Contributed to the Daily Sun
The annual summer tour and picnic sponsored by the Gage County Heritage Preservation group is planned Saturday.
The public is invited to attend this informative tour, learn about the regional history of Odell, enjoy the historic architecture in the community and gain a better understanding of how the community was settled and grew.
The tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the Trails Center in Odell at the corner of Main Street and Ida Street
Odell is in southwestern Gage County on Highway 8. Founded in 1881, the community is located in close proximity to many important transportation corridors. The Oregon Trail, the Oketo Cutoff of the Overland Stage Line and the Burlington Missouri River Railroad all traversed the region.
The current Trails Center building was built in 1885 of native limestone. This original bank building has recently undergone renovation. The Trails Center has more than 100 feet of interior murals depicting transportation history. The murals were painted by Waverly artist Dave Reiser.
The tour will also highlight the Methodist Church. The original frame building has held services since 1884. Participants will see the school block marker that commemorates the two buildings that were located on the site and the original bell that was on the wood frame school.
Odell has undertaken a downtown beautification project in recent years. The central business district is a short walk enhanced by unique light poles and plantings.
Lunch will be available at the Tigers Den upon completion of the tour. The tour is free to the public; lunch is on your own.
For more information about Gage County Heritage Preservation, contact Gail Berke, president, at 402-228-2283, or Renee Bauer, vice president, at 402-239-3127.