Norfolk in Madison County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Verges Park
(Norfolk Brick and Tile Company)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 9, 2021
1. Verges Park Marker
This park developed on ground once known as the “clay pit.” John F. Flynn came to Norfolk in April 1880 to start a brick factory at this site. Flynn, Dr. Ferdinand Verges, August Pilger, and Herman Gerecke formed the Norfolk Brick and Tile Company, which operated from 1888 until 1907.
Dr. Verges came to Norfolk in 1880. For three generations the family practiced medicine in the community. Dr. Carl J. Verges, son of Ferdinand, bought the 4˝ acres in 1907 after the clay’s quality declined. He tore down the buildings and in 1916 converted the clay pit into a private park. Landscaping included a lagoon, a foot bridge, and a gazebo.
In 1933 a cave lined with concrete and decorated with comic strip figures was dug into the 90-foot west bank. It was used for meetings and parties. In 1959 Dr. and Mrs. C.J. Verges deeded the park to the city, which gave it to the Elkhorn Valley Historical Society in 1986.
Erected by Elkhorn Valley Historical Society of Norfolk; and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 356.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas
this page online
Location. 42° 2.262′ N, 97° 25.113′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Nebraska, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from Queen City Boulevard just south of Elm Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker and park are located on the south side of the Elkhorn Valley Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 Queen City Boulevard, Norfolk NE 68701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. Paul's Lutheran Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Meridian Highway: From Canada to Mexico (approx. 8.7 miles away); Battle Creek (approx. 9.6 miles away); The Skala Timber House (approx. 9.8 miles away); Old Willow Creek Bridge (approx. 12.4 miles away); Gilman Park (approx. 12˝ miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Norfolk Brick and Tile Company. Built in 1883, the Norfolk Brick and Tile Company produced 30,000 bricks a day! Many of the buildings on Norfolk Ave were built with bricks from the facility. The park known as “Verges Park” was landscaped and included a lagoon,
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 9, 2021
2. Verges Park • Established 1916
2. There’s A Haunted Cave In Nebraska And It’s Not For The Faint Of Heart. (This link presents some photographs of the cave interior.) The cave was dug into the land around 1933 and reinforced on the inside with concrete. The cave's purpose has been the subject of some pretty wild speculation over the years. Some people say that Dr. Verges conducted evil medical experiments in the cave's rooms. A more likely scenario is the the doctor built the cave as a unique, kind of adventurous place to hold parties and social meetings. (Submitted on September 16, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 9, 2021
3. Verges Park Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 9, 2021
4. Cave Entrance on West Side of Verges Park
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 461 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
