Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1920, Saline, Nebraska
• Census: 1930, Crete, Saline, Nebraska
• Census: 1940, Prairie, Pierce, Washington

Notes:

September 1932 brings a story on a Depression lottery winner, when 22-year-old “Crete girl” Oma McIlnay wins a $50,000 “Shrine prize” and gives half to Crete Mills receiving clerk Walter Kupfer. She explains she had promised Kupfer half of anything she won. (The fortune was reunited in marriage in 1937.)

Just after their marriage, Oma and Walter moved to Tacoma, Washington, where they decided to start a new life in Motel Waltoma, 9200 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood. The motel was built in 1938 by Walt and Oma Kupfer, hence its unusual name. It was designed by Fred Michel and Fred Michel and Jos. Brewer were the contractors. The Waltoma consisted of six double cottages. Over 2500 persons attended its grand opening beginning July 31, 1938. The sign in front of the motel indicated that it was approved by Duncan Hines, in 1946, and the Automobile Club of Washington. Duncan Hines was a travelling salesman turned food and lodging critic who published a book called “Lodging for a Night” in 1938, extolling the best places to stay while on the road. (Picture taken ca. 1946 – Postcard ca. 1940).

Oma married Walter Hugh KUPFER on 17 Aug 1937 in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska. Walter (son of Herman Emil KUPFER and Margaret JANN) was born on 8 Apr 1881 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa; died on 29 Mar 1948 in Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska; was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Saline, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]