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Feb. 18, 1926
COLERIDGE - Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the Methodist church and its contents at Coleridge early last Friday morning, the blaze being discovered about 1 o’clock. The building was one of the oldest land marks at Coleridge.
Because of the headway which the flames had made before the fire was discovered, it was impossible to check them, although the efficient fire department at Coleridge made every effort to bring them under control.
Two hose lines were laid and the chemicals were used, but nothing could be done to extinguish the blaze. The heat was so intense it was impossible for the firemen to enter the building and save any contents, although several attempts were made.
The loss is estimated at $5,000, as nothing was saved. The building was a large frame structure, and has served the Methodist congregation for many years. Rev. Harold Essert is the pastor of the church at the present time.
Plans for the rebuilding of the Methodist church are indefinite until Dr. M. E. Hull, district superintendent, arrives. He is expected the latter part of the week, and Rev. F. Essert is of the opinion that the general church will aid in the reconstruction. In the mean time services are being held in the Odd Fellows’ hall.
Feb. 18, 1926
HARTINGTON-Frank Schmidt, a young farmer living in the Menominee community, was instantly killed last Thursday evening, when the car in which he was riding went into the ditch about two miles north of Hartington on the state highway, and rolled over, pinning him beneath it.
His body was not found for several hours after the accident happened. Just when Mr. Schmidt was killed is not known definitely, but his body was found about 11 o’clock, and it is known that he started for his home two or three hours before that time. The cause of the accident is also unknown.
Alphonse Wieseler of near St. Helena, and his cousin, George Wieseler of Orient, S. D., were driving home from Hartington, where they had attended the high school declamatory contest, when they noticed the car overturned in the ditch. They stopped and investigated, finding Mr. Schmidt’s body beneath the car. Without disturbing things in any way, they hastened back to Hartington, and notified Chief of Police Parmley, who with Charles Goetz, Ed Carlson and “Hap” Backhaus drove to the scene of the accident. Others also drove out from town after hearing of the accident.
Meanwhile Dr. R. W. Hecker and Frank Roberg had discovered the accident as they were coming toward Hartington from the north. The combined efforts of all the men were required to get the car off the victim’s body. The body was entangled badly in the car, and as Mr. Schmidt was an unusually large man, the task of getting him out was an arduous one. The car was a roadster. It was necessary to send for an ambulance to bring the body to Hartington.
Earlier in the evening, Mr. Schmidt had called at the E. J. Roddewig home to purchase some cattle. He had left there early in the evening, so it is believed that the accident happened between 8 and 9 o’clock. Mr. Schmidt was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 245 pounds. He was 26 years of age, and had always lived in the Menominee community.
On Jan. 26, 1921, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Leona Herber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Herber. Their only child, a little girl, accidentally hung herself in a chain on a gate last year.
Feb. 18, 1926
HARTINGTON-Many penmanship awards have been won by the pupils of District 47, under the direction of Miss Esther Schwarzenbach. Pupils who won the Palmer Method pins are Vera Lanphear and Edna Wittler. A merit button was won by Alma Mathiason. Silver star buttons have been awarded to Evelyn Klausen, Marie Joslin, Leona Christensen, Emma Kuhl, Francis Winterringer, Harvey Christensen, Evelyn Heedum, Ruth Joslin, Raymond Barnes, Kenneth Klausen, and Hilda Shope.
