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Albia, Iowa In The 1920s: Coal, Corn And Change, Derek S. Oden
Albia, Iowa In The 1920s: Coal, Corn And Change, Derek S. Oden
Student Work
This is the story of Albia in the 1920s. Albia, the seat of Monroe County, is located in south central Iowa. The town achieved its greatest population gain during the first decade of the twentieth century. Access to ample railroad transportation, trade with its hinterland, and manufacturing aided this expansion. Albians also enjoyed a thriving period of coal mining and agriculture. This era of prosperity ended during the early 1920s because the demand for local coal fell sharply. As a result, the population of the county began to shrink. Following the war, agriculture also entered a recession when farmers struggled …
Altering The Nebraska Landscape: Tecumseh And Johnson County, 1854-1900, Rebecca L. Howard
Altering The Nebraska Landscape: Tecumseh And Johnson County, 1854-1900, Rebecca L. Howard
Student Work
The history of a people, be they Native Americans or pioneer settlers, can be uncovered in their landscape. The Euro-American settlers who moved onto the prairies of Nebraska and the Great Plains faced an environment unlike the wooded regions of the East. Native American traditions and land use patterns were replaced by those of the settlers. Nebraska’s Native landscape was altered under the hand of this new dominant culture. Physical alterations included the breaking of the prairie sod for farming and the construction of towns and railroads. Johnson County, Nebraska, which sits among the southeastern counties of the state, was …
The Best Of Its Kind In The West: A History Of Columbus, Nebraska, 1900-1910, Lori Brdicko
The Best Of Its Kind In The West: A History Of Columbus, Nebraska, 1900-1910, Lori Brdicko
Student Work
The first decade of the twentieth century marked Columbus, Nebraska’s transition from a frontier town to a small midwestem city. During those ten years, the population increased from 3,522 to 5,014, the labor force composition changed, and residents, goaded by Columbus Weekly Telegram editor Edgar Howard, began to think more about the appearance and sanitary condition of the town. The rapidly growing community was soon hard-pressed to provide its citizens with fuel and electrical power to operate an expanding residential and street lighting system. Promoters tried to harness the Loup River’s current to provide that power, but economic conditions did …
Dehner Boot Company Of Omaha, Nebraska: A Study In Manufacturing Geography, Larry J. Mastin
Dehner Boot Company Of Omaha, Nebraska: A Study In Manufacturing Geography, Larry J. Mastin
Student Work
This study addresses and follows the changing nature and character of the Dehner Boot Company of Omaha, Nebraska between 1883 and 1997. It examines the spatial (or geographic) patterns of change the company followed through its conception outside the gates of Fort Riley, Kansas, its influx of orders forcing it to seek a new facility in Wichita, Kansas, and the internal problems forcing the company to divide. This study used methodology proposed by Ann Markusen searching for qualitative data through interviews with the past and present president of the company to unravel the decision making process that forced the company …
Harrison County, Iowa: Aspects Of Life From 1920 To 1930, Gary D. Dixon
Harrison County, Iowa: Aspects Of Life From 1920 To 1930, Gary D. Dixon
Student Work
This is an examination of Harrison County, Iowa, during the decade from 1920 to 1930. Because farming was the major source of income, agricultural conditions are a major part of this story . So too are the changes which the 1920s brought to the towns of Harrison County. The thesis will also look at the social activities and political issues of the county’s citizens, and how these disparate elements of life interacted to form a more complex picture than one might at first think likely. The 1920s was a time of profound change in the nation, and Harrison County was …
Mccook's Man On Main Street: Publisher Harry D. Strunk And The Politics Of Water Reclamation In Southwest Nebraska, 1928-1938, Charles E. Real
Mccook's Man On Main Street: Publisher Harry D. Strunk And The Politics Of Water Reclamation In Southwest Nebraska, 1928-1938, Charles E. Real
Student Work
By the time Harry D. Strunk arrived in his new home of McCook, Nebraska in 1909, he had set his sights on becoming a newspaperman. While only seventeen years-old at the time of his first job with a McCook newspaper, he had already worked as a printer's devil and itinerant printer since the age of fourteen. With his arrival in McCook and first job in that city with the established Tribune, he soon found that his future in the newspaper business lay with starting his own paper. In 1911, without benefit of a formal journalistic education, Strunk opened the Red …
"Where Life Is Simple And Passions Moderate": A History Of Nebraska City, Nebraska, 1900-1910, Thomas L. Boeche
"Where Life Is Simple And Passions Moderate": A History Of Nebraska City, Nebraska, 1900-1910, Thomas L. Boeche
Student Work
Nebraska City vied with Omaha for leadership in early Nebraska, but by the first decade of the twentieth century was struggling to hold its own. Unlike earlier periods in its history, scant attention has been devoted to turn-of-the-century Nebraska City. To effectively document the decade 1900-1910, one must deal with a variety of historical, economic, and social issues. Perhaps the most important point to consider is the shift in population from 7,380 in 1900, to only 5,488 in 1910. After weathering the Depression of the 1890s, this small town underwent drastic economic changes during the first decade of the twentieth …
Manti, Iowa: A Frontier Settlement In The Lower Nishnabotna River Valley, 1846-1880, Nancy K. Jaeckel
Manti, Iowa: A Frontier Settlement In The Lower Nishnabotna River Valley, 1846-1880, Nancy K. Jaeckel
Student Work
Anyone living in the extreme southwestern part of Iowa today frequently experiences a feeling of not being part of the state. The area south and west of Interstates 80 and 35 is rarely mentioned except in a peripheral way to the larger story of Iowa. This project attempts to partially rectify that omission by examining a specific area popularly known as Manti, and relating the events that occurred there between 1846 and 1880. As the sesquicentennial anniversary of Iowa's statehood approaches, a renewed interest in the 1846 Mormon trek across Iowa has developed. While that story is relatively well known, …
A Study Of Transformational Leadership And The Success Of Volunteer Blood Drive Coordinators At American Red Cross Midwest Region Blood Services, Deborah L. Breeling
A Study Of Transformational Leadership And The Success Of Volunteer Blood Drive Coordinators At American Red Cross Midwest Region Blood Services, Deborah L. Breeling
Student Work
This study explored the importance of transformational leadership in predicting the degree to which volunteer leaders achieve their goals at American Red Cross blood drives. This project expands the study of transformational leadership by analyzing its impact on a group not previously covered in the literature -- volunteer leaders and their followers. Volunteer leaders organize blood drives, and the success of these drives can be measured by comparing the total units of blood collected to the goal for the drive. Blood bank experts say behaviors of volunteer leaders significantly influence the success of the drive. Transformational leadership is a model …
Vinton Street: Evolution Of An Ethnic Retail Ribbon, 1889-1989, Val J. Goodman
Vinton Street: Evolution Of An Ethnic Retail Ribbon, 1889-1989, Val J. Goodman
Student Work
Geographers and others have researched the structure, functional relationships and ethnicity along a retail ribbon for a moment in time. Very little, if any attention has been given to their complex relationships over a period of time. Thus, the primary objectives of the study were to examine and determine if Vinton Street in Omaha, Nebraska, is a historic and present-day ethnic retail ribbon, and, furthermore, should time or the evolutionary process be considered as a significant and integral dimension for understanding the city's overall urban retail structure. This study analyzed the historical development of Vinton Street and its adjacent, area, …
A Factorial Ecology Of Omaha: Using 1980 Census Data At Block Group Scale, Xinglai Ge
A Factorial Ecology Of Omaha: Using 1980 Census Data At Block Group Scale, Xinglai Ge
Student Work
This thesis is an urban factorial ecology of the Omaha/Douglas County area. The ecological unit used in the analysis is the Census Block Group. As a result, the data used are based on a more homogeneous areal unit, and the regionalization constructed yields social areas which more accurately display residential differentiation. The input data consists of a matrix of 84 variables by 399 block groups. Through factor analysis, the matrix is reduced to a factor score profile matrix of 10 factors by 399 block groups. The first eight factors are interpreted into social dimensions. From this factor structure, a regionalization …
The Raising And Feeding Of Red Meat Animals In The U.S. Since 1945: A Case Study Comparing Marxist Crisis Theories, Scott Hunt
Student Work
Political economists have traditionally treated capitalist crisis as a central theoretical focus. Starting with Marx and Engels, Marxian political economists have viewed crisis as a necessary result of ordinary capitalist economic life. Recent Marxist scholars have argued that capitalist crisis is a predominant feature of contemporary capitalism... Non-Marxian political economists have also emphasized crisis in their work. Given the focus on crisis in political economy, and its particular prominence in Marxian theory, the current project centers around that theme. The objective is to systematically evaluate two competing Marxist theories of crisis, contrasting the "Fundamentalist" approach and its emphasis on the …
The Relative Impact Of Environmental Factors On The Welfare Policies Of Some American States: A Causal Analysis, Ihemelam Joshua Uhiara
The Relative Impact Of Environmental Factors On The Welfare Policies Of Some American States: A Causal Analysis, Ihemelam Joshua Uhiara
Student Work
Public policy in the American states has attracted the attention of an increasing number of political scientists in recent times. Many and varied kinds of studies have been done to determine the relationships between factors in the political environments of American states and the content of the public policies of these states. The results of these studies vary as do the studies themselves. More often than not, the findings contradict each other. One such contradiction is observed in the findings of studies on the relationship between economic and political factors within the political environment and state public policy. Some studies …
Some Aspects Of The Nature And Extent Of Absentee Land Ownership In Antelope County, Nebraska, Lyle W. Hansen
Some Aspects Of The Nature And Extent Of Absentee Land Ownership In Antelope County, Nebraska, Lyle W. Hansen
Student Work
The issue of absentee ownership of farm land has become increasingly important to the people of Nebraska. At the time of this writing, a movement is underway to seek a constitutional amendment that would prohibit further land acquisition by nonfamily-owned corporations. The movement is led by such organizations as the Nebraska Farmers Union and the National Farmers Organization. Several surrounding states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas, already have enacted similar laws. This study examines the nature and extent of absentee farm ownership in Antelope County, Nebraska, for the purpose of assessing the impact …
A Quantitative Approach To The Study Of Folk Medical Beliefs And Practices: A Nebraska Example, Ca. 1870-1970, Phyllis M. Japp
A Quantitative Approach To The Study Of Folk Medical Beliefs And Practices: A Nebraska Example, Ca. 1870-1970, Phyllis M. Japp
Student Work
Scholars of many disciplines find in folk medicine a topic of interest. Formerly the domain of antiquarians, anthropologists, and folklorists, the medical beliefs and practices of ordinary people now intrique sociologists, psychologists, and historians, as well as members of medical professions.
Some Characteristics Of The Farm Population In Nebraska Territory, 1854-1860, Paul E. Barndt Jr
Some Characteristics Of The Farm Population In Nebraska Territory, 1854-1860, Paul E. Barndt Jr
Student Work
Settlement of the area that was later to become the State of Nebraska was dependent upon a complex series of international, national and regional events.
O'Neill, Nebraska The First Quarter Century, Gregory R. Passewitz
O'Neill, Nebraska The First Quarter Century, Gregory R. Passewitz
Student Work
A little less than one hundred years have passed since the founding of the present day city of O'Neill, Nebraska. Located in Holt County along of John O'Neill, its founder. From its conception the settlement grew in population and influence until it became the county seat as well as the center of a fine stock raising country.
Nebraska Progressivism: A Study Of The 1907 And 1909 Legislative Sessions, Timothy E. Blankenship
Nebraska Progressivism: A Study Of The 1907 And 1909 Legislative Sessions, Timothy E. Blankenship
Student Work
The post-Civil War era in America was one of immense expansion; its developmental process involve industrailizaiton, urbanization, and immigration. The entrepreneurs who led the development of industrailization have received praise from some historians and condemnation from others. Louis M. Hacker has referred to these business leaders as "Captains of Industry." He spoke of their talents, their innovations, their organizational abilities, and suggested that these men were always attempting "... to expand production, to lower costs, and to make more goods and services available to the people.... the net result of their efforts was substantial progress for the entire nation."
The Antecedents Of Council Bluffs, Iowa: From Exploration To Town Charter, Phillip L. Cooper
The Antecedents Of Council Bluffs, Iowa: From Exploration To Town Charter, Phillip L. Cooper
Student Work
As odd as it may seem the second oldest, second largest city in the eastern Nebraska-southwestern Iowa, area has been a neglected topic for historians. At a time when almost every town and way station has had its history written Council Bluffs, Iowa, has been overlooked. This study is an attempt to at least partially fill the void. Council Bluffs' history is far too long and complex to relate in one study of this type, but hopefully, it will be considered as a beginning.
An American Fantasy--The Crucible Of The Frontier: Montgomery County, Iowa, 1870-1920, Charles Emery Richards
An American Fantasy--The Crucible Of The Frontier: Montgomery County, Iowa, 1870-1920, Charles Emery Richards
Student Work
Throughout the Midwest there was are literally hundreds of small towns, some of them quite cosmopolitan in character because of their urban neighbors, and orthers seemingly more than a hundred years behind the times. These villages were, at one time, all vanguards of the great frontier movement in American history. In spite of their differences today, during their formative years they displayed a commality that allows historians to speculate on the nature of the frontier process. This study is an effort to test Frederick Jackson Turner's theory of individualism and social mobility in a particular Iowa frontier community in the …
The Acquisition Of The Tennessee Coal, Iron And Railroad Company By The United States Steel Corporation: A Legend Re-Examined, John W. Mclaughlin
The Acquisition Of The Tennessee Coal, Iron And Railroad Company By The United States Steel Corporation: A Legend Re-Examined, John W. Mclaughlin
Student Work
The purchase of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company (T.C.I. and R. Co.) by the U.S. Steel Corporation at the height of Panic of 1907 evoked criticism by politicians which historians have subsequently reiterated. Some of this criticism was, and has been, levelled at President Theodore Roosevelt for not objecting to this merger as a violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Elbert Gary, head of the U.S. Steel Corporation, had asked the President, prior to the purchase, if the government would take legal action against his company because of this merger and was assured that it would not. A …
The Cheese Industry In Nebraska, Evelyn Clark Burnett
The Cheese Industry In Nebraska, Evelyn Clark Burnett
Student Work
The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to investigate the evolving conditions in the dairy industry which have contributed to the reappearance of the cheese industry in Nebraska and (2) to examine the plants singly and to appraise them collectively as a viable new industry in the state.
The Founding Of Florence, Nebraska, 1854-1860, Marian G. Miles
The Founding Of Florence, Nebraska, 1854-1860, Marian G. Miles
Student Work
The community of Florence, since 1917 a part of the city of Omaha, had rather ususual history of settlement in that it was founded not once, but twice. In 1846 the area was occupied by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Winter Quarters, as it was then called, had a population of approximately 3500 inhabitants and was the scene of much activity. Abandoned in 1848, it lay prey to plundering Indians and prairie fires until 1854 when James Mitchell and the Nebraska Winter Quarters Company laid claim to the area and established another settlement which they …
The Development Of Missouri Valley, Iowa To 1931, John W. Gard
The Development Of Missouri Valley, Iowa To 1931, John W. Gard
Student Work
Before the late 1840's, no white men had settled the area of southwestern Iowa at the point where Harrison Country is now located. Moreover, only a few white men had cast eye upon its valleys, inhabited only by Indians and wild animals. Probably the first explorers to set foot in the area were Lewis and Clark, who, in 1804, ordered their men to pitch camp just below the mouth of the Soldier River in what is now Harrison County. Reports of rich fur resources soon brought a number of trappers and hunters who undoubtedly followed the streams of the area …
Industrial Distribution In The Omaha Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, Donald William Lea
Industrial Distribution In The Omaha Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, Donald William Lea
Student Work
Urban geographers have long been interested in various aspects of industrial location and distribution in the urban community. The pattern and structure of urban industrial development has been the subject of many empirical studies. However, these studies have tended to concentrate on the larger metropolitian centers, and are generally bsed on such indices as, invested capital, or value added in the manufacturing process. Since basic data for these indices are not available for the smaller urban centers, other indices will be used in this study. These are, relative location and distribution of industrial establishments, number and size of industrial establishments, …
A History Of Bancroft, Nebraska, Donald Schnier
A History Of Bancroft, Nebraska, Donald Schnier
Student Work
In the mid-nineteenth century, the land from the Missouri River to the ninety-eighth meridian was the home of the Omaha Indians who had roamed the hills of northeast Nebraska since the seventeeth century. The march of the whites, however, had in 1854 pressured the tribe into ceding all their land in Nebraska with the exception of 300,000 acres which they retained in the northeast section of the state. this reservation bordered on the Logan valley in northeast Cuming County. The Logan Creek was surrounded by miles of rich prairie just as it had been for centuries. But all of this …
Fort Omaha And The Winning Of The West, Walter C. Sharp
Fort Omaha And The Winning Of The West, Walter C. Sharp
Student Work
In the preparation of this brief general history of Fort Omaha during the frontier period, emphasis was placed on those matters not generally known and which frequently have been incorrectly reported regarding the post. No effort was made to "rehash" the details of the various campaigns and expeditions in which the Fort Omaha garrison participated. To do so would be beyond the scope of this paper. Furthermore, such detail is considered unnecessary, as thousands upon thousands of words have already been written on the Big Horn and Yellowstone Expedition, Crook's Rosebud Campaign, the Battle of Wounded Knee, and the Federal …
The Formative Years Of Onawa, Iowa, 1857-1912, Donald Lloyd Reed
The Formative Years Of Onawa, Iowa, 1857-1912, Donald Lloyd Reed
Student Work
The purpose of this narrative was to tell the early history of Onawa, Iowa, from approximately 1857 to 1912. Also, it was hoped that this writing would create a better understanding of the many problems which face a small town as it struggles to grow into a prosperous community. Formation of the community was slow, tedious work started by founding fathers and continued by each following generation. Furthermore, it was hoped that the reader's mind might be stimulated into drawing a comparison between Onawa and any small town which might be known to them.
The Backgrounds And Organization Of The Great Oregon Migration Of 1843, Michael B. Husband
The Backgrounds And Organization Of The Great Oregon Migration Of 1843, Michael B. Husband
Student Work
To define the motives for any human migration is often a formidable, but nevertheless an inspiring an challenging undertaking. This study, therefore, is devoted to a detailed examination of the events which led to the highly significant migration from the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys to the Oregon country in 1843. I shall demonstrate that this, the first home-building immigration to the Pacific Northwest, was not a mere response to leadership, but was stimulated by a deep-seated frontier force based upon the desire of the inhabitants of the western states to better their lot. It was no aimless wandering upon which …
The History Of Blair, Nebraska, 1869-1920, Frieda M. Wurdemen
The History Of Blair, Nebraska, 1869-1920, Frieda M. Wurdemen
Student Work
Blair, situated on the Missouri River at the eastern edge of Nebraska, is in the original territory of Nebraska, opened for settlement by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. (Figure 1, p. 2) Prior to this Act small settlements had been made at Fort Kearny, on the Platte River, and at Bellevue on the Missouri. There were ferry landings along the Missouri River that later became the towns of Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, and Omaha. The prospered because of river transportation and trails to the interior. Blair was unique in that, through situated on the Missouri River, it came into being as …