During The post war years, Ogallala appeared unstoppable. According to one individual interviewed in The Keith County News he declared you cant bear Ogallala for business. During this turbulent time Ogallala was slowly edging the 5,000 mark for population. It had been talked about as Western Nebraskas fastest growing city. It was located along UPs main line and offered train service at the local depot. Highway 30 ran straight through the heart of the community. Goodall Manufacturing and later TRW were an industrial force to be reckoned with. Goodalls manufactured many products such as capacitors, fishing reels, soldering machines, radio crystals etc.. Goodall shared at a banquet recorded in The Keith County News, Its the people of Ogallala that have made it possible for us to succeed. Goodalls at its height had employed 500 community members. The farming and ranching industry had sought Ogallala as a hub for auctions and cattle shipping beginning from the early years. The Sand hills located north of Ogallala filled with ranchers that work to provide beef for the nation. During this time many farms had win national recognition for their conservation practices. Lake McConaughy finished by this time had grown into an industry of its own. It was teaming with fish and provided habitat for any hunters desire. Boating had begun as a common sport at the lake, and soon resorts were springing up around this lakeside. Ogallalas municipalities were of bragging rights. A new state of the art fire hall had been completed on East second street which housed Ogallalas fire department. A new 250,000 dollar courthouse had been built along the tree lined Spruce Street. State of the art offices filled this building as Ogallala was named county seat in 1873. The city had begun expanding sewer and water as subdivisions such as Candace Drive, Highland Drive, Robin Lane, and Student drive began filling quickly with homes. During these decades Ogallala began facing a housing shortage as people eagerly flocked to Ogallala. By 1961, Ogallala had peaked at 280,000 dollars in residential building. The business district had peaked at 300,000 dollars in 1961. Downtown was filled with the clothing stores that offered the latest fashions. Cafes such as Arrowhead, The DeLuxe, and the acclaimed Hokes café gave residents and tourist anything from a simple hamburger to South African Lobster Tails. Motels were quickly filling the continental Highway 30. Guests could choose motels that contained Hollywood style beds, dressing tables, rooms with carpeting, and steam powered showers. All state of the art for the time. The heart of the city downtown contained a 70,000 dollar movie theatre aptly named Prairie Theatre. When it was completed it contained sound equipment that rivaled the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Spruce Street was adorned with temples such as The Masons building, The Oddfellows and several churches. During this time The Methodist Church had recently completed its new facility showcased in Gothic style architecture. The school system had completed several new elementary school buildings totally about 135,000 dollars. Also during this jubilant time a new 500,000 dollar High School was built on the east side of town. The school employed 30 teachers and housed 770 students. The city was busy keeping pace with the community growth calling for forty two streets to be paved in 1962. The community had completed a several acre park by the 1970s. This park contained a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, a girl scout cabin, band shelter and a baseball field. The cemetery had recently been beautified by several community members and The Garden Club. Trees had been planted throughout, grass planted, a fence installed, a flower garden planted, and paving along the streets. The city had recently installed a new lighting system to light up the downtown. Trees lined the residential neighborhoods forming canopies to cool pedestrians. Many trees had been planted by pioneer families. Ogallala offered two private institutions with new state of the art facilities. St. Pauls Lutheran School and St. Lukes Catholic school proudly stood. An 18 hole golf course had recently been built south of city limits. Residents could choose from a variety of social organizations. A few including The Elks, The Masons, The Garden Club, Lions Club and The Jaycees. Ogallala had embraced their heritage claiming to be The a Cowboy Capital of Nebraska. Tourist Attractions were numerous. Boot Hill had recently been restored, Mansion on The Hill, Front Street, and The Sioux Trading Post flourished. Ogallala contained the famous Ogallala Roundup Rodeo which claimed its home at The Keith County Fairgrounds. Ogallala was also complete with an airport east of town started by businessman Rector Searle. At one point this airport was considered for daily flights. Building permits were expected to reach the millionth mark by 1962. Ogallala had even received The All American City Award. Ogallala was home. It contained the small town living with all the necessities at hand. Ogallala will always be home to many families and will extend a welcome to any who still call it home away from home. For several decades Ogallala saw a boom that was noticed by the state. Ogallala eagerly sits in anticipation for the next boom that will showcase what it can offer and has offered for many decades. God Bless Ogallala our home sweet home. (Keith County News) (Tourism Brochure 1950s)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 04:36:03 +0000
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