Warring UMC celebrates 125 years

Just over 100 people filled the Warring Memorial United Methodist Church in Whitney last Sunday (3/25/2012) to help celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the church.

While it fell a bit short of the crowd the 150 or so folks who showed up for the 75^th anniversary back in 1962, it was a terrific gathering and featured an excellent sermon entitled “Transformed and Transforming” delivered by Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer-Simpson.

The children did an outstanding job performing some of the  great
music on the program for the 125th Anniversary of Warring UMC.

There were only a few people on hand last weekend who were also here to help celebrate back in 1962.  Among them was Budge Cripps.  A story in the June 29, 1962 Crawford Tribune noted that “the service closed with ‘Our 75^th Anniversary’ sung by Bernard Cripps.  The words were written by Mabel Kendrick.”

Youngster always seem to upstage the adults, and it was no different last weekend when the children of the church assembled at the front of the sanctuary for some stirring musical performances – including some creative music with bells!

The 10:00 a.m. worship service welcomed Methodist congregations from Harrison and Crawford, Nebraska -- along with several other out-of-town guests.  Following the service, a carry-in meal was held in the church basement, which was brimming with fellowship and celebration. 

We did manage to capture a few candid moments of fellowship in the church basement during and following the meal.  And while we weren’t able to include everyone in the photos, they do include a variety of folks you probably know.  You’ll find them in our Warring UMC Gallery.

For those of us who were guests, "Thank You" to the members of the Whitney congregation who hosted this wonderful event.  

Former Whitney resident dies in Wyoming

Obituary for  Dr. Robert Carnahan - Family well known around region

Longtime Casper resident, Dr. Robert C. Carnahan MD, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center, with his wife and youngest son by his side.

“Dr. Bob” was born in Ardmore, SD, on August 6, 1922, to John and Mabel Carnahan. He was raised on the family ranch at Orella, NE, with his 5 brothers and one sister, living in a small railroad section house. At an early age, Bob and his siblings were all charged with caring for their livestock and each other during an economically difficult period. 

As a young adult, Bob and his brother Jack moved to Whitney, NE, tending to their own livestock and wheat fields. 

In 1948, Bob moved to Fort Collins, CO where he attended Colorado A&M (now CSU). He returned home during the blizzard of 1948-1949 to assist his family with their livestock during that devastating winter.In the fall of 1949, Bob enrolled at Chadron State College, Chadron, NE, where he met his wife to be, Annabelle. 

Bob continued his education at the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha. He and Ann were married on August 16, 1953. After completing medical school, the couple moved to Spartanburg, SC, Riverton, WY, and then in 1957 to Buffalo, WY, where he practiced medicine for about 9 years. In 1966, Bob began his orthopaedic residency at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. The family returned to Wyoming in 1969, where he joined an orthopedic practice in Casper with Dr. Harlan Anderson. Bob treated thousands of patients over the next 18 years, retiring in 1987 . Dr. Bob was always proud when a former patient would stop him on the street, or on the golf course, and thank him for his medical care.

In the early 1970’s Bob also purchased a cattle ranch in western Nebraska, near his family’s homestead. Bob and Ann also enjoyed traveling to their winter residence in Arizona until Bob’s health dictated that they remain close to home. He was a member of the Lion’s Club of Casper for several years.

Bob was a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a past member of the Wyoming Medical Society, and was past Chief of Surgery of Natrona County Memorial Hospital (WMC).

Bob is survived by his wife Ann, his sons and their wives Bob (Karen) Carnahan of Fort Collins, CO; Randy (Cindy) Carnahan of Casper; grandchildren Matt, Mitch and Kelsey of Colorado, and Ashley of Casper; brothers Jack of Chadron, NE, and Jim of Sheridan, WY, sister Dorothy Landers of Hilton Head Island, SC, and dozens of nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Ansel, Kenneth and Richard.

At Dr. Bob’s request, no services are planned. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Newcomer funeral home. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions to the Lions Club of Casper Alan H Stewart Blind Camp, or The Blue Envelope Health Fund in Dr. Bob’s memory.

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Elementary students ca 1965

Dave Schlickbernd sent us this photo of Whitney elementary school students taken, he says, "probably in May 1965."  That's Dave seated in the front, third from the left, next to his brother John.   Paul Hartman is in the front at the far right, and we also see a Dooley or two.  But we need some help identifying others in the photo, including the teacher.  Can you help?  Drop as an e-mail at galeymedia@gmail.com.  Thanks!

Cora's Place...more than meets the eye

Cora's Place in Whitney

We were a bit late in the season to be visiting, but we finally made it to Cora's Place in Whitney earlier this month -- just before it closed for the season.

But it was well worth the special trip.

Mike Cartwright opened the business this summer to help give Whitney folks a place to relax and visit a bit, while enjoying coffee or a soft drink.  Much to our delight he also offers some interesting antiques and wonderful art work by area artists.

When we arrived on Labor Day, there were about a dozen folks relaxing and visiting.

Of particular interest was the remarkable quilt on display in the parlor, upon which were stitched the names of the lady members of the Whitney Church from more than a half century ago.  Perhaps they were members of the Women's Society of Christian Service, and we're not sure what year the quilt was finished.  Sharon Cripps has recorded the names, and maybe one day soon we'll be able to learn more about this wonderful artifact of Whitney history.

We found of copy of George Simon's "The Big Bands" lying on the coffee table, along with a fine array of other books that are available for checkout to local citizens.  A lending library of sorts......a great idea.

Naomi Galey and Sharon Cripps (right) admire
this historic quilt displayed at Cora's Place.

Sharon Cripps and Marta Myers were engaged in a conversation about quilting, and the table in the front room was the focal point more conversation.  We snapped a few photos during our visit; take a peek in our Whitney Reflections Gallery.

It's been a long time since Whitney has had a gathering place like this, and we hope that when it reopens in the spring that it'll again be warmly welcomed by the community.

To be sure, Whitney will never again be the vibrant community it was in the 1920's and '30's, but we believe it can be more than it is.  Mike Cartwright believes it can be, too, and he's done something about it.

For those of you who sojourn into Wyoming from time to time -- here's a challenge.  As you may find yourself driving along U.S. 26 through Guernsey -- or perhaps down Wyoming 270 -- take a few minutes to drive through Sunrise, Wyoming.  It's only about five minutes from Guernsey, but it's worth the side trip!

We don't know who the folks are who live in Sunrise or nearby Hartville (just east of WY-270) but they've done a wonderful job of sprucing up the village.  We're told it was once a mining town that fell on hard times.  That's a common story.

Less common is the work those residents obviously have done to re-invent their community, making it a quaint locale and a fun place to visit.

We think Whitney's history is every bit as interesting, and with the addition of Cora's Place along Missouri Street, we may be seeing the first step of another little town that has awakened to some great possibilities.

We plan to be knocking on the door when Cora's Place opens next spring!    

Cora's Place opens for business

The idea of a coffee shop gathering place is not a new one for Whitney.

Mike Cartwright chats with a customer at Cora's Place.
(Chadron Record photo by Kerri Rempp) 

In years gone by, there’ve been coffee shops, soda fountains, and a few restaurants, too.

But recent years have not been kind to the prospect of such a gathering place  -- until now.

Whitney native Mike Cartwright  – who, during the Whitney School Resunion in May,  alluded to opening such a  a coffee shop and gathering place” – has done just that. We were delighted when Lois Douthit sent us a link to the Chadron Record story that tells about the “…new gathering spot in Whitney.”

A retired college professor, Mike has teamed up with his wife, Jeanetta, to create what they call “Cora’s Place.”

It’s an appropriate moniker, since the shop is in the same dwelling on Missouri Street that was owned by his grandparents Lewis and Cora Cartwright – hence, “Cora’s Place.”  It’s nestled between the town hall and post office on the west side of Missouri Street in downtown Whitney.

Not only does Cora’s Place bring the aroma of hot coffee to downtown Whitney, there’s also an array of antique items and artwork.   Most importantly, it brings the prospect of increased fellowship and a new sense of “community” to Whitney.

According to the Chadron Record story, Cora’s Place displays the art work of Robin Smith, Kit Watson, and Don Ruleaux.

We’re looking forwarding to visiting Cora’s Place the next time we visit Dawes County.

Read all about Cora’s Place in this Chadron Record story. 

Whitney school bells silenced...

What a great time it was.....seeing old friends and former classmates from an earlier era! About 50 folks showed up for the Whitney School Reunion on Sunday (5/29/11), just days after the old rural school became history --- literally!

More recently a part of the Chadron Public Schools, the District 62 school had served generations of kids since it opened its doors as part of the old hotel in downtown Whitney back in 1886.

By 1924, a brand new building had been constructed, providing not only ample space for a high school -- but running water to boot!  That two-story stucco structure remains nearby, nestled just a stone's throw from the "new" school, built in 1980.  That's where Sunday's festivities took place.

1935 WHS grad Mary Daniels, seated at left, was also a long-time teacher  at Whitney.
She and Ruth Ann Connell shared several "teacher" stories from earlier days at the school.

Many attendees simply couldn't resist the lure of the old school, though, and the made the short trek to their old haunt just one last time.  It was a fun experience, recalling so many memories and antics that will live on long after the building itself is finally demolished, whenever that may be. We understand that the Chadron school board is still trying sell the property -- including both buildings.

While we're not certain, we suspect the older building is likely laced with asbestos and other substantial issues that render it more of a liability than possible "historic structure" that could be renovated and preserved -- no matter how appealing that might be to many of us.

Perhaps a more suitable focus of attention might be the newer building, which appears to be in pretty good shape and ready for yet other purposes. It'll be interesting to follow its fate.

In the meantime, we can bask in the pleasant memories that Whitney School provided for many of us for so many years.

It was particularly great fun hearing from Ruth Ann Connell, Mary Daniels, and others with early ties to the school.

During it's 125 years, the school always offered instruction for elementary students.   But between 1924 and 1942, the "Mustangs" had a high school that turned out quite a few graduates, a few of whom joined us Sunday.   Earliest of that group was Mary Daniels, who was salutatorian of her graduating class in 1935, while her sister Martha was named valedictorian.

Then there were at least two folks who were among the final graduating class in 1942:  Naomi (Howard) McCafferty of Whitney and Gerald Lux of Crawford.

There were lots of melancholy moments as many of these "oldtimers" rubbed shoulders with younger people and swapped stories.  It was a great way to help keep some of those precious memories alive.

We've posted some of the many photos we took during this bittersweet gathering.  Images of the event -- starting with a tour of the old school building -- can be found in the Whitney School Open House gallery.  You'll find a collection of class pictures and other school archival material in our Whitney School Gallery.

New directions for Whitney Reflections

As the Whitney School closes its doors this month after some 125 years, it's a bittersweet experience.

At a "Whitney Reunion" gathering this weekend, there'll be lots of stories, much laughter, and perhaps a tear or two, as former students, teachers, board members, and others come together to commemorate the role of "Whitney School" in their lives.

It'll be particularly fun to see and visit with the likes of Mary Daniels, who not only attended the school and graduated from high school there in 1935, she would later teach at the school.  We expect that Ruth Ann Connell will be on hand, too, another of the early school teachers.

And there will be students, too.  Hopefully, lots of them -- visiting and sharing memories of days gone by.

That's really what this web site is all about:  days gone by.   Our focus is on the village of Whitney, nestled in a quiet corner of Dawes County in far northwestern Nebraska.

This brief introduction seems necessary, since this is something of a "new" beginning for Whitney Reflections.  Some years back we inaugurated a Whitney Reflections web site, replete with photographs, a few stories, cemetery information and other topics we thought folks might find interesting.  It was all intended to be a new source of information about this interesting little town -- now a mere shadow of its former self.

But that web site has been cumbersome to maintain, and I've decided to "relocate" its content to this new site.  Since I'm a bit of a luddite, that task may take a while before the transformation is complete, but it will allow for more frequent entries and will result in a more dynamic site.

In the meantime, I offer this link to the "old" Whitney Reflections site, which is hosted by 1&1.  It will allow you to find information and photos currently residing on the old site -- until such time as they can be moved to this site.

So......this really will be a work in progress, but we have great hopes and expectations that it will become a site we can update more frequently and integrate into a suite of similar historic web sites, like our Dawes County Journal and Black Hills History.

Come back and visit us from time to time.  We'll try to make it worth your while!

Larry & Karen Miller
Spearfish, South Dakota