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Beaver City, Nebraska

In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."

G.W. Shafer owned three buildings in downtown Beaver City, and sold groceries, shoes, clothes, furniture, appliances, farm implements. The general store in the middle is the last remaining business, and it's run by G.W. Shafer's grandson's widow, Jean.

"There's always been a Shafer running the business," said Jean, who is 89 years old. She runs the shop, "as a hobby."

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Furnas County Courthouse

When Furnas County organized in late 1873, Beaver City was one of the voting places designated by Governor Robert Furnas, for whom the county was named. Competing with Arapahoe for location of the county seat, Beaver City was chosen for the honor by the people. This is where it has remained.

Beaver City, NE Historic Courthouses

Beaver City Firsts

Flying Doctor - Our town has recorded some unique "firsts" in the field of medicine and aviation. Beaver City was the home of Dr.Frank Brewster, Nebraska's first flying doctor. Brewster bought a Curtis-Wright JN4D biplane in 1919. Purchased for $8,000

Beaver City, NE Famous People

Senator George Norris

It was in Beaver City in 1885

Beaver City, NE Famous People

First Presbyterian Church

Since the beginning, the Beaver City First Presbyterian Church has been a significant part of the community. Being the first church organized in the county, it has influenced the other churches in the area. It all began in the days of the wild, wild west in the year 1874. The first "church"

Beaver City, NE Historic Churches

Westside Park, Golf, and RV Campground

The Westside Park is the area to head for when one wishes to enjoy a cool and refreshing swim in the newly-rebuilt pool. There is the regulation size pool and a nice shaded wading pool for the smaller children.

Beaver City, NE Parks

Things to do near Beaver City, NE

Sweetwater Mill and Kilgore Bridges

Willa Cather's Childhood Home

John Pesek Sculpture

Boot Hill Cemetery

Gosper County Carnival

Elwood also boasts it own home-based, annual Lions/Gosper County Carnival held the last weekend of July. It's an excellent p...