Book Description

Founded in 1866 by German immigrants, Norfolk, Nebraska grew up along the banks of the North Fork of the Elkhorn River. The original 250 settlers founded Madison County's first church and school, and from these humble beginnings grew a town that today is the jewel in the crown of northeast Nebraska and the state's third largest retail area. Showcasing over 200 images, Sheryl Schmeckpeper traces the history of this community from its roots as a Native American campground, to a sleepy farming community, and finally to a bustling city. Although there are many anonymous people pictured here who contributed to the Norfolk of today, readers will recognize the more familiar faces of Herman Gereke, Dr. "Diamond Dick" Tanner, and Johnny Carson. Vividly captured are the landmarks that are gone forever, such as the Granada Theater, the Sugar City Cereal Mill, and the old high school that burned down in 1907. Also included are never before published photographs of the flood of 1944, the blizzard of 1948, and the Chicago Lumber Company fire.