An important contribution to the enjoyment, and a relief to the monotony of the early pioneer life in Exeter, was a Lyceum, started in the fall of 1873. The members were all green alike at the business, and no doubt many silly things were said and done, but this 'Lyceum' and the 'Evening Post gave something to talk about, and something to look forward to with pleasure. Strange too, how many of the members drifted into Poetry (Rhyme). "The oldest cradles of the race were rocked to poet's rhyme."
The Pioneers
By G. R. McKeith
We praise the sturdy pioneer;
The "pathfinder" of early days,
For the rich blessings we find here,
Since he fought up
through newer ways.
The desert blossoms as the rose,
The
plains are farms now, as we see.
So let us all remember those
Who came in '70, 1, 2, 3.
From eastern lands and homes they
come
With hope and courage in their mien.
They build their
sod, or dugout home.
They sow their corn where grass had been.
Nor cared they for the lonesome days.
Though all their
friends were far away,
They planned their lives to newer ways.
And all dark fears sought to allay.
The wolf or coyote
roamed around.
Filling the air with their sad cry.
The
snakes and squirrels on the ground.
The new intruders would
defy.
Then oft the Indian vexed at heart,
To see his game
both doomed and dead;
Was led to act a viler part,
Through
which some pioneers bled.
The pioneers of the dawn.
In spite
of blizzard, fire and foe.
All pointed to a brighter morn.
To richer days they all should know;
When "soddies" would all be
erased;
When peace would follow up the plough.
And towns
with stately homes be placed
With blessings, which are ours now.
Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties
Source: Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and adjoining Counties, by G. R. McKeith, Press of Fillmore County News, Exeter, Nebraska, 1915
