Custer County, Nebraska - Chapter 12: Lodges and Social Organizations, 1919

Chapter 12: Lodges and Social Organizations

Ax Earlv-Day Feed - A Stag Party Performance - Fux with a Meek-eyed Broncho - A Pioneer Picnic - An Old Settlers' Association - 1883 was the Boom Year - Old Settlers' Association of S'outh Loup - Ancient Free & Accepted Masons - Independent Order of Odd Fellows - !Modern Woodmen of Custer County - Ansley's Lodges - Mason City Lodges - Royal Neighbors of Arnold - The Grange - Woman's Clubs in Custer County - Shakespeare Club - Callaway Sorosis Club - History of Browning Club - The Book Lovers' Organization - Broken Bow Art Club - Arnold Women's Improvement Club - The Broken Bow Woman's Club - Sargent Woman's Cli'b - Woman's Club. of Axsley

Nowhere on the planet can he found a more sociable people than the Custerites have always been. In pioneer times they were not given to overmuch formality, but possessed that free and easy sociability and hospitality that always mark the western people. They visited in each other's homes, they congregated in the schoolhouses, they held public celebrations, a picnic was a favorite way of spending the day, informal dinner parties were served as often in the society of forty years ago as in that of to-day, according to population. Many of the prominent settlers had, before their migration, belonged to lodges of the east, and. with a lodgeman's nose for smelling out fraternal kinship, they formed their cliques and clans, which ripened into warm friendship before enough kindred spirits had arrived to form the lodge.

To illustrate some of the gatherings of pioneer days, elsewhere in this chapter will be found an account of a stag party and broncho entertainment which gives a very vivid portrayal of early society, before the advent of ' women. Reference is made to Mrs. Stuckey's dinner-party story, to show the improvement in society after the advent of women.

early-day society "pulling oft" a dinner party : "We would arrange to get together, as many as possible, on some set day, and go all together to the ranch of some neighbor. We never sent any warning when we might be expected, but we were always welcome, always had a good dinner, and the cook was never put out. Let me describe a ranch dinner of the olden time. This, of course, is an invited dinner. There were no menu cards, but there were turkey, chicken, quail stuffed with oysters, chicken salad, all kinds of vegetables, jellies and preserves made from wild fruit which grew in abundance in the canyons, cakes and dainty desserts of various kinds, cofTee, tea, or chocolate. The table was always beautiful, no matter how plain the surroundings. No fine paintings adorned the walls, but many pretty things for the table had been brought from eastern homes. Sometimes there was a knife short, but the butcher knife was drafted into service and proved an excellent substitute. Perhaps there were not enough chairs to accommodate all of the guests, but several molasses kegs, with which tlie ranch always abounded, were l')rought into requisition : a long board was laid on them and covered over with robes, which made a seat good enough for a king - a cattle king, at least. The hospitality of ranch days was unlioundcd

Anent the hilarious times of early days, when whole-hearted hospitality was extended by every ranch to anybody that might pull the latch-string, and where neighbors were always welcome to shove their feet under the table or crawl into a bunk, R. E. Brega, of Callaway, gives an interesting account of an early-day stag party that took place on the Benger & Brown ranch, which was then located in Brown valley, about five miles southwest of the present Callaway. Brega describes it somewhat like this :

"On that memorable occasion there w-ere present: Charles Thornburg, M. E. Schneringer, Fred Brown, George O. Benger, J. J. Douglass, R. E. Brega, and others, now forgotten. The first act on the program was to kill a sheep, the next to elect a cook, and by the way, in those days, the men were all pretty good cooks. The balance of the programme went round in circles. In turn, each told a story, sang a song, danced a jig, or played a tune on an old accordeon which Fred Brown brought from England, and the awful screeches of which told stories of neuralgia, rheumatism, and gout - and made the screech owls green with envy.

"At the end of each round, there was served, lamb, ram, sheep-meat, or mutton, together with pancakes and cofifee. This continued through the night, until the lamb had entirely disappeared, and the pancakes ceased to be made, for lack of flour.

"That you may better determine the degree of enjoyment experienced by the participants, it is added that forty-eight hours later, George and Fred were located under a hay-staok, sound asleep - while the sheep wandered on the hills far aw'ay."

To get an innocent tender-foot on 'Skyscraper,' 'Starjumper,' "Dynamite," 'Thunderbolt,' or some other 'cowboy-buster,' afforded much amusement, and I recall now, how mean we were, for the higher he went, and the harder he fell, the better we liked it. \[y sides ache wdien, I think of one instance. Finch- Hatton Brothers had just received a friend from England, who was making a short stay, and who was afterward known as Frank Bannister. Frank was a very humane and kindhearted fellow. He thought it was wrong - very wrong - to put a heavy saddle on a little broncho, and, in addition, he thought it v>'as unnecessary. To be brief, he presented a very forcible lecture along this line, and insisted that we should use light saddles or ride our horses bare-back. Still further, to back up his assertions, he longed for an opportunity to demonstrate the correctness of his idea, remarking, 'If I only had what you term a mean horse, I would be glad to show you how nice he would act.' Well, this was something 'soft.' We had been looking for him for a long time, and before he concluded his sermon on the pony, Frank Brega slipped into the barn and brought forth a very pretty black mare called 'Deceiver.' By way of introduction, I will say that Al Wise, a noted broncho man of those days, had given her up as a bad job, and sent her further west. This pony was quiet and verv' gentle about the barn, which fact had given rise to her name, 'Deceiver.'

"Air. Bannister's nerve was with him ; he threw a blanket on the pony, and was on her back in a jifify. Round and round he went! Not a pitch : not a buck. The crowd felt like - the boy the hen ran over, but our time was yet to come. "All things come to those who wait.' Yet the crowd was imjiatient. Finally the pony was called to a halt just in front of the cabin door. Then it was that our punishment commenced, for how he did boast ! "I will now,' he said, 'be able to go back to England and tell the people how the pony will be spared in the future.' In this manner he continued for a time that seemed like ages, when a gentle wind came to our relief. A small whirlwind turned over a paper near the pony.

Ii would take an eye-witness with a circus education to tell the rest. "He didn't know it was loaded,' but it went off just the same. He struck the building like a thousand bricks. How the crowd did double up and howl. They had laughing-stock enough to last six months. Frank has been in this country now manv years, and no one has ever heard him talk of light saddles since, and if you see him riding, take notice that he rides a forty-pounder."

A Pioxeer Picxic

Twenty-six years after the organization of the county, the old settlers organized an Old Settlers" Association and arranged for the first annual picnic, to be held at Broken Bow, August 5, 1903. The account of the picnic, as it appeared in a local paper at the time, is inserted here, to show the spirit of the pioneers at that time and also because, it contains \aluable data:

"The first annual picnic of the Old Settlers' Association of Custer county, held in the public park at Broken Bow, August 5th. was a far greater success than was anticipated by any one. The crowd commenced to gather early, and by eleven o'clcKk quite a representative number of people had assembled. In the forenoon a business session was held, at which time officers were elected for the ensuing year. The officers are as follows: President. L. H. Jewett; first vice-president, J. E. Cavanee ; second vice-president, J. R. Land ; secretarytreasurer. E. R. Purcell ; historian, George B. Main \\'ith the exception of Mr. Lang the officers were the same as for the preceding year.

"At twelve o'clock, dinner was spread in the park, and a very large number of picnic parties were scattered about the grassy plots in the splendid shade. It is estimated that about 500 people occupied the park during the noon hour. At 1 :30 o'clock the Broken Bow band gave a half-hour concert, while the people were assembling. At two o'clock the gathering was called to order and the program commenced. By this time the crowd had swelled to immense proportions, and upward of 1,500 people congregated around the speaker's stand. President Jewett called the meeting to order, and made a very appropriate speech. The address of welcome on behalf of the city was then delivered by Mayor E. R. Purcell. Harr}- O'Neill, of Omaha, speaker of the day, was introduced, and entertained the audience for half an hour with a splendid talk. Mr. O'Neill is one of the old-time residents of Custer county, and his speech, as well as his presence here, was enjoyed by all. The Ryerson quartette then favored the audience with a choice selection, after which Daniel Sage, the long-haired poet, read one of his popular poems. Mrs. Stuckey, Broken Bow's popular singer, also favored the audience with a selection, which was heartily applauded. Another number on the program, which was appreciated, was a poem written by Tommy Burlin, and it was read by Mrs. G. O. Joyner, of Ortello. Mrs. Alice Dowse Sims read a paper descriptive of the first settlers of the northeast corner of Custer county, which was very entertaining.

"The balance of the program was given over to reminiscent talks from quite a number of old-time residents of Custer county, and this part of the program was a genuine treat to everyone. Among those who spoke were J. I\L Fodge, Jess Gandy. H. M. Sullivan, Mrs. Moses Lewis, Alpha Morgan. Jud Kay, C. H. Jeffords, J. D. Ream, and G. R. Russom.

"The award of medals was an interesting feature of the day. The following are the winners : The earliest male settler of Custer county in attendance at the picnic, L. R. Dowse, of Comstock, who dates his residence from August, 1873. ^Irs. L. R. Dowse won the medal for the earliest female settler of Custer county in attendance at the picnic. She came here in January, 1874. The earliest male child born in Custer count)', in attendance at the picnic, was John F. Bell, of New Helena. Mr. Bell was born in New Helena, in March, 1876. The oldest female child born in Custer county, in attendance at the picnic, was found to be Mrs. Alice Dowse Sims, daughter of Mr. and ^Irs. Dowse, who won the medal for the oldest settlers. ^Irs. Sims was born February 22. 1875. The four winners were called to the platform, where the medals were presented by Mr. Fodge. The committee on these awards consisted of J. M- Fodge, John Reese, and J. J. Douglass.

"The unsuccessful contestants for these medals were as follows : For oldest male settler Florian Jabobs, New Helena, November, 1875. For the oldest female settler, Mrs. Nc George, May 20, 1875. For the first-born boy, Lilburn Oxford, born July 22, 1876 ; and C. O. Taylor, born January 26, 1880. For the first-born girl, Mrs. Hattie Carr Osborne, born September 6, 1878; Mrs. Maude Noble Gliem, born September 11, 1878; Miss Myrtle Allen, born February 28, 1881 ; Miss :\Iadge Potts, born May 25, 1881.

"Mr. Dowse, who up to the present time holds the record of being the oldest member of the association in attendance at the picnic, has been a resident of Custer county for almost thirty years. Whether he will be able to retain this, we cannot say. It is the intention of the association to award these medals each year, to the oldest settlers and the earliest born who are in attendance at each picnic. The program continued until nearly five o'clock, but the visiting and intermingling continued in the park for several hours later. The day was a decided success from every standpoint. The weather was all that could be desired, the program was replete with splenddid things and the sociability of the crowd was a feature that was noticeable on every hand. It is a foregone conclusion that the old settlers' picnic of this county will be a great event every year. The membership of this organization at this time numbers something like 300 people, and it will no doubt continue to grow until the membership reaches into the thousands. Next week we expect to publish the papers that were read at this meeting.

"Among the very old settlers who were in attendance at the pi:nic in this city on Wednesday, we note the following: 1873: Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Dowse, of Comstock. 1874; J. R. Forsythe, New Helena ; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Lang. Algernon : \\'. H. Comstock. Cornstock.* 1875: William O. Boley, New Helena; Mr. and Airs. H. C. Stuckey, Tuckerville; Mrs.

The first old settlers' association ever organized in the county, so far as obtainable records show, was the old settlers' association of the northwest quarter of Custer county, which was organized in 1890. At this time the oldest settlers in the district would have been residents only nineteen years. The meeting for the organization of this association was held in the home of J. J. Joyner. seven or eight miles west of the present town of Merna.

At this time temporary officers were elected. J. J. Joyner was made temporary chairman and D. V. Joyner temporary secretary. A committee, consisting of J. M. Fodge, S. H. Read, and S. K. Redman, was appointed to report on form of organization. The committee made an informal report, and after its adoption the permanent officers were elected, as follows; J. J. Joyner, president; J. M. Fodge, first vice-president ; S. H. Read, second vice-president ; W. M. McCandless. third vicepresident ; G. O. Joyner. secretary. The program committee of that year's ])icnic consisted of J. K. Cooper, Joe Kellenbarger, and Mrs. H. C. Fodge.

the associalion has not failed to hold its annual picnic. These occasions have always been of a very enjoyable nature. The minutes of the association have been well kept and the organization is to be congratulated upon the data they have compiled. The minute book, whi:h contains the membership roll, gives the names of 231 old settlers, with the respective years of their settlement.

Association of the South Loup was organized. Then was held our first picni-. The thought of organizing and holding an annual picnic was first suggested by Mr. William lirown, who now resides, I believe, in Buffalo county. The grounds were located by Mr. Brown, Mr. Sammie Robinson, and Nc George. Tlie s])eaker at our first celebration was Rev. .\lex. Boyd, who recently moved to Illinois.

"Speakers, distinguished for their ability, from diflferent parts of the country, have entertained us year by year. .Among them we remember Rev. Crist, N. Dwight Ford, J. J. Douglass, Rev. W. L. Gaston, and Judge Sutton, of Omaha. Judge Sullivan, of Broken Bow, addressed us last vear. His address was four in 1885, and one in 188(). Thirty-three present of this hundred came in the years 1882, 1883, and 1884. Those were the influx years, not only of the northwest quarter of the county but also in all parts.

One of the most successful and aggressive old-settlers' organizations of the county is the South Loup association, which has been in existence for ten years, and holds annually a picnic, the atendance and entertainment of which are famous throughout the county.

Mrs. Xc George, in a brief paper written not long since, outlines the inception and details the history of this organization. Because of its historic value the paper is here submitted :

"We elect officers annually. Mr. James E. Jones was our first president and has served in this capacity a number of times since, which proves that some officers at least, 'are bom, not made.' Mr. William Shoemaker is our ]iresent president, and I am sure you will concur with me in the dictum that he has done splendidly in giving us a pleasant and happy time together to-day. We have always been helped with the programmes rendered, and amused with various sports, but best of all is the greeting from old friends. The spoken word, the hearty handshake, and the forming of new acquaintances year by year, is a wonderful ins])iration. « there were 500 people in attendance. At that time we were made happy at the prospect of the association being a success, by there being two automobiles on the grounds, one owned by Mr. Lambert Johnson, of Sumner, and the other owned by Mr. \'enus Goodwin, of the same place. Now all have noted the difference in this respect to-day.

"Since the first year or two, the increase in attendance has been plainly manifest, and a thousand people would not be an exaggeration. Last year was a record-breaker and there were probably L500 people on the grounds. To-day we miss some familiar faces, - those of persons who have left us in recent years and months, among them being Air. George Lash, Mrs. Ezra Wright. Airs. Whitman Robinson, Mrs. Walter Brown, J\Irs. George \\^illiams, Mr. Eulie Brown, Mr. Joseph Cherry, Mr. Adelbert Mason, Mr. David Downey, Mrs. A. L. Downey. Most of these, if living, would be here to-day. Alany of our younger men are in our national cantonments, training for service. Two boys from this immediate locality who were with us one short year ago are now in France. One, Arthur Stuckey, born and reared partly in a nearby neighborhood, sleeps the last, long sleep in France to-day.

"It has been the endeavor of the association to keep the morale high and to make the animal picnic a day in which all can find enjoyment of a high order."

The annals of Alasonry in Custer county date back to the coming of the settlers. .Although no lodge was organized until 1885, eight years after the organization of the county, a number of the settlers were Masons and connected with lodges in their former homes. The late Frank H. Young, who during the last forty years had been the first apostle of Alasonrv in the county, if not in the state, joined the Alasons in 1874, and in 1877, the year that the county was organized, he attended for the first time the grand lodge of the state. Thereafter he attended every session of the grand lodge up to and including the session of 1917. This remarkable record made him an attending delegate for forty consecutive annual sessions. With the record of such a man, and those of other kindred spirits, the work of Masonry had place in the county before the organization of the first lodge.

The records of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska, show that on July 13, 1885, a dispensation was granted by the then grand master, Monoah B. Reese, late supreme judge of the supreme court of Nebraska, to fifteen Alaster Masons to open a lodge at Broken Bow, under the name of Custer Lodge, L'. D., with Frank H. Young, as worshipful master ; James M. Kelsey. senior warden ; and Hollis G. Rogers, junior warden of the new lodge. In addition to the above named brethren, the fifteen named included Isaac Merchant, Robert H. Miller, Leander H. Jewett, Michael Conley,' James Lindly, Harvey Said, William H. Russell, Thomas T. Williams. Cornelius R. Tratt, Albert G. B;- mis, Charles Kloman, and Ira AI. Foster.

Brother Edward F. AlcClure informs us that during the previous spring he interviewed Robert H. Aliller, the then editor and proprietor of the Custer County Republican, and suggested the calling together of the Free Alasons of the county for the purpose of taking steps to organize a lodge. This undertaking may be judged when we consider that above named gentlemen lived from Lee's Park, on the east, to where now Callaway is, on the west ; from New Helena, on the north, to near where Oconto is, on the south - a varying distance of sixty miles apart.

Brother McClure took it on himself to write each of these brethren a letter setting ^orth the object of the meeting, and fixed the time at the convening of the spring term of the district court, which was presided over by Judge Savage. The place of meeting was the Community building, which is now a part of the Burlington hotel, and the upstairs of which w'as a hall for all manner of meetings, as well

The records available show that Milo F, Young, the father of the first worshipful master, was the first initiate, and James D. Ream the second to be inducted into the mysteries. During the first year the degrees were conferred on Charles Penn. Robert P. McKnight, Emerson H. Potts ( from near where Lomax now stands), Edmund King, Harvey B. Andrews. Walter C. Hedwell. Diah \\"oodruff, George E. Carr. Osborne P. Perley, William G. Brotherton. and James G. Brenizer. Brother Brenizer had already received the first two degrees, in Keystone Lodge, Number 2, located at Phillips, Nebraska, but by request was "raised" in the new lodge. All of above named were more or less active in the development and advancement of the new county, and one frequently meets with their names among the county records, in some capacitv or another.

When we realize that the scope of territory covered by these different brothers and the amount of work accomplished during the year, as well as the conditions under which the work was done, we cannot but help compare our present surroundings and wonder what we would have done under the same conditions. Brother McClure tells us that the anteroom had cracks through which "a cat could be thrown." and when the cold, chilling bla.';ts of the north wind would swoop down upon them during work, the candidate, as well 'as the brethren, would hug the stove in real earnestness.

At the annual meeting of the grand lodge in June. 188(1. a charter was granted the nev.- lodge, under the name of Emmet Crawford Lodge, Number 148. The selection of this name was due to the fact that in January. 1886. Captain Emmet Crawford, of the Regular Army, was murdered by a company of Mexican soldiers just across the border. lie was buried at Kearney. Nebraska, April 11, 1886, having a military and Masonic funeral - one of the largest funerals ever held i'.i the state. Regular .Army officers came from

Colorado, ^lissouri. and other places, as detailed, while numerous members of the craft were present, not only from Nebraska, but also Kansas, Colorado. Iowa, and Missouri. Captain Crawford was a member of Richmond Lodge. Number 230, Philadelphia, and the manner of his death not only excited the interest of army and fraternal circles but caused governmental inquiry and action. The burial having occurred a few weeks prior to the meeting of tlie grand lodge of Masons in Omaha, and the grand secretary. Brother William R. Bowen. being an ex-officer of the United States army, suggested the name for the new lodge, and it was adopted and accepted.

At the time Emmet Crawford Lodge was instituted, the nearest lodge to the east was at Grand Island, while to the west there was none in Nebraska. Its jurisdictional territory was much larger than many of our ea.stern states, but in population it was "few and far between." As the distance to travel in going to and from lodge was great, and the roads led across the treeless prairie, regular meetingnight was fixed on Saturday night on or before the full of the moon, so that the weary sojourner would have the light of that luminary to cheer him on his way.

While the surroundings, furnishings, and buildings were primitive as compared with those of to-day. yet to hear those old-timers tell it. they had many an enjoyable evening in concourse with their brethren, interspersed with an occasional banquet and dance, typical of the whole-heartedness of the times.

The first Alasonic funeral, that of Edmund King, who was shot and killed by a dwarf, Ed. Demerrit, was held on December 16. 1888, a goodly number of brethren from adjoining towns being present to assist.

As the settlement of the county increased, new centers sprang up, so it was not long until other lodges were formed, and in August, 1887, Mason City received a dispensation, on the petition of eight Master Masons ; also Merna Lodge was formed, on the petition of nine Master Masons; while in February. 1888, Gladstone Lodge, of Ansley, was established.

On November 24, 1890. the members of Merna and Emmet Crawford Lodges, were invited by the most worshipful grand master. Robert E. French, to assist in the laying of the corner-stone of the Protestant Episcopal church at Callaway. This was the first corner-stone laid in the county under the auspices of the Masons. At this meeting, steps were

December 10, 1904, on petition of eleven brethren, a dispensation was granted to form Anselmo Lodge, with Brother John J. Tooley as master; George E. Carr, senior warden; and L-a M. Foster, junior warden.

tatccn for the formation of a lodge of Free Masons, so that on January 31, 1891, a dispensation was granted, on the petition of nine Master Masons, for Parian Lodge, at Callaway, with Brother Frank H. Young as its master; Michael Conley. senior warden; and Andrew J. ^McMurtry. junior warden. This was recommended by ]\Ierna Lodge.

On November 17, 1893, on the petition of fourteen Master Masons, a dispensation was granted to open a lodge at Arnold, under the name of Cable Lodge. Albert G. HofTman was named as its first master, in which office he continued two vears, and he was succeeded

To the parent lodge, Emmet Crawford, each of these lodges looked for assistance, which it received, either in contribution of members at the time of formation, hcl]) in conferring the degrees, or such other aid as was needed. In their turn each of these have contributed to the parent by furnishing members for the "higher" degrees, such as chapter, council, and commandery, for Broken Bow has each of these bodies and is prepared to confer all the degrees of Ancient York Rite Masonry.

The total membership of the lodges of the county, as furnished by report to the last grand lodge, is 662. Add to this 138 Royal Arch Masons, 100 Royal and Select :Masters, eighty-five Knights Templars, and some 300 that belong to the Scottish Rite, one can have a fair idea of the interest taken in the mysteries of Masonr_\- by the inhabitants of the county.

Several of the lodges own their own homes, and many thousands of dollars have thus been expended in the upbuilding of their respective communities, by the erection of handsome buildings, used for lodge halls and business blocks. Perhaps those of Ansley. Anselmo. and Callaway are more worthy of special mention, as the buildings of the fraternity in those towns are splendid monuments to the zeal, industry, and self-sacrifice of the brethren. Each of these buildings has fine appointments and is beautifully furnished, tending to make one feel that true f'ratcrnalism prevails.

The grand lodge has at different times recognized the spirit prevailing, and has never hesitated to come when called upon for special ceremonies, such as the laying of comer-stones for public buildings, as well as lodge halls, the dedication of these halls, the holding of funerals of distinguished members, and other work of similar order.

Then, too, there are in the county, many of the members of the order who have received the highest honors that can be bestowed. Bi other Reuben B. Mullins is now the only thirty-third-degree Mason in the county, and, indeed, it is an honor to be thus recognized for some meritorious act. The late Julius JWilson served the craft as grand high priest of Royal Arch Masonry in the state, duriiig the year 1909. AI])ha Morgan served as grand master of Masons during 1913 and 1914, and later as grand patron of the Order of Eastern Star. Judge X. Dwight Ford is the retiring grand patron of the Eastern Star, and Henry H. .Andrews is now grand sentinel of the same order.

within the power of the craft to bestow, as well as that of grand patron of the Eastern Star. Reference has been made, elsewhere, to the record made by Brother Young in attending every consecutive session of the Grand Lodge for full forty years without break or interruption. In this connection it should be stated that during that time all the money allowed by the grand lodge for mileage and expenses was turned back into a charity fund for a children's home which he had planned and hoped to establish. The fund so started, e:rew until it reached $100,000. then its incre- ment became available for use. lentil this l)rin:ipal amount was reached not a dollar was ever used, so in a very large sense Frank II. Young was the founder of the cottage home for children, located in Fremont, and owned and maintained by the Masons. This home was built in 1915. For nine years Brother Young was the president of the Nebraska Masonic Home, at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, whicii institution has furnished home and comfort for a great many aged peojjle. In jjoint of attendance at grand lodge Mr. Ynung ranked second in the state. To augment his record of forty consecutive sessions at grand lodge he has a record of thirty-six consecutive sessions of the grand chapter and twenty-nine consecu-

In the general statement concerning the work of Masons in the county ^Ir. Morgan has given a skeleton outline, and very modestly has refrained from mentioning any of the service rendered the order by himself. I\[;". Alpha Morgan is one of the prominent Alasons of the state. He has passed through all the chairs of the grand lodge, and while grand master made a record of which his fellow craftsmen are proud. At the present time he occupies the exalted capitular position of grand king and in two years more will pass to the higher honors of grand priest.

Outside of fraternal circles Mr. Morgan is one of the first citizens of the county. An attorney of note and prominence in the county bar, he is a graduate of the law department of the Iowa State University, and he has been a resident of the county since 1887.

John J. Tooley is now deputy grand master of the state, and the brethren feel confident that he will be advanced to the higher position, that of grand master.

Ixdependent Order Of Odd Fellows

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows comes in for its share of importance, in the part it played in the early history of Custer county. It came with the pioneers, more than forty years ago, but no organized effort was made among the Odd Fellows of the county until the citizens of Broken Bow applied for a charter and Broken Bow Lodge, No. 119, was formed, June 21, 1884, with eleven charter members. Dr. R. C. Talbot, of Broken Bow, whose name appears on the charter, is the only one of that number still living-.

The first meeting was held in the old city hall, - - a building which now forms a part of the Burlington hotel, - the officers at that time being: N. H. Hopkins, noble grand; A. W. Gandy, vice-grand ; L. H. Jewett, secretary. In decided contrast to the old meeting place is their present home, a beautiful white glazed-brick, fire-proof structure, which was erected and dedicated in 1916, at a cost of about $20,000. They now have one of the best halls m the state and a membership of 179.

In point of membership, W. G. Purcell is the oldest member in Custer county, having, joined the order in 1882, and he has served a major part of that time as secretary of Broken Bow Lodge, No. 119.

The different branches of the order in this city have been highly complimented, by reason of the fact that each has been represented at the grand bodies in the jurisdiction of Nebraska. Mrs. Margaret Holcomb, of Rebekah Lodge, No. 110, was president of the Rebekah assembly the year 1911-2. W. G. Purcell was grand patriarch at the session of the grand encampment October, 1906; October, 1907. Dr. T. W. Bass was grand master of the 1912-13 session of the grand lodge, Nebraska jurisdiction, and in point of membership was the youngest grand master to serve, having come into the order April 23, 1900. During his administration the membership of the state made a healthy growth. He was representative from the Nebraska jurisdiction at three sessions of the sovereign grand lodge - at Minneapolis. Minnesota; Atlantic City, New Jersey ; and San Francisco, California.

Since the organization of the Broken Bow Lodge, have been organized in the county, lodges at Arnold, Callaway. Oconto, Anselmo, Merna, Berwyn, Ansley, Mason City, Sargent, Comstock. and Westerville. with a total membership in the county of 1,139. The lodges in Custer county are in a flourishing condition, many of them owning their own homes.

Custer Camp, No. 4477. was organized at Broken Bow in 1897, with a very small membership. The Modern Woodmen of America is probably the strongest fraternal-insurance organization in this country, and the local camp at once became a popular one. It has grown rapidly in numbers, until at the present time it has a membership of 330 and is second in size of all the camps in this part of the state.

Axslev'S Lodges

Ansley Lodge, No. 156. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized December 8, 1887. Charter members : George W. Baugh, Daniel Hagin. E. H. Gaines. Robert J. Mills, Thomas J. Wood. O. M. Geeseman. Dana M. Saville, A. R. Humphrey, Edgar .V. Hainsworth, J. J. Brown, and D. M. Amsberry. The present membership is 119, and the oldest member is C. S. Ellison. The present officers are: Noble grand. William Price; vice-grand, .\. L. Real; treasurer, S. G. McCoUistcr; secretary. L. D. Russell. Meetings are held every Wednesday evening.

Agnes Carothers, John Thornton, A. H. Turpen. R. J. Holeman. E. G. Taylor. C. C. Tabor. C. E. Lawson, J. H. Carothers, Laura Turpen. Minnie Taylor, Mary Carothers. Elizabeth Geeseman, Hattie Thornton, Emilie Schmid, Hernia Lawson, Jennie Geeseman, and Ogle Varney. The lodge is at present in good working order. During the ten years of its life, it has lost but one member by death. Sister Anna Harris, who answered to the last call on June 20, 1918. During the past year, the lodge has received by initiation, transfer, and reinstatement, twenty-one members. Our present membership is sixty-two Present officers: Noble grand, Agula Springman : vice-grand, Emily Real ; secretary. Addie Fowler; treasurer. Marv Nelms. "Our motto is friendship, love and tnith ; our aim is peace, harmony, and prosperity."

The charter for Gladstone Lodge No. 176, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was issued February 18. 1888. to Francis M. Rublee, Brougham Stevenson, \\'illiam O. Chapman. William D. Fritz, James F. Sharpless, Hiram H. Wirt, E. R. Burrows. Philip M. Evans, James W. Fairfield. Marion G. Hayes. John W. Russell, C. J. Stevens. Thomas T. Williams, Thomas A. White. James M. Scott, and Isaac Clark. The first meeting was held Febniary 20, 1888. with the following officers: F. M. Rublee, worshipful master ; Brougham Stevenson, senior warden ; William O. Chapman, junior warden ; Clark J. Stevens, treasurer ; Edwin H. Burrows, secretary ; William D. Fritz, senior deacon; Alex. Grierson, junior deacon ; I'hilip M. Evans, tyler. Lodge was opened in entered-apprentice degree. The first petition was received from Josiah .\. .\rmour, and he was the first to be initiated in the entered-apprentice degree, March 19, 1888. The first meeting was held in Stevens' hall, and the entered-apprentice degree was conferred the same evening on Samuel Royds, Isaac A. Reneau. George E. Snell, and J. A. Armour. On April 2. 1888, Lee P. Gillette, grand custodian, was present. The present Masonic temple was built al a cost of $10.72.i.08, and was dedicated November 19. 1914. the dedicatory service being in charge of Brother

Ansley Chapter, No. 203, Order of the East- - ern Star, was organized April 10, 1906, with the following charter members: A. F. Pinkley, W. R. Young, William Burdett, J. W. Scott, D. A. VanSant, John Davis, ]\Irs. L. ^1. VanSant, Mrs. Jemima Scott. Delia Stott, Florence Stevens, Mrs. Jennie Stevens, Mrs. Eliza Pinkley, Mrs. Lottie Shepard, Mrs. Fannie Gaines, Carrie VanSant, C. J. Stevens, E. H. Gaines. C. E. Mattley. J. H. \'arney. Edgar Varney, and Mrs. Isabella Burrows. Its first officers were: Worthy matron, Mrs. Jemima Scott ; worthy patron, John Davis ; A.M., Mrs. Fannie B. Gaines ; secretary, ^Nlrs. Lizzie M. \'anSant: treasurer, Mrs. Isabella Burrows : conductress, ]Mrs. Eliza Pinkley ; associate conductress. ]\Iiss Delia Scott. The present membership is ninety-six ; the oldest member is Mrs. Amelia \'arney. and the youngest member is Miss Ellen Boyden. Present officers : Worthy matron. Ogle \^arney ; worthy patron, E. W. Rayson ; A.^I.. Mrs. Delia Lockhart ; secretary, Mrs. Grace Maulick; treasurer, Mrs. May Morris; conductress, Mrs. Clara Gaines, associate conductress. Mrs. Elsie Mackey.

The ?^Iorning Star Camp, Royal Neighbors of America, was organized May 25, 1898, with the following officers: Oracle, Miss Jeane Wright ; secretary. Miss Ethel Burns. The following were the charter members: Mary

Carlin, Marcus Richtmyer, Mrs. M. Richtni}-- er, Charles Hare, F. E. Wolford, E. H. Burrows, John Thornton, C. J. Cummings. Thomas Harris, E. L. Cleveland, James Davis, W. Burdett, F. W. Carlin, A. H. Turpin. W. B. Young. L. H. Hoover, John Scott, Charles Cummings, Eugene Haines, Sarah Beach, Jennie Pixley, C. W. Hamilton, Alice Hamilton, Laura Wigent, F. A. Wigent, Frank Watson, Day Watson, G. A. Allen, Charles Mitten, C. E. Lawson, Elizabeth Boyd, Hannah AT. Scott, Debbie Boyd, James Hiser, Josephine Hiser, Hattie Thornton, Emma Wolford. Hester House, Emma Hare, Dora Weath, T. C. Berry, Dr. E. A. Hanna, Clara Wakeley. Delia McGowan, Jemima Scott. William Smith, Mrs. William Smith, Mollie ^'arney, J. W. Cornstock, Mrs. J. W. Comstock. Mrs. William Burdett. Mrs. James Davies, E. B. Pinkley, A. F. Pinkley, and Emma Fox. At the present time, there are 121 members - eighty-nine beneficiary and thirty-two social. The present officers are: Oracle, Lilly Wilkinson; viceoracle, Mary Lawson ; treasurer, Amelia Schmid ; chancellor. Anna Pester ; physicians, Drs. Young and Hanna ; secretary, Mrs. E. A. Butler; managers, J. W. Scott, Grace Maulick, and Gertie Horton.

L. Morton, was born January 1. 1900, and adopted June 1, 1918. The present officers are: P.C, J. H. Gonge : consul, J. B. Jone- ; adviser, John Springman ; banker. E. I'. Gaines: clerk. Perry Foster; escort, Roy Patterson : watchman, D. P. Scott : sentry. W. K. Kimball; physicians. E. A. Hanna and W. K. Young: managers. J. H. Gonge, H. F. Springman, and J. 11. Jones.

"The first lodge organized in Mason Cit}' was Alason City Lodge No. 100. Ancient Order of United Workmen, which was accomplished in December, 1886, and for many years this was a prominent fraternal society.

"Mason City Lodge, No. 170, Ancient Free and .-\ccepted Masons was granted a dispensation in the year 1887, with Judson C. Porter, worshipful master ; A. B. Johnston, senior warden; W. .A. Runyan, junior warden: Robert Walker, secretary : Dr. Hiram C. Chase, treasurer ; AI. C. Warrington, senior deacon ; James Gouley, junior deacon. A charter was granted the following year. This lodge is still in a flourishing condition, and is proud of the fact that its Service Flag has seven stars. The fraternity owns and occupies its own property and expects to erect a handsome temple after the termination of the war.

"The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is represented in Alason City by a live working lodge, which was instituted in November, 1890. This lodge has a large and enthusiastic membership, owns its own property, and has in contemplation the erection, at a not distant date, of a substantial new home.

"A thriving organization of the Modern Wodmen of .America - Custer Camp. No. 1157 - has long been a fixed institution in Ma.son City. The membership of this camp is large and 'log-rolling" meetings, to keep the members interested and to add new ones, are of frequent occurrence.

Stone River Post, No. 247, Grand Army of the Republic. Few. indeed, are the old veterans of the Civil war who make up the membership of this post, but with that degree of duty and loyalty which marked the period of their lives which they so gallantly devoted to the cause of their country, with unfaltering devotion to the tlag, they maintain their organization and have occasional meetings, to delve in days that are passed."

The .\rnold Camp of the Roval Neighbors of America was organizetl Alarch 31. 189S, with twenty-one charter members. The following were the first officers: Oracle. Mrs. Alay Finch : vice-oracle. Airs. Eliza Daily : chancellor. Airs. Carrie Ewing ; recorder, Aliss Dessie Chambers; receiver. Airs. Clara Alills; marshal. Airs. Edna Harden : inner sentinel, Airs. Alary Hansbury; outer sentinel. Airs. Ada Pierce. Within the period of the history of this interesting camp. Airs. Alay Finch was oracle twelve years: Airs. Alary Backes, viceoracle, fourteen years : Airs. Gertrude AlcCant, recorder fifteen years ; Airs. Harriett Coufal, marshal, fifteen years. At the present time the camp has forty-seven members, besides a number have moved away. In the life of the camp it has lost only two members by death. - one social and one beneficiary.

The Arnold Lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah was instituted Alarch 6, 1916, and at the time of this writing is two years and rive ir.onths old. It has a total of seventy-four members, of whom forty-eight wqre charter members.

Alarch 13. 1917. the members organized a Rebekah kensington, which has taken up work for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows' home, and also Red Cross work, besides donating money to the Red Cross.

This lodge has bought fifty dollars' worth of war-savings stamjis and has done all it could to help win the great world war. "Three of our members are in service now and more are to go soon." is the statement made for this lodge ]irior to jhe close of war hostilities.

The Grange

During January, 1911, a National Grange organizer was surveying Nebraska with a view of organizing Granges in tlie state. On beinginvited by J. D. Ream to come to Custer county, and assured that he would find an audience that would be interested in listening to a discussion of the Grange organization and its work, he came early in February and found a fair audience awaiting him. Although this community had been noted from its earliest settlement for the progressive tendencies of its people and for the organized efforts it had made along social and educational lines, yet there were present only seven who had faith enough in the community push and energy to feel sure they could maintain a successfid grange.

A temporary organization was effected and arrangements made for the organizer to return later. By the time the organizer returned, a sufficient interest had been aroused to make possible a permanent organization. A canvass was made of the surrounding territory, anrl Granges were organized in Tappan \'alley, Lillian, East Table. Union, Dutchman. Fairview, New Helena, Highland, etc., and a State Grange was organizeed at Broken Bow November 1st. The Central Nebraska Pomona Grange was organized at the same time and of the same C. P. Jeff'ords was elected master and secretary.

The organization spread steadily until over fifty .subordinate and four Pomona Granges had been organized in the county and a wonderfully increased interest in rural conimunitvlife conditions had been created. The ruralschool problem was one of the first things the Grange grappled with, in real earnest, because the little, inefficient schoolhouses were recognized by the Grange workers as being very detrimental to the good work and growth of the Grange, and also very detrimental to the development of ideal rural-life conditions in general. The work of the Granges in this line bids fair to bring splendid results in the near future to the state at large.

munity together, getting them acquainted and giving them a chance to clasp hands with each other in their social, educational, and co-operative work, thus helping break the monotony and isolation of rural life and broadening their field of labor. Especially has this been true with the vounger members.

In the co-operative line, scores of carloads of coal, lumber, fruits, salt, sugar, flour, and livestock have been handled, and two large, successful co-operative stores have been established in the county as a direct result of the work of the Grange. And there is no way of measuring the number of lives it has brightened and cheered or the number of those to whom it has brought a broader vision of the opportunities of life and their duties to those around them.

Among the many faithful workers in [he good work of the Grange in Custer county may be mentioned J. A. Dietz and wife. S. A. Dean and wife, W. W. Bishop and wife. Ralph Johnson and wife, T. A. Ely and wife. L. O. \\'elch and wife, John Staab and wife. W. Miller and wife, Alvin Daily and wife. H. Jacobsen and wife, W. D. Holden and wife, George Pelkey and wife, and a great host of others who have done what they could to help make the rural communities of Custer county better places in which to live and to give to the younger members of the communities broader conceptions of the opportunities and responsibilities of life in general.

The women of Custer county have always been the peers of their stronger consorts, not to say their lords and masters. A fitting tribute can never be paid those brave wives and mothers who endured the hardships incident to the time in which they lived. They did their work and laid the foundations of home culture and refined ideals in such a manner that the present womanhood of Custer county stands high in the estimation of all intelligent classes. To-day the women of the county have more time for self-culture and elevating pursuits than in the pioneer days of the past ; for that reason, the following list of improvement, so-

Shakespeare Club

The Shakespeare Club, the oldest study club of Broken Bow. was organized January 11. 1895, with a membership of four, and was known as the Four Leaf Clover Club for several -years. For the past twenty-three years, the Shakespeare Club has held weekly meetings, and its programs have consisted of the study and discussion of the great dramatic writings, research work in history, art, and literature, and interpretations of the music of the Shakespeare plays. During the later years, the personnel of the club has been increased to a membership of twelve. In January, 1918, it -decided to suspend meetings until after period of war, in order to devote more time to Red Cross work.

Callaw.W Sorosis Ci.L'B

The Callaway Sorosis Club was organized April 2, 1909. It was the first club organized in Callaway. The organization was effected at the home of Mrs. A. L. Matthews. The first year's officers were: President. Mrs. J. D. Caupsey; vice-presidents, Mrs. T. C. Grimes and Mrs. F. M. McGrew ; secretary, Mrs. J. D. Laughlin ; treasurer. Mrs. R. E. Brega. Other charter members were Mrs. John Felken, Mrs. Riggle. Mrs. Ray Bennett. Mrs. Ira Shupp. Mrs. Roy Grimes. 'Sirs. Arthur Higlec, Mrs. Walter \\'right, Mrs. O. C. ^Murphy, and Mrs. Allen. The work has been along the literary line and has included P.ay \"icw work, with some miscellaneous programs. This club joined the state federation in 1910 and was the first Custer county club to join that -federation.

In the fall of 1910 a group of ladies gathered at the home of Mrs. .\. R. Humphrey, cl Broken Bow, and.organized a club, the purpose of which was to study the works of Robert Browning. Mrs. H. T. Bruce was elected president, and the work began with enthusiasin under her efiicient leadership. The ISniwning

Club has always been strictly a study club and has studied some of Browning's most difficult works. The first two years the club studied "The Ring and the Book" with shorter poems. In the spring of 1912 the club, with a number of other Broken Bow ladies, had the pleasure of listening to a lecture on "Rabbi Ben Ezra" by Professor O. H. Venner, of the literature department of the Wesleyan University.

In the spring of 1914. occurred the death of one of the charter members, Mrs. A. R. Humphrey, who had always been a very loyal worker and who has been greatly missed by the members of the club. In the fall of lOl-j the club decided to take up the study of Browning on a university basis, and accordingly began the study of the dramatic poems, as outlined by Professor Frederick Ames Struff, of the University of Nebraska. The poems studieil were "Count Gismond." "Rabbi Ben Ezra." "My Last Duchess." "Saul." "Andrea Del Sarto." "A Death in the Desert." "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came." "Cleon." and ".\n Epistle."

In the summer of 1916 the club was again bereaved, by the death of Mrs. H. M. Sullivan, who had endeared herself to all the members. In 1916 the chib studied "Paracelsus" and "Pippa Passes." In 1917 the poems studied were "Strafford." "Parleying with Charles Arisen," "Old Pictures in Florence." "Sordello." "Christmas Eve," and "Easter Day."

The members of the club patriotically decided that for the duration of the war they would devote their time to Red Cross work as well as study.

In the summer of 1'>11 a Chaulau(]ua class of Broken Bow decided that they preferred to study the history and literature of the different countries. A meeting was held, officers elected, and i^lans rather indefinitely made for the 1 "11-12 year.

A book committee. Mrs. J. G. Leonard and R. G. Moore, outlined the work for the first year - the French year. The French history was taken as the basis for the study, with historical novels, by the greatest French authors.

The officers for this year were: Mrs. J. G. Leonard, president; ]\Irs. Leo Dean, vice-president ; Mrs. R. G. Aloore, secretary-treasurer. The members for this year were Mrs. R. G. Moore, Mrs. Leo Dean, Mrs. Charles Luce, Mrs. Emery Bush, Mrs. Will Osborn, Mrs. James Leonard, Mrs. William Lovelace, Mrs. [ohn Turner, Miss Martha Fodge, and Miss Eva Cad well.

The course was successful and passed all expectations of the club members. Each year they have improved in their methods of study. They were pioneers in club circles of the city and introduced such features as the use of wall maps, Perry pictures, printed yearly programs, and study of the music and art of the countries under consideration.

The 1912-13 year was German year, with Bayard Taylor's German history, and German novels and poems. The 1913-14 year was the English year, with Greene's English history, and, for the most part, the great English poetical classics, such as Milton's "Paradise Lost," Spencer's "Faerie Queen," and others.

In 1914-15 they studied the home country, taking John Fiske's L^nited States history, and \-arious novels describing different parts of the country, such as Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans," telling of the Indians ; S. Weir Mitchell's "Hugh Wynne," depicting the Quakers; Irving's "Knickerbocker History of New York," showing the life of the early Dutch in New York.

In 1915-16 they used the general history and the greatest literary work of some of the countries, taking "The Divine Comedy" for Italy "Don Quixote" for Spain, the "Iliad" for Greece. In 1916-17 the work was the plays of Shakespeare. In 1917-18 they studied Old Testament history, using for text-books four volumes of Professor Kent's "Historical Bible."

The officers for the year 1917-18 are: ^Mrs. A. A. Alden, president; Mrs. Ralph Thompson, vice-president ; Mrs. Horace Kennedy, secretary-treasurer; ^Irs. James Leonard, chairman ; and ]\Iiss Eva Cadwell and Mrs. Alden, book committee.

The present members are Mrs. A. A. Alden, Mrs. Ralph Thompson, Mrs. Horace Kennedy, Mrs. Emery Bush, Mrs. James Leonard, Mrs. Charles Luce. Mrs. Gains Cadwell, and Miss Eva Cadwell. The club meets every Monday afternoon from the last Monday in September to the first Monday in June of each year.

January 5, 1915, Mrs. H. T. Bruce and the active members of her china-painting class organized the Broken Bow Art Club. The purpose of this club was to engage in a systematic study of pictorial art in all its forms ; to attain some knowledge of the use of oils and water colors, while specializing in mineral paints ; to become acquainted with the best paintings; and to learn to judge values in ail pictures.

The club has been very successful in the pursuit of these objects and met regularly at fortnightly intervals until the early spring of 1918, when it disbanded temporarily, to take up war work.

In addition to the activities described above, the Art Club has placed framed copies of good pictures in the public library of Broken Bow, and in both ward-school buildings.

It would be hard to find a more wide-awake, energetic club than the Women's Improvement Club of Arnold. They were organized in 1913 and in the same year federated with the state federation. Mrs. Charles Beardsley and Mrs. Will Jennings were the prime movers in the matters of organization.

The first officers were as follows: President, Mrs. Fred Britten; vice-president, Mrs. William Jennings ; treasurer, Mrs. Tom Backes ; secretary, Mrs. E. L. Cleveland ; and corresponding secretary, Mrs. Charles Beardsley.

The federated clubs' bulletin published in June, 1918, an extended article on the activities of this club, under the ca]5tion of "A Live Club." The club gave in 1917, "The Nebraska Institution Entertainment," for the benefit of the public ; they also held a schoolhouse meeting and did much work to secure the cooperation of parents in school work. By the request of the school authorities the Shakespearean department gave the court scene from "The Merchant of \'enice" at the schoolhouse, for the benefit and instruction of the pupils and school patrons generally.

Arnold has the distinction of giving more money to the Young Women's Christian Association than any other town in the county. This was made possible by the leadership of this club.

The ladies of the club have been instrumental in establishing a public library and n public drinking fountain, and have purchased two centrally located lots for the erection of a club building. This fine record has been made while all kinds of war work have been carried on. At the present time the club has forty-seven members, and the officers are: President, Essie Haskell ; vice-president. Lillian Anson; recording secretary. May Conrad; corresponding secretary, Jessie Brunt ; treasurer, Jennie Backes ; and reporter. Maude Meads.

Wom.Nx'S Public Service Club

The Woman's Public Service Club of Broken Bow was organized in 1914. for the purpose of co-operating with the Public Service Club and doing what they could along civic lines. The officers for the first year were : Mrs. A. Morgan, president; Mrs. E. P. Walter, vice-president ; ^Irs. C. W. Bowman, treasurer; Mrs. A. E. Anderson, secretary. During this year, prizes were given for children's gardens : the club assisted also in putting on the Chautauqua and keeping up the social life of both clubs.

In 1915. at the County Fair, prizes were awarded for bird-houses, needlework, and cookery. .At Cliristmas time a donation was given to the .Associated Charities of Broken Bow, fruit sent to both county and city jails, and flowers to the hos])ital. In 1916 they again assisted in Chaittaucjua work, made arrangements for short courses in domestic science, and donated ten dollars to the state penitentiary, to be used to purchase music for the prison orchestra.

In October, 1916, they joined the State Federation and drafted the Nebraska nurse bill that same month. At Thanksgiving time they gave a donation to the Associated Charities and sent magazines and books to state jjcnitentiary. In April the Nebraska nurse bill was passed, the federated clubs of the state having endorsed and supported this bill. In March the first year's course in domestic science was conducted by the State Extension Bureau, with an enrollment of sixty-five. The club gave garden prizes and held a two days' canning school. In August it co-operated with the Chautauqua. It bought a fifty-dollar Liberty Bond in October and started to work for the Woman County Agent. The club held an art exhibit in November, and presented a picture to the high school and each ward school. The officers for 1918 are: Mrs. M. S. Eddy, president ; I\Irs. L. W. Wilson, vicepresident ; Mrs. A. E. Anderson, treasurer; and Mrs. Will Darnell, secretary.

A few ladies met in the month of June, 1915, for the purpose of organizing a ^lothers' Club in connection with the Maccabee lodge. At this meeting ^Irs. George Mair was elected president, and Mrs. L. D. George, vice-president. The ladies forming the organization were Mrs. George ^lair. Mrs. L. D. George. Mrs. Edwin Myers, Mrs. Dr. Hurst, Mrs. Lillie King, and Mrs. Delia M. Hall.

No special work was taken up until September of the same year, when Mrs. Edwin Myers was made chairman of the programme committee. At this time the membership had grown from six to nineteen. A constitution was drawn up and adojited. From this time on the club studied, in full, the program mapped out in the ironuiii's Home Companion for that year, on "Cliild Training" and "The 1 lome."

Since its affiliation with the state federation, the \\'oman's Club has been very active in various lines of philanthropic work. The field of its endeavor is broad and comprehensive. It is a means of personal instruction and intellectual development, as well as a diligent, energetic, and efficient agent of civic improvement.

The work for the club year of 1918-19 is de- ])artmental. The work of each department in the state federation will be correspondingly represented by a department chairman. Chie program will be given by each department during the year.

This club was organized in January, 1915, under the name of Sargent Emanon Club, and the naine was changed to Sargent Woman's Club in July, 1918. It was organized by Mrs. Leota Hartley. The first officers were: President, Airs. Leota Hartley ; vice-president. Airs. Lizzie Alorris.

The object has been to secure a wider information, with a view to improving intellectual and social conditions, and work is thoroughly planned for the present club year. Officers at the present time are: Airs. Etta Reier, president ; Airs. Xellie Phillips, vicepresident; Airs. Flora Cropper, recording secretary ; Airs. Lizzie Morris, corresponding secretary : and Airs. Lulu Hicks, treasurer.

The Woman's Club of Ansley was organized in 1916 and has been actively engaged in public improvements. The members established a public rest-room and have maintained it since the first year of their organization. In this room they have the nucleus of a public library, in which are some 400 volumes. They are now working to secure a Carnegie library building. The course of study for the regular club meetings includes a course in parliamentary law, conducted by Airs. J. H. Ford. The club was federated in 1917. Airs. S. W. Thompson is president, and Mrs. L. H. Fowler is librarian.

The club was first organized under the name of The Woman's Improvement Club, but this name was changed to the Woman's Club at the time of its becoming identified with the Nebraska Federation of Woman's Clubs. Airs. C. H. England, of Broken Bow, assisted in its organization. The first president was Airs. Earl Cooper, and the first secretary was Airs. C. S'teinmier.