Early in the historv of the town they opened a five and ten cent store on the lot north of the present Recorder office. Their business expanded, and they bought the building now

occupied by the printery, then the W. W. Wood building north. Mr. Zoll then bought the corner building, which was known as the Armstrong store.

All through their mercantile experience these courageous women were called "The Girls" and although retired from active participation in Rushville's commercial life, any of the old timers will refer to Sue S. Slotter and Kate M. Zoll as "the girls."

The Slotter homestead was once included within the limits of the corporate village, but was afterwards set out. The townsite itself is situate upon what was once the homestead of John Baer, but he did not make final proof. He relinquished and the tract was entered as a townsite for the town of Rushville. The "S & Z. Store" as operated by "the girls," sold out some years ago, and a furniture store operated bv John W. Grubb is now on the corner. "The Girls," are still residents of Rushville, and keenly alive to the city's interests, and the editor-in-chief acknowledges a debt of gratitude to their assistance in the compilation of the facts concerning early Rushville.

While the railroad had passed both Gordon and Rushville, and they had become established in history before Hay Springs came into existence, and while Chadron was to be the division station, and thereby overshadow its near neighbors, in some respects the town of Hay Springs made a very important mark in history. "This town is near the west line of the county of Sheridan as later created, and the fartherest west of any railroad town in the county. It has the highest elevation, the same being 3828 feet above sea level.