Stuff Remembered
By Wayne H. Hass
One should consider themselves truly fortunate to have been raised in small-town surroundings. I have personal knowledge of a small-town farming community and I would like to assist you in remembering how it was and what it was like.
I mainly think of the years just prior to, during and just following World War II. These would be the years of 1940 to 1960.
The community remembered is a small town in Southern Minnesota known as Adams. This small town is surrounded for miles by lush, rich and highly productive dark black farmland. Many of the farms have been occupied by the same families for many years. As a result of hard work this farmland has produced bumper crops used to help feed the World. Within 15 miles in all directions from Adams you can find similar small communities, which like Adams, were made up of hard-working honest people who really cared for their neighbors and their communities. I remember an incident that occurred at about dusk on a summer evening south of Adams on one of the farms. A severe windstorm swept through the area and caused damage to the barn which trapped several of the landowner’s farm animals inside of the barn. The neighbors from miles around heard about the damage and hurried to the landowner’s aid to help with the rescue of the farm animals. Their efforts were successful and most of the animals were saved.
The ethnic background of the people living within the village of Adams and the surrounding farms was mainly Scandinavian and European. These were hard working and caring people who loved their families and their neighbors. In time of need you could be assured that someone would be there to offer assistance. I could offer many other examples, but I will leave that for you to remember.
The population of Adams usually numbered around 800 and of course was made up of all ages young and elderly. During the War years many of the young men from the community and the farms were away serving in the military of their country. Most returned following the end of the War, but some did not return. A large billboard type sign was erected on the vacant property between the US Post Office and the community Building facing what is now known as 4th Street. The names of those young men from the community and the farms who were serving in the military were posted on this sign for all to see and be proud of. The sign was very large and was nearly covered with names. I do not remember if there were any female names on that sign. It seems that there were some nurses from the community or the farms serving in the military and maybe you can remember.
The day that the War ended in Europe was a day of celebration in Adams. The town had a siren which was used to summon the Volunteer Fire Department Members, sound warning of the approach of severe weather and also to indicate + 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM to the community. There also was a bell at the Fire Station which was used to sound the nightly curfew, bells at two churches and bells at two schools. When the end of the War was announced the people gathered in the streets and began cheering and shouting in a joyful mood. All of the bells rang, and the siren blew the good news. There was a sincere sign of relief and happiness as the shouting and cheering went on into the night. Now the young men, away for service to their country, could begin to return to their homes.
Prior to the end of WWII there were several business establishments in Adams, and they were owned and run by families that had been there for many years. There was the Green Mill Café, Ulven’s DX Station, Hanneman’s Standard Station, Jack Sprat Store, Adams State Bank, Daylight Store, Schmitz Electric, Boyum’s Grocery, Klapperich Blacksmith, Barkee Telephone Office, Sjobakken Garage, Erckenbrach Drug Store, Anderson Hardware, Adams Locker, Blonigan’s Grocery, Mike and Bill’s Tavern, Adams Creamery, Erie Produce, Adams Review Newspaper, Millenacker Implement, Blue’s Tavern, Red Johnny’s Tavern, Osmundson Brothers, Schissel Brothers Elevator, Sass Lumber, Brewer Trucking, Pete Goergen Windmill Service, Mose’s Barber Shop, Milwaukee Railroad Depot, Dubinsky’s Scrap Iron & Hides, Meurer and Tillman Chevrolet, Adams Furniture Store, Adams, Movie Theater, Huseby’s Dairy, Doc Huseby Veterinarian, Doc Schneider Medical Doctor and Doc Bolton Dental Doctor. During the War a lot of the sons of these business owners were called in the service of their country and were gone until the War ended.
At this time there were some vacant lots in the downtown area that were used to show free movies in the summer and then turned into ice skating rinks in the winter. There were also some very old wooden buildings that were later demolished to make way for progress. Two of these demolitions resulted in the new Adams Theater/Pine Room and Wagner’s Super Value Store.
Saturday nights were big nights for the local business community. The families living on Farm came to town on Saturday nights and the people living in town went out to downtown on Saturday nights. The free movies were usually shown on Saturday night, and they drew big crowds. The main conversation around town was the crops, the weather, the war and the rain gauges. It was always amazing how one individual could have 2/10 in their gauge and the fellow next door could have 8010 in his gauge.
During this period of time there was no swimming pool in Adams. The places that one had to go to learn how to swim were the Austin Pool, the pool at Joe Schneider’s farm, several gravel pits, the creek under the railroad bridge west of the Catholic church and the creek south of the Milwaukee Depot. Since there was no sewage disposal plant in Adams at the time, the creeks were not the cleanest place to swim but no one seemed to mind. Many of the young lads learned to swim quite adequately using these facilities.
High school football and baseball and town team baseball games were played on a field adjacent to the Adams High School on the east side. At the north end of this field there was an unused metal bus shed that some probably choose to not remember. About 1951, a new sports complex was built on the west side of town. Initially it was setup for day games only and after about a year lights were added to the football field for night games. The writer was part of the first AHS team to play under the new lights. Prior to the new lights, construction of Highway 56 was extended west from downtown to the west all the way to Rose Creek and beyond. I remember an ice storm one winter that allowed some of us to ice skate from Adams to Rose Creek and back on the new Highway 56. No sand and salt in those days and no traffic on the road.
The Milwaukee Railroad ran several passenger and freight trains east and west through Adams each day. Mail left the US Post Office each day by way of the railroad. The depot was manned full-time and cargo cars were often switched at the elevator, the lumberyard, and the scrap metal yard. To the east one could make connections in Taopi on a north/south passenger train and if one took the Milwaukee to Austin connections could be made to the north or south as well as to the west. There were passenger trains both east and west each day out of Adams. You could ride a morning train to Austin and return to Adams on the train in time for the evening meal. There were several men from Adams who worked for Hormel in Austin at that time, and they often rode the train to Austin, worked their shift then rode the train back home.
One of the times of celebration eld in Adams was Market Days. Held outdoors on the street between the elevator and the back of the stores facing the Main Street from the south side. Farmers brought their wares to the community market and people from town also displayed their wares for sale. Usually, a raffle was held for a used car and during the war years new cars were not available so a raffle for any car was welcomed.
Another popular celebration was held during the Christmas season. On a specific day the schools were let out early and the downtown streets were filled with people. Shoppers filled the stores and seasonal music filled the air. Joe Schmitz and his crew mounted speakers at the only intersection in Adams with a stop and go light and the music was put out on the speakers from Joe’s shop. One of the highlights of that afternoon was when the Adams State Bank gave a nickel to all young people that made a stop in the bank. A nickel was a whole bunch of money then. It would buy a coke, a single dip ice cream cone or a half glass of beer.
After the men began returning from military duty there were many changes made in the community. Some new businesses were opened, and others returned to work in existing business with their family members. Some retired and their business was taken over by new owners. Some of the new business was the Adams Theater/Pine Room, Mike and Bill’s moved first to their then existing building to the basement and later to a new building. Wagner’s Super Value opened in a new building where Heimer’s Implement once existed. Millenacker Implement built on a new addition. Gene’s Cleaners and Sport Shop opened, Watros’ Tavern opened, Kiefer Trucking began operations. Steve Freund’s Garage opened, Philly Underdahl’s Garage opened, Schmitz Electric expanded, KJ Retterath Builders and Vince Miller Builders began operations. Wagner’s Department Store opened in the building occupied by Mike and Bill’s and later became Jones Department Store, The COOP Station opened, Schroeder’s Concrete Block and Tile opened, Boyum and Goergen Painting began, Watros’ Tavern later became Horstman’s Tavern and then Chet and Jean’s Tavern, Doc Winkels DDS replaced Doc Bolton, Doc Monson replaced Doc Huseby and Doc Schneider opened a new clinic on Main Street.
The Pine Room became a favorite hangout for the younger generations for many years after its grand opening. After high school sports contests the Pine Room became the favorite hangout. There were times when Vernon Schaefer became head chef as well as owner when the business was so busy. He also had excellent help when he was not needed as chef.
A Volunteer Fire Department operated then and still exists today and for many years has been a very successful part of the community. The volunteers came from the community and this service also serves the rural community with fire protection.
A Conservation Club was started and eventually a clubhouse was built with volunteer labor. This organization stocked streams with fish and planted young pheasants around farms and marshes. Skeet shoots were held at the club house, and it was a favorite place for steak fries and parties. This organization faded away but the ownership of this property and transfer of title to that property has always been in question and no one has ever been willing to give any answers. I as one who contributed a lot of volunteer labor and membership dues would still like to find out the real answer to who and how anyone benefitted from the title transfer.
Another project of aiding others comes to mind, and I will expand on it. I cannot remember the year, but it seems to have taken place in mid fall. The far field were standing tall with mature dry corn stalks. The weather had agreed with the growing season, and it looked like another bumper crop for the farmers surrounding Adams and reaching out for several miles in any direction. A very severe windstorm traveled through the entire area and straight-line winds blew for 2 or 3 days. Eventually the corn fields were blown down leaving the corn stalks lying flat on the ground. This meant that normal corn picking procedures could not be utilized. What to do? Schools were closed for several days and groups of young people were taken to farms to assist the farmers with saving their corn crop. The line of pickers would start at the end of a corn field in a long line and go through the field picking up the corn ears from the ground and throwing them into a wagon or wagons which were being pulled ahead of the line. Very long days were put in by the young People and a lot of ground was covered that day. Eventually the fields were cleared of the fallen corn ears and with the help of a lot of people the cleanup was a huge success. I am sure that if you were involved you will remember this combined effort of the town people and the farmers. By the way, the young people were paid well and were treated well. I was one of them.
Do you remember this? We had 5 & 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for a nickel or a dime. Ice creams cones Phone calls and a Coke were all a nickel each. A double dip ice cream cone was a dime. Postage stamps were three cents and at one time a new Chevy Coupe was$600 but not too many people could afford one. Too bad, cause gas was ? cents a gallon. Our lives were governed by good judgment and common sense. We were taught the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege and living in this country was a bigger privilege. None of us would choose to turn the clock backward but it sure is nice to remember what once was. Remember the 5 & 10 cent stores? Now they are called Dollar Stores.
Every community had its characters and Adams was no exception. A lot of the guys in Adams and surrounding area were given nicknames some of which have stuck with them throughout their lifetime. Some have been called by their nickname for so long that it is hard to remember what their given name is.
The dictionary defines nicknames as follows: NICKNAME – 1. A substitute, often descriptive name given in fun, affection, etc., 2. A familiar form of a proper name (e.g., Jim for James).
Here are some of the nicknames that one could have found around Adams at one time or another: Bones, Ripper, Percy, Ace, Olie, Alfy, Nate, Smitty, Little Finger, Fido, Goose Pee Wee, Shorty, Jazz Boy, Farmer, Dopey, Einstein, Gib, Ickey, Bubbles, Butter Butt, Den, Chick Bugs, Barney, Fonse, Booger, Gus, Irish, Pete Nic, Stub, Lars, Beaver, Dingo, Tiger, Fuzzy, Booby, Sleepin Jesus, Pappy, Red, Rusty, Tiler Bill, Erky, Gildy, Moose, Hankie, Uff Da Donkey, Buck, Duck, Slim, Dude, Petie q, Road Grader, Heinie, Squeaky, Fats, Jughead, OB, Tubber, Buzzy, Duke, Himmel, Lefty, Dink, Blackie, Bunk, Ike, Chuckles, Tex, Red Rooster, Swede, Fritz, Booty, Ozzie, Choke, Dickie, Rabbit, Lard, Rennie, Super, Oly, Krickler, Corky, Rudy, Tick, Ears, Chauffer, Penie, Munkin, Bozo, Mose, Pickles, Scorpse, Shady, Frannie, Whiskey, Gene, Button Shoe, Toddy, Max, Snorky, Buster, Slick, Whistlin Dick, Euch, Wootsie, Buddy, Archie, Zip, Snowball, Cactus, Butch, Little Willie, Hunce, Brother, Lug, Rope, Junior, TBone, Harness Nick, Sally, Brownie, Peachy, Meatball, Tobe, Bear, Sparrow, Torp, Doc, Mickey, Slicker, Blue, OT, Gouglie, Bud, Lightning, Beans, Cig, Suey, Little Earl, KJ, Flash, Sparky, Gabby, Bubs, Schimmel, Toby, Burp, Pug, Fuddy, Weasel, Amby, Euchre Bill, Dewey, Fritzie.
There were also some female nicknames such as: Honey Goodie, Stretch, Kitty, Flossie.
Here are some familiar forms of common names: Harry, Joe, Willie, Eddy, Bob, Connie, Dick, Chuck, Curt, Bernie, Bill, Jake, Bobby, Herb, Kenny, Gene, Jerry, Del, Josie, Andy, Nick, Ray,, Ben, Art, Vince, Rollie, Arnie, Vernie, Gordy, Herbie, Johnny, Ed, Mike, Wally, Ernie, Chuck, Bennie, Artie, Pat.
As was stated earlier, if you can remember the first names of all those with these nicknames you have a very good memory.
I mainly think of the years just prior to, during and just following World War II. These would be the years of 1940 to 1960.
The community remembered is a small town in Southern Minnesota known as Adams. This small town is surrounded for miles by lush, rich and highly productive dark black farmland. Many of the farms have been occupied by the same families for many years. As a result of hard work this farmland has produced bumper crops used to help feed the World. Within 15 miles in all directions from Adams you can find similar small communities, which like Adams, were made up of hard-working honest people who really cared for their neighbors and their communities. I remember an incident that occurred at about dusk on a summer evening south of Adams on one of the farms. A severe windstorm swept through the area and caused damage to the barn which trapped several of the landowner’s farm animals inside of the barn. The neighbors from miles around heard about the damage and hurried to the landowner’s aid to help with the rescue of the farm animals. Their efforts were successful and most of the animals were saved.
The ethnic background of the people living within the village of Adams and the surrounding farms was mainly Scandinavian and European. These were hard working and caring people who loved their families and their neighbors. In time of need you could be assured that someone would be there to offer assistance. I could offer many other examples, but I will leave that for you to remember.
The population of Adams usually numbered around 800 and of course was made up of all ages young and elderly. During the War years many of the young men from the community and the farms were away serving in the military of their country. Most returned following the end of the War, but some did not return. A large billboard type sign was erected on the vacant property between the US Post Office and the community Building facing what is now known as 4th Street. The names of those young men from the community and the farms who were serving in the military were posted on this sign for all to see and be proud of. The sign was very large and was nearly covered with names. I do not remember if there were any female names on that sign. It seems that there were some nurses from the community or the farms serving in the military and maybe you can remember.
The day that the War ended in Europe was a day of celebration in Adams. The town had a siren which was used to summon the Volunteer Fire Department Members, sound warning of the approach of severe weather and also to indicate + 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM to the community. There also was a bell at the Fire Station which was used to sound the nightly curfew, bells at two churches and bells at two schools. When the end of the War was announced the people gathered in the streets and began cheering and shouting in a joyful mood. All of the bells rang, and the siren blew the good news. There was a sincere sign of relief and happiness as the shouting and cheering went on into the night. Now the young men, away for service to their country, could begin to return to their homes.
Prior to the end of WWII there were several business establishments in Adams, and they were owned and run by families that had been there for many years. There was the Green Mill Café, Ulven’s DX Station, Hanneman’s Standard Station, Jack Sprat Store, Adams State Bank, Daylight Store, Schmitz Electric, Boyum’s Grocery, Klapperich Blacksmith, Barkee Telephone Office, Sjobakken Garage, Erckenbrach Drug Store, Anderson Hardware, Adams Locker, Blonigan’s Grocery, Mike and Bill’s Tavern, Adams Creamery, Erie Produce, Adams Review Newspaper, Millenacker Implement, Blue’s Tavern, Red Johnny’s Tavern, Osmundson Brothers, Schissel Brothers Elevator, Sass Lumber, Brewer Trucking, Pete Goergen Windmill Service, Mose’s Barber Shop, Milwaukee Railroad Depot, Dubinsky’s Scrap Iron & Hides, Meurer and Tillman Chevrolet, Adams Furniture Store, Adams, Movie Theater, Huseby’s Dairy, Doc Huseby Veterinarian, Doc Schneider Medical Doctor and Doc Bolton Dental Doctor. During the War a lot of the sons of these business owners were called in the service of their country and were gone until the War ended.
At this time there were some vacant lots in the downtown area that were used to show free movies in the summer and then turned into ice skating rinks in the winter. There were also some very old wooden buildings that were later demolished to make way for progress. Two of these demolitions resulted in the new Adams Theater/Pine Room and Wagner’s Super Value Store.
Saturday nights were big nights for the local business community. The families living on Farm came to town on Saturday nights and the people living in town went out to downtown on Saturday nights. The free movies were usually shown on Saturday night, and they drew big crowds. The main conversation around town was the crops, the weather, the war and the rain gauges. It was always amazing how one individual could have 2/10 in their gauge and the fellow next door could have 8010 in his gauge.
During this period of time there was no swimming pool in Adams. The places that one had to go to learn how to swim were the Austin Pool, the pool at Joe Schneider’s farm, several gravel pits, the creek under the railroad bridge west of the Catholic church and the creek south of the Milwaukee Depot. Since there was no sewage disposal plant in Adams at the time, the creeks were not the cleanest place to swim but no one seemed to mind. Many of the young lads learned to swim quite adequately using these facilities.
High school football and baseball and town team baseball games were played on a field adjacent to the Adams High School on the east side. At the north end of this field there was an unused metal bus shed that some probably choose to not remember. About 1951, a new sports complex was built on the west side of town. Initially it was setup for day games only and after about a year lights were added to the football field for night games. The writer was part of the first AHS team to play under the new lights. Prior to the new lights, construction of Highway 56 was extended west from downtown to the west all the way to Rose Creek and beyond. I remember an ice storm one winter that allowed some of us to ice skate from Adams to Rose Creek and back on the new Highway 56. No sand and salt in those days and no traffic on the road.
The Milwaukee Railroad ran several passenger and freight trains east and west through Adams each day. Mail left the US Post Office each day by way of the railroad. The depot was manned full-time and cargo cars were often switched at the elevator, the lumberyard, and the scrap metal yard. To the east one could make connections in Taopi on a north/south passenger train and if one took the Milwaukee to Austin connections could be made to the north or south as well as to the west. There were passenger trains both east and west each day out of Adams. You could ride a morning train to Austin and return to Adams on the train in time for the evening meal. There were several men from Adams who worked for Hormel in Austin at that time, and they often rode the train to Austin, worked their shift then rode the train back home.
One of the times of celebration eld in Adams was Market Days. Held outdoors on the street between the elevator and the back of the stores facing the Main Street from the south side. Farmers brought their wares to the community market and people from town also displayed their wares for sale. Usually, a raffle was held for a used car and during the war years new cars were not available so a raffle for any car was welcomed.
Another popular celebration was held during the Christmas season. On a specific day the schools were let out early and the downtown streets were filled with people. Shoppers filled the stores and seasonal music filled the air. Joe Schmitz and his crew mounted speakers at the only intersection in Adams with a stop and go light and the music was put out on the speakers from Joe’s shop. One of the highlights of that afternoon was when the Adams State Bank gave a nickel to all young people that made a stop in the bank. A nickel was a whole bunch of money then. It would buy a coke, a single dip ice cream cone or a half glass of beer.
After the men began returning from military duty there were many changes made in the community. Some new businesses were opened, and others returned to work in existing business with their family members. Some retired and their business was taken over by new owners. Some of the new business was the Adams Theater/Pine Room, Mike and Bill’s moved first to their then existing building to the basement and later to a new building. Wagner’s Super Value opened in a new building where Heimer’s Implement once existed. Millenacker Implement built on a new addition. Gene’s Cleaners and Sport Shop opened, Watros’ Tavern opened, Kiefer Trucking began operations. Steve Freund’s Garage opened, Philly Underdahl’s Garage opened, Schmitz Electric expanded, KJ Retterath Builders and Vince Miller Builders began operations. Wagner’s Department Store opened in the building occupied by Mike and Bill’s and later became Jones Department Store, The COOP Station opened, Schroeder’s Concrete Block and Tile opened, Boyum and Goergen Painting began, Watros’ Tavern later became Horstman’s Tavern and then Chet and Jean’s Tavern, Doc Winkels DDS replaced Doc Bolton, Doc Monson replaced Doc Huseby and Doc Schneider opened a new clinic on Main Street.
The Pine Room became a favorite hangout for the younger generations for many years after its grand opening. After high school sports contests the Pine Room became the favorite hangout. There were times when Vernon Schaefer became head chef as well as owner when the business was so busy. He also had excellent help when he was not needed as chef.
A Volunteer Fire Department operated then and still exists today and for many years has been a very successful part of the community. The volunteers came from the community and this service also serves the rural community with fire protection.
A Conservation Club was started and eventually a clubhouse was built with volunteer labor. This organization stocked streams with fish and planted young pheasants around farms and marshes. Skeet shoots were held at the club house, and it was a favorite place for steak fries and parties. This organization faded away but the ownership of this property and transfer of title to that property has always been in question and no one has ever been willing to give any answers. I as one who contributed a lot of volunteer labor and membership dues would still like to find out the real answer to who and how anyone benefitted from the title transfer.
Another project of aiding others comes to mind, and I will expand on it. I cannot remember the year, but it seems to have taken place in mid fall. The far field were standing tall with mature dry corn stalks. The weather had agreed with the growing season, and it looked like another bumper crop for the farmers surrounding Adams and reaching out for several miles in any direction. A very severe windstorm traveled through the entire area and straight-line winds blew for 2 or 3 days. Eventually the corn fields were blown down leaving the corn stalks lying flat on the ground. This meant that normal corn picking procedures could not be utilized. What to do? Schools were closed for several days and groups of young people were taken to farms to assist the farmers with saving their corn crop. The line of pickers would start at the end of a corn field in a long line and go through the field picking up the corn ears from the ground and throwing them into a wagon or wagons which were being pulled ahead of the line. Very long days were put in by the young People and a lot of ground was covered that day. Eventually the fields were cleared of the fallen corn ears and with the help of a lot of people the cleanup was a huge success. I am sure that if you were involved you will remember this combined effort of the town people and the farmers. By the way, the young people were paid well and were treated well. I was one of them.
Do you remember this? We had 5 & 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for a nickel or a dime. Ice creams cones Phone calls and a Coke were all a nickel each. A double dip ice cream cone was a dime. Postage stamps were three cents and at one time a new Chevy Coupe was$600 but not too many people could afford one. Too bad, cause gas was ? cents a gallon. Our lives were governed by good judgment and common sense. We were taught the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege and living in this country was a bigger privilege. None of us would choose to turn the clock backward but it sure is nice to remember what once was. Remember the 5 & 10 cent stores? Now they are called Dollar Stores.
Every community had its characters and Adams was no exception. A lot of the guys in Adams and surrounding area were given nicknames some of which have stuck with them throughout their lifetime. Some have been called by their nickname for so long that it is hard to remember what their given name is.
The dictionary defines nicknames as follows: NICKNAME – 1. A substitute, often descriptive name given in fun, affection, etc., 2. A familiar form of a proper name (e.g., Jim for James).
Here are some of the nicknames that one could have found around Adams at one time or another: Bones, Ripper, Percy, Ace, Olie, Alfy, Nate, Smitty, Little Finger, Fido, Goose Pee Wee, Shorty, Jazz Boy, Farmer, Dopey, Einstein, Gib, Ickey, Bubbles, Butter Butt, Den, Chick Bugs, Barney, Fonse, Booger, Gus, Irish, Pete Nic, Stub, Lars, Beaver, Dingo, Tiger, Fuzzy, Booby, Sleepin Jesus, Pappy, Red, Rusty, Tiler Bill, Erky, Gildy, Moose, Hankie, Uff Da Donkey, Buck, Duck, Slim, Dude, Petie q, Road Grader, Heinie, Squeaky, Fats, Jughead, OB, Tubber, Buzzy, Duke, Himmel, Lefty, Dink, Blackie, Bunk, Ike, Chuckles, Tex, Red Rooster, Swede, Fritz, Booty, Ozzie, Choke, Dickie, Rabbit, Lard, Rennie, Super, Oly, Krickler, Corky, Rudy, Tick, Ears, Chauffer, Penie, Munkin, Bozo, Mose, Pickles, Scorpse, Shady, Frannie, Whiskey, Gene, Button Shoe, Toddy, Max, Snorky, Buster, Slick, Whistlin Dick, Euch, Wootsie, Buddy, Archie, Zip, Snowball, Cactus, Butch, Little Willie, Hunce, Brother, Lug, Rope, Junior, TBone, Harness Nick, Sally, Brownie, Peachy, Meatball, Tobe, Bear, Sparrow, Torp, Doc, Mickey, Slicker, Blue, OT, Gouglie, Bud, Lightning, Beans, Cig, Suey, Little Earl, KJ, Flash, Sparky, Gabby, Bubs, Schimmel, Toby, Burp, Pug, Fuddy, Weasel, Amby, Euchre Bill, Dewey, Fritzie.
There were also some female nicknames such as: Honey Goodie, Stretch, Kitty, Flossie.
Here are some familiar forms of common names: Harry, Joe, Willie, Eddy, Bob, Connie, Dick, Chuck, Curt, Bernie, Bill, Jake, Bobby, Herb, Kenny, Gene, Jerry, Del, Josie, Andy, Nick, Ray,, Ben, Art, Vince, Rollie, Arnie, Vernie, Gordy, Herbie, Johnny, Ed, Mike, Wally, Ernie, Chuck, Bennie, Artie, Pat.
As was stated earlier, if you can remember the first names of all those with these nicknames you have a very good memory.