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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

First United Methodist Church

Welcome to Beaver City's First United Methodist Church. Enjoy the chimes coming from the bell tower on Sunday mornings immediately before and after the worship service. Feast your eyes on the magnificent stained glass windows of the church.

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings


Furnas County Wildlife Management Areas

Burton's Bend WMA - Along the Republican River Valley 90 acres of pasture land are maintained throughout the year to provide excellent hunting ground for common game birds. Oxford WMA

Beaver City, NE Wildlife Refuges

First Presbyterian Church

Since the beginning, the Beaver City First Presbyterian Church has been a significant part of the community. Being the first church organized in the county, it has influenced the other churches in the area. It all began in the days of the wild, wild west in the year 1874. The first "church"

Beaver City, NE Historic Churches


Things to do near Beaver City, NE

Johnson Lake Fishing

Species of game fish in the lake include white bass, walleye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, striped bass, largemouth bas...

Hitchcock County Musuem

The Hitchcock County Museum invites you to travel throughout a complex of six buildings furnished with artifacts that histori...