The winter of 1856-7 was memorable for its deep snow. The memory of Pawnee runneth not back to another such snow, nor hath white man's eye beheld it since. The whole plain was covered all winter to the average depth of three feet while the drifts in low ground varied from ten to thirty feet. The situation of the little colony was not only trying, it was perilous. In December a few of them went to Omaha and purchased ox teams and provisions. At the Elkhorn, on their return, the snow stopped them.

But their friends were 75 miles away at Columbus waiting on the ragged edge of anxiety and hunger: so equipping themselves with snow shoes they piled a portion of their load on a hand sled and hauled it the entire distance. All transportation by teams being impossible, Wolfel, Bremr and Hashberger made a second trip to Omaha and back with a hand sled, bringing provisions. They followed the frozen channel of the Platte river and made the round trip in ten days.

Only once during this first year were the colonists disturbed by the Redman whose village was then below and opposite Fremont. A number of these savages came one day when all the men were away from the premises. They broke into Jacob Lewis' house and stole all he had which was chiefly tobacco. They then went to the Town House whose contents they doubtless considered quite tempting. But the brave Mrs. Wolfel kept them at bay until the men returned, when, from policy, the Reds were admitted to the hospitalities of the house. The guests quickly devoured what food was prepared and as quickly emptied the Town House quart bottle of whiskey.