"Blackie"

Rough and Unshaven, Hides Heart of Gold

Gretna Folk Wouldn’t Let Wanderer Go to Pauper’s Grave; Contribute for Funeral

By Mabel Gillespie
Gretna, Neb., Jan. 25 - This little village of four hundred enjoys the reputation of being one of the most hard-boiled towns in the state. It formerly had six saloons, ample to serve the entire population at one time! All of the stores are open on Sunday. Some of the people smoke, some are said to swear and many of them know their poker.

But, in spite of all this, outsiders have discovered that, although Gretna wears the face of a villain, it has the heart of a saint.

A bit of human driftwood came to town a few years ago. He worked at times for farmers in the vicinity. He was known only as "Blackie" and soon was accepted as one of the community.

Last month he took sick and was taken to Omaha where he died last week.

Word came to Gretna of his death and the people learned that he had died penniless and Omaha authorities had delivered the body to the university medical school.

But they had planned with considering Gretna.

One hour after the word came, a fund of more than $100 had been donated, a committee made proper arrangements and "Blackie" was brought to Gretna and given decent burial.

Yes, Gretna is rough and unshaven, but those who know it best say it hides a heart of gold.

From the Omaha World-Herald (Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska), dated January 26, 1927