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Clear Creek Changes Name To Yutan 83 Years Ago

To the pioneer settlers of Union precinct, Yutan was formerly Clear Creek and the name of the town was changed to Yutan June 6, 1884. Yutan is situated in the north part of section 27, township 15, range 9. The fact of the matter is, part of the town is in the northeast quarter of the section.

When the town was changed, a historian wrote as follows: "This town is on the branch of the Union Pacific railroad about 35 miles west of Omaha. The village is located on rising ground and just to the eastward at the base of the hill. Clear Creek, once known as Squaw Creek flows sluggishly along, receiving the surplus water for the thirsty stock that grazed on its grassy flats. Two miles east of the village the Platte River contributes to the attractiveness of the scenery as it rushes pellmell on its impetuous course to mingle its waters with the Big Muddy.

The land for miles around is productive as any in Saunders county and stock raising and agricultural pursuits form the principal industry of its people. The town has a population of perhaps 130 and is well represented in the stock and grain, grocery, dry goods, hardware, millinery and hotel business. One and a half miles east of the village the waters of the Otoe Creek turn the machinery of Brown's mill and also of another three miles northward, known as the Platte Valley Mill, owned by W. C. Walter. They are important industries of Saunders county and well furnished.

Clear Creek has two church edifices erected in 1879. Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran, valued at $1,600 and is provided with a good, comfortable frame school house."