Butler County Nebraska Historical Society

09/07/2026

••• THIS WEEK IN BUTLER COUNTY HISTORY from Jim Reisdorff•••

From the Butler County Historical Society, David City, NE.

75 years ago (1951) - Reports have been received by the People’s Banner that rural residents are sighting a large cat that is described as being either a lion, panther or cougar. Although the creature has been spotted running through fields, there have been no reports of it harming livestock. A similar series of large cat sightings occurred in Butler County a few years ago, although no creature was captured then either. (The People’s Banner)

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09/04/2026

The September monthly membership meeting has been moved to the 3rd Thursday (Sept. 17) at 7 PM at Winfields in David City. All members, new or old, are welcome to attend.

08/31/2026

Here is a history flashback from Jim Reisdorff: From the Butler County Historical Society, David City, NE.

100 years ago (1926) - The Henry Ohlsen & Sons Company of David City have shipped 400,000 bricks from David City to Central City for use in constructing the new high school building there. Bricks have also been shipped to Cedar Rapids, Spalding and Wahoo for construction projects. The firm has been operating its brick manufacturing plant in David City the full season, employing 10 to 15 men. (The Butler County Press)

08/31/2026

There is much to see at the Depot Museum in David City. Free to visit, air conditioned, friendly volunteers, many military uniforms, Pawnee artifact display, knife display, women's clothes from different eras, and much more. Summer hours are 1 to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

08/29/2026

2 more weekends to visit the museum. This weekend and next weekend, including Labor Day Monday the 7th. Open 1-4 PM

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08/26/2026

As always, Labor Day weekend will be our last weekend with regular open hours. If you haven't found time to come see the museum and maybe pick up a relative's old mailbox sign, now is the time! We're open 1-4 on Saturdays and Sundays and also Labor Day. Signs are $5 each

08/23/2026

Recently, Gary Zeilinger built us this awesome period-correct cabinet for our storage area at the museum. Not only did he build it, but he and Steve Schmit crawled around in the attic running some new wiring for us. Great volunteers like Gary and Steve are every organization's dream. Oh, and did I forget to mention Gary recently surpassed the 80-year mark? Yeah, I'm jealous. Thank you is not enough, but all we can afford to give. So a HUGE thank you to Gary and Steve!

08/19/2026

Great interview about the Butler County Nebraska Historical Society Depot Museum. Thanks Pure Nebraska!

If you enjoy railroad history, you may want to pay a visit to the Butler County Museum, which is housed inside a former Burlington railroad depot.