The Custer County Historical Society is planning a birthday party on Saturday, January 24 at the Custer County Museum on the west side of the Square in Broken Bow. While the birthday celebrant will not likely make an appearance, everyone is invited to take part in a party recognizing the 170th birthday of pioneer photographer Solomon D. Butcher.
The party will start at 2:00 PM, featuring a presentation on the life and work of Butcher by Lance Bristol. In addition, there will be readings by participants of a 4th Grade Essay Contest.
Historical Society Curator Tammy Hendrickson told KCNI/KBBN that having young students engage in the historical material is a vital part of their education.
“It’s important to share those stories with the younger ones,” Hendrickson said. “So this is that younger generation catching on, and having that story to pass on to the next – telling the history and the heritage of their families.”
The Butcher Birthday Bash will also serve as a fundraiser for the Historical Society and Museum. While a free will donation will be accepted at the party, there will also be an opportunity to take home a book of photos and frontier tales about and by Custer County’s Pioneer Photographer. One of two versions of the book, The Pioneer History of Custer County, by Butcher – one an older edition and the other a newer reprint – will be available to take home via a raffle.
Tickets for the book raffle are $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. Tickets are currently available through any Historical Society Board Member, and can also be bought the day of the event, though ticket holders need not be present to win.
The Custer County Museum is open Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For questions, contact the Historical Society and Museum at 308-872-2203.
