HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION

In all early settlements real fraternity exists without any named and officered organization. Where a few are gathered together a social good time resulted. At country jollifications some would ride on horse back, or in a farm wagon, a distance of thirty or forty miles in order to get some enjoyment, to mix with the hard work. Good times they were, with all to help in feeding the "bunch."

The old settlers meet each year now to have an "old time reunion." All elections and holidays were set aside for social gatherings.

Each church society meetings, even though much work should be done, was a social eddy in the current of existence.

With increase in population and establishment of villages comes the social and fraternal society. A band of thirty ladies in Lewellen carry on the work of the Woman's Club. They have prearranged programs and meet once a month. It is quite successful.

A Public Service Club was organized in Oshkosh for the benefit of the community. It had a large membership from the start and has been adding to it. Its aim is to further any improvement that will benefit the community as a whole ; such as boosting for good roads, for the water works, Chautauqua and Lyceum courses.

The first fraternal organization in Garden county was the Modern Woodmen. It received its charter in September, 1897, having fourteen members. August Sudman was the first clerk. It didn't seem to grow much until 1900, when the membership was greatly increased. A hall was built in 1898, but sold in 1904. Its membership in 1920 has decreased. Only thirty-two members are enrolled, with Robt. Quelle, Vice C. ; H. P. Madison, Clerk ; Bill Plummer, W. A. ; Albert Quelle, E.