Two Memorable Dorchester Properties Gone

Dorchester looks noticeably different this week after the removal of a pair of well-known local structures. 

Demolition crews have removed most of the former former Ford dealership and garage at the corner of 8th Street and Washington Avenue (Main Street). Currently owned by LJ Barley of Barley Specialties, the building had been used for storage since business operations ceased in the mid-1970s following the retirement of Henry Sehnert. 

The structure sustained major roof damage during last August's severe windstorm. According to credible reports emailed to the Times, Barley intends to build on the site.

Not all residents we have spoken with are optimistic. Some have raised concerns about what may replace the former Ford garage. Multiple residents noted that the last property Barley purchased and tore down — the lot just south of the city park — has since been used for storing scrap metal and inoperable vehicles, blighting the community. However, Barley's new building to the north of the current demolition project has added considerable value to Main Street by bringing two new businesses to town.

"This site is extremely important considering its prominence along Dorchester’s main business corridor," said one resident who emailed the Times. 

Meanwhile, another landmark disappeared as Dorchester’s historic "Sears home,"  located at 201 Washington Ave. for the past century, was lifted from its foundation and transported out of town on Thursday, Nov. 26. Built around 1925 as a Sears and Roebuck mail order kit, was transported out of town Thursday, Nov. 26. The house, which was a Times' Home Improvement Award winner in 2023, was a rare surviving example of its kind in the area. It has reportedly been moved near the West Blue Church northeast of Dorchester, where it is expected to be preserved.

With these two departures, Dorchester loses both a significant piece of its Main Street commercial past and a bit of its residential architectural heritage. In a town where familiar landmarks help anchor community identity, residents will be watching closely to see what fills the newly open spaces — and how village leaders and property owners choose to balance preservation, progress, and property stewardship in the months ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving From The Times

Several years ago, the Times received an e-mail that we felt compelled to share with all of our readers. Today, it is reprinted here with the permission of the author. 

From the staff of the Dorchester Times, a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

*****

Sweet home Dorchester! Oh sweet Nebraska! On this Thanksgiving we have so many things to be grateful for.

You never really know how amazing something or someplace or someone is until you no longer have it or them in your daily life.  I lived away from here for several years and during that time I reminded myself almost daily of the things and the people I missed.

On this Thanksgiving, I will once again take time to give thanks for those things that make life worth living. They are:

1.) The bountiful fall harvest.

2.) My small town and the feeling of community that we're all in this together.

3.) A peaceful main street I can walk with no fear of violence.

4.) Mom-and-pop businesses and no big box stores.

5.) Our Dorchester school and the wonderful students and teachers.

6.) Small town chatter, even the gossip.

7.) Farmers, hunters, people of commerce, and our community elders (the producers and providers).

8.) Not being honked at in your car or truck when you're at the one and only red light.

9.) The smells of home, including a wood burning stove or fireplace and the crisp Midwest air this time of year.

10.) Pumpkin pie, homemade jelly and all the great local baking.

This is a good start. Oh yes, I am also thankful for my great-grandparents who came to Dorchester to start their families. It is because of them that Dorchester is my home.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld

Mother, Wife and Farmer

Looking Back: Dorchester's Racing Pioneers

Several years ago, a loyal Times' reader emailed us with this: "A recent visitor at the Saline County Museum, seeking information on memories of childhood visits with his Dorchester relatives, asked about the famous Dorchester race car from the 1930s."

The car, as he remembered it, was built and raced by Henry "Heinie" Sehnert, Dorchester's longtime Ford dealer, garage owner, and mechanic. 

Te retired race car "hung from the rafters of Sehnert's Garage at 8th and Washington for many years." This particular Times reader, "History Buff," along with the visitor at the Saline County Museum wanted to know the rest of the story.

Where was the car raced? 

Was it a winner? 

Does anyone have a photo? 

What became of the car?  

Pictured in this story is Heinie Sehnert and his race car. Today, in 2022, the car is showcased in the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, sponsored by Speedway Motors. 

Sehnert's S7 Race Car was built in 1927 in Sehnert's South Side Garage -- which today is known as the yellow building on main street just north of the car wash. The S-7 had Ford Model T frame rails with a Frontenac overhead valve conversion on a Ford Model T engine, all re-engineered and built by Heinie.

Pictured above is Heinie at his South Side Garage, which operated from 1925 until late 1930, when Sehnert purchased the building at the corner of 8th and Washington Avenue to expand his Ford dealership. (The South Side Garage building would later house Floyd Beck's John Deere dealership, a roller skate rink, and Wanek's furniture warehouse.) Sehnert's dealership and garage were in operation until 1974, when Sehnert retired, according to the Dorchester Centennial history book.

The car itself was actually raced by a young man named Chris Petersen. Petersen would eventually go on to make a sizable fortune at his father's Petersen Manufacturing facility in Dewitt, where the Vise-Grip was produced and patented. Petersen drove the S7 car in a successful racing career at several area tracks. 

Both the engine and the body of the car are reunited at the museum of American Speed. This was a true barn find, according to the museum's social media accounts.  

The curators of the Speed Museum decided to not restore the S7, but to leave it in its natural state. 

For the record, the Saline County Museum visitor who inquired about the car was Wayne Panter of Lubbock, Texas. His Dorchester relatives were John Panter (Dorchester's first real estate agent in 1884-1885); Dr. S. G. Panter (Dorchester's medical doctor from 1909-1933); and Dr. R.G. Panter (Dorchester's pharmacist from 1888-1911).

Dorchester Foundation's Windsor Loin, Hamburger Feed, Nov. 15

It's a highlight of Dorchester's end-of-harvest season.

The Dorchester Community Foundation will host its Windsor loin and hamburger feed Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dorchester American Legion Hall and Community Building. 

The feed will take place from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Most will choose to dine in, but take-out will be available by calling (402) 641-7050 or (402) 641-0564.

Those who have been to the Foundation dinners know these are some of the best small-town foodie events anywhere in the Midwest. Best of all, the goodies are served in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Diners can choose a healthy-sized Windsor loin or an Angus burger/cheeseburger. Sides include scalloped potatoes, pork and beans, coleslaw, roll and drink.

This is a free-will offering, so give what you can. Proceeds will go to improvement projects in Dorchester.

Come out, get a great meal, meet up with friends, and support Dorchester.

Dorchester American Legion's Busy November

November is a busy month for Dorchester's American Legion Post 264. Here's a rundown of everything taking place. If we have forgotten something, let us know in the comments section of this article.

Veterans Day: This Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m., the Dorchester Legion and Dorchester Public School will host the community's Veterans Day program in the school gym. There will be breakfast and coffee available in the cafeteria. All veterans are welcome to stay for a free school lunch after the program. If you plan on staying for lunch, contact the school office (402-946-2781) so staff can ensure there is enough food. Then, beginning at 5 p.m., the Legion building will open. At 6 p.m., hamburgers and fries or chips will be served as part of a free-will donation dinner. Vets and active-duty service members eat for free. Those who wish to bring a side dish or dessert should know it would be appreciated, according to the Legion's social media account. 

Nov. 22 Fundraiser Breakfast: On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Legion will host a fundraiser breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and much more. Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary -- with bacon and sausage donated by Smithfield -- this is sure to be a popular event. Funds will go towards a $2,500 sound system for Legion events, such as the Memorial Day services at the cemeteries.

Fundraising Campaign for New Sound System: As noted in this social media post, the Dorchester Legion is raising money for a better sound system -- and "instead of borrowing Troy Novak’s all the time." The new sound system will be used during Memorial Day ceremonies, activities at the Legion building, flag ceremonies, and other activities. Donations can be dropped off at the Legion. Staff says: Any help is appreciated. If you would like to donate, email Greg or Lori at legion264ne@yahoo.com.