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Blair, Nebraska is a progressive community of approximately seven thousand residents. Centrally located on the eastern border of Nebraska in Washington County, Blair is just twenty minutes north of metropolitan Omaha.
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Blair is the county seat and the largest city in Washington County. Blair was established when the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad chose to cross the river from Missouri Valley. A 1,075-acre tract of land was purchased, platted, and sold at auction May 10, 1869. It was purchased entirely by John I. Blair, who named the town after himself.
The town quickly took shape. Buildings were moved from the town of DeSoto. The town had several churches, hardware, implement, dry goods store, a hotel, bank, and a newspaper. Before the end of the year, the town called for an election to relocate the county seat. It was moved from Fort Calhoun to Blair and a brick courthouse was built at 19th and Grant.
Construction of a railroad line across the Missouri River progressed. Prior to a bridge, train cars were loaded on barges, hauled across, and placed on tracks on the other side. The engines did not cross. A roundhouse to service the engines was located north of town. A bridge was completed in 1882.
To meet the demands of development, local brickyards turned out 1,500,000 bricks per year. In 1884, the predominantly Danish community raised $3,000 and appropriated several acres of land to establish a “folk school”.
For more information contact: Blair Area Chamber of Commerce: One Blair Place, 1526 Washington St, Blair, NE 68008. Call 402-533-4455 Fax: 402-533-4456.
www.blairchamber.org
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ARCHITECTURE & HISTORICAL
National Register of Historic Places
Blair has four properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places within walking distance of each other along historic brick streets. The following information is provided by the Blair Historic Preservation Alliance. Web site:< a href="http:// www.blairhistory.com" target="_blank">www.blairhistory.com
Washington County Courthouse: built in 1889, 16th Street between Colfax and South Streets
Blair became the Washington County seat in 1869. A 40x40-foot square brick building originally designed as a school, became the first courthouse. Twenty years later, amidst controversy over the need for a new courthouse, a $35,000 bond issue was passed for the new construction.
Work began in 1889 under the direction of architect O.H. Placey. Romanesque Revival-style design was selected. The builder was Richards and Company. They constructed the footings and foundations of limestone and the walls were laid up of St. Louis pressed brick with trim of Warrensburg Stone. There was considerable controversy during the construction. Some of the work was rejected and replaced and the architect resigned. Finally, in 1891 the work was completed.
Numerous facelifts and improvements have been made to the building since 1936 , including a $10,000 renovation by the WPA. The Treasurer's office, the courtroom and the 3rd floor all have been remodeled.
In 1995 a new addition and a complete renovation of the old building was dedicated.
Blair High School: built in1899, Sixteenth and Colfax Streets
The original High School in Blair dates back to 1869 when it occupied a hardware store at Grant and Walker Ave (now 16th & Grant). After additional buildings were erected in 1871 and 1872, a new high school was constructed in 1899. The building was designed by master architect John Latenser in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It was built for about $40,000. The H-plan building was constructed over a raised brick basement giving the building 3 stories of useful space.
A large assembly hall on the third floor required a roof span of 60 feet and a ceiling finished in pressed metal with an ornate cornice. The brick used was a very hard burned red brick with thin mortar joints and a red sandstone trim. The corner stone was laid September 22, 1899 and the brick walls were completed later in November.
In 1929, a new modern building was built just north of the 1899 high school requiring the removal of the old grade school in that location. The building is in the Colonial Revival style and includes a large auditorium with stage.
In recent years the building was retired as a school and refurbished for use as apartments, office space and social hall.
Abraham Castetter House: built in 1876, 1815 Grant St., Blair
Located on what was known as "Silk Stocking Row" during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Abraham Castetter house is a product of Eclecticism. The original house was built in the French Second Empire style prior to 1876, with later additions following various architectural styles that were popular during the 1880s and 1890s. Castetter arrived in Blair in 1869, the year Blair was founded, and served as a banker and realtor in the original sale of new properties in Blair. In 1898 he established "The Banking House of A. Castetter." In 1887 Castetter deeded land to the city forming the nucleus of the city park.
Over the years the Castetter house has seen many changes, a tradition which continues to this day. The six column front porch was an addition, the main entrance shifted from the East to the North side. At least two of the four bow windows are additions. It is believed that the larger bow on the west side was added in 1876. Inside are additional columns, a back stair way and an elevator. The House is heated by its original hot water system. Central air was added at the turn of the century. The two story Carriage house contains its original horse stalls, and was believed to have been a horse collar factory in its past.
Congregational Church of Blair: built in 1874, 16th and Colfax Streets
The Congregational Church of Blair is a good example of the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture. The board and batten structure was constructed in 1874 by George Sutherland, a local builder. The design was by Charles F. Driscoll, an Omaha architect. The church had been organized on February 19, 1870 and by November 22, 1874 the new building had been completed and dedicated. The sanctuary was 28 x 40 feet built with a high peaked ceiling supported by heavy wood arches. The original building was placed on a very low foundation, which did not include a basement. The south annex was added in 1884. Early pictures show the building and south annex on the original foundation served by dirt streets. Since Walker Avenue was paved with brick in 1921, this helps us to date additions to the building.
Another interesting bit of evidence shows up in the church minutes of September 1908 where an expenditure of $1241.25 is recorded for extensive improvements to the church including a complete basement.
In 1957, an addition of Sunday school rooms was added to the west side of the building, matching the original building. In 1999 another addition was completed including an elevator and a new restroom.
Additional "Drive-To" Historic Structures
Crowell House: built 1901, 2138 Washington Street
The Crowell House was built in 1901 by Christopher Columbus Crowell, Jr. and is transitional in style, exhibiting both Queen Anne and Neo-Classical Revival details. It is owned and maintained by Dana College as the official residence of the College President. The Crowell House should not be confused with the Crowell mansion, which was demolished in the 1970’s.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge: The Nebraska –Iowa Bridge Corporation built the bridge in 1929. The toll bridge became part of the Lincoln Highway, saving drivers twenty-eight miles and allowing them to avoid downtown Omaha traffic. The 1,340-foot bridge consists of three Pennsylvania truss spans totaling 1,000 feet in length.
ART
Artist: Dr. Milt Heinrich
Commemorative walls in the Cooperman Atrium & Durham Classroom Center at Dana College
Wall reliefs in the Vinton building, HunTel’s main office on Washington Street
Wall reliefs at the First Lutheran Church.
His work is also featured at Omaha’s Eppley Airport and at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
BOWLING
Blair Bowling Center: 715 Grant Street, 402-533-2695
GOLF COURSE
River Wilds: 14002 Hwy 75, 2 miles North of Blair on Hwy 75
The course features a new 18-hole layout and relaxing golf experience in a country setting. Public. 402-426-2941 www.riverwilds.com
HUNTING & FISHING
Little Creek Game Bird Farm: 21942 Hwy 91, 402-478-4450
PARKS
Black Elk - Neihardt Park: In Blair, from Hwy 75 & Wright St, drive west to dead end on hilltop, turn left
On the highest hill overlooking Blair, the 80-acre park derives its name from Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux Holy Man. John G. Neihardt, Nebraska’s Poet Laureate in Perpetuity, wrote about Black Elk’s life in Black Elk Speaks.
The Tower of the Four Winds is a 45-foot tall cross featuring a 50,000 piece mosaic showing a design of crossing roads; the good red road of spiritual understanding and the hard black road of difficulties through which all people must walk. At the center is a Messiah figure – neither white nor Indian – standing in front of the tree of life with outstretched arms in benediction over all people. Smaller mosaics representing the Four Corners of the Universe, are located throughout the park.
Architecturally unique, the 60 feet in diameter covered park shelter is supported by one center column containing a large fireplace. The shelter provides a spectacular view, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Hiking: The park has 1.6 miles of paved walking trails and a fitness trail.
Black Elk-Neihardt Park is one of three arboretums located in Blair.
Handicap Accessible. Admission: No charge . Hours: Daylight Hours. Phone: 402-426-4175.
Contact: Blair Chamber of Commerce. Tours and slide show available by prior arrangements.
The Blair Community Arboretum: According to local history, only one tree stood in the prairie settlement, which later became Blair. It stood near the first schoolhouse and a stagecoach stop in an area known as Rhodes Park. The tree was probably a box elder. City forester Ralph Steyer experimented with a diverse variety of trees in the arboretum to determine what was suitable for the eastern Nebraska area. Many universities have learned from Steyer’s work. Since 1982, Blair has been a National Arbor Day Foundation “Tree City USA”.
Arboretum Sites
Ralph Steyer Park: 16th and Butler: Many trees are labeled, picnic tables, shelters, grills, playground, Spanish style bathhouse and swimming pool
Black Elk-Neihardt Park: west end of College Drive: Many labeled trees, tall prairie grasses.
Rhoades Park Rose Garden: 19th & South Street: Roses, playground, picnic tables, grill
Arbor Park School: 1717 Adams
Dana College: 28th and College Drive
Swimming Pool: 1601 Butler, 402-426-2789
Lions Club Park: North 16th & Park, picnic shelters, tables, grill, horseshoe pits, playground.
Ridgeview Park: at the North end of 14th Street, playground, benches
Stemmerman Park: North 10th & Jackson, picnic shelters, tables, grills, playground, tennis courts
Bob Hardy RV Park:, 19th & Nebraska, 8 pads with electricity, dump station, showers, bathroom, picnic tables, playground
Optimist River Park: east end of Fairview Drive on the Missouri River, boat ramp, picnic shelters, tables
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge: Located six miles east of Highway 75 on Highway 30 (Iowa)
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. DeSoto offers visitors a spectacular up-close view of migrating wildlife from a glass-enclosed observation deck. Each spring and fall, the refuge is a stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory ducks and geese. During a typical year, more than a half-million snow geese are fed on the refuge grounds during their fall migration between the Arctic and Gulf Coast.
The expedition passed through the DeSoto Bend area Aug 4, 1804. Clark noted a large number of geese on a sandbar and beaver in the river. Beaver were coveted at the time. The men trapped a few and enjoyed beaver tail soup for dinner. “DeSoto really shows how the river changes. It meanders and creates all these oxbow lakes that Lewis and Clark would have seen,” said historian Hal Stearn.
The Steamboat Bertrand Museum features thousands of artifacts recovered from the Steamboat Bertrand, which sank on a snag of the Missouri River April 1,1865. The Bertrand was headed to the Montana Territory to supply gold rush miners and other frontier folk. Over 200,000 items provide a unique glimpse into frontier life at the end of the Civil War.
Wildlife viewing: Snow Geese - Fall, Eagles - Fall to Early Spring, Shore Birds - Spring and Fall, Peak waterfowl viewing Mid-Nov. You may see Snow geese, ducks, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, coyotes, opossums, fox squirrels, beavers, muskrats, and turkeys.
Activities: Nature trails, no-wake boating, picnicking, visitor center, steamboat exhibit, and fishing
Admission: Entry Fee Required
Hours: Refuge, Daylight Hours. Visitor Center, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
Address: 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, IA 51555 Phone: 712-642-4121
Website:http://midwest.fws.gov/desoto/ Email: DeSoto@fws.gov
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RADIO STATION
Blair KBWH-FM 106.3
LODGING
Junction Motel: 2829 S. Hwy 30, 402-426-4801, 800-793-9240, 11 rooms
Econo Lodge: 1355 Highway 30, 402-426-2340, 32 rooms
Landmark Inn: 1465 Front, 402-426-2650
Motel California: 2829 South Highway 30, 402-426-4801
Rath Inn: 1355 Hwy 30, 402-426-2340, 32 rooms, Continental breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, credit cards
Sonderup Starlite Motel: East Highway 30, 402-426-4874, 11 rooms, credit cards
Super 8 Motel: 558 S. 13th, 402-426-8888, 800-800-8000, 48 rooms, AAA, Continental breakfast, barrier-free rooms, credit cards
CAMPING
Bob Hardy RV Park: 19th & Nebraska, 402-426-4191, 8 pads, dump station, electrical hookups, water, play ground, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, barbeque grills. Open April 1 – October 31.
Camp Crossed Arrows: 12997 Co. Rd. P1, Nickerson, 402-427-4786
Camp Fontanelle: 9677 Co. Rd. 3, Nickerson, 402-478-4296
FUEL
Blair Amoco: 454 S 19th, 402-426-3303
Blair Mini Mart: 1094 South 19th, 402-533-2711
Blair One Stop: 1458 Washington, 402-426-8466
Casey’s General Store: 1059 Washington, 402-426-0155
Dale’s Sinclair: 503 S 13th, 402-426-2535
Petro Mart: 150 Eastgate, 402-426-9150
Phillips 66: 1715 Front, 402-426-3400
Taylor Quik-Pik: 1807 Washington, 402-426-9605
Taylor Quik-Pik: 1052 Washington, 402-426-2511
DINING
Billy’s Blair Maple Café: 1658 Washington, 402-426-7122
Blair Bowling Center: 715 Grant, 402-533-2695
Blair Marina: East Hwy 30, 402-426-9940
Blair Super Foods and Deli: 208 N 19th, 402-426-2200
Burger King: 970 Washington, 402-533-2700
Café on Main: 1621 Washington, 402-426-2311
Cappuccino Corner: 1705 Washington, 402-426-2866
Catering Catering: 1818 Lincoln, 402-426-3235
Dairy Queen Brazier: 1038 Washington, 402-426-4131
Driftwood Inn Restaurant & Lounge: 10740 Serenity Ln, 402-426-5211
George’s Tavern: 114 N 16th, 402-426-9055
Godfather’s Pizza: 138 South 8th, Blair Plaza, 402-426-9696
Goodrich Deli: 1769 Washington, 402-426-5181
Jake’s Bar & Grill: 218 South 8th, Blair Plaza, 402-426-9928
Jim & Connie’s Bakery: 132 S 17th, 402-426-3839
KFC/Taco Bell: 19th & Washington, 402-533-9099
Kelley’s Fish & Seafood: 1250 Lincoln, 402-426-3033
Mainstreet Bar & Grill: 1616 Washington, 402-426-9935
Mandarin House: 1283 South Highway 30, 402-426-8808
McDonald’s: 929 Washington, 402-426-4688
New York Bar & Grill: 1631 Washington, 402-426-1897
No Frills Supermarket Deli: 238 South 8th, Blair Plaza, 402-426-4757
Petro Mart: 150 Eastgate Drive, 402-426-9150
Pizza Hut: South Highway 30, 402-426-4006
Runza: 1307 Washington, 402-533-2393
Subway: 1414 Washington, 402-426-5466
Viking Steaks & Seafood: 2546 US Highway 30, 402-426-4411
GROCERIES
No Frills Supermarket: 238 South 8th, Blair Plaza, 402-426-4757
Blair Superfoods & Deli: 208 North 19th, 402-426-2200
BANK/ATM
Washington County Bank: 1523 Washington
Memorial community Hospital (ATM): 810 N 22nd
Dana Student Center (ATM): 2848 College Drive
No Frills Super Market (ATM): 238 S 8th St
Taylor Quik Pik West (ATM): 1807 Washington
Total EZ Shop (ATM): 1052 Washington
Blair One Stop 66 (ATM): 1458 Washington
Blair Superfoods: 208 N. 19th Street
AUTO SERVICES
Bi-State Motor Parts & Machine: 203 S 9th St, 402-426-9431
Bob’s Auto Body, Inc: 10153 US Hwy 75, 402-426-5256
Bud’s Auto Repair: 644 Front St., 402-426-4501
Carquest of Blair: 1115 Washington St., 402-426-4646
Charley’s Speed Machine: S Highway 30, 402-426-9681
Christopher Body Shop: 1737 Front St., 402-426-3810
Country Tire Service Center: 1210 Grant St., 402-426-2173
C & R Automotive, Inc: 853 Iowa St., 402-426-4246
Dale’s Sinclair: 503 S 13th St., 402-426-2532
D & J Auto Trim: 240 Colfax St., 402-426-2863
Hipnar Auto Parts: 925 Iowa St, 402-426-4001
Olsen Auto Service: 193 Grant St., 402-426-9552
Randy’s Repair: 5570 Long Creek Lane, 402-468-5405
Sharp Image Auto Cleaners: 642 S 19th St, 402-426-9522
Sid Dillon Chevrolet Oldsmobile Pontiac Inc: S Highway 30, 402-426-4121
Specialized Transmission: 1757 Front St., 402-426-9588
Woodhouse Ford Chrysler Dodge & Jeep: S Hwy 30, 402-426-4126
LIBRARY
Blair Public Library: 210 S 17th St, 402-426-3617
CHURCHES
Church of Christ: 625 S 13th, 402-533-2713
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints: Sunrise Dr. and 27th, 1852 Grant, 402-426-3299
Country Bible Church: 13121 Co Rd 16, 402-426-5592, North of Blair along Hwy 75
First Baptist Church: 205 S 18th, 402-426-2336
First Christian Church: 205 S. 20th, 402-426-3771
First Lutheran Church: 2146 Wright St., 402-426-4073
Immanuel Lutheran Church: 19862 Co Rd 20, 402-426-5249
Living Hope Christian Center: 1432 Washington, 402-426-4566
Son-Rise Community Church: 2610 S. Hwy 30, PO Box 331, 402-533-8060
St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church: 2005 Davis, 402-426-3823
Trinity Lutheran Church: 141 S. 20th, 402-426-2851
THEATRES
Blair 3 Theatres: 1645 South Highway 30, 402-426-4746
MEDICAL
Memorial Community Hospital, 810 N 22nd, 24-Hour Emergency
Phone: 402-426-1167 Patient Info: 402-426-2182
PET SERVICES
Animal Care of Blair (Thone Animal Clinic): 902 S Hwy 30, 402-426-3630
Blair Small Animal Clinic Boarding & Grooming: 1734 Front Street, 402-533-2722
SHOPPING
Blair West Pharmacy: 1844 Washington, 402-426-3700
Country Gardens & Blair Florist: 1502 Washington, 402-426-3010
Haney Shoe Store: 1627 Washington, 402-426-2248
McAllister Furniture Maker: 117 Lincoln, 402-426-9380
Ortmeier’s TV & Appliance & Radio Shack: 1716 Washington, 402-426-4977
Pamida: 150 South 1st, 402-426-9180
R.S.M. Interior Designs, 235 South 19th, 402-426-8822
ANTIQUES
Moseman Antiques: 1757 Lincoln St, 402-426-3496
EDUCATION
Dana College: 2848 College Dr, 402-426-9000
A four-year liberal arts college, 150-acre campus, Danish Immigrant Archives,
Sights and Sounds of Christmas – 1st weekend in December
GENEALOGY RESOURCES
Blair Cemetery: 4th & Jackson
Blair Public Library: 210 South 17th, 402-426-3611
Dana College: Danish Archives
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