At perhaps one of the largest banquets held in recent years by the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Roman Hruska spoke of important national issues that touched the pocketbooks of everyone of the 700 Jaycees, their wives and guests.
But the Nebraska Senator could just as well have been talking about the weather, for some of the attention shown him in the large St. Bonaventure hall at Columbus Saturday night.
It was discouraging to say the least, to see the disrespect shown by young men of action, as we Jaycees like to think of ourselves. The speaking system in the hall was inadequate, perhaps the reason for the chatter in the corners.
Columbus businessmen and clerks were courteous to the delegates who occupied every motel and hotel and about every parking space in the city.
At one service station near convention headquarters, the Texaco manager did more gratis than he did pay business, it appeared to this observer.
And there were countless trips to stores looking for those little souvenir items to take home to the kids. At a nearby Woolworth store, clerks were more than friendly and courteous.
Perhaps because of what we read about Columbus, we expect the people to be as aggressive as what is said about them. It's true. Clerks in stores wanted your pocket money and spoke endlessly offering suggestions of what to take home. They generally got the cash, too!
Mr. and Mrs. James Fields, former Citians, said they like Columbus fine. In fact, community activities seem to keep the family pretty busy, Fern said.