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Beaver City, Nebraska

Dr. Frank A. Brewster practiced medicine in Beaver City from 1901 to 1923. He established hospitals in Beaver City and at Oberlin Kansas. He realized the need for fast transportation to take care of the needs of such a large territory so he obtained a Curtis airplane from the Aeroplane and Motor corporation of New York. A letter from this corporation informed Dr. Brewster that this was the first airplane sold in the entire world, as far as known, to be owned privately and for commercial purposes (from the Times-Tribune, April 1919).

The plane was brought to Beaver City by rail on flat cars in two huge boxes and it was taken to the hangar east of Beaver City where Dr. Brewster had established the first private airport in the world and it was the only airfield in Nebraska.

The plane was assembled by Wade Stevens, assisted by Maurice Bonser. It had a wing span of forty feet and was painted grass green.

On May 22, 1919, a big celebration of "Brewster Booster Day" was held in Beaver City. It was estimated that there were 8,000 people here that day. The buggies, wagons and cars were estimated by the acre and many took their first airplane ride that day.

The plane was stored in the hangar at the Brewster airport but was tied down with ropes when located any other place. It was recorded that the early days were certainly rough on the airplane as mules ate the fabric off the fuselage and cows broke the frail structure. Hail storms were always a menace to the plane. Dr. Brewster's airplanes were always both for work and as a hobby. He went on to own several planes during his lifetime and also learned to fly.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


Furnas County Courthouse

When Furnas County organized in late 1873, Beaver City was one of the voting places designated by Governor Robert Furnas, for whom the county was named. Competing with Arapahoe for location of the county seat, Beaver City was chosen for the honor by the people. This is where it has remained.

Beaver City, NE Historic Courthouses

G.W. Shafer & Son, General Merchandise

In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings

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

Beaver City, NE Famous People

Kool-Aid's Beginning

"Mother would bring home some of the soft drink powder that Edwin was experimenting with and my father didn't know if he wanted to drink that powder, sugar, and water mixture!" - A partial reprint from the booklet Hendley Nebraska Centennial

Beaver City, NE One Of A Kinds

Things to do near Beaver City, NE