Nebraska City High School - Pioneer Yearbook (Nebraska City, NE)

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As earlv as 1861 the early residents of Nebraska City began to plan for a school in the community, but it was not until 1864 that an organized effort was made to erect the first high school in the state. In 1865 the first high school building West of the Missouri River was completed with a cost of $31,000. It was a sturdy building, built ruggedly as were most buildings of the period to withstand the ravages of time and constant use. It was later used as a grade school and in 1917 was replaced by the present structure, the Sixth Street School. Junior High was built in 1911. At the present time it is being used for the seventh and eighth grades. We now have an increased enrollment as well as many other schools over the nation. To house this number we had to set aside two of the Junior High rooms for sixth grade pupils. Band, Choir, and Shop classes for grades from the 6th to 12th are held in this building. A third high school was built in 1928. This was named Junior High, but later changed to Senior High as the attendance grew in vast numbers. We have a large Ag. Shop for those interested in farming, and a gym for competitive sports for both boys and girls. This summer five modern kitchens for the Home Economics Department were added. It has already been suggested that Nebraska City should build an additional high school. What does the future hold? With the building now crowded to capacity what will happen when we reach the five hundred enrollment mark.

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The Steam Wagon was built in Brooklyn, New York and unloaded here from the steamer “West Wind”, in July, 1862. A two weeks trial run seemed to point to a most successful transportation epoch. But, alas. Major Brown’s heavy machine broke down four miles out on its first run. He hurried to New York for repairs and found the foundry engaged in “Top Secret Work for the Navy” and couldn't get services. So the wagon was abandoned. The first few terms of the District Court for Otoe County were held in a log cabin owned by H. P. Downs, and situated near Fifth Street between Maine and Otoe. The log cabin soon became too small and the offices were scattered in various buildings having surplus rooms. Those cooperating were: the Dewie’s Hall, Seymour House, and the McLennan’s Hall. In 1865 all were moved into the new court house which today stands as the oldest Court House in the State now in use. Horse-drawn street cars began their tinkling progress up and down the Avenue with deviating branches toward the Burlington Station at the foot of Sixth Street and as far as the Wyuka Cemetery Hill. The Bartling family whose members have plaved a distinguished part in the life and progress of Nebraska City owned the line for many years and the late E. D. Bartling, the pioneer, was president of the company. The cars always were horse and mule drawn. Strangers to the city never failed to express amazement.

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Nebraska City Today We are on the threshold of a new century. Our leaders and citizens will take up the torch and carry on. What will the future hold? Will our town grow beyond our some 7000 population? New industries are coming in which will need executives and workers. Our rich farm land needs less farmers due to modern machinery. Will more of war come to take our boys or will government and religion conquer the evils which threaten us today? We can all be alert through our churches and schools. We hope that through the increased desire of each new generation they will acclaim the four freedoms which we hold so dear to our American way of life. As you leaf through this book we hope we may show you the numerous class room and extracurricular activities promoted in our school to mold citizens who will uphold our treasured heritages. The One Hundred Candles have been lighted