NEBRASKA

 NEBRASKA

Dear Help One Anothers 

Nebraska was a part of the Louisiana Purchase and as a territory extended from the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains. It was crossed by Lewis and Clarke in their expedition and soon after this some fur traders settled along the Missouri River. At that time large herds of deer and buffalo roamed over the State. The boundaries were changed several times and in 1854 the territory was cut in two and the famous "Kansas-Nebraska" bill was passed. In 1867 Nebraska became a State. Omaha was the first capital.The "Homestead Law" caused many settlers to choose Nebraska as their home. The broad prairies, healthful climate, even temperature and sandy soil were great inducements. The name comes from the Indian word for "Shallow Water". The Platte flows entirely across the State. The Niobrara in the northern part and Republican in the southern are long streams. The Union Pacific and Burlington railroads cross the State, while several other roads help in making travelling facilities good. There are large car shops at Havelock Grand Island and Plattsmouth, which employ many men. The soil is sandy, readily absorbing the rain, making muddy roads almost unknown. The temperature averages about fifty degrees, with a rainfall of twenty-four inches, well distributed over the State. In the western part is some irrigated land, Visits of cyclones and tornadoes are rare.

The principal resources of the State are agriculture and stock raising. Most farms are of eighty and 160 acres. Corn, wheat, rye, and oats are the principal grain; about 150 varieties of grass are found many of them good for stock. Much to alfalfa. Sugar beets of an extra good quality. are raised and three factories make sugar. Many kinds of fruit are raised .Apples. grapes. and peaches do well in all parts of the State. Small fruits of all varieties are raised, and wild grapes, plums and goose berries are abundant.Vegetables of all kinds do well; potatoes are raised in great quantities,- fields of forty to eighty acre.s Onions have brought $250 per acre.

 There are many wild flowers here that are popular in other States as cultivated flowers. Trees are found along the streams. There are no minerals to speak of, though thin veins of coal. iron. lead. and copper have been found. Ochre and peat are found in paying quantities. In the State are eight large packing houses, several creameries, factories for farm implements leather goods, and pottery. Omaha has smelting and refining works for reducing ore from gold and silver mines of Colorado. There are also cereal and flour mills, starch and linseed oil factories, white lead works, distilleries and a cotton factory at Kearney. In most of the farm houses there are many modern conveniences, such as bath, gas and heat, while telephones and rural mail are in all districts. You find good barns, and out buildings, fine stock and carriages, while automobiles are not uncommon. Education is not neglected. and cliurches are scattered through the country and many in cities. Nebraska ranks among the lowest in illiteracy. Two and iliree quarters million acres of land were set apart for common-schools, only the interest can be used, thus the permanent fund is constantly increasing with the value of the land. Free tuition for all from five to twenty one, and free text books for graded and high schools. A compulsory attendance and library law are used effectively. A State superintendent, a superintendent for each county and about 10,000 teachers are employed. Through the Normals and Summer Schools, the grades and standards of teachers are constantly being raised, also by by some new laws. State Association is held in Lincoln three days annually. A larger attendance than ever is expected this year, as nearly every board has granted leave to teachers on full pay. Blind, deaf, and dumb and feeble minded are cared for, and two industrial schools have charge of unfortunates. At  One Another Club Genoa is a National Indian School . A number of schools also help while a number of State institutions are equipped.

Nebraska claims the honor of originating Arbor Day. Hon J. Sterling Morton offered a resolution to the State Board of Agriculture which was adopted, then the governor issued a appointing the second Wednesday in April as Arbor Day. Premiums were offered for tree planting. Now twenty seven observe Arbor Day, and it is usually observed in schools with appropriate exercises. I have received so much help from the Normal Instructor that I would be glad if I could help others in way. Would like to exchange views and buildings with from other states.

F BELLE DOUGLASS 
Princeton Nebr   

THE ORIGINAL HISTORICAL ARTICLE ABOUT THE STATE OF NEBRASKA OF F. BELLE DOUGLASS WAS FOUND IN THIS HISTORICAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

NORMAL INSTRUCTOR, APRIL 1909