Help preserve a downtown city landmark

Just four years before its 100th birthday, the Carnegie Library at Norris and E in McCook has been saved from ruin by the High Plains Historical Society.

The stately old building -- which was built in 1907 -- received a reprieve when the historical society agreed to take on the responsibility of a $15,000 debt to replace the roof.

The new roof was essential. After 95 years, the original, curved red slate tile roof was leaking like a sieve. The leaks weren't because of the tiles ... the problem was the wood base underneath, which over the years had rotted away.

Due to budget problems, the city couldn't find the extra money needed for the repairs, so the council deeded the museum property to the historical society, with the stipulation that the society fix the roof and keep the building in good repair.

This has been done. After getting advice from Randy Stramel of Lincoln, an architect with McCook roots, tiles which matched the original slates were located in Omaha. Using local workmen, the roof has been replaced, with the curved tiles placed over a waterproof base material.

More work is needed. Before the project is complete, the wood under the eaves must be painted, and the inside of the library needs new plaster and paint.

As you drive up and down Norris Avenue, pay special attention to how nice the Carnegie Library building looks. It is an excellent companion to the Museum of the High Plains, which is located next door to the south. The property has been further enhanced by the "Prairie Bull" bison sculpture, created for permanent display by Gary Ginther, a sculptor from Cambridge.

Your careful contemplation of the vintage library is requested because the historical society needs your help. The board of directors did the roof work on faith. They lack the funds to cover the debt.

Donations are starting to come in. To kick off the fund-raising, Bison Dental made a $1,000 contribution. Smaller gifts have been made by others, but more than $13,500 is still needed to pay for the roof and cover the cost of repairs inside the library.

For a community which has been so well served by the historic Carnegie Library, that's not a lot to pay for preservation. McCook is privileged to have the structure, which is the only Nebraska version of the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture.

To do you part, you're invited to send a check to the Carnegie Library Fund, c/o High Plains Historical Society, 423 Norris Ave., McCook, NE 69001.

Donors will be recognized on a wall plaque which will be placed in the library. Be a part of history. Help preserve one of McCook's most distinctive historic buildings with a gift of your choosing.