Springfield Memorial Library: Pages from the Past

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Springfield Memorial Library: Pages from the Past

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Pages from the Past is a place for the Springfield community to come together to share photos, stories and memories from the town's past.

08/24/2026

Celebrating the 1990-91 Cheerleading Team

The 1990-91 Cheerleading Team was instrumental in bringing enthusiasm to every varsity sports event. They attended a summer camp in Ames, Iowa, where they excelled, earning numerous blue and red ribbons. In addition to their camp achievements, the team organized pep rallies, the homecoming bonfire, and the varsity football breakfast. They dedicated time to practice, create locker signs, and decorate the hallways, all in an effort to foster Trojan spirit among students and faculty.

Photo: Molly Paltani, Jami Evans, Tabi Olson, Jenny Faust, Stephnie Mills, Keri Morgia, Christy Bartunek, Jenny Kokes, and Theresa Scamperino. Not pictured: Treva Jeffares

08/12/2026

The 1982 Platteview Central Jr. High student council members engaged in a variety of activities beyond simply attending meetings. As noted by their sponsor, Holly Nielsen, during the 1981-1982 school year, the council organized three dances, awarded outstanding teacher honors to John McGill, ran the General Store, procured school supplies using Campbell Soup labels, sold wrapping paper, and contributed to a scholarship fund. In addition to these events, council members played a vital role in the school open house by offering tours of the building and even visited elementary schools for sixth-grade orientation. Their efforts made a meaningful impact on the school community.

Photo 1: Student council members include: front row: Kim Gosch, Lanett Blum, Darcy Lieber, Leigh Mann, Shanon Whitney (treasurer), Paula Erhart (secretary). Back row: Eric Schuller, John Roll (president), Doug Fauer, Mike Markham, Greg Baker, Leo Allison.

Photo 2: Student council members responsible for the General Store in the morning before school: Shanon Whitney, Greg Baker, Paula Erhart, John Roll.

08/05/2026

Discover the Rich History at Springfield Memorial Library

The history section of the Springfield Memorial Library serves as an invaluable resource for exploring the past of Springfield and its surrounding community. The library houses binders filled with historical photographs, newspaper articles, and narratives that trace the village's journey from its inception to the present day. Community members have generously donated memorabilia for visitors to enjoy. We warmly invite you to stop by during our open hours.

Join Us for Library Fest!
To commemorate 100 years of dedicated library service, we’re excited to host an all-day Library Fest on August 22, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The event will feature:
Workshops
Engaging programs
A vendor and author fair
Delicious food and entertainment
Come celebrate with us and explore the History Area!

07/30/2026

In 1958, one of the oldest structures on Main Street was demolished. This two-story frame building had served its purpose and was no longer functional. Throughout the years, the building hosted numerous businesses that were well-known to the community, particularly among longtime residents. These included Fackler & Son Hardware, Garret Hardware, Starry and Zimmerman Restaurants, Fischer Beauty Salon, and Dr. Staubiz's office. Additionally, the second floor was home to Keitch Photography, with many of its photographs displayed in Springfield homes. The upper level also served as living quarters. For several years leading up to its demolition, O.W. Joern Store utilized the building for storage purposes.

Photo: North side of Springfield’s Main Street in the early 1900’s.

07/15/2026

Dressing up Main Street with flowers began in May 1988 when local merchants and area residents generously donated funding and supplies for six new barrel planters on both sides of Main Street. The idea for the flower barrels began during a Springfield Commercial Club meeting. Donations from area businesses totaled nearly $200 to support the project. Roger Dinslage, owner of Springfield Country Market, provided petunias, marigolds, and geraniums at cost. Hazel Latham offered dirt to fill the barrels. Timmerman Feedyard supplied the barrels. Other contributors to the project included Springfield Drug, Stark Auto, Springfield Monitor, Dr. B.C. Burns, Kreifels Hatchery, Latham Elevator, B & B Garage, Dew Drop Inn, Springfield State Bank, Latham Lumber, Zimmerman Feed Yards, Latham Enterprises, Corky’s Antiques, Buskirks’s Barber Shop, Diane’s Headquarters, Dr. Mike Leibentritt, Bundy’s Place, Banditos, and Mr. & Mrs. Dewey Callaway.

Pictured (left) city maintenance engineer, Louie Post, and (right) city councilman, Jack Gage, planted the six barrels with flowers to beautify Springfield’s downtown area.

07/08/2026

Springfield's Centennial Celebration Parade

One of the most significant parades in Springfield's 100-year history took place during the two-day Centennial celebration. On Saturday, July 3, 1982, the Grand Parade featured ninety-two entries. Local service clubs, churches, and businesses were accompanied by neighboring towns, fire departments, Shriners, school bands, and aspiring politicians. A fantastic crowd gathered to witness the Centennial Grand Parade.

Photo 1: Centennial Parade Grand Marshal, Inez Capek

Photo 2: Springfield American Legion Post 143 and Auxiliary Unit claimed the 1st place Grand Trophy for their parade float.

07/01/2026

Springfield's 1982 Centennial Celebration

In 1982, Springfield commemorated its centennial anniversary. Community members established the Springfield Centennial Committee to organize a two-day celebration on July 3rd and 4th. An official Centennial Proclamation reading and reception took place on Saturday, February 27, at the American Legion Hall. Activities were scheduled at Buffalo Park, City Park, the Community Building, and Sarpy County Fairgrounds, featuring a full lineup of events for both days of the centennial festivities. More to come about the 1982 Centennial Celebration next week.

Photo 1: Matt Liebentritt (left) and Kraig Kingston (right) displaying the banner their class made to recognize Springfield’s Centennial year.

Photo 2: A newly installed Centennial Celebration Banner hangs over Main Street. Banner hangers included: Carl Hibbeler, Steve Stark, Mike Liebentritt, Chuck Scholting, and Mike Welsh.

Photo 3: Centennial Quiz: One of the buildings featured in the photo was relocated from Sarpy Center to the new town of Springfield. After several years, it was moved again and served various purposes, including a lodge hall, doctor's offices, library, beauty shop, and town hall. In 1941, the building was moved to a different area in Sarpy County and transformed into a residence. Can you guess which building it is?

06/25/2026

On January 9, 1975, members of the Springfield Woman’s Club met with representatives of the Springfield Park Board at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Sayer. Park Board members in attendance were Robert Leigh, Gene Abrahamson, and William Sayer. During the meeting, Woman’s Club members discussed various ways to assist the Park Board in raising funds for the development of the new Springfield Park. The Woman’s Club Community Improvement Committee agreed to lead the fundraising efforts for the project. Committee members included Mrs. Charles Broshears, Mrs. Charles Capek, and Mrs. William Sayer. On Friday, April 18, 1975, the Springfield Woman’s Club hosted a fundraising spaghetti dinner at the Springfield Community Building. The event was held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with all proceeds dedicated to the development of the new Springfield Park.

Photo: (left to right) Inez Chapek, Laverna Sayer, and Millie Iske

06/18/2026

On April 28, 1974, the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department hosted an Open House to unveil a new addition to the Fire Hall, along with a new $25,000 pumper truck. The pumper truck was funded through the efforts of the volunteer fire department and tax contributions from the village of Springfield and the rural fire district. The event featured a demonstration of the “Jaws of Life,” a crucial tool used to pry openwrecked vehicles, along with a new metal saw. Both pieces of equipment played a vital role inresponding to car accidents. Approximately 150 community members attended the open house, where coffee and cookies were served to guests.

Gathered around the new pumper fire truck: (left to right) Albert Mundt, John Milks, Ed Zeorian, Burdette Hike, Tom Vincent, Henry Gottsch, and Howard Engberg.
Standing above: Carl Hibbeler and Glenn Adair.

06/03/2026

A special census carried out by Sarpy County in 1969 revealed that the village of Springfield had a new population of 748. In comparison, the 1960 census recorded a population of 506. This growth was likely attributed to the new Gardens’ Addition, situated on North 7th, 8th Streets, and Elm Streets. Construction on the residential development began in 1961 with the first houses becoming occupied in 1962. Sarpy officials collected population figures to enhance the county’s allocation of various state appropriation funds, which were distributed based on the most recent official census data.

Address

665 Main Street
Springfield, NE
68059

Telephone

+14022532797

Website

http://libraries.ne.gov/springfield

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