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Gothenburg, Nebraska

The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930s brought sound, Technicolor and controversy over allowing movies to be shown on Sundays. The public vote narrowly approved Sunday movies. When money was scarce during the depression, the theatre advertised "egg nights" - a dozen eggs valued at 6 cents was the price of admission. Glen VanWey's son, Ernie, operated the theatre from 1956-1981. A fund drive by the Gothenburg Community Playhouse to "Save the Sun" has kept the theatre open under volunteer management and public contributions. Currently, the theatre runs weekly movies Friday through Sunday and sponsors Community Playhouse productions several times a year.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Swedish Crosses Cemetery

For over a century, three unique crosses have been a lasting symbol of the Swedish heritage of Gothenburg. In the early 1880s, Peter and Anna Berg, along with Anna'

Gothenburg, NE Cemeteries

Pony Express Mural

The Pony Express galloped through the West in 18 short months before Nebraska gained statehood. The historic value of those early times is being preserved in Gothenburg, which was named Pony Express Capital of Nebraska in 1991

Gothenburg, NE Arts

Veterans' War Memorial

Located on the west shore of Lake Helen, this memorial is a reminder of sacrifices made by veterans and their families of all wars. The names listed commemorate local residents who gave their lives. World War I:

Gothenburg, NE Memorials

Historic Depot

In the years from 1863 to 1868 the railroad had become a certainty. During the five year period, the first operations of mapping, surveying, setting telegraph poles and planning the roadbed had been completed. The railroad through this territory was completed in 1868

Gothenburg, NE Railroad History

Lake Helen

Foresighted citizens approved a bond issue in 1889 for construction of a 12

Gothenburg, NE Recreation

Things to do near Gothenburg, NE

Hastings Parks

Harlan County Museum

The Strand Theatre

Soldiers Memorial

Plum Creek Massacre Site

After camping just two miles south and east of where the Plum Creek emptied into the Platte River on August 7, 1864, the Mort...