Nebraska’s First Junior College
In 2026 the college in McCook celebrates 100 years of operation. “One of the planks nailed down,” was the comment after McCook Junior College was finally started in September 1926. The school of higher learning was a long-standing dream of civic leaders, and one of the crusades of the local chamber of commerce. When the doors were opened for the first time, the college consisted of three meeting rooms on the second floor of [...]
Norris Heirlooms Return to Nebraska
In August 2011, members of the George W. Norris Foundation traveled to Wisconsin to attend an auction featuring items from the late Senator George W. Norris’s Waupaca cottage. Following the senator’s passing in 1944, the cottage and its contents had been sold to cover expenses. When these belongings resurfaced decades later, the Foundation was eager to reclaim meaningful artifacts and return them to Norris’ hometown of McCook, Nebraska. Accompanied by David Norris Rath, Senator Norris’ [...]
Neal & Mary Lee Corey and the Corps of Discovery 200th Anniversary re-enactment
Neal and Mary Lee Corey’s involvement with the Corps of Discovery 200th Anniversary re-enactment began with Mary Lee seeing an advertisement seeking volunteers to join the group in St. Louis for the trip west following the path of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Neal, newly retired from BNSF railroad, was a modern-day renaissance man with many talents. Perhaps Mary Lee felt he still had too much time on his hands or knew his curiosity [...]
The McCook Land Office
The following was taken from a letter by Mr. J.E. Kelley, pioneer resident of McCook printed in the April 3, 1942, edition of the McCook Republican. In 1881, the Burlington (CB&Q) rail line came. In 1882, the Lincoln Land Company laid out and plated McCook, then named it division headquarters by the railroad. In May 1883, Congress established a new Land District, taking from the North Platte Land District, Townships 1 [...]
Comm Ready VN 1971
This picture shows my holster and utility belt I donated to the museum as well as my helmet. In the background is the helicopter that brought us in along with supplies. My radio man is next to me as I try to set up contact with a fighter jet flying protection. I am using a PRC-25 radio. In the forefront is a fishing tackle box appearing piece of equipment, which is a Radar Beacon that [...]
The Story
We display objects entrusted to us by the families of veterans who served in active duty. Some of these items are difficult to look at, as they remind us of the horrors of war that our fathers and grandfathers endured as impressionable young men. We honor these veterans and hold close the hope that our children and grandchildren will never face such experiences.
Iron Lung
Our Iron Lung is here today because of a Girl Scout project. In October of 1940, Girl Scout Troop #1 had a surplus of $5 from selling popcorn and candy at the Boy Scout Circus. Dr. M. Campbell, the father of girl scout, Eva Campbell suggested they start a fund for an Iron Lung. There was a fear of Polio and the idea of purchasing an Iron Lung likely gained legs with Eva’s [...]
Memoirs of Albert Barnett, “McCook’s Builder”
Memoirs of Albert Barnett - McCook's Builder Note: This is a transcript of handwritten notes by Albert Barnett, found wedged behind a drawer of his desk after his death. Articles about Barnett often mention the added title of “McCook’s Builder” and “McCook’s Master Builder” as an indication to the reputation he built during McCook’s early years. We assume this was written in 1906 as the Lincoln Land Company plotted the original [...]
History of Westside Congregational Church
On March 6, 1887, Reverand William Suess, in the home of George Weick, called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a German Church. Rev. Suess was acting Chairman. By unanimous vote, the Creed and the Constitution were adopted. The Constitution set forth the overall foundation and regulations of the Congregational church, the same as in the Handbook of Dr. Eversz. The Congregation was organized and named the German Free Evangelical Church of McCook. [...]