YOUR AD HERE »

Dawes County Historical Museum’s History in Action Day is well attended

Beth Gibbons
Crawford, Neb.
Lila Ahrens watching as Maxine Hooker takes a turn at churning butter.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.



Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.



A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.

Well over 600 people signed the guest registers at the 14th annual Dawes County Historical Museum’s “History In Action Day,” setting a new attendance record. The museum is located southwest of Chadron, Neb.

Activities involved everyone of every age. Jean Baker, Sheryl Marchant and Eva Bartlet manned the registry books.

Attendees could ride in a stagecoach provided by Fort Robinson and their staff directed by David Hewitt or take a buggy ride offered by Roger Sanford and Chris Mills. Brian Roberts drove his team of horses giving hay rack rides to all who wanted to ride. There was homemade ice cream, a taste of honey and folks could view wax projects like candles, lotions and molds made from wax by Wayne and Julie Gibbons.

Many helped themselves to a sample of homemade bread by Lila Ahrens covered with fresh butter churned by a number of volunteers. A child was heard asking, “Is this butter sterilized?” and “Is it safe to eat?” A taste of fresh pressed apple juice provided by Tom and Coleman Ahrens was also a treat. Little ones volunteered to turn the press … for a few minutes.

Charis Djosny brought goat’s milk to give samples, with and without vanilla flavoring. There were school lessons with teacher, Vicki Kotschwar, wearing a long dress allowing youngsters to write on a slate and answering questions. Beth Gibbons demonstrated sewing on an old treadle sewing machine. A choir performed for services in the old church.

A potato digger dug potatoes planted and tended by Jerry and Betty Anderson which were sold by the bag with proceeds going to the DCHS. Marvin Spracklin helped churn and sell potatoes. Other helpers were Doc Gamby grinding wheat and giving away bags of ground flour. A corn sheller manned by Roger Wess offered little ones an opportunity to turn the handle and get a corn cob.

Retired barber Roger Dotson was in the barber’s area to answer questions. Dan Hedberg was in the railroad area for help. Bruce Roes brought over some long-horned cattle. The Antique Tractor Club brought a number of old tractors for display. Elam Patterson helped in the primitive camp. Ed Bieganski was the authority in the military section. Verda Muskfelt and Sharon Cripps volunteered in the quilting area.

Mary Vetter and her daughter Deja brought a gentle pony and a tepee. Art Halfhide was a costumed guard among the many toys on display. Tom Serres took goats, turkeys, chickens and sheep for a farm display. Archie Crow had alpacas. Gretchen Lee had a baby quilt raffle and things to sell with proceeds for the museum. Heather Ahrens demonstrated the art of rug making. Plus many others were appreciated and made the Dawes County History in Action Day the success that it was.

At the end of the day an appreciative elderly volunteer dressed for privative camp came by to say, “Who can I thank for letting me be involved with this day?” He was directed to the many volunteers who work at the large research museum that includes over 2,000 toys recently donated by the Rodney Heesacker estate. Every one worked to make the day a success.


[placeholder]