George W. Norris. NSHS RG3298-2-3

On May 5, 1931, the Fremont Evening Tribune reported that Tribune editor Charles S. Ryckman had been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for the best editorial article published in an American newspaper during the year 1930. The award was among those given each year for excellence in American journalism, letters, drama, and music. 

A Pulitzer Prize was awarded Ryckman for an editorial on Senator George W. Norris entitled “The Gentleman from Nebraska,” published in the Tribune on November 7, 1930. The Tribune noted that in making the selection, consideration was given to “clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction, . . . To be selected for this honor, one of the highest possible of attainment in the newspaper profession, is a signal tribute to the young editor of the Tribune. In being considered for the prize, Ryckman’s work was placed in competition with that of all editorial writers in the United States, including those on the large metropolitan journals.”  

The article selected as the outstanding editorial of 1930 was written by Ryckman following Norris’s re-election to the United States Senate in November. When the senator was returned for a fourth term, after defeating Democrat Gilbert M. Hitchcock, Ryckman tried to analyze the spirit and sentiment of the Nebraska voters who had re-elected Norris, writing in his prize-winning editorial:  

“As a senator, Norris has given Nebraska something the state never had before. He has put the ‘Gentleman from Nebraska’ on every front page in America, and has kept him there. . . . But the publicity Norris gets for Nebraska is not the whole story. His real strength in Nebraska is measured by the antagonisms he stirs up beyond the borders of the state. His people take delight in setting him on the heels of the ruling powers, whether of government, of finance or of industry. The more he makes himself obnoxious to a political party, to a national administration or to Wall street, the better they like him.”

George W. Norris. NSHS RG3298-3-12

Norris’s home in McCook, Nebraska, which served as his home base throughout his political career, is now the Senator George Norris State Historic Site. – Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications

A student or teacher slides down what appears to be a flexible fire escape outside York’s Central School during a fire drill, February 10, 1910. NSHS RG2856-9-62

As Nebraska communities built large, multi-story schools in the late nineteenth century, providing a means of escape in case of fire was always a concern. One of the biggest problems was finding a safe way to evacuate people on the upper floors if the inner stairwells collapsed. The deadly Collinwood, Ohio, school fire of March 4, 1908 (in which 172 students, two teachers, and a rescuer died), was an impetus for Nebraska and other states to take action.  

In 1909, Nebraska’s Fire Commission, forerunner of the present State Fire Marshal’s office, was created by the Legislature. Among the Fire Commission’s duties was the promotion of fire prevention and fire drills in schools. It established the first Friday in November as “State Fire Day,” to be observed by public and private schools, and recommended that observances conclude with a fire drill and “the use of the fire escape where such is provided.”  

Several types of fire escapes were then in use. A patent for an exterior steel staircase to be used as a fire escape was registered in 1887. Metal tubes that could be used as slides were also installed on some buildings for the same purpose. A rival fire escape method that emerged in the early twentieth century was a long canvas tube suspended from the window of an upper story. The Kearney Daily Hub on December 3, 1912, reported on the recent demonstration of such a device, the “Safety Portable Fire escape apparatus,” at the city’s Whittier School. The Hub said:  

“A large canvas tube, firmly fixed in the windows of the school room, is jumped into by the occupants when cut off by fires in the stairway, and a toboggan slide is made to safety, two or more boys holding the lower end of the sack, at some distance from the building.  

“Beginning with the boys of the school room, all went down ‘a-scooting’ in perfect safety and easily, then the girls, . . . also slid down. By twisting their skirts under them, they were drawn tightly about the ankles, the friction going down holding them firmly in place.” Last came the teachers and the school principal, Marie Wenzell, without “having even their coiffures ‘fussed.’”  

The local school board was so impressed with the demonstration of the portable fire escape that they ordered twelve of them for use in the Kearney schools. – Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications

Snow covered the streets on May 1, 1911, in O’Neill. NSHS RG3841-5-4

Many Nebraskans, after enjoying spring weather only a few days earlier, spent May 1 of 1911 wading through snow and shoveling the white stuff off their sidewalks. The citizens of O’Neill, for example, read in The Frontier, their local paper, a few days earlier on April 27 an enthusiastic article praising the “sweet perfume of apple, plum and cherry blossoms” and other signs of spring. The Frontier’s next issue, on May 4, included more characteristic complaints about the recent Nebraska snowstorm:  

“The storm which came April 30^th, was a great surprise to most people, and not a very pleasant one at that. Some of the farmers intended to start planting corn on May 1^st, but the storm caused them to put it off awhile. . . . The boys here had a little fun playing ball last Saturday, they now say that they will wait until they are sure that spring has come before they practice again. . . . The roads are again in an impassable condition on account of the recent storm, which was certainly the fiercest we have ever seen  at this time of the year. It is now the shed for automobiles, and the road for sleighs.”  

The Omaha Bee in its May 1 and 2 coverage of the unseasonable winter weather noted that “promenaders were few in Omaha. The stragglers on the street presented an array of gladsome spring garb covered with last winter’s overcoats. . . . The chilly weather this year, coming after a period of beautiful days and helpful spring rains, was by no means unprecedented. May in this [Missouri] valley often loses its sweet tranquility long enough to show us a very ugly disposition. In 1907 the month was more than half gone before it began to justify the happy illusion of its name.”– Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications

“Place-making” is about creating and maintaining a community’s identity. We define a community’s uniqueness and character by its historic places—downtowns, courthouses, parks, and neighborhoods—whose stories and memories connect us to our neighbors and to the places where we live.

Vinton Street (Omaha, NE)-These two blocks in south Omaha have been drawing artists and businesses since the neighborhood's redesign by Jensen Consulting, Emerging Terrain and Omaha By Design.
(Photo credit: Omaha By Design)

This conference is meant for all people interested in their community’s quality of life. Sessions will highlight the economic benefits of preservation at the local level, and demonstrate the role of preservation for planners, architects, real estate developers, and others interested in community development. We will showcase neighborhood revitalization projects such as Vinton Street in Omaha.

Lafayette Hotel (San Diego, CA)-Urbana Preservation is currently consulting on the rehabilitation and construction of the Lafayette, a popular destination for musicians and actors in the 1940s and 50s.
(Photo credit: Urbana Preservation & Planning)

Speakers include Donovan Rypkema from PlaceEconomics, James Tischler from the Urban Land Institute, Wendy Tinsley-Becker from Urbana Preservation & Planning, Todd Barman from the National Trust Main Street Center, and other experts from all around Nebraska. Come to network and to learn about resources and techniques that are used to preserve the identity of Nebraska communities. Sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society, the conference will be held at the Fort Omaha Campus at Metropolitan Community College.

We hope you’ll join us this June! Registration is now open at our conference website where you can also find more details about our sessions, schedule, and pre-conference reception! – Jackie Sojico, Public Information Officer/Historic Preservation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arbor Day parade float at Nebraska City in 1917. The bust at the front of the float depicts J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. NSHS RG2991-2-3

Nebraskans celebrated the semicentennial of the state’s admission into the Union in 1917 on several dates, including March 1, Statehood Day; February 12, Lincoln’s birthday; and in churches, February 25, the Sunday nearest Washington’s birthday. The citizens of Nebraska City, the home of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton, waited until Arbor Day in April to celebrate the semicentennial to “bring the two celebrations together,” said the Nebraska City News on April 24, 1917, “and make it possible to do justice to the occasion.” 

The highlight of the celebration was “one of the biggest and grandest parades ever undertaken” in Nebraska City. The favorable weather and good condition of the roads enabled large crowds to drive into town for the parade. Members of the board of governors of Ak-Sar-Ben acted as judges of the many floats. The entry of L. Gugenheim received first prize, with a car “trimmed entirely in white, with roses and two young ladies attired in white.”  

Chancellor Samuel Avery planting a tree on Arbor Day at Nebraska City in 1917. NSHS RG2991-2-4

The celebration also included outdoor ceremonies with band music; singing by Nebraska City schoolchildren and a men’s chorus; and a speech by University of Nebraska chancellor Samuel Avery. Avery, identified by the News on April 27 as “an Otoe County ‘boy,’ delivered the address taking as his subject the planting of trees. He told of his early days in this county, when trees were almost a curiosity, especially north of Unadilla, where his parents lived.  . . . He told of the civilizing influence of trees, the benefits they brought to humanity, and how they were a good financial investment. His remarks were interspersed with appropriate illustrations and he kept the audience in good humor. At the conclusion of his address he planted a tree near the one planted by ex-President Grover Cleveland at the unveiling of the Morton monument in October 1905.”

The Morton monument referred to by the News, was a statue of Morton commissioned by a memorial association after his death in 1902. Created by sculptor Rudulph Evans, the statue was unveiled at Nebraska City on October 28, 1905. More than 5,000 people attended the ceremony, including ex-President Grover Cleveland, under whom Morton had served as secretary of agriculture from 1893 to1897. – Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications

In part one we looked at the advances the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Terri Lee Company made in the toy world both socially and commercially. But for all the company’s success it also had plenty of controversy. Family tensions, financial risks, and the occasional tragedy contribute to making the story of Terri Lee interesting as well as historically significant.

Terri Lee dolls dressed in winter outfits. NSHS 13244-18, 37

While Maxine Runci had created the idea for the dolls, after a few months she found herself left out of company decisions. Her assertive aunt Violet Gradwohl was receiving credit for the creation of the dolls, and Maxine felt betrayed. It was too late to copyright her idea. The disagreement led to a rift that divided family members for many years.

Although Maxine did not enjoy the benefits of her invention, it may have been a small comfort that she was also left out of the stress of the business. When the Terri Lee factory caught fire in 1951 and burned down, the company reportedly suffered more than $75,000 worth of damage. Violet had a nervous breakdown and was sent to the hospital.

The Terri Lee factory fire, December 15, 1951, would lead to the company's relocation from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Apple Valley, California. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

After the fire, the Terri Lee Company had the opportunity for a bit of a fresh start. Violet decided to relocate the manufacturing to Apple Valley, California. Though the business grew in California, Violet had to fight through several  legal troubles that took up time and money. For example, a new Californian employee left the company and began producing Terri Lee look-alikes that were cheaper. Violet had to fight through a lawsuit to get the copied dolls removed from production.

Violet Gradwohl before the grand opening of the new Terri Lee factory in Apple Valley, California, in 1952. Photo courtesy Terri Lee Doll Company. NSHS RG5812-53

In 1957, Violet took out a $230,000 loan to help cover the cost of a new type of doll and an addition to the factory to make them. The huge loan later proved detrimental to finances. The company began to accumulate serious debt. Violet hired a financial advisor named Marvin James Miller, who had a criminal past that she may or may not have been aware of.

On November 12, 1958, Violet had her insurance coverage increased by nearly $30,000. Two days later, the Terri Lee factory caught fire and suffered significant damage. After an investigation, it became clear that Miller had started the fire. He was arrested, and the prosecution argued that he and Violet worked together on the arson because of the company’s many debts. Miller was sent to prison, and while Violet was not indicted, she received no money from the insurance company.

With a destroyed factory and hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, the Terri Lee Company was essentially bankrupt. Violet tried to start reproduction of the dolls through other companies with little to no success.

The 1980s saw a renewed interest in the Terri Lee dolls. Today they are popular among collectors. Thanks to the combined  efforts of Violet’s family and a donor, the Nebraska History Museum is currently housing an exhibit called The Best Dressed Doll in the World: Nebraska’s Own Terri Lee. The exhibit will be open through September 1, 2013, and features more than 100 collectible dolls and doll items. The full article about Terri Lee appears in the Winter 2012 issue of Nebraska History. To order a copy of just this issue visit the Landmark Store, or to order a subscription click here.

- Joy Carey, Editorial Assistant

Missouri River flooding at Omaha in 1881, NSHS RG2341-898

Snowfall in the winter of 1880-81 was unusually heavy, not only in Nebraska but in the states to the east, with the first snow falling during the last week in October. From January through most of March there was particularly heavy snow, and the primitive roads became impassable. Railroads were blocked with snow and could be cleared only with difficulty. Farmers found that taking care of their livestock was a full-time job.  

Then, during the last week in March, the temperature climbed. Water from melting snow in the Dakotas, north of Nebraska, poured into the Missouri River. On the night of March 29 the water began to rise in the town of Niobrara in Knox County. It rose two to seven feet and covered the first floors of houses with water. The cellars were submerged, and furniture and other goods were ruined. Horses and cattle were lost. The following summer the town was moved to a plateau about twenty feet above the floodplain.   

Green Island, a Cedar County village of 150 people, was located on the Nebraska bottom, opposite Yankton, South Dakota. On Tuesday, March 29, the water began to rise and on the following day, a gorge of ice above Green Island broke. In two hours, every house except one was swept away. Many residents had been warned of the danger and moved their goods and livestock to higher ground. Fortunately, no lives were lost.  

Missouri River flooding at Omaha in 1881. NSHS RG2341-337

Similar instances occurred all the way down the Missouri River. On April 23 at Omaha, according to the Omaha Bee, the waters had risen to a height of nearly twenty-four feet above the low-water mark. The waters began to recede on April 27, signaling the start of cleanup from a flood in which few lives were lost but in which property damage was heavy. – Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications

Nebraska History's original 1918 banner.

The first known print reference to what is now known as the Nebraska History magazine appeared in The Dakota County Herald, October 19, 1916:

A magazine to be called “Nebraska History and Pioneer Days,” to which thirty Nebraska Pioneers and history writers will contribute and which has been in the course of             organization for more than a year, is soon to make its appearance. The editor in chief is A. E. Sheldon, head of the legislative reference bureau. The publication is designed to       furnish a means of communication and information on Nebraska history and ethnology.

Vol. 1, Issue 1 of Nebraska History, published in February 1918.

The announcement was made in 1916 but the new publication did not appear until February 1918. (Read that issue here.)  It was initially planned as a publication of the Legislative Reference Bureau, but in 1917 the Historical Society and the Reference Bureau united to work under one head. A. E. (Addison) Sheldon became the Supervisor of the Nebraska State Historical Society. This caused the publication to be delayed until 1918.

Eight issues in newspaper format were distributed that year. They were collectively considered Volume I and were made available to all sustaining members of the NSHS, who received the magazine without further payment. It was intended to be a piece of popular literature, as distinguished from academic. It was printed sporadically throughout the years and was more of a type of reminiscence, sprinkled with bits of poetry written by Sheldon.

The changing face of Nebraska History over the decades. Left to right, issues from 2009, 1936, 1951, 1987, 1986. Back: 1918.

By the 1930s the journal was printed in a magazine format. When Mari Sandoz became the Assistant Editor, the journal became more of a scholarly work.  By 1946 when James Olson became the Director of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Nebraska History was being published regularly on a quarterly basis.

A recent issue of Nebraska History.

Today’s Nebraska History magazine is a beautifully illustrated journal that explores the remarkable stories of Nebraska’s history and culture through original articles and new  discoveries, illustrated with rare historical images from the NSHS’s extensive collections. Edited by David Bristow, Associate Director for Publications, the magazine continues to be published on a quarterly basis.

Click here for a comprehensive table of contents, including all of Nebraska History and earlier NSHS publications going back to 1885, including links to hundreds of full-text articles.

Nebraska History magazine is offered as one of many benefits to members of the Nebraska State Historical Society. Our members range from professional historians to those who are curious about Nebraska’s past. If you have a passion for the history of Nebraska and the desire to help preserve that history, or know someone else who does, consider becoming a member of the Nebraska State Historical Society or give a gift membership.  Well-crafted historical writing and handsome illustrations will be your guidebook on an amazing journey through Nebraska’s past. To learn more about membership in the NSHS click here or call 402-471-3272.

Lana Hatcher, Membership Coordinator

U.S. Senator Norris Brown of Nebraska. NSHS RG2411-668-b

As April 15 approaches, American taxpayers may note that this year marks the100th anniversary of the ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution empowering Congress to impose a federal income tax. Proposed by Republican Senator Norris Brown of Nebraska, the amendment was passed by Congress on July 2, 1909, and was ratified by the required thirty-six states on February 3, 1913. Nebraska ratified the amendment on February 9, 1911, the nineteenth state to do so.  

The Omaha Daily Bee reported on February 5, 1913: “When Senator Brown late this afternoon rose to inform the senate that thirty-six states, through their legislatures had ratified the income tax amendment, . . . the senior senator reflected the pride he felt in being the author of the resolution that made the amendment possible.” The Bee noted: “It is no small honor to have one’s name attached to an amendment to the constitution, but such honor belongs to Senator Brown, and he very naturally showed his gratification that the requisite number of states had finally ratified the amendment, which now becomes number sixteen of the constitution, the first to be adopted since civil war times.”

March 15 was the filing deadline when this poster was printed by the U.S. Treasury Department in 1944. NSHS 13000-2562

The history of the federal income tax goes back to the Civil War when Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1861 that included a tax on personal incomes to help pay war expenses. The tax was repealed ten years later. In 1894 Congress enacted a flat-rate federal income tax, which was ruled unconstitutional the following year by the U.S. Supreme Court because it was a direct tax not apportioned according to the population of each state. The Sixteenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, removed this objection by allowing the federal government to tax the income of individuals without regard to the population of each state.  

April 15 has not always been the filing deadline. March 1 was the date specified by Congress in 1913, after the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment. In 1918 Congress pushed the date forward to March 15, where it remained until the tax overhaul of 1954, when the date was again moved ahead to April 15. – Patricia C. Gaster, Assistant Editor / Publications