Acreage For Sale South Of Dorchester

Given the ongoing housing shortage in Dorchester, the Times staff wants to keep our readers aware of opportunities to purchase a home in the Dorchester area and school district.

Recently, we spotted a nice acreage for sale south of Dorchester at 1340 County Road F. 

Here's a good opportunity for a young family looking to escape the city or make an upgrade to their housing.

This beauty has lots of land (8.28 acres), with an asking price of $385,000.

According to the owner, there is an additional 13 adjoining acres available to purchase for $7,000 per acre. 

The listing on Zillow.com says this: "Remodeled four-square farmhouse. New windows and roof in 2017. Separate HVAC for second floor; also new in 2017."

The listing also states: "Large yard with underground sprinklers. 40' x 60' Astro building with poured floor and 30' x 40' quonset with poured floor heat and a/c."

For more details, click here.

Don't miss out on this one.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Volleyball Closes Regular Season, Prepares For Subdistricts

(Photo: Sharon Axline)

DHS Volleyball Concludes Regular Season: Dorchester High School hit a rough patch at the end of the volleyball team's regular season, dropping eight of their final 10 contests. Going one for three in the CRC tournament in York, DHS finished the regular season with 14 wins and 12 losses. Now the Lady Longhorns must focus on staying alive in the post-season, as subdistrict play will take place beginning Monday, Oct. 24 and Tuesday, Oct. 25. DHS is in Subdistrict D1-1, along with Johnson-Brock, Meridian, Pawnee City, and Sterling.

DHS Football Readies For Final Game of 2022: The DHS football team, now 2-5, is preparing for its final contest of the season. After crushing Lewiston 72-41 on Oct. 7, the Longhorns fell to Lincoln's Parkview Christian by a 0-64 tally last Friday. DHS travels to Pawnee City (5-2) this Friday, Oct. 21.

Longhorn Named a 'Believer and Achiever': DHS senior Mariano Perez Armendariz was recently named a 2022-23 "Believer and Achiever" by Currency and the Nebraska School Activities Association. The statewide program recognizes Nebraska's future leaders. Of the 48 finalists throughout Nebraska, eight will receive $500 scholarships from Currency to further their education.

Times Endorses Kirk Penner for State Board of Education: The Dorchester Times has endorsed Kirk Penner for State Board of Education, District 5. Penner is the only conservative on the board at this time -- and the only candidate in this race who is not a pawn of the national or state teachers' union. Penner wants more emphasis on career and technical education so Nebraska can fill its in-demand jobs. Good call, we say! Do taxpayers really need to bail out more indebted drama majors who say they can't find a suitable job? Penner gets our vote.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Early Churches

Today we look back at some of the early churches of the Dorchester area community.

According to the 1981 Dorchester Centennial history book, religion played a vital role in the lives of the people who settled Nebraska, just as it does today.

In the early 1870s, a small group of German immigrants who settled northeast of Dorchester formed the first organized church, an Evangelical congregation. Soon after, other rural churches appeared in the Dorchester area countryside, including churches of Methodist, Christian and Congregational denominations.

In the fall of 1872, Rev. W.D. Gage moved to Dorchester from Nebraska City. He conducted services in the old frame school house, which was the only public building in town. Meanwhile, in the West Blue Area northeast of town, a growing Evangelical congregation attended services in a log home until 1875, when a small church was erected for $450.

The first church building located in Dorchester limits was built in 1879 with the construction of the Congregational Church. It stood one block north and one block west of the present-day post office.

In 1880, the Methodist Church building came to Dorchester after town residents went to Pleasant Hill and tore down the structure and hauled it back by wagon.  

The Dorchester Methodist minister at that time, Rev. John Armstrong, was "a spirited man" according to accounts and did not mind controversy. In fact, he was also an attorney whose clients included two saloon keepers in Dorchester, considered by some to be a "city of rum."

As Dorchester's population increased in the 1880s, more rural churches appeared in the area, including two churches southwest of town (both United Brethren) and one northwest of town (Evangelical).

Another local denomination was the "Dunkards," who apparently had no permanent house of worship. According to The Dorchester Star, the Dunkards baptized converts in Turkey Creek.

By 1884, an area Baptist group had formed and they went on to build the First Baptist Church of Dorchester (pictured).

By the turn of the 20th century, local churches had becoming stronger and more organized due to more population stability and financial prosperity. In 1904, a new Methodist Church was built (pictured at top right). The building would serve the needs of the community until the turn of the next century, when the current Dorchester Methodist Church was built in the 1990s.

Also in 1904, a new parsonage was erected for the West Blue Church northeast of town (pictured). In 1908, the Christian congregation also built a new church in town (pictured). It included a tank behind the alter, since the members of the Christian Church practiced total immersion for baptism. Previously, baptism had been held at Turkey Creek or the Blue River.

By the late 1910s and early 1920s, the rural churches found it difficult to keep their doors open, as people were no longer restricted to their own small rural neighborhoods, thanks to automobiles and better roads.

Times readers have reminded us that there was a United Missionary Church in the northeast section of town (in the brick building that has served as an apartment for decades now). Raymond Butterfield was the pastor and lived in the parsonage next door. After Butterfield moved to Lincoln, Ralph Strom was pastor. 

Looking back more than a century ago, examining Dorchester's earliest years, it becomes clear that while many of the area's first settlers had few possessions, they carried a devout faith. Such spirituality not only provided comfort and hope in uncertain times, it served as a unifying force that solidified the bond between neighbors -- in town and country.

Two Great Homes For Sale In Dorchester

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- even as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus of funding at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS AND PRIME LOCATION: Headquarters for one of the nation's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative) and situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend, and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 12 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a small, close-knit community.

Two great homes in Dorchester home are currently available.

404 W. 11th St.: Fantastic home with an even more stunning 30' x 45' outbuilding on an half acre! This lovely property boasts a completely updated interior and exterior, within the last five years. Upstairs beds are cozy, potential to add closets or use one as a huge walk-in! Newer windows, siding, roof, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical, trim work, all of kitchen and bath, the list goes on! Tremendous two-stall garage (w/ wood stove, heating whole house, tons of wood available for the winter ahead), + great storage in bsmt too. Outbldg has an amazing wood shop, new built-in storage, thoughtfully designed. Separately cooled/ heated theater/ workout room w/ endless possibilities. Huge backyard just fully fenced (privacy!) with 10' gate access. Imagine entertaining on your 20x20 patio, w/ the most terrific space (incl. custom-built playset!) for countless friends/ fam/ neighbors to enjoy! Gorgeous sunrise views at the edge of town, from your front porch! It's your own little slice of hometown paradise in Dorchester. See the listing.

809 S. Sumner Ave.: Wow. Take a Look at the open space, not only on the main floor, but on this huge property! This very well cared for and ready to move into Home, offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with main floor laundry, Open kitchen/dining/living room spaces. The full finished basement has a second kitchen, Huge family room space, third bedroom and a fourth non-conforming bedroom or office. This is all located on almost a half acre, with partially fenced yard, Covered patio and is close to the school. OH WAIT, THERE'S MORE... Not only does this have an attached garage, there is a 30'x40' detached garage for all the extra vehicles and toys! APPLIANCES ARE INCLUDED! See the listing.

Looking Back: Dorchester's First European Settlers

Let's look back on Dorchester's earliest recorded history and some of the area's first residents of European descent, as well as their interactions with Native Americans who roamed the region.

According to the Dorchester centennial history book, the first official survey of the Nebraska Territory was taken in 1857, shortly after the Kansas-Nebraska Act became law. The surveyor's notes for the Dorchester Precinct describe the area as having "generally level and gently rolling, good, second-rate soil." The West Fork of the Blue River was described as "clear with a very rapid current ... producing very fine cat fish and buffalo fish (carp)."

Two of the first families to settle in the Dorchester area were the Frink and West families.

In 1857 or 1858, Ephraim Frink and his wife Mary came from Pennsylvania and settled near Turkey Creek, just west of what is now Pleasant Hill. Soon after, the West family arrived in the area. Thomas West came from Iowa along with his family, and brought friends Orion Johnson and William Smith. Johnson built Saline County's first homestead just north of present-day Dorchester on the banks of Johnson Creek (pictured) and made some of the wooden burrs for the West Mills, the first grain mill between Nebraska City and the western states.

Soon after their arrival to Nebraska, Smith and West learned firsthand the dangers of living on the edge of the frontier. In the autumn of 1859, on a trip back to Dorchester from Nebraska City -- the nearest trading post -- Smith and West were confronted by a group of Pawnee Indians. Typically, the Pawnee posed little danger to white settlers. However, these particular Natives -- fearing that Smith and Johnson would report them for killing a heard of government-owned cattle -- tied up, tortured, and planned to shoot both West and Smith.

Using gestures and sign language, West convinced the Natives not to kill him and his partner. The Natives agreed to release them, but not before taking all their supplies and food they had purchased in Nebraska City. West and Smith were then blindfolded for the rest of the day, driven in their oxen-led wagon for a length of time, and deserted on the prairie. For 16 days, the men wandered trying to find their way home, resorting at one point to killing a badger and eating it raw for nourishment.

Mr. West's troubles with the Natives continue soon thereafter. In March 1860, the West family's log cabin was set on fire by the a band of Omaha Indians. Sioux Indians, meanwhile, killed many of the Frink family's cattle.

One of the most unfortunate confrontations between Natives and Dorchester-area settlers also occurred in 1860 -- when there were only around 30 residents in Saline County. A small party of Indians made a hostile raid on the Patton family, who had come from Kentucky and lived in the area southwest of present-day Dorchester. After a group of Natives stole Mr. Patton's cattle and "mistreated" his wife while he was away from home, Mr. Patton vowed he would kill an Indian in vengeance. He did, somewhere in Gage County. In response, the first governor of the Nebraska Territory, J. Sterling Morton, encouraged pioneers in and near Saline County to protect themselves by organizing a citizens' militia, armed with firearms issued by the Territory.

According to the Dorchester centennial book, the Natives and the settlers of Saline County learned "to become more friendly and even helpful" to each other. Mary West, Thomas' wife, was often seen feeding the Natives stew. The Natives "taught the settlers how to cure meat, tan hides and make moccasins."

Thomas West became known as "Good Thomas" by the Natives due to his gentle nature. When he died of typhoid fever in 1880, a small group of Natives formed a circle around his grave and performed something similar to the Pawnee's peace pipe ceremony that "recognized the spirits of nature" -- earth, sky, and the four winds. It is reported they then let out "howls" of mourning in tribute to one of the Dorchester area's first white settlers.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester's Famous Trunk Or Treat Is Oct. 16

Community Halloween Celebration Is Oct. 16: On Sunday, Oct. 16, Dorchester's EPAC and FBLA chapter will hold its annual trunk-or-treat event (handing out Halloween goodies from car trunks) and hayrack rides. The fun will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the school. (Call the school at 402.946.2781 if your business or organization would like to participate in this event.)

Former Dorchester Superintendent Alan Ehlers Passes at 53: Former Dorchester Public School superintendent Alan Ehlers recently passed away at age 53. Ehlers was DPS superintendent from 2004-2007. Before his passing, he was superintendent for Madison Public Schools. Our condolences to the Ehlers family.

DVFD Helps Battle Blaze Near Denton: Volunteer firefighters from Dorchester joined multiple crews to battle a large grass fire southwest of Lincoln near Denton last week. The massive prairie fire, near Southwest 114th Street and West Saltillo Road, was caused by a swather cutting hay in the field.

DHS Football Likes Its Chances This Friday: Dorchester's varsity football team (1-4) will play their final home contest this season on Friday, Oct. 7, hosting Lewiston (1-4). Insiders say the Longhorns have shown steady improvement in the past two weeks, and should be favored in Friday's match-up. On Oct. 14, DHS will travel to Lincoln to take on Parkview Christian (4-1). On Oct. 21, the Longhorns will visit Pawnee City (3-2).

Dorchester Telephone Building Sold, Demolished

 

* UPDATE 10/2: This weekend was the last for the old Dorchester Telephone Building as earth-moving equipment brought the neglected century-old building down in a matter of minutes. Well-informed sources tell the Times that a new building is planned for the lot -- one that could potentially house up to four businesses. More information will be published as it is made available.

The old Dorchester Telephone Building -- one of Dorchester's most unique pieces of architecture and a central part of the town's history -- has been sold after years of neglect.

Several sources have told the Times that a local businessman agreed to purchase the building for $20,000 before it was even listed, but we haven't yet confirmed purchase details.

The telephone building is one of those few old buildings, anywhere in Nebraska, that elicits the following question from almost every out-of-towner: What did that used to be?

The structure, which stands on the northeast corner of the intersection of 8th and Washington Ave., was once the hub of communication in our community. 

Most telephones first came to Dorchester in 1905, when 247 phones were installed in town and the surrounding countryside. In those early years, switchboard operators were housed on the top floors of the old Longanecker Building, which sat in the current location of Tyser Welding and Repair.

By the late 1910s and early 1920s, telephone traffic and switchboard equipment were both growing, so extra space was needed for Dorchester's phone operators. In the late 1920s, the Dorchester Telephone Building was erected by Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph. The building was used for switchboard operators until the early 1950s, when dialing phones were installed in the Dorchester area.

Alice Nichols and Anna Simpson were the telephone operators in those early years of the phone.

As telephone operators became unnecessary in town, the building was eventually sold.

At least four businesses -- that the Times staff recalls -- have occupied the building since it was vacated by Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph: Guggenmos Insurance Co. (1950s and 1960s); Dean Rhode Insurance (1960s); Snip 'N Curl beauty salon (1970s); and a short-lived dime store (1980s).

The Times has not heard of any immediate plans for the building, which has fallen into serious disrepair -- although over the years, several area residents expressed interest in renovating the building.

Developing...