This poem was written for the pageant, "The Wilber Story," which was presented by members of the Wilber-Clatonia Grade and High School, with the assistance of instructors and the Centennial Committee.

I wish to dedicate it to my family and especially my grandchildren, who are decendents of the pioneers who made this country a famous melting ground of people of all nations.

Mrs. Irma Ourecky

In 1492
Columbus sailed the waters blue,
He never dreamed the land he found
Would some day prove a famous melting ground.

Settlers came to America and settled the East,
They set up a government and population increased,
They spoke of land to the West, --
In 1803, to purchase Louisiana would be best.

General John C. Fremont and Company of four
In 1842 were set out to explore,
On June 20, in his diary Fremont wrote
On my way to the Rockies, this I quote--

"This is a clear and handsome stream,
about 120 feet wide, running with a
rapid current through a well timbered valley."
This stream is now known as, "The Big Blue River."

Indians hunted and danced among the trees
Unpolluted were the lands and the breeze,
The Government passed, "The Homestead Act," in the fall of 1862--
Men would come, women and children too.

Tobias Castor came in 1862, date is right
One and one half miles south was his site
Blue Island, first post office, under a tree
Located in Castor's home; then Sanford Harrod's farm until 1873.

A sale bill read:
6 yoke of oxen with yokes
2 wagons with beds
25 steel traps
1 bbl. pickled cabbage
1 hogshead tobacco
9 fox hounds lot of coon, mink, skunk skins.

Captain Jacob J. Hunt, a disabled Civil War veteran,
From Benton County, Iowa, came with his wife Susan--
In Nebraska, in 1862, he hoped to regain his health
Also perhaps to gain some wealth.

Religious Freedom and war in the land
Drove the Czechs in 1865, from their own homeland.
The beautiful Blue River Valley, the rolling hills,
Gave these emigrants their first real thrills.

They stopped, they prayed, they sang, "Where Is My Home"
They brought customs, were industrious, but "Kde Domov Muy?"
These Czech born farmers now their poise recovered
Beside the Big Blue, Turkey Creek they discovered.

They exclaimed at the tall grass so green,
The water in the river so blue,
The meadow so broad, the trees so tall,
The sang, "Out on The Meadow," "Aj Lucka, Lucka."

To the east of the Blue River the Germans came,
To these industrious farmers, the land was all the same,
There customs were a little different, but they all did roam
In this free America, to find a home.

The children were so happy to view the trees
The river where they could fish and play
They thought of the story of Hansel and Gretel
And did the German dance to a German tune.

Neighbors went miles to help one another
Here everyone was the others brother.
The first log cabin was of Captain Hunt and wife Susan, built in1862
Four children were born in it, and to adulthood grew.

March 1, 1867, Nebraska became a state
School District 5, in this area was built in 1868,
Here Andrew Hanna taught 41 pupils, ages 5 to 21,
For an 80 day term, he was paid $72, in 1870, on April 1.

To the south was a town called Swan City.
In 1867, County officers were selected to do their duty.
However, a resolution was passed,
When a more central town was platted, an election would be asked.

To the north was a town named Crete,
Kopecky Half Way House was a retreat.
The pioneers walked to dance there,
Musical instruments from home, included a comb.

In 1871, Anton Shimonek came
A hardware business he started, still bears his name,
It has stayed in the family down through the years,
Now Fred Shimonek and Anne sell hardware and Czech souvenirs.

To the northwest, in this county named Saline
Was a settlement named Pleasant Hill, where the grass was green
An election decided the county records should be there,
On July 1, 1871, they were carried in one valise from Swan City.

Records tell us settlers spent $1000
In the busy year of 1872,
And drove 75 miles to Nebraska City to buy lumber
To build a jail, where bad men could slumber.

Also in '71, Burlington and Missouri Railroad men, were working hard laying tracks,
So farther west, they could bring settlers and their packs.
In 1872, they commenced operation,
In the fall of 1873, in this place was a station.

Thomas Pasek settled on a farm to the northwest in 1873,
A Czech bandmaster who practiced his profession for 66 years was he,
He taught many pupils to blow on a horn,
And organized a band of 13 to play at dances in a farm-barn.

Now on the scene comes a land speculator,
an Englishman named Professor Charles Dana Wilber.
Also his wife M.N. Wilber of Will Co., Ill.
And Jacob Mowery, and Margaret, his wife,
Who acquired title to their land, under "The Homestead Act."

On March 10, 1873, they platted and filed for record,
The original town of Wilber, named it for Wilber,
who gave land to the R.R. to develope a town,
Mr. Demming then built a boarding house
Of lumber hauled from Crete, by Dan Brolliar.

Henry Clark then built the first store,
On the corner of 4th and Main,
He was general merchant, grain dealer, and
Also first postmaster when the post office was moved there.

South of where brick hotel now stands
C.D. Wilber built hotel known as Wilber House.
Mr. Wormley, a speculator, built a store
On the northwest corner of 3rd and Main.

John Goodin built a store building for himself.
These few buildings formed the nucleus
To house other offices and businesses,
Around which the town expanded to present proportions.

The Czechs brought delicious sausage recipes
Of ground meats, with special spices
Wilber Wieners has always been a special meat
That everyone loves to eat.

The first settlers of English Extraction
Brought with them special dances and dress,
They would like to present to you
Some of the steps they can do.

In 1874, Wilber and William Mann of Watertown, New York
built a brush dam across the river,
Then they built a mill where 100 barrels of flour per day were ground.
Wilber sold his interest to James Harvey, now Mann and Harvey.
Mann died and left his share to Harvey.

The people also decided in 1873
Religion is a formality,
T'ne first church was built from donations and native lumber
Rev. Fred Alley was the first pastor, to preach about the Master.

The Methodists purchased by subscription,
The first bell of any description.
Everyone in town loved to hear it toll
It is still behind the church on a pole.

The first baby born in Wilber, November 23, was a boy
Who Thomas H. Barnes and wife named LeRoy.
In 1907 he was assassinated in Denver defending his mothers honor
In Sunnyside Cemetery on a brass plate, his tombstone tells his fate.

1873 brought another general merchandise store,
by S.J. Herman, Ed Beck and Wencil Shestak.
John Gordon built a business house in 1874.
George Neely and J.W. Berkey a wagon shop,
Fred Alley drugs and O.P. Norris cabinet maker.

To Sanford Harrod, from County Superintendent McCreedy
Came word School District 82 was formed February 18, 1873
Sections included were 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, west half 14,
School in Wilber was now taught in 1874.

In the same year farmers in the vicinity
Organized short-lived Saline County Agricultural Society,
Landsold for $5 to $8 per Acre, so they could sow wheat,
Oats, corn, cabbage, peas, lettuce, turnip and beet.

"To the garden Annie went
Cutting cabbage her intent
No! No! Naughty Joe
Pay for this before you go!"

On July 26, 1874 at 2 P.M. while children were having fun,
So many grasshoppers appeared they hid the sun.
Poultry ate hoppers, but as sky darkened they went to roost,
Hoppers ate everything green, trees where chickens did roost, shingles, boards.

A Czech Cemetery Board was organized February 17, 1874,
On March 10, Joe Karas a 10 year old boy was buried there.
In 1883 land was deeded by O.S. Edison and wife to plot Sunnyside Cemetery,
Trustees were Mann, Harvey, Shackelton, Cole, Meeker.

In 1875 was the wedding of Anna Hynek and John Zvanicek Jr.
A neighborly affair with food, music, chivari,
But everyone who attended, with smallpox was infected
All adults and children became very ill, those that passed on numbered fourteen.

The funerals were grim, caskets were small,
Hardly had enough lumber to make them all.
Hearse was a horse drawn wagon, to a mound on the hill,
Many graves are unmarked still.

Editor J.W. Wehn in March 1877
Moved from DeWitt to Wilber, news "Opposition"
750 was the circulation
W.H. Stout edited and discontinued in 8 months, "The Free Press.'

Warnicke and Thayer had a cigar factory in 1878
Five men were employed at $40.00 per month
Brands were Favorite, Night Cap,
Palace, Tra-la-lee, Golden Bell, and Bijou.

Now on the scene came Railroad towns, Friend and Dorchester
But no railroad to Pleasant Hill or a place called Center,
Early in 1877, the County Seat dispute came up again
An election on September 4, put all five places on the ballot.

No one place won a majority, so on Sept. 18, 1877,
Pleasant Hill, Wilber and Crete were in the runnin'
Still no maJority, so were left only two
Between Wilber and Crete the voter must now choose.

When the votes were counted on November 6, 1877,
Wilber received 1,349, Crete 1,119, majority 230 for Wilber
The records were to be moved to Wilber January 1, 1878
One week before moving date, Crete served restraining injunction on Commissioners.

The case went to Judge J.A. Weaver at Lincoln
Who set January 28, 1878 to render his decision
Weaver went to his home in Falls City.
Since the hearing would be there, Henry Clark of Wilber also wentto Falls City.

Clark was to telegraph the judge's decision in code,
To Dorchester to a waiting messenger,
Who would take it to Pleasant Hill where
Men and teams were to be waiting there.

Townsmen were commanded to fall in line
'Ere the town bell announced the hour of nine.
One hundred men and teams passed over the hill
Destined for soon to be relieved, county seat of Pleasant Hill.

At every farmhouse and crossroad in the country reinforcements joined the throng,
They reached the quiet hamlet, at least 300 strong,
A messenger was dispatched to Crete, that a Wilber mob, the town had taken,
Immeidiate assistance vas necessary for protection.

No word had yet come by telegram from Dorchester
So S.S. Alley jumped on a horse, and later returned waving a paper,
Shouting, "It's all right boys, its all right.”
The comissioner issued an order, to contractor John Tripp to clear offices of men, prepatory to loading safe, papers, furniture.

Treasurer's office was last, County officials were asked,
"Well what are you going to do, are you going with us to Wilber, or are you going to stay here?"
"We will go along with the stuff," they replied.
"All right." "Climb onto the wagons.”

The caravan arrived in Wilber, late at night,
Tired and hungry they were, but satisfied with the success of their expedition.
Judge Weaver had really not yet made his decision, He came to Pleasant Hill on January 31, dissolved the injunction and,
"Wilber" was declared, "The County Seat by His Honor."

Now the wagons must be unloaded,
Tobias Castor tendered free of charge to the County,
Lower room of building Lot 276,
And a front room of a building Lot 272.

A contract was now let to W.S. Van Austin,
To build a new Court House for $14,000.
Citizens of Wilber donated $3,000, Wilber Precinct voted $5,000.
The remainder by the County was provided.

Now the town is replly progressing
A good education our children are missing.
$240 was paid for 12 lots, Wilber contractors Beeney and Dix in 1879
For $5,993.00 built of soft brick a school so fine.

On a very still morn of January 12, 1888, temperature was 40°
By 3 p.m., 15 inches of snow fell, thermometer was 60 .
Suddenly "Old North Wind" blew up a terrible storm,
Pupils and teachers remained in school overnight to try to keep warm

The pioneers on the prairie were far from a doctor
Home remedies were tried but not always true
In the following verses I will mention a few,
This was about all the poor mother could do.

If a man has a headache cut hair around bowl and burn hair, to stop headache.
For an earache put a split baked potato over ear.
Grease chest and neck with hot skunk oil or
Eat fried onions or put onions or onion plaster around neck to cure colds.

For a sore throat remove red wool sock from foot and wrap around neck, or
Cut bacon in strips, dip in vinegar and tie around throat.
If you burn your finger stick it in your ear.
If you have infection make a poutice of bacon grease and salt on a rag.

Now in the year 1890
A wooden bridge was built across Big Blue River
To improve the road coming in from the East
Transportation and trade now increased.

The cornerstone for Richtarick Brothers Opera House was laid in 1892
A wonderful building this was, it is true.
A stage for plays, concerts, graduations, traveling operas,
A bar, a balcony, a dance floor for dancing.

In a County Seat, little outhouses are an eyesore,
$17,000 in bonds was authorized for waterworks in May 1894.
This included water mains, hook and ladder, 1000 feet hose, minimum charge $3.00 a year
First firemen were Ed Borecky, Adolph Cerny, Will Binger.

Zwonechek and Akeamit purchased mill in 1895, and built a dam, mill burned in 1905, rebuilt same year,
Thirteen men were employed who put out 250 bbls white, 100 bbls rye flour daily.
"Little Hatchet, Golden Thistle, Dictator" were the brand
Also farina, cornmeal, graham flour, and farmers could exchange wheat for flour.

In 1895 Wilber Hotel of brick was built
"A beautiful building in its day," I quote,
It served the city for many a year
Now it is closed and waiting its doom, I fear.

Military Company E first Regiment of National Guard,
Was an organization of Wilber young men in 1898,
These men were learning the science of war
While following the pursuits of peace.

At the turn of the century 1900,
Wilber is made up of an enterprising class of 1,250 citizens
Whose character is strong, but conservative
Shown by the fact that for ten years they could have been a city of second class.

However, a village organization is maintained,
Municipal affairs are transacted,
Through a board of trustees in economical and business like manner,
Instead of a mayor and city council.

The business places listed in 1900 included
Six general merchandise stores, two hardware,
Two lumber yards, three implement houses, two drugs,
Three confectionary stores, three millinery, two furniture
Three tailors, three blacksmiths, two bakeries, four barT
Shops, two banks, one abstract office, three livery
Barns, two harness shops, one butter and egg house,
One photograph gallery, six saloons,
Seven lawyers, four physicians, two dentists, four
Newspapers, painters, carpenters, plasterers and dressmakers.

Six churches now around town
Offered worship services on Sunday,
Twenty-two lodges had been organized
Some of which, today we still patronize.

Citizens that wanted lights, the others outnumbered
On October 23, John T. Burke of Omaha was contracted
To install a lighting system of 1400 lights
lOO consumers there were at 9¢ per K.W. hour.

Taxes, wages, and prices were all in conversation
$125, was paid, per month, to water commissioner and electrician.
Taxes in town were about $60 on $7000 valuation,
Taxes on land worth $40 to $60 per A. were $22 on $7000 valuation.

An eleven year course was offered in the school in 1900
A staff of eleven the teachers numbered
A library of 500 volumes worth $1400
Was available for use by 547 scholars.

In 1902, D.G. Hopkins was School Superintendent
He published in the paper, first ever column of school news.
These dealt with course of study for students,
And good instructions to the instructors.

Many orchards for home use dotted the land,
Peaches, plums, cherries and apples were canned.
By railroad cars in 1902,
Apples were shipped out at 50¢ a bushel.

In a community with so many activities
Communication among people was a problem
Telephones were installed in 1903
$1.50 for business, $1.00 for residence was the fee.

The Wilber Baseball Club in ' 03
Had the Best All Home unsalaried team in the state
In future history in, ' 13
Nebraska Senate approved Baseball on Sundays.


The school could not house all the students
In '03 an addition was built onto the south
A stately building of hard bricks it was
Arched windows and doors and a cupola for bell above.

Now the farmers around had grain to store,
So the Farmers Elevator was organized August '04
It was opened for-business in '05
All these years it has really kept alive.

History of Wilber Brewery dates back to 1901
Located to the north, it was started by local citizens,
Who likewise consumed the product
Although the company made rapid growth, it relocated.

From 1910-1918 Wilber Brewing Co. was located one mile
west, south side of highway
Joe Zeman was brewmaster,
"Silitel," the "Beer that made Omaha jealous," was manufactured from 1910 on,

In 1917 Prohibition came, so the product was, "neer beer."
June 7, 1918 lightning struck the structure It burned to the ground and was never rebuilt,
From 1903-1930 Bottling Works was on the north side of the highway
Pop was manufactured and delivered by Zeman till business was sold to Henry Pospisil in 1930.

In '07 a law office was opened by Stanley Bartos
who came when he was four,
For 30 consecutive years his name was on the door,
Then to District Judge for 20 years he was elected
To work on many a community project he was selected.

A four wheel motor car to ride in made the scene,
Vaclav Kohout opened the first garage in '13.
Motorcycles down the streets speeded,
Horses at these sights retreated.

Alois Slepicka ran the first picture show in '13
Later he served as Mayor eight years, State Legislature two terms, Clerk of Saline County, two terms.
He loved "Trees", in '37 sponsored naming Nebraska State Tree, "The Elm."
He claimed to have walked thirty of thirty-six miles to the Legislature at age 88 to plead a case for preservation of a row of trees.

Zwonechek and Aksamit in '18
Built a new dam across the Big Blue River
It produces electricity to this day
Which lightens housekeeping chores in every way.

Now to our homes comes company through the atmosphere
In the form of a box, with a headseat, one headphone for each ear,
Later through a screen the radio blares out a song and prose
You must have one in the parlor to keep up with neighbor Jones.

American Legion and Auxiliary organized 1920, following World War I,
Named Louis Post in Honor of Lewis Prokop buried in American Cemetery in France.
Following World War II, name changed to Lewis Milan
In memory of Milan Dejml, second casualty.

On April 5, '21 after ballots were checked
Elected first Mayor of Wilber was F.J. Zwonechek
City Clerk was William Skopec,
City Treasurer was Fred Shimerda.

May 21, '21 first meeting was held,
Under Mayor and Council form of government.
Four members made up the Council,
Six members made up the Board of Education.

Before 192O, when Court House was not yet 40 years oid,
State Fire Commissioner Redgell condemned it unsafe,
County Commissioners at once levied taxes for a New Court House Fund,
And Wilber won an election to prevent relocation.

June, '26 an election for bonds did not carry,
But on July 26, '27 the results were satisfactory.
The Special Fund levied by taxes already had $110,000
The Court House and Jail were to cost $210,000.

On June 5, '28, the American Legion laid the cornerstone,
Delegates had all agreed to work together for Saline County,
On Wednesday June 12, 1929, the New Court House and Jail
Were formally dedicated with elaborate and impressive ceremonies.

Farmers had used for wheat harvest, sythe, cradle, binder--
In '27 Fred Tichy Sr. purchased first combine in the county.
It was a Gleaner Baldwin mounted on a Fordson tractor,
To combine grain on the stand would be much faster.

Incubators with coal oil lamps, or hens, eggs hatched
The poultry which was used for meat,
Anton Stipek of Wilber invented a brooder stove with a hover
Slow burning coal would heat a brooder house and the babies cover.

As the dust and mudholes were unsightly
Pavement was poured on the main streets,
A gravel pit on Turkey Creek was uncovered
And gravel in the country, highways covered.

Wilber Czech citizens way back in 1880, organized Sokol, became inactive until l901.
During World War I they sold their hall to help oppressed Czechs in Europe.
In '25 Mr. and Mrs. Vaclao Novak and Mr. J.J. Novak
Were instrumental in reorganizing and rebuilding at present location.

In ' 30 on September 26, 27, 28,
The Sokol Lodge of Wilber set the date
For the opening of their new auditorium,
Built for Sokol Turning and public entertainment.

Now every housewife wants her house clean
Natural gas was turned on in ' 30, on October 17,
And on that same date,
Court House bonds were burned, oh what a fate!

Depression in the 30's, hit farmers and townsmen
In the city there was a halt in improvin’
Wheat prices dropped from $1.40 to 28¢ Corn $1 to 8¢
Rains failed, grasshoppers arrived, winds blew topsoil.

Dollar Day Specials raisins $1.25 a bushel,
Admission to basketball games 10-15-quarter,
To the Moon Theater to see a show 10, 15, 20,
Gas seven gal. for $1-oil 10¢ a qt.-tires $5 to $10.

The American Legion and Auxiliary a patriotic association
Saw a need for a home of their own,
A brick clubhouse was built with the Legion Emblem above the door
It was dedicated in ' 30, on November 4.

The Ladies of the Auxiliary to the hall did come,
Organized a group and learned to play the drum
For entertainment the people did go
To Chick Boyes or Dr. Roberts traveling show.

The old Brick School at the seams was bursting,
Advanced equipment and rooms were needed for learning,
May 25, ' 31 a beautiful brick building was dedicated
So that our children would be better educated.

Up until this time youth went to the, ”Old Swimmin' Hole"
Swung from the branches, or plunged right in--
Clothing was stolen, hidden, or tied in knots--
In ' 37 the city and W.P.A. funds built a modern swimming pool on empty lots.

To learn to swim and dive could save lives
Classes in swimming were organized.
Instructors and life guards were hired
August 6, the first commencement was held.

In '37 Bernard Klasek a practicing lawyer
Was hired as Superintendent of Wilber Public School
For 26 years he helped children practice "The Golden Rule."
As accompanist on the piano, for many a production, his wife Sylvia helped too.

The Country people still used lamp and lantern
On Friday, August 19, '38--300 farmers received electricity
to change their life pattern
Lights blazed from window and yard pole,
Electric stoves and equipment were purchased; the old must go.

On June 2, '39, in the park on the Blue River northeast of town
A Country Club was dedicated, a place of renown
Food, drink, and a beautiful dance floor
Boating, picnicing, who could ask for more?

Refrigerators in these days were cooled by ice
Delivered by an ice-man and team, later a truck;
In Jan. '41, 200 tons of ice on the Blue was harvested
In ice houses or ice plants, packed in sawdust
for summer use it was preserved.

On the morning of July 5, '40
A stranger walked into Apfelbeck meat market, bought 15¢ worth of bologny
He left a partner in a parked car,
And with another pal entered Bank of Wilber.

$2,366.35 were put into the bag from the meat,
Ed Kohel, a farmer, at the door they did meet.
Ed Beck, the banker, and Kohel were taken,
Taped to trees eight miles southeast of Beatilce
on the Big Blue River.

Beck had only a quarter, so they gave him a $5
Kohel explained he should be cutting oats so he got a $20.
"Get back to Wilber we must."
Two women in a car, the hitch-hikers didn't trust.

The news quickly spread, the sheriff he sped By 11:30 a.m. the hostages were back--
Met by 150 Wilberites, who patted them on the back
The hold-up men were escaped convicts from Fort
Madison, Iowa, Penitentiary.

On April 11, '41 an attempt was made to rob Saline State Bank
J.J. Novak pulled alarm, which excited the bandit, who pulled the trigger,
Bullet wounded H.V. Jelinek's leg, rickochetted and hit A.W. Fridrich's seat
Orville Shinner was found guilty, and sentenced to 20 years in the Federal Penitentiary.

The year '42 was one of work and drives
A coyote hunt netted ten coyotes, 1,170 rabbits, $275 to Red Cross
Defense Bonds and poppies were sold
Air base soldiers were guests of Legion and Auxiliary.

Gas rationing, donations for two fire trucks expected
Red Cross Hcme Nursing first aid classes
Wilber School releases typewriters to Government
Due to labor shortage, farm women learned to drive tractors.

Airraid wardens and shelters
Black-out signals, and practices,
The city buys electricity from Zwonechek and Aksamit
The school band leads the State Fair Parade and attends Band Day at N.U. football game.

In 1943, the Infantile Paralysis epidemic was one of worst in history
In 1944, War Bond Drives continue, firemen purchase two hospital beds
Recruiting for help of female WAVE and WAC
Coyote hunt brings in $37.35 for Red Cross and Salvation Army.

The farmwife is delighted with less chores in the future,
Home poultry hatching will be a thing of the past
Sups hatchery is to open in Wilber at last,
They have installed two electric incubators the eggs to hatch.

June 9, '44, Crete Mills Elevator in Wilber closed its doors
It had served the community for 52 years,
Flying by air was now new transportation
Three local men were chosen on January 12, to serve on airport commission.

May 11, VE Day was observed by school and community
But it was August 17, before W.W. II was over and Japs accepted unconditional-surrender
A feeling of peace setteld over all families
And clothing was sent to war-torn countries.

On Monday, September 24, '45 at 1:30 in the morn, a car hit the railing
Of the bridge east of town, four persons were injured.
At 6:30 a trucker with a load of feed was crossing the 55 year old structure,
Suddenly it collapsed, and the unhurt driver found himself in the Big Blue River.

The Highway Department decides not to rebuild, but to change the road straight east
They allotted $10,000 to be spent on Highway 41.
Gravel is spread on Highways 82 and 41
October 24, '27, "New Bridge Ribbon Cutting is held, with many dignitaries present.

19 Improvements are always in order, the city did feel
On January 11, '46 they decided to have an elevated watertank made of steel,
Entertainment and trade moved west of the tracks August 2, '46 the Old Opera House was sold for lack of trade.

On the south end of town was a plot
Called, "Old Fair Grounds," or "Park Spot."
Thirty-one acres were purchased by Legion on August 6
A park, football, and baseball field to fix.

January is always cold in Nebraska's story
The blizzard on January 7, '49 was the worst in history
On January 21, Legion decided to erect lights, cost $10,000 at Atheletic Field
February 18, $40,000 diesel engines the city did install.

Farmers in the community with truck and tractor
Are raising more grain than did their forefather
Elevator Board spends $150,000 to build in '48 150,000 bushel elevator, surely changed the skyline shape.

Since pioneers came, to now, Big Blue River is a place to fish,
March 20, '49 native Fleeger Mashek appears with a 75 lb. catfish,
4 feet, 4 inches long, 32 inches around head, 8 inches in mouth with which it ate,
Sect. State Paul Gilbert says it's largest in history of state.

April 5, '49 bond issue for municipal building passed,
July 5, mercury lights were turned on at last.
The Legion Boys planted 300 trees on May 20.
To 11 man football games the admission was 15-25-50.

A new epidemic struck our children
Polio was the illness that did the crippling
School districts were having problems
On December 2, '49, School Reorganization Committee was formed.

People became independent and didn't ride rails,
On May 25, '50, R.R.. to two trips daily service curtails.
4-H Clubs in the vicinity do lot of things,
In November, in Chicago, the 4-H Trio sings.

On May 11, '51, on Ed Kresak farm west of town,
A prehistoric, 4 foot long, jawbone was found.
The housewife could make a dress of cotton material, 3 yards for $1
Minimum wage was 75¢ an hour.

March 8, '56 J.J. Novak was honored,
Fifty consecutive years to the banking business he had given,
Many a loan was made so the community could prosper
Also a good place to bank many a dollar.

The years on the farmers had not been easy,
June 28, '56 first land bank payments were made.
July 26, hail destroyed the corn,
In December we were approved as a drought area.

In '57 a new industry started
Aluminum combination windows was the product.
Oil was to be on the road between Wilber and Crete
Farmers interested in irrigation on Feb. 21, first did meet.

The government in '60 built a missle sight to the west,
The F.F.A boys destroy 4000 farm pests.
The bridge across Turkey Creek is replaced,
Among the youth the hula hoop is the craze.

Now in the schoolrooms in '60 T.V. sets are installed
Educational T.V. by the University is taught.
Charles B. Klasek, a Wilber alumni, is first director
A success in our school, is felt by every teacher.

In '62 Mayor-elect Walt Baer, and wife Helene, Met with Govenor Morrison who was anxious to promote tourism here.
Joe Seacrest of Lincoln Journal was on state tourism committee
These persons with others would confer.

In February of '62 an idea was conceived By Senator Joe T. Vosoba, Judge Eugene ZaJicek,
Pastor Wm. Temps, and Mayor Walt Baer
To perpetuate Czech culture and traditions here;
To acquire a museum and stage a Czech Festival.

First Czech President Joe T. Vosoba chose Wilberites to assist,
Those put to work, no one was missed.
Dig out of trunks old Czech costumes,
Revive in Wilber old Czech customs.

August 3 & 4, '62 were dates set for first Czech Festival, theme chosen "Czech Heritage."
The High School Band had Czech Costumes, and instructor Hutchison organized "Sauer Kraut Band."
Dolls to dress, souveniers to make, floats to build, decorate store windows, streets, homes.
Judge Bartos wrote and directed Czech Pageant.

20,000 visitors came to eat 1,853 dozen kolaches, duck, dumplings, kraut, rye bread.
After the parade Governor Morrison announced a new Post Office, and his wife Maxine sang.
Jane Pospisil was first Queen, Jenifer Broz Princess, and David Schleis Prince.
Activities also included band concerts, street dancing and by Sunday night nothing was left to eat or drink.

A Czech Museum was organized,
First contrlbution was two Czech Bibles
Donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Korinek of Friend.
Two beaver hats with plumes, of 1800 vintage, from Marie Danerell of Hastings.

The year '63 brought many improvements
January 3, Big Blue Supermarket build by Adrian Zikmund and Kenneth Smejdir held Grand Opening
March 2, first laundromat, owned by Bert and Ty Buck held Grand Opening
March 21, Wilber Manufacturing Co., Inc. organized with Joe Horacek as president.

July 17, '63 Judge Eugene Zajicek, second Czech President was present at Govenor's mansion
When Govenor Frank B. Morrison proclaimed Wilber "Czech Capital of Nebraska."
Proclamation included, "Nebraska Czechs are sucessfully preserving perpetuating
Music, dancing, art, customs, foods, language, folklore tradition and heritage of ancestors."

Mayor Baer designed a colorful emblem,
It included golden wheat, blue plow share and red plow handles.
It was to be used on all handcrafts, by the Wilberites sold
During annual Czech Festival and all during the year.

The '63 Festival was again a big success,
Monday, September 9, the new Post Office opened for business
The Highway north of town was paved.
In November, Low Rent Housing carried the ballot.

March 8, ‘64 Nebraska Czechs held a "Masaryk Day Dinner,"
Nebraska Czechs Inc. was reorganized into chapters
Dwight received Charter No. 1, Wilber Charter No. 2
Internationally known organization is now known as Nebraska Czechs of Wilber.
Whose President was Mrs. Lulu Kohel.

Dwight followed our pattern and staged a Czech Festival.
Komensky Club of University of Nebraska served a Czech Banquet.
Many Nebraska Ethnic Groups have now revived cultural activities
As well as groups in other states of the Union.

Also in '64 a $500,000 project was rushed
To widen nine blocks of streets, remove the bricks and pour paving workers must.
Mercury lights down the streets were also installed,
And Zajicek and Son built and moved to a new Funeral Home.

In 1965, District 82 was enlarged by the joining of 16 districts
Superintendent Eugene Dirkschneider had two months time
To organize accommodations, busses, hot lunch programs.
Faculty numbers 37, custodians 4, cooks 7, busdrivers 9, secretaries 4, librarians 2 and aids.

Mr. and Mrs. Miles Stastny "Friends and Preservers of Czech Heritage,"
Purchased and donated to the Czechs a building for a museum.
Across the street on junction of highways 41 and 82 was placed a Historical marker,
Which commemorated lOO years since the first Czech Saline County Settlement.

Lyle Altman was President of the Czechs,
Governor Morrison drove a team hitched to a hayrack in the parade on Sunday, August 8,
Among the dignitaries in the rack was U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Orville Freeman.
He was the speaker at the Dedication of the Marker and the Museum.

Mayor Glenn Zajicek was elected President of Czechs in '66,
The Gage Coluty Fair Board for $3,650 offered bleachers for the Legion Park.
The School, Legion and Czechs paid the bill.
Volunteers of the community furnished trucks and labor.

Milo Chaloupka, a native farner, in the news was featured,
His rich baritone voice at over 2500 funerals
Had sung "Sejdem Jse" or We Will Meet Again."
Ladybird Johnson, wife of U.S. President, had a new project,
Litter prevention and Conservation was her theme.

On S~nday, Jan 8, ‘67, Wilber Nursing Home held open house,
A beautiful, all modern municipal owned home for the ill.
Wilber entered National Cleanest Town Contest,
Mrs. Alice Wissenburg trave]ed to Washington, D.C. to receive a Recognition Award.

March 1, 1967 was "State of Nebraska Centennial"
Stanley Pospisil, President Nebraska Czechs of Wilber, werit along with the theme.
The annual Festival, Art Show, Queens Contest, contests entertained many visitors.
Over 5000 duck dinners, countless hamburgers and kolaches were consumed.

In '68 President Novotny at once was involved
The 62 piece High School Band accepted an invitation to the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.
The Band followed the Kolache Dough Road as 24 organizations worked together to bake.
A masquerade in the Old Opera House added $500 to the $4500 to raise.

In May, '68 a $1,475,000 school bond issue was voted upon,
And a 40 acre building site west of the town was chosen,
1,173 votes were cast, 959 for, 214 against.
Grades 5 thru 12 are to be assigned to the new facility.

Construction has been completed on Low Rent Housing named "Czech Village."
Thirty modern apartments were ready for occupants.
On Sunday, May 12, U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy of New York gave dedication speech from hayrack.
He was accompanied to Wilber by Astronaut John J. Glenn and wife.

Two weeks later, Kennedy was assassinated sadness for all,
On May 16, Dr. F. G. Travnicek who had served the community for 30 years passed on,
And on the East Coast the "Scorpion" a submarine was overdue Jerry Pospisil of Wilber lost his life there-too.
A very great need of the community was fulfilled,
When donations by Mr. and Mrs. Milo Stastny were combined with a Federal Grant
To build a library featuring Czech Heritage Room, Educational Room and Patio.
It was named "Dvoracek Memorial Library," in memory of Mrs. Stastny's

parents and dedicated November 10, 1968.

On Sunday, March 23, '69 at annual Czech Banquet,
Joe T. Vosoba and committee inaugurated a series of awards.
Mrs. Irma Ourecky, Czech President, was First "Lady of Libuse"
Dr. V. Kucera was first "Knight of Blanik."

Also named recipients were Mrs. LaVange Shiroky President Kansas Czechs
Alfred Novacek, Co-author of a book "Czechs in Nebraska."
John Kouba--President Oklahoma Czechs
These awards are for "Extraordinary Community service in preserving Czech Heritage."

On Saturday, June 21, two busses of Wilberites left on a Good Will Tour of Canada,
To attend and participate in "Manisphere 99," in city of Winnipeg.
Eighty people included twenty three youngsters
Who participated in music, song and dance.

At annual Czech Festival on August 2-3, was given
First King Charles Award to person of Czech descent known nationally or internationally.
Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan,who went to the moon was first one chosen,
His mother accompanied by his sister, both of Chicago, came and accepted the award.

The Lincoln Star on Friday, April 9, issue featured,
Floyd Herman, who helped start first University of Nebraska gymnastic team,
Was one of 89 Americans to attend International Sokol Slet in Czechoslovakia in 1932.
Spent four years in theatre and night club engagements.

This native son came back to the farm,
Irrigates 220 acres on Big Blue River,
Serves on many boards and committees and with wife Evelyn,
Entertains many out of state and national visitors.

Senator Roman Hruska was present at 1970 Festival
To receive second King Charles Award from Czech President Irma Ourecky.
In September, a group left to tour Czechoslovakia
Glowing reports were brought back by participants.

The new High School on the hill was being erected.
Classes began in September of '70, though the building was not completed, Much credit for planning should go to the Board of Education
Superintendent Eugene Dirkschneider, and Principal Darryl Kile.

On May 23, '71 at 2:00 p.m. Dedication was held,
The High School Band under the direction of Duane Jorgensen, played
A School Choral Group directed by Toni Witwer sang
Milo Pekarek, an Alumni gave the Dedicatory Address.

The School Band received the First Place Trophy
For participation in Nebraskaland Parade.
The Safranek Barber Shop Contests were given to the Museum
Which now has a wonderful collection of Artifacts.

Czech President, "Pep," Joe Horacek a builder,
Awarded King Charles Award, to Charles Stastny of Chicago
Who was National President of Builders Association
He enjoyed immensely all the activities of Czech Culture.

The Czech Beseda Dancers sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Brydl
Have traveled to countless communities to present their talent
On Saturday December l9, they participated in a Christmas Show in Boulder, Colorado.
Along with Myron Floran, famous accordianist of Welk's "Wunnerful, Wunnerful, T.V. Show.

Wm Stehlik is President of Czech for year '72
In May, Democratic Presidental Candidate, George McGovern makes whistle stop in Wilber.
The Nursing Home which is five years old, holds
Open House for New Addition on June 11.
Mrs. Anton Sebek is President of Willing Workers who meet there
every Tuesday to make Yo Yo Dolls.

Joe T. Vosoba and wife Kathy donate famous red hay rack to the Czechs,
Dr. Alvin F. Frolik, native son of Saline County, Uni. Ag. Dean receives King Charles Award,
The Moravian Cultural Society of Berwyn, Ill. in native costume, perform Czech folk dances,
South Omaha Sokols, and Czech Pageant, keep people entertained.

The Old Log Cabin in '72 is a 100 year old blacksmith shop.
Many a change has taken place, in the living ways of the human race,
But in the Spring, still the violets bloom,
And lovers in the moonlite croon.

Likewise the City of Wilber, never had a boom,
But through the years has progressed and held it's own,
There are ghost towns, and places no longer on the Nebraska map,
However pride we possess, these verses do prove.

As Czech Capital of Nebraska in '73, our heritage we are teaching,
Mrs. Irma Ourecky, over 200 people is instructing,
We are the largest city in the state whose
residential population is over 90% Czech.
Smaller communities may have as large a percent,
and larger communities may have more people.

Nebraska contains the largest number of Czech-born farmers,
Over 20% of all who live in the United States have settled here,
They still hold dear their reasons for coming--
Their,"Love of Land, Truth and Freedom."

The Czechs chose Eugene Dirkschneider President for '73,
Mayor Zadicek appointed a Centennial Committee,
Coins were ordered and other problems were solved.
Everyone in the Community must be involved.

On March 10, on Wilber's 100th Birthday, it rained all day,
The Sokol Ladies served a banquet of Czech Menu, at 6:30.
Over 300 guests broke bread together
It was wonderful, this way to gather.

Mayor Glenn Zajicek introduced the Mayors of the County and neighboring Caltonia.
Mrs. Evelyn Herman was Chairman of guest awards,
Mrs. Kubicek of Crete was oldest present in Centennial Dress, age 85.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Apfelbeck oldest couple.

The oldest Four Generation Group were
Grandpa George KraJnik age 92,
Daughter Mrs. Lewis Kotouc,
Daughter Mrs Delphin Korinek, and sons Dean and Daryl.

Director Duane Jorgensen and High School Stage Band furnished music of past years,
Speaker Tom Allen, of World Herald, had the guests all in laughter.
Mr. B.J. Klasek, gave in interesting History of Saline County, and Wilber.
Chancellor D.B. Varner, of University of Nebraska gave a very interesting address.

Master of Ceremonies Joe T. Vosoba, made a surprising announcement,
A Centennial King and Queen had been chosen for their interest and donations to Community.
Mr. and Mrs. Milo Stastny were honored and each presented with a trophy.
The floor of tables and chairs was cleared in a flash,
The gents and ladies in Centennial gowns did dance,
Math Saldky's recording orchestra played polkas for the ball
And a good time was had by all.

Thus was the first activity of our first century,
Many a function is in the planning.
To you, future generations we are leaving
Our heritage, for the good life to come.

Now as we close let us sing to you
“Never Will Return The Days of Youth.”
Somehow we don’t want them to return,
We feel we have fulfilled our tasks in this first century of Wilber.

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