60 Nebraskaland • July 2022
PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST
Pheasant Hunt near Beaver City, 1978
This is the Martin gang from around Beaver City.
From the back left: Mitch, Jeff, Tom, Ron, Rick
and Gary (me). Front row: Tye and Scott.
– Gary Martin, Omaha
Pheasant Hunt near Wakefield, 1988
This photo was taken in the fall of 1988 on the family farm southwest of Wakefield.
My brother, Ed (middle), was home on leave from the Marine Corps. The four brothers
left to right are Gerald, Les, Ed, Rod (me) and my son, Erik, who was 7 years old. My
brother, Gerald, had a .410 gauge that we teasingly referred to as his "pop gun." The
gun I'm holding is a single shot 20 gauge Winchester Model 37. It was a Christmas gift
from my dad when I was 12 years old, purchased at the Fullerton Hardware store in
Wakefield. I still have that gun. My dad was so impressed with it he drove into town
and purchased the same model in 16 gauge. I have that gun also. I also have the .410
and 12 gauges. Looking for the 28 gauge, but they are rare and expensive!
I am now 70 years old, and my son Erik is now the hunter in the family with many
trophies to his credit.
– Rod Haglund, Wakefield
Send contributions to: Portraits from the Past, Nebraskaland Magazine, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370. Or e-mail to Tim.Reigert@Nebraska.gov.
Photos should show people enjoying Nebraska outdoor activities, such as camping, boating, hunting or fishing, and must have been taken before 2000. We will give
priority to unusual photos or activities. When possible, please include a story about the photograph and identify the people, places and approximate date it was
taken. Text may be edited and photos adjusted for reproduction. All photos will be returned.
Rabbit Hunting near
Lodgepole, 1921
My grandfather John Kripal
(right) and his brother Anton
posing for this picture at their
farm outside of Lodgepole.
For many days, rabbits
were the main course for
the evening meal. John and
Anton both enjoyed hunting
for their dinner. Grandpa later
settled in Hebron and at one
point owned a car
dealership there.
– Rick Meyer,
Houston, Texas
