Something people from the city will never understand is, its so peaceful in these little towns. You can mow your yard without the neighbors staring, wash your car, sit on the fron porch in the evening, you can see the stars at night, clean air, no sirens and police helicopters...just crickets and birds. Stock up in the winter and when the snow is flying you sleep in and make soup for lunch. No one bothers you and everyone gets along. Small towns are so simple and easy living.
@@applejacks971 everyone gets along? 🤣😂🤣😂 Tell the Swishers that. My uncle had pics he took of their brother in-law hanging from a tree by barbed wire with his hands tied behind his back with barbed wire. He was Blaine County sherrif photographer back in the 50's. Sherrif was so terrified of Leonard Swisher he declared it a suicide
Thank you for being so respectful to Nebraska. People can be so mean, making fun of it for being a fly over state and not having much to do. I've been here for 19 years of my life. It's not for everyone, but it's for some people. Some of us genuinely love it here.
I love NE taken horses on trails in sand hills, Thedford. I think Valentine is one the most beautiful places in America. Crawford and the Pine Ridges and ft Robinson. And the wildcat hills south of Scotts bluff.
I watched this video because I’m moving there. I’m in Arizona. My daughter is in Nebraska and she loves it!! I’m happy to get out of Arizona where there seems to be no values and I can’t wait to get to Nebraska!!! I am grateful to go to a place that is staying the same while most of the country is going through changes that are making the world a cold place to be.
A lot of these towns have low population. The reason a lot of the properties that are abandoned have new siding & roofing is because you can buy a house & property for $500-$10000. The taxes, insurance, utilities are cheap. People buy & fix them up for recreational use to use as hunting & camping lodges. I bought a property in north west nebraska. It's a 2 bedroom house maybe 800 square feet. Its about 20 minutes away from the river & a sand pit. There is acres of hunting ground. I bought property for $800 & pay $18 on taxes, $200 insurance & $300 a year on electric. I pay $100 a month to have the property maintained & checked on regular. I've spent several thousands over the years roofing, windows, heat, a/c garage. I might go there every weekend or a couple times a year. Its always warm in winter & cool in summer. All I do is make a phone call & it's ready when i get there. It's far enough away nobody comes looking for me. It's a place to go & clear my head.
@@tylerking4616 why do I sicken you & think I'm important. I bought property where there is no income, it helps the community pay for things they need. I give a teenage a job to do that takes minimal labor when there isn't a job in 50 to 100 miles. I bring money into the community buying gas, help out the small surviving gas station & grocery store so they can make a living. I give them rights to use my cabin when I am not there. Get a reality check!
@@craigmapel1415 Right on. If having a worthless little piece of land in the middle of nowhere is what you want then go for it. I was born and raised around Kearney. Moved away as soon as I could. The dollar doesn't go as far where I'm living now, but theme parks, professional sports, concerts, conventions, etc, are all less than 30 minutes away as opposed to the 3+ hours (one way) drive it usually took to get to Lincoln/Omaha or Kansas City or Denver. I got the hell outta there because there is very little to do and see as far as live entertainment and variety of people go. Still, my family stayed and can afford the 4Beds 3bath homes they live in while I'm in a studio apartment for the same price. Live and let live. Judging people for having "too much" is so petty and reeks of totally avoidable jealousy. Have a wonderful new year.
I know Elsie of Monowi very well. Ate hamburgers at her cafe several times even though 100 mile drive. The restrooms were fabulous at the time, just an old fashioned outhouse. Being a lifetime resident of Nebraska for my 78 years, I never knew anything about Monowi and Elsie till a good friend in Syracuse NY sent me an email about the town and Elsie. Great area of Ne. Will have to go to Gross this summer. Thanks for the fabulous video.
How does she stay in business with a town population of only one? Surely people come in from the surrounding area but I would be curious to find out more.
As a native of Winslow, NE, Smileys was the best place to get a frosty mug of Keystone for $1.50. When paying cash, you'd always receive the 50 cents back as a 50 cent piece
I too did some growing up in Winslow, back in the heyday of Pop. 145! The tavern, Post Office, and Farmer’s Union Co-op were the local hotspots. The tavern was “Pete’s” then, I think, but the vibe was the same. Thanks for covering these towns and highlighting rapid turn of events in Winslow.
Last year and friend and I took off from Ohio on our motorcycles, heading out to visit friends in Oregon. One of the things we wanted to do was stay of the interstate and run state routes as much as possible. We went across Nebraska RT 12, taking us through some of those towns. We spent one night camping in a small town, (Springview?) There was a small campground with electrical outlets and restrooms, near a school. No one collected money, but there was a box on a pole where you could leave some cash. Great trip we had. Thanks for the video!
Interesting… back in 2021 I was on a trip and as I cross from the west to east across Nebraska we stayed in some small towns… nice people clean places … today I can’t remember their names but often I think about those I met and their lit towns
I really enjoyed this video! I think the thing to remember is that there are always a few people who call these places home and are not going to let anything keep them from staying. Loved Elsie but loved her husband's little library most! What a treasure. Thanks for the sensitive and informative video.
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to show us , I live in Ireland and I’ve been to Nebraska many times as I had family in Crawford. I just love the open spaces . I really appreciate you taking us along,
Historic places are both fascinating and sad. Dreams made and lost, lives lived, people come and gone. Nebraska has been my home for over 20 years. I love the wide open spaces and will probably never leave. Thank you for showcasing some of our states tucked away places.
It's really great when you get to meet locals who will show you around town and tell you a bit about the buildings and the history of the place. Really adds something.
My great grand uncle W. Dvorak owned the brown building next door to the Inn in Monowi. It was a bar sold in about 1899, moving across the river to the north of Ravinia, SD to become a farmer.
thanks for an amazing vid! I love your videos about places like this. You keep these towns from falling into oblivion, believe or not, by telling their stories.
Wow. I learned more about of Nebraska places. I don’t travel far like that. So glad someone made a video like this. Your video is really awesome to watch.
Thank you! I wish the audio wouldn’t have messed up at the end, but other than that I’m happy how this one turned out. It was a lot of fun to do - glad you liked it!
This was a nice video. I have lived in NW Nebraska all my 61 years and have been to some of these towns and never even heard of others. Great video. Thank you.
@dog-thebackwardgod yes, I was born in Chadron and live in Crawford now. Chuck Cressy was a very nice man. He was my landlord for a time and I enjoyed his company.
I like the liberty in Monowi. All the old books and I seen some dandy`s that I had when I was growing in the 40`s and 50`s. I could read them all day and nobody would bother me.
you're most recent posting in Texas, I used to live just East of the Texas Motor Speedway in the community of Roanoke. From my back yard you could see the skyboxes. It was murder getting out on race weekends.
Thanks for the video. I have a friend who's family is from NE and he goes back quite often. He and I have taken several trips to NE. My sister and brother-in-law used to put on a rodeo at Ft Pierre SD on the 4th of July for several years. I'd always take a route that took me through Valentine. I love it there with the Niobrara river and the water falls and sand hills.
I would like to give Bertha, Nebraska an Honorable mention. It is unincorporated. Yet there is a family of seven that live there. And their now delapitated town hall. Lawrence Welk and his Big Band played there for one night in the 1950's. It is centered at divide center in the middle of Burt county Nebraska.
I'm def gonna visit some of these towns if not all of em'...as a nomad living in my van and traveling,towns like these are perfect places to put up my feet awhile and boondock as they say...I enjoy your channel wiseguy...ghost towns are a favorite of mine to explore and enjoy...
What a great trip back in time ..I have close friends in Columbus Neb.and I love getting off the Main roads and exploring the quieter areas especially along the abandoned Railroad routes. Nebraska is a hidden gem in the Great Plains I really enjoyed your programme and will subscribe..Best wishes from Auburn Sydney Australia .
Super cool video and super cool interview. I've actually been to that town and photographed it, but the person I was traveling with did not drink so we did not stop at the bar. Glad to hear she's doing well!
Elsie is amazing for keeping the dream alive! The old photos she shared were so interesting. And swatting the fly 😂 The bar is neat. She mentioned working for Braniff, that's a blast from the past! I see cows like you but cats...not so much 😂 Enjoyed the video.
Gen X here, I grew up in Central City, about 30 miles due east of Grand Island Nebraska. It was an incredible place to be then. We had a lot of fun. Things were very simple then😊.
Gen X here too. The 80's was the best time to be a teenager. Anyhoo, I too, grew up in Nebraska. Grew up in Elk Creek, which is about 60 miles south of Omaha, so down in the SE corner. Went to high school in Table Rock. I lived in New Hampshire for 27 years, but now I'm back to stay. I figure it won't be long and my old hometown will be on a video like this. Elk Creek population currently sits at 67.
I love that you made it to nenzel. I have extended family right there and it's awesome to see that make your list. Very glad I came across your videos! Thanks for the time and effort
Great video! I live in big old Los Angeles but grew up in small town Montana. This video just has a very comfortable field to it. The lady interviewed toward the end was quite interesting, having hung on there to be the very last person. And she has a lot of youth and spirit left. I really like her. What an amazing library her husband had! I've never been in a personal library even a quarter of that size. I'd be curious to know more about what his areas of reading interest were. Done properly, I think a B&B would do well there...people looking to spend a few days or more in a micro town and look thru Rudy's library. Anyway, a big THANKS!
Very interesting. I grew up and lived in southeast Nebraska for 70 years. I now live in south central Missouri. My grandparents lived in a really small town in southeast Nebraska named HOWE. Nothing left there now but in the early 50's there was still some old buildings. One old store still open and a gas station/ post office and a grain elevator next to the train tracks.
I've spent many a night there in Brewster on main street waiting to load cattle the next morning. I always thought it'd be awesome to make one of those little buildings in to a General Store or simple 1 bedroom house. Cool little town! There used to be an RV park on the south side of town but it hasn't been used in years unfortunately.
Really excellent video. Gives many of us an appreciation for parts of America that we might not ever get a chance to visit otherwise. Also I really appreciate the respectful way that you approach these towns and the people who live there. Well done!
Thanks teacher, the last one on your list was familiar as another youtuber named Nick Johnson came through there a few months back and she would not give him an interview at the tavern, so lucky you!
I enjoy these videos so much. Thank you helping to preserve history and to give a first hand account of the history as you have provided in this video. Thank you again. Keep up the hard work.
Your tours make me want to jump in my pick up and hit the road! Such interesting locations, buildings, history! If you get the chance, go to the area in central NE, known as "7 Valleys", close to Calloway. The landscape is amazing! I knew a guy who wanted to put a golf course there. Probably would have become a great destination, because of the majestic beauty! Thanks for the great tour!
Awesome! Sounds like a cool place to check out! Definitely a lot of wide open and beautiful places in Nebraska to explore. Hopefully I can go back again soon!
Your videos are very inspirational. I’ve been tempted to take a little trip from Illinois to visit a few small towns in Nebraska, essentially following US 20 up to Valentine, following an abandoned railroad, then maybe returning on the northern border road visiting towns like Lynch. Now that my kids are either in college or married now I don’t know how hard it would be to travel alone on seemingly endless two lane roads. Your videos seem to make solitary trips seem interesting as well as enjoyable so I might try it this fall. Nebraska for some reason has always interested me
Love you work. Been trying to get just a bycle and ride from NE Texas to out west. Been out of work about 7 years do to medical issues so I want to see what I can wile I can. But your videos help me see the world.
If I remember correctly, I believe back in the early 2000's there was a couple and their son who made up the whole population of Gross. Haven't been up there in probably 20 years, but remember the food at the bar was good.
If you ever get to the Norfolk/Stanton area let me know. I'll treat you to lunch at the Wolf's Den in Stanton. They have incredible burgers! I went to high school there with the girl that owns it. It's been family owned for a LOT of years. Excellent burgers and onion rings! Could also check out PIlger's rebuild after those 2 tornado's leveled it a couple years back. Stanton county only has 2 towns, Stanton and Pilger. I always found that interesting!
Thank you for this fantastic video. I appreciate the atmoshere and try to imaginate the forgotten people, their fate, dreams and hopes. I like your respect for these tiny towns and their people, especially Elsie Eiler. Perhaps a german name? I live in densely populated Southern Germany. The difference ist striking.
As a descendant of a Mayflower passenger, I can attest the name "Brewster" would have been on the Mayflower. Also, there are a lot of "Brewsters" in my family tree that goes back to that time. (I'm in the 3rd book I think, the very last page) So who knows, I might be related to the founder of Brewster. As many people in the family tree have founded towns and cities, one of the first being Chatham, MA.
I've lived in Richfield Nebraska population 47 .. for 68 years in the fastest-growing county in the State;( Sarpy).. yeah we have more cows then people.. I thought we would be included in this video but 47 is too big?... There was a town called Quick Nebraska back in the 70s a little bit east of fort Robinson but I can't seem to find it anymore.. entering quick Nebraska and leaving quick Nebraska was on the same sign.. I love Nebraska and your video warmed my heart... I put a sign out on the highway telling all the City slickers in Omaha to stay the hell out of Richfield. but somebody keeps taking down my sign..
Wonderful. Grew up in Butler County Nebraska. Love small town bar food. Stuck in Omaha. Crime loud stereo gangs freaks with purple hair crooked politicians lawyers and incessant highway noise you have to drive an hour to get away from it. 71 still bowhunt near Tecumseh and Genoa. Peaceful reconnect with food producers. God Bless
A TOWN OF ONE AND FIRST COMMENT?? A NICE PRESENTATION! IN MY WANDERINGS I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED THE HOUSES LARGER THAN MINE AND NICER THAT ARE UNOCCUPIED! THE MAIN REASON FOR THE DECLINE OF THESE TOWNS ARE DUE TO MOVE TO LARGER FARM MACHINERY AND MUCH LARGER AREAS FARMED BY ONE OPERATOR!
Congrats haha! It’s always interesting to do these videos and see how these small towns compare to ones in other states. Nebraska’s had a lot of history in those old buildings. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy YA I ALSO LIKE YOUR NOTING THE TOWNS RAILROAD LINES/HISTORY, AS I AM A RETIRED AT&SF RAILROADER! IN 1971 ?? I PURCHASED FROMKALMBACH PUBLISHING A 1948 RAILROAD ATLAS. THIS SHOWS THE RR MAP OF THAT TIME! IT IS NOW QUITE WORN FROM MY TRAVELS! IT ALSO LISTS THE OWNERS OF THAT DAY BEFORE ALL THE RR MERGERS WHEN SO MANY RAILROAD NAMES DISAPPEARED! MANY OF THE SMALL LINES IN KANSAS AND NEBRASKA DISSAPPEARED WITH THE LARGE MEAT PACKERS LEAVING LARGE TOWNS SUCH AS CHICAGO AND KANSAS CITY! NOW MOST OF THE MEAT PACKERS ARE IN RURAL AREAS, CLOSER TO THE CATTLE! MANY OF THESE SMALL TOWNS THAT LOST THEIR LINES HAD CATTLE LOADING SIDINGS AND PENS! IN VERY RARE CASES THE PENS STILL EXIST!
Want to see more Nebraska videos? Here's my entire playlist from Nebraska! ruclips.net/p/PL4jqwLUrhjNS2QPU5rgynWyWAz4mU6J85
Hey my first name is Blaine.
Something people from the city will never understand is, its so peaceful in these little towns. You can mow your yard without the neighbors staring, wash your car, sit on the fron porch in the evening, you can see the stars at night, clean air, no sirens and police helicopters...just crickets and birds.
Stock up in the winter and when the snow is flying you sleep in and make soup for lunch. No one bothers you and everyone gets along. Small towns are so simple and easy living.
This is very well said! Thank you!
@@applejacks971 everyone gets along? 🤣😂🤣😂 Tell the Swishers that. My uncle had pics he took of their brother in-law hanging from a tree by barbed wire with his hands tied behind his back with barbed wire. He was Blaine County sherrif photographer back in the 50's. Sherrif was so terrified of Leonard Swisher he declared it a suicide
Thank you for being so respectful to Nebraska. People can be so mean, making fun of it for being a fly over state and not having much to do. I've been here for 19 years of my life. It's not for everyone, but it's for some people. Some of us genuinely love it here.
I loved exploring Nebraska! Great state - can’t wait to go back!
I love NE taken horses on trails in sand hills, Thedford. I think Valentine is one the most beautiful places in America. Crawford and the Pine Ridges and ft Robinson. And the wildcat hills south of Scotts bluff.
Been to Nenzel and the McKelvey grasslands
I'm from NYC. Most people who criticize "flyover" states have never explored them. The Midwest and Nebraska are great.
I watched this video because I’m moving there. I’m in Arizona. My daughter is in Nebraska and she loves it!! I’m happy to get out of Arizona where there seems to be no values and I can’t wait to get to Nebraska!!! I am grateful to go to a place that is staying the same while most of the country is going through changes that are making the world a cold place to be.
A lot of these towns have low population. The reason a lot of the properties that are abandoned have new siding & roofing is because you can buy a house & property for $500-$10000. The taxes, insurance, utilities are cheap. People buy & fix them up for recreational use to use as hunting & camping lodges. I bought a property in north west nebraska. It's a 2 bedroom house maybe 800 square feet. Its about 20 minutes away from the river & a sand pit. There is acres of hunting ground. I bought property for $800 & pay $18 on taxes, $200 insurance & $300 a year on electric. I pay $100 a month to have the property maintained & checked on regular. I've spent several thousands over the years roofing, windows, heat, a/c garage. I might go there every weekend or a couple times a year. Its always warm in winter & cool in summer. All I do is make a phone call & it's ready when i get there. It's far enough away nobody comes looking for me. It's a place to go & clear my head.
Thank you for that info! Interesting!
Henry Nebraska? should've been on this list also
Well aren't you just about the most special person on earth. You sicken me.
@@tylerking4616 why do I sicken you & think I'm important. I bought property where there is no income, it helps the community pay for things they need. I give a teenage a job to do that takes minimal labor when there isn't a job in 50 to 100 miles. I bring money into the community buying gas, help out the small surviving gas station & grocery store so they can make a living. I give them rights to use my cabin when I am not there. Get a reality check!
@@craigmapel1415 Right on. If having a worthless little piece of land in the middle of nowhere is what you want then go for it.
I was born and raised around Kearney. Moved away as soon as I could. The dollar doesn't go as far where I'm living now, but theme parks, professional sports, concerts, conventions, etc, are all less than 30 minutes away as opposed to the 3+ hours (one way) drive it usually took to get to Lincoln/Omaha or Kansas City or Denver.
I got the hell outta there because there is very little to do and see as far as live entertainment and variety of people go. Still, my family stayed and can afford the 4Beds 3bath homes they live in while I'm in a studio apartment for the same price. Live and let live. Judging people for having "too much" is so petty and reeks of totally avoidable jealousy. Have a wonderful new year.
I know Elsie of Monowi very well. Ate hamburgers at her cafe several times even though 100 mile drive. The restrooms were fabulous at the time, just an old fashioned outhouse. Being a lifetime resident of Nebraska for my 78 years, I never knew anything about Monowi and Elsie till a good friend in Syracuse NY sent me an email about the town and Elsie. Great area of Ne. Will have to go to Gross this summer. Thanks for the fabulous video.
That’s awesome! She was great to sit and visit with that day. Definitely a highly recommended place to visit!
Elsie is such a nice lady! We have been in her tavern several times. I see another road trip very soon.
How does she stay in business with a town population of only one? Surely people come in from the surrounding area but I would be curious to find out more.
@@papabear562I bet she’s pretty popular too being a 1 person town and running everything there.
As a native of Winslow, NE, Smileys was the best place to get a frosty mug of Keystone for $1.50. When paying cash, you'd always receive the 50 cents back as a 50 cent piece
That’s awesome! I really felt terrible when visiting Winslow, exploring around and seeing all the abandoned houses. Glad there are some good memories!
I too did some growing up in Winslow, back in the heyday of Pop. 145! The tavern, Post Office, and Farmer’s Union Co-op were the local hotspots. The tavern was “Pete’s” then, I think, but the vibe was the same. Thanks for covering these towns and highlighting rapid turn of events in Winslow.
I live in Malibu and Johnnie Carson used to live nearby. He was from Norfork and he gave the town money for things they needed.
So many abandoned houses but I didn't see any that were painted up or defaced. Says a lot for the people of Nebraska.
I would agree! Definitely nice to see!
They are "off the beaten path" as one would say and the idiots don't pass through, besides, there might be someone with a gun.
It's because we don't want to drive 3 hours to mess with the stuff.
Last year and friend and I took off from Ohio on our motorcycles, heading out to visit friends in Oregon. One of the things we wanted to do was stay of the interstate and run state routes as much as possible. We went across Nebraska RT 12, taking us through some of those towns. We spent one night camping in a small town, (Springview?) There was a small campground with electrical outlets and restrooms, near a school. No one collected money, but there was a box on a pole where you could leave some cash. Great trip we had. Thanks for the video!
That’s awesome! It was my first time on that road and I really liked it too! Can’t wait to go back again someday. Thanks for sharing your story!
Interesting… back in 2021 I was on a trip and as I cross from the west to east across Nebraska we stayed in some small towns… nice people clean places … today I can’t remember their names but often I think about those I met and their lit towns
Sounds like a great trip! I really enjoyed making this video. Met some great people as well!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy i wonder who owns all the abandoned properties now …
YO NO WAY I LIVE RIGHT BY WINSLOW LIKE 7 MINUTES OUT THATS SWEET
I really enjoyed this video! I think the thing to remember is that there are always a few people who call these places home and are not going to let anything keep them from staying. Loved Elsie but loved her husband's little library most! What a treasure. Thanks for the sensitive and informative video.
I agree and thank you very much! I really enjoyed making this video and meeting Elsie was awesome!
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to show us , I live in Ireland and I’ve been to Nebraska many times as I had family in Crawford. I just love the open spaces . I really appreciate you taking us along,
I appreciate the nice comment! It’s a lot of fun for me to travel around and document these towns! Thanks from across the pond!
Live on Louisiana since 1971.. still love my home state. Can’t take the cold anymore. Yes I’m old!
Historic places are both fascinating and sad. Dreams made and lost, lives lived, people come and gone. Nebraska has been my home for over 20 years. I love the wide open spaces and will probably never leave. Thank you for showcasing some of our states tucked away places.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks for watching. I loved exploring your state!
My grandfather preached at that Assembly of God church in Burton in the 50's.
I used to attend there. We moved in 2019.
Wow I loved all your travels, but I have not seen a metal slide in a day or two. Thank you for sharing and being respectful to every place you go
Thank you! I always love finding those old playgrounds and seeing what kind of equipment is there. Takes me back!!
You put in a lot of miles to do this. Very well done.
Thank you! Fortunately none of the 10 towns were way out west! It was a fun trip 😊
Love this video! Lived in Nebraska all of my 67 years and didn't realize there were so many really small towns. Great road trip!
Thank you very much! Lots of fun places like this to explore in Nebraska!
There are many more. Some of those small towns have even been reclaimed by the earth.
I know where I'm going for some peace and quiet. Small Town Nebraska!
Haha yes! It’s very peaceful and the people in these towns were super nice!
It's really great when you get to meet locals who will show you around town and tell you a bit about the buildings and the history of the place. Really adds something.
Yes! That’s always a bonus!
My great grand uncle W. Dvorak owned the brown building next door to the Inn in Monowi. It was a bar sold in about 1899, moving across the river to the north of Ravinia, SD to become a farmer.
thanks for an amazing vid! I love your videos about places like this. You keep these towns from falling into oblivion, believe or not, by telling their stories.
Thanks so much! It was definitely my pleasure!
Thank you! Been a Nebraskan for almost 60 years. I live 15 miles North of Hendley ❤
Thanks for watching! Such a fun trip!
Awesome video! I am born, raised and still live in Nebraska. Thanks for the tour!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
In Monowi, the interview fly swat moment… she never missed a beat. Great job on the whole video.
Hahaha I know right!?!? That was funny 😊
You're making me miss Nebraska! I really enjoy your videos, they're not where we go too often but you might be changing that!
Awesome! Nebraska is a fun place to explore - even for an out of stater like me! Enjoy your travels!
Wow. I learned more about of Nebraska places. I don’t travel far like that. So glad someone made a video like this. Your video is really awesome to watch.
Thank you! I wish the audio wouldn’t have messed up at the end, but other than that I’m happy how this one turned out. It was a lot of fun to do - glad you liked it!
This was a great video, it's one of my favorites so far!
Thank you! It’s one of my favorites too!
Thanks for shining a positive light on Nebraska.
You bet! I really enjoyed making this one 😊
This was a nice video. I have lived in NW Nebraska all my 61 years and have been to some of these towns and never even heard of others. Great video. Thank you.
Thank you! I made it for people like you - glad you were able to find it!
@@mikebritton8798 you're near Chadron then. My brother's brother taught at the college there. Cressy was his name
@dog-thebackwardgod yes, I was born in Chadron and live in Crawford now. Chuck Cressy was a very nice man. He was my landlord for a time and I enjoyed his company.
@@mikebritton8798 I only got the pleasure of meeting him once. It was for his daughters graduation. I liked him very much
There’s something I love about these videos which I love, even if I live in a fairly urban town called sunbury on thames near london in England
That’s very cool! I’ve been to London and also loved visiting. Would enjoy exploring some of the smaller towns too. Lots of history there!
I like the liberty in Monowi. All the old books and I seen some dandy`s that I had when I was growing in the 40`s and 50`s. I could read them all day and nobody would bother me.
It’s a very interesting place! I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you doing that!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy The only thing wrong, I live in the U.P. of Michigan which is a long ways from there. How is the weather out there in the winter?
I don’t live there, but I imagine it’s pretty cold and windy in the winter!
Wow you were in my home town Winslow NE! My grandparents had owned Smileys and then they sold it to some of our family friends! That’s crazy!!!
Oh wow that’s great! Such a sad story about what happened to Winslow. Sounds like Smileys was a terrific place for the community!
you're most recent posting in Texas, I used to live just East of the Texas Motor Speedway in the community of Roanoke. From my back yard you could see the skyboxes. It was murder getting out on race weekends.
I bet!
Thanks for the video. I have a friend who's family is from NE and he goes back quite often. He and I have taken several trips to NE. My sister and brother-in-law used to put on a rodeo at Ft Pierre SD on the 4th of July for several years. I'd always take a route that took me through Valentine. I love it there with the Niobrara river and the water falls and sand hills.
Very cool area! I really enjoyed exploring up there!
We will never get tired of hearing you talk about these towns. When you drop a video, it makes my day!
Thank you! This one was a lot of fun!
I would like to give Bertha, Nebraska an Honorable mention. It is unincorporated. Yet there is a family of seven that live there. And their now delapitated town hall. Lawrence Welk and his Big Band played there for one night in the 1950's. It is centered at divide center in the middle of Burt county Nebraska.
Sounds like a good ghost town subject!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy yeah. There isn't much left of it.
Can one just imagine the crowd they had the night Lawrence Welk played! They polkaed the night away that night.
I'm def gonna visit some of these towns if not all of em'...as a nomad living in my van and traveling,towns like these are perfect places to put up my feet awhile and boondock as they say...I enjoy your channel wiseguy...ghost towns are a favorite of mine to explore and enjoy...
I appreciate the nice comment! I’m kind of jealous of your nomadic life style!
@Billy Ray Hoscheit I appreciate the invite my dear sir....I'll def keep you in mind when I finally travel through that part of the country...
Thank you for a good day. Very interesting how some places still remain.
I agree it's very interesting! I really enjoyed making this video :)
What a great trip back in time ..I have close friends in Columbus Neb.and I love getting off the Main roads and exploring the quieter areas especially along the abandoned Railroad routes. Nebraska is a hidden gem in the Great Plains I really enjoyed your programme and will subscribe..Best wishes from Auburn Sydney Australia .
Getting off the main roads is always fun for me too! And you’re right about Nebraska being a hidden gems for these places. Thanks for watching!
Small world Peter, my aunt and uncle live in Columbus and I'm a couple town north :)
This is so cool! I live really close to Nenzel, so this is so awesome to see!
Glad you enjoyed it! Really interesting area to visit!
Super cool video and super cool interview. I've actually been to that town and photographed it, but the person I was traveling with did not drink so we did not stop at the bar. Glad to hear she's doing well!
Thank you very much! She seems to be doing great! Definitely stop in next time and buy a t-shirt or a burger!
Didn't know she sold t-shirts! I will definitely pick one up when I'm there next!
Elsie is amazing for keeping the dream alive! The old photos she shared were so interesting. And swatting the fly 😂 The bar is neat. She mentioned working for Braniff, that's a blast from the past! I see cows like you but cats...not so much 😂 Enjoyed the video.
So true! And the fly swatting was hilarious :)
Gen X here, I grew up in Central City, about 30 miles due east of Grand Island Nebraska. It was an incredible place to be then. We had a lot of fun. Things were very simple then😊.
Thanks for sharing! 😊
Gen X here too. The 80's was the best time to be a teenager. Anyhoo, I too, grew up in Nebraska. Grew up in Elk Creek, which is about 60 miles south of Omaha, so down in the SE corner. Went to high school in Table Rock. I lived in New Hampshire for 27 years, but now I'm back to stay. I figure it won't be long and my old hometown will be on a video like this. Elk Creek population currently sits at 67.
I love that you made it to nenzel. I have extended family right there and it's awesome to see that make your list. Very glad I came across your videos! Thanks for the time and effort
That’s awesome! I’m glad people from these little towns have found this video. Such a beautiful area and cool to visit!
My father-in-law was born in Brewster in a sod house. His name is Gale Turner.
Thanks for viewing. I love small old towns...I mean really small. Greeting from Sweden.
Thank you very much! Does Sweden have small towns like this?
This was really interesting to watch! Thanks for taking the time to go all over Nebraska to show us these little towns! Merry from Raymond, NE.
Thank you very much! I had a lot of fun doing it! Looks like Raymond is a small town too!
My Great grandparents and grandparents came from Raymond.
Great video! I live in big old Los Angeles but grew up in small town Montana. This video just has a very comfortable field to it. The lady interviewed toward the end was quite interesting, having hung on there to be the very last person. And she has a lot of youth and spirit left. I really like her. What an amazing library her husband had! I've never been in a personal library even a quarter of that size. I'd be curious to know more about what his areas of reading interest were. Done properly, I think a B&B would do well there...people looking to spend a few days or more in a micro town and look thru Rudy's library. Anyway, a big THANKS!
Thank you very much for the kind comment and your thoughts/ideas! Elsie was awesome and the highlight of the trip for me!
Very interesting. I grew up and lived in southeast Nebraska for 70 years. I now live in south central Missouri. My grandparents lived in a really small town in southeast Nebraska named HOWE. Nothing left there now but in the early 50's there was still some old buildings. One old store still open and a gas station/ post office and a grain elevator next to the train tracks.
Thank you for watching! I’m glad some of these towns are getting some attention. A lot of proud people in small towns across the country!
I've spent many a night there in Brewster on main street waiting to load cattle the next morning. I always thought it'd be awesome to make one of those little buildings in to a General Store or simple 1 bedroom house. Cool little town! There used to be an RV park on the south side of town but it hasn't been used in years unfortunately.
I agree! I didn’t know much about it but thought it was very interesting to explore!
Really excellent video. Gives many of us an appreciation for parts of America that we might not ever get a chance to visit otherwise. Also I really appreciate the respectful way that you approach these towns and the people who live there. Well done!
Thank you Denise! I’m from places like this so I understand the struggles they go through. I appreciate the nice comment!
Thanks teacher, the last one on your list was familiar as another youtuber named Nick Johnson came through there a few months back and she would not give him an interview at the tavern, so lucky you!
I definitely felt fortunate! I was lucky I was there when she wasn’t busy. The raw footage of the interview was about 10 minutes long.
I enjoy these videos so much. Thank you helping to preserve history and to give a first hand account of the history as you have provided in this video. Thank you again. Keep up the hard work.
Aww thanks! I really appreciate that. It’s a lot of fun to do!
I watch your videos because of history!!!
Thank you very much! Good to find other history buffs out there!
Interesting and awesome video! I know I'll be revisiting this one. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks! Yeah this is one of my favorites!
Your tours make me want to jump in my pick up and hit the road! Such interesting locations, buildings, history! If you get the chance, go to the area in central NE, known as "7 Valleys", close to Calloway. The landscape is amazing! I knew a guy who wanted to put a golf course there. Probably would have become a great destination, because of the majestic beauty! Thanks for the great tour!
Awesome! Sounds like a cool place to check out! Definitely a lot of wide open and beautiful places in Nebraska to explore. Hopefully I can go back again soon!
Nice video. Elsie was a real treat.
She was awesome 😊
Good video !!! Great interview with Elise. That always adds something special when you can get a residents' input.
She was awesome! So gracious with her time!
Hay, my mother was from Hendley. I remember going to see my Great Grandmother there in the 70’s. Magical time for me.
Awesome! Neat little town!
Your videos are very inspirational. I’ve been tempted to take a little trip from Illinois to visit a few small towns in Nebraska, essentially following US 20 up to Valentine, following an abandoned railroad, then maybe returning on the northern border road visiting towns like Lynch. Now that my kids are either in college or married now I don’t know how hard it would be to travel alone on seemingly endless two lane roads. Your videos seem to make solitary trips seem interesting as well as enjoyable so I might try it this fall. Nebraska for some reason has always interested me
That’s awesome! I say go for it and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll really be glad you did!
The flood of 2020 was really rough, some towns were surrounded and had to get supplies by boat, some were flooded, etc.
Check out the youtube video on the blizzard of 49. Put the hurt on Western Nebraska Eastern Wyoming and parts of Colorado.
I love Monowi, I’ve eaten there once and learned some history and got to meet Elsie
She’s awesome!
Thanks, man. I really love this.
Thanks for watching!
TY for sharing this history with us. Loved the video.
I appreciate you watching! It was fun to put together!
Nice vid. Must be a lot of good books in that library.
There were! You could stay in there all day! Thank you!
Love this ladies demeanor. Reminded me of my grandma in Hunter, Ok
She was awesome! And very gracious with her time.
I've read about monowi, but not many of these towns. Great video. Have only been to Nebraska once, but now I want to go again.
Thank you! Monowi is definitely worth visiting!
Love you work. Been trying to get just a bycle and ride from NE Texas to out west. Been out of work about 7 years do to medical issues so I want to see what I can wile I can. But your videos help me see the world.
Thank you very much for watching the videos! I hope your goal of riding out west comes to fruition!!
Sidney Nebraska, my hometown was home to Cabela's outdoor retail store.
It was a pleasant state. I spent one summer there in the country and loved it.
Have you ever considered visiting South Dakota’s smallest towns? Great video keep it up
Would absolutely love to someday! I'm thinking of a trip this summer but I have a lot of other things on my plate too. Hopefully!
Nebraska my home state! Never heard of Henley! Winslow yes!
My BIL is a resident during hunting season. He turned one of the former businesses into his lodge. Lol
Great video.
Thank you!
If I remember correctly, I believe back in the early 2000's there was a couple and their son who made up the whole population of Gross. Haven't been up there in probably 20 years, but remember the food at the bar was good.
I’m assuming it’s probably the same people that are there now!
Nebraska still has the homestead act. I wonder if a person could get some nice farm land and home there
No. Some farm ground in southeastern Nebraska recently sold for around $28K/acre. There's no Homestead Act, as there's no public domain lands left.
@@johnortmann3098 there's places, especially in the east you can't get to the water to fish along the Platte and Missouri rivers
My mother's side of the family (last name Babcock) has been a part of Nebraska for a very very long time.
If you ever get to the Norfolk/Stanton area let me know. I'll treat you to lunch at the Wolf's Den in Stanton. They have incredible burgers! I went to high school there with the girl that owns it. It's been family owned for a LOT of years. Excellent burgers and onion rings!
Could also check out PIlger's rebuild after those 2 tornado's leveled it a couple years back. Stanton county only has 2 towns, Stanton and Pilger. I always found that interesting!
Sounds good! Always love a good local restaurant!
Thank you for this fantastic video. I appreciate the atmoshere and try to imaginate the forgotten people, their fate, dreams and hopes. I like your respect for these tiny towns and their people, especially Elsie Eiler. Perhaps a german name? I live in densely populated Southern Germany. The difference ist striking.
Glad you enjoyed it! I genuinely enjoy the towns and people. Thanks!
Excellent
I used to live in Haigler back in 1989
As a descendant of a Mayflower passenger, I can attest the name "Brewster" would have been on the Mayflower. Also, there are a lot of "Brewsters" in my family tree that goes back to that time. (I'm in the 3rd book I think, the very last page) So who knows, I might be related to the founder of Brewster. As many people in the family tree have founded towns and cities, one of the first being Chatham, MA.
I live in Lincoln NE, thanks for the video 👍. It’s very interesting to watch.
Nice! I really enjoyed making it! Thanks!
Well now I want to see a list of your ten FAVORITE small towns in each state 😝
Very interesting you say that … I’ve been thinking of an end of the year “favorite ghost towns of 2022 I’ve visited” type video 😊
I've lived in Richfield Nebraska population 47 .. for 68 years in the fastest-growing county in the State;( Sarpy).. yeah we have more cows then people.. I thought we would be included in this video but 47 is too big?... There was a town called Quick Nebraska back in the 70s a little bit east of fort Robinson but I can't seem to find it anymore.. entering quick Nebraska and leaving quick Nebraska was on the same sign.. I love Nebraska and your video warmed my heart... I put a sign out on the highway telling all the City slickers in Omaha to stay the hell out of Richfield. but somebody keeps taking down my sign..
Thanks so much! I really enjoyed making this video - so many great small towns! Richfield sounds pretty great too 😊
Outstanding video thank t
Thank you very much!
I own property in Hamlet NE my have 20 people in Hayes county nice little town
I enjoy your channel thank you so much for sharing have a great day
I really appreciate it! Thanks!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy happy new year from Australia..take care over there ..
Fantastic 🎉❤
Thanks 🤗
Wonderful. Grew up in Butler County Nebraska. Love small town bar food. Stuck in Omaha. Crime loud stereo gangs freaks with purple hair crooked politicians lawyers and incessant highway noise you have to drive an hour to get away from it. 71 still bowhunt near Tecumseh and Genoa. Peaceful reconnect with food producers. God Bless
Also you should do a video on the old settlement outside beatrice. That'd be cool
my mom was born in Chappel, some relatives still live there, or nearby.
If you go west of Hendley there’s also Lebanon and Danbury, my favorite is when people have horses in their front yards😂
My grandparents live on that first house going to Randolph. I live in Randolph. My mom and uncle's went to that school
I lived in Winslow as a boy.
I live in Omaha makes me wanna see more of Nebraska really haven't seen a lot of it
Lots of interesting places to see if you’re into history!
A TOWN OF ONE AND FIRST COMMENT??
A NICE PRESENTATION!
IN MY WANDERINGS I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED THE HOUSES LARGER THAN MINE AND NICER THAT ARE UNOCCUPIED!
THE MAIN REASON FOR THE DECLINE OF THESE TOWNS ARE DUE TO MOVE TO LARGER FARM MACHINERY AND MUCH LARGER AREAS FARMED BY ONE OPERATOR!
Congrats haha! It’s always interesting to do these videos and see how these small towns compare to ones in other states. Nebraska’s had a lot of history in those old buildings. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy
YA I ALSO LIKE YOUR NOTING THE TOWNS RAILROAD LINES/HISTORY,
AS I AM A RETIRED AT&SF RAILROADER!
IN 1971 ?? I PURCHASED FROMKALMBACH PUBLISHING A 1948 RAILROAD ATLAS.
THIS SHOWS THE RR MAP OF THAT TIME!
IT IS NOW QUITE WORN FROM MY TRAVELS!
IT ALSO LISTS THE OWNERS OF THAT DAY BEFORE ALL THE RR MERGERS WHEN SO MANY RAILROAD NAMES DISAPPEARED!
MANY OF THE SMALL LINES IN KANSAS AND NEBRASKA DISSAPPEARED WITH THE LARGE MEAT PACKERS LEAVING LARGE TOWNS SUCH AS CHICAGO AND KANSAS CITY!
NOW MOST OF THE MEAT PACKERS ARE IN RURAL AREAS,
CLOSER TO THE CATTLE!
MANY OF THESE SMALL TOWNS THAT LOST THEIR LINES HAD CATTLE LOADING SIDINGS AND PENS!
IN VERY RARE CASES THE PENS STILL EXIST!
My aunt and uncle use to live there in Nenzel. They owned the bar. It was called Dicks Bar. They are buried there alone with several of our relatives!
Very beautiful part of Nebraska out there. Glad I was able to visit and document it!