This Week in Odessa History

100 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 6, 1914

What will probably be the largest field of corn in southern Lincoln county this year, will be planted this spring by John D. Schimke on his place two miles north of town. The field will consist of 35 acres, and will be planted directly adjoining the main Odessa-Wilbur road. If the crop proves successful, Mr. Schimke will erect a silo this fall.

More than 10,000 ducks claim Lincoln county for their feeding ground during the season, according to a report by the Lincoln county game commissioners. The number of quail in the county is estimated at 4,000; Hungarian partridges, 600; native pheasants, 150; and blue grouse, 2000. The estimate of coyotes is 2500 and of bobcats 25. The commission has estimated that about 25 per cent of the game birds, on which there is an open season, are annually killed in the county. 75,000 trout fry have been ordered and it is probable that between a quarter of a million and a half million will be planted in the present year. Some bass will be placed in Bear Lake, near Rocklyn.

75 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 2, 1939

A life span of 103 years came to an end on Friday for Mrs. Wilhelmina Gross, considered to be the oldest woman in this county. Death came at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Wilhelmina Love, after an illness of 10 years.

Mrs. Gross was born December 18, 1825, in Russia, where she married Adam Gross, who died there. Four children were born to their union, only the youngest one, Mrs. Lobe, surviving.

When the Lobe family came to Washington 40 years go they brought Mrs. Gross with them and settled on a wheat ranch south of here. Since Mr. Lobe’s death 18 years ago, the daughter and her mother have lived in town. Mrs. Gross was widely known as the oldest person of this region and numerous friends observed her birthdays by bringing gifts and greetings.

She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 79 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

For years it has been the custom of the community to observe the birthday of Mrs. Gross and the Rev. G. Graedel, who had the same birthday and the distinction of being the oldest person of their sex in the community. Mr. Graedel died late in January at the age of 83, bringing the death of both pioneers within a month of each other. The great-grandsons who acted as bearers included Paul Gross, Herbert and Arthur Jeske, Wray Lobe, Joe Lobe and Edwin Kuest, the latter an in-law.

50 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 5, 1964

Mark Iksic brought the first yellowbell to the record office on Monday, found by Mark and his companion, Norman Ott, on a field trip at Irby on Sunday. That ends the comptition for this year. with prize awards for the first buttercup and first yellowbell of the spring season.

A miscellaneous bridal shower was given in honor of Miss Judy Clark, bride-elect of Mr. Lorus Scrupps in the English Congregational social room Sunday afternoon. Miss Clark is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clark of Davenport.

25 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 2, 1989

With postal clerk, Debbie LaPierre providing technical assistance, Odessa kindergarten teacher Vivian Zagelow explained to her field-tripping students the right way to seal and stamp a letter before turning it over to the lady behind the counter. Rapt attention on the faces of the youngsters make it appear the USPS will have no worries about selling postage in future years. Those kids were anxious to get started with penpals, secret decoder ring orders and dropping through the slot those funny little envelopes valentines come in.

10 years ago

From The Odessa Record

March 4, 2004

Honors for the Lincoln County Conservation Farm of the Year have been awarded to two Odessa area farms for 2004, Allington Ranches, Inc. and Jack and Launa Scrupps and Sons Jason and Jeff.

Announcement of the awards was made this week by the Lincoln County Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors, which annually recognizes people in agriculture for their work in conservation.

Fred Allington, a third generation farmer for Allington Ranches, has for the past 30 years shown a continued commitment to programs and practices that conserve water, soil and residue. The Scrupps J3 Joint Venture is operated by Jack Scrupps and wife Launa, along with their two sons, Jason and wife Danielle and Jeff, who is single. Jack began farming with his father, John, and now farms with his sons. Jack has been farming since 1972.