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Beaver City, Nebraska

Dr. Frank A. Brewster practiced medicine in Beaver City from 1901 to 1923. He established hospitals in Beaver City and at Oberlin Kansas. He realized the need for fast transportation to take care of the needs of such a large territory so he obtained a Curtis airplane from the Aeroplane and Motor corporation of New York. A letter from this corporation informed Dr. Brewster that this was the first airplane sold in the entire world, as far as known, to be owned privately and for commercial purposes (from the Times-Tribune, April 1919).

The plane was brought to Beaver City by rail on flat cars in two huge boxes and it was taken to the hangar east of Beaver City where Dr. Brewster had established the first private airport in the world and it was the only airfield in Nebraska.

The plane was assembled by Wade Stevens, assisted by Maurice Bonser. It had a wing span of forty feet and was painted grass green.

On May 22, 1919, a big celebration of "Brewster Booster Day" was held in Beaver City. It was estimated that there were 8,000 people here that day. The buggies, wagons and cars were estimated by the acre and many took their first airplane ride that day.

The plane was stored in the hangar at the Brewster airport but was tied down with ropes when located any other place. It was recorded that the early days were certainly rough on the airplane as mules ate the fabric off the fuselage and cows broke the frail structure. Hail storms were always a menace to the plane. Dr. Brewster's airplanes were always both for work and as a hobby. He went on to own several planes during his lifetime and also learned to fly.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

First United Methodist Church

Welcome to Beaver City's First United Methodist Church. Enjoy the chimes coming from the bell tower on Sunday mornings immediately before and after the worship service. Feast your eyes on the magnificent stained glass windows of the church.

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings

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

Brick Streets - Downtown Business District - Park

Beaver City was founded in 1872. The central downtown business district situated around a square block of city park began developing at the end of the 1800s. The first city streets were only dirt roads. Then in 1927

Beaver City, NE Historic Downtowns

Kool-Aid's Beginning

"Mother would bring home some of the soft drink powder that Edwin was experimenting with and my father didn't know if he wanted to drink that powder, sugar, and water mixture!" - A partial reprint from the booklet Hendley Nebraska Centennial

Beaver City, NE One Of A Kinds

Two Story Log House

Visiting the log house is an experience that one can thoroughly enjoy. The original setting is still intact and the area around the house is cleared, allowing the visitors to envision what the house was like when first built. Mr. Wesley Camp homesteaded the land in 1877

Beaver City, NE Pioneer Life

Things to do near Beaver City, NE

Red Willow Camping

Camping and recreational facilities are new and modern. Top of the line camping is available at Willow View Campground , whic...

Wood River Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...