100 years ago: Officers get rough in dry raid at Parker Hotel

100 years ago Population 1,324 (U.S. Census 1900, 1910, and 1920) Dry Raiders: Lincoln was stirred Friday evening by accounts of rough and tumble tactics employed in a federal dry raid on the Parker Hotel here, and a protest is due to be launched with District Attorney Orrin J. Lowell. Charles Plog, a farmer, entered the hotel bar while the raid was in progress. When he attempted to leave, he was subjected to a beating in which blood flowed, it is charged by witnesses, who assert Plog was thrown roughly into a chair by a federal officer, who used strong language, and that when he attempted to reply, he was dealt a swift blow to the face and body, not only by his original assailant, but by the latter's companions. Witnesses of the attack on Plog stood by helpless, fearing to interfere, as the four officers who figured in the raid were armed. Plog, a man of about 55 years, came into the hotel bar looking for a friend and ascertaining that his friend was not present, he turned to leave. A federal dry agent at the door stopped him. "Sit down or I'll knock you down," the agent is declared to have shouted, adding a string of oaths. A motor truck driver, who came into the place and attempted to leave, was halted in the same manner. He flung the federal agent aside and walked out unmolested. Plog left Saturday for Auburn to put his protest in the hands of District Attorney Lowe. It was learned that Lowell was out of town. However, Plog was prepared to leave an account of the affair with Lowell's deputies, and also a list of eye witnesses, the names of spectators being taken for possible action against the dry agents. Friday's raid was preceded by another at the same place last Sunday night. Citations to appear before United States Commissioner John Quincy Brown in Sacramento on Saturday were served on Virgil Talani and Leon Viani, the latter proprietor of the hotel. Plog made a report of the affair to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. He said the dry officers gave him no opportunity to explain and that it was absolutely necessary for him to leave, as he had stock to feed before dark. Plog's face bore the marks of his rough treatment. 75 years ago Population 2,410 (U.S. Census 1940 and 1950) The history of any community of the least size in the early days of the west would not be replete without a resume of its equine prowess, its feats and faithfulness in its service to its owners. W.D. Ingram, who has contributed so much information to this series of articles, was there and recorded a few of the events of local interest. Lincoln's race track was a half mile, nearly circular course and was located a fourth of a mile east of Auburn Ravine, just north of the road now leading to Auburn past the bridge. The bridge was not there in early days. People forded the ravine or went around on the Virginiatown Road, part of which is used at present. The Virginiatown Road has been in use over one hundred years. Mike Cassidy, who owned a small house on the northwest corner of 5th and F Streets, had a mare whose racing name was Molly C. Her trotting time was around 2:40 and she was entered in numerous races around the country. Gold Hill, which at that time had a 10,000 population, had a race track, of course. Montgomery-Queens Circus, a one-ring circus, performed in Gold Hill at the race track. There were all kinds of scrub-running race horses, saddle horses they were called, and big bets were won and lost as were many arguments. The Boyden family, a few miles west of Lincoln, had several racers. One, a slick little mare from the Haggin Grant stock north of Sacramento was named Mollie B. She was a beautiful specimen, but a little too small and lightweight for heavy racing, but he never entered his horses in matches. She developed into a splendid cattle horse and later a family pet after foaling one or two colts. This article was written by Mrs. Mabel Ahart. 50 years ago Population 3,179 (U.S. Census 1960 and 1970) 4th of July: Like to dance, play games, watch others play games, eat, win prizes, watch a parade and ooh and aah at fireworks? Then there's something for you at the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July celebration. For starters, tonight (July 3) there will be an outdoor western dance at the pavilion at McBean Park from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and admission will be $1 per person. Food and beverages will be on sale during the dance. As they have for a number of years, the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West will stage an outdoor breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. July 4 atMc Bean Park. Note: The pancake breakfast continues to be hosted by the NSGW/NDGW. This year, the breakfast is at the Veterans Memorial Hall from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to accommodate parade participants and spectators. To make breakfast more affordable for families, prices are $12 for 12 years and over and $5 for those 11 and under. The 4th of July parade takes off at 10 a.m. Entries include decorated bicycles, marching groups, floats, mounted groups, a color guard and a rodeo bull. Prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon and evening starting at noon. A host of surprise prizes have been donated by local merchants for the giveaway events. In addition, the Chamber is sponsoring a special event in which the top prize will be a microwave oven. Also included will be two 10-speed bicycles and a starter set of Franciscan dinnerware. The Lincoln Sportsmen Club has purchased five books of tickets and if they hold a winning ticket, the prize will be donated to a deserving family of the club's choice. Pitching in with their activities will be the Lincoln Little Leaguers. Topping the action will be a 1 p.m. encounter to decide the major league championship. Soccer fans will have a field day tomorrow as games commence at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Lincoln Rotary Club members will be chefs for a barbecued rib dinner to be served at the park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The cost will be $2.25 for adults and $1.50 for children. Horseshoe pitchers will have a chance to show off their skills during a tournament slated for 1:30 p.m. The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce has taken care of fireworks. Starting at dusk, the sky over McBean Park will be alight with brilliant-colored bursts of falling stars. Also on the schedule are a water ballet at McBean Memorial Pool and a rodeo Saturday and Sunday. Wrapping up the 4th of July events will be a dance sponsored by the Lincoln Aztecas soccer club. For more Lincoln history, visit the Lincoln Area Archives Museum Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., located in Beermann's Plaza, 640 5th Street. The downtown history tour is very good. Reservations required, 916-645-3800. Tours and visits are no charge; donations are greatly appreciated. The museum is nonprofit with no government funding. My thanks to Fran Neves and the Lincoln Woman's Club for having me as their guest at their monthly meeting. Thank you for reading, ladies!