Niobrara County Library

09/05/2026

So true, as well as fresh air, sunsets, the love of pets, a good laugh, a walk in nature, and a library full of stories waiting to be discovered.

09/04/2026

Congrats to this little gal! 1000 Library Books Before Kindergarten is going strong! Did you know our program can continue with During Kindergarten! For every 100 library books read to your child during Kindergarten they can select a hardback book for their very own! Once kids are reading independently we we have the "I Can Read" program!

09/04/2026

Congrats to this little gal! On her way to 1000 Library Books Before Kindergarten! WooHoo!

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

To read in your browser: https://tinyurl.com/57kf2w4f

Blacksmiths: J.P. Albee

The Lusk Herald, May 28, 1891

"J.P. Albee (at the old stand)

Will be pleased to welcome his old friends and customers again as he has brought back the old shop and fixtures.

Blacksmithing, Wagonmaking, and General Repairs

Attended to with the usual dispatch."

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The Lusk Herald, September 8, 1938

Among Home Folks, by Nellie S. Griffith

Another Landmark Gone

The other morning I stopped to watch workmen tearing down an old dilapidated building, it was nothing but an eye sore and a fire trap.

But I can well remember when this building carried on a thriving business and was necessary to the community. It was a blacksmith shop and many is the time as a little girl, going to and from school, that I have stopped by the open door to watch the red hot irons in the forge and the fascinating way the smithy would pump the bellows and make the coals glow red.

Usually there was a cow pony, work horse or driving team being shod and it and it was interesting watching the blacksmith lift up their feet and nail on the new shoe.

This building was located at the corner of Pine and Third streets, on the south side of Third, long before the streets had any names, and for many years now the property has been known as the "Grandma Barber" property.

From reliable authority I find that this blacksmith shop and the residence were built in the year 1887 by a man by the name of Alby ( J.P. Albee) , then a number if years later was sold to a Wm. Bruell, who in turn sold to William Bradley, father of Russell Bradley, and grandfather of Chief of Police, Bill Bradley. Lum Barber later purchased the shop from Mr. Bradley and Mr. Barber's mother became the owner of the house and so the property has carried the Barber name up to the present time.

Mrs. George Keller recently acquired the house and lots , and began improving the appearance of the property by tearing down the old blacksmith shop which has stood on this site for 51 years.

There is still a demand for a blacksmith shop in the town , and Lusk has a good up-to-date one operated by Mr. Perry, I suppose there is still an occasional horse to be shod, but I have never noticed one there, instead there are trucks, farm machinery and even cars waiting for repairs.

Time brings many changes but until we stop and look back we are scarcely aware of many of them.

*** Not necessarily a picture of the Blacksmith Shop, but you can get an idea of the area***

09/02/2026

Mark your calendar for September 17!

08/27/2026

This little gal is on her way to 1000 Library Books Before Kindergarten! Congratulations!!!

08/27/2026

Click here to read in your browser. https://tinyurl.com/4t72myd5

Bakeries: McKnight Bakery

The Lusk Herald, May 31, 1945

McKnight Expands Bakery, Changes Name of Products

E.L. McKnight, Proprietor, announced this week that the name of the former Wigwam Bakery here is being changed to the McKnight Bakery, and that bread products will go under the trade name of "Golden Krust"

Patrons will see the bread wrapped in the new red and blue wrappers soon, and pastries will be wrapped similarly.

The name change comes with a necessary expansion program to meet the demands of the community. A new wrapping machine has already been installed and a new bread slicer will be installed shortly.

To get additional room, the bakery is utilizing the room formerly occupied by the Stage Coach. This will be used for storage, and the former storage room will be used to enlarge the wrapping room.

This expansion marks six years of business in Lusk for Mr. and Mrs. McKnight. In March 1939, he came here from Denver to purchase the Wigwam Bakery and has operated it as such since that time. Mr. McKnight has not only improved his business, but has been active in civic affairs, and is now president of the Lusk Lions Club and is serving on the Town Council.

Further details of the change will be announced in The Herald next week.

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The Lusk Herald, April 22, 1948

Pictured here is the front of the new McKnight Bakery. (Lusk Herald photo, Flint Photography)

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The Lusk Herald, April 11, 1957

New Owners of McKnight Bakery

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar York from Mullen, Nebr. have purchased the business from Mr. and Mrs. E.L. McKnight.

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Image from 1947 Lusk High School yearbook:

It takes a manly high school junior as, Donnie Pearce to raise a "five o'clock shadow" by the time in the morning when the McKnight Bakery has its showcases full of goodies fresh from the ovens.

Only war-necessitated restrictions on building has hindered Mr. E. L. McKnight from replacing his present structure with a brand new brick, tile & glass salesroom and bake shop.

But the sparkling showcases and tempting aromas of Lusk-baked (and hence fresh) delicacies have made this little store a bee-hive of workers and happy customers. The pretty clerk on duty is Kathleen Robinson.