Faces and Names

What did your ancestors look like?  Every once in a while we run into an exceptional photograph of a group where someone took the time to identify individuals.  This section is dedicated to those "Faces" who we have "Names".   Listed in chronological order.

1889  Bennington Rifle Club

Top Row (l-r) Bernhard Storm, Henry Simonsen, Ed Cook, Emil Storm, Hans Hansen, Middle Row- Charles Gottsch, Pete Diederichsen, John Rohwer, Hans lamp, Herman Timme Sr.  Front Row- Christ Steinert, Herman Timme, Jr., Willam Cohrs, Ferdinand Kuhl, Heinrich Gottsch.

1907 (1st half)

25th Wedding Aniversary of Rosa and Eggert Oft.  Back Row (l-r), William Druse, Hans Johannsen, Adolph Septhmabn, Eggert Ehlers, Willam Voss, John Harder, Hans Harder, Frank Hoteling-Kermit, Willam Weseman Sr., William Steffin, Pete Peterson, Middle Row, Herman Mueller, Dena Tiedje, Adolf Mueller, Mrs. John Johannsen, Mrs. Adolph Spethman, Mrs. Frank Hoteling, Mrs. Hans Meeves, Mrs. Herman Busch, Mrs. Jacolb Peters, Mrs. Hans Johannsen, Chris Bergman, Jacob Peters, George Ohrt, Minna Ohrt & Russel, Meta Oft, Mans Oft, Third Row, Mrs. August Witte & Clara, Mrs. William Voss, Mrs. Scott, Annie Boyer, Paulina Mangold, Mrs. Miller, Jurgen Ohrt, Henry Lage, Mrs. Henry Lage, Rosa Oft, Fourth Row, Mrs. Claus Hamann, Mrs. Herman Mueller, Mrs. Martin Grotte, Julia Paulson, Lenna Cook, Mrs. Max Lamp, Mrs. Pete kuhl, Mrs. Calus Lamp, Mrs. Hans Harder, Fifth Row (children) Roy Hotelling, Henry Homan, Bert Boyer, Elmer Desler,Rosa Dornacker,Eggert Ohrt, Sophie Penke.

1907 (2nd half)

Back Row (l-r), Pete Petersen, Henry Shroeder, John Mueller, Henry Moeller, Willaim Sierk, Otto Hansen, Henry Meyer, Hans Meeves, Henrich Tiedje, Pete Kroeger, Detlef Desler, Chris Backhuus, Max Lamp, Second Row, Hans Oft, Nancy Oft, Kate Dornacker, Henry Dornacker, Lizzie Jorgenson, Anna Sierk, Hans Lebbert, Claus Lamp, Louie Nieman, John Johannsen, George Mangold, Rev. Ahrens, Mrs. Willam Weseman, Third Row, Rosa Oft, Eggert Oft, Anna Jorgensen, Ella Jorgensen, Mrs. Henry Moeller, Mrs. Hans Lebbert, Tanta Bergman, Mrs. Chris Bergman, Mrs. Otto Hansen, Mrs. Louie Nieman & Leonard Mangold, Mrs. John Harder, Fourth Row, Mrs. Ahrens, Mrs. Henry Meyer, Rose Cunningham, Mrs. Chas Penkem Perarl Boyer, Mrs. Pete Backhuus, Albert Jurgenson, Mrs. Pete Kroeger, Mrs. Herman Iltzch, Mrs. Eggert Ehlers, Mrs. William Steffan, Mrs. William Kruse, Margaret Stark, Laura Shebal, Mary Ohrt.

1908  Bennington District 59

Back Row (l-r), Leona Petersen, Lilly Oft, Enima Fredrichsen, Nancy Oft, Theo Hansen, Bert Boyer, ? Crink, Earl Mangold, Walt Hansen, Emma Dickey, Minnie Schliep, Belle Barr, Frieda Cook, Front Row- Otto Oelrich, Walt Mangold, Pete Dickey, Henry Witt,  George Voss, Bill Gottrsch, Rudolph Hansen, Theodor Friedrichsen, Denny Barr, Elmer Witte, Emil Hansen.

1910  Bennington Music Club

Bennington Music Club   Back Row (l-r) Mable Witte, Elmer Witte, Myrtle Leach, Teacher Mrs. Middleton, Nancy Oft, Rudy Hansen, ?.  Front Row- Misfeldt sister Misfeldt sister, Clara Witte, Annie Gottsch, Eta Witt, Mina Witte

1910  St. John's Lutheran Church Choir



Back Row (l-r) Hans Oft, Adolf Mueller, Henry Schroeder, John Mueller, Merman Mueller
Front Row:  Annette (Mueller) Grote, Johanne (Weseman) Mueller, Pastor Ahrens, Meta (Oft) Jungbluth, Mrs. Ahrens.

1912  The Grau School

The Grau School.   Back Row (l-r) Bess Grau, Florence Grau. Middle Row- Teacher Nora Sumner, Irene Grau. Front Row- Ted Grau, Edith Grau, Fred Grau.

 

1914? Drama Club

Back Row (l-r), Hulda Petersen, Mable Witte, Florence Grau, Lilly Oft, Clara ?, Freda Stark, Mary ?, Nancy Oft, Front Row Sitting, Rema Witte, Leona Petersen, Alma Gottsch.

191?

(l-r), Ernest Klabunde, Chas Litzler, Chas Penke

1915 School District #63

Back Row (l-r)- John Hansen, Henry Steinert, Mary Phalen, Mary Hansen, Edna Heitmann, Lucy Phalen, Misss Lora Cubbertson, James Petersen, Rose Petersen, Arthur Wilt, Fred hansen, Lawerence Petersen, Cecilia Steinert, Helen Phalen, Front Row- Edna Mohr, Laura Steinert, Paul Heitmann, Anna Heitmann, Edwin Heitmann, Martha Heitmann, Grace Petersen, James Hansen, Chris Petersen, Lester Wilt, Lena Hansen.  

1916?  District #59



Back L to R: Teacher O'dell, Irene (Grau) Boeteger, Mary Dierks, Florence (Grau) Lebbert, Ann (Logemann) Neu, Nellie Temperely, Ada Waterman, Adelite Paulsen, Alma (Gottsch) Desler, Alma (Petersen) Friedricksen, Mable (Witte) Neumeyer.  Front: Al Baker, Alfred Glandt, George Dierks, J. Pilant, Pube Petersen, Herb Ericksen, Henry Hamann, ? Baker, Leonard Mangold, Rudy Glandt. 

1917  Basket Ball at the Woodmen

Front Row (l-r) Walt Mangold, Tim Ohrt, Fred Hagedorn, Back Row- Charlie Ringsted, Lennie Mangold, Elmer Witte.  Basket ball played at Woodman of the World Hall

1918  Duck Lure Lodge

(l-r), Henry Neumeyer, George Mangold, Pete Bunz, Henry Neumeyer Sr.

1919 (about)

(l to r): Hanna Cook, Dorthy Sorensen (Logemann), Grace and Marjorie Sorensen

1922  Bennington District 59

Bennington Dist. #59, 4th, 5th & 6th Grades.  Front Row (l-r) Bob Bunz, ?, Alfred Petersen, Melvin Bunz, Verna Paulsen, ? , Norman Petersen, Raymond Gottsch, Minnia Petersen, Wilma Paulsen.  Back Row- Norman Mangold, Doris White, Georgia Nelsen, Rosie Persen, ? , Bernice Boonstra, Fern Paulsen, Florence Petersen, Verna Gottsch, ?, Charlotta Boonstra, Margret Paulsen.

1922  Bennington District 59, 10th Grade Graduation Class 

10th Grade District #59  Top Row (l-r) Alven Jipp, George Isham, Florence Timperley, Middle Row- Clarence Petersen, Helen Gottsch, Ferris Kramer, Alma Schneckloth, Otto Glandt.  Front Row- Laird Kramer, Ester Wrigg, Miss Swanson, Walt Suverkrubbe, Dora Dierks.

1922  Washington School

First Row: ?, Glen Gottsch, Second Row: Ella Masson, Grace Sorensen, Sena Jensen, Dorothy Christensen, ?, Agnes bertelsen; Next Row: Margaret holstein, ?, Roma Gottsch, Thelma Jefferson, Ama Hansen Huber, ?, Helen Berry (teacher) ?,?, Peter Rasmusssen, Loma Shulz, ?.

1923?  Bennington District 59

Bennington School District #59.  Front Row (l-r) Chris Christensen, Ernest Ellerbruch, Ernest Kroeger, John Mordhorst, Harry Mordhorst, Herman Mordhorst, Verna Johnsen, ? Mordhorst.  2nd Row- Art Dornacker, Myron Melton, Matt Johnsen, Ray Johnsen, Raymon Puls, Elma Ellerbruch, Herman Meeves, Earl Quinn, Alfred Mordhorst, Herbert Gottsch, Rymber Fedde, Elmer Mordhorst.  3rd Row- Elsie Meeves, Earline Gotsch, Lily Puls, Leona Johnsen, Alma Andersen, Gladys Johnsen, Anita Mordhorst, Elizabeth Meeves.  4th Row- Frances Gottsch, Anna Puls, Anita Puls, Edna Johnsen, Erma Fedde, Emma Droeger, Teacher-Rosalie Foley, Annie Meeves.

Mid-1920's,  Intersection of 156th and Bennington Road



Henry Neumeyer, Ed Paulsen and Ben Petersen in Bert Seymour's Car

1927? Bennington District 59


Front Row (l-r)- Vernon Nolte, Alfred Petersen, Royle Paulson, Paul Jackson, Warren Suverkrubbe, Ted Bunz, Middle Row-Alice Gottsch, Evelyn Pruess, Pauline Gottsch, Bernice Christensen, Arlene Petersen, Alvina Shroeder, ? Jackson, Apal Atte, Florence Bohl, Elain Paulson, Helen Briedericksen, Hazel Petersen, ?, Back Row-Celyde Miller, Irvin Petersen, Teacher-Nellie Woods, Bill Petersen, Elmer Petersen?, Melvin Bunz, Bob Bunz.

1930?  District #40


Front: Marion Logemann, Byron Palke, Lorene Logemann, Rollin Logemann
Back:  John Petersen, Willam Logemann, Adelyn Logemann, Harry Logemann, Roy Petersen, Morma Werning, Alvin Logemann, Lester Logemann, Edna Mohr (Teacher) Thomas Polke, Alma Werning, Lylvia Logemann, Clarence Pruess, Helen Logemann

1933?

(l-r)- Irvin Petersen, Buck Grant, Donald Gottsch, Johnny Grant, Elmer Petersen, Harland Suberkrubbe.

1933-34,  District #40


Front: Donald Palke, Gus Holling, Esther Polster, Betty Schroder.  Middle: Marion Logemann, ? Polster, Byron Palke, ? Polster, Lorene Logemann, Rollin Logemann,  Back:  Martha Bainsbridge (Teacher) Roy Pruess, Thomass Palke, Clarence Pruess, Johnny Petersen, Adelyn Logemann.

1934   Masquerade Ball at Oft's Hall


Masquerade Ball at Oft's Hall "Dion Quintuplets"  Front Row (l-r), Bernie Kramer, Mable Neumeyer, Avel Tandy, Florence Lebbert, Roma Hickey, Back Row- Ferris Kramer, Lumas Tandy, Henery Newmeyer.

1936  District #59  Basketball Team



Alvin Andersen, Clyde Kerstetter, Bob Dornacker, Bud Buhl, Chris Fredricksen, Gilbert White,
Suppertendant & Coach Gropper

1937 School District 52.

Front Row (l-r) Lloyd Peters, Loren Cohrs, Billy Pilant, Glen Peters.  2nd Row- Rose Marie Hagedorn, Daniel McNew, Robert McNew, Lorraine Peters, Doris Fleischmann, Duane Gottsch, Back Row- Roy Wulf, Kenneth Espersen, Dorothy McNew, Ester Pilant, Marlin Cohrs, Leo Gottsch, Ester Fleischmann, Teacher- Miss Wilma Liesche.

1938  Bennington District 59


Bennington Dist. #59.  Standing (l-r) Gene Nelson, Pete Christianson, Don Rasmussen, LaVonne Nelson, Marilyn Mangold, Loise Archer, Lowell Neumeyer, Gene Bunz, Billy Glandt.  Front Row- Phillip Sievers, Fred Fredrichson, Gerald Archer, Jerry Roe, Don Kruse, Lee Bunz and Mick Nelson.

1939-40  Badgerettes



Back Row (l-r) Roma Kroeger, Margaret Stoltenberg, Jeanette Gordon, Bernice Klabunde, Frances Pilant, Donna Mae Petersen, Betty Christersen, Iris Sass, Norma Jean Bohl, Margaret Buverkrubbe, Alberta Appleby, Ilse Fleischmann, Lorene Logemann.  Middle Row- Vernell Penke, Isabel Townsend, Glenda Meeves, Doris Townsend, Pauline Glandt, Audrey Glant, Myra Lee.  Front Row-Cheerleaders Elfrieda Petersen, Evelyn Wiese, Betty Jirovsky, Bernette Haden, Vernelle Ohrt, Geraldine Neumeyer, Ruth Glandt, Viola Petersen, Latern Nelson, Sylvia Paulsen, Lois Neumeyer.

1939-40  District 59, Faculty


(l-r): Ruby Bohl, Elizabeth Maynard, Wilma Witte, Ethel Bertelsen, Eina Jensen, Edna Mohr, Lynn Dankle 

1939-40  District 59, Senior Class

Front row- Haryy Nordhorst, Norma Misfeldt, Harry Sorensen, Junior Appleby, Clark Sorensen.  2nd row- Betty Jirovsky, Elfrieda Peters, Evelyn Wiese, Iris Sass, Margaret Suberkrubbe, Vernelle Ohrt, Frances Pilant. Back row-Geraldine Neumeyer, Ruth Glant, Sponsor--Mr. Dankle

1939-40  District 59, Senior Class

Front row-Wayne Fackler, Nic Friedrichsen, Orvill Petersen, Calvin Penke, Roland Gottsch, Clarence Dahl, Narion Logemann.  2nd row- Letter Men: Clark Sorensen, Hrry Sorensen, Russel Kroeger, Chris Fedde, Harry Mordhorst, LeRoy Hansen, Coach Dankle, Raymond McNew.

1941  "School Pictures"

(l-r): Joan Roe, Jerry Roe,  Kenny Fredrichson, teacher-Dorothy Logemann

1945,  Bennington High School Pep Club 1944-1945

Back Row: Shirley Backhuus, Ruth Timm, Lenora Sass, Margaret Stoltenberg, Anita Schakat, Verda Andersen, Doris Fleischmann.  Front Row: Evelyn Weseman, Dolly Powles, Carol Sckwaninger, Doris Townsend, Wanda Lou Timblin, Myrtle Suverkrubbe, Cheerleaders: Donna Lee Glandt, Beverly Penke, La Vonne Kroeger.

1948, Opening Day of New Bennington Library

Left to right:  Mrs. Gerald Cline, Miss Shirley Backhuus, Mrs. Robert Dornacker, Mrs. Warren Suverkrubbe, Mrs. Marvin Kierks, Mrs. Orville Kahler, Mrs. Frank Timblin, Mrs. Ellis Rhodes, Mrs. Kenneth Steinert.  Mrs L. A. Mangold is fixing up the library card for Dickie and Jr. Hawkins. 

1950,  St. John's Church Bake Sale

Left to right:  Dr. W.W. Hickey, Mrs. Emma Nelson, Mrs Irene Kruse and Mrs. Marie Mueller

1952: June 15,  "Dr. Hickey Parade"

June 15, 1952, Dr. Hickey Parade.  Cub Scout Float.  Phil Lund, Steve Mangold, Alvin Westphal, Sam Sorson, Ed Westphal, Clancy Laaker, Jim Ives, Bob Witte, Ed Gray.

1952: Bennington High School Seniors and Juniors in front to Peetz's Place.

(l-r) Wayne Sass, Rolland Harder, Charlie Gottsch, LeMara Misfeldt, Ivan Nelsen, Burton Schwaunger, Maxine Laaker, Ida Kruse, Marybeth Knudsen in front of Peetz Place

1979: Bennington's Lion's Club

(l-r) front: Douglas Schroeder, Rick Anderson (president) Les Nelson, Back: Dick Knoch, Chuck Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Russell Johns, Ken Sukraw, Lowell Neumeyer.  Taken at Oft's Hall.

Gifts and Donations

The following members and friends of the Bennington Historical Society have the following donations.  Thank you for your interest and support!


HISTORICAL ARTICLES, IMAGES  AND GIFTS

Lois Peterson--Bennington School photographs
Melvin Tiedje--Images of Bennington (1950's)
Julie Dunn--Bennington Centenial plates and mugs
Tracy Sothman--Summer Hill Farm photographs
Oft's B&B--Historical walking tour guide and family images
Sharon Rodgers--Images of family store
Bob Musel--Business token
Jerry Roe--Image of bank and interview
Jerry Miles--Interview
Doris Hoier--Family images
Addie Backhuus--Family images
Kay Miles--Images of St. John's Lutheran Church
Lee Bunz--Image of Bunz Implement
Doris Hoier--Family farm images and interview
Dee (Finke) Micheel--Benn. Food Mart pictures & items
Greg Pooley--Articles and images of the Hickey family
Lorene Andersen--Images and interview
LaVern Mueller--Images and interview
CoeLeta & Darrel Logemann--Images
LeMara Eicke--Images and interview
Ed Wesphall--Images
Brian Penke--Family history
Chris Curzon--Legal services
Lois Musel--Images and articles


MONITARY GIFTS

Mohr Family--Memorial donation for Glenn Mohr
Bev VanArsdel--Cash donation
Logemann Family--Memorial donation for Dorothy Logemann
Julie Dunn--Post Office Box rental
Janiece Coe--Cash donation

Bennington's Founding Families

Founding Families

The Bennington Historical Society is honoring the families who founded the Bennington community through the presentation of their names on our 2011 tree entry into Festival of Trees sponsered by the Bennington Woman's Club.  The tree will be on display with others at St. John's Lutheran Church from November 17th through the 19th.  Proceeds go to the Library Fund. 

We were able to find nearly 150 family names in local and church records that predated 1900 (History of Bennington, Nebraska--1887--1967,  Bennington Woman's Club, 1967; Bennington, Nebraska 1892--1992, Bennington Centennial Book Committee, 1992; St. John's Lutheran Church and Zion Luteran Church records).  While the list is undoubtedly incomplete, it does identify many of those who were instrumental in developing our community and its institutions.  We pay tribute to you.  For those families we missed; we offer our humble apology. 




Eggert Oft Family (ca 1895)

 

FAMILIES FOUND IN LOCAL RECORDS PREDATING 1900

A:  Anderson, Andressen, Arp, Auch

B:  Backhuss, Barr, Barthelamann, Baumann, Bergmann, Biel, Bohl, Boyer, Braesch, Bramley, Bruggmann, Brunchmann, Bunz, Braack,

C:  Christensen, Christiansen, Cizek, Cohrs, Corliss, Crink, Cramer, Carlson

D:  Dahl, Deerson, Deidrichsen, Desler, Dierks, Dohse, Dornacker

E:  Ehlers, Ebner

F:  Fedde, Fick, Frederickson

G:  Glandt, Gloe, Gottsch, Gradert, Grau, Grothusen, Godeker, Ganer,  

H:  Hagedorn, Hansen, Hanson, Harder, Harmsen, Heide, Heitmann, Henning, Hickey, Holdort, Holling, Holst, Hesemeier,

I:

J:  Jipp, Joens, Johannsen

K:  Kaehler, Kahler, Kahnk, Kammeyer, Kay, Keiser, Kirschner, Kniep, Kobs, Kramer, Kroeger, Kruse, Kunnermann, Knaus, Kordas, Kloninger, Klinker,

L:  Labs, Lambrecht, Lamp, Lebbert, Logemann, Luschen, Lyman, Ludi,

M:  Mangold, Matthiessen, Meeves, Messenger, Misfelt, Moeller, Mohr, Mordhorst, Mueller, Mumm, Moll,

N:  Neimann, Neuhaus, Neumeyer, Nitz

O:  Oft, Ohrt, Olerich, Oldigs,

P:  Paulen, Penke, Peters, Peterson, Pratt, Pruess, Puls, Pfaller, Prochnow,

Q:

R:  Rieken, Rix, Roe, Rohwer

S:  Schneekloth, Schleip, Schmidt, Schneider, Schroeder, Schwock, Scott, Siert, Somonson, Skinner, Stark, Steffer, Stiener, Stender, Stolterburg, Storm, Straton, Sunds, Surts, Suverkrubbe, Struthmann, Steyer, Storm,

T:  Tiedge, Timm, Timme, Topp, Tuttle, Thaden, Toensfeldt

U:

V:  Valnack, Voss, Vahlcamp,

W:  Wagner, Wallace, Walter, Wendt, Wesemann, Wilke, Wiltze, Witt, Witte, Wolly, Worth, Wrick, Westphall, Wrasse,

Other Bennington Businesses and Institutions 1890 to 1915



Photograph (ca. 1890) taken at the intersection of 156th Street and Bennington Road looking southwest where Schettler's is now located.  The oldest businesses were located along the south side of the road between Bennington Road and the Papio Creek.  This land was not in the original town site (1888).  Herman Timme built the first store in 1887 which also housed Bennington's first Post Office.  To the south of him was Cook's Blacksmith Shop and next to the creek was Schneider's Saloon.  This area was developed by Clause Oft and was the first annexation to Bennington. 



Photograph (ca. 1889?) is believed to be of railroad workers laying track in the Bennington area.  Photograph was marked 'Jack Wagner" and is believed to have belonged to Jack who was a long-time resident of Bennington. 









Photograph (ca. 1900?) taken near the intersection of Bennington Rd. and Stark Street looking west at St. John's Lutheran Church  parsonage (church in background).  The church was built in 1898.




Photograph of Public School District 59, Built in 1892 and destroyed by a 1910 storm.  The school was located on the most prominent hill in town, located on North 2nd Street between Molly and Stark Streets.

Photograph (ca.?) of Oft's Grist Mill located on the west side of 156th Street south of the Papio Creek.  Photograph is looking east toward the 'old' 156th Street Bridge.

Photograph (ca. post 1910) looking northeast toward Bennington showing Clause Oft's Grist Mill and spring flooding on the Papio Creek.  This was taken prior to the creek being dredged.  Bennington Public School is seen on the hill in the background. Ice from this pond was harvested during the winter and stored in icehouses throughout town for later use in the summer.    

 


Photograph of the 1903 flood taken from the elevator looking west at 156th Street.  Oft's Grist Mill is seen in the upper left corner and on the right side of the railroad tracks you see Schneider's Saloon and Cook's Blacksmith Shop. The white house behind those businesses was built in 1893 and still survives   



Society Projects and Activities

Special Projects and Activities

What was it like Growing Up in this Area?    Long-time residents are being interviewed and asked what it was like growing up in this area.  Contributors describe their parents, grand parents, their careers, homes, home life, goals, schooling and much more.  Interviews take roughly an hour depending upon the 'flow' of conversation and stories.  Interviews are typed and reviewed by contributors who are also encouraged to add old photographs to the document. Participants this far include: Jerry Roe, Addie Backhuus, Lee Bunz, Doris Hoier, LaVerne Mueller and Jerry Miles.   For those interested in participating, please contact:  Gordon Mueller 402-614-7509,  bennington.muellers@gmail.com.  

Festival of Trees 

Diane Warrick, Linda Mueller and Joanne Warrick by the Founding Family Tree

                 
The Society participate in the Woman's Club Festival of Trees celebration that was held the weekend before Thanksgiving at St. John's Lutheran Church.  Thirty four Christmas Trees were displayed by local clubs, organizations and businesses. The theme of the Society's tree was: "Founding Families" which honored those families located in the Bennington area prior to 1900.  More than 140 were found through old records (see feature in this blog).  Proceedings went to the Library's Building Fund.   Delicious soups, and desserts, a bake sale, and raffle were also part of the festivities.  The project was led and designed by Diane Warrick with the help of Joanne Warrick and Linda Mueller (402-393-2382, dcw1224@cox.net).

2013 Bennington Calendar  The Society is developing a Historical Calendar for 2013 which features old photograph of Bennington taken more than a century ago.  The calendar will also contain information on local historical events.  Proceeds from sales will help pay for other club activities.  Those interested in contributing help, old photos or other materials, please contact Lois Musel,  402-238-2485,  rlmusel@cox.net.


Historical Walking Tour of Bennington's Business District   A 12 page guide is available from the Society that describes and features old photos of Bennington businesses than were here a century ago.  Learn which buildings are the oldest, which are original, those that have been replaced and what businesses they held.  Copies are available for a $5 donation, please contact Gordon Mueller, 402-614-7509, bennington.muellers@gmail.com 


A Power Point Presentation, "A Walk in History; Downtown Bennington Pre-1912" has been created by the Society.  Its a 30-40 minute show of old photographs of Bennington's business district and business owners prior to 1912.  If you have a group or organization that would like to see it, contact Gordon Mueller 402-614-7509. bennington.muellers@gmail.com 

Down Town Businesses 1890 to 1915


Bennington has an interesting history.  The town was developed by the Railroad as tracks were laid from Omaha to Fremont.  Land was set aside for 4 towns; Irvington, Bennington, Washington and Arlington.  The Pioneer Town Site Company surveyed the site, laying out our streets and business and residential lots.  In 1888, those lot were put up for sale.   

The railroad arrived in 1889 and the town rapidly grew; by 1892 it incorporated.   The town was self sufficient for many years having nearly everything that was needed right here in town.  The town boasted several grocery stores, a dry good store, hardware store, a furniture store, a cement block factory, a cigar and wooden shoe factory, a stock yard and several butcher shops.  One time the town had 4 hotels and 4 saloons.  

Those days are gone forever and so are most of those businesses, buildings, memories and stories.  Old photographs are often lost when people move, pass away or when old photographs are no longer recognized by younger generations.  Clues to our history are found in old photographs, family stories and through old records and newspaper clippings.  It's our goal to save and share those with our community.  We hope you enjoy these glimpses of the past.   If you have any old photographs or other local artifacts please let us know.   Consider joining or making a contribution to the Society; history is fun!  Contact us at bennhistsoc@gmail.com.   Thank you.   


Photograph (ca. 1905) taken from the intersection of Warehouse and South 2nd Street (Main Street) looking east. Businesses left to right are Spethman's Hotel, Paulsen's Blacksmith Shop, Hansen's Meat Market.  Right to left: Mangold's Store, Peterson's Meat Store, Oft's Harness Shop, and Oft's Hotel.

  



Photograph (ca. 1905) taken from the intersection of South 2nd (Main Street) and Stark Street looking South.  Businesses left to right: Fredrickson Store, Oft's Livery.  Right to left: Oft's Hotel, Oft's ice house, Seymour Blacksmith Shop, Mangold Brother's Lumber Yard. 

  

Photograph taken from the intersection of South 2nd Street (Main Street) and Stark Street looking West. 
(prior to the construction of the Mangold and Peterson Stores; 1889)



Photograph (ca. between 1898 and 1911) taken at the intersection of Warehouse and South 2nd Street (Main Street) looking south east.   The prominent business on the corner is Mangold's (1st) Store, Peterson's Meat Shop to its left and Oft's Harness Shop to it's left.  Mangold Brother's Lumber Yard is seen on the right.

Photograph (ca. 1911-1913) of the north side of Main Street.  Businesses (l-r) Mangold's Store, Hansen's Meat Shop, Kruse Hotel and Saloon and Witt Hardward Store. 

Photograph taken in 1907 looking northwest from just north of the intersection of Warehouse and Stark Street.  Buildings (l-r) Seymour Blacksmith Shop, Oft's Icehouse and Oft's Hotel.  These buildings burned in 1913.  This is now a parking lot behind the 'Warehouse'.  

Photograph (between 1911 & 1913)  of the Bennington State Bank Building located on the South side of South 2nd Street (Main Street) The building to its left is Oft's Hotel.  Mangold Brother's Lumber Yards can be seen in the background. 

Photograph taken after the 1913 fire that allegedly started in the Oft Hotel.  The photograph is looking north at the smoldering ruin of the Kruse Hotel where the Sportman's Bar now sets.  The building to the left is Hansen's Meat Shop which became Petersen's Meat Shop shortly after the building was repaired. 



Photograph (ca. 1914) of the Ball Room of Oft's Hall located on the south side of South 2nd Street (Main Street). 

Photograph (ca. 1914) of the final construction of Oft's Hall on Main Street.  Eggert Oft built the Hall and Grocery Store to the left over the ruins of his hotel which burned in 1913.  Following the 1911 and 1913 fires, building were constructed of brick and block.  Bennington had its own cement block factory at that time. 


 

Photograph (pre-1909) looking northwest at the intersection of Molley, South 2nd and Warehouse Streets.  Its believed the photograph was taken from the roof of the Mangold Brother's Lumber Yard.  In the lower right hand corner is Mangold's (1st) Store and slightly above is Spethman's Hotel.



A baseball game being played in Bennington Park prior to 1911.  Photograph was taken near the Papio bridge looking northeast toward downtown; Mangold's Lumber Yard, Mangold's Store, the Spethman's Hotel and Hansen's Meat Market can be seen in the background.   



Photograph (pre-1911) taken from the elevator looking north at the Business District. Mangold's Brother's Lumber Yard (roofs) is seen at the bottom of the photogragh.  Across Warehouse Street (l-r) is Mangold's Store, the back of Peterson's Meat Shop, Oft's Harness Shop and Oft's Hotel.  On the north side of the Street is
(l-r): Paulson's Blacksmith Shop and Hansen Meat Shop.  Bennington Public School can be seen in the extreme background on top of the hill.    



Photograph (post 1911) of Mangold's (2nd) Store.  A fire in 1911 destroyed Mangold's original store located on the south side of South 2nd Street, the following year he rebuilt on the north side of the street where Paulson's Blacksmith Shop stood. 

Photograph looking east at Bennington's elevator.  The first elevator was built in 1889 by Peter Deidrichsen.  It was steam powered and burned and was rebuilt by Peter Mangold.   

Photograph (pre-1914) of South 2nd Street (Main Street) looking west.  Businesses (l-r): Bennington Herald Printing Office, Modern Utilities.  (r-l): Modern Woodmen of America, Mangold & Glandt Bank, Post Office, Witte Hardware Store. 

Photograph looking north across the railroad tracts at workmen unloading lumber for the Mangold Brother's Lumber Yard in background. 



Photograph (post-1913) of Peterson's Meat Shop located on the north side of Main Street.  The business was originally owned by Hansen who sold out to Peterson following the 1913 fire. 



Photograph of W. Ehler's Saloon built on the south side of Main Street in 1886.  The building also housed Joe Boyer's barber shop.

 



Post Card photograph of the Mangold & Glandt Bank that was built in 1914 on the northeast corner of South 2nd and Stark Streets.  A wooden building stood at this location that housed the Post Office prior to the construction of this brick building.  The M&G Bank went under in the depression (1928) and was bought by Harold Roe who started the Bank of Bennington in 1928.  The Bank continues business today at its new location.

Photograph (ca 1910) taken near the intersection of Stark Street and Warehouse on the North West corner.  B.L. Seymour operated his blacksmith business from a building owned by Eggert Oft.  It is believed this building burned in the 1913 downtown fire.