A decade ago this month, one of Dorchester's most historic -- and largest -- homes was for sale.
Today, we know the 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901 by Dorchester pioneer Colonel W.J. Thompson, as "The Well." The home, which sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Ave., was eventually purchased and extensively renovated by Joe and Julie Holly.
Today, we know the 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901 by Dorchester pioneer Colonel W.J. Thompson, as "The Well." The home, which sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Ave., was eventually purchased and extensively renovated by Joe and Julie Holly.
The structure is an intriguing piece of Nebraska's past. It was also the site of Dorchester's famous Elmwood Pony Farm. It's so famous, in fact, you can find historic items on eBay almost any given day.
Here's what we wrote in 2009:
According to sources, the home is being offered by Turkey Creek Realty and lists for what seems to be a very reasonable $125,000. A recent news story noted that restored historic homes have fetched more than $10 million in Lincoln.
In 2007, the Times named the structure one of our "favorite old homes" in Dorchester, calling it "a diamond in the rough" with the potential to "be a crown jewel for the entire region."
The realtor's description of the property reads: "This historic Victorian Mansion was the home of Colonel W.J. Thompson, who operated the Elmwood Pony Farm. He raised Shetland Ponies and each year herded them overland to the Nebraska State Fair and offered rides to fair-goers as well as competing in various competitions with his ponies. Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson Rodeo."
For our readers who may be unfamiliar, the Elmwood Pony Farm sat on present day 10th Street, between Lincoln and Fulton Avenues. Dating back to the 1890s, it was one of the largest pony farms west of the Mississippi River, according to the 1981 Dorchester Centennial history book. By the 1920s, the pony farm was home to more than 300 ponies.
Thompson's pony farm was a popular destination for children from miles around, according to accounts of longtime residents. Children who lived in the country were even permitted to take home a pony and ride it all summer, if they agreed to keep it fed well.
Each September, Colonel Thompson took as many as 35 Shetland ponies to the Nebraska State Fair for rides. He entered many more of the animals in the fair's show contests. All of the ponies were herded overland from Dorchester to Lincoln by Thompson farm employees.
In 1930, Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson rodeo. It was usually a three-day event held each fall, complete with fighting broncos, cowboys, clowns, trick riders, cowgirls, bull doggers, concessions, rides, dancing and "whoopee."
The Dorchester rodeo attracted many top riders from around the country, as well as local talent. At one time, more than 7,000 spectators were reported in attendance.
We are hopeful that the Colonel's home goes to a worthy owner who has the resources to make the residence a "crown jewel" of Dorchester, once again.
According to sources, the home is being offered by Turkey Creek Realty and lists for what seems to be a very reasonable $125,000. A recent news story noted that restored historic homes have fetched more than $10 million in Lincoln.In 2007, the Times named the structure one of our "favorite old homes" in Dorchester, calling it "a diamond in the rough" with the potential to "be a crown jewel for the entire region."
The realtor's description of the property reads: "This historic Victorian Mansion was the home of Colonel W.J. Thompson, who operated the Elmwood Pony Farm. He raised Shetland Ponies and each year herded them overland to the Nebraska State Fair and offered rides to fair-goers as well as competing in various competitions with his ponies. Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson Rodeo."For our readers who may be unfamiliar, the Elmwood Pony Farm sat on present day 10th Street, between Lincoln and Fulton Avenues. Dating back to the 1890s, it was one of the largest pony farms west of the Mississippi River, according to the 1981 Dorchester Centennial history book. By the 1920s, the pony farm was home to more than 300 ponies.
Thompson's pony farm was a popular destination for children from miles around, according to accounts of longtime residents. Children who lived in the country were even permitted to take home a pony and ride it all summer, if they agreed to keep it fed well.
Each September, Colonel Thompson took as many as 35 Shetland ponies to the Nebraska State Fair for rides. He entered many more of the animals in the fair's show contests. All of the ponies were herded overland from Dorchester to Lincoln by Thompson farm employees.
In 1930, Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson rodeo. It was usually a three-day event held each fall, complete with fighting broncos, cowboys, clowns, trick riders, cowgirls, bull doggers, concessions, rides, dancing and "whoopee."
The Dorchester rodeo attracted many top riders from around the country, as well as local talent. At one time, more than 7,000 spectators were reported in attendance.
We are hopeful that the Colonel's home goes to a worthy owner who has the resources to make the residence a "crown jewel" of Dorchester, once again.
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