Beaver City Firsts

Flying Doctor – Our town has recorded some unique “firsts” in the field of medicine and aviation. Beaver City was the home of Dr.Frank Brewster, Nebraska’s first flying doctor. Brewster bought a Curtis-Wright JN4D biplane in 1919. Purchased for $8,000, it arrived in Beaver City by rail in two large boxes. The plane was assembled and made its first flight on May 19, 1919, when 8,000 people gathered to see Wade Stevens, a young World War I veteran, take to the air for its test flight.

“Doc” Brewster flew many missions of mercy throughout southwestern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas. His airplane was a familiar and comforting sight to farmers and ranchers of this area for many years.

A marker is located 11/2 mile east on Highway 89 commemorating Doc Brewster. (see “Doc Brewster” Attraction”

Helicopter Vet – Currently Beaver City is the home of Nebraska’s first veterinarian to use a helicopter in his practice. Dr. Arthur Becker established a veterinary practice here in 1962, then built a unique, rounded Beaver Valley Animal Hospital in 1965 (the first of its kind). His helicopter gives him great mobility and allows him to make calls quickly and efficiently.