Year-End 2015

WINTER 2016 www.nshsf.org • 402-435-3535

HISTORICAL

Connections SAVE THE DATE! NEWS FROM THE NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION April 30, 2016 Our 2016 Annual Meeting will be at the newly renovated Nebraska Director’s Corner History Museum. Stay tuned for more information! BY LESLIE FATTIG

his has been a superb year for maintaining our Foundation web site, Tthe Nebraska State Historical saving us the funds formerly spent on Society Foundation, largely due to a web publishing firm; and regularly Warren Buffett once said: “Someone our wonderful Trustees! updating our Facebook page to attract is sitting in the shade today because We were able to host numerous new supporters and keep the old someone planted a tree a long time ago.” events throughout the state and ones informed. We at the Nebraska State Historical throughout the year: a legislative Trustee John Strope even Society and Nebraska State Historical reception in Lincoln in January; a volunteered to manage the Brown Bag Society Foundation are counting on “Meet and Greet” that included three presentations for the Society, and is each of you to “plant a tree” in 2016 historic tours in Nebraska City in April; a doing a great job! As a result of his work, by donating as generously as you can reception honoring the Oldfather family in addition to Lincoln’s Channel 5, the so that future Nebraskans can “sit in in Kearney in May; the first ever NSHS/ Brown Bag Lectures are now televised the shade” of a well-preserved and NSHSF booth at the Cattlemen’s Ball on cable stations in Omaha, Bellevue, interpreted State of Nebraska history! in Lynch in early June; a “Meet and Beatrice, Hastings, Grand Island, and Thank you for all you do for the Greet” featuring tours and a special North Platte. Nebraska State Historical Society guest speaker in Sidney on a July Still other Trustees helped with Foundation! Happy New Year! evening; and a “Volunteer Dig” at the administrative tasks—the spring appeal Engineer Cantonment north of Omaha mailing, the fall appeal mailing, and the one October weekend. These events holiday card mailing. helped spread the word about how And because Foundation Trustees the Nebraska State Historical Society have sponsored so many events, we Foundation supports the invaluable work have been able to make numerous new done by the Nebraska State Historical contacts throughout the State, leading Society in preserving and protecting to our welcoming 27 new Trustees at the our State’s great history. Foundation Annual Meeting held in Kearney in May! Trustees too numerous to mention were A committee of Trustees, led by the involved in the planning, logistics, and board’s Executive Vice President Trixie execution of each and every one of Schmidt, hired a seasoned Development these events! Director—Tony Dworak—in December. Trustees have also started helping To learn more about Tony, see page 3. with “e-tasks” for the first time this year: Leslie Fattig

The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation secures funding for the Nebraska State Historical Society from individuals and organizations, across the state and beyond, who value Nebraska’s unique heritage and wish to play a personal role in assuring that Nebraska’s history will be accessible to future generations. The Foundation is a 501(C3) not-for-profit corporation. Historical Connections

Nebraska’s Storytellers Need Help BY MICHAEL NELSON

rom the Missouri River to Mitchell Pass, more than 500 historical markers Fcommemorate local events, places and people—the shared saga of our state. Many of these markers are in bad shape. Weather and vandals have taken a toll. At last count, 94 markers in 64 counties needed attention. Some markers require just a touchup; others demand significant work, and quickly. The Foundation is preparing to launch a campaign to meet this need, and to get the job done before Nebraska celebrates its 150th anniversary of statehood in 2017. Unlike some past fundraising efforts, this drive will be statewide. We believe that How the Marker the farmers, ranchers and townspeople are willing to pitch in, especially in counties Campaign Would Work where the markers need repair. s envisioned, the historic The State Historical Society is responsible for the markers, and recognizes the Amarker drive will be led by seriousness and scope of the problem. Last year the Society asked the legislature area steering committees and for $50,000 for repairs, but the request was denied. The legislature’s decision was unfold from county seats and disappointing in light of grassroots sentiment. larger regional towns to the state In many places the plaques are a point of civic pride. They do double duty: as a whole. documenting the histories of communities and, when woven together, telling the These volunteers will story of Nebraska as a whole. share the story with clubs At Foundation-sponsored gatherings across the state, local residents have and organizations, work with mentioned the nearby historical markers and their condition. They know that their local media and provide and story is Nebraska’s story. distribute donation envelopes This was made especially clear this summer, when a dozen representatives from for prospective givers. The goal the Foundation and the Society traveled to Boyd County to join the throng at the is manageable: $50,000, an Cattlemen’s Ball, the state’s largest charitable gathering. average of $540 per county. The Foundation made about a thousand personal contacts, almost all of them Besides sprucing up the from rural areas. Few had prior exposure to the Society and virtually none markers, another benefit will to the Foundation. accrue to your Foundation: They talked about their interest in history, especially that of their home We will identify hundreds of communities. They also shared their concern about preserving Nebraska’s cultural previously unknown friends of heritage in this time of national change. Nebraska history, building the Frequently they mentioned the markers, and were happy to hear how your Foundation’s ranks of support. Foundation helps pay for limited maintenance through one of its smaller donor funds. Dee Adams of Merna will Thousands of Nebraskans stand ready to help—if only lead the effort. Dee is now a they knew how. A broad-based campaign is the Foundation trustee and formerly invitation they need. served as president of the Nebraska State Historical Society Michael Nelson, president of the Nebraska State Board of Trustees. Historical Society Foundation, is retired after 40 If you are interested in helping years as a journalist. He served 34 years at the to lead this effort, please contact Kansas City Star, and concluded his career as the editor of the Lincoln Journal Star. Leslie Fattig, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 402-435- 3535, 128 No. 13th Street, Suite 1010, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Michael Nelson

2 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Welcome New Development Director Tony Dworak

ony Dworak has an extensive children at home in Lincoln, where Tbackground in the development Tam teaches at Pius X High School. profession, starting at the Nebraska The Dworaks enjoy family time of Division of Travel and Tourism, where in all kinds, especially the outdoor 1996, he authored a 20-year industry recreational and historic offerings of development plan that helped attract Brownville, Nebraska. over $2 million in private and public Dworak traces his interest in funding for identified tourism projects Nebraska history and tourism back to across the State of Nebraska. the influence of his father, Don Dworak, After leaving state government in who served as a Nebraska state senator 1999, Dworak led the fundraising efforts from Columbus from 1974 to 1982. of the University of Nebraska College Senator Dworak helped lead several of Law, the Columbus (Nebraska) initiatives aimed at improving recreational Community Hospital Foundation, and and educational opportunities for all the Silverton (Oregon) Hospital Network. Nebraskans, including the Nebraska From 2011 to 2015, Dworak served Habitat Stamp Act of 1976, and the New Development Director, Tony Dworak as the major gift officer for Nebraska legislation to purchase and renovate the Wesleyan University. current Nebraska State Museum building Tony and Tam Dworak have three in 1979 and 1980.

Local View: Preserving History is Fun, Easy, Smart BY PETER BLEED Originally published in Lincoln Journal Star, September 4, 2015. Reprinted with permission from the author.

he past few months have been tough for the Nebraska Finding the next generation of Historical Society workers TState Historical Society and, I fear, for Nebraska history. may be a challenge. We will never find people who know all In March, we lost Tom Buecker while he was shoveling snow that Tom and John did about Nebraska history, but it will be at the Kennard House. In July, we said goodbye to John a while before we need another study of Solomon Butcher’s Carter. Both these fellows left us too early and well before we photos. We can’t expect too many more troves of early Fort had learned all they had to teach. Tom oversaw the history of Rob treasures. But that’s all right, because there is more Fort Robinson for 25 years. He preserved its treasures and than enough richness in Nebraska’s human past to engage presented information about Nebraska military history and a new generation of scholars. They may use Tom and John much more. John started out tending the Society’s photo as models, but they will explore new topics. To recruit and collection, but soon moved on to interpreting images and other retain this new generation, Nebraska needs to make sure that records of our early days. Historical Society salaries are fair and competitive. We also Both Tom and John were true experts who left us strings have to encourage the new generation to enjoy history. of wonderful publications, but they were much more than Nebraska has a rich human past. We’re tooling up to mere authors. With deep knowledge, willing curiosity, and very celebrate the Sesquicentennial of our statehood, and that will winning personal style, they were witty and charming and great be a big deal. But people have been figuring out how to be fun to be with. Tom and John will be missed across the State, at home in Nebraska for far longer than 150 years. We have but missing them is not enough. If appreciation of our history is lots of museums and monuments that present aspects of our going to remain vibrant, we all must do our best to support our past. Exploring those facilities and using them to recognize the Historical Society and maintain curiosity about life in Nebraska. contributions of the individuals and communities who shaped

continued on pg. 6 Winter 2016 3 Historical Connections

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow BY ROD WALKER

What is the Foundation and what does it do? hat is the only thing in Nebraska we have more of everyday? The answer is our history. Tomorrow, today’s future will be Wthe present, and today will become a part of history. The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878. Its mission: To collect, preserve, and open to all the histories we share. The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation was founded in 1942. The Foundation’s mission is to support the preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of Nebraska history. Its statement of purpose is as follows: The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized for the purpose of soliciting and administering funds and other property from individuals, corporations, and foundations for the purpose of promoting and preserving the history of Nebraska primarily by supporting the mission of the Nebraska State Historical Society. It is a 501(c)3 and is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. In accepting funds or other property the Foundation becomes a fiduciary which imposes a legal obligation to invest and manage the funds and property in a manner in which a person of prudence, discretion and experience would invest and manage their own assets in order to grow the Foundation asset base while meeting current needs. The Foundation has a well-documented Investment policy and its funds are professionally managed by Wells Fargo Institutional Trust Services. How can you help the Foundation in the future? We appreciate and urge you to continue your annual support. It is very important! Planned giving is another way you can help to insure that Nebraska history is preserved. Planned giving can provide you advantageous ways to provide future financial support. Many of the options provide significant tax advantages. The following are some examples:

Charitable Bequest – A provision in your will that creates your legacy Rod Walker is the current NSHSF Investment Committee Chair and joined Charitable IRA Rollover – Allows tax-free distributions for those 70½ and over the Foundation in 2006. Rod retired from Gift of Retirement Plans – Avoids potential double taxation Mutual of Omaha as Senior Vice President Gifts of Life Insurance – Easy, convenient and flexible of Investment Management. He and his wife Vicki live in Omaha. Charitable Gift Annuity – Provides lifetime income Gifts of Securities – The donation of appreciated stock can offer you the current value of the stock as a tax deduction while avoiding capital gains taxes Charitable Remainder Trust – Increases income and bypasses capital gains taxes Donation of a stock from a personal IRA – Avoids income taxes on distribution

Consult with your attorney, tax professional and investment advisor concerning these and other options. Please let us know if you have any questions and if we can be of assistance. We would be happy to visit with you by phone, email, letter and perhaps a personal visit at your request. Please contact: Rodney Walker, Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, Board Member and Chair, Investment Committee by telephone; 402-393-7706, or email; [email protected]. Rod Walker

4 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Welcome New EVP Trixie Schmidt

rixie Schmidt was elected Executive Vice President of the Nebraska TState Historical Society Foundation’s Board of Directors at the May Annual Meeting. Trixie is a fourth-generation Nebraskan. Her great-grandfather, William Stark, came to this country in 1862 as a four-year-old, eventually homestead- ing in Buffalo County near Ravenna. Trixie fondly remembers playing in the “Short Creek Ranch” house as a child, when her grandparents owned it. Her grandmother, Minnie, recalled that William was extensively engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs, and was regarded as one of the foremost business- men in this part of the state. Trixie has almost 40 years of serving on a wide variety of local and Executive Vice President Trixie Schmidt. state boards, including Youth Service Systems, Parks & Recreation Hyde Observatory, the UNL Parent’s Association, Lincoln Children’s Museum, Friends of Morrill Hall, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Spring Creek Prairie, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Humanities Nebraska Foundation, and Audubon Nebraska. Trixie has Janet and Brian Allison worked in the education field for those same 40 years, including stints as an elementary teacher for the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), a UNL Howard Hughes Medical Institute Grant Administrator, Director of Public Engagement for the Foundation for LPS, and Owner of Aspen Child Development Center & Montessori School. She has worked with young toddlers through college-age students and loved every level of interaction! Trixie and her husband, Dave, were high school sweethearts. She has two kids, Dana Schmidt and Karli Smith, along with son-in-law Zack Smith and The Stark Sisters, daughters of William and Fredericka Stark (from granddaughter Teagan. left, standing) Annie, Nellie, Lucy, and Grandma Minnie, (seated) Edna and Lillie.

Stamp, Stuff, Seal....and Pizza!

We are so thankful to have ready and willing volunteers to help with our two largest mailings of the year! Many thanks to all who have participated—past, present and future! We couldn’t do it without you!

Winter 2016 5 Historical Connections

continued from pg. 3 the way we live today can be the basis of encourage curiosity and observational Our Historical Society Museum is lots of activities. Simply stopping to read skills. And they dispose us to appreciate undergoing a major renovation. When it historical markers turns out to be a good the diversity and richness of our reopens next year, it will be a handsome way to break up a road trip. “Are we community. Hopefully, they will also modern facility that will draw visitors there yet?” “No, but look at this.” And a produce the next generation of brilliant from around the world. Creating modern museum visit can be a real cheap date. Nebraska historians. exhibits and coping with new storage Developing historical interest can History is good for communities. and archive facilities will be ongoing start at home and be family fun. Have Historical tourism can be a real economic challenges. We have to be sure to let you ever wondered why that house down benefit, but even without famous sites our Senators and state officials know the street looks older than all the others? or great events, communities that wear that we appreciate their support and that And why are the 2x4s on one side of their history well show the world their we care about our Historical Society! the garage different from the rest? How character and pride. Historical buildings And, don’t forget to build the Nebraska come some of these screw drivers have should not be squandered through State Historical Society Foundation into wooden handles? When the cousins thoughtless destruction or the demands your charitable budget. More information are visiting you can take them to at of the new design tastes dictated from about that is available online at least two museums, and then ask them other regions. If we care about our www.nshsf.org/giving. which one they liked best. When you’re past, we have to make sure that visiting your uncle, get him to sing that local governments, neighborhood song that grandpa sang when grandma organizations, and individuals pay wasn’t around. And on a quiet evening it attention to our historical resources. is always possible to order a pizza—or Runzas or tacos—and look through family photographs. Be sure to write Dr. Peter Bleed, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, served as names on the back of some photos so NSHS President and now serves as an NSHSF that people will remember who’s who. Trustee with his wife Ann. In fact, most families have lots of little They reside in Lincoln. troves that are worth exploring. Get grandma to show the kids her recipe files, or even her jewelry box. Beyond being fun and cheap, activities like these Peter Bleed

Board of Trustees Orientation eparate orientation sessions were held for Board of Trustees members on SAugust 17th, 19th and 21st. Seventeen members attended presentations by several Society staff: Rob Bozell, Archaeologist; Lynne Ireland, Deputy Director; Deb McWilliams, Visitors Services and Membership; David Bristow, Nebraska History Editor; Deb Arenz, Associate Director for Collections; Bob Puschendorf, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer; and Mike Smith, Director/CEO. These orientations—begun in early 2014—have been very helpful for new Foundation Connie Olson of McCook visits with Rob Bozell Trustees in particular, although any Trustee is welcome to attend. The next series (NSHS Archaeology) is planned for summer 2016.

6 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Trustee Spotlight—Vivian and Spencer Davis

ivian Lewis Davis graduated After returning to Omaha, she worked Vfrom Technical High School and for Commercial Federal Bank and the Duchesne College. She was named Bellevue Public Schools, from which she “Miss Debutante of the Year” (1966) by retired in 2012. The Omaha Links, Incorporated; was She has served as a volunteer at chosen the first “Miss Black Nebraska” the Omaha Community Playhouse (1970); and represented Nebraska in Act II, the Durham Museum On-Track the “Miss Black America” Pageant, Guild, Opera Omaha Guild, and Omaha sponsored by Motown Productions. She Symphony Guild, and as a historical co-hosted “Black on Black” on KMTV re-enactor in the Humanities Nebraska and appeared in “The Trial of Henry Speakers Bureau. She is a member of Flipper,” a film produced by the Nebraska the Nebraska State Historical Society, ETV Network. Cass County Historical Society, The After moving to California, she re- Omaha Corral of the Westerners and ceived a Certificate in Drama at Kilpat- the Sarpy County Museum. Vivian is rick-Cambridge Theater Arts School in featured in Visions of Freedom on the Burbank, then appeared in plays and Great Plains: An Illustrated History of several movies including “Shampoo” African Americans in Nebraska. She has and “Cleopatra Jones” and worked on appeared in NEBRASKAland, Jet, and the staff of “The Dating Game” and “The TV Guide. Newlywed Game.” She is a former mem- She is married to Spencer Davis and ber of the Screen Actors Guild and the lives in Bellevue, Nebraska. Vivian Lewis Davis; “Miss Black Nebraska” 1970. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

pencer Davis is currently professor Cass County Historical Society, Sarpy Sof History at Peru State College, County Museum, The Omaha Corral where he has taught since 1983. He of the Westerners, and the Civil War holds a B.A. from Brown University, Roundtable of Lincoln. In addition, he M.A. from the University of Nebraska at serves as a Durham Museum consultant Lincoln, and Ph.D from the University and speaker. of Toronto. He is a member of Phi Beta He has contributed entries for Kappa and belongs to professional Encyclopedia U.S.A. and Encyclopedia organizations including the Abraham of Slavery, reviews in Nebraska History Lincoln Association, the Organization of and articles to Proceedings of Dakota American Historians, and the Midwest Conference on Early British Literature Political Science Association. He is a and Proceedings of the European Studies Midwest Political Science Association member of the Humanities Nebraska Conference. He has published articles on Convention, Organization of American Speakers Bureau, for which he has James Weldon Johnson and Ma Rainey. Historians Regional Conference, Kansas presented programs on African- He has delivered papers or served History Teachers Conference and Phi American History and Abraham Lincoln. as commentator at many scholarly Alpha Theta Regional Conference. He is a member of the Nebraska conferences, including Missouri Valley He is married to Vivian Lewis Davis State Historical Society Board of History Conference, National Association and lives in Bellevue, Nebraska. Trustees, the National Museum of of African American Studies Conference, African American History and Culture, Mid-America History Conference,

Winter 2016 7 Historical Connections

NSHSF Highlights from 2015

In June, the Foundation and Society enjoyed their first visit to the Cattlemen’s Ball, held this year in Lynch. Our team made 1,300 personal contacts at the General Store booth. (Left) Mark Harris, author of Rodeo Nebraska, Michael Nelson, Deb Arenz (NSHS Collections) and Dee Adams.

Over 50 people joined us for the open house and volunteer dig at the Engineer Cantonment in October. NSHS Archeologist Rob Bozell and Dr. Peter Bleed gave talks throughout both days on the background and rediscovery of this important site in the exploration of the American West.

In April, Dr. Gary Moulton provided an extremely entertaining presentation on the Lewis and Clark Journals at the Nebraska City Meet and Greet.

At the Sidney Meet and Greet, Dr. Chuck Reher, Professor and Museum Director Emeritus, University of Wyoming, presented a fascinating talk on the High Plains Archaeology Project.

After the October NSHS trustees quarterly meeting, tours of the work-in-progress renovation at the Nebraska History Museum were offered. Amazing progress has been made!

Sidney Meet and Greet—The Fort Sidney Museum in Sidney loaned Savilla Fox’s Pomegranate Quilt, circa 1866, to the “Going West! Quilts and Community” exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Our visit to Sidney The Scholarship Committee meets every fall. Here trustees (from left) Robbie Lonewolf, Rae Brown, Chair Syd Kruse, featured tours of the Fort Sidney Commander’s Home and Gloria Strope, Jan Lipovsky and Lori Heaton (background) consider the criteria for 2016 Scholarship essays. the Cheyenne County Historical Association.

8 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Annual Meeting

earney was the site of our 2015 Kannual meeting. Tours of the Archway and historic downtown, a presentation by Paul Siebert entitled “Echos of an Era,” and a Skype visit with Jon Bokenkamp at the World Theatre were highlights of the weekend. The Board of Directors met at the historic Frank House located on the University of Nebraska at Kearney Campus. On Saturday evening, trustees and friends gathered for a reception at the Museum of Nebraska Art honoring the Oldfather family’s many lifetime philanthropic efforts and contributions toward preserving the history of Nebraska.

The Board of Directors met at the Historic Frank House on the Charlie Wright reminisces about his early days working for UNK Campus. Beautiful Tiffany stained glass adorns Charlie Oldfather. the hallway.

Senator (and new trustee) Joel Johnson and President Michael Nelson present a panoramic photo of old Kearney to David and Treasurer Tim Thietje explains the Foundation’s financial Diane Oldfather. holdings and how much of that is restricted in its use.

Dennis and Marlene Mullen, Jim and Marjorie Hewitt view some of Lt. Cameron's possessions at the Hastings Museum

Senator (and new trustee) Jim Cudaback entertained on the piano during the Oldfather reception at the Museum Guest Speakers Jack and Sally Campbell share stories about their Investment Committee Chair Rod Walker presents the of Nebraska Art. long friendship with the Oldfather family. quarterly report.

Winter 2016 9 Historical Connections

Some of Our New Trustees

John Atkins is a Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Board of Directors of the Sandhills Area Senior Trust Officer Groundwater Foundation, and the East Foundation and as a member of the at Union Bank & Trust Campus Community Organization. Thedford Area Community Foundation. Company, operating Ann and her husband, Peter Bleed, While he lives in Cherry County, his out of its Omaha office. live in Lincoln. They have two sons address is in Thomas County, which Prior to 2007, he was an and four grandchildren. She enjoys has motivated him to join both counties’ Employee Benefit Officer and Manager, hiking, bicycling, reading, and water- historical societies. He’s also a member and then a Personal Trust Officer with color painting in addition to her of United Church of Christ in Thedford. the former Norwest Bank Nebraska and volunteer work. Ralph is part of a local investment Wells Fargo Bank. Before becoming a Her specific interest in Nebraska club that meets once a month in Trust Officer, he was an Estate and Gift history is in the area of the history of Valentine. He claims that members Tax Attorney for the IRS. water and natural resources governance. “might not make much money but do eat John received his BA in Economics and drink very well!” and Business Administration from History was the class to which Ralph Hastings College, and his JD from Dr. Richard E. Callaway really felt a connection during his school Creighton University School of Law. started his dental practice days. Having lived in both Colorado and John’s hobbies include walking, in Fremont, Nebraska, New Mexico earlier in his life, he believes golf, and reading—both fiction in 1978; he is still practicing that history is a connection to an area and non-fiction. there. that is not influenced by day to day life. His past volunteer work includes He belongs to being President of Goodwill Industries Friendship Force, Westerner’s Club, and actively involved in the Chamber and Photography Club in addition to Tim Francis has been a of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs professional dentistry organizations. member of the Lincoln/ Committee, Big Brothers, and Rotary. His hobbies include traveling— Lancaster County John plans to share his knowledge both overseas and domestic. He Preservation Commission in business and finance whenever the makes volunteer medical trips to help for over 15 years and NSHSF has need, and to attend as many Vietnamese orphans and plans to do a longtime member of NSHSF events as possible. He believes more of these going forward. the Preservation Association of Lincoln that a historical society is so important Dr. Callaway is enjoying being part (PAL). Old houses and neighborhoods to preserve our singular heritage and of the Nebraska State Historical Society have fascinated him since childhood; his western culture for future generations. and Foundation. Since his involvement, late parents were respectful of both the he has been traveling Nebraska past and their families’ histories. extensively, learning much about the Tim has also been involved with a Ann Bleed is an engineer diversity and history of the state. He’s local non-profit housing organization, retired from serving looking forward to extending that NeighborWorks Lincoln, whose as the Director of the knowledge even further! mission is the strengthening of Department of Natural neighborhoods and conservation of Resources for the State the built environment. of Nebraska. Ralph Eatinger worked Tim was born in Red Cloud but She serves on several boards as a rancher most of his raised in Lincoln, where he works as including those for the Lincoln Electric life. Now retired, he keeps a realtor for Woods Bros Realty. His System, the Lower Platte South Natural busy at other things, hobbies include antiques, travel, and Resources District, the Nebraska including serving on the puttering around at home.

10 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Liz Kuhlman is an how to make jam and sew, and loves to settling, and her parents’ experiences Architect and Partner at garden in her spare time; she is also an growing up in Nebraska. She majored Sinclair Hille Architects, amateur project quilter. in history at the University of Nebraska- where she has worked for Lincoln, then taught American history the past 23 years. Before while her husband was in graduate that, she lived in Roseville, LeRoy J. Louden, a school. Later, she worked for McCook CA, a suburb of Sacramento, where native Nebraskan, was Public Schools as the elementary school she worked in a small architectural firm educated at St. Agnes librarian for 11 years. that specialized in renovations of, and Academy in Alliance and Connie and her husband feel blessed additions to, old homes from the 20s Milford Technical School. to have 3 children and 5 grandchildren and 30s. He was a Nebraska State which keep them active. Her husband She has been active with a number Senator, 49th District, from 2003-2013, is mostly retired from his work in the of organizations including: the City and is also a member of two national agricultural laboratory he started in of Lincoln Historic Preservation heraldry/patriotic organizations. He 1975 so they now have some time to Commission; the Food Bank of Lincoln began ranching when he was 17 years enjoy traveling and learning more of the Foundation, where she is a past old, building a 16,000-acre cattle ranch history of the U.S. Since both of their President of the Board of Directors; in Ellsworth, Nebraska, which he has sons coach baseball, they watch a lot of the Statewide Advisory Board for the always called home. His legacy as a baseball games and also go to spring Lied Center for Performing Arts; and State Senator includes legislation guiding training games in Florida. the Friends of Lied, where she is a past the way for the Nebraska State Veterans Connie currently sits on the Board President of the Board of Directors. Cemetery in Alliance, and creating a of Directors at Community Hospital in For fun, Liz enjoys cooking, playing the cash-funded State Tourism Agency and McCook, is a member of the hospital’s piano, and golf. a 60-bed self-funded Native American Foundation Board, and helps with Nursing home. LeRoy has spent over hospice fundraisers. For fun, she likes 40 years as a National Weather Bureau to read and quilt. Church activities SharonAnn Green Volunteer in Western Nebraska. He are also a big part of her life. She’s Louden, a native enjoys reading about history, politics, a member of PEO and a docent for Nebraskan, graduated and environmental issues. He and his the Sheldon traveling art exhibit for from Lincoln Northeast wife enjoy traveling, spending time with elementary students. She looks forward High School and just family and friends, and researching to involvement with the Nebraska State celebrated a 50th their family histories and lineage. They Historical Society Foundation and “Rockets” Class Reunion in September. have a blended family of six children appreciates the opportunity it provides She is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan and four grandchildren in Nebraska and to learn more about the history University with a BS in Education and Colorado. Together, they have worked of Nebraska. a minor in Psychology. She is the third on three NSHS Historical Markers generation of a Green family business, and organized the preservation of two where she began working during the pioneer cemeteries with local support 9th grade. SharonAnn is an avid and grant funding. mystery reader and genealogist, and a member of six national heraldry/ If you are interested in patriotic organizations where she holds Connie Olsen has becoming a Trustee, local and state offices, focusing on been interested in or know someone who would historic preservation. Nebraska history since like to be one, She has played golf on three hearing stories about her please contact Leslie Fattig continents, teaches her grandchildren grandparents’ arrival and at 402-435-3535.

Winter 2016 11 Historical Connections

Recent Books by Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation Trustees

In Cold Storage Law at Little Big Horn The Meaning of Names BY JAMES W. HEWITT BY CHARLES E. WRIGHT BY KAREN GETTERT SHOEMAKER

ames W. Hewitt’s In Cold Storage is harles E. Wright’s Law at Little Big aren Gettert Shoemaker’s The Ja non-fiction account of a grisly 1973 CHorn: Due Process Denied is an KMeaning of Names is a novel set in murder in McCook, Nebraska. As part of analysis of the legal issues leading up Nebraska against the backdrop of World his research, author Hewitt was granted to the Great Sioux War in 1876. Author War I. It tells the story of a German- a prison interview by convicted killer Wright is a retired lawyer who has long American woman trying to protect Harold Nokes, in which Nokes changed been associated with Indian rights. He her family from the war, the influenza several parts of his 1974 confession. has funded scholarships and organized a epidemic, and prejudice. Published in Hewitt steps readers through the mentoring program to enable promising 2014, this book recently was announced evidence in this horrific case, drawing Indian students to attend law school. as the 2016 selection for the prestigious new conclusions about what really One Book One Nebraska program! happened that September night more than 40 years ago.

These books are available at the Nebraska History Museum’s Landmark Store at the State Capitol or from the Nebraska State Historical Society. Call 1-800-833-6747 to order.

12 Winter 2016 Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation

Nebraska History in The Waiting Room

oundation Trustee Kira Gale recently came issue is filled with articles and illustrations Fup with a bang-up proposal for how each about people, places, and episodes from of us can help support the cause of Nebraska Nebraska’s fascinating past. history in just FIVE MINUTES of our time! Why not take one of your recent issues The waiting room—we’ve all been there of Nebraska History to your next medical on visits to the doctor, dentist, chiropractor, appointment, hand it over to the office or optometrist. Many of the magazines laying manager, and ask him or her to purchase around are out of date, or they cover topics a subscription for the office? Point out that may not interest some readers. Wouldn’t it the postage-paid brochure inside making be great to find a magazine that told Nebraska it easy to add Nebraska History to stories, such as the Nebraska State Historical the magazines available in their

Society’s quarterly Nebraska History? Each waiting room. Kira Gale

Two New Ways to Support Our Mission!

Shop AmazonSmile Corporate Gift Matching

ew Trustee Micah Laaker he Foundation is now able to Nof Mountain View, CA has Treceive matching corporate benevity set up the Foundation as an funds from donor employees approved nonprofit on the AmazonSmile web site! Purchases at Ameriprise Financial, Canadian Pacific, New York Life made via AmazonSmile result in Amazon donating 0.5% of Insurance Company, Google, Roche Pharmaceuticals and the purchase price to the buyer’s designated charity. many other Fortune 500 companies through Benevity (a If you already shop via Amazon, please follow these two corporate philanthropy fundraising service). steps to ensure that your purchases help out the Foundation: If your employer has a corporate matching gift program, 1. Designate the NSHS Foundation as the charity your please check to see if the Nebraska State Historical Society purchases support by going to http://bitly.com/ Foundation is listed as one of the approved non-profits. If not, nshsfAmz in each browser on your computer and phone. please either request that it be added to the list or let us 2. Always start shopping via AmazonSmile (https://smile. know and we’ll take care of getting amazon.com) rather than the plain Amazon it added. site. This step ensures that the And if your company does have automatic donation to the a matching gift program, please Foundation will happen. request a match for all your donations to the NSHSF!

Winter 2016 13 Historical Connections

A Volunteer Opportunity BY JOHN STROPE

started out my adult work life as a social studies teacher. I One of my absolute most favorite NU classes was Dr. Robert Manley’s “History of Nebraska.” That was “a bunch” of years ago. In the last decade since we returned home, I have attended the Historical Society’s Brown Bag History Lecture Series faithfully on the third Thursday every month. In the last couple of years, my wife, Gloria, and I have gotten involved as volunteers for the Foundation. A few months ago I saw an opportunity to volunteer at the Society. Through a number of unfortunate personnel circumstances, there appeared to be a use for a volunteer coordinator for the Brown Trustees John and Gloria Strope Bag lectures. NSHS staff had 4-5 programs already lined up.) I am working I sent Mike Smith, the Society’s Executive Director, a note on 2016 and thinking about 2017 (our beloved state’s offering my services. About 10 seconds later, I got a response: 150th birthday). “Are you serious?” In less than a day, Smith had talked with his In the days prior to the month’s program, I work with the staff and they welcomed me with open arms. I know if I start speaker to handle the time frame and get the digital images for listing staff names, I will omit some. I will offer particular praise showing. When the day comes, I introduce the speaker. Then I to Ann Billesbach, the staff member who had been handling run a camera or sit down, and I enjoy the program. the assignment on a temporary basis. One of the great pleasures of my introduction comes with What does the coordinator of the Brown Bag History these words: “I want to thank the Nebraska State Historical Lecture Series do? I identify speakers and topics. (Happily, Society Foundation for the financial support which allows us to tape and broadcast these programs on public access television and on the Society’s YouTube webpage.” To find that page, just 2016 Brown Bag Dates type “www.youtube.com/user/NebraskaHistorical” into your browser search. Just below the logo and words “Nebraska January 20—“Law at Little Big Horn: Liberty State Historical Society” you will see the words “Home,” Crushed, Justice Denied” (Custer like you have “Videos,” etc. At the right of that line, click the magnifying glass never heard) and type the name of the program or the topic’s keywords or February 18—“Will Brown: A Lynching, A Lost the presenter’s name in the “Search Channel” box. There are Identity, and Urban Unrest in Omaha, 1919” over 130 past Brown Bags on YouTube.” There is even more GREAT news for you supporters of March 17— “Stalking the Ghost of Mari Sandoz” the Society and the Foundation. The Trustees have wanted April 21— What does an archivist do? for some time to share these Brown Bag programs with more Who is Frank Shoemaker? Nebraskans beyond Lincoln, and we are pleased to tell you that May 19— A Preservation month program plans are underway (as of mid-December) to begin broadcasting on government/public access channels in Omaha, Bellevue, June 16— A history program aimed at grandparents Grand Island, Beatrice, Hastings, and North Platte. Keep and grandkids, tied in with a kids’ class at the an eye out in your area. Broadcasting may already have begun. Nebraska History Museum If you know of such cable channels in your area, please contact July 21— NSHS historian, Jim Potter, with a history me at [email protected] or 402-484-8650. program aimed at grandparents and grandkids, tied Finally, each of these programs costs about $600 to produce in with a kids’ class at the Nebraska History Museum and broadcast. Please consider volunteering to sponsor all (or part) of a Brown Bag (or two or three, etc.). Give your volunteer Brown Bag coordinator a belated Christmas present!

14 Winter 2016 Foundation Gifts Gifts received from January 1 through December 31, 2015.

$50,000 or More McGowan Family Foundation Douglas Marsh Bryce Dibbern Geraldine Brady Estate Don and Marlene Orr William and Ann Marsh David Dorsey Jack and Pamela Osborne Larry and Danell Martin Leta Powell Drake $10,000 to $49,999 Greg Samuelson Melissa McCray Frank and Mary Dupuis Dillon Foundation Frank and Lucille Schultz Linda Meyers Eugene Edwards David and Karen Shoemaker James Milliken Dorene Eisentrager $2,500 to $9,999 William Skocpol Darlene Miltner Doug and Patricia Friedli Donald Dillon Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. Dorothy Mundt Kira Gale Diane Oldfather Rick Wallace Robert Nefsky Jayne Gustafson Ron and Judy Parks Charles and Suzanne Wright Larry and Karen Nelsen John and Katie Haberman Jim and Gail Potter Jan Chism Wright James and Ginger Nissen Bill Hayes Wyman Youth Trust William Oberg Lowdon Heller $100 to $249 Robert and Connie Olsen Jean Henderson $1,000 to $2,499 Dee Adams and Kevin Dauel James and Mary Owens Neal and Beth Hentzen Jane Andrew Margaret Allington Painted Prairie Donor Advised Fund Lisa Hukill Creigh Family Foundation Lang Anderson III and Anne Jeffry and Carolyn Patterson Judy Humiston Donlan Foundation Winner Anderson Carter and Nana Peterson Arthur and Katherine Iworsley Kathleen Fowles John and Jill Archer Jerry and Mary Ann Petr Joel and Jill Johnson Kenneth Jones John Atkins Esther and Raleigh Pilster Sandi Koinzan Kay Kimberly Beulah Bedke Foundation Phillip and Mary Kommers John and Wende Kotouc Family Allen and Linda Beerman Oliver Pollak Marie Krohn Charitable Trust Douglas and Louise Bereuter Cara Potter Mary Langhorst Douglas and Mary Lienemann Bernard Berger Pamela Price Lincoln Legal Auxiliary Book Club Ron and Mary Ann May-Pumphrey Virgil and Linda Berney Ann Rawley Daryl and Peggy Long Michael K. and Christie Nelson Thomas and Claire Brown John and Linda Rehberg Gerald and Bonnie Luckey David and Roxanne Oldfather Brown Farms Partnership Eric and Deborah Rosenlof Gary Maddix Thomas and Cynthia Olson Doug and Janelle Bruning Theodore Kooser and Jerome and Suzanne Martin Gary and Allison Petersen William Colwell Katherine Rutledge Mark Maser Ruth Potter Gene d’Allemand Wayne Schild Michelle Maxwell Edward and Lida Robinson Trust Harl and Kay Dalstrom Donald and Janice Schnier M.T. and R.T. McGuire David and Trixie Schmidt Allen Dayton James Seacrest Jerry and Jolene McInnis Joe Stehlik Connie Deminski Frank and Shirley Sibert Catherine McKiddy Georgia Wilson John Dittman Frank and Ann Sidles Beverly Meadows H.R. and Marion Drinker Michael and Mary Smith Dennis and Joanne Mihelich $500 to $999 Ralph Eatinger Marcus and Pamela Snow James and Sarah Moenssen Harley and Marcia Bergmeyer Kim and Betsy Elder Richard and Susan Spencer Rosalind Morris Cloyd and Linda Clark Lila Fiebig Dennis and Nancy Stara Gary Moulton Spencer and Vivian Davis Tim Francis Philip and Sandra Swantek George and Eva Neubert Gerald and Kit Dimon Alan Frank Tim and Judy Thietje James and Cynthia Nourse Richard and Katherine Endacott Lloyd Friesen Robert I. and Susan G. Tilling Fund William Obert Vincent Goeres James Fruehling Mark Vangan Wayne Pavela James Harris Thomas Gallagher Veterans of Foreign Wars - Nebraska Dena Petersen B. Keith & Norma F. Heuermann Hugh and Joyce Genoways John and Jean Vincent Victor and Eileen Pickering Foundation Sharon Harkins Rod and Vicki Walker Stuart Pospisil James and Marjorie Hewitt John and Betty Haslam Ann Thorne Weaver John and Kathy Post James McKee and Linda Hillegass Fred Henninger Family William Wieland Vicki Pratt Dean Kechely Charitable Trust Pauline Wimberly Mary Kay Quinlan David Ley Charles and Margaret Hermes J. H. and Karen Windhusen Bryan Rettig Pete and Cindy Maddux Roger and Cheryl Hill George Wolf Paul and Susan Rice Martin and Ruth Massengale Jane Hood James and Janet Woolsoncroft Darryl Rouse David and Vicki Krecek Dale Young Tracey Rouse $250 to $499 Charitable Fund Joshua and Devin Young Darreld Saltzman Brian and Janet Allison Krutsinger Family Foundation Inc. Bryan and Janelle Zimmer Charles Sanderson Catherine Angle Jackson - Jackson & Associates Walter and Carol Zink Sheryl Schmeckpeper Rod and Debbie Basler John-Paul and Nelle Jamison Kenneth and Ruth Anne Schoen Lance Bristol Warren and Cheryl Johnson Up to $99 Dennis and Ruth Ann Schulte Delia Burchfield Helen Kenefick Lafe Anderson Ruth Ann Schultz Richard Callaway and Cherrie Ali Khan Roy Anderson Russell Schweers Beam-Callaway Tina Kitt Ruth Asboe Mary Ann Shaw Jack and Sally Campbell Kendell and Sue Kjoller Jeff Barnes Robert Shively Mike and Therese Campbell Donald and Mary Kruger James and Kathryn Bellman Ronald and Patty Skwarek John and Sara Crook Lizabeth Kuhlman Thomas Branigar Roxanne Smith Bob and Nancy Davis Frank Landis, Jr. Twila Bray Daryl and Laura Steinman Tony and Tam Dworak John Yost and Wade Leak Jeff and Lori Broady John and Gloria Strope Marty and Leslie Fattig David and Nancy Lederer Robert and Carol Broman George and Norma Sturgeon John and Carol Gale David and Susan LeGrand Rae Brown Michael Tate Carol Gendler Janice Lipovsky David and Laura Buntain Donald and Patricia Trembly Steve and Judy Guenzel Robbie Lonewolf Gary Burchfield Jeffrey and Judy Troupe Jessica Douglas and Thomas Harms Richard Loutzenheiser Jeff Caplan and Zakk Lierman Daniel and Alice Holtz Jean Lovell Cheyenne County Historical Galen Tuttle Kirk and Trula Jamison Bob and Donna Lundberg Association James and Jamie Ulrich Andrew Jergens/Greater Jack and Carol Maddux Paul Coder Robert Walker Cincinnati Foundation Ed and Joan Malk Douglas and Deborah Cramer Marilyn Weidner Dianne Kennedy Joseph Loudon and Jeanne Crumly Travis Weinrich Van and Janet Korell Michelle Manning Jim Cudaback Joan Westphal Micah Laaker Norman and Betty Mapes Don Deitemeyer Frances Young Kinman-Oldfield Suite 128 N. 13th Street #1010 Lincoln, NE 68508

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