Events

Hear Nebraska Humanities Council Speaker, Darrel Draper portray J. Sterling Morton

J. Sterling Morton (1832-1902), author of "Arbor Day", came to the Nebraska Territory after he was expelled from Michigan University in 1854. Within five years he was clerk of the Territorial Supreme Court, influential newspaper editor, twice elected to serve in the Territorial Legislature and was appointed Secretary of the Territory. Later he would be elected as the first Governor of Nebraska, only to have his election revoked. From his home in Nebraska City (now Arbor State Park), he promoted Nebraska agriculture and was appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by President Grover Cleveland. This 45 minute costumed presentation gives the audience new insights as Morton tells humorous, and sometimes tragic, stories of his life, family and political career.

Originally proposed as a one-time event, support for Arbor Day, gained momentum. In 1874 it was held again on April 10 by proclamation of Nebraska's Governor, Robert W. Furnas. The next year, it became a legal holiday in the state. There was one small change made, however. The date was changed from April 10 to April 22 to coincide with the birthday of the man who had made it possible: J. Sterling Morton. Arbor Day itself was an idea that expanded throughout the United States and even around the world. Most states soon began recognizing Arbor Day. A number of Gage County country schools started picking up the tradition in 1882. Some activities we've grown up with include planting trees on school grounds, studying the benefits of trees, and coloring pictures of favorite trees.

The speaker is sponsored by Nebraska Humanities and is open to the public, free of charge.

Program will begin at 7:30pm                Advance tickets for the banquet are $12.50 each.

Call Gage County Historical Society 402-228-1679

Gage County Historical Society

and Blue Valley Antique Collector's Club's

Harvest Festival

October 17, 2004        11:00 - 4:00pm

Elijah Filley Stone Barn

 2 miles South of Filley, Nebraska

*Free Admission*

In the Fall people gathered to harvest, share stories, and exchange produce before Winter set upon them. We also, will gather together to share stories and experience the harvest, just as they did over a hundred and thirty years ago.

Events to Experience

* Marble Maker, Chris Witulski                                   * Harold Witulski's Log Cutting Machine

* Husk Corn by Hand                                                  * Hay Rack Rides

* Corn Shelling                                                 * Sorghum Molasses Making

* See Mechanical Corn Picker                          * Gift Shop and Homemade Crafts

* Harvest Market                                                         * Antique Farm Equipment                  

* See Dempster "Winner" Hay Stacker                         * Leon Hadley's Traveling Fiddlers                  

* Lunch by Filley American Lutheran Church    * Marble Making

* Pumpkin Carving                               * Learn from "Red Hawk" Early Explorer and sit with him in his tipi

The Elijah Filley Stone Barn will be 130 years old in 2004.  Learn more about the barn and the people who lived and worked Cottage Hill Farm. Find out who the Filley's were and when they came to homestead the first upland farm in Gage County. Learn about the Riensche family who owned the farm during the depression and others who lived there after like the Knoche family. Contact the Gage County Historical Society at 402-228-1679 for more information or if you have harvest related items to sell. See you there!!