For the Record...

PLATTE IN DANGER

The Platte River is ecologically essential for wildlife, and is an outdoor treasure for people. Hundreds of untouched islands, riverside woodlands, and riparian wetlands give the Platte a wilderness quality unique to south-central Nebraska and the nation.

Almost all existing lesser sandhill cranes annually congregate along the Platte during March and early April. This is their traditional spring migration stopping area and they funnel into the valley from widely separated wintering grounds in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. A total of 207,000 cranes were counted on Platte roosts last March, the majority between Lexington and Grand Island.

And, the natural beauty of the Platte River lowlands is breath-taking. It is a wilderness, one to two miles wide, bisecting cultivated Nebraska farmland as the river winds toward the Missouri. Yet, a large portion of this scenic river is being threatened and may be destroyed by a beaurocratic blunder.

The Platte is unique and extremely important. While a great percentage of wildlife and attractive woodlands in Nebraska are associated with rivers and streams, the state's water laws do not adequately recognize these ecological values. Furthermore, some federal programs are helping to finance degradation of streams.

In this case, the Platte is threatened by the Mid-State Reclamation Project.

The plan was first proposed in the early 1940's, a time when national philosophies and priorities differed vastly from those of today. The project was turned down by the government on a number of occasions, but visions of "free" federal dollars kept promoters pushing until it was embraced by the United States Bureau of Reclamation and subsequently authorized in 1967.

Mid-State was originally promoted as an irrigation project for 140,000 acres. But some 96,000 acres were already being irrigated by 1967, and much of the remaining land did not require it. Farmers had provided their own pump systems. As a result, more than 1,300 land-owners joined Mid-State Irrigators Incorporated to oppose the project.

Justification for reclamation was then changed "to arrest the declining water table". Few people disputed this because some parts of Nebraska have underground water shortages. But the water table in this portion of the Platte River Valley was generally in good condition.

In the spring of 1970, the potential threat of the Mid-State project to the Platte River environment was brought to the attention of the National Audubon Society. Since then, we have been studying the ecology of the area and investigating various aspects of the project.

If the project is constructed and carried out according to current plans, we believe that a drastic alteration in the river will take place. Under the present preliminary operation plan for irrigation diversion, the river will be dry for extensive periods and low most others.

It follows that the dry river bed would grow up in weeds and willows. Then, in order to maintain flood capacity, it would probably be necessary to channelize the river and maintain it as an open ditch. With the river dry and a lower water table adjacent to the river, the wetlands and wet meadows would dry up. The islands would no longer exist as such, and it would be economically feasible to bulldoze the woodlands for more intensive cropland agriculture. Water pollution would be aggravated by reduced flow, and the Platte River would end up as a polluted ditch, its natural beauty and wildlife destroyed.

Ron Klataske Lawrence, Kansas National Audubon Society JUNE 1971

NEBRASKAland invites all readers to submit their comments, suggestions, and gripes to SPEAK UP. Each month the magazine will publish as many letters as space permits. Pictures are welcome. NEBRASKAland reserves the right to edit and condense letters.— Editor.

RIGHT ON —"I am strongly in favor of the whole article by Director Willard Barbee in your March 1971 issue For the Record. And I agree very strongly on the control of certain agricultural pesticides and aerial applicators.

"These not only ruin wildlife, song-birds, and all life in the ground, but also attack fruit trees, grapes, and gardens.

"I would also like to add that there should be control on the manufacture of glass or metal throw-away containers. With returnable containers, the littering on roads and highways around lakes and recreation areas would be largely eliminated. —Albert Weible, Nebraska City.

SLOW BURN—"I noticed the comment Wildlife Needs Your Help' in the March 1971 issue of NEBRASKAland. That's fine, and may I offer a suggestion.

"Please beg farmers and landowners not to burn roadside ditches. I don't think anyone can give one good reason for doing so. I can see how the grassed ditches are godsends for pheasants, quail, and rabbits. Yet, people burn out the ditches along their land, destroying such valuable habitat." — (Name withheld by request), Polk.

FORMS FOR WORMS-"I read a most interesting article in the March issue of NEBRASKAland on the making of plastic worms (How To: Make Plastic Worms). We would appreciate knowing JUNE 1971 where to obtain the forms for making worms. We have looked through all our hobby and fishing magazines, but cannot find any molds or forms." —Mrs. John Cassidy, Bristow.

Information, materials, and instructions can be obtained by writing Limit Manufacturing Company, 515 Melody Lane,Richardson, Texas 75080.—Editor.

LOVE AS ART—"Enclosed are several pen-and-ink drawings which have received good publicity in this area. My main reason for doing them was to illustrate the well-known and loved buttes in our area." — Connie Ball Swanson, Chadron.

From time to time, NEBRASKAland plans to publish the drawings submitted by Mrs. Swanson. They will appear in this column and may provide a unique glimpse of Butte Country for each reader. — Editor.

DROPPED DATE-"We enjoy NEBRASKAland and the Calendar of Color. But why wasn't Nebraska's birthday important enough to be marked on the calendar?" —Mrs. E. R. Faxon, Odell.

Nebraska's date of statehood has only been included in the events listing of the Calendar of Color once. That was in 1967 when many communities held special celebrations, thus making the birthday an important factor in what was going on in the state. — Editor.

HUNTERS AS CRIMINALS-"Parts of your magazine are very good, and the Notes on Nebraska Fauna features are tops and I will miss them. But I am dropping my subscription because you still insist on promoting hunting.

"Hunting should never be considered a sport and should never be enjoyed. These animals and birds want to live just as badly as we do, and have just as much right. Sometimes we have to kill a predator that (Continued on page 12)

STRANGER IN THE BASEMENT

by Barbara Beam as told to NEBRASKAland

HOPING TO CATCH 40 winks, I went back to bed around 7 o'clock that morning. Shannon, our two-year-old daughter, had awakened an hour earlier demanding a drink. Now, crawling back under the covers, I anticipated a typical day. In an hour or so I would get up, fix breakfast, and do my housework.

Gary, my husband, an insurance salesman, was in Des Moines, Iowa for the week on business. The date was June 16, 1970. We have moved since then, but at that time we lived at 1509 South 24th Street in Lincoln.

Half asleep, I was content with the world, enjoying what I expected to be a relaxing catnap before the day's routine.

Crash!

I bolted upright, not knowing what was going on. Was it a bad dream? Maybe Shannon's crib had collapsed. I wasn't afraid —at least not yet — just bewildered.

Smash!

There it was again, much too real to be a dream. I jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen door leading into the back hallway.

What I saw then shocked me into the realization that something was terribly wrong. The door leading out to the backyard was smashed, broken glass lay scattered about, and blood splattered the walls of the basement stairs.

Now I was scared. An awful noise came from the basement. It sounded like two or three people chasing each other around. Who was down there? A couple of burglars? Or drunks? These thoughts raced through my mind as I slammed and locked the door. My first reaction was to pick up Shannon and run to the safety of a neighbor's home, but something very strange about the whole situation held me back. I phoned the police.

After the call, there was nothing to do but wait at the front door, ready to grab Shannon and run if necessary. The terrifying noise continued and I didn't have the faintest idea who or what was causing it. It seemed forever before the police arrived. Still at the front door when they finally came, I motioned them toward the back, still afraid to move.

Moments later I heard one of them call through a basement window I had left open the day before.

"Is anybody there?" No answer.

I heard him move closer. He must have stuck his head inside the open window to peer into the dimness.

"Yep. There he is!" There was who?

After what seemed an eternity, the policemen knocked at the kitchen NEBRASKAland door. I went to let them in. They were Officers Stanley Lehn and Arthur Banders, and Detective Delmar Carlson of the Lincoln Police force.

Seeing my bewilderment, Officer Lehn smiled and patiently explained that there was no burglar in the basement at all, just a deer — apparently a white-tailed yearling doe.

How about that? Here I had thought all the time that the house was being burglarized.

Officer Lehn called Game and Parks Commission personnel to retrieve the deer. A short while later, two conservation officers arrived, Dayton Shultis and Leroy Orvis, accompanied by Paul Husted and Daryl Holmberg of the Commission's Parks and Operations divisions.

They went into the basement carrying heavy rope, wrestled the deer into submission, tied her up, and then carried her out to their truck.

My nerves were shattered. Officer Lehn tried to console me, telling me that I had been very brave. If it had been his wife, he said, she would have cleared out of the neighborhood in no time at all.

Everybody left around 8 o'clock, and things were finally quiet again, so I swept up the debris, then called Gary in Des Moines.

I guess he thought I had flipped my lid until I persuaded him I was telling the truth —that a deer had actually smashed through two doors, entered our basement, and wreaked havoc there, but that everything was all right except for the mess. The only real damage was to the doors.

The yearling had been taken to a spot about a mile south of Lincoln and released. I could not understand how a deer could end up in the middle of a residential district, but one officer surmised she must have come up on a road where traffic probably scared her into dashing blindly up and down alleys until she reached our back door and crashed into the basement for safety.

Gary came home the following Friday, having spent the week telling his colleagues about my experience with what I considered to be very unnecessary embellishments. He says I'm high-strung, but I just wonder what he would have done. I thought I kept my cool very well. He thought it was funny. Well! He didn't have to clean up the mess that the deer made.

Gary, the nut, said to me after he came home, "Well, I guess if you're going to have wild visitors in the house while I'm on the road I had better stay home." THE END

JUNE 1971

HOW TO: FREEZE FISH

Simple to do, these techniques assure a well-preserved catch. Frozen variety can be as delicious as those freshly caught

by Norm Hellmers

GIVE ANY FISHERMAN his druthers, and he'll choose to eat a freshly caught fish rather than the frozen variety. The aroma of trout sizzling in the frying pan is the most-remembered aspect of many an angling expedition. But often the eating has to wait until the fisherman gets home, and even then extra fish must be frozen for later consumption.

Freezing fish is as common as catching fish and there seem to be just as many variations in the techniques for freezing as there are variations in styles of angling. However, certain fish-preserving procedures have proven their worth to such an extent that the average person may have difficulty telling frozen from fresh. If the fish taste "fishy", they were either mishandled before or during the freezing process, or stored for too long.

Actually, proper preparation of fish for freezing begins long before the sportsman reaches his freezer at home. As with any game, care must be taken in the field to insure that only wholesome fish reach the table.

Fish should be gutted as soon as possible after catching them since the viscera are the major source of contaminating bacteria. They should then be placed in a chest filled with chipped or flaked ice, rather than block ice, so that the ice chips surround the fish. The faster the cooling, the better. Of course, if the ice must last for a longer period, bigger chunks are better, since they will not melt as rapidly as chips or flakes. Fish may be placed in plastic bags before being put on ice to keep them from becoming waterlogged while in the cooler.

Dry ice can be used to freeze fish within minutes after they come out of the water. The dry ice should be transported in an ice chest, preferably one that is metal encased and well insulated. With the cooler about half full of dry-ice chunks, the filleted fish are added, and wooden tongs are used to place dry ice over them. Dry ice should be handled with extreme care, and never with bare hands.

If an ice chest is impractical, a creel that allows free circulation of air is next best. Stringers, while very popular, have drawbacks. Struggling and slowly dying fish wind up bruised and battered after long stretches on the stringer, and if kept in warm surface water for any length of time, they may spoil even before removal from the lake or stream.

Once the fish are home the cleaning procedure can be completed with many anglers prefering to fillet their

catches, as this eliminates a great deal of work and makes for easier eating. If not filleted, the fish may be scaled, then washed thoroughly.

Perhaps the simplest way to freeze fish is to package them in good wrapping material and place them in the freezer. The amount of fish put into each package is a matter of individual preference, but a good procedure is to wrap in each just enough for one meal. A convenience for the housewife, this method is also practical, as very large amounts of fish should be divided into small parcels. The packaging material should be vapor and moisture proof, puncture resistant, pliable, easily sealed, and durable at low temperatures. Waxed paper is not strong enough by itself, but works well if used with an over-wrap of aluminum foil. Other suitable wrappings include a variety of transparent cellophanes and vinyls, freezer papers, or heavy-duty metal NEBRASKAland foils. Some materials like aluminum foil are self-sealing, others need tape or cord to secure them tightly around the fish.

More important than the wrapping material is the way in which the fish are actually wrapped. Since oxygen causes fish to discolor and become rancid, all air —even freezing air — must be kept away. Therefore, the packaging material must be snug against the fish and must be airtight.

The material must also be moisture proof. If improperly packaged, fish become dry, fibrous, and discolored. This is commonly called "freezer burn" and occurs when the meat is loosely wrapped, allowing moisture to leave the fish and form frost on the inside of the wrapper; it also occurs if the wrap allows moisture to leave the package entirely.

Another popular freezing method is to use containers in which the fish JUNE 1971

are encased in ice. This keeps air from reaching them and also prevents moisture loss. While this is economical and efficient, the ice "blocks" take up a lot of space in the freezer. Milk cartons are popular for this purpose, being strong and waterproof. Usually, the staple is merely removed and the top popped open. If the top is cut off, aluminum foil is used to reseal later.

When using this procedure, some anglers use a 2 1/2 -percent brine solution instead of pure water. The brine is formed by mixing 1/3 cup of salt to a gallon of water.

The good points of freezing in water and wrapping in paper can be combined by glazing the fish. Glazing consists of dipping the fish in water to form a protective layer of ice on the outside, thus sealing air out and moisture in. First the fish are wrapped in freezer paper and frozen. Then they are unwrapped and dipped in a pan of 33 to 40-degree water. This layer of water is then allowed to freeze. Dipping and freezing should continue until a heavy glaze is formed. Then they can be wrapped in a vaporproof material such as aluminum foil. This method is probably best for fish that must be stored for long periods.

When fish are prepared for eating, it is best to defrost them for 24 hours on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. If this is not possible, immersion in cold water is second best. Thawing at room temperature is definitely not recommended as spoilage begins as soon as the fish start to warm. Defrosted fish should never be refrozen.

Simple to do, these freezing techniques assure a well-preserved catch and a good supply of fish long after angling gear is put away. THE END

11

SPEAK UP

(Continued from page 5)

is causing too much damage, but that shouldn't be enjoyed. I don't see anything wrong with shooting a bird or animal or two for food on your own place or where you have permission. However, they are not wasted if not shot as you who are making a killing off sporting goods will claim. The predators will get them instead of our domestic livestock.

"Hunters (90 percent of them) are criminals when they have a gun in their hands. They are out to kill on land that is posted or not posted and you better not try to stop them. I've had experiences with them for 25 years." —James Skrdlant, Norton, Kansas.

SEASONED by Carlita McKean Pedersen Omaha When it's winter in Nebraska And I feel the North Wind sting, I wonder why I'm living here — And then it's Spring. And who could leave Nebraska When the lilacs are a sea Of purple blossoms and a wren Is singing sweetly to his hen? Not me! And it's summer in Nebraska And the sun's a fireball! Once more I wonder why I'm here, And then it's Fall. And who could leave Nebraska When the wind is but a sigh, When trees are shimmering gold and red And crops are being harvested? Not I! When the wind of Winter's biting With an agonizing sting, I'm waiting for the lullaby of Spring. And when the sun of Summer Is a blazing fireball — I'm waiting for the rhapsody of Fall!

TIP-UP TROUBLE-"In the February 1971 issue of NEBRASKAland, you had a description of how to make a tip-up (An Ice Fisherman's Helper).

"I understand part of it, but I would like to have a more detailed description of how to make it, including more detailed diagrams. Also, what kind of spool is used for the line and how is it fixed to the spool? Does (the rig) reel in the fish or does it go to the end of the line? And, how much would it cost to have a sample sent to me?"—J. Carl Ritter, Valentine.

We have no more specifics than appeared in the magazine and the mockup used for illustration has been dismantled. The reel is simply a standard plastic spool on which line is purchased. Line is affixed to the spool when bought. Fish are not reeled in automatically, thus necessitating the flag to alert the anglers to nibbles. — Editor. NEBRASKAland

14

PRAIRIE HOOPLA

Since 1962 the Clarkson Czechs have turned their community into old-world bazaar each summer

by Irvin Kroeker NEBRASKAland

SEASONED GAMBLERS weigh all the odds before they place their bets. That's why the Czechs of Clarkson made good gamblers nine years ago, and why they are winners today. Measuring the pros and cons of a Czech festival in 1962, a group of townsmen decided they could put their community on the map with such a venture.

It happened one chilly evening in February. Dale Gentzler, Frank Miller II, Ron Vavrina, and Slavomir Vodehnal were playing an ancient card game called Tarok, but they were using a contemporary deck. Somehow, the foursome couldn't get excited about the JUNE 1971 game that particular night, so Frank, the host, dug out an old Czech Tarok deck to up the interest. The Old-Country cards were larger, with Roman instead of Arabic numerals.

Handling the oversize cards was awkward at first, and the four players joked about how their grandfathers, who had brought such decks with them from Czechoslovakia, must have had big hands.

Idle banter led to more serious talk about their Czech heritage. Suddenly, they hit upon an idea which might be the solution to a problem the community was facing. The previous year the townspeople had 15  

celebrated the 75th anniversary of Clarkson's incorporation. Previous years they had staged harvest festivals and some consideration was given to reviving them. But after the diamond jubilee, the harvest festivals seemed mediocre. Why not inaugurate an annual summer Czech festival?

The Tarok deck was pushed aside as the quartetjotted down their thoughts to be presented at the next meeting of Clarkson's town council. They foresaw no problem in obtaining favorable reception to the idea, since 90 percent of the town's population is of Czech descent.

As expected, the proposal won hands down. Several months of subsequent planning led to the first 16 Czech festival in June of 1962. Although it was carried out on a relatively small scale the first year, the celebration has grown so that it threatens to split the town at its seams. Last year more than 20,000 visitors converged on the town. From a modest effort only nine years ago to today's colorful costumes and prairie hoopla, the festival has, without a doubt, turned out to be a winner. Dates for this year's celebration are June 25, 26, and 27.

Several years ago a reception committee had a list of Clarkson homes open to visitors during the three-day weekend. But last year every available home was filled. Latecomers were referred to hotels and motels in surrounding towns, since there is no establishment NEBRASKAland of this sort in Clarkson. Ron, co-chairman of the festival, estimates that every motel within a radius of 35 miles from Clarkson held festival visitors.

One of the big jobs is preparing meals for the crowds, since local cafes simply cannot handle the business. This expanded through the years to the point where committees from Clarkson's two churches now serve meals. One sponsors a tent booth throughout the weekend, while another serves meals in the church basement on Saturday.

The Clarkson Commercial Club, equivalent to chambers of commerce in other communities, serves Czechoslovakian meals in the VFW Opera Hall. Last year the food committee purchased 90 gallons of sauerkraut, 125 gallons of vegetables, 400 pounds of beef, 300 pounds of pork, 286 fryer chickens, 400 pounds of sausage, and 1,000 pounds of hamburger for the weekend.

That was just for starters. In addition to the meals served by the three organizations, the local bakery prepared more than 9,000 kolaches to be sold on the street. The town's butcher produced an old recipe and made Czech sausage, and pickles dilled according to a Czech recipe were ordered by the keg.

Frank, the festival's second co-chairman, makes it clear that although foodstuff is sold, the Czech festival at Clarkson is not a commercial venture. True, its purpose is to stimulate business in the community and promote Clarkson as "The City of Hospitality", but offers from neighboring towns to raffle cars or some such thing are turned down.

"The purpose of the festival is to make young people aware of their Czech heritage and to offer families a good time without asking them to spend a dime if they don't want to," he says. All entertainment, with the exception of midway rides, is free. This includes beseda dancers, gymnasts, accordion competitions, and a Czech arts fair in which Old-Country craftwork is performed for the benefit of those who might forget. Baking, woven rugs, and crocheted work are displayed.

As in all festivals, new things are added from time to time. The Tarok game, which actually started the whole affair, came into its own in 1967, when a Tarok tournament was added to the list of activities. To make a gimmick work you have to give it prestige, so the Clarkson committee has called its tournament the World Championship.

"No one ever questioned us so the title stays," Ron says with one of those I-dare-you-to-challenge-me gleams in his eye.

Steve Oltmans, the festival's promotion coordinator, is relatively new to Clarkson, having lived there three years. To him, the festival means community unity. If it were not for this event, Clarkson JUNE 1971

would be just another prairie town, but the festival has made it unique, he says. Members of both churches work together and young people have become proud of their heritage, even though their European counterparts have been politically suppressed in recent years.

That is what the Clarkson Czech Festival is all about —preservation of a culture. Many oldtimers, who lived in Czechoslovakia as children, might scoff and say this summer replica of a Czech market on Clarkson's main street is nothing —that there is no comparison between the old and the new. But at least if offers an incentive for those who care to dig deeper into their past. Without a doubt, this event is one of the most colorful capers on Nebraska's prairie. THE END

17

A Lake for all Seasons

Lincoln insurance man's second love is not grounds for divorce, but it makes for excitement in the family anyway

by Jack Wood as told to Steve Olson

I AM A HAPPILY married man with a wonderful wife and six fine children. But there are about seven months of the year when I just can't stay away from my second love. Now that puts me in a position where I had better do a little explaining, for it's not as it sounds. My second love is bass fishing. Starting early in spring and continuing through summer and into fall, I'm away almost every weekend fishing for largemouth bass. As an employee of a large, Lincoln-based insurance company, I do a considerable amount of traveling. In the course of my company travel, and on my vacations, I have managed to fish almost every major bass lake in the Midwest in addition to a number of impoundments in the South and East.

However, for the past few years I have largely confined my fishing to a single lake, one I personally consider to be the best bass water in the Midwest.

Several years ago I did quite a bit of fishing on eastern Nebraska lakes, but the growing number of water skiers and fishermen finally drove me away. I just don't enjoy fishing while riding out the wake of a ski boat or worrying about dropping my plug into the next boat. In my quest for new fishing water I considered Lake McConaughy, a beautiful reservoir with some truly great fishing. But once again the number of people kept me away. I've seen summer days when a man could practically walk across McConaughy, stepping from boat to boat. Harlan County Reservoir posed the same problem.

Then, in 1966,1 discovered Hugh Butler Lake, better known as Red Willow Reservoir. I pulled up to the lake one summer day and was amazed to see less than a dozen boats on the entire 1,628 acres of the lake's surface.

"The fish must not be biting," I thought to myself. Even though I was fishing a strange lake, I landed several nice bass that day to prove the fish were biting. During the past five years I have come to the conclusion that the uncrowded conditions at Red Willow are largely due to its remote location. Situated in the extreme south-western corner of the state, 10 miles north of McCook, it is 240 miles from Lincoln. That is a long drive, especially if you leave on a Friday night after work as I often do, but I've found it to be worth the drive.

I start making calls early in the spring, about the time the ice goes out. Bill Hahle, who operates (Continued on page 55)

18 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 19

NEBRASKA #1

Piling up firsts is a way of life in the Cornhusker state. More than a century after collection began, citizens are really shouting about it

by Elizabeth Huff

EINS... UNO... ICHI... literally translated, they all mean No. 1. And, that's what Nebraska is. Folks here in the middle of everywhere have known it for a long time, but also being tops in modesty prevented them from shouting it from the rooftops. Now the truth is out. Coach Bob Devaney and the No. 1-rated Cornhuskers broke the silence. What better time than now to uncover the many areas in which Nebraska and its people excel for all the world to see? Football is but the climax of a string of accomplishments that date back many moons. It has kicked off a reawakening of state pride that is the highlight of a program by Governor J. James Exon to really put Nebraska on the map.

At the turn of the century, Buffalo Bill Cody thrilled crowds with his world-famous Wild West Show, the first successful outdoor show of its kind. It all started with his Old Glory Blowout in North Platte in 1883. J. Sterling Morton set the nation to planting trees with his Arbor Day, a concept that sprouted and grew at his home in Nebraska City.

What's more, Nebraskans are generally healthier and live longer than those less fortunate folks who reside outside the borders. Witness Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kramer of Litchfield who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary April 19 this year. Residents of Litchfield (population 248) believe firmly in long and happy marriages. Five other couples celebrated anniversaries over 60 years during 1971. And, Litchfield isn't even in the heart of 20

NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 21   22 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 the "health belt", which comprises 11 counties of south-central Nebraska south of the Platte River. They have been tabbed by the U.S. Public Health Service as the healthiest area in America.

First, largest, best, unique —all are adjectives that apply to the "where the WEST begins" state. NEBRASKAland is governed by the nation's only Unicameral, and it was from Omaha that the country's first transcontinental railroad headed west. And, the historic Platte Valley was also the route of the nation's first transcontinental highway —U.S. 6, the Lincoln Highway.

Horses played a large part in the settling of Nebraska and they are still important, particularly in April when Maywood hosts the nation's largest trail ride. Dave Martin from Denton owns and trained the nation's top junior cutting horse, Jesse James Leo. Jesse is just the latest in a long string of champion quarter horses bred and trained by the Martins. Meanwhile, M. H. Van Berg of Columbus was busy garnering his third consecutive title as top racing-money winner with 491 wins and earnings of $1,347,289. Son Jack cracked his own world record when he saddled 282 winners.

Through most every field and activity, Nebraska and Nebraskans lead the way. Remains of the largest and one of the smallest mammoths rest in Elephant Hall at the University of Nebraska State Museum, and one of the world's most extensive fossil finds is on its way to becoming a national monument at Agate.

The nation's largest concentration of sandhill cranes gathers in the Platte Valley every spring for the annual courtship rituals. Del Austin of Hastings downed the largest non-typical, white-tailed deer ever taken by an archer. Taken in Hall County in 1962 with bow and arrow, Austin's buck scored a whopping 279-7/8 points on the Pope and Young scale. Always aware of their natural resources and the need to protect them, Nebraskans established the nation's first hunt-fish permit in 1901. Upholding the tradition of Nebraska's crack marksmen, Gary Anderson of Minden shot his way to gold medals at the Olympic Games.

From top guns to military might, Nebraska leads the way. The state that headquarters the nation's force for peace — the Strategic Air Command —also claims the country's only six-star general, John J. Pershing. And, Nebraska's proud fighting men have combined  

24 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 25   26 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 27   28 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 to make Lincoln's American Legion post the biggest in the United States.

NEBRASKAland, too, produced the youngest man ever to run for President of the United States, the silver-tongued orator William Jennings Bryan. History also records that the nation's first homestead was claimed by Daniel Freeman near Beatrice.

Whether sodbuster or cowman, Nebraska was the pioneers' choice, and the unique 20,000 square miles known as the Sand Hills proved to be God's own pastureland. Here, ranchers team with the nation's largest livestock market in Omaha to claim the title of the "Beef State". While the state topped the country in commercial cattle slaughter, it also grabbed honors as first in the production of wild hay, great northern beans, and alfalfa meal. State Senator Willard Waldo of DeWitt boasts the largest registered herd of Duroc hogs in the nation. With agriculture such an important part of NEBRASKAland's economy, it is fitting that the University of Nebraska has the only tractor-testing lab in North America.

The only state with all public power, Nebraska also established the nation's first public power district.

But, people power is the important thing, and Nebraska has that as well. It was here that Father Flanagan founded the original and much-imitated Boys Town. And, it was here that the citizens built a State Capitol, rated as one of the architectural wonders of the world, without a single penny of indebtedness.

Pride in their heritage is strong among Nebraskans, and folks at Wilber may be a bit more conscious of this fact than most, for they claim more Czechs per capita than any other community in the nation.

Even the tiny western Nebraska hamlet of Potter made Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" with the world's largest hailstones. While they weren't quite as big as a football, at 17 inches around, they were plenty big enough.

Yes, Coach Devaney began quite a landslide when he led the Cornhuskers to the national football championship. But, he has company in the record books, for Steve Epler of Chester etched his name there when he initiated six-man football back in 1934.

Football, crops, or people — no matter how you look at it, Nebraska is No. 1... first, last, and always. THE END

29

two-hour wait

He had his choice — a forkhorn or a four-point — then the most magnificent buck of bow-hunting career appeared

30 NEBRASKAland

ABOUT 80 YARDS separated the two hunters. Noel Miller of rural Waterloo was about 20 feet from the Aground in a tree at the edge of the timber along the Platte River near his home. His brother, Lynn, who was using bow and arrows for deer for the first time, was also perched well above the ground in another tree blind nearby.

Noel could see his brother, but Lynn had lost sight of Noel and didn't know exactly how far away he was. Dense branches in between obscured him.

It was a cool, clear Sunday morning in November during the 1970 season. Noel had already devoted almost 70 hours to his archery hunting, including weekends and every other day he could squeeze in between the demands of his work as a carpenter.

Archery had become an obsession with him since being introduced to the sport during the 1964 deer season. Thus far, every season had ended successfully. Noel and his hunting partner Gary Boltz have a personal big-buck feud going. In 1966 Noel's trophy was beaten by a rack measuring 145 points. But in 1969 victory was his with a beautifully coated, short-haired whitetail scoring 114 points.

The sun had worked its way several degrees above the horizon and the chill was going off the morning air when a subtle noise in the brush alerted Noel to full attention. Tense, he brought his 60-pound-pulI bow into position. A forkhorn ambled out of the brush well within range. Right behind him, and much more impressive, came a four-pointer.

"Now is the time," Noel thought to himself, starting to draw the four-bladed broadhead.

Only a fraction of a second before the release, a crashing noise off to the right caused him to pause. Very slowly and deliberately he eased off and turned, hoping all the while the four-point would not spook in the process.

As he pivoted far enough to see the cause of the disturbance, he could not believe his eyes. A tremendous five-point buck stood in the brush not 35 yards away.

Like a contortionist in the middle of his act, Noel strained and doubled around as far as his feet and legs would allow, trying to draw a bead on the new arrival — the most magnificent deer he had ever encountered in the wild. But, he had to wait for the deer to get into a clearing. Although the buck still stood motionless, he appeared to sense something was wrong. Finally, he started to move slowly toward the other two.

The tension was fantastic. Then, to make it even worse, Noel glanced toward his brother and saw him drawing down on the big buck. Because of the distance between them, and Lynn's inexperience with the bow, Noel knew his brother would never connect except with a fluke shot. Noel knew if he was going to shoot, it had better be now.

"The big buck was moving toward the timber, but I knew I had only a few seconds. Then, he strode into a clear area about 40 yards out and I released my arrow.

"It always happens about this time that you wonder if a small branch or weed is going to get in the way, or if your aim was right to begin with. The arrow went so fast I wasn't sure where I hit the big fellow. Immediately behind the buck came (Continued on page 54)

31

Great Flood of 1935

Called worst in history, watery holocaust clawed nine counties, plowing a furrow of destruction

by Warren H. Spencer 32

IT WAS DRY that year. The early months of 1935 brought little snow for winter wheat in Nebraska's southwestern counties. As winter slipped into spring, a searing sun baked land already parched by wind. Farmers, whose livelihood hinged on their crops, scanned the sky in a futile search for promising thunderheads.

Then, in the opening days of May, just when it was down to rain or go bust, billowy clouds began to cluster low on the horizon. At first, they were the familiar formations of a summer come too soon, decumbent and furtive; always there, but seldom fruitful. As days wore into weeks, however, misty formations began to drift overhead, and the rains began. Cool droplets bathed thirsty prairie, coursing to the Republican River like runnels to the sea. Futures seemed brighter in this depressed time, but nature was beguiling. Her true temperament was yet to be revealed.

By May 30, Nebraskans were basking in a wet spring and planning on bumper crops. In the high country of Colorado, however, other plans were taking shape. There, where the South Platte and Republican rivers trickled down from the Rocky Mountains, cloudbursts turned bubbling streams into raging torrents. As the water dropped from its lofty beginnings to the lowlands, its savagery mushroomed. On the gently NEBRASKAland sloping plains of eastern Colorado, nature's warrior was well out of hand, and it was headed for Nebraska, though the state's residents were still largely unaware of the danger.

May 30 was a slow day for Sidney Clawson. He had been working on the Victor Saylor farm near Benkleman for about six weeks and the rain had kept them out of the field since Tuesday. Saylor, a tenant farmer, halted work early that Friday and the hired man joined the Saylors and their four children for dinner. After the meal, Clawson helped Mrs. Saylor with the dishes, then settled down to man talk with his employer. At 9 p.m. a deafening roar shattered the peaceful evening. Clawson and Saylor scrambled for the door, bursting into the front yard. To their amazement, a large barn on the place lay in ruin, its timbers floating away on an unbelievable flood tide. As the hired hand remembered, that was the last time he saw his farmer boss. Dashing back into the house, Clawson grabbed the youngest daughter and began swimming toward town. He soon found a tree which looked sturdy enough to support the pair, so he latched on. With the tot still clinging to him, he was almost immediately washed on downstream. Another tree offered sanctuary, but ag^in he was forced back into the water. After what seemed an eternity, Clawson struggled into a JUNE 1971 large tree and settled down. He and his charge were there for 36 hours before they were rescued by boat.

During the ordeal, the youngster gave Clawson a ring, and though he never saw the Saylors again, he was still wearing it when he told his story some months later, some time after his employer's family was back on the farm, unharmed.

In all, Dundy, Hitchcock, Red Willow, Furnas, Harlan, Franklin, Frontier, Webster, and Nuckolls counties were hit. Water twisted and tore through flood-control devices, slamming into the already soaked southern Nebraska soil like a bulldozer. Ordinary runoff facilities were blocked and the earth was so saturated from previous rainfall that there was simply nowhere for the water to go. Consequently, all stricken areas bore the full brunt of the swirling waters. Trees 50 to 60 feet tall and 3 or more feet in diameter were wrenched out by the roots. Walls of water up to 6 feet high clawed across the landscape at 20 to 30 miles per hour, engulfing and smashing homes, barns, heavy farm equipment, and livestock. Bridges crumpled under the tremendous force. Railroad tracks were swept away to be disgorged on dry land.

In McCook, probably hardest hit of the Republican River Valley communities, most residents were unaware of the impending (Continued on page 62)

33

THE WHIMS OF YOUTH

Capricious boyhood comes alive as two Lincoln lads explore carefree firmament of sun and sand

Photographs by Lou Ell Text by Greg Beaumont

I KNOW A PLACE where the sandbars run long and dry. The day is bright and the sand pulse-warm. Meet Mike, and the redhead here is Don. They are 11, wolf cubs both. We're off to fish for good times in the benevolent sun.

See how the hawk swirls along and knits the treetops together? We will be free to take the hawk's way and wander a long time. It is good, you see, to be comrades with the young, for a boy's song is like a wand and makes the wilderness magic.

Try to keep up with us. We dare you. With a shout the footrace is on. Down the bank we fly, over to a cottonwood thicket. The boys race out as if there were no gravity, their flying feet barely touching the deep, drifted sand.

Don is already up a sapling, bending it back, taunting Mike. Now they are both up, whipping their trees back and forth to make the leaves whistle. Mike is a rodeo hero, forcing his bronc through tight circles. Don is a ship captain high on a mast, and the yardarms of his vessel sway and mutter on an angry sea.

Down and dizzy, they are earth-bound again, but their bodies continue the sway of their wild rides. The late-morning sun burns triumphantly on the 34

JUNE 1971 35   sand and flashes through the canopy of dancing leaves. Seeing sunspots, we loosen our shirts to feel the fresh wind.

But this is not enough on such a day and the hot sun commands the boys to strip to their trunks for the business of burying each other. Don is the first victim and quickly disappears as Mike heaps sand on him. It is a better-than-average job and the reason why crosses Don's face when Mike picks up the torture branch and tickles his exposed feet. "Help! Uncle-uncle-uncle!" The leaves tremble with the cries. This fun soon turns sour and Don is out of the trap and the sand fight is on.

Hours later our exploring halts beside an indolent stream. It looks to me sad and wind-weary, filled with creakings of the old cottonwoods which line its banks. Our late lunch is simple, but mine lasts longer, for the boys rush their sandwiches, eager to return to some adventure beyond me. It beckons them like a physical presence and makes them look back over their shoulders while they eat.

Now they are off and wild again, and I am left to a sombre world. I can hear their nearer-now-farther shouts while I watch the sluggish water. How quickly go these days in the procession of boyhood.

I sit in a larger landscape of mostly empty thoughts which seem bloodless now and perpetual as the sand. These boys... how quickly they outstripped what was young in me, and this hurt in my side is magnified by the joy of their distant voices. I suppose 36

NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 37   38 NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 that beyond a certain magic age we are all busy growing old, laboring to undo the ease by which a boy of 11 lives.

At last they return, Mike making shadow monsters stretch out to me across the sand.

We are all exhausted now, driving home. The boys sleep with dreamless looks of satisfaction, like that of a man who lies down after a big meal. I drive into the late, garrish sun, dreaming of their day's feast.

The hawk knows nothing of the cottonwood in which he sits, the solstice or the seasons he obeys. He sits alone in a naked tree above a bare landscape, spurned and feared; yet he belongs. I am responsive to the forces and seasons which shape me, unlike unthinking boyhood; yet these boys belonged to this day and you and I did not. We are tamed, our wildness gone. I am dreaming, like you, of a world I can only dimly recall. THE END

39

Those who care

Some organizations meet mostly for coffee and gossip, but a few have sincere conservation goals

By Jon Farrar

LONG BEFORE MASS concern for the environment, I and the word "ecology" became fashionable, several organizations in Nebraska silently ground away at diverse projects designed to preserve and enhance the quality of life. Now, scout groups, 4-H'ers, Future Farmers of America chapters, sportsmen's clubs, commercial concerns, and innumerable other groups continue to move in separate directions. Yet, they all work toward a common goal —the betterment of our world. Brush piles, bird houses, anti-litter campaigns, duck-nesting platforms, and duck-stamp sales all fit into the scheme of conservation work.

From youth groups to garden clubs, concern for environmental quality cuts through the generation gap to weld all ages together for a common cause. Scattered and too numerous to mention all, these groups give freely of their time and resources to preserve privileges most of us take for granted. In some cases, governmental agencies provide the impetus for these service groups, but in most instances, their programs are self-initiated and conducted.

The Columbus area, in particular, bustled with conservation activity last year, with the stir centered around the local Izaak Walton League and the Explorer Post it sponsors. Last September the Columbus Ikes initiated a campaign to raise funds for the purchase, development, and preservation of wetland habitat for waterfowl production in Nebraska, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Canada. Conceived by chapter members, the program's goal was to raise $1,500 by selling framed displays of 10 Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamps. Proceeds were earmarked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be used in wetlands development. Sold primarily to community and area businesses, the promotion netted $2,100.

Columbus Ikes are working closely with the scout group they sponsor to produce and present a slide series 40 with commentary on the birds of Nebraska. Designed for fourth-grade-age school children, the program is intended to spark interest in conservation of wildlife resources. The Explorers also have built wren houses for distribution to every school child viewing the series. More than 250 houses have been built to date, and as the project continues, the program will be presented to the same age group every year in an effort to reach all young people in the area.

The same Explorer Post, in conjunction with the Ikes and several local businesses, launched a duck-nesting program on the upper end of Lake Babcock north of Columbus last fall. Meeting Fish and Wildlife Service specifications, these nesting platforms are straw-filled, wire-mesh funnels, 26 inches in diameter, mounted on a 1-inch pipe which slips into 1 1/2-inch pipe sunken into the lake bottom. The Loup River Public Power District supplied materials for the nesting structures and Saunders Archery Company donated straw to fill them. Fifteen trial platforms were set up last fall, with more to be added if puddle ducks nest successfully. While the area is ideally suited for waterfowl reproduction, success is questionable. But, regardless of nesting success, the project has stimulated interest in the perpetuation of wildlife.

Not far from Columbus, the St. Edward FFA Chapter is setting a few fires for conservation, too. Of the organization's 50 members, more than 30 are NEBRASKAland Acres For Wildlife cover agents, adding 152 acres to the total program. These marginal acres are left intact, with mowing, burning, or field operations prohibited. Such areas are the basic building blocks of wildlife populations, providing nesting and escape habitat.

Not content to merely place these acres in the Game Commission-sponsored program, the St. Edward future farmers added (Continued on page 64)

NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 41

Blue Agate Country

Semi-official hunting party heads for hills seeking rare and beautiful state gemstone

by Lowell Johnson

WHILE ROCKS ARE man's oldest tools, they are also among his favorite possessions. Perhaps not all people share this passion, but certainly a large segment of the craft-oriented population does. For centuries, the art of lapidary has been with us and, no doubt, will continue to exist as long as there are rocks at hand.

Rockhounds, those who search for unusual or "workable" rock and pertrified wood, come in all sizes, shapes, ages, and professions. The only thing common to all, perhaps, is the agreement that rockhounding is almost infectious — devotees are not casual, but extremely avid.

Spring is the best time for some phases of the sport, as the rigors of winter and subsequent rains can expose specimens long buried. When a search involves a comparatively rare stone, it is the early bird who has the best pickings, because there are always others who will be out scouring the hills.

Blue agate, indeed rare, is a much-sought prize. Found only in a narrow band extending from southwest South Dakota, through the northwest corner of Nebraska, and into Wyoming, the stone is rapidly dwindling in supply. Not only is this unique mineral coveted for its beauty, but it is also the Nebraska state gemstone. As such, it plays a special role.

Part of that role is in the form of jewelry which is presented to visiting dignitaries by state officials. Allen J. Beermann, Secretary of State, has the pleasant duty of making most presentations. And, he has more than a passing interest in collecting blue agate and watching it through the various processes to the final product.

The blue agate was officially adopted state gemstone on March 1, 1967, and on that date the first blue-agate jewelry was presented in the form of cufflinks to then Governor Norbert Tiemann, and all members of the legislature. Lieutenant Governor Frank Marsh had been instrumental in having blue agate adopted as the state's gem.

The NEBRASKAland Foundation coordinates the sale and presentation to V.LP.'s. Various persons make up the cuff links for the foundation, and more than 400 pairs have been manufactured thus far. In addition, tie tacks, tie bars, and broaches are regularly made, plus other items on special order, such as belt buckles and earrings.

Of course, the first requirement in making jewelry is acquiring the raw material. In mid-March, an expedition was formed for the purpose of rounding up a fresh supply of blue agate. Heading the expedition was Allen J. Beermann, Secretary of State, assisted by Arnold Ruhnke of Lincoln, former state senator, and presently executive secretary of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. With such an opportunity at hand. NEBRASKAland Magazine wanted to take part, and I was right there to volunteer for the trip, having a considerable interest in rocks myself. This was a chance to be guided to the blue-agate beds.

Crawford was the destination. Not only had Allen rockhounded there before, but he also arranged to have considerable expert help JUNE 1971

43   on hand during our expedition. Art Thomsen, with the Nebraska Brand Committee at Alliance, was as familiar with the area as anyone, having spent most of his life near Crawford and in the Panhandle. Also taking part in the field day would be Mr. and Mrs. Claude Lewis, Mrs. Lois Hudson, and Lee Hallsted, all of Crawford.

Art Thomsen intimated that rock hunters, like fishermen, are very likely to keep their very best grounds a deep secret, even from closest friends. With this thought in mind, we formed a small caravan and set out after the lead vehicle, all the while accusing Art of taking us to a special field of picked-over cast-offs.

"There are about 40 members in the local rock club," Lois Hudson said, "and most of them have goodly amounts of blue agate. As the area also is relatively rich in Fairburns, there are some fair collections of them, too."

Our co-hosts were also members of the Crawford Rock Club, and have amassed voluminous piles of rock specimens in their yards. Lee Hallsted alone could stock a commercial rock shop with samples he has collected over the past 40 years.

The area we were to hunt was on private property, but Claude Lewis contacted the owner and received prompt permission for us to enter. The simple matter of opening a couple of gates put us right on top of a gigantic rock garden. It actually did look like a garden, with a multi-size, lumpy crop right there for the picking. Of course, not all were ripe, I soon found. In fact, telling the good from the worthless is the whole secret of picking rocks. All the stones looked the same, just like irregular blobs of concrete — lumpy and gray.

I sort of trailed along behind Beermann, who carried a plastic bucket with a few inches of water in the bottom, and a heavy hammer. The hammer was to break open the unattractive matrix, or parent material, exposing possible blue agate inside.

As the area had been hunted before, there were no prize rocks just lying there in wait. Some of them were large, like a breadbox, and these normally are not disturbed unless a trace of blue color shows through the dull-white outside coating.

"Look here," Allen called to me as I trailed along, alternately kicking mud off my cleated boots and peering intently at rocks. I squished as rapidly as possible to where he was pointing, and saw only a faint trace of light blue, sort of a stain on the side of the rock.

"That is what you have to look for," he coached. Then, giving the stone a sharp rap with the hammer, he exposed a thick vein of gem-quality agate.

"Now that's what we're after," he said, dipping the chunk into his bucket of water to put a shine on it. The water gives about the same effect as later polishing.

Everybody in the party was similarly occupied-inspecting hundreds of surface rocks for hints of treasures inside. Before long, considerable distance separated us. Partly to try out my newly acquired skill and partly to get out of the wind, I strolled over to a small canyon 44

NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 and slid up and down the thawing slopes. Pickings were slim, however, as the stones there looked more like white slate than the concretelike stuff up on the hill.

Even so, among the tons of useless stuff I found three extremely good pieces of agate. They were not concealed inside matrix, however, as they had been pushed around enough to have been knocked loose from the ugly covering. That is probably why I recognized them.

'That one may be the find of the day," Allen exclaimed, pointing to one of my irregularly shaped chunks. Thereupon he licked it, as his water had long since been buried under a load of rock, and the wet surface showed a light, clear blue in the center with black bands up both sides. Although only about the size of a baseball, the piece was solid agate.

After the big deal Allen made of my find I felt good, but then he started showing me some of the contents of his bucket, and my discoveries seemed rather meager beside them. And, as Art Thomsen came up, I was really put back to my deserved status as the amateur of the group. As everyone filtered back to the cars, a large cardboard box was systematically loaded with very fine specimens of blue agate.

"It looks like this place has been largely ignored by many rockhounds," I said, admiring the top layer of rock. "If this isn't a prime area, I can't imagine what your real secret places are like." This was said for Art's benefit, but he only smiled, and I still don't know whether he has another place in reserve or not.

In all, we couldn't have been in the field more than an hour and a half, yet we had close to 100 pounds of agate-bearing rock. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Lee Hallsted, and Lois Hudson added their booty to ours and Art's. Then Arnold Ruhnke nonchalantly unloaded his shoulder-slung canvas rockhound bag, and there was no doubt our mission had been a huge success.

Our mound of rocks was going to be taken back to Lincoln with us, and soon they would be slabbed with diamond blades, trimmed to size, selected for best use, and ground and polished into jewelry. Experienced lapidary buffs in Lincoln turn out the various items for use by the NEBRASKAland Foundation and by Secretary of State Beermann for presentations. Arnold Ruhnke said he had sent several tie tacks to Europeans who had previously visited the state.

"Nebraska blue agate has gone all over the world already," he claimed. In response to my question about how many items had been "manufactured" with blue agate, Allen replied that over 400 pairs of cuff links alone had been made. Most of these feature 1/2-inch squares of matched blue agate. Stones on the tie tacks are somewhat smaller, but broaches are larger.

With the impression that blue agate is somewhat limited, despite our luck, I asked if there would come a day when it would be difficult to find.

"That day is already here," several people replied. Lee Hallsted explained that the range of blue agate was (Continued on page 59)

45

RIVERS & STREAMS

NEBRASKAland FISHING State's 11,000 miles of flowing waterways provide ample challenges for even veteran anglers

TINY, DARK FORMS worked themselves free from rocky crevices and drifted to the surface. Balancing precariously on the tumbling stream's surface film, a May-fly nymph warmed in the spring sun. The swirl of a feeding brown trout engulfed the nymph before it could shed its crusty coat, which would have completed the incredible transformation into a delicate diaphanous, airborne insect. Patiently, an angler watched from downstream. With precision brought by years of experience, he tied a May-fly dun imitation to an eight-foot leader. His attire bristled with perfection and tradition. Waders, wicker creel, and hand-tied flies clinging to wool patches marked him as a professional. Stealthily he waded to within 30 feet of the rising trout. Two false casts worked his line out several feet beyond the pool. The third cast deftly brought the imitation to rest on the water. Drifting past the trout's feeding station, it vanished in a sweeping swirl. Cold steel cut flesh as the 16-incher broke water. Easing his hand net under the glistening form, the angler claimed his prize.

Rough, cold steel of mammoth treble hooks penetrated muddy water in the Missouri River. A heavy glob of lead pulled the 100-pound-test line down to the channel's bottom. A pool-cue-like, surf-casting rod whipped rhythmically, snaking deadly barbs through the water. Minutes passed, and still the chunky snagger plied his pastime. Finally, the solid embedding of the nook throbbed through the rod. Yard after yard of line screamed from the oulky reel as a flathead cat   raced for the rushing current in an attempt to free himself of the tormenting hooks. Feet gained, yards lost, the battle seesawed up and down the river. Tender fingers burned, riding the spool. Tiring, the trophy gave up the battle and was pulled to the boat's side.

Delicate, hand-tied flies and large treble hooks; 4-pound fly line and 100-pound-test nylon braid; 8 1/2-foot parabolic and punky short surf rods; traditional hand nets and cold, impersonal gaff hooks; 2-pound trout and 40-pound catfish — what do they have in common? — NEBRASKAland's running water.

This month, NEBRASKAland's last installment in this four-part fishing series explores the state's 11,000 miles of flowing streams from the Pine Ridge's bubbling trout paradises to the muddy Mo's hidden depths.

Trout are envisioned by some as the frozen variety in supermarket displays. But to Nebraskans, trout bring to mind the crystal-clear waters of north-central and western Nebraska, the spectacular scenery, and the shimmering form of a speckled rainbow breaking water.

Trout fishing in Nebraska is concentrated in three major areas —the Pine Ridge system, sandhill streams, and the North Platte River drainage.

All the streams in the Pine Ridge are periodically stocked, with little natural reproduction occurring. Rainbows and browns are the meat and potatoes of the Pine Ridge angler. Much of the water is on private property, but a stop at the owner's home usually results in a welcome.

Jack Peterson, fisheries biologist in the area, recommended several streams on the basis of samplings last summer.

"The headwaters of the White River north of Agate are heavily stocked and quality fishing is the rule in the upper five to six miles. This stream is the traditional haunt of local fly fishermen. The upper reaches of the Niobrara River have been somewhat disappointing in regard to our stocking program, as the rough fish seem to be the hardier competitors, even after recent renovation procedures. Parts, though, on Forest Service land near Agate, regularly produce trout up to 12 inches in length. Monroe Creek north of Harrison has four miles of water rating tops for these members of the salmon family. Holding mostly rainbows, this stretch also harbors a smattering of native brooks. West Hat also has a fair population of brookies. The upper end of Soldier Creek near the hatchery is a good trout producer. The White River, Soldier Creek, West Hat Creek, and Monroe Creek are probably the top streams for these coldwater dandies in the Pine Ridge. Sowbelly, Little Bordeaux, Beaver, Larrabee, Dead Horse, and Chadron creeks, along with the Niobrara River, are fair to good trout hangouts."

Minnows, worms, and grasshoppers are top bait in the naturals department. Some of the smaller streams make fly casting difficult, though short rods (seven-feet) and wading permit whip fishermen to ply their trade. Choice of flies is a personal matter, but a good guide is to use streamers during the cool months before insects hatch, and nymphs or dry flies when insects are abundant. Royal coachman, ginger quill, Cahill, black gnats, and others are popular choices. Work the quiet pools behind logs, rocks, or other obstructions that break the current.

A bit closer for eastern anglers, some top-notch trout fishing is centered in the sandhill region. Main interest focuses on the tributaries of the Niobrara and Loup rivers.

Picturesque and productive, Long Pine Creek just west of the community of Long Pine is typical of the 48 sandhill trout streams. With healthy populations of rainbows and browns, it is a reasonable drive from almost any point in the state. Stocked annually with fingerlings and subadults, the water is clear and open enough to satisfy the most fastidious of anglers. Grasshoppers are excellent summertime baits while earthworms are productive year-round. Flies are attractive to the freshwater customers when appropriate hatches of insects are abundant, and spinners imitating the trout's natural prey species make for hefty stringers.

Brown trouting is tops in that four to six-mile stretch north of U.S. Highway 20 on Plum Creek. West of Ainsworth, this creek flows through cedar and oak canyons providing an attractive setting for the 12 to 14-inch sizzlers.

Schlagel Creek south of Valentine rivals the Pine Ridge streams in scenery, boasting several small waterfalls. Rock bottoms make for clear water and deep holes that harbor lunker-size catches.

Coon and Short Pine creeks north of Bassett, Gracie Creek northwest of Burwell, the North Loup River northwest of Mullen, and the Dismal River from Nebraska Highway 97 south of Mullen to its headwaters are other sandhill streams boasting trout populations.

But, far superior to all other trout streams in the sandhill region is the Snake River, both in quality and quantity of fishing. Brown trout are abundant in the stretch from south of Gordon to south of Merriman. Both rainbows and browns are in the stream along most of its length. Much of the angling pressure falls on that bubbling span through the rough canyons below Merritt Reservoir. Only a short segment of it below the dam is on public land, but the remainder of the stream is open to fishing with the payment of a small fee.

Not in the sandhills region proper but still nearby are several excellent trout waters to the east.

Trout fishermen in the know head for streams like Verdigre, Steel, and Big Springs creeks.

Verdigre Creek is stocked with trout every year by the Game Commission. While the trout don't run as large as in the Snake, they provide consistent action and good table fare.

Many of these eastern streams are riprapped by the Commission with rock to keep the banks intact and to create underwater ledges which trout like. Drifting baits or artificials under these outcroppings is sometimes tricky, but very productive.

All trout streams in the state considered, the North Platte drainage holds all honors for lunker-size trout. Most of these streams were created with the advent of irrigation runoff. They now serve as spawning grounds for the big rainbows coming up from Lake Mac. Spawning runs from Mac to the Scottsbluff and Minatare areas begin near the end of September or the first of October and peak in mid-November. Most years there are two other distinct runs, one in January and another in February or March.

Nine Mile Creek receives the majority of the trout during the run, but Red Willow Creek is also heavily used. Winter, Tub Springs, Stucken Hole, and Spottedtail creeks attract small runs, and several others receive at least some movement.

Rod Van Velson, Game Commission biologist conducting research on the trout in the North Platte drainage, summarized action on each of the streams. "Nine Mile Creek is a consistent retreat for big rainbows. Most successful in the bait department are trout eggs wrapped in nylon netting —strawberries, as experienced fishermen term them. Red Willow ranks NEBRASKAland

JUNE 1971 49   50 NEBRASKAland second only to Nine Mile. Access is good, as it is to most streams in the area. Red Willow Creek also boasts a good brown population in the 12-inch class. Two to three-pounders are occasionally taken. Tub Springs west of Scottsbluff is a small creek but a good producer. Wild Horse holds a good population of browns and some rainbows. Stocked regularly with browns, fishing on this stream is restricted to the area from three miles north of Henry upstream. Stucken Hole has a small population of browns and rainbows but is not as good as some of the others. Some large rainbows move up Pumpkin Creek before they are stopped by irrigation structures. Dry Spotted-tail is good trout water in the upper three to four miles, with healthy populations of browns and some rainbows."

Landowner co-operation along most of these streams is good, but abuse of the privilege could threaten fishing in years to come.

Generally well known but far too numerous to name are the river systems of the state. While they do not support a wide variety of species, these strands of life weaving their wav across the prairie provide consistent action and probably yield more poundage than any other type of water.

Varied forms of fishing such as Hole Hopping For Cats (NEBRASKAland, May 1967) or following the white bass runs (The Jig Was Down, January 1968) maintain the popularity of these waters.

For a change of pace from trout or big-water angling, try wading one of the shallow rivers like the Platte or the Loup in pursuit of channel cats. Work the brush-filled holes or under-cut banks, letting your bait -be it crayfish, minnows, frogs, or stink bait — drift into them. On light tackle you can't beat the action or the eating.

Spillways below impoundments like Harlan County are productive areas for channel cats, especially in the spring.

Following white-bass runs upstream from several of the impoundments rates high on poundage and fun. Jigs in almost any color are effective. A quarter-ounce of lead, enough to get an artificial down in the fast-running channels that bass prefer, is a good rig. Cast into the runs and let it float down a ways before beginning a slow retrieve. The Republican River ranks high in the state when the white bass are running.

Catfishing on the Blue, Nemaha, and Elkhorn rivers is as traditional as summer picnics. Techniques vary but success is consistent.

Long regarded as below the dignity of any self-respecting angler, the carp has of late been climbing the social ladder. Scrappy as the best of them and good eating if taken from a clean stream and prepared properly, the carp is abundant and sporty. Corn or doughball bait will bring action in most of the state's streams.

Granddad of them all, the Mighty Mo offers four species that do not occur in large numbers anywhere else in the state-the blue catfish, paddlefish, sauger, and sturgeon-as well as species attaining such size that they are almost a different breed of cat.

Snagging is legal in the Missouri from October 1 through April 30 and accounts for many lunker catches.

Orville Sudbeck of Hartington has made record catfish a way of life in recent years. No stranger to the record book, he held the standard for blue catfish on two occasions in the past. His first record blue of 76 pounds was landed on March 19, 1966 that mark lasting for only one year before being broken. His second record blue came in December of 1969 and lasted for only 11 months. He regained the title on March 10 this JUNE 1971 year with a 76-pound flathead catfish taken from the Missouri near Wynot.

Snagging is the only way Sudbeck fishes and perhaps accounts for his expertise in that field.

"I like a rig topped off with two treble hooks and 20 ounces of lead on the bottom hook," he revealed. "I cut the motor on my 16-foot Joe boat and drift, snagging through brushy holes.

Most of his fishing is done in 20 to 25 feet of water. Occasionally he hooks paddlefish as well as blues and flatheads.

Sauger are the objects of all the bustle on the Missouri River above Lewis and Clark Lake during much of the year. The world record sauger, a cousin of the walleye, was hauled from the water near Niobrara in the fall of 1961. The 8-pound, 5-ouncer was claimed by Mrs. Betty Tepner of Plainview.

Minnows are consistent producers of sauger. The best rig is to use minnows or crawlers on two droppers about 18 inches apart. You can feel the bottom with the sinker while keeping the line tight enough to prevent snags. If you feel a strike, give a little slack, allowing the sauger a chance to take the bait rather than chasing it downstream.

Don't pass up some excellent mixed-creel fishing in the assorted canals throughout the state. Two of the better ones are the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District canal extending from North Platte to beyond Lexington, and the Loup Public Power District canal between Genoa and Columbus.

Walleye, largemouth, and white bass are bonuses to the catfish in the canal system running off the Platte. Forming several reservoirs on its journey, it provides needed fishing and recreation in the area. Action is always good, but in the spring and fall it is fantastic. Dollflies on spinning outfits attract walleye in the five-pound class as well as white bass. Smallmouths, drum, crappie, and trout are added extras.

Walleye, largemouth bass, carp, drum, and crappie are available in the Loup canal, but the big attraction is the plentiful supply of channel catfish and flatheads.

Ralph Schmidt, operator of the power plant north of Monroe and avid angler of the canal's waters, expounded on the large catfish in the man-made waterway.

"Several years ago, when snagging was legal, an amazing number of massive yellow cats (flatheads) were taken from the spillway below the plant. Cats 10 to 30-pounds were commonplace, and occasional 40 to 50-pounders rivaled the record books. Since snagging has been discontinued you don't see many of the real big ones taken on bait rigs. We removed a 79-pounder from the trash racks a year ago, though, so they are still in there. No one seems to have found a way to entice them to bite. Channel cats under 10 pounds are the mainstay of fishermen now, but bank lines still produce 30 to 40-pound flatheads on occasion."

Carp are harvested by the gunny sackful on the pilings just below the Monroe plant in the spring. Homemade doughball does the trick. Light outfits provide all the thrills any experienced angler desires and it is a good place to spark a young fisherman's interest.

Most of the canal systems are open to fishing without permission, making them very attractive to many sportsmen with limited time or landowner connections.

From pits and ponds to the state's big and little waters to flowing streams, Nebraska offers some of the hottest inland fishing around. From sandhill northerns to Missouri paddlefish, the best of everything finny is in NEBRASKAland waters. THE END

51

NOTES ON NEBRASKA FLORA. . .

BUTTERFLY WEED

Pioneers called this flamboyant native pleurisy root, today it sets sleepy pastures afire with blossoms

by Jon Farrar

KNOWN AS chigger weed, pleurisy root, Indian potato, or by a host of other names, Asclepias tuberosa is the same blazing flame on the prairie. Bunched in gaudy, orange-to-red patches they freckle sidehill pastures, screaming for attention from even the most unattentive traveler's eye. A flamboyant native challenging commercial beauties in loveliness, butterfly weed requires none of the care its city cousins receive.

The botanical name of this warm-season, perennial forb appropriately describes the below-ground parts, a literal interpretation being "full of swellings or knobs". This knobby, deep taproot supports several erect stems 18 to 30 inches in height, each densely covered with coarse, bristly hairs. Sole exception in the milkweed family, the butterfly weed does not exude a sappy, white latex when injured. Attractive, dark-green leaves densely crowd the stems, and one or more miniature flaming umbrellas top each plant. Many florets, each composed of five reflexed petals join to form each of these crescent-shaped flower heads. The butterfly weed's seed pods are recognizable as smooth versions of the rough-podded common milkweed. Like the common milkweed, the pods burst in late September, releasing 60 or more silky, pappus-supported seeds.

The westernmost edge of the butterfly weed's range makes an abrupt swing into eastern Nebraska, just east of the 25-inch rain belt east of York. Even here it is becoming an infrequent visitor as more and more pasture succumbs to the plow.

To find this variable milkweed, seek lower slopes of gently rolling 52 uplands. Rich, heavy soil is the clue. Healthy clumps of butterfly weed are usually found on wind-protected, south-faced slopes. A sun worshipper, this showy herb occurs only on grasslands or open woods. Railroad rights-of-way are productive wildflower grounds.

Plumy progeny spread by autumn winds, pass the winter on the soil's surface or in grassland duff. Only a few of the thousands, spread haphazardly by nature, fall on favorable sites and germinate the following March or April. The first summer growth is largely in the subsurface, establishing a deep taproot. Aerial growth may reach a maximum of six to eight inches by the first killing frost. Flower setting does not occur the first summer under average conditions. During the second growing season, the single-stemmed plant may reach its maximum height and bear a single flowering head. This blazing eruption on tranquil hillsides peaks in late June or early July in the eastern part of the state. Several weeks after blossoming has ended, seed pods form and later open, releasing their products during late September or early October. With each additional summer's growth, the plant adds additional stems and branches near the top. Roots extend to a depth in excess of six feet. The plant's orange cushion of blossoms may measure 30 inches or more in diameter. Records of plants living as long as 25 to 30 years have been documented in Nebraska.

A somewhat nefarious reputation as a pasture plant plagues the butterfly weed's admirable characteristics. While large quantities have toxic effects on livestock, it is not a preferred plant and is seldom grazed. Being a tough, hardy wildflower, it withstands many abuses and is destroyed only with great difficulty. It is not, however, an invader of wellmanaged pastures. This hardiness may, in fact, be the butterfly weed's most commendable feature.

Aside from its aesthetic values, the butterfly weed is richly involved in the medicinal and culinary lore of Nebraska Indians and early pioneers. Some western and Canadian Indian tribes boiled the young shoots and unripened pods as potherbs. The Poncas and Omahas reportedly cooked the roots and drank the decoction for bronchial and respiratory ailments. For healing wounds and old sores they applied chewed, fresh, or powdered roots. Pioneer physicians used the roots in powdered form to treat disorders requiring perspiring, expectoration, or mild purgation. Medicines made from the root were found especially effective in treatment of the respiratory disease pleurisy — hence the name "pluerisy root".

Admirers of this ravishing wild beauty need not pick the blossom or dig the plant to bring it to their flower gardens. By leaving the parent plants where they grow wild, fanciers of this showy native will not add to other factors leading to its diminishing numbers.

Butterfly weed may be established in unlimited numbers from seeds with little difficulty. Seeds gathered after the pod has split naturally, but before the seeds release are separated from their silky plumes and stored in a cool, dry place. Large flower pots or other durable containers should be filled with rich soil and set in flush with the ground in a shady, moist area. Following autumn's first killing frost, seeds are spread on the soil's surface in the pot and covered with one inch of soil and duff. Germination will occur the following spring. Seeds kept inside during winter will probably not germinate if seeded the following spring, as butterfly weed, like many wildflower seeds, need a "cold shock" to stimulate growth. One summer's growth should be allowed in the pots. The second spring, bulbs may be set out permanently, much the same as with some of the commercial flower bulbs.

A plant with colorful beauty and interesting folklore, butterfly weed should continue to punctuate Nebraska's rolling hills with flaming passion despite the threat of hungry plows. THE END

NEBRASKAland JUNE 1971 53

TWO-HOUR WAIT

(Continues from page 31)

Lynn's arrow—just short. I was even less certain about my aim when instead of reacting, the buck simply sauntered off.

"Clamboring out of the tree, I rushed to the spot, spooking the other two deer. In less than a minute, Lynn joined me." "Did you see that monster?" he asked. "Yep, I saw it," Noel replied. "See that arrow there?"

Lynn followed Noel's point and saw the arrow, covered with blood from point to fpjithprs

"Did you hit him? Where did he go?" The two hunters inspected the arrow carefully while Noel told of the deer's strange reaction. The episode was covered several times in the next two hours while the two archers sat in the morning sun, waiting to take up the trail. Most archery experts advise at least a two-hour wait before trailing a wounded deer. This gives the animal a chance to lie down and rest rather than being hotly pursued. Wounded deer have demonstrated amazing stamina while being chased, and often go on for miles.

When the hunters finally took up the chase, it was slow going. The blood trail was light, and the route was lost completely at one point. Noel crawled around on his hands and knees in the underbrush, and eventually found fresh sign again. About midway in the tracking, the dark blood turned to a light-colored, frothy mixture, indicating a lung shot.

From the edge of the timber where Noel had been stationed, the trail became progressively narrower and obscured in brush. As it neared the river, trees became fewer and a large patch of reeds grew from a boggy area. The trail passed through the center of the reeds—the only dry path for some distance.

It was in this patch of reeds where the deer was found. He had simply keeled over. His big frame posed a transportation problem. Although only slightly more than a hundred yards from the car, the brush and tangles presented plenty of obstacles.

Noel and Lynn completed the gutting and began the dragging with enthusiasm, however. A good hour of perspiration and grunting found them at the road. The weight of the deer was hefty, as later confirmed on scales back in town. Field dressed, the buck weighed 250 pounds — certainly as worthy a hunting prize as any hunter could hope for.

Attention the buck drew was equally divided between his immense size and the spread of his antlers. Noel had already decided to have the rack measured, but advice to do so came from every quarter. And, everyone wanted to hear the details of the hunt. Noel, of course, was willing to give them a complete recounting.

Perhaps there is no particular facet of bow hunting which makes it the sport it is, but certainly downing such a bragging-size buck is ample reward.

Getting into the field during fall and early winter is worthwhile and pleasant. Being able to stalk deer for even one day NEBRASKAland offers challenge and pleasure. Most big-game hunters agree the white-tailed deer is almost an ultimate trophy even with a rifle. With a bow it is tough to surpass.

"I have never hunted deer with a rifle, and never had the desire," Noel says. "Archery just offers about everything I want in hunting. And, my membership in the Omaha Archery Club, the state Prairie Bowmen, the National Archery Association, and the National Field Archery Association gets me involved in indoor and outdoor tournaments during other times of the year.

"Every year since taking up bow hunting, seven seasons ago, I have downed a buck. I don't know if I would shoot a doe late in the season or not. I drew down on one once, but didn't shoot. My longest shot has been at about 40 yards, and my closest probably under 10 yards. Most hunters don't, nor do they have to get that near, but it is always memorable.

"I guess hunting bucks during the rut is most productive, since they move around a lot then and are not so wary. Usually I try to get out a lot during that period, which seems to run from mid-October until mid-November. Even in the short time I have been after those critters I have learned a lot. One thing, which is perhaps more critical for bow hunters than riflemen, is that morning is a better time to nail a buck. Actually, I have shot about the same number morning and evening, but hitting one in the morning gives you the rest of the day to trail him if you have to."

Noel has learned a lot about deer and hunting. "Shooting practice before the season helps a great deal. At our archery club in Omaha, we use full-size deer targets and shoot at various ranges-even from tree stands. We feel this really pays off in the field because the tendency is to overshoot when your target is below you."

Archers who prepared for the season with practice rounds at the range last year ended the season with a 40-percent success average. This was roughly double the statewide archery average, which seems to be argument enough in favor of such shooting.

When the required "drying" period was over, Noel had his 1970 whitetail rack officially measured by a Pope and Young scorer. Counterpart of the rifle hunter's Boone and Crockett, Pope and Young records top heads taken by archers. Noel's whitetail measured 161 7/8 points, which ties it for third place in the current record book. The antlers had a spread of 23 1/8 inches. Circumference at the base was 6 2/8 inches.

"I may never get a crack at another deer that size, but I'll be out there trying again this year just the same," Noel promised. THE END

A LAKE FOR ALL SEASONS

(Continued from page 19)

Hahle's Fishing Center at the lake, keeps me informed, and when the water temperature hits 50 degrees I head west for my first outing of the year. I am usually accompanied by my 16-year-old son Jeff or one of the fellows from the office.

Like most other lakes, Red Willow produces great fishing during the spring. After the long winter the bass are hungry and the action is fast. I keep close tabs on the water temperature during spring months, because I know that when it hits 60 to 65 degrees the bass will move into shallow water to spawn. At that time the male bass cleans out a spawning nest about 20 inches in diameter and 6 inches deep on smooth bottom. The female bass lays eggs which are fertilized by the male, who continues guarding the nest. A bass guarding a spawning nest will hit almost anything you throw at him, and fishing action is tops during those two weeks.

But it is during the summer when Red Willow really comes unto its own. In most lakes, as the water temperature increases, the quality of fishing decreases. But Red Willow continues to produce great action, even during the hottest

JUNE 1971 summer months. It is for this reason that I consider it to be the best bass lake in the Midwest.

Summer fishing taxes an angler's skill and it is during the hot months when the special equipment I have really pays off. My boat is equipped with a six-horse-power motor which quickly takes us to the general areas where we wish to fish. Then I switch over to a small electric trolling motor which allows for quiet approach. I have found my electronic fish Lo-K-Tor to be an invaluable aid in pinpointing the deep-water, summer haunts of bass.

During the hottest months we usually find bass in 20 to 25 feet of water with a brushy bottom. I'm an avid devotee of the plastic worm, which I consider to be the most deadly lure on the market if one takes the time to learn how to use it properly. I rig a 9-inch worm with a single No. 4 hook and 1/2-ounce sinker to take it down quickly. My 20-pound-test line leads to the business end which is a custom-built, 5-foot, 8-inch bass rod with about as much flexibility as a coat rack. A free-spooling casting reel finishes up the outfit. The heavy gear is a necessity, for when a bass hits you have to drive the end of the hook through the plastic worm and into the bony jaw of the fish. The heavy outfit also allows you to horse fish away from the submerged brush where they are usually found. If a fish gets one run into the brush you won't need a landing net —you'll need a chain saw.

I particularly remember one day last summer. It was June 27. The days were warm and the bass fishing was slacking off on most other Nebraska lakes. A clear sky greeted us with the sun just topping the horizon as Dean Kirby and I launched the boat. Dean, who also lives in Lincoln, is one of my fishing buddies from work. In the next few hours we picked up several good largemouths. About seven o'clock the wind came up and blew us around the point where we were fishing.

The Lo-K-Tor showed a smooth bottom but we decided to try a few casts before moving on to look for more submerged brush where we knew the largemouths would be feeding. Suddenly I felt a strike. I let the line go slack as the fish mouthed the plastic worm. Then I reared back on the heavy rod. Minutes later, after a spectacular aerial show, I boated the 4-pound, 10-ounce smallmouth bass. I didn't know it at the time, but the fish topped the old state record by a single ounce. Five minutes later I landed another smallmouth over the four-pound mark, thus qualifying for another Master Angler award. Not to be outdone, Dean had a 4-pound-plus smallmouth in the boat within 20 minutes. In a span of 30 minutes we had taken a new state-record smallmouth and two others of Master Angler size. And we weren't even fishing for smallmouths.

During the course of a year we take several smallmouths, but regard them as added bonuses. Unlike the largemouth, they prefer a smooth and sandy or rocky bottom. The spawn was over when I took the record smallmouth, but had I caught it a month or so earlier during the (Continued on page 59)

55

Where to go

Windmill State Wayside Area, Great Stone Face

IN THE MIDDLE of the last century, Pawnee Indians traveled from their camps on the Loup River to their prime hunting areas farther south near the Republican River. On their way, they crossed the Platte River just south of a watering stop on the Union Pacific Railroad line near Gibbon. As at many such places, the water for the great steam locomotives was pumped from the ground by a windmill. The big pinwheel became a landmark, and the ford at the Platte River became associated with it.

Today the name of that area is once again connected with the windmill. Even though the watering stop is now just a memory, a new oasis has taken its place along Nebraska's modern Interstate 80.

Now serving the traveler is the Windmill State Wayside Area. Developed by the Game and Parks Commission, the area follows the concept of the Road Ranch, Nebraska's waysides on the super highway which offer weary automobile riders a chance for rest and recreation.

Located on the northeast corner of the 1-80 interchange at Gibbon, the wayside has 170 fun-filled acres. About 20 of those acres are water, as there are 6 lakes scattered through the park. What were once alfalfa fields and gravel pits have been transformed with grass, shrubs, and trees into a garden spot that NEBRASKAland offers all travelers, tourists and natives alike, opportunities for a great variety of outdoor action.

The three miles of blacktopped road lead campers and picnickers to the area's top-notch facilities. Sixty-nine hard-surfaced camping sites, both pull-through and slot types, are serviced with electricity and each has a picnic table and barbecue grill handy for use, and a sanitary dumping station offers owners of trailers, pickup campers, and motor homes another vital necessity. Tent campers haven't been forgotten, either, as a special area has been set aside for their use. Modern, heated toilet and shower buildings have been constructed and more are planned. One of the buildings has coin-operated washing machines and dryers, offering campers another much-needed service.

While the Windmill Wayside offers campers the finest of facilities, day-use visitors have not been neglected. A large picnic area, dotted with tables and grills, nestles near several of the lakes. Some of the picnic sites are sheltered and many more will someday be naturally shaded by the thousands of cotton woods, maples, ashes, and other varieties of trees, including conifers that have been planted recently.

The six lakes are available for nonpowered boating and one has been set aside for swimming. The needs of the water lovers have been considered, and a change building will soon be added to the area's already extensive facilities.

The lakes are for fishermen, too. Stocked with channel catfish, and smallmouth and rock bass, the lakes are also yielding catches of largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.

A resident superintendent manages the area. A family camping fee of $2.50 a day is collected at either the park office or at the small entrance building (kiosk). Camping is limited to two days, and visitors are informed of this and other rules via the park bulletin board located near the entrance.

Development of the Windmill Wayside was begun in November 1964 and was partly financed with federal money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Dedicated last April, the Windmill State Wayside Area joins the Mormon Island State Wayside Area at Grand Island in offering Interstate 80 travelers highly developed recreation grounds. Though windmills are little seen hereabouts today, travelers can still find this pleasant area's hospitality.

Far to the north of Gibbon, windmills still play a very practical role in the maintenance of Sand Hills cattle ranches. It was on one such ranch that the Great Stone Face was found seven years ago.

In the spring of 1954, Garould Fairhead was out in the pasture of his ranch north of Merriman repairing fences. While digging a posthole, the blade of JUNE 1971

the digger struck something hard about two feet down. Knowing rock to be an unusual occurrence in the Sand Hills, Fairhead dug the piece of material from the wet Nebraska sand and propped it up next to a post.

Little thought was given to the heavy piece of stone until a week later when Fairhead noticed that the sand had dried and that the piece of stone oddly resembled a face. Taking it home, he washed it, revealing that it truly was a rock carved in the form of a head.

The homely visage weighs 50 pounds and is 19 inches long. Deep, hollow eyes, a flattened nose, and a tight, narrow mouth give the hard-featured face a rather grotesque appearance. In addition to the obvious features, the Great Stone Face has a large, squared-off hole in the back of its head and also a small, deep hole in the base.

Even though Fairhead knew he had something unusual, he did not think that it was anything especially important; so the head rested against the side of his house for several months. A friend with the State Historical Society from Omaha saw the head and realized it was something very unique.

It has been displayed at numerous rock and mineral shows and has been inspected by several authorities. Representatives of the University of Nebraska's State Museum and the Smithsonian Institute have examined the head and expressed an interest in obtaining it for their collections.

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But even though the head has been the object of much study, its true identity remains a matter of speculation. It is known that it was carved from a piece of tufa, a form of calcined or petrified moss of a type that is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The hole in the back of the head may have been a "handle" and the hole on the bottom seems exactly suited for mounting it on a pole. But questions about who made it, where it came from, and how it got to that particular spot in the Sand Hills will probably remain unanswered.

It was purely coincidental that Garould Fairhead was the person to find the Great Stone Face, since he has been an artifact hunter for most of his life. He has spent hours and days searching blowouts for ancient souvenirs that are occasionally uncovered by the wind. His many years of such gathering have resulted in a very fine collection of Nebraska artifacts. Next to the Great Stone Face in importance is his collection of prehistoric points.

These points, or arrowheads, were used by the prehistoric men who once lived in this area. They were nomads and apparently roamed the Great Plains from Canada to Mexico hunting the great and lesser beasts of that time. Their weapon was the atlatl, a primitive throwing stick, used for hurling the shaft or arrow with the attached point.

Representing several different cultures, primarily the Yuma culture, the points are from 7,000 to 12,000 years old, and are identified by comparison to similar points that have been found at different archaeological sites. Fairhead has examples of Folsom, Alberta, Scotts Bluff, Agate Basin, Angostura, Plainview, and other types of points.

These are the prizes in Garould Fairhead's collection, but there is much more; like most collectors, he takes pride in displaying and showing his accumulation of artifacts. In addition to the Great Stone Face and the points, Fairhead has quite an extensive rock and mineral collection. He cuts and polishes the rocks that he finds and he now has several walls of one of his ranch buildings lined with polished, petrified wood, agate, and a great variety of other materials.

Like many other collectors, Fairhead keeps anything he can get his hands on. He has also assembled an assortment of Indian beadwork, a fairly extensive barbed-wire collection, plus fossils, bottles, and insulators.

Guests are always welcome at the Fairhead ranch, located 4V2 miles north of Merriman on Nebraska Highway 61, but visitors are asked to call ahead if they would like to see the Fairhead collections. A unique part of NEBRASKAland's history, the Great Stone Face, once seen, is not easily forgotten. THE END

NEBRASKAland

Outdoor Calendar

HUNTING, FISHING Nongame Species-Year-round, statewide. State special-use areas are open to hunting in season the year-round unless otherwise posted or designated. Hook and Line-All species, year-round, statewide. Archery-Nongame fish only, year-round. Game fish, April 1 through November 30. Sunrise to sunset. Hand Spearing-Nongame fish only, year-round, sunrise to sunset. Underwater Powered Spearfishing - No closed season on nongame fish. STATE AREAS State Parks-The grounds of all state parks are open to visitors year-round. Park facilities are officially closed September 15. Other areas include state recreation, wayside, and special-use areas. Most are open year-round, and are available for camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and horseback riding. Consult the NEBRASKAland Camping Guide for particulars. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS Consult NEBRASKAland hunting and fishing guides, available from conservation officers, NEBRASKAlanders, permit vendors, tourist welcome stations, county clerks, all Game and Parks Commission offices, or by writing Game and Parks Commission, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509.

BLUE AGATE COUNTRY

(Continued from page 45)

never very extensive, and, although there may be deposits underground, surface picking is virtually done. Apparently, blue agate was formed mostly by a narrow layer or vein of material - possibly gypsum-in the eroding earth. Then, over a period of time, liquid bearing minerals and impurities filled the veins, and possibly bubble-like pockets, eventually hardening into agate with its rather unique properties.

Even the area where we were hunting, which was pretty well endowed with the matrix containing blue agate, was not extensive. It covered only about an acre. Later, as we traveled back toward Crawford, other productive areas were pointed JUNE 1971 out, but they all seemed to be in a narrow band, as our hosts had said.

Before heading back to Lincoln, we stopped at Lee Hallsted's home to look at some of his large, polished slabs of "blue", then moved to Mrs. Hudson's home to drool over some of her jewelry. We also visited with another active Crawford rockhound, railroad agent Earl McGuire. He has more than a ton of agate, including the matrix material, with one boulder weighing about 100 pounds.

Back in Lincoln, Arnold Ruhnke invited me to the city recreation department's lapidary shop, where he slabbed off some blue agate to show how it is done. Ultimately, most of the agate we brought back will be formed into jewelry to serve as mementoes of Nebraska, excluding, of course, several prize chunks which I kept in my pocket. THE END

A LAKE FOR ALL SEASONS

(Continued from page 55)

spawn, it might have weighed as much as 5% pounds. I hold the record now, but I'm sure it will be broken several times this spring. And, I'm also sure it will be broken at Red Willow.

As is the case with many other Nebraska lakes on the irrigation chain, the water level of Red Willow fluctuates a great deal during summer months. Although this can pose problems in boat launching, I feel that it actually improves fishing. The flow of water washes in new feed and keeps the fish active. I've had some of my best days during rising or lowering water conditions.

The wind is about the only thing that can really give us problems. I've made the long drive more than once, only to be met by a whitecap-covered lake, thus ruling out any chance for fishing.

Red Willow is located in an area where there is little farming, and for this reason only small amounts of commercial fertilizer wash into the lake. Because of this, excessive water vegetation seldom poses a problem. This contrasts sharply with some of the eastern Nebraska lakes wThere excessive algae growth often chokes off a lake during the hot summer months, bringing fishing to a near standstill.

As the water cools in fall, the bass again move to shallower water. Fall fishing is sometimes the best in the year, but is largely overlooked by Nebraska sportsmen, who turn their attention to hunting.

During the summer of 19691 talked up the great fishing at Red Willow with the fellows at work. Floyd Schumacher was skeptical. He had moved to Nebraska from Wisconsin where he had enjoyed great fishing. One look at Nebraska had made him decide to hang up his fishing rod. I finally talked him into accompanying me to Red Willow one September weekend. By two o'clock that Saturday afternoon we had our limit of bass. "I just can't believe it," Floyd kept repeating.

We brought back our limit of bass that weekend, and not one of them weighed less than four pounds. Floyd is now sold on Nebraska fishing, particularly at Red Willow.

During the five years I have been fishing there, Red Willow has been producing large numbers of bass in the three to five-pound class. Last fall, for the first time, bass in the six-pound range started showing up, so things look better than ever for this year.

Red Willow isn't a miracle lake. Just getting there and dropping a line into the water is not going to guarantee a man his limit. Just as with any other water body, a man must take the time to learn the lake. He must also know the habits of the fish he seeks, and he must spend time fishing. However, Red Willow will produce big bass, spring, summer, or fall, and that's what makes me classify it as the No. 1 bass water in the Midwest. THE END

Editors Note: Since the preceding article was prepared, Mr. Wood's smallmouth bass record has been broken. True to his prediction, the new champ was hauled from Red Willow Reservoir. James Vencill of McCook landed the 5-pound, 11-ounce lunker March 29. 59

Roundup and What to do

60

JUNE WHOOPS through Nebraska with a series of rodeos, horse shows, festivals, canoe races, and circuses. Biggest on the agenda is NEBRASKAland Days in North Platte, from June 14 through 20. The entire city will turn its facilities over to Old West hilarity.

Miss NEBRASKAland, Rachael Driscoll, will be on hand to help keep the festivities moving at a breakneck pace. The tall brunette is a physical education major at Hastings College. She lists a second major as elementary education, but says that she would prefer to direct or help organize a city recreation program.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Driscoll of Axtell, Rachael was graduated from Axtell High in 1969. Miss Driscoll is the Women's Recreation Association representative for her sorority, Kappa Rho Upsilon, and a lieutenant in the Fillies, her college drill team.

Rachael says her hobbies are volleyball and all other sports with horseback riding high on the list.

A new Miss NEBRASKAland will be crowned Monday night and Rachael's duties will officially end there. The new J miss will reign over four nights of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, the NEBRASKAland Days Parade, and all other exciting events of the week. The Buffalo Bill Award will be presented to some deserving entertainer Thursday. The Frontier Revue and a shoot-out will be held as usual, but there are several new events this year. One of these is Old Timer's night at the rodeo when any of the performers who rode in the 1950 Buffalo Bill Rodeo, or before, will be invited to ride in this year's Grand Entry. There will be two western art shows for both amateurs and professionals, and works will be offered for sale.

Three camping conventions are slated for North Platte during the blow-out. National Campers and Hikers will have their Nebraska convention for the event, and Airstream members from east of Nebraska will converge on North Platte before going on to their national convention in Idaho. Red Dale's "Little National" will also meet at North Platte.

A red-letter date on the June calendar is the NEBRASKAland tour starting in Lincoln June 19. From ethnic dinners to historic spots, the tour includes the best of Nebraska.

A third splash of color on the June NEBRASKAland scene is ethnic festivals. To kick off the season, Loup City is staging Polish Days June 11 through 13. Loup City will be filled with polka music. Stromsburg will be the scene of a second ethnic celebration, the Swedish Festival. Complete with smorgasbord, the festival features Old-World food, dance, and music. The first of the Czech Festivals polkas into Clarkson June 25 through 27. Again, the Old-World flavor will be preserved as much as possible.

While dancers kick up dust in Clarkson to the tune of the Flying Dutchman, 60 players will be raising the dust in Omaha at the College World Series. The baseball championships will be played June 11-17 at Rosenblatt Stadium. This is the 25th anniversary of the series, and 22 of those 25 tournaments have been held in Omaha.

Everything from horse shows to swim meets to antique auto shows are part of the centennial in Red Cloud June 13-20 — seat of Nebraska's Centennial County.

Several other centennial celebrations mark the June calendar, including a volunteer firemen's Centennial Ball and Coronation in Sutton June 4. Then there will be a community festival and centennial celebration in Bennet June 5 and 6, the Pierce Centennial June 11 through 13, and Elk Creek Centennial June 25 through 27.

With the centennial celebrations to represent the conclusions of old days and the beginnings of days to come, and three appearances of the Shrine Circus in McCook, Hastings, and Mitchell to spark children's dreams, Nebraska in June offers a spectrum of summertime fun.

What to do 1-7 —Bellevue Days, Bellevue 4 — Volunteer Firemen's Centennial Ball and Coronation, Sutton 4-5 —Shrine Circus, McCook 4-5 —Rodeo, Lexington 4-6-High School Rodeo, Mitchell 5 —High School Rodeo, Hyannis 5 — Deshler Day, Deshler 5-6-High School Rodeo, Mitchell 5-6 — Centennial Horse Shows, Red Cloud 5-6 — Community Festival and Centennial Celebration, Bennet 5-6 — Little Britches Rodeo, Ogallala 5-11-Cornhusker Boys' and Girls' State, Lincoln 6-High School Rodeo, Thedford 6 — Seward Arabian Show, Seward 6 —Niobrara Canoe Races, Valentine 7-8 — Homecoming Celebration and Barbecue, Scotia 8-9-Vetch Days, Elgin 9-10 —Clearwater Free Days, Clearwater 1-12 —High School Rodeo, Wauneta 1-12 —Quarter Horse Show, Oshkosh 1-13 —Central Nebraska Round-up Rodeo, Hastings 1-13 —Pierce Centennial, Pierce 1-13 —Nora Nebraska Annual Rodeo, Nora 1-13 —Polish Days, Loup City 1-18 —College World Series, Omaha 2-13-High School Rodeo, Arnold 3 — Quarter Horse Show, Ogallala 3 — Men's Open Golf Tournament, Central City 3-Tristate Field Trial, Emerald 3 — Sod House Society Annual Meeting, Dunning 3-20 — Centennial Celebration Week, Red Cloud 4-20-NEBRASKAland Days and Buffalo Bill Rodeo, North Platte 7-July 4 —Nebraska Oldest Town Celebration, Bellevue 8 — Brown Swiss Canton Four Show, Broken Bow 8 —Firemen's Dance, Central City 8 — Old Fashioned Western Auction, Plattsmouth 8-19 - High School Rodeo, Bassett 8-19 —Swedish Festival, Stromsburg 9-20 - NEBRASKAland Days Coin and Hobby Show, North Platte. 19-23-NEBRASKAland Tour, Lincoln and state 20 — Registered Trap Shoot, Beatrice 20 — Salt Valley Arabian Show, Lincoln 20 — Nebraska Open Horse Show, Osceola 20-25 — National Convention, Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does, Omaha 23-27 - Nebraska State High School Rodeo, Harrison 25-27-Elk Creek Centennial, Elk Creek 25-27 — Ponca Days of '56 and Rodeo, Ponca 25-27-Czech Festival, Clarkson 26-27 —Nebraska Approved Amateur Rodeo, Central City 26-27 — Centennial Antique Car Meet and Show, Red Cloud 27 — Registered Trap Shoot, Lincoln 28-29-Shrine Circus, Mitchell THE END NEBRASKAland

GREAT FLOOD

(Continued from page 33)

danger since communications were cut off, power went out, and generating facilities were inundated. Some utilities officials did know the water was coming, however, and took steps to protect the town. The manager of the city light plant threw crews into the construction of a sandbag dike to fend off the raging invader. Located close to the river, the light plant was one of the most vulnerable targets in town, so the move was wise. But it came too late. When the water hit, some 37 men still working there were trapped, and as the water rose in the building, they were forced to the roof.

Rescue by boat was out of the question, the water simply was moving too fast. So, after considerable deliberation, men on shore decided to attempt a rescue using power lines which radiated from the station. Paul Wilson shinnied along the electric wires carrying a line. A large rope connected to the line was pulled to the powerhouse, and then was secured at both ends. The plan was to attach a pulley to the rope and get the men ashore by having them swing from pole to pole. Bob French, one of the stranded men, climbed out to the pole nearest the power plant while Ray Miller made for the pole nearest shore. They were there to help those evacuated.

In a matter of minutes, two men were safely ashore, but it was hard work and the weather didn't make things any easier. Miller climbed back down to the ground and was taking a break when the poles yielded to the raging water. French, still atop his perch, had two choices — sink or swim. He chose to swim. As wires and poles toppled, he stood up and dived over the wires into the swirling cateract. He was underwater for what seemed an eternity and those on shore had almost given him up for lost when he finally emerged. Bobbing downstream, he struck out for shore, dodging driftwood and floating debris as he swam, and finally pulled himself to safety. His ordeal was over, but there were still men in the light plant.

Water gnawed away at the building. First, a standpipe on the side of the structure swayed gently, then plunged into the water, scraping the wall as it went. Then, weakened by the constant pounding, the building itself sagged in the middle and the steel frame buckled; the roof collapsed in the center. That was it, though, and the building held. By morning, Max Merrell managed to row across to the waiting men with coffee and sandwiches. On Saturday afternoon, the men were ferried from the light plant to dry land. Another trial was continuing throughout the city, however.

Without power, McCook was in dire straits. Electric pumps couldn't be used to move water, refrigerators stopped, radios went dead. Even air search and rescue attempts were hampered when landing lights couldn't be supplied for planes at night. Great as hardships were, though, the human factor was the most pitiful and terrifying.

A river, which earlier could have been crossed without even wetting a shoe, was now two miles wide at Oxford. The crest rose two to three feet an hour, washing through second-story windows as it pillaged the land. Near Trenton, the terrain fell 10 to 11 feet per mile, allowing plenty of gravitational pull to clear the area under normal circumstances. During the flood, it was more than a mile wide in some places and estimated at 20 to 25 feet deep. Water six feet deep swamped the streets of Holbrook. Red Cloud's Burlington Railway Station held five feet of water. Property loss ran high at Idelia and Beechey Island, but only two persons drowned. Tolls elsewhere ran much higher.

A baby drowned at Parks. The Taylor family of Benkleman accounted for four drownings. None of the bodies were found. Eight members of the J. R. Pettit family drowned — all were recovered. Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas and son went downstream with their house. Mrs. Thomas' body was later found in a treetop near Arapahoe. Red Cross and other agencies' fatality lists seemed endless. Yet, as terrible as the deaths were, the destruction was dramatic in its own right.

Andy Gibson told of watching the water move down about 9 a.m., tearing up trees and undermining the barn until it collapsed. Most hollows on his Trenton-area place were under 10 to 12 feet of water while the rest of his land was covered with 2 to 6 feet. All that was left was the house.

SUPRPLUS CENTER Special Note To Mail Order Customers • All items are F.O.B. Lincoln, Nebraska. Include enough money for postage to avoid paying collection fees (minimum 85c). Shipping weights are shown. 25% deposit required on all C.O.D. orders. We refund excess remittances immediately. Nebraska customers must include the Sales Tax. Himalayan 8 Back Pack

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Opened For Use

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Back Pack Stove • Great for back packers, Scouts, etc. 4" dia. x 5" high, nested. Uses gasoline. ( T'2 lbs. ) $10.88 SURPLUS CENTER Dept. ONF061 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 62 NEBRASKAland

Early Friday morning, Ode Fleming awoke to find "a little" water running near his house half a mile south of the river. Between 8 and 9 a.m. a wall of water five feet high ripped through his farm near Trenton, smashing small buildings and taking chickens, hogs, calves, and most of his machinery with it. In the end, his entire farm was lost.

They say lightning never strikes the same place twice. In 1935, they were wrong. No sooner had the flood hit, then tornadoes ripped through the inundated counties. McCook, again, took it on the chin as a twister roared through the town, tearing a swath of destruction to equal all the flood had wrought. Remaining telephone lines were flattened. Those who escaped the swirling water seemed to be marked for the twisting wind. Suffering doubled, then multiplied.

By June 2, the Red Cross had established its headquarters in McCook. Search planes were out almost around the clock. Those survivors found floating in the debris-littered water were pinpointed for rescue teams. Persons marooned on dry land and not in immediate jeopardy had supplies dropped to them; they would have to wait. A typhoid scare, partly real, partly imagined, ran rampant. To combat the dread disease, residents of areas where water supplies had been destroyed were inoculated. In all, the Red Cross provided 6,440 cubic centimeters of vaccine while local doctors and nurses donated their time. It seemed that man was about to survive his ordeal.

June 16 brought another reversal. Rain, which had never completely ceased, regrouped for another assault Rivers and streams, already out ot bounds, spread even farther. On June 17, the water rose 18 inches in 15 minutes, then began to slow. Nebraskans girded for still another battle. Most of their armaments were already entrenched for the second onslaught. Kea Cross and rescue centers, thrown together for the first siege, were still operational. In fact, the second threat came as personnel were celebrating the end ot their second week on the job, so they simply stayed put. Disaster or not, some things just won't wait, as Dr. E. T. Boulware found out just as the crest struck.

It seems that Mrs. Oscar Rippen was expecting. It wasn't her fault that the flood happened to come on or about her due date. Nevertheless, it did, and Dr. Boulware was the attending physician. Since the doctor lived on one side of the river and the Rippens on the other, he climbed into his boat and headed out. That was in the morning, and doctors were in great demand. At 2:35 p.m. the Republican River flood crest hit. Dr. Boulware sat out most of the rest ot the flood with the Rippens.

The great flood of 1935, later called the worst in Nebraska's history, didnt subside overnight. In fact, some of its effects are still visible. High-water marks along the valley, meaningless to anyone but longtime, area residents recalled the disaster for years. Still, in the days, weeks, and months that followed, people had time to stop and to think, to grieve and to give thanks. They had time to rebuild or to move on. But most of all, they had time to take stock of all they had endured.

JUNE 1971 PIONEER HISTORY INDIAN LORE • NATURAL SCIENCE ... See it all at the House of Yesterday HASTINGS MUSEUM j. m. Mcdonald planetarium Highway #281 and 14th St. Hastings, Nebraska FORT KEARNEY MUSEUM Over 100 years of world-wide collecting have produced this unique and unusual visit with the past. Over 10,000 items from all parts of the world.

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Samuelson's Store • Gas • Tackle • Bait • Boat & Motor Rental • Guides L. R. "Monte" Samuelson UN BIG MAC Phone 355 2321 Lemoyne, Nebr. ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE McCONAUGHY

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Beautiful 40 by 80 ft. lots at $250.00 per year. Permanent parking includes water and sewer. All other utilities reasonably priced. LEMOYNE BAY MOBILE PARK HOME Jesse Harris Brule, Nebraska 69127 308 284-3523 TAKE A SPIN WHERE THE WEST BEGINS 63  

Lois Ruplinger of Orleans later wrote that from about 3:45 to 4 p.m. the day before the flood, telephone operators began urging river-bottom residents to head for higher ground. Pleas were issued every 15 minutes until the telephone lines were completely gone. Most residents, she wrote, simply refused to be alarmed. Perhaps some of those residents are now statistics.

According to the McCook Gazette, by Monday, June 3, 1935, Red Willow County had registered 40 flood and 35 tornado victims. Overall, 103 persons died and 68 were injured; 121 homes were destroyed, 320 were damaged; 146 barns were destroyed, 41 were damaged; 913 other buildings were destroyed; 389 were damaged. More than 1,200 families registered with the Red Cross, the major relief organization, for assistance. Of those, 790 were unable to re-establish and moved on. Livestock suffered a devastating toll with 258 horses drowned or killed, 2,228 cattle lost, and 71,000 poultry drowned or lost. To top the whole thing off, a quarter of a million acres of some of the richest farmland in the state lay mangled, covered by silt or eroded beyond use.

In all, the Red Cross spent $167,411 ministering to Nebraskans' needs; that, compared to $15,810 in Kansas and Missouri, and $74,118 in Colorado. Nebraska bore the brunt of the raging Republican River. Now, a series of dams and reservoirs provide virtual failsafe certainty that such a disaster will not recur. But few who lived through it will forget the great flood of 1935. THE END

THOSE WHO CARE

(Continued from page 41)

elaborate brush piles for increased protection from harsh Nebraska winters.

As if merely placing their own acres and their neighbors acres in the project were not enough, they went on to sell Game Commissioner Dr. Bruce Cowgill's program to all Nebraskans. Along with their advisor, Ray Becker, the youths requested and received time on two television stations. Presenting programs on the need for cover to maintain healthy wildlife populations, the boys brought the wildlife gospel into many Nebraska homes. This year, litter-collection and community beautification programs have been added to their growing list of goals and accomplishments.

Recognition came to the chapter last April at the State FFA convention where they dominated awards based on achieve: ments in 10 areas of competition. The St. Edward Chapter was cited for promoting recreational facilities, improving wildlife habitats, and for litter removal from roadsides, shelterbelts, and parks.

The Columbus-St. Edward area holds no monopoly on litter pickups and community-beautification projects, though. Local Boy Scout troops, along with the 64 women's division of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, local garden clubs, high-school organizations, and other interested groups in North Platte are leading cleanup action in that part of the state.

Troop 295, in conjunction with the National "Save Our American Resources" campaign of the Boy Scouts of America, policed 12 pickup loads of litter last March. Weighing a total of 6 tons, the careless discards were gathered along U.S. Highway 83 between the North Platte Experimental Station and Lake Maloney.

On Memorial Day, the group distributed litter bags. Plans call for continuing their program plus expanding into other fields such as tree planting and encouraging the recycling of disposable containers.

Other interested groups in the North Platte area were involved in North Platte Environmental Action Month during April, with the mayor declaring the weekends of April 17 and 18 and April 24 and 25 as Operation Green Team weekends. The Governor's Council to Keep Nebraska Beautiful is working in association with this project. Two weekends were spent in a concentrated cleanup effort in and around North Platte. The Green Team's purpose was to coordinate and aid individuals and organizations in environmental improvement actions. Beautification and anti-litter programs topped project lists.

Old-timers, as environmental-interest groups go, the Rollin' Platters Chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association of North Platte staged its initial campout of the season at Lake Maloney for the last three years with the express purpose of cleaning up the area.

A pickup of another type came off at the opposite end of the state during the first weekend of May. The University of Nebraska Wildlife Club in Lincoln chose that date to conduct its "Hard Pesticides Collection Campaign" in the capital city. Ads were carried by local newspapers requesting Lincolnites to give up their harmful pesticides, such as DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons. In trucks borrowed from the university and the Game and Parks Commission, members of the 90-student organization collected these lethal chemicals and temporarily disposed of them in old munition bunkers at the University of Nebraska's Field Laboratory near Mead. Studies of questionable environmental decisions were also conducted by the group with stands taken on each.

NEXT MONTH Spectacular Photographs of Nebraska's Bees and Wasps Stalking With Bow and Arrow Nebraska In the Middle

In the southeast, bird houses, brush piles, community beautification, or any other project connected with conservation are interests of the Green Thumbers. The Green Thumb program, while under the Department of Labor, is sponsored in Nebraska by the Farmers Union. Providing supplemental income for retired, low-income persons with farm backgrounds, the program requires that all Green Thumbers be more than 55 years old.

Crews work three days each week on projects sponsored by local organizations or state, counties, towns, and villages. Work includes park improvement, tree planting, building camping facilities or hiking trails, and other outdoor facilities.

Several crews are aided by the Game and Parks Commission with various programs in southeast Nebraska. Green Thumbers are active building bird houses and with brush-pile construction as well as cleaning campgrounds and trails at Indian Cave State Park. Another group works the Burchard Lake recreation grounds and nearby Pawnee Prairie area maintaining the grounds and planting trees and shrubs for wildlife and recreational purposes. Beyond the obvious benefits for the Green Thumbers themselves, the beauty and ecology of the state receives a helping hand from this program.

Coming this fall to Nebraska's three largest cities will be the first comprehensive gun-safety program conducted in the state. Sponsored by the Lincoln Star, the Omaha Sportsmen's Club, and by Hornady Manufacturing Company in the third city, the day-long sessions will take place October 9 in Grand Island and Lincoln, and September 11 in Omaha. The safety sessions are organized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, but are conducted by local volunteers.

Young hunters between the ages of 11 and 16 will be put through the 1-day course at no cost. A definite schedule has not yet been firmed up, but in other cities where it has been conducted, the clinic was arranged in 5, 55-minute sessions covering such subjects as actual range firing of .22-caliber rifles, hunter safety, landowner relations, comfort and survival, technical aspects of firearm adjustment and maintenance, as well as other activities. A written examination may be given at the end of the program and certificates awarded to those passing. Potentially boring lectures are spiced UP by youngster involvement rather than just talking to them, and by interesting demonstrations and attractions between classes.

Of thousands of organizations throughout the state, only a handful of groups have seen fit to expand beyond the social-meeting stage of coffee and conversation into areas of productive improvement. During times of widespread disenchantment with the status of our society and environment, only a few have moved in a positive direction to correct our ills. Even as leisure time increases by leaps and bounds, only a spattering of individuals are willing to devote a part of that time for the improvement in the way of life for the benefit of all. Hats off to these concerned groups. THE END

NEBRASKAland

NEBRASKAland TRADING POST

Acceptance of advertising implies no endorsement of products or services. Classified Ads: 18 cents a word, minimum order $3.60. August 1971 closing date, June 9. Send classified ads to: Trading Post, NEBRASKAland, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 DOGS AKC hunting dogs. Irish setters, English Spk. spaniels, pups, dogs and stud service. Also Westie and Basenji in December. Kirilu Kennels, Hebron, Nebraska 68370. Tele. (402) 768-6237. AKC registered Vizsla pups. Excellent blood line. Write Tom McQuade, 2401 East 2nd, North Platte, Nebraska 69101. AKC Vizsla pups, excellent hunters and pets, stud services, Freeman Guide & Sports Service, Valentine, Nebraska 69201. Phone (402) 376-2703. AKC Weimaraner pups, after July 1st. Champion quality Robert E. Ihm, 2502 W. 4th St., Hastings, Nebraska 68901. GERMAN shorthair pups, 6 weeks old. Will trade for Blue Australian Shepherd. Willis L. Plate, rr, 2, Box 19A, North Loup, Nebraska. HUNTING DOGS: German shorthairs, English winters Weimaraners, English, Irish, and Gordon Otters, ' Chesapeakes, Labradors, and golden retrievers. Registered pups, all ages, $60 each. Robert Stevenson, Orleans, Nebraska 68966. TRAINING, gun dog, retrievers and all pointing hreods Individual concrete runs, the best of feed and care Year round boarding. Pointer pups of the finest gun dog breeding. Point back & retrieve early. Easy to break; registered. Platte Valley Kennels, 925E Capitol Av., Grand Island, Nebraska (308) 382-9126. MISCELLANEOUS "A" FRAME cabin, Build for under $500 Complete easy to read drawings and »stmc*ions. Send $-00 to Dependable, Dept. R-l, Box 113, Vista, California 92083. AFRICANS 3U ud $12.00—1000. Beyond 3rd zone 25?exfr^Postoa^a. Clif's Worm Hatchery, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. BASS fishermen - Cape Cod 'Terlene'' premium quality monofilament. -The line the 1 now available in Nebraska - write Gail McKie, 808 No. 27th, Lincoln, Nebraska_bg5U CUSTOM upholstery makes $$$ chairs sofas, seats, even boats, cars campers high pay. No experience needed. We show you modern ways, furnish illustrated home instruction, supplies, beautiful material choices. Send tor t>ig FPvEE book, FREE project lesson. Approved tor veterans. Modern Upholstery Institute, Box EHE, Orange, California 92669. EL Dorado pickup campers. We are a showcase dealer and always have 12 or more m stock, we sell GMC trucks' and specialize in camper pickups, set up to do the job. Camper and pickup combinations available at a very attractive finance plan. Bob Strong, Inc., Pontiac-Olds-GMC, 11 East 25th, Kearney, Nebraska (308) 237-5112. EXTRA income. Make $1.00 per sale selling engraved metal Social Security plates. Free sales kit. Engravaplates, Box 10460-7119, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. 500 DELUXE gold striped labels. Top quality paper with rich gold trim. Printed with any name and address. Only $1.00 Pine House, 359 South Pine, Orange, California 92666 FREE catalog: Feathers and hooks for flies and jigs. Custom jig molds. All popular reel parts. Tackle Shop, 2406 Hancock Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005 HAND-TIED blue gill and crappie flys. Proven effective Five for one dollar postpaid. Carlisle, Box 23, Nebraska City, Nebraska 68410. HIGHER income, security and power. 256 page book "Thinking Big" reveals secrets that make men rich! Send $2.00. Pine House, 359 South Pine, Orange, California 92666. HOW much are your bottles worth? "Bottle Collector's Handbook—Pricing Guide" identifies, prices over 2,500 collectible bottles. $3.95 postpaid. (Guaranteed!) Infobooks, Box 5001-NL, San Angelo, Texas LAKE McConaughy: Cabins, cooking and non-cooking; cafe; boats and pontoons with motors; bait and tackle. Everything for the fisherman. For further information contact LakeView Fishing Camp, Route #1, Brule, Nebraska 69127. LAKE McConaughy: Directly on the lake, new camp grounds complete with hook-ups and showei house. Everything for the camper and fisherman. For further information contact LakeView Fishing Camp, Route #1, Brule, Nebraska 69127. LARSON boats, largest dealer in Nebraska. Also Appleby aluminum boats, sail boats, pontoons, trailers, Johnson and Bearcat motors, Cushman tracksters. Large service department, boating supplies. Get our low, big-volume prices. Blackburn's, 14 West 18th St., Scottsbluff, Nebraska (308) 632-6121. NARRATED river excursions. From Ponca State Park and South Sioux City's Hilton Marina Inn. Luxurious new boat. Also private charters. Stardust River Cruises, Inc., Ponca, Nebraska (402) 755-2511. NEW, used and antique guns, $1 for year of lists or stop in at Bedlan's Sporting Goods, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352 PAYING cash for coins. Complete illustrated book with actual prices we pay. Send 50$ Shapiro Box 1498-N, Reseda, California 91335. "PREPARE for driver's test". 100 questions and answers based on Nebraska Driver's Manual. $1.03. E. Glebe. Box 295, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352. RAINBOW trout and catfish fishing, also trout and catfish for stocking. Lake George, Oxford, Nebraska 68967. Phone (308) 824-3160. RED worms. Postpaid within 300 miles. Write for prices. Closed Sundays. Nels Ibsen, 2715 West A, North Platte, Nebraska 69101. SCARCE. From old miners hoarde. Ten different pennies before 1931. Only $1. Shapiro Box 1498-N, Reseda, California 91335. SOLID plastic decoys. Original Do-It-Yourself Decoy-Making Kit. All species available. Catalog 25 cents. Decoys Unlimited, Box 69E, Clinton, Iowa 52732. WANTED: old fencing tools—stretchers, pliers, tightners, etc. Describe fully. Also printed material on fencing. C. Bose, Orleans, Nebraska 68966. WINEMAKERS yeast, recipes and catalog 25c. Special lager beer recipe included. Kraus, Box 451-SK, Nevada, Missouri 64772. REAL ESTATE CABINS for rent. Near Alexandria State Lakes. Completely furnished, air conditioners, kitchenettes, bath. Country-Lakeview Cabins, Alexandria, Nebraska. Phone 749-4016. FOR sale. Beautiful house in Sandhills of Nebraska, near lakes and streams. 116 x 36. 4 baths, 19 rooms, brick, many extras, also class 1 land available. Beautifully located—away from smog and people. Telephone 684-3355. FOR sale: 42 acres on Niobrara river 12 miles east of Valentine. House—6 rooms and bath. Main outbuilding 36 x 24. Wired, water, and cement floor. Pens for kennel operation. $12,500.00 cash. Everett Bristol, Valentine, Nebraska 69201. Phone 376-2539. GOVERNMENT lands. Low as $1.00 acre. Millions acres! For exclusive "copyrighted report" . . . plus "Land Opportunity Digest" listing lands throughout U.S.; and valuable 17 x 22 treasure map of U.S., send $1.00. Land Disposal, Box 9091-NE, Washington, D.C. 20003. Satisfaction guaranteed. GOVERNMENT lands ... low as $1.00 acre! Millions acres! For exclusive "Government Land Buyer's Guide" . . . plus "Land Opportunity Review" listing lands available throughout U.S., send $1.00. Satisfaction guaranteed. United Lands, Box 19108-XF, Washington, D.C. 20036. TAXIDERMY KARL SCHWARZ Master Taxidermists. Mounting of game heads - birds - fish - animals - fur rugs - robes - tanning buckskin. Since 1910. 424 South 13th Street, Dept. A., Omaha, Nebraska 68102. TAXIDERMY work—big-game heads, fish-and-bird mounting; rug making, hide tanning, 36 years experience. Visitors welcome, Floyd Houser, Sutherland, Nebraska. Phone 386-4780. Leo pRedicts...

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neBBASkaUnfc *6s will BRinq Results August copy deadline: June 9 JUNE 1971

OUTDOOR NEBRASKAland of the Air

SUNDAY KHAS Hastings (1230) 6:45 a.m. KMMJ Grand Island (750) 7:00 a.m. KBRL McCook (1300) 8:15 a.m. KRFS Superior (1600) 9:45 a.m. KXXX Colby, Kan. (790)10:15 a.m. KRGI Grand Island (1430) 10:33 a.m. KODY North Platte (1240) 10:45 a.m. KOTD Plattsmouth (100) 12 Noon KCOW Alliance (1400) 12:15 p.m. KICX McCook (1360) 12:40 p.m. KFOR Lincoln (1240) 12:45 p.m. KLMS Lincoln (1480) 1:00 p.m. KCNI Broken Bow (1280) 1:15 p.m. KAMI Cozad (1580) 2:45 p.m. KAWL York (1370) 3:30 p.m. KUVR Holdrege (1380) 4:45 p.m. KGFW Kearney (1340) 5:45 p.m. KMA Shenandoah, Ia. (960) 7:15 p.m. FRIDAY KTCH Wayne (1590) 3:45 p.m. KVSH Valentine (940) 5:10 p.m. KHUB Fremont (1340) 5:15 p.m. WJAG Norfolk (780)-. 5:35 p.m. KBRB Ainsworth (1400) 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY KJSK Columbus (900) 6:00am KICS Hastings (1550) 6:15am KRNY Kearney (1460) 7:45am KERY Scottsbluff (690) 7:45am KTNC Fails City (1230) 8:45am KSID Sidney (1340) 9:15am KTTT Columbus (1510) 11:15am KCSR Chadron (610)11:45am KGMT Fairbury (1310) 12:45pm KBRX O'Neill (1350) 4:30pm KNLV Ord (1060) 4:45pm KKAN Phillipsburg, Ks. (1490) 5:15pm KOLT Scottsbluff (1320) 5:40pm KMNS Sioux City, la. (620) 6:10pm KRVN Lexington (1010) 6:45pm KJSK-FM Columbus (101.1) 9:45pm DIVISION CHIEFS C. Phillip Agee, research William J. Bailey Jr., federal aid Glen R. Foster, fisheries Carl E. Geftmann, enforcement Jack Hanna, budget and fiscal Dick H. Scheffer, information and tourism Frank Foote, asst. director Richard J. Spady, asst. director Lloyd Steen, personnel Jack D. Strain, parks Lyle Tanderup, engineering CONSERVATION OFFICERS Ainsworth—Max Showalter, 387-1960 Albion—Robert Kelly, 395-2538 Alliance—Marvin Bussinger, 762-5517 Alliance—Richard Furley, 762-2024 Alma—William F. Bonsall, 928-2313 Arapahoe—Don Schaepier, 962-7818 Auburn—James Newcome, 274-3644 Bassett—Leonard Spoertng, 684-3645 Bassett—Bruce Wiebe, 684-3511 Benkelman—H. Lee Bowers, 423-2893 Bridgeport—Joe UIrich, 262-0541 Broken Bow—Gene Jeffries, 872-5953 Columbus—Lyman Wilkinson, 564-4375 Crawford—Cecil Avey, 665-2517 Creighton—Gary R. Ralston, 425 Croftoit—John Schuckman, 388-4421 David City—Lester H. Johnson, 367-4037 Fairbury—Larry Bauman, 729-3734 Fremont—Andy Nielsen, 72l-2452 Gering—Jim McCole, 436-2686 Grand Island—Fred Salak, 384-0582 Hostings—Norbert Kampsnider, 462-8953 Lexington—Robert D. Patrick, 324-2138 Lincoln— Leroy Orvis, 488-1663 Lincoln—William O. Anderson, 432-9013 Lincoln—Dayton Shultis, 434-8926 Milford—Dale Bruha, 761-4531 Millard—Dick Wilson, 334-1234 Norfolk—Marlon Shafer, 371-2031 Norfolk—Robert Downing, 371-2675 North Platte—Gail Woodside North Flatte—Dwighf Allbery, 532-2753 Ogallala— Parker Erickson, 284-2992 O'Neill—Kenneth L. Adkisson, 336-3000 Ord—Gerald Woodgate, 728-5060 Oshkosh—Donald D. Hunt, 772-3697 Plattsmouth—Larry D. Elston, 296-3562 Ponca—Richard D. Turpin, 755-2612 Riverdale—Bill Earnest, 893-2571 Rushville—Marvin T. Kampbell, 327-2995 Sidney—Raymond Frandsen, 254-4438 Stapleton—John D. Henderson, 636-2430 Syracuse—Mick Gray, 269-3351 Tekamah—Richard Elston, 374-1698 Valentine—Elvin Zimmerman, 376-3674 65

Outdoor Elsewhore

Rough Grouse. Hearing a frightened snarl from his black Labrador, who was crouched under some brush near camp, a Maine Conservation Officer went to investigate the situation. Looking into the brush, the officer saw his dog surrounded by four partridge, each in attack position displaying severe anger with the dog. The officer spooked the grouse, and his frightened dog retreated to the tent, undoubtedly much wiser in the ways of the wild. — Maine

Snake Shaker. While investigating a terrible commotion high in a tree, a Pennsylvania game warden spotted a small gray squirrel with a 31/2-foot black snake clenched in its jaws. The squirrel was shaking the snake vigorously. Then, after a good shaking, the little squirrel dropped the dazed reptile to the ground, scampered down the trunk of the tree, and pounced on its victim. After a few more minutes of shaking, the squirrel was back up in his tree. He then gave the snake a good and sound scolding, then casually disappeared down one of the tree's leafy highways. —Pennsylvania

Flip-Top Slobs. An honest-to-goodness "litter" rush went into effect recently in suburban Boston, as 49 youngsters participated in a 3-day litter cleanup campaign. The environment-conscious youths invaded a suburban pond-picnic area and must have set some sort of record. Among tons of run-of-the-mill trash, the teenagers picked up a total of 12,858 individual flip-top can openers which, in turn, must be some sort of record for the slobs who left them there. — Massachusetts

Camera Shy Angler. Rare is the successful fisherman who is camera shy. However, such is now the case with an Arizona angler. Not long ago, the fellow 66 landed the largest trout of his fishing career, a whopping 5-pounder, right in front of an excited crowd of bystanders. Happy to oblige a spectator with a movie camera, the proud angler checked his lure to make sure the fish was still firmly hooked. Then, he threw his prize catch back into the drink to become a movie star. But, the fellow forgot to open his spinning-reel bail. The heavy fish reached the end of the short line and quickly snapped it. Needless to say, the angler is now extremely camera shy.— Arizona

Unusual Suicide Attempt. Not long ago, a Pennsylvania businessman in a small town was crossing a public square when suddenly he witnessed a strange incident. A squirrel was running repeatedly against the trunk of a tree, apparently trying to bash in his own head. Weak and helpless, the squirrel permitted itself to be picked up and examined by the businessman. The fellow discovered that the squirrel's mouth was locked so tightly, it could not be opened. The businessman put the squirrel in his hat and proceeded to a nearby dentist's office. After filing several teeth, the dentist was able to insert an instrument and pry the squirrel's mouth open. Inside, he found a very large nut. The squirrel's teeth had apparently locked around the nut, and incredible as it may sound, the bewildered animal had been starving and thirsting to death. And in desperation, it had apparently been trying to commit suicide. After the operation, the businessman returned the squirrel to its home. It recovered, and still romps there today, contented and happy —very care- ful of oversize nuts.— Pennsylvania

Alligator Law. Everyone has, at one time or another, heard the saying, "See you later alligator". But, few folks actually realize how true this cliche might be, as alligators continue to be harvested illegally. As shoppers persist in buying alligator-skin products, it is only natural that the alligator's demise continues. But, Mayor John Lindsay of New York City has met the issue head on. The mayor signed a law late last year forbidding the sale within the city of any item fabricated from alligator hide.— New York

An Extraordinary Long Shot. Unlike the fellow in the poem who shot an arrow into the sky, a California archer knew exactly where his arrow landed. The archer's arrow landed 1,861 vards, 1 foot, and 8 inches away from where he shot it for a new National Archery Association distance record. That astounding distance is a football field plus one mile. Launching a laminated, fiberglass arrow from a 300-pound-pull bow from a sitting position, the Californian broke the previous record of 1,576 yards.— California

Historical Marker—Combs School

THE ONE-ROOM schoolhouse with the pot-bellied stove and rough-hewn benches that grandpa talks about so affectionately is a thing of che past in 20th-century NEBRASKAland.

At one time, however, the country school was the backbone of Nebraska education. Pioneer men and women who settled on the wild expanses of prairie wilderness fully realized the importance of education, and wherever settlements sprang up, a schoolhouse was soon under construction.

One of the first one-room, country schoolhouses in Nebraska was built in the spring of 1857 at Omadi in Dakota County. It stood on three different sites, but was used continuously until May 22, 1964, when its doors were closed due to redistribution of school districts.

However, the school has been reopened. The Homer School Board, puzzled as to what to do with the history-laden structure, finally donated it to the Dakota County Historical Society.

The historical society is maintaining the school in its original state for the benefit of future generations. And, the society has also put up a Nebraska State Historical Marker near the site. The school and historical marker are monuments to the pioneer belief that "men are ennobled by understanding."

Combs School was originally built in Omadi, a sleepy little town high on the bluffs overlooking the bulling Missouri River. Erosion, however, forced the town's residents to move the buildings away from the riverbank before it tumbled into the water. The school was moved from Omadi to the Thomas Smith claim about two miles south of Homer.

But the school's location was still not permanent. Only a brief period elapsed before the Burlington Railroad began laying tracks through the territory. Unfortunately, they passed near the school, putting it on Burlington's right of way. So, the building was moved again. This time the wandering school went to its present site near the old Combs Mill.

The school held its own until 1964 when it fell victim to redistribution. Combs School District No. 9 south of Homer became a ward of the newly formed 31-R consolidated district, and students in the area were assigned to attend classes at Homer.

Dakota County historians are not absolutely sure the school they are preserving was the original building constructed back in 1857 at Omadi, but all available information indicates this to be true. Research has been carried out as thoroughly as possible.

The school stands today exactly as it did when students walked out the door in 1964. The desks, blackboard, stove, and cloakroom remain intact.

NEBRASKAland