Lost in Time: Nebraska Stories Bringing Back the Past

Sometimes the clock seems to stand still. Those are the moments when we can be lost in time. Or instead maybe these are the stories from long ago that are rarely told. On this week’s episode of Nebraska Stories, these are the reoccurring tales that are featured this week. The show notes from NET are italicized. The commentary is my own and expresses my own opinions.

“Nebraska’s Solar Eclipse” For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse crossed the entire continental United States. An entire swath of Nebraska was in ideal viewing range. In the biggest tourism event in Nebraska history, families, their pets, strangers and people from across the country, even the world, traveled to and within Nebraska to witness nature’s grand spectacle. It was a cosmic social media experiment. Nebraska Stories collected the shared memories, photos and videos from the Nebraska Stories Facebook page of this once-in-a-lifetime event. From the fear of cloudy skies to the thrill of totality, Nebraska was ground zero for eclipse chasers.

August was definitely Eclipse month in Nebraska. Unfortunately I was one of the Nebraskans who did not get to experience the eclipse due to cloud cover. I definitely lost out on the full experience although we did have a great day with friends. In the feature image, you can see my photograph from the event. Although we missed seeing the eclipse, we did feel the mid-day darkness.

“The Last Homesteader’s Tractor” A 1940s tractor used by the last homesteader in Alaska in the 1970s is restored. Volunteers at UNL completed the project before going to the Homestead National Monument for permanent display. We follow members of UNL’s tractor club as they refurbish the tractor. We also learn the story of the last homesteader.

This tractor should have been lost. In fact, recovering this farm vehicle did take some time and effort. I have not been to the Homestead since this tractor arrived. But I will definitely be looking for it the next time we visit.

“The Master Gardener” For over 35 years, she planned out the Plant of the Week for every episode of Backyard Farmer. After turning 95, long-time Extension Master Gardener, Gladys Jeurink hangs up her shears. Now she retires to the oasis in her own backyard.

My grandmother was a gifted gardener. I am quite certain that I did not fully appreciate the beauty that she brought forth in her flower beds. Gardening is definitely a lost art. I enjoyed learning more about one of Nebraska’s most experienced gardeners.

“Drawn to Fashion” In the digital age, fashion illustration is a lost art—but Omaha artist Mary Mitchell is bringing it back. Her collection of a thousand images, created over three decades, uniquely reveal the beauty of fabric and design.

With digital marketing, pen and paper designs are rare. I am glad that artist Mary Mitchell is holding onto her drawings. I also would not mind if current fashions went back in time – her illustrations are stunning!

“Saving Emery’s Masterpiece” In his unheated shed in rural Stapleton, Emery Blagdon worked tirelessly to create his “Healing Machine.” Today his lifetime obsession is considered a major work of art. But how do you conserve such an unusual collection of objects?

Art or clutter? This archival episode definitely gives viewers much to take about. In the wrong viewer’s eyes, this collection would have been trashed. But thankfully some recognized the value in this unusual machine.