Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Agricultural Park

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 11, 2017

1. Agricultural Park Marker

Inscription. Due to the generosity of Mrs. Albert Gehner, Mr. Theodore Friedhof, and many other benefactors, this site has become a focal point of agricultural activity in Platte County.

The donation of this land, formerly known as the Browner Farm, and a large sum of money enabled the dreams of several area residents to become reality on June 3, 1941. On that date, a non-profit organization was formed for the purpose of “encouraging improvement in all things pertaining to agriculture, industry, merchandising, domestic science and good citizenship in Platte County.”

Since that date, county fairs have been held annually under the supervision of a 15-member board of directors, elected from throughout the county. Numerous activities promoting livestock breeding and the work of 4-H and F.F.A. clubs are also held frequently. Thoroughbred horse racing meets are held each summer. Hundreds of college scholarships have been awarded deserving students of the county since the inception of this society, and many donations have been made to worth-while civic projects.
Platte County Agricultural Society, Nebraska State Historical Society

Erected by Platte County Agricultural Society & Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 139.)

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1941.

Location. 41° 25.891′ N, 97° 20.318′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Nebraska, in Platte County. Marker can be reached from 15th Street east of 10th Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of the Agricultural Park, near the main entrance and the west end of the main parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 822 15th Street, Columbus NE 68601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Glur's Tavern (approx. 0.9 miles away); Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus (approx. 1.1 miles away); Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame

Agricultural Park Marker (<i>wide view looking east; parking lot & arena in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 11, 2017

2. Agricultural Park Marker (wide view looking east; parking lot & arena in background)

(approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Also see . . . Ag Park History. The Society was formed on June 2, 1941 when about 50 Platte County farmers and businessmen met. Gifts of both land and money had been offered if such a society were organized. Much of the early efforts of contacting people in the county, securing gifts and obtaining necessary legal work, was done by M. M. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was the President of the Central National Bank. It was primarily through his efforts that the gift of $5,000 cash from Mr. Theo Friedhof and the gift of the 84 acre farm from Mrs. Albert H. Gehner was made. (Submitted on September 3, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Agricultural Park Entrance & Sign (<i>located on 15th Street, near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 11, 2017

3. Agricultural Park Entrance & Sign (located on 15th Street, near marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.