PLAINVIEW'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Plainview Historical Society
was organized in 1968. The initial museum was an old barn purchased by Lula Lingenfelter. 
It was relocated to the Band shell Park. Later the society purchased the old C&NW Depot, thanks to the generosity of Lula Lingenfelter and Mere Hill.

The barn and its contents were
relocated to the depot property.
The society held its first meeting
in the new museum in October
of 1977.

The society, to this day,
maintains the museum with a small but dedicated and enthusiastic membership.

The society maintains a policy of
actively seeking donations of
items which are at least 50
years old.

Membership is open to all
people interested in the history
of the Plainview area. Membership
is not restricted to persons living
in Plainview. dues are $10 per
year for individuals, $100 or
more for businesses and $500 or
more for benefactors. The society
meets each month from May
through October and the
meetings are generally held
at the museum.
 

THE MUSEUM

The depot was built in 1880 by
the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad as they built a
line from Norfolk to Niobrara. The
first agent was K. Tripple who
was appointed on Oct. 26, 1880.
In 1903 the rail line was sold to
the Chicago and Northwestern
Railroad who extended the line to Winner, S.D. In1913 the depot
was lengthened from 64 to 90
feet and a brick veneer
was added to the building.

Upstairs the museum contains a complete apartment where the
depot agent and his family lived. Shown are examples of furniture,
clothing, cooking utensils, and appliances.

The last depot agent was Warren Fusselman who moved out of the apartment in 1959. the depot
was closed in 1960.

The last train on the Chicago
Northwestern Railroad went from Winner S.D. to Norfolk Neb. on
June 19, 1978.

The museum has an exten-
sive collection of photographs. The museum also has many antiques, including a large-wheeled bicycle, stoves, dishes, quilts, telephones, 1917 Edison record player. There
are antique dishes, washing machines, and many other items.

FUTURE PROJECTS
 

There are several repair and remodeling projects which need
to be undertaken.

The museum is not heated and the society would like to insulate and heat the museum.

The shutters and trim on the depot and barn are in need of paint.

Electrical work needs to be done on the barn.

An additional building could also provide storage for items
not currently on display, such as farm machinery or tools used long ago. This space could also
be used for hands-on demonstrations.

The society would like to purchase several easels so that photographs and/or
pictures on different themes could be displayed and
rotated throughout
the year.