Springfield Memorial Library: Pages from the Past

Memorial Day Tribute by Springfield Legion Post No. 143

Members of the Springfield Legion Post No. 143 conducted a Memorial Day tribute for the community at the Springfield Cemetery on May 30th at 2:00 p.m. to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. The service featured:
- Master of Ceremonies: Donald Keyes
- Color Guard: Springfield Legion Post No. 143
- Invocation: Rev. Daniel Mickler
- Solo “America”: Norman Whitney
- Address: Rev. Daniel Mickler, Springfield First United Methodist pastor
- Solo “Battle Hymn of the Republic”: Norman Whitney
- Silent Tribute to Our Heroic Dead
- Benediction: Rev. Daniel Mickler
- Taps: Robert Vierregger
- Retirement of Colors: Springfield Legion Post No. 143

The service was sponsored by: Latham Elevator, Latham Lumber, Zimmerman Feed Yard, Kreifels Hatchery, Springfield State Bank, Springfield Transfer, Shepler Grocery Store, Glesmann Repair Service, Iske Implement Co., Springfield Bar and Cafe.

In 1982, Springfield First United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special service held on May 30th.

The ceremony was led by Rev. Elizabeth Beam, with Bishop Monk Bryan from the Nebraska Annual Conference in attendance. More than 225 guests gathered to mark the milestone, including Methodist bishops, former pastors, and visitors from across the region.

Church historian Trena Hagen presented a detailed and engaging history of the church, and a centennial sign was placed in front of the building to commemorate the occasion.

Special music was performed by Betty Jean Maystrick, accompanied by pianist Linda Moody.

Several long-standing members were honored during the celebration, including Viola Snider, the church’s oldest member at 100 years old, and Alta Treadway, who had been a member since 1916. Notably, 48 congregants had been members for 50 years or more.

The celebration reflected a deep legacy of faith, community, and lasting commitment.

Photo: Gathered in front of the centennial sign (left to right) were former pastor Rev. Lowell Gaither, Rev. Elizabeth Beams, former pastor Rev. Max McCamley, and centennial committee member Robert Shepler

New Tornado Shelter Added in 1978 at Beck Trailer Court

Just in time for the 1978 spring storm season, Beck Trailer Court, 105 Maple St., installed a new tornado shelter for its residents. The underground shelter was constructed by Clarence Zwiebel, who gathered ideas and pricing for shelters while vacationing in Arkansas. It was made from reinforced concrete sewer tubes, standing seven feet high and twelve feet long, and included air vents. One end of the shelter was secured with cinder blocks, while the entrance featured sturdy steel doors. Stairs were built to provide access to the shelter. To ensure residents are prepared for extended stays, emergency supplies were also stored within the structure.

Photograph: Clarence Zwiebel standing in the storm shelter.

Springfield Jaycees 1987 Fundraiser

In April 1987, the Springfield Jaycees community organization successfully fulfilled three orders for sand tires and nearly twelve tons of sand as part of a fundraising effort. Joe Olivo, the owner of City Wide Sand and Gravel, generously donated the sand for this project. Additionally, Steve Cockerill contributed by providing his truck for the delivery of the orders.

Taking break from delivering sand: (left to right) Steve Cockerill, Cheryl Ulvog, Bill Miller, Pam Prauner, Dan Smith, and Bob Green. Seated in front: Tim Prauner

The 1995 Platteview High School Golf Team

The 1995 Platteview High School Golf Team, led by Coach Bill Buza, featured seniors Alan Hans and Matt Wennestedt, as well as juniors John Wesley Crockett and Aaron Mesek. Unfortunately, the team faced a challenging district, resulting in no golfers qualifying for the state tournament. However, there were great expectations for the 1996 team, as it would welcome several younger players to enhance the roster.

Photo: (left to right) Back row: Peter Van Waart, Carl Scholting, Aaron Mesek, John Wesley Crockett. Front row: Joe Leyden, Troy Tracy.

In the autumn of 2005, the Springfield park board, along with dedicated volunteers, established a butterfly garden at the newly developed Springfield Creek Trails and Recreation Area on Platteview Road. The park board envisioned a proposed design divided into two phases. Phase one, which was completed by 2005, focused on the nature center. The subsequent phase included plans for a concrete trail and trailhead. Additionally, park board members suggested adding a playground to the area.

Park board members and volunteers: (left to right) Larry Goldman, Bruce Hoffman, Sheila Folkert, Chuck Johnson, Sandy Powell, Ella Goldman, and Terri Frank.

In celebration of Arbor Day in April 1987, city maintenance engineer Ron Henderson planted a Silver Maple tree on city property, assisted by Mayor Duane Neitzel. This tree-planting initiative was part of a program aimed at having the Arbor Day Foundation designate Springfield as a Tree City U.S.A.

(left to right) city maintenance, Ron Henderson and mayor, Duane Neitzel.

In 1964, OPPD conducted a study of the Springfield area, looking at community services, businesses, the local economy, government, natural resources, transportation, and more.

From the 1960 Census, Springfield had a population of 510 with 26 businesses and one bank. The community included two parks, a playground, three churches, one library, and five service clubs, along with one doctor and one dentist.

There were about 195 homes, with 12 new ones built in 1963. Schools included two public elementary schools and one combined junior/senior high. The post office had 213 boxes and one rural route.

Public safety included one full-time police officer and a 35-member volunteer fire department. The village also supported around 300 farms.

Local government consisted of a five-member board of trustees serving two-year terms, with a chairman elected yearly.

Springfield Library Plant Sale Fundraiser

In April 1997, the Springfield Library hosted a Plant Sale to generate funds for its operations. The garden plants for this event were supplied by Jim and Marcie Stern, the owners of Sunrise Nursery in Omaha. The sale was held at the Springfield Volunteer Fire Hall, located on the north side of City Hall and the Library. Attendees were able to choose from a wide a wide variety of flowers that were ready for planting. The library board of trustees determined how the funds raised would be used to benefit the Library.

The History of Firefighting in Springfield

Since the founding of the village of Springfield, fires were initially fought by dedicated volunteers. In 1905, the community came together to establish a volunteer fire department with C.W. Owen as president, E.J. Quinley as secretary, and C.F. Calhoun as fire chief. In those early days, fires were tackled using a bucket brigade until a hose cart pumper became available to be either hooked up to a horse or rolled to the fire scene. In 1936, a used GMC truck was refurbished and outfitted with a hose, ladder, and chemical tank by fire volunteers E. Donald Schmidt and Ted Mundell. The fire truck and firefighting equipment were stored in Kiger’s Garage, located at 205 So. 1st Street. Fire calls were handled there, and alarms were sounded from Kiger’s Garage.

Photo 1: Springfield Volunteer Fire Department’s first fire truck driven by John Kiger in 1936.

Photo 2: Kiger’s Garage, 205 So. 1 st Street