Connections My goodness, what a year! - Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation
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FALL 2020
Historical
Connections
402.435.3535 | nshsf.org
N EWS FR O M T H E N E B RA S KA S T A T E HIS T ORIC AL S OC IET Y FOUND AT ION
My goodness, what a year!
by Leslie Fattig, Executive Director Pete Peters, Trustee Marvin Stumpf, Leslie Fattig, Trustee Jim Marsh,
and Jordan Maassen at the top of O’Fallons Bluff, Sutherland,
Although we tried to schedule an annual Nebraska. (A metal buffalo stands behind overlooking I-80)
meeting – twice, and an event at Chimney
Foundation’s 78th anniversary on
Rock to commemorate the opening of the
September 25.
newly renovated Visitors Center, our event
preparations were halted by the pandemic.
Board of Directors
Facebook and other social media outlets It has been an honor and privilege for us
work well to keep some of you informed, to have James Hewitt Chair the Board of
however, there are many who do not follow Directors for the last 18
social platforms and so, to keep you involved months. His wisdom, guidance
and updated, we are sending you this packet and limitless institutional
of information. If you have any questions or knowledge have supported us
comments, please feel free to contact me, during many challenges. We
either by cell phone 402-209-9140 or by are eternally grateful for his
email lfattig@nshsf.org service.
Since the beginning of March, my husband, Many of you know that Jim
a healthcare professional, has charted the was a NSHS Foundation James Hewitt
pandemic on a daily basis. He never thought Board member and served as President in the
he would still be tracking the virus after all 1990s, he also was a Trustee for the Nebraska
this time. State Historical Society for many years. We
are thankful that he chose to “do something
Numbers continue to increase, especially in
serious” as his wife Marjorie suggested.
our small town of Auburn. We can only hope
and pray a vaccine is discovered soon. OUR 2020 – 2021 DIRECTORS ARE:
This is our history. Rod Basler Martin Massengale
Sue Clement Gail DeBuse Potter
And just like fresh donuts, history is made
Nancy Davis Trixie Schmidt
every day.
Allen Dayton Robert Shively
I hope all of you are doing well and I wish Kirk Jamison L. Joe Stehlik
you all good health and happiness as We welcome two new Directors; they are
we anticipate the arrival of fall and the Trustees John Strope and Andrew Loudon.
(continued)
NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
My goodness, what a year! (continued)
JOHN STROPE children, Kristen (age 21)
and John (age 19), both
If you have attended any of the meet
of whom are current UNL
and greets throughout the years, you
undergraduate students.
probably have met John Strope, for John
Andrew has a love for history and
knows no strangers. John and Gloria
John is looking forward to serving on the Andrew Louden
have organized mailing parties, handed out and family
and Nebraska State Historical Society
Gloria name badges, and taken photos at events. For
Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Strope the last four years, John volunteered his time
to manage the Brown Bag presentations at the RETIRING DIRECTORS
Nebraska History Museum.
In 2020, Lizabeth Bavitz, Michael “O. J.” Nelson,
John and Gloria have been married since Sue Tricker and Carol Zink retired from the
August 13, 1967. They have two children, John Board of Directors. They will continue to serve
and Laura, and six grandchildren. They have on the Board of Trustees. We are grateful
lived and worked in Omaha and Lincoln for for their service, their dedication and their
twelve years before spending 25 years “in guidance.
exile” living and working in Mobile, AL and
Louisville, KY (1979-2004).
Early retirement in July 2004 brought Gloria (a
Falls City girl) and John (a Lincoln boy) home
to Nebraska giving them time to put their
interests and talents to work for their family
and for others. They wanted to enjoy Nebraska
and travel. John and Gloria particularly have
enjoyed the Happy Jack Chalk Mine, Cowboy Lizabeth Bavitz Michael Nelson
Poetry in Valentine, and the Oregon Trail
Pageant at Ash Hollow State Park.
John graduated from the University of
Nebraska in 1979 receiving his Ph.D. and his
J.D. in the same year.
John was elected to serve as president of the
Board on September 1, 2020.
Sue Tricker Carol Zink
ANDREW LOUDON
The Board of Trustees recognizes the following
Andrew M. Loudon is a partner with the law
retiring trustees. We thank them
firm of Ball, Loudon, Ebert & Brostrom, LLC
for their service.
in Lincoln. Andrew has practiced law since
graduating from the Nebraska College of Robert and Helen Bartee Timothy Otto
Law in 1998, and he specializes in wills, trusts Virginia Coulter Pam Snow
and estates. Andrew has been married for David Levy
24 years to his wife Anne, and they have two Mary Ann May-Pumphrey
2
NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Alkali Station
In the summer of 2019, we were notified open field that served as a cannon range for
that an important piece of Nebraska history the military units stationed here during the
was coming up for sale. A 215-acre parcel of Indian conflicts of the 1860s. To the east and
land south of I-80 has been purchased by the northeast, historic trail ruts lead to the station,
Foundation from private owners for $250,000. indicating its importance along the trail.
The Foundation will derive Interstate 80 bisects
income from pasture the site from east to
grazing and a cell tower west, but manages
lease. to avoid the station
site and most of the
Our plan was to launch
archeological features.
a fundraising campaign
As the site has not been
in the spring, however,
excavated or placed into
we decided to wait until
cultivated agricultural
now to share the news
use, it retains a high
with our trustees. We
degree of integrity.”
hope you will support
our preservation of this The nomination goes
important stop on the on to note that Alkali
Overland Trail. Station was of historical
importance between
This parcel is located
its construction in 1859
entirely south of the
and its abandonment
Interstate and contains
in 1867 with the
the majority of the
completion of the
significant archeological
Alkali Station first enters the historical record via Transcontinental
features that remain as John J. Thomas, an employee of the Overland Mail
Railroad, the route of
well as clear swales and company who helped to construct log cabins at
Akali station in 1859. The Military Post outline and which lay across the
ruts left by the wagon the trail ruts are visible in these photographs. Platte River to the north.
traffic of the 1800s. There
Alkali Station has two
are in the vicinity of Alkali Station, several sites
primary function for its time. First it was a
said to be trading posts and road ranches
road ranche, a private enterprise offering
dating to the active period of the Trails.
specific services to those traveling the west/
As described in the nomination of Alkali east trail at this point. Those services mirrored
Station to the National Register of Historic the modern motel, restaurant and gas station
Places (on which it has been listed), “Alkali with horses rather than motor vehicles.
Station is an archeological site located In the mid-1860’s, the United States Army
approximately 3 miles southeast of Roscoe, moved combat units to the site charged with
Keith County, Nebraska. The site consists protecting the traffic on the trail as the Plains
of open, unplowed prairie that preserves Tribes launched raids after the Colorado
the site of Alkali Station, a stop along the militia massacred occupants of a peaceful
historic Oregon Trail and the Pony Overland Southern Cheyenne band at the place known
Express. To the south of the station is an (continued)
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NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Alkalki Station (continued)
as Sand Creek in modern Southeast Colorado some for horse-shelters, and others for living
in 1864. and sleeping quarters. We built fifteen cabins
in all, including Plum Creek and Midway
Buildings at the site, both civilian and military,
Stations down the river from Box Elder, and
were of the common sod structure pattern
Lillian Springs and Alkali Stations up the river”
found on the Plains, and the same material
(Thomas 1910:5).
was used for corrals and other animal
shelters. Today, with the channels of the river Two travelers specifically mentioned their
shielded by trees and other trees surrounding visits to Alkali in 1860. One of these visitors
modern farmsteads, it is important to note was Sir Richard Burton, a famous British
that historically, little timber was found in the traveler who crossed through the area on
area, the result of the recurring prairie fires. his way to Salt Lake City (Burton 1963). Sir
This is an archeological site with foundations, Richard noted that at 5 P.M. on August 11,
trenches, wagon ruts, mounds that indicate 1860, “we arrived at Alkali Lake Station and
the remains of fortification berms, walls, discovered some ‘exiles from Erin,’ [Irish]
and other original features being the only who supplied us with antelope meat and the
on-the-ground visible features. A privately- unusual luxury of ice taken from the Platte”
owned collection of artifacts of the civilian and (Burton 1963:67). The individuals described
military uses of the site has been assembled by Burton were probably a certain Mr.
and it includes shrapnel from the cannon Felton, his wife, Mary, and their two-year-old
balls fired in training by the troops. daughter. According to John Clopper and 4the
1860 census of the Platte River settlement,
The earliest mention of the Alkali Station was
Mr. Felton was the keeper of the station in
set down by John J. Thomas who worked for
late August of that year, and he and his family
the Overland Mail Company. In addition to
provided board for one stage driver (Clopper
ox driving, he built stage relay stations in the
1860). Burton’s account also exposes some
present-day states of Colorado and Nebraska
complexities in the treatment of the Station’s
in 1859. He set his recollections down many
name. A salty pond seems to have been at
years later and remembered only a few
least periodically present near the Station. For
details of the stations he helped build. His
that reason, some travelers referred to the
brief account does show, however, that Alkali
facility as “Alkali Lake Station.” The other visitor
was a named and known locale by 1859:
of 1860 only added to the terminological
“The houses or cabins were of cedar logs
complexity. Without any description, a Dr.
which we got from the canyons to the south
Charles Clark lists Alkali among the stops on
and west of the Platte river. Some of these
the Overland Trail, but refers to it as “Pike’s
cabins were used as store-houses for corn,
Peak Station” (Clark 1958:28).
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NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Cut in Stone, Cast in Bronze: Nebraska’s
Historical Markers and Monuments
The Nebraska State Historical Society This new book will
Foundation is working with Nebraska Book capture an aspect of
Award-winning author Jeff Barnes to produce that history never
Cut in Stone, Cast in Bronze: Nebraska’s before recorded!
Historical Markers and Monuments, the first
From establishing the territory in 1854
book to feature these touchstones from the
to celebrating our state’s centennial in 1967,
past. Besides the history of each monument
Nebraskans united to mark their history.
and how they came to be, the location and
Scattered across our state are more than 250
GPS coordinates of each are included to allow
monuments, markers, statues, and plaques
the reader site visits of their own.
to the exploration, the cultures and their
We need your help to publish this addition to conflicts, the settlement, and the organization
the state’s written heritage. The Foundation of Nebraska. They are found in our cities and
raises money in support of the cause of along our highways and country roads, but
Nebraska history from individuals and also in our forests, our fields, and our hills.
organizations across the state and beyond, They mark history where it happened.
who value Nebraska’s unique heritage and
If you would like to own a copy of this great
wish to play a personal role in assuring that
book, you will find a flyer in this packet to
heritage is accessible to future generations.
order your copy today.
Statewide Grants Program
The Foundation is excited to announce the allocation leaves the organizations searching
launch of the Foundation’s Statewide Grants locally for funds to serve school classes,
Program. Donations to the Statewide Grants prepare exhibits, process and preserve
Program will help NSHSF provide grants that artifacts, and undertake activities such as
would benefit local historical and educational lectures and museum festivals. There is a
organizations providing programming and tremendous statewide need for education,
learning opportunities in community history. outreach and interpretive funding in these
Examples of applying organizations include organizations.
museums, historical societies, and libraries
that use core educational, preservation and Your support
interpretive programs. Grants up to $5,000 will allow for the
will be available. advancement of
new endeavors
For a limited number of organizations that
and the
do receive some government support
continuation
from counties or municipalities, funds are
of meeting
universally applied to operating expenses
the goals of
such as a salary for a director, utilities,
current projects.
insurance, or maintenance. This focused
5
NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Sculpture Dedication Planned for 2021
Rhonda Seacrest, a generous statewide the courage and tenacity our
philanthropist and long-time supporter of early residents showed in creating
the foundation, recently commissioned a a new state on the windswept
beautiful bronze sculpture by Trustee Dr. prairie. She is an inspiration
David Biehl to be placed on the grounds of to us all. We are very grateful.”
the Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitors
Jim Hewitt, President,
Center at Chimney Rock. The sculpture will
Nebraska State Historical
be entitled “We Stayed” in honor of those first
Society Foundation
non-native Nebraskans who had the courage
and resilience to start a life in the state. Joseph, a member of the pioneer
family in the art installation “We
“Few residents of the Cornhusker State possess Stayed,” will be depicted sowing seeds
her generosity, her vision, and her awareness of behind his father’s plow.
The Nebraska Marker Project
In 2016, the Foundation started the Nebraska we thought we would share his lovely,
Marker Project to repair and replace some heartfelt story.
of the 500 historical markers spread out
“I would like to enter your historical marker
across the state, worn down by weather or
photo contest. The story on the marker is self
damaged by vehicles and vandals. So far, the
explanatory. However a point of interest is
generosity of citizens of Nebraska and beyond
the fact Dr. Frank Brewster’s grandson, Robert
have raised over $110,000 to fund the repair
“Bob” Brewster. Bob and I were classmates
or replacement of more than 40 Nebraska
from kindergarten through our senior year
markers. Your contribution preserves
at Holdrege High School in 1955. Bob asked
these stories from the past and will share
me to take the picture and enter the contest.
Nebraska’s story with future generations.
The Dr. Brewster story is quite fascinating
Our sincere thanks to all the donors who in the fact he was the world’s first flying
have already helped us to repair and replace surgeon and first to own a car in the area
damaged historical markers in Nebraska. where he practiced medicine. When I arrived
A complete list of donors and more at the site (about two miles east of Beaver
information can be found on City) I discovered weeds had
our website under the grown up in front of the
Nebraska Marker Project. monument. The only thing
I had in the trunk of my car
In 2016, the Foundation
was my golf clubs. Using
held a Nebraska Marker
the sand wedge as a sickle I
photo contest to promote
cut down the weeds before
the Nebraska Marker
shooting the picture.
Project.
Thanks,
Although Mr. Franklin did
Franklin “Dee” Swanson
not finish in the top 15
6
NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Nebraska’s Post Office Murals
by L. Robert Puschendorf
Earlier this year, all annual appeal donors completed between 1938 and 1942. They
giving $100+ received a commemorative tile display the artistic legacy and the spirit of the
with an image taken from the book, Nebraska’s times from which the murals emerged.
Post Office Murals by L. Robert Puschendorf.
An illustrated book, Nebraska’s Post Office
To thank our trustees for your on-going Murals: Born of the Depression, Fostered by
support we have chosen to reproduce the the New Deal, by L. Robert Puschendorf, now
twelve images from the book as bookmarks. retired from the Nebraska State Historical
The images celebrate something of Society, tells the story behind these murals.
Nebraska’s rich culture and history and The book was published in 2012, with funding
represent examples of some of Nebraska’s from James C. and Rhonda Seacrest.
finest works of public art.
We hope you enjoy and treasure this heart-
The New Deal offered hope in a time of felt token of our appreciation for your
despair. Among its most enduring visual loyal annual support of the Nebraska State
legacies was government patronage of the Historical Society Foundation. Nebraskans
arts. In one such program, the U.S. Treasury recognize the importance of our shared
Department commissioned talented artists history and we hope you will continue to
to paint murals for post offices across the support our mission. Through your efforts we
nation, bringing art directly to the people. The will continue to build a stronger Foundation,
Treasury’s program favored regional topics ready to take on the challenges and embrace
familiar to local patrons, such as agriculture, opportunities that will unfold as we celebrate
small-town life, and local history. Nebraska its 78th year.
is home to twelve post offices with murals,
D uring the Great Dep
Department commis
offices. Twelve Neb
ression, the U.S. Tre
sioned murals for pos
asury
t
NEBRASKA’S
POST OFFICE MU
raska communities RA LS:
murals, including this received
one in Auburn, date Albion
entitled “Winter in d 1939 and Ogallala
Nebraska” by artist
It appears in the boo Jenne Auburn
k Nebraska’s Post Offi Magafan. O’Neill
by L. Robert Pusche ce Murals Crawford Pawnee City www.nshsf.org
ndorf and is availab
Longleaf Services (ww le through Geneva Red Cloud For more informati
w.longleafservices.o on visit
History Nebraska Lan rg) or at Hebron http://netnebraska.org
dmark Stores. Schuyler /arti
story-behind-nebraska cle/news/
Minden Valentine s-post-office-murals
Image courtesy Histo
ry Nebraska
7
NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION | FALL 2020
Our continuing support of History Nebraska
Chimney Rock museums and libraries,
corporations, and state
With your support, the
and federal agencies.
Foundation raised $1.8
Objects, paintings
million dollars for the
and paper works can
renovation of and the
be examined and
addition to the Ethel
treated. Conservation
and Christopher J.
assessments are
Abbott Visitors Center
available for collections
at the National Historic
as well as studies on
Site Chimney Rock. A
the treatment needs
special open house
of individual items.
event is tentatively
The team members of
planned for the spring
the Ford Conservation
of 2021.
Center have years
Gerald R. Ford of specialized study,
Conservation ongoing professional
Center training and great
experience in
Art and artifacts have
Visitors to the Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitors conservation.
woven the tale of
Center will see many new amenities and features,
human history for including new exhibits, a newly expanded education Your Support
thousands of years. room for school programs, new theater space, and the
Helps
addition of new space to act as a storm shelter. An open
Preserving art is one
house event is tentatively scheduled for spring, 2021. Partial support of the
of the best steps we
Ford Conservation
can take in ensuring Nebraska’s history and
Center comes from gifts and bequests from
heritage. The Gerald R. Ford Conservation
Omaha businessman James M. Paxson
Center is a regional art conservation
to the Nebraska State Historical Society
facility, part of History Nebraska, (formerly
Foundation. Your donation to the Gerald
the Nebraska State Historical Society)
R. Ford Conservation Center supports the
committed to the preservation of art and
preservation of treasured Nebraska art and
artifacts. Services of the Ford Conservation
artifacts for generations to come.
center are offered to private individuals,
The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation raises
money in support of the cause of history, including the
support of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The
Foundation solicits funds and support from individuals
and organizations, across the state and beyond, who value
Kinman-Oldfield Suite #1010 Nebraska’s unique heritage and wish to play a personal
128 N 13th, Lincoln, NE 68508 role in assuring that Nebraska’s history will be accessible
402-435-3535 • info@nshsf.org to future generations. The Foundation is a 501(C3)
www.nshsf.org not-for-profit corporation.
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