What's Going On. . .
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| Friend Friend Historical Society Preserving the Past, Charting the Future Historical |
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| A Family Friend, Named Friend, Comes Home to Friend for a Visit! Most days, the trip to the post office is uneventful, but on one lucky afternoon, I introduced myself to a stranger, peering into the Gilbert Library door. It turns out, this stranger was no stranger at all, but instead Mr. Dick Friend, a family member of Friend's founding father! Dick sat a spell, and we chatted about what had changed, and what had not, in our small town. We managed a private tour of the library, one of his favorite places to visit as a child, and chatted a bit more, on the steps of the library, where his dog, Miss Kitty, explored. He happened in on a day that the Historical Society Board was meeting, so several of us had the honor of meeting this founding ancestor. Then, as fast as he had appeared, Mr. Friend drove off. A flash of our community's heritage and history was here, and if only for a little while, it was a grand treat to meet Dick and Miss Kitty. The Friend Historical Society wishes you well, Dick. We hope you and Miss Kitty have returned home, safely. |
| "The Event of the Year!" "The Event of the Century!" "As nice as any event I've been to in Omaha!" The Historical Society Impresses 90 attendees! |
| More than 1300 hours of work donated by 45 community volunteers and members of the Historical Society proved that a little blood, a lot of sweat, and 6 dumpsters can make an amazing difference! Doors opened at 5:30PM and members of the group welcomed visitors from all over the state, South Dakota and Montana to the Riedel Wine Tasting event. Looks of excitement and amazement overtook most as they entered the former Yokel Hardware building and were greeted by towering brick walls and gorgeous new light fixtures provided by the building's new tenant "The Pour House". The building was staged with antiques and collectibles, as well as memorabilia from the Warren Opera House, and the community. The center of the room was elegantly adorned with rust satin cloth, glass and crystal and a three foot tall candelabra. In the center of the banquet table stood a five foot floral arrangement created by Gretta at the Blue Blossom Floral. It was simply exquisite! As guests entered the new welcome center San Carlo Room, they found seating for 90 registrants. Tables were covered with more than $9000 worth of crystal wine glasses. Soft lighting above, and candles reflected against the new paint and majestic brick walls. After a brief welcome and Thank You from the Society, the program was turned over to Sean Petrie and Doug Reed of the Riedel company. Guests confirmed that, YES, wine does taste differently in different glasses. Guided experiments in pouring a wine from a Bordeaux glass to a Chardonnay glass were welcomed with cheers. When the tasting was finished, guests dined on an impressive assortment of gourmet appetizers and delectable desserts. All enjoyed the music of Mike Adams, a classical and jazz guitarist from Kearney, and generous bidders made Larson Auction services' job more fun, as several bidding wars ensued. Finally, the Society payed tribute to Will and Sarah Yokel by presenting them with handmade tables, complete with Yokel Hardware yardstick tops. The tables were made by John Potter and donated to the Society. Community members also shared in giving thanks to the family for the opportunity to renovate the Warren Building. This event was an enormous success and the Society was successful in raising over $5000 that will go toward architectural plans and renovations. We THANK ALL who joined us on Sept. 24, and we look forward continued progress! |
| Guests arrive and mingle as they take in the renovations and festivities. Ninety people joined in the fun that night! |
| Photos of the newly exposed brick walls, revealed staircase and book nook, oak cabinetry and display shelves, and the refinished San Carlo sign, which was reclaimed by Rick Sheehan for the Society, and repainted by Greg Holdren. |
| Brad Rohrig (Omaha) & Lyn Williams (Seward) study the differences in the wine glasses. |
| Sean Petrie addresses the group (above) and left, he shows how to decant a Pinot Noir in the Eve vessel. Below Lance Larson and Brian Himmenberg raise auction funds |