1955 George Evert Condra

TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE E. CONDRA BEFORE THE NEBRASKA HALL OF AGRICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT---LINCOLN, NEBRASKA---APRIL 12, 1955
Eugene C. Reed

Ladies and Gentlemen, I find myself faced with an impossible assignment--to review the accomplishment of Dr. George Evert Condra in a few short minutes. However, an hour or a day would still be inadequate for no man has lived more fully and no man has had a wider aggressive interest in so many things above and below the land’s surface. Today I will try to mention the things that I believe are most significant and extend the privilege to each of you who know him well to enlarge and expand my small tribute as you most desire.

The man that we honor today was born and reared on a farm near Seymour in Wayne County, Iowa. His parents were not ordinary people for they instilled in him an appreciation of their wisdom, consul, and interest that has never waned. His father was a man who knew the land he tilled and used it wisely. His practical geologic knowledge enabled him to develop a reliable water supply in a difficult area and his mechanical and inventive genius resulted in the development of many time and labor-saving devices on his farm with the able assistance of his son George who was continuously encouraged to observe and learn. His mother contributed unbounded affection, encouragement and understanding and he respected and followed her wise counsel. She provided a strong moral influence that resulted in the conservation and effective utilization of the outstanding physical attributes of her son.

Young George was encouraged to learn and study as well as to develop his athletic abilities. He engaged in baseball, football, track, wrestling, boxing, and other sports and was never satisfied to be second best. Undoubtedly, he could have had an outstanding professional career in baseball as a pitcher or catcher with different parental influence, but his father quietly advised him that he did not believe that George wanted that kind of career, encouraging him to attend Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 20 when his assistance on the farm would have been of material help to his father. His appetite for knowledge and interest in science was kindled at Western Normal and has never diminished. Two years of study at Western Normal were followed by one year at the University of Michigan. Then a science teaching assignment at Normal College in Lincoln was accepted with the intention of continuing his studies at the University of Nebraska.

George returned to Iowa after one year at Normal College and married Hattie Davenport, an attractive young lady whom George had known and admired most of his life. She provided the spark for his greatness and that spark still burns although she is no longer at his side. No woman ever adjusted her life more completely to her husband’s career and she made many friends for the young couple that even the personable George could not capture. She was with him continually on many of his trips and cleaned, cooked, and helped eat the game that he so loved to shoot and catch. This is true devotion.

George remained a second year at Lincoln Normal and then moved on to teach science at Lincoln High School, coach athletics, and give the Principal much needed assistance in preserving law and order in the Assembly Room. He remained at Lincoln High School for six years and completed the requirements for Bachelor of Arts, Master of Sciences, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the University of Nebraska.

The following year, Dr. Condra joined the staff of the University of Nebraska as an instructor in geography and geology, advancing to the rank of full professor in 3 years and Department Head in three more years. Four years later, he became Director of the Conservation and Survey Division of the University which was conceived and organized by him to include the interrelated state geological, soil, water, conservation, resources, and industrial surveys. This organization has rendered invaluable service to the state in a most economical and effective manner without the usual duplication of effort and expense. It is a monument that any man would be proud to claim. His boundless energy permitted him to maintain a high position in geologic and palaeontologic research at the same time that he was developing and administering a strong state survey and placing the results of survey and research into practical application for the betterment of the people of Nebraska. He has held the rank of Dean in the University since 1929.

In my opinion, Dean Condra was the first Agricultural Geologist and the foremost, thus endearing himself to an agricultural State. He, sooner than any of his contemporaries, realized the tremendous advantages derived from a more complete understanding of the make-up of the land to those who use the land. He has been a true disciple of applied science.

Through all of the years, he has maintained an intense interest in youth and his boys literally cover the face of the earth as living proof that “there is no place like Nebraska.”
He has never been too busy to listen to their problems and instill in them a desire to work hard and accomplish much. When his only son was taken at an early age, he transferred his fatherly attention to the sons of others. He organized the Innocents Society at the University and has acted as both official and unofficial advisor to this fine group of young men since the organization of the Society. His only daughter, Cordelia Condra MacFarlane, is a true daughter of a father with boundless energy and her accomplishments are many and outstanding. She has the ability, like her father, to do many things well concurrently and has been a helpful and devoted wife to her husband at the same time that she maintains an outstanding career in teaching. Her excellent judgment is typified by the qualities of her husband Robert MacFarlane, who boasts an outstanding war record with the Marines, holding a rank of Brigadier General in the Marine Reserves, and has a fine record in the organization of Building and Loan Companies in California and in public service.

It would be futile here at this time to attempt to list all of Dean Condra’s publications in geography, geology, paleontology, soils, hydrology, conservation, and related subjects except to state that they are numerous and of high quality. His knowledge of his adopted state is not paralleled and has been acquired the hard way, in most part, on foot, by bicycle, boat, railroad handcar, and primitive automobile. He has had the ability through the years to make and keep friends and secure the interest and support of many people in his work. Thus, he has made it immeasurably easier for those who follow after him. He has held many positions of responsibility and honor both in the state and nation and has been an active member of many scientific and other organizations. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service and has been invaluable in the formation of Soil Conservation Districts throughout Nebraska as Chairman of the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. He served as the last President of the National Conservation Congress and also as President of the American Soil Survey Association, Nebraska Academy of Sciences, National Association of State Conservation Commissioners, Nebraska Science Teachers Association, American Association of State Geologists, Nebraska Irrigation Association and Izaak Walton League of Nebraska, and Vice-President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. These are but a few of his extra-curricular activities.

Dr. Condra has already received almost every local, state, and national honor in the book. Among these are the 33rd degree in Masonry, the Lincoln Kiwanis Club Distinguished Service Award, the Sixth Annual Award of the American Forestry Association in the field of conservation, and Honorary Membership in Sigma Gamma Epsilon, national geologic fraternity. He is many men in one man: geologist, paleontologist, naturalist, sportsman, athlete, orator, administrator, author, and close personal friend to thousands in all walks of life.
 
TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE E CONDRA BEFORE THE NEBRASKA HALL OF AGRICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT---LINCOLN, NEBRASKA---APRIL 12, 1955
C.Y. Thompson

Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests and friends. It gives me great pleasure and a sense of pride to take part in this program in honor of my long-time friend Dr. G.E. Condra.

The Hall of Agricultural Achievement is comprised of members who were chosen for their outstanding achievements in the field of agriculture. And it has been our policy to honor one of two deserving persons each year. We do this not alone to give suitable recognition to the person honored, but we do it in the hope that it will afford inspiration to others to do their best in the field of agriculture.

Dr. G.E. Condra has been chosen for this honor this year, and I have been wondering ever since I was asked to do so, what I could say in three or four minutes, that would add to his eminent, illustrious career, and to the high esteem in which he is held by the citizens of Nebraska. Dr. Condra has been honored so many times by various organizations, that his is just another event in his eventful life, and so I fear that my best efforts to glorify him and the outstanding service he has rendered to the citizens of Nebraska, will be feeble indeed. I might read from his biography in Who’s Who, but that would take up most of the time allotted to me, and besides, I would rather give you my own appraisal of this great man, feeble though my efforts may be.

Dr. Condra came to the University of Nebraska in 1902, when he became professor of geography and economic geology, and in 1928 he became Dean of the Conservation and Survey Division and Chairman of the Department of Industry and Survey, to say nothing of the many other titles and important positions, state and national, that he has held in connection with his work here at the University.

Over the years, Dr. Condra has, through and surveys, accumulated a fund of knowledge that will redound to the benefit of many generations to come. He is a veritable encyclopedia of information concerning topography and the resources of Nebraska. He has made outstanding contributions to the Soil and water conservation programs, which are belatedly being recognized as Agriculture’s greatest assets. Without either one agriculture would have little to offer; without a conservation program our soil and water resources would gradually be dissipated until agriculture would become an unprofitable business. That is why Dr. Condra’s work has been so important to the welfare of agriculture and the prosperity of our great state. Unfortunately, it is impossible to evaluate in dollars and cents the good that these programs have done and therefore it is impossible to properly appraise the value of the work that Dr. Condra has done.

He knows Nebraska, above and below the surface, as well or better than you and I know our back yards. And in order to make his vast knowledge available to the public, he wrote innumerable bulletins and several books, which should be read by everyone, who is interested in soil and water conservation and the natural resources of Nebraska. The books are, Geography of Nebraska, Geography and Agriculture of Nebraska, and his latest, Geography, Agriculture and Industries of Nebraska.

His great knowledge and booming voice made him popular as a public speaker and he was in constant demand to speak before Community Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, Farm organizations, and other organizations of various kinds.

When I was with the Farm Bureau, I stayed in Lincoln several months during the winter, and occasionally I made some of these trips with him. And I shall never forget those trips with Dr. Condra, for I met the finest most congenial folks, one could hope to meet anywhere. Everyone seemed to know Dr. Condra and Dr. Condra seemed to know everybody. I am sure he can call more folks by their first name than any man in Nebraska.

I shall never forget the kick he got out of introducing me as his Boss. Whether he did this to inflate my ego, or whether he was just plain kidding, makes no difference. All I can say, is that I have never been so overpaid to boss anybody. Be that as it may however, it is honor enough to be the boss of one who has accomplished so much for us and posterity. Without a doubt, he has been the best unpaid public relations man that the University ever had. And through his activities and contacts with people, he has done more that any other individual to bring public attention to the value of research and experimentation, to the importance of the University as a seat of learning, and to the many valuable services it can render for the education and general welfare of the citizens of Nebraska.

Dr. Condra’s fame is more that statewide, and when history finally records his eventful life and great achievements, it will rank him high among Nebraska’s foremost citizens and I am sure he is deserving of any honor we can bestow upon him.
 
TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE E. CONDRA BEFORE THE NEBRASKA HALL OF AGRICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT---LINCOLN, NEBRASKA---APRIL 12, 1955
Paul Stewart

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a genuine pleasure to attend this occasion at which we are to honor Dr. Condra for his many accomplishments and contributions to our Agricultural development.

It seems to me that we might describe this occasion as one at which we, as an organization and as individuals, recognize the honor which Dr. Condra has so indisputable earned for himself. Honor to an individual, it seems to me, must come from the accomplishments of the individual himself. It must come from his research, his writings, his public addresses, his inspirational presentations, and from his personal life. Worthwhile honors and accomplishments live into the future. Their effects are beneficial to society. One who earns worthy honors does so by long hours of hard and consistent labor in his chosen field.

And so today, rather than for us to honor Dr. Condra, it seems to me that we might more fittingly say that we have gathered here to publicly recognize the many honors which Dr. Condra has won for himself by his years of dynamic work and inspirational presentations. By recognizing the valuable work which Dr. Condra has done, we reflect credit to ourselves and increase our own stature as an organization.

That Dr. George E. Condra has made great and lasting contributions to our state we all agree. In my judgment, no other man has contributed more. His research, his publications, his dynamic ability to inspire and initiate worthwhile activities in fields of soil classification, soil conservation, water supplies, water conservation and use, -- these are the principle activities and characteristics which have earned Dr. Condra honor and wide recognition.

Thomas Carlyle has said, --“The first characteristic of all men, in any way heroic, is a deep, great, genuine sincerity.” Dr. Condra measures up well under this definition.

It is difficult to summarize, even partially, Dr. Condra’s contributions to Nebraska. I have known him since I sat in his classes some 42 years ago and I have these impressions of him.

Dr. Condra is a man of inspiration, enthusiasm, and energy.

He is a man who has unusual insight into the problems and projects of the future.

Dr. Condra is a family man of great loyalty, high sentiment, and a man among men.

He is a man of courage, and with a deep and great sincerity and consistency of purpose and goal.

First, as to his enthusiasm and his ability to inspire others. This characteristic needs no amplification or proof to those of you who know him. I have heard him, in his younger days, address athletic rallies at the University, where he, by his inspiration and enthusiasm brought athletes, students, and faculty to a high pitch of enthusiasm and loyalty. You have all heard him address farmer and civic groups and inspire them to vigorously attack public problems and to organize projects for the benefit of their communities. By his consistent enthusiasm and his showmanship, worthy of a super salesman, he has secured appropriations for research and teaching which have been far reaching.

It seems to me that Dr. Condra has had an unusual insight into the soil and water problems of the future. For years he pushed vigorously the mapping of the soils of Nebraska, with the result that no other state has a more complete survey and inventory of their soil areas, their resources, and a plan for their proper use and conservation.

Nebraska’s water resources, both surface and underground, have been thoroughly studied and recorded as a result of Dr. Condra’s insistence and enthusiasm, with the result that we are now making great progress in the practical application of this information in irrigation and reclamation work, I predict that this work will pay dividends to the state for many years to come.

Soil erosion control or conservation, as we now call it, has been stimulated by Dr. Condra in an immeasurable way. This will add stability to the state.

Many towns, cities, and farms now enjoy ample supplies of pure and abundant water because of Dr. Condra’s work and advice.

Dr. Condra is a man among men. In any group he is an outstanding individual. His family life is one we might all emulate. No man has more consistently worked for Nebraska’s full development, for the University, and for a sound and enduring Agriculture.

Dr. Condra is a man of courage and deep, genuine sincerity. Years ago, when the public was uninformed and largely indifferent, he preached soil and water conservation. He insisted on soil and water studies and wildlife conservation when the public was indifferent and unresponsive. To do this consistently and vigorously takes courage. It takes not only insight into the future, but a strong personal conviction, to carry of the fight when few will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to help in the fight. Pioneers in all things must have courage and consistency. Dr. Condra has these characteristics far above most men.

And so, in closing these incomplete remarks, may I again say that it is a real privilege and a reflected honor to have this opportunity to recite a few of the activities and characteristics of Dr. Condra which have earned for him many well-deserved honors. The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement does well today to recognize his accomplishments and his contributions to Nebraska. The people of Nebraska owe him a debt for the fine contributions which he has made for the benefit of all of us.