If you were to study historical maps of Cedar County in Nebraska, you might be confused by the different names denoting a spot in northwestern Cedar County. Elm Grove, Strahmburg, Green Island and Aten all laid claim to the same general settlement, sometimes even being used interchangeably.
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Major flooding events were common along the Missouri River before manmade dams reduced the frequency and severity. The town of Green Island was completely wiped off the map by flooding in 1881 and replaced by Aten, as shown by this comparison of maps from 1879 and 1885.
Images submitted by Rod Nohr
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These photos of “Uncle John Nelsons’ brick house” were found in a collection of Elsie (Nelson) Hermanson with a note dated June 2, 1972: “This house stood thru the flood of 1881—when the entire village of Green Island was swept away. Several people congregated here and were saved. Flood waters and ice chunks came up, even with the up-stairs windows.”
Submitted photo
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Nohr brothers Merle, 9, Dan, 7, and Floyd, 11, play outside the southeast corner of the old Parker Hotel, where the Nohr family resided in Aten, Neb. This photo was taken about 1919.
Photo submitted by Rod Nohr
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The old Barker Store, where C.P. Barker sold groceries, is moved from Aten to Crofton, Neb., in this photo from August 1906.
Photo from the Crofton Centennial Book
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The large barn on the Nohr family farm in northwestern Cedar County, Neb., was built for dances and agriculture. The barn was constructed in 1918 and 1919, with the top specifically designed for dances. Lawrence Welk performed there, as did many other entertainers through the years.
Photo submitted by Rod Nohr
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The large barn on the Nohr family farm in northwestern Cedar County, Neb., was built for dances and agriculture. The barn was constructed in 1918 and 1919, with the top specifically designed for dances. Lawrence Welk performed there, as did many other entertainers through the years.
Photo submitted by Rod Nohr
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Mysteries on the Map is a monthly series that highlights a different ghost town and how it contributed to the rich history of Nebraska. Running through the summer months, it pays tribute to the pioneers who endured incredible hardship and paved the way so that we can now enjoy the good life called Nebraska. If you have suggestions or stories to share about a community that no longer exists, contact reporter Kristen Sindelar at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com . Write to the Midwest Messenger at P.O. Box 239, Tekamah, NE 68061.
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