100 years ago: Tent show comes to New Lincoln Hotel

50 Years Ago Population 3,179 (U.S. Census 1960 and 1970) Real Estate Lincoln homes for sale: new two-story 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, approximately 1,800 square feet. Many extras including full wall rock fireplace, fencing, all built-ins, etc. $43,500. Older 5-bedroom two-story in good condition on corner lots, 80% conventional finance at $27,250. New 3-bedroom, 2 bath, fully carpeted, central H/A, fenced, $35,900. Immaculate 2 bedroom on 1 ½ lots; built-ins, central H/A, family room, large built-in patio area, good location, $32,500. 75 Years Ago Population 2,410 (U.S. Census 1940 and 1950) Bond Issue The $158,000 bond issue, requested by the Lincoln Union Elementary School, passed by the comfortable margin of 269 to 73 in last Tuesday's special bond election. Some 342 voters turned out to vote. Seventy-eight per cent of the voters expressed approval of the measure. A 66 2/3 majority was needed. The funds voted by the district are to be used in the construction of four new classrooms, a kindergarten, and if possible, an administration unit. All of the construction is planned for the tract of land owned by the school in the southwest corner of town. One four-classroom unit already is located there. The school district is now bonded to its capacity. Prior to the Tuesday election, the district had $80,000 in bonds outstanding. The tax rate is expected to run .25 cents per $100. The cost to the average households will run $5-$6 per annum. Although the school board probably will issue a call for bids almost immediately, construction cannot be completed before September, 1952. In the meantime, another of the 50-year-old buildings located on the main school grounds will be placed in use next fall. By the time the construction is completed, the school expects to be using all available space. 100 Years Ago Population 1,324 (U.S. Census 1900, 1910, and 1920) Tent Show The Jennings Tent Show, now playing in Marysville and composed of 18 people, is coming to Lincoln and will play in a tent in the back lot of the Lincoln Hotel from Monday, May 24 to May 31. This troupe are good players and were here a couple of years ago and gave our people satisfaction. They call your attention to these facts: That this company is composed of 18 ladies and gentlemen; that we show in a tent especially made for the presentation of our plays and vaudeville; that we have only one big tent, no side shows or games of chance; that the seats are comfortable and the tent is made comfortable no matter what the weather may be; that we live and buy everything we need and use in the place where we are playing; that there is nothing done or said on the stage or around the tent that would offend anyone; that we open the doors at 7:20 and start the show at 8:20. So, if you like good, clean plays, vaudeville and music, make your plans to attend the Jennings Tent every night next week. You will never have an opportunity to see better entertainment for the price. Our success for 18 years continued run is due to cleanness, fairness and ability to please. Remember, opening Monday night, "Who's Daughter" in three acts with vaudeville between acts changing completely each night. Located on the lot back of the New Lincoln Hotel. Prices: back seats, adults, .30 cents; children, .10 cents; Front seats, adults, .40 cents; children, .20 cents. Note: The Lincoln Hotel was a two-story wooden structure built in 1888 and located on the southeast corner of 6th and G Streets (now Lincoln Boulevard); fire claimed the hotel in 1896. It was rebuilt and renamed the New Lincoln Hotel. From 1900 to 1925 it housed many Europeans who worked at Gladding, McBean & Co. before they bought homes of their own. Pool On Thursday, there is going to be a big time at the McBean Memorial Swimming Pool when Ed Owens, the superintendent of the pool and building, is going to put on a contest during the evening from 7:00 o'clock on till the events have all been enacted. Mr. Owens has gone to considerable trouble in putting on this contest of swimming sports, and with the cooperation of the merchants and business men in Lincoln, has provided many prizes for the winners of the different events. There will be relay races, swimming stunts, diving and a lot of amusement for all who will be at the pool on Thursday evening. All of our people are eligible—both the young and older folks. Already several exciting events are scheduled to be pulled off. The Grammar School band will be in attendance and render music to enliven the occasion. Prepare yourself for a good time, and be on hand to root for the winners. Real Estate for sale: a 5-room house, $1,299; new 5-room house, $1,600; 7-room house, $2,200; new 4-room house, $2,100; 160-acre farm with 30 acres fruit and 8-room house, furnished complete. All stock and equipment, $12,000. Easy terms, wonderful buy. Ad Wyatt Hardware Store ran an advertisement for an aluminum Maytag washer saying "For her happiness. You want to make easier her household tasks to make her days at home pleasanter. Give her then the helpfulness that the Maytag brings—a lasting helpfulness whose value is more and more appreciated as time goes on—a helpfulness whose life span is measured, not by weeks or months, but by many years of washing service." The features promoted were: "1. Washes faster; 2. Washes cleaner; 3. Largest hourly capacity, the tub holds 11 gallons; 4. Most compact washer made, takes only 33 inches square in floor space; 5. Cast aluminum tub can't warp, rust, swell or corrode. Cleans itself; 6. Easily adjusted to your height; 7. Clothes can be put in or taken out with the washer running; 8. All metal wringer, self-adjusting with single level release; 9. Electric motor for wired homes. Gasoline motor available where no electricity exists." Note: The price for this washing machine was between $199 and $250. In California the average annual income was between $1,200 and $2,500. Ad PG&E ran the following advertisement: "More light for less money has been an accomplishment of the electrical industry. A few years ago, you purchased the costly carbon filament lamp. Today, your home or place of business is lighted with the modern Mazda lamp, twenty-one times as much light can now be obtained with the 40-watt Mazda lamp for the same expense as was obtained with the original 16 candlepower carbon lamp. Business initiative, ever alert and always seeking improvements, can be depended upon to give you a maximum service at a minimum cost. Since 1913 the cost of government increased 180%; cost of living 65%; cost of electricity decreased 8%. PG&E, owned, operated and managed by Californians." Dear Reader, if you are interested in area history, please visit the Lincoln Area Archives Museum located in Beermann Plaza, 640 5th Street. The hours are Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visits are free of charge. LAAM is all volunteer and non-profit, relying on donations and memberships for support. The museum is currently seeking volunteers, no experience necessary. Thank you for reading! MBO