06/04/2026
Throwback Thursday takes us back to City Hall in 1966, with a look at how the building began back in January 1937!
The January 14, 1937 issue of the Cherry County Newspaper featured a bold headline: “Valentine Demands New City Hall: Commissioners Order City Vacate Court House.” The article/ad filled an entire page and laid out the many reasons Valentine needed a new city hall, including space for the city library, city jail, Volunteer Fire Department, and the beautification of the city.
The proposed cost was $19,000, with $9,000 planned for labor in the early spring of 1937, giving “our local people an opportunity to earn money at a time when money is most needed.” A bond issue for $10,900 was put before voters, complete with a sample ballot printed in the newspaper, and it passed on Tuesday, January 19, 1937.
By December 1937, City Council minutes show that the bid for construction was awarded to Hansing and Peterson, general contractors from Norfolk, Nebraska, who submitted the lowest bid at $20,118. Representatives from two brick companies presented several brick options, and after careful consideration, the council selected Farren-Wall Brick from Western Brick and Supply Company of Omaha.
It’s interesting to think about how many community needs were planned into one building. Do you remember visiting City Hall when the library, jail, or fire department were there? What memories do you have of this building?
