band practiced at "48" school house and met at Cedar Ridge.
They had a large wagon drawn by four horses to carry their players and instruments. They had a big flag for the wagon and all their horses were decorated with flags. All the horses and buggies going with the band were likewise decorated. This band played for all the Fourth of July picnics and celebrations in Scott's grove. Members of the Band were Charles Lewis, E. A. Lewis, Charles Kimmal, Will Kimmal, Thong Simpson, Otis Simpson, Alfred Day, Victor Day, Lute Day, Will Lewis, Grant Hodds, and Ben Bartlett. Leader was George Jewell. Drivers were A. J. Kelly and Henry Stout. There was a good band later but there is no data for that Band
They had a large wagon drawn by four horses to carry their players and instruments. They had a big flag for the wagon and all their horses were decorated with flags. All the horses and buggies going with the band were likewise decorated. This band played for all the Fourth of July picnics and celebrations in Scott's grove. Members of the Band were Charles Lewis, E. A. Lewis, Charles Kimmal, Will Kimmal, Thong Simpson, Otis Simpson, Alfred Day, Victor Day, Lute Day, Will Lewis, Grant Hodds, and Ben Bartlett. Leader was George Jewell. Drivers were A. J. Kelly and Henry Stout. There was a good band later but there is no data for that Band
CHEESE FACTORY
C. J. Nelson, brother of James Nelson, had a cheese factory in the nineties, on the west side of the river. He had a large heated building, 30 x 40 feet, and bought the milk locally. The cheeses were in round cakes usually packed in round boxes. They were sold locally to the stores.
SKIMMING STATION
For several years 1899 to 1904 J. F. Dickerhoof had a skimming station. He furnished a wagon to collect the milk every morning and return the skimmed milk. The cream was sent to Clyde by "rail" where the Armstrong Creamery made it into butter. The equipment was sold in 1904 and the station discontinued.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
SORGHUM CANE
Mr. and Mrs. Edd Jacobson made many barrels of sorghum under Mrs. Jacobson's supervision. Making sorghum and molasses is not a simple job. It takes much care and attention and at a regular temperature. Sorghum cane was raised in the neighborhood by N. E. Gile, Jacobsons, Ernie Buckoven and W. A. Day. Taffy pulls and popcorn balls were awaited each fall in happy anticipation and many such evenings were enjoyed by the youngsters. Sorghum was the "sweetening" of the pioneers since sugar was not often available. People still will tell how good "this sweetening" was on hot cornbread.
BROOM CORN
Broom corn was raised by several farmers in the neighborhood, and excellent brooms were made by S. A. Ingraham, and W. A. Day. Other farmers also raised broom corn in the localities near by.
SINGING SCHOOLS
In 1904 members of the Dunkard Church conducted singing schools at the church. At first Sister Mitzger was the teacher, later Miss Ollie Ball and Mr. Guy took charge. A number of Norway Township people attended.
WRITING SCHOOLS
Writing schools were important and enjoyed by many pioneers who were unable to write English when they arrived here. The schools were taught by men and women in the community. They also served as a form of entertainment. No refreshments were served since the people than had little money and since most pioneers didn't believe in eating between meals.
Many youngsters took advantage of these schools for more chance to improve their writing and to spend a pleasant evening.
Many youngsters took advantage of these schools for more chance to improve their writing and to spend a pleasant evening.
THE LAST INDIAN LODGE
The last Indian Lodge in Norway Township was about two years before the bridge was built in 1887, which would be 1885. The Indians came up from the south on New Year's Day. They had been on the east side of the river west of Andrew Gudmund's place and now went into camp about a hundred yards north of where the bridge now is. There were about fifteen, four old squaws, five or six men, beside of Chief Cob-a-Haw. Also a few children from six to eleven years old.
They had three old rattle-trap wagons. One had four or five hogs that had died of cholera and were frozen and intact including the hair. Alfa and I went with Uncle Lide to see the Indians. They had about a half hog cooking in a big kettle--hide and all. We didn't stay to eat. Alfa said we better go home and do the chores.
They had three old rattle-trap wagons. One had four or five hogs that had died of cholera and were frozen and intact including the hair. Alfa and I went with Uncle Lide to see the Indians. They had about a half hog cooking in a big kettle--hide and all. We didn't stay to eat. Alfa said we better go home and do the chores.
Written by LaRoy Scott of Manhattan, Kansas
THE NORWAY BRIDGE
Getting a bridge for Norway was the crowing achievement for the community up to this time, 1887. Captain Walker wrote the Republic County Bridge Law and Representative Glasco pressed it through the legislature. Then began a series of petitions signed by every voter in the township. Many trips to Belleville, about a hundred bridge meeting in the township, and more trips to Belleville. Good counsil and help from Mr. Van Natta and Mr. Studley, County Clerk, then almost despair. A few weeks later reading in the official paper of the county , the call for bids for building the Norway Bridge in 1886. Happiness over the bridge and all hard feelings long since forgotten.
Today we cannot realized what not having a bridge means. A man put his family in his wagon box, drove his team into the river, crossed to the other side, his wagon box floating on the water. There were two fords, the Rodger's ford 300 yards north of the present bridge and the Meade ford, a mile and a quarter south of the bridge. They tell that Mr. Stanton, who lived on his homestead where the Hungry Hollow School house was located, could and did swim across the river, when it was too high to use the ford. He carried a fifty pound sack of flour on his shoulders. This is true.
The cost of the bridge was $13,000.00. The Republic County Commissioners, at that time were Mr. Wells, Mr. Kyle, and Mr. Smith. The bridge was built by the King Iron Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio. The Engineer was O. L. Dunn. Work was begun in 1886 and completed in 1887. According to our earliest settlers, this township owes everlasting gratitude to Captain William Walker.
At first we had wagon bridges and railroad bridges. The Norway bridge is the only "wagon" bridge between the State Line and Clay Center still in use.
In 1880 Norway Township was divided into two precincts, east Norway proper east of the river, and west Norway, west of the river. This continued until the bridge was built in 1887.
Today we cannot realized what not having a bridge means. A man put his family in his wagon box, drove his team into the river, crossed to the other side, his wagon box floating on the water. There were two fords, the Rodger's ford 300 yards north of the present bridge and the Meade ford, a mile and a quarter south of the bridge. They tell that Mr. Stanton, who lived on his homestead where the Hungry Hollow School house was located, could and did swim across the river, when it was too high to use the ford. He carried a fifty pound sack of flour on his shoulders. This is true.
The cost of the bridge was $13,000.00. The Republic County Commissioners, at that time were Mr. Wells, Mr. Kyle, and Mr. Smith. The bridge was built by the King Iron Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio. The Engineer was O. L. Dunn. Work was begun in 1886 and completed in 1887. According to our earliest settlers, this township owes everlasting gratitude to Captain William Walker.
At first we had wagon bridges and railroad bridges. The Norway bridge is the only "wagon" bridge between the State Line and Clay Center still in use.
In 1880 Norway Township was divided into two precincts, east Norway proper east of the river, and west Norway, west of the river. This continued until the bridge was built in 1887.
THREE ELEVATORS
Norway's first elevator was built in 1883 by Captain Wm. Walker who had visions of Norway's success. It was south of the depot on the west side and he also had a lumber yard. This elevator was in use for many years and under several different managers. Many thousands of bushels of grain were handled there.
About 1893 William Beatty erected a small elevator west of the tracks on the lot now owned by Mrs. Karen Ross. He bought grain there. Later in 1906 he sold the property to Mrs. Karen Ross. She had the elevator torn down and used the lumber in the construction of a small house just east of her store.
Early buyers were Charles and John Hugos and Harry Dickerhoof. Owen Brewer purchased the Walker Elevator and purchased grain there for 23 years.
In 1910 the Farmer's Norway Elevator was built north of the depot and may different managers have bee in charge between 1910 and 1946. Bart Kelly, Philip Hammer, Homer Christensen, and others. For the 17 years prior to 1946, Eric Thompson was in charge.
On March 1, 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Reed came to Norway from Home, Kansas, a short time after Myron had received his discharge from the Armed Forces. He soon took charge of the elevator and has made many improvements. In the last several years more kinds of grain are being raised, and new methods of buying, handling, storage, and shipping are in use.
In 1948 gas line engines were removed and replaced with electric motors. In 1950 a new and larger scale was installed. In 1955 Myron erected a storage building holding 75,000 bushels of grain. In 1958 additional storage for another 75,000 bushels was added and also in 1958 the old elevator south of the depot was removed. Then in 1959 a second building holding 225,000 bushels was erected, making a total storage capacity of 375,000 bushels.
Also all kinds of feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides are carried.
About 1893 William Beatty erected a small elevator west of the tracks on the lot now owned by Mrs. Karen Ross. He bought grain there. Later in 1906 he sold the property to Mrs. Karen Ross. She had the elevator torn down and used the lumber in the construction of a small house just east of her store.
Early buyers were Charles and John Hugos and Harry Dickerhoof. Owen Brewer purchased the Walker Elevator and purchased grain there for 23 years.
In 1910 the Farmer's Norway Elevator was built north of the depot and may different managers have bee in charge between 1910 and 1946. Bart Kelly, Philip Hammer, Homer Christensen, and others. For the 17 years prior to 1946, Eric Thompson was in charge.
On March 1, 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Reed came to Norway from Home, Kansas, a short time after Myron had received his discharge from the Armed Forces. He soon took charge of the elevator and has made many improvements. In the last several years more kinds of grain are being raised, and new methods of buying, handling, storage, and shipping are in use.
In 1948 gas line engines were removed and replaced with electric motors. In 1950 a new and larger scale was installed. In 1955 Myron erected a storage building holding 75,000 bushels of grain. In 1958 additional storage for another 75,000 bushels was added and also in 1958 the old elevator south of the depot was removed. Then in 1959 a second building holding 225,000 bushels was erected, making a total storage capacity of 375,000 bushels.
Also all kinds of feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides are carried.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
RAILROADS
The Railroad line through Norway, Kansas, was originally built as part of the Atchinson, Republican Valley and Pacific Railway, which was incorporated under the General Railroad Laws of Kansas in 1878, completing the line from Yuma to Scandia in the spring of 1879 and from Scandia to Warwick on June 21st, 1880.
However, by the time the Achison, Republican Valley and Pacific Railroad had constructed its right of way, it had been consolidated into a new Railroad called the Atchison, Colorado and Pacific Railroad. Several other changes were made and lines added. These lines at the time of consolidation formed a continuous line of railroads from the western Terminus of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad from Waterville to Lenora, with branches from Greenleaf to Washington, Yuma to Warwick and Downs to Alton.
This company leased all the Railroad lines constructed and to be constructed, to the Central Branch Union Pacific Company, for a period of twenty-five years. The latter company then on Sept. 30, 1885 leased to the Missouri Pacific Railway Company.
The Missouri Pacific absorbed all the subdivisions on Aug. 9, 1909.
The present Company informed Mrs. M. Clagett, agent in Norway in 1961, that it has no record of depots at Norway except the present one which they think was built in 1905 or thereabouts, but they also say there must have been other depots since the time this railroad was built in 1879.--------C. L. Cristy, Falls City, Neb.
The first depot was a box car beside the railroad track when the first train arrived on Dec. 24, 1879. Willie Shaw was the first agent. The present depot was built a long while before 1905. Other agents are Mr. Taber, Alfred Carmichael, 1899; Clarence Brewer, 1905 to 1943; Mrs. A. Z. Cyr, 1943 to 1960; Mrs. M. Clagett from 1960 to the present time (1961).
The application by the Mo. Pac. R. R. for authority to discontinue its station at Norway, Kan. in 1959 was denied. The Company again applied for authority to discontinue its station at Norway except for two months of the year during harvest. This was denied Sept. 14, 1961, by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Testimony and exhibits were taken in support of and in opposition to, at a public hearing in Norway on Aug. 22, 1961. The decision of the Commission assures that services in the Norway community will be continued at the present basis.
The Santa Fe Railroad was built across the southwestern corner of Norway Township in 1888. It runs diagonally across the S. W. quarter in Sec. 31.
The Missouri Pacific has 6.01 miles of railroad in Norway Township and the Santa Fe has 1.12 miles.
However, by the time the Achison, Republican Valley and Pacific Railroad had constructed its right of way, it had been consolidated into a new Railroad called the Atchison, Colorado and Pacific Railroad. Several other changes were made and lines added. These lines at the time of consolidation formed a continuous line of railroads from the western Terminus of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad from Waterville to Lenora, with branches from Greenleaf to Washington, Yuma to Warwick and Downs to Alton.
This company leased all the Railroad lines constructed and to be constructed, to the Central Branch Union Pacific Company, for a period of twenty-five years. The latter company then on Sept. 30, 1885 leased to the Missouri Pacific Railway Company.
The Missouri Pacific absorbed all the subdivisions on Aug. 9, 1909.
The present Company informed Mrs. M. Clagett, agent in Norway in 1961, that it has no record of depots at Norway except the present one which they think was built in 1905 or thereabouts, but they also say there must have been other depots since the time this railroad was built in 1879.--------C. L. Cristy, Falls City, Neb.
The first depot was a box car beside the railroad track when the first train arrived on Dec. 24, 1879. Willie Shaw was the first agent. The present depot was built a long while before 1905. Other agents are Mr. Taber, Alfred Carmichael, 1899; Clarence Brewer, 1905 to 1943; Mrs. A. Z. Cyr, 1943 to 1960; Mrs. M. Clagett from 1960 to the present time (1961).
The application by the Mo. Pac. R. R. for authority to discontinue its station at Norway, Kan. in 1959 was denied. The Company again applied for authority to discontinue its station at Norway except for two months of the year during harvest. This was denied Sept. 14, 1961, by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Testimony and exhibits were taken in support of and in opposition to, at a public hearing in Norway on Aug. 22, 1961. The decision of the Commission assures that services in the Norway community will be continued at the present basis.
The Santa Fe Railroad was built across the southwestern corner of Norway Township in 1888. It runs diagonally across the S. W. quarter in Sec. 31.
The Missouri Pacific has 6.01 miles of railroad in Norway Township and the Santa Fe has 1.12 miles.
NORWAY STATE BANK
The Norway State Bank was organized and opened for business Sept. 1, 1910, with these officers and directors: J. H. Sandell, Pres., G. W. Nimocks, Vice Pres., and J. E. Whitney, Cashier. Directors were J. E. Whitney, J. H. Sandell, Quincy Blosser, C. J. Ingebretson, C. A. Brewer, and G. W. Nimocks. Capital was $10,000 and Stockholders Liability, $500,000. It so continued for thirteen years.
In August 1923 Chas. Chizek came to Norway and became cashier of the Norway State Bank. He lived with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof until 1925 when he was married to Miss Edith Ames, and they established a home.
Their daughter Darlene was born in September 1927 and Anita in January 1952. The were affiliated with Lutheran Church in Norway and both daughters were baptized there.
The assets of the Norway State Bank were sold to the Scandia State Bank in September 1940 and the bank building to Dr. Sherrard. Mr. Chizek went to Linn, Kansas in 1940 and became cashier of the Linn State Bank.
Both daughters are married. Darlene and her husband, O. D. Mack, and one daughter live in Admire, Kansas, where he is cashier in the bank. Anita and her husband and two sons live in Linn, where he is associated with his father in the Singular Furniture and Undertaking.
Darlene's daughter is a freshman in high school. Anita's sons are aged three years and eight months. This information was furnished by Mr. Chizek for the Republic County and Norway Township history, February 13, 1961. Charles Chizek died on August 24, 1961 at the age of 59 years.
In August 1923 Chas. Chizek came to Norway and became cashier of the Norway State Bank. He lived with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof until 1925 when he was married to Miss Edith Ames, and they established a home.
Their daughter Darlene was born in September 1927 and Anita in January 1952. The were affiliated with Lutheran Church in Norway and both daughters were baptized there.
The assets of the Norway State Bank were sold to the Scandia State Bank in September 1940 and the bank building to Dr. Sherrard. Mr. Chizek went to Linn, Kansas in 1940 and became cashier of the Linn State Bank.
Both daughters are married. Darlene and her husband, O. D. Mack, and one daughter live in Admire, Kansas, where he is cashier in the bank. Anita and her husband and two sons live in Linn, where he is associated with his father in the Singular Furniture and Undertaking.
Darlene's daughter is a freshman in high school. Anita's sons are aged three years and eight months. This information was furnished by Mr. Chizek for the Republic County and Norway Township history, February 13, 1961. Charles Chizek died on August 24, 1961 at the age of 59 years.
DISTRICT 32
The SW4 in Sec. 32 was homesteaded by John W. Cramer Aug. 15, 1882 and sold to Wm Mathies in 1882. He sold it to S. A. McCall in 1884 and to H. A. Hansen in 1884. The NE4 Sec. 31 U. S. to L. H. Tyrrell. He released to Jacob Hull for $50.00. U. S. to Jacob Hull, March1, 1877. Jacob Hull to Hans A. Hansen, April 19, 1880. SE4 NE4 to H. A. Hansen by Tax Title Sept. 23, 1882. W2 of NE4 Mary Nelson and Husband to H. A. Hansen May 29, 1894.
H. A. Hansen left Denmark to keep from being taken into the army. He arrived in Chicago without money and was walking up the street when a man stopped him and asked him if he was looking for a job. He, of course, said, "Yes." "Just sign this paper then," said the man. He did and soon found out he was in the army in the U. S. A.
He didn't far so badly as he was an expert cabinet maker. He was assigned to Ft. Union, New Mexico and soon became a captain.
After his release from the army, he came to Republic County at the suggestion of an old acquaintance, N. C. Christensen.
He bought land a little at a time on which he lived until his death in 1908. The land descended to his widow and son.
Tax, as he was called, at one time raised goats, and was a big hog raiser having as many as eight hundred head at one time.
The first permanent house in this community was built of stone on the southwest part of the NW4 of section 32. It was built by Jens Peterson in 1868 and was the only house having a board floor. It was 10x12 and had two rooms. It was used for dances, Post Office, liquor store and general meeting place. The stone house on Jake Hull's was used for liquor storage and he owned a saloon in Superior, Nebraska, and one in Clay Center, Kansas. This was half-way between. This house was also used as a school house with Mrs. Hull as teacher, before a school house was built.
School District No. 32 was organized by the election of officers May 25, 1871. L. S. Palmer, director; Winfield Scott, clerk; Geo. Miller, treasurer.
The first schools were subscription schools, and were held at different places in the district. One was held in a dugout at or about the center of the north line of section 19.
Pupils were sent to Hungry Hollow School for three or four years before a school house was built. There was no school house there either, but they held school in various places in the district.
The first school house was built in 1880 of stone, by George Kackley and according to record he was paid $130.00.
There is only one descendant of a homesteader living in district 32 on original land. He is Lester Houghton, a grandson of James Nelson. His sister, Ruth Anderson, also lives in the district, but on different land.
Church and Sunday School were held in the school house for many years and debating societies and community meetings have been held there in the winter ever since it was organized. The first teachers were paid up to $20.00 per month. At one time we had 32 pupils. Some came to learn the English language only.
At the present time there are nine homesites from which the houses have been removed, with ten empty houses and twelve occupied houses.
The farms have grown in size from 80 acres to as much as 720 acres, and and none is farmed with horses any more.
All occupied houses are supplied with electricity and only a few use wood for heat. Very few even have chickens and some do not milk cows. The crops are wheat, corn, milo, and alfalfa. Very little hay is stacked. Nothing is done by hand that can be done by machine. The families with the smallest incomes pay out more per month than our grandparents paid out in a whole year. All have TV with a few exceptions.
Prepared by H. A. Kuhn 1-1961
Jamestown, Kansas
H. A. Hansen left Denmark to keep from being taken into the army. He arrived in Chicago without money and was walking up the street when a man stopped him and asked him if he was looking for a job. He, of course, said, "Yes." "Just sign this paper then," said the man. He did and soon found out he was in the army in the U. S. A.
He didn't far so badly as he was an expert cabinet maker. He was assigned to Ft. Union, New Mexico and soon became a captain.
After his release from the army, he came to Republic County at the suggestion of an old acquaintance, N. C. Christensen.
He bought land a little at a time on which he lived until his death in 1908. The land descended to his widow and son.
Tax, as he was called, at one time raised goats, and was a big hog raiser having as many as eight hundred head at one time.
The first permanent house in this community was built of stone on the southwest part of the NW4 of section 32. It was built by Jens Peterson in 1868 and was the only house having a board floor. It was 10x12 and had two rooms. It was used for dances, Post Office, liquor store and general meeting place. The stone house on Jake Hull's was used for liquor storage and he owned a saloon in Superior, Nebraska, and one in Clay Center, Kansas. This was half-way between. This house was also used as a school house with Mrs. Hull as teacher, before a school house was built.
School District No. 32 was organized by the election of officers May 25, 1871. L. S. Palmer, director; Winfield Scott, clerk; Geo. Miller, treasurer.
The first schools were subscription schools, and were held at different places in the district. One was held in a dugout at or about the center of the north line of section 19.
Pupils were sent to Hungry Hollow School for three or four years before a school house was built. There was no school house there either, but they held school in various places in the district.
The first school house was built in 1880 of stone, by George Kackley and according to record he was paid $130.00.
There is only one descendant of a homesteader living in district 32 on original land. He is Lester Houghton, a grandson of James Nelson. His sister, Ruth Anderson, also lives in the district, but on different land.
Church and Sunday School were held in the school house for many years and debating societies and community meetings have been held there in the winter ever since it was organized. The first teachers were paid up to $20.00 per month. At one time we had 32 pupils. Some came to learn the English language only.
At the present time there are nine homesites from which the houses have been removed, with ten empty houses and twelve occupied houses.
The farms have grown in size from 80 acres to as much as 720 acres, and and none is farmed with horses any more.
All occupied houses are supplied with electricity and only a few use wood for heat. Very few even have chickens and some do not milk cows. The crops are wheat, corn, milo, and alfalfa. Very little hay is stacked. Nothing is done by hand that can be done by machine. The families with the smallest incomes pay out more per month than our grandparents paid out in a whole year. All have TV with a few exceptions.
Prepared by H. A. Kuhn 1-1961
Jamestown, Kansas
NORWAY AND COMMUNITY
John Adolph Hanson was born in Racine County in Wisconsin, Nov. 4, 1861. He came to Norway, Kansas in 1878 and set up a blacksmith shop about 50 feet east of the N. W. corner of the Bray garage. This shop was later used for a stable for horses.
Theodore Hanson, brother of Adolph came to Norway at the same time. They lived with their mother, Mary Hanson, on the farm now owned by Ingwald Dyrdahl and at that time owned by Grandmother Mary Hanson. This farm was homesteaded by Severt Lehn, Sec. 21.
Mary Hanson's husband, Hans Hanson, a captain in the 15th Wisconsin volunteer Army was wounded at the battle of Chickawauga, taken prisoner by the South and died in Andersonville Prison (Confederate prison). No record of where he was buried has ever been received.
John Adolph Hanson was married to Huldah A. Nystrom, Aug. 30, 1885. The wedding had been postponed because of his brother's death. The wedding ceremony was performed by Gust Nelson, Justice of the Peace for Norway Township. They lived in the stone house on the farm Mr. Nelson owned. Now it is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blosser.
In 1914 my wife and I (Ted and Marie Hanson) set up housekeeping in the three upstairs rooms of that house. Soon after Father and Mother's marriage they moved to a farm west of Concordia. They were living on this farm when my father died. After his death my mother and I lived with her parents, Gustave and Marie Nystrom, four and a half miles north of Norway where Russel Lervold now lives. In 1892 mother purchased the house which Dr. Sherrard purchased from her later. This house is owned now by Cecil Dickerhoof. We moved there and that summer I attended a subscription school taught by Elle Rockhold in the building now owned by Carrie Ross where the Antiques were displayed during the Centennial. Arnie Thompson of Geary, Oklahoma also attended that summer and perhaps others who are yet living.
These are a few of the people and places of business at that time. On the Northwest corner J. F. Dickerhoof had a general Mdse. store and Post Office. Next was a small building where John Peterson had a harness shop, next N. P. Hanson had a blacksmith shop and the residence that Dr. Anne Rimol now owns.
There was then nothing south of her house until the livery barn was built by the Belden boys.
On the east side on the northeast corner Mr. Booze of Scandia had a store. However, he sold out just before Mrs. Rockhold held her subscription school there. Next south was a long one story house extending from the street to the alley on the east. Sivert Olson and his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peder Running, lived there. Mr. Running had a cobbler shop in part of that building. His wife carded wool, spun yarn on the spinning wheel and knit the best mittens and stocking to be obtained.
Next was the store where Bray's shop now operates. This was owned by T. A. Nelson and he had a good general stock of merchandise. In that store I earned my first nickel by sweeping the store. Mr. Nelson, or T. A. as we all called him, and his daughter Clare, the late Mrs. Julius Olsen, usually supplied me with Knick Knacks of all sorts.
Later W. H. Beatty had this store and the Post Office was moved there. Owen Brewer bought this store later. The next building was Chas. Hugo's residence. This house was moved and is now the residence of Jim Norris.
The old frame building next stood about two feet from the north wall of our house. This was occupied by a Bohemian family, John Demboski. John supplied the whiskey for those who partook, and a keg of beer now and then; however, John spent most of his time in jail. Business was never suspended as his wife took over. I remember one time he had been released from the cage at Belleville, and had walked home. He arrived just in time for the sheriff who was waiting to serve a warrant on him. The sheriff loaded him into the buggy and headed for Belleville. That time for some reason the family also moved away.
The next house was the one owned by my mother. At various times the lower floor was occupied by other families. John King and his wife Daisy, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Hood, and Mr. and Mrs. Tabor the depot agent for awhile.
Next was the old two story house south between the J. F. Dickerhoof house and our house built and arranged by Dr. Seastrom who had quite a complete line of drugs and other articles.
Frank and Melissa Dickerhoof were at the south side of town and it was a good many years before any other improvements began farther south.
The only house north of the road was the old stone house and east of the railroad was the Lutheran Church and parsonage.
There are very few descendants of the original families living in or around Norway today. I am quite sure that the Dickerhoof site is the only one that has never changed hands from the original family. Names of some of the older settlers: west of the river - Dr. W. Scott, J. W. Shivvers, E. V. Moore, Gus Anderson, Andy Peterson, Henry Lax, P. O. Larson, Amos Rodgers, Stantons, N. C. Christensen, Jim Nelson, Jim Morehead, H. A. Hanson; east and north - Crosson, Geo. Ireland, Joe Merica, Tom and Quill Long, Joe Blosser, Sampson Scrivner, Hans Krogmoe, Gust Nelson, Fet Scrivner, Pete Hammer, J. R. Hugos, N. O. Garburg, Gust Stromgren, Claus HerrmanGile, Henry Gile, Jim Varnick, John Throbeck, Sr., Joe Melhus, Sr., Carl Anderson, Kellys, Bartletts, Osul Thompson, Owen thorpe, Walters, Sted Gray, Ed Jacobson, Sam Bashford, John Hoofbourrow, Ames, Stensaas, Day, Barleen, Tates, Siebenborn, Mikkel Thompson, Ole Tiller, Stensaas, Kullberg, Brewer, Rimols, Owen Dickerhoof, Goodman, John David, Carig, John Hanson, John Dutton, Lone Smith, Giffords, Pierce, Melhus, Taggart, Pat Dutton, Chester Dutton.
Written by Theodore Hanson whose parents were John Adolph Hanson and Huldah A. Nystrom.
Theodore Hanson, brother of Adolph came to Norway at the same time. They lived with their mother, Mary Hanson, on the farm now owned by Ingwald Dyrdahl and at that time owned by Grandmother Mary Hanson. This farm was homesteaded by Severt Lehn, Sec. 21.
Mary Hanson's husband, Hans Hanson, a captain in the 15th Wisconsin volunteer Army was wounded at the battle of Chickawauga, taken prisoner by the South and died in Andersonville Prison (Confederate prison). No record of where he was buried has ever been received.
John Adolph Hanson was married to Huldah A. Nystrom, Aug. 30, 1885. The wedding had been postponed because of his brother's death. The wedding ceremony was performed by Gust Nelson, Justice of the Peace for Norway Township. They lived in the stone house on the farm Mr. Nelson owned. Now it is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blosser.
In 1914 my wife and I (Ted and Marie Hanson) set up housekeeping in the three upstairs rooms of that house. Soon after Father and Mother's marriage they moved to a farm west of Concordia. They were living on this farm when my father died. After his death my mother and I lived with her parents, Gustave and Marie Nystrom, four and a half miles north of Norway where Russel Lervold now lives. In 1892 mother purchased the house which Dr. Sherrard purchased from her later. This house is owned now by Cecil Dickerhoof. We moved there and that summer I attended a subscription school taught by Elle Rockhold in the building now owned by Carrie Ross where the Antiques were displayed during the Centennial. Arnie Thompson of Geary, Oklahoma also attended that summer and perhaps others who are yet living.
These are a few of the people and places of business at that time. On the Northwest corner J. F. Dickerhoof had a general Mdse. store and Post Office. Next was a small building where John Peterson had a harness shop, next N. P. Hanson had a blacksmith shop and the residence that Dr. Anne Rimol now owns.
There was then nothing south of her house until the livery barn was built by the Belden boys.
On the east side on the northeast corner Mr. Booze of Scandia had a store. However, he sold out just before Mrs. Rockhold held her subscription school there. Next south was a long one story house extending from the street to the alley on the east. Sivert Olson and his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peder Running, lived there. Mr. Running had a cobbler shop in part of that building. His wife carded wool, spun yarn on the spinning wheel and knit the best mittens and stocking to be obtained.
Next was the store where Bray's shop now operates. This was owned by T. A. Nelson and he had a good general stock of merchandise. In that store I earned my first nickel by sweeping the store. Mr. Nelson, or T. A. as we all called him, and his daughter Clare, the late Mrs. Julius Olsen, usually supplied me with Knick Knacks of all sorts.
Later W. H. Beatty had this store and the Post Office was moved there. Owen Brewer bought this store later. The next building was Chas. Hugo's residence. This house was moved and is now the residence of Jim Norris.
The old frame building next stood about two feet from the north wall of our house. This was occupied by a Bohemian family, John Demboski. John supplied the whiskey for those who partook, and a keg of beer now and then; however, John spent most of his time in jail. Business was never suspended as his wife took over. I remember one time he had been released from the cage at Belleville, and had walked home. He arrived just in time for the sheriff who was waiting to serve a warrant on him. The sheriff loaded him into the buggy and headed for Belleville. That time for some reason the family also moved away.
The next house was the one owned by my mother. At various times the lower floor was occupied by other families. John King and his wife Daisy, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Hood, and Mr. and Mrs. Tabor the depot agent for awhile.
Next was the old two story house south between the J. F. Dickerhoof house and our house built and arranged by Dr. Seastrom who had quite a complete line of drugs and other articles.
Frank and Melissa Dickerhoof were at the south side of town and it was a good many years before any other improvements began farther south.
The only house north of the road was the old stone house and east of the railroad was the Lutheran Church and parsonage.
There are very few descendants of the original families living in or around Norway today. I am quite sure that the Dickerhoof site is the only one that has never changed hands from the original family. Names of some of the older settlers: west of the river - Dr. W. Scott, J. W. Shivvers, E. V. Moore, Gus Anderson, Andy Peterson, Henry Lax, P. O. Larson, Amos Rodgers, Stantons, N. C. Christensen, Jim Nelson, Jim Morehead, H. A. Hanson; east and north - Crosson, Geo. Ireland, Joe Merica, Tom and Quill Long, Joe Blosser, Sampson Scrivner, Hans Krogmoe, Gust Nelson, Fet Scrivner, Pete Hammer, J. R. Hugos, N. O. Garburg, Gust Stromgren, Claus HerrmanGile, Henry Gile, Jim Varnick, John Throbeck, Sr., Joe Melhus, Sr., Carl Anderson, Kellys, Bartletts, Osul Thompson, Owen thorpe, Walters, Sted Gray, Ed Jacobson, Sam Bashford, John Hoofbourrow, Ames, Stensaas, Day, Barleen, Tates, Siebenborn, Mikkel Thompson, Ole Tiller, Stensaas, Kullberg, Brewer, Rimols, Owen Dickerhoof, Goodman, John David, Carig, John Hanson, John Dutton, Lone Smith, Giffords, Pierce, Melhus, Taggart, Pat Dutton, Chester Dutton.
Written by Theodore Hanson whose parents were John Adolph Hanson and Huldah A. Nystrom.
Friday, December 3, 2010
BUSINESS
Merchants and other business 1870 to 1961
Gust Nelson General Mdse. 1870 - T.A. Nelson General Mdse, and Post Office 1880 - J. F. Dickerhoof General Mdse., Windmills and Farm Machinery - Post Office (1887 to 1898) 1883 to 1904 - P. J. Paulsen 1897 "Best of round stead 10½ per Lb. also cold drinks." - Dave Dickerhoof 1900, Meat Wagon furnished fresh meat on ice every morning during the summer to the farmers - C. L. Ross 1907 - Karen Ross 1910 - 1904 - Bert Ainsworth Hardware 1910 - Kelly and Wright Hardware 1908 - Ole Erickson General Mdse. 1916 - Glenn Wright Groceries and Meats 1930 - Walter Darlington 1935 - Wm. Beatty General Mdse. and Post Office 1912 - Ida Satterfield General Merchandise 1941 - Clark Bailey Groceries and Meats - 1936 - Burton Hdwe. 1904 - Strain Hdwe. 1905 - A. U. Ledbetter 1902 - O. F. Brewer General Merchandise and Post Office (1903-1913) - Graham Grocery 1945 - C. O. Dickerhoof 1946 to present time except during nine months - Groceries and Meats - John Whitney 1950 - Max Wagor General Merchandise 1951 - Fred Wagor hardware 1947 - Joe Ptaschek Garage 1943 - Hdwe. 1944 - Loren's Hardware and Electric 1950 to present time - John Peterson Harness Shop 1890 - Belden Bros. Livery Barn 1892 - Mr. Booze General Mdse. 1895 - Mr. Peter Running Cobbler Shop - Mrs. Running had a spinning wheel, carded wool, spun yarn and made the finest of mittens and stockings 1893 - John Dembosky Liquor Store 1894.
Elevators Managers and Grain Buyers.
Wm Walker 1880 - John and Chas. Hugos - Harry Dickerhoof 1897 - O. F. Brewer 25 years - Phillip Hammer - H. M. Christensen - Bert Kelly - Bill Beatty 1900 - Erick Thompson 17 years - Myron Reed 1946 to present time.
Automobiles and Repairs: Blosser and Whitney 1910
Restaurants:
Art Ramage before 1909 - O'Conner and English 1910 - Orval Wright 1927 - John Hugos - Josie Medlin - Olga Dutton - Clarence Ross - Leslie Tate - Mrs. Gray - Mrs. Joe Carlgren - Mrs. Maxine Liby 1958 to present time.
Missouri Pacific Agents:
William Shaw 1879 - Mr. Tabor 1897 - Alfred Carmichael 1899 - Clarence Brewer - 1902 to 1943 - Augusta Cyr 1943 to 1960 - Mr. Stelgas 1939 - Mrs. Mary Clagett to present time.
Threshers:
Frank and Owen Dickerhoof Horsepower 1879 - A. Hanson Horsepower 1884 and earlier - Chester Lewis 1884 and earlier - F. D. Crook Horsepower 1884 and earlier - Charles Herrman Horsepower earliest in N. E, .Norway Township. Mike Stensaas Horsepower 1904 - Sam Logsdon Horsepower 1905 - Charles Monson Steampower 1908 - Cuthbertson and Medlin Steampower 1910 - Wm. Dunlap Steampower 1910 - Chas. Figgins Stampower 1911.
Norway Booster:
Fifty years ago Norway had a newspaper called "The Norway Booster" whose motto was "Knock not, lest ye be knocked." It was well and cleverly written and its advertisements were interesting. All the equipment was lost in a fire several yeas later and the paper was discontinued.
Blacksmiths:
Nels Hanson 1884 - Chester Lewis 1884 - Chas. Herrman 1885 - Nels Peter Hanson 1885 - John Lehn 1886 - Charlie Moore 1925 - Chris Hanson 1940 - Nelse Rimol 1884
Garages:
Co-op Garage, Russell Fraser 1950 to present time - Lloyd Barleen 1946 - Mex Wagor 1944 - Joe Ptaschek 1942 - Sherman Skidmore 1918 to 1932
Garage and International Harvester Company:
V. O. Wright 1945 - Carl Peterson 1950 - Garage, Harlan Bray 1959 to present time
Bank:
James Whitney 1910 to 1920 - Chas. Chizek 1920 to 1940
Stock and Hay Buyers:
John Summer 1897 - Samuel J. Summer 1902 - J. F. Dickerhoof after 1904
Barbers:
Nelse Nelson 1897 - Frank Davis 1900 - J.G. Lewis 1911 - Jim Barum 1937 - Bill Brewer 1948 to present time
J. P. Jensen, Carpenter and Builder, 1910 - J. O. Belden, Teamster 1884
Hotel W. Hedges 1916 - G. W. Wright 1912
Insurance:
Wm. J. Whitney 1910 - Chas. Chizek 1920 - Goldie Lindquist 1960 to present time
Lumber, Coal, Lime, and Cement:
Bert Ainsworth 1910 - Quincy Blosser 1910 - O. F. and Clarence Brewer 1906-1940.
Doctors:
Winfield Scott, M. D. 1870-1916 - John C. Sherrard, M. D. 1905-1959 - Anna Rimol, D. O. 1915-1960 - Wm. Reitzel Pharmacist 1880 - Anderson, M. D. - Hood, M. D. - Seastrom Pharmacist
Veterinary: Elias A. Moore
Irrigation Equipment, Seed, Fertilizer and Propane: K. C. Christensen 1959 to present time.
Seed:
Porter A. Hammer 1950 to present time - P. J. Hammer 1945 to present time
Flour Milling at Scandia Mill: E. Stanton 1871
Corn Shelling: Bud Jensen present time
State Highway Patrol 148: Mr. Glenn Liby
Stock Feeders (sheep and cattle)
Shroyer (from Miltonvale) 1914 - Newberry in 1900 to 1905 shipped cattle to London - Walter Darlington, Jr. 1910 to 1917 - Walter Darlington, Jr. and Porter A. Hammer made the last cattle drive from Texas to Norway Township in 1917.
Smith Bros. and W. O. Tate of Norway Township won places on Roll of Honor at the Corn Jubilee in Belleville, October 4, 5, and 6, 1890. Smith Bros. with 50 ears of White Dent Corn and 3rd prize of $2.00 with Yellow Dent. W. O. Tate won with a half bushel of Yellow Dent Corn.
Gust Nelson General Mdse. 1870 - T.A. Nelson General Mdse, and Post Office 1880 - J. F. Dickerhoof General Mdse., Windmills and Farm Machinery - Post Office (1887 to 1898) 1883 to 1904 - P. J. Paulsen 1897 "Best of round stead 10½ per Lb. also cold drinks." - Dave Dickerhoof 1900, Meat Wagon furnished fresh meat on ice every morning during the summer to the farmers - C. L. Ross 1907 - Karen Ross 1910 - 1904 - Bert Ainsworth Hardware 1910 - Kelly and Wright Hardware 1908 - Ole Erickson General Mdse. 1916 - Glenn Wright Groceries and Meats 1930 - Walter Darlington 1935 - Wm. Beatty General Mdse. and Post Office 1912 - Ida Satterfield General Merchandise 1941 - Clark Bailey Groceries and Meats - 1936 - Burton Hdwe. 1904 - Strain Hdwe. 1905 - A. U. Ledbetter 1902 - O. F. Brewer General Merchandise and Post Office (1903-1913) - Graham Grocery 1945 - C. O. Dickerhoof 1946 to present time except during nine months - Groceries and Meats - John Whitney 1950 - Max Wagor General Merchandise 1951 - Fred Wagor hardware 1947 - Joe Ptaschek Garage 1943 - Hdwe. 1944 - Loren's Hardware and Electric 1950 to present time - John Peterson Harness Shop 1890 - Belden Bros. Livery Barn 1892 - Mr. Booze General Mdse. 1895 - Mr. Peter Running Cobbler Shop - Mrs. Running had a spinning wheel, carded wool, spun yarn and made the finest of mittens and stockings 1893 - John Dembosky Liquor Store 1894.
Elevators Managers and Grain Buyers.
Wm Walker 1880 - John and Chas. Hugos - Harry Dickerhoof 1897 - O. F. Brewer 25 years - Phillip Hammer - H. M. Christensen - Bert Kelly - Bill Beatty 1900 - Erick Thompson 17 years - Myron Reed 1946 to present time.
Automobiles and Repairs: Blosser and Whitney 1910
Restaurants:
Art Ramage before 1909 - O'Conner and English 1910 - Orval Wright 1927 - John Hugos - Josie Medlin - Olga Dutton - Clarence Ross - Leslie Tate - Mrs. Gray - Mrs. Joe Carlgren - Mrs. Maxine Liby 1958 to present time.
Missouri Pacific Agents:
William Shaw 1879 - Mr. Tabor 1897 - Alfred Carmichael 1899 - Clarence Brewer - 1902 to 1943 - Augusta Cyr 1943 to 1960 - Mr. Stelgas 1939 - Mrs. Mary Clagett to present time.
Threshers:
Frank and Owen Dickerhoof Horsepower 1879 - A. Hanson Horsepower 1884 and earlier - Chester Lewis 1884 and earlier - F. D. Crook Horsepower 1884 and earlier - Charles Herrman Horsepower earliest in N. E, .Norway Township. Mike Stensaas Horsepower 1904 - Sam Logsdon Horsepower 1905 - Charles Monson Steampower 1908 - Cuthbertson and Medlin Steampower 1910 - Wm. Dunlap Steampower 1910 - Chas. Figgins Stampower 1911.
Norway Booster:
Fifty years ago Norway had a newspaper called "The Norway Booster" whose motto was "Knock not, lest ye be knocked." It was well and cleverly written and its advertisements were interesting. All the equipment was lost in a fire several yeas later and the paper was discontinued.
Blacksmiths:
Nels Hanson 1884 - Chester Lewis 1884 - Chas. Herrman 1885 - Nels Peter Hanson 1885 - John Lehn 1886 - Charlie Moore 1925 - Chris Hanson 1940 - Nelse Rimol 1884
Garages:
Co-op Garage, Russell Fraser 1950 to present time - Lloyd Barleen 1946 - Mex Wagor 1944 - Joe Ptaschek 1942 - Sherman Skidmore 1918 to 1932
Garage and International Harvester Company:
V. O. Wright 1945 - Carl Peterson 1950 - Garage, Harlan Bray 1959 to present time
Bank:
James Whitney 1910 to 1920 - Chas. Chizek 1920 to 1940
Stock and Hay Buyers:
John Summer 1897 - Samuel J. Summer 1902 - J. F. Dickerhoof after 1904
Barbers:
Nelse Nelson 1897 - Frank Davis 1900 - J.G. Lewis 1911 - Jim Barum 1937 - Bill Brewer 1948 to present time
J. P. Jensen, Carpenter and Builder, 1910 - J. O. Belden, Teamster 1884
Hotel W. Hedges 1916 - G. W. Wright 1912
Insurance:
Wm. J. Whitney 1910 - Chas. Chizek 1920 - Goldie Lindquist 1960 to present time
Lumber, Coal, Lime, and Cement:
Bert Ainsworth 1910 - Quincy Blosser 1910 - O. F. and Clarence Brewer 1906-1940.
Doctors:
Winfield Scott, M. D. 1870-1916 - John C. Sherrard, M. D. 1905-1959 - Anna Rimol, D. O. 1915-1960 - Wm. Reitzel Pharmacist 1880 - Anderson, M. D. - Hood, M. D. - Seastrom Pharmacist
Veterinary: Elias A. Moore
Irrigation Equipment, Seed, Fertilizer and Propane: K. C. Christensen 1959 to present time.
Seed:
Porter A. Hammer 1950 to present time - P. J. Hammer 1945 to present time
Flour Milling at Scandia Mill: E. Stanton 1871
Corn Shelling: Bud Jensen present time
State Highway Patrol 148: Mr. Glenn Liby
Stock Feeders (sheep and cattle)
Shroyer (from Miltonvale) 1914 - Newberry in 1900 to 1905 shipped cattle to London - Walter Darlington, Jr. 1910 to 1917 - Walter Darlington, Jr. and Porter A. Hammer made the last cattle drive from Texas to Norway Township in 1917.
Smith Bros. and W. O. Tate of Norway Township won places on Roll of Honor at the Corn Jubilee in Belleville, October 4, 5, and 6, 1890. Smith Bros. with 50 ears of White Dent Corn and 3rd prize of $2.00 with Yellow Dent. W. O. Tate won with a half bushel of Yellow Dent Corn.
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