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Gothenburg, Nebraska

The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930s brought sound, Technicolor and controversy over allowing movies to be shown on Sundays. The public vote narrowly approved Sunday movies. When money was scarce during the depression, the theatre advertised "egg nights" - a dozen eggs valued at 6 cents was the price of admission. Glen VanWey's son, Ernie, operated the theatre from 1956-1981. A fund drive by the Gothenburg Community Playhouse to "Save the Sun" has kept the theatre open under volunteer management and public contributions. Currently, the theatre runs weekly movies Friday through Sunday and sponsors Community Playhouse productions several times a year.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Gothenburg Carnegie Library

The library was built in 1916 with assistance from a $7,000

Gothenburg, NE Carnegie Libraries

Lake Helen

Foresighted citizens approved a bond issue in 1889 for construction of a 12

Gothenburg, NE Recreation

City Parks

Gothenburg has four parks covering 55 acres. Facilities include swings, picnic areas, pool, athletic fields, football stadium, ball parks, camping areas, and playground equipment. Two playgrounds in Gothenburg have all types of playground equipment. Lafayette Park:

Gothenburg, NE RV Parks

Wild Horse Golf Club

Wild Horse Golf Club is the No. 3 rated affordable new golf course in the Nation for 1999 according to Golf Digest. This rolling sandhills course features 18

Gothenburg, NE Golf Courses

First Presbyterian Church

In August of 1904, the ground on which the church now stands was purchased for the sum of $450. Ground was broken in August 1905 and the original building was competed in early 1907. At that time, the total cost of the building was $5,650. The beautiful stain glass windows are original.

Gothenburg, NE Historic Churches

Things to do near Gothenburg, NE