Norfolk

By Janet Portiner

In July 1866, three wagon trains of German immigrants from Wisconsin arrived at their new home on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River in northeastern Nebraska. The settlers intended to call the town Northfork, but in 1868, when the abbreviated "Norfork" was submitted to federal postal authorities, the government assumed the name was misspelled and changed it to Norfolk. Since the town's founding, the story of the community has been one of continuous growth that has led to a bountiful, thriving town. Norfolk's hardworking people are generous, welcoming, and open to new ideas. Though it has changed with time, the unconquerable spirit of the city remains young and active. Images of Modern America: Norfolk is a photographic journey into the 21st century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781439651902

Janet Portiner

Janet Portiner is a Nebraska native with a writing degree from Wayne State College. She has taught introductory writing courses at Northeast Community College and is employed at the Norfolk Public Library. Her writing has appeared in numerous magazines and journals, including Nebraska Life, Splickety, and Plains Song Review.

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INTRODUCTION

Early settlers were drawn to Norfolk, Nebraska, as it was a beautiful and welcoming place to begin a new life near the North Fork of the Elkhorn River. Before long, this small Nebraska community became an important transportation point and a vital trade center, attracting railroads, industry, and many more people. Today, we are indebted to these early pioneers and town leaders, who not only weathered floods, blizzards, hailstorms, and fires, but also carried Norfolk forward—generation after generation—to make it a leading and progressive city. Located in the heart of America, Norfolk has maintained its small-town feel while becoming the center for cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities in Northeast Nebraska.

Our history is who we are, and all history needs to be preserved. The aim of this book is to honor and remember those who contributed to the development, growth, and prosperity of Norfolk after 1960. Within, you will uncover memories and little-known facts about projects such as the AquaVenture water park, Skyview Lake, the Cowboy Trail, Mercy Meals, the Miracle Skate Park, and the Norfolk Air Park Soccer Complex. You will also see photographs of the Regional Center, the Norfolk Public Library, the Christian Cross Festival, Music in the Park, and the Central Park wading pool.

This city is proud to claim as its own institutions such as Northeast Community College, which provides wind technology training, nursing degrees, and many more opportunities to achieve advanced education; the Faith Regional Carson Cancer Center, which can meet all cancer treatment needs in a state-of-the-art facility; and the headquarters of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (one of 23 districts across the state), which provides soil and water conservation management and local control of the groundwater across 15 counties. Nebraska is the only state that has natural resources districts, providing urban and rural cost-share programs in groundwater, forestry, and land management to protect property across our state for future generations. Norfolk also continues to be a pioneer in agriculture, technology, and natural resource management. Other communities have followed our lead.

Norfolk’s generosity shows in its many service clubs and charitable organizations. The American Legion Riders has sponsored the American Legion Legacy Scholarship since 2001, while Read Aloud Norfolk has donated over 50,000 books to area children since 2003, and the Norfolk Rescue Mission has provided food, shelter, and guidance to many of Norfolk’s homeless and hurting since it was founded in 1996. Other organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boy Scouts of America, volunteer their time and talent to brighten the community through their many service projects. The Downtown Norfolk Association is another organization that has undertaken the task of keeping Norfolk’s main drag full of unique shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment. Due to their efforts, our downtown area remains a vital and lively community gathering place and a home for parades, farmer’s markets, and holiday events.

Part of what makes Norfolk such a great place to live is the way the town has faced its challenges and has become better because of them. As buildings have deteriorated and organizations have outgrown their spaces, changes and renovations have been made. New buildings have been raised and old buildings have been expanded. Natural disasters, such as flooding, tornadoes, and hailstorms, have occurred many times through the years—including a devastating flood in 2010—but when the sun comes out, the people rally to restore homes, businesses, sidewalks, roads, and bridges. Each time, the community comes together to make stronger, more durable structures.

From the early days to modern times, the charm of the rich and peaceful landscape surrounding Norfolk has called people here to enjoy the bright waters, big sky, and fertile land. Agriculture continues to be an important part of the infrastructure—employing people in small, family-owned farms, as well as a number of agriculture-related industries like the Louis Dreyfus ethanol