Morrison steals show, Culbertson writes letter

Frank B. Morrison, in the 1960s.

If you did not see the hour-long conversation between former Governor Frank B. Morrison and former Senator and Governor Bob Kerrey on Wednesday night, I'm sorry.

I am always in awe when Frank tells stories. I mention this NPTV special because I loved it so much and hope that you'll have another chance to see it and was reminded of it because of the headline in the September 21, 1960, Gazette. "Morrison Seals Show in First Debate."

Frank always steals the show. Thank you again Governor and Maxine for coming home to McCook.

Approximately 700 women from every corner of Nebraska converged on McCook for a three-day council of Home Extension Clubs in September of 1960. The Rev. Adrian J. Edgar of the Memorial Methodist Church gave the first of five major speeches to the women. He spoke on "Our Children and Youth in the 'Sixties.'"

Another familiar name, Mrs. Haven (Virginia) Smith of Chappell was the last speaker to address the gathering. She later was elected to represent Nebraska in the House of Representatives in Washington.

There were plenty of opportunities to dance in McCook in September of 1960 ... if you were a member. All three dances that were advertised for Saturday, Sept. 17 were for "members only" or "members & guests only."

The Legion club advertised a free dance with the Chordettes Orchestra, the Eagles had Mel Campbell's Orchestra, which I think was a local group and the Elks Club, had the Newton Eby Orchestra. The Elks were serving steak, chicken and shrimp and also had tickets on sale for the Guy Lombardo dance. It didn't say when it was or how much but I'm sure I'll run into the whole story eventually.

I found this quote interesting. "Television is a young medium, so it probably will be a while before it learns the mature virtue of moderation." When I tell you what they were talking about, you will know that television certainly has not learned "the mature virtue of moderation". The article was referring to the coverage of the presidential campaign of 1960. John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson for the Democrats, Richard M. Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge for the Republicans...they were everywhere and every move was being reported. Wouldn't they be amazed to see today's coverage?

Harry Culbertson was a colorful character who lived at 801 E. First Street. He was a railroader and sports fan. The Gazette Sports Editor had referred to a brawl following a football game the previous Saturday. Harry responded with an "Open Forum" letter to the paper.

Part of Harry's letter: "Fights and brawls are old as man and where the desire to win has been prodded up to a tense degree and especially to an immature teenager the sense of defeat rankles deep and often so deep it set afire a desire to get even somehow...

"Strange as it may seem, I've sat beside hometown fans who in every day relations are really on the square, but at a football game it is all right for a home player to pull rough stuff, but let the out-of-town lad do the same-it's shoot the referee and roughhouse the guilty one.

"...Anyone who has ever played the American football game will readily acknowledge it as no parlor game, but today it is not as rough as it was in the 'nineties and though I played it then, I did not like it, but played to be with fellows I liked and I do not like it for immature, half developed bodies. The very nature of the game arouses the brute in the player."

There was an ad for parking at Poore's Parking Lot in the 200 block on West First (where McCook National's drive-thru and parking lot is located now). It was described as being south of Joe's Sporting Goods for those of you who remember that business. Rates were 10 cents for one hour and 5 cents for each hour thereafter. Monthly rates were $5.00.

In the Help Wanted-Female section of the Gazette ads for September 16, 1960, was "Wanted: Congenial older lady. Good health. Light housework. Live in. Two ladies. State age and Church affiliation." The ladies looking for help lived in Holdrege.

DeGroff's was selling Mattel's new talking doll, "Chatty Kathy." They advertised that you never knew what Kathy was going to say next, but she "talks, and talks, and talks!" She sold for a surprising $17.95.

The Kiwanis sponsored Community Pancake Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, 1960, at 205 West B Street in McCook. Appearing in person, in McCook was Aunt Jemima herself and the ad featured a large portrait of the celebrity.