Raising funds for historic Gates Community Center
BROKEN BOW - The Gates community north of Broken Bow has been an active community in the history of Custer County. According to the Custer County Historical Society records, in 1884 the post office was commissioned to supply 70 patrons. They also found that in 1930/1931 the school had an enrollment of 60 students.
In 1937 the wood framed school house burned to the ground. By the fall a new brick school house stood on the southeast corner of the Gates crossroads. History of Gates states, “Area residents acted quickly, in spite of initial disagreement. Contentious issues included building size and shape, construction materials, and whether indoor plumbing was extravagant. Relatively modern architecture and stout brick construction were chosen, but outhouses were deemed good enough. Remember that it was the Depression era. Money was tight. People could afford to carry progressive ideas only so far.”
The brick school house served the district’s students well for several decades – even better after restrooms and the gym were added. The building now serves as the Gates Community Center. Even during this recent time of COVID concern, the Center has seen use, albeit less frequently. For it to remain useful, however, maintenance issues must be addressed. The big one is the need to replace roofing material on the brick school house.
The Gates Community Center, Inc. held a fund raiser Sat. April 10. “It was awesome. We had a lot of fun,” Greg Smith, board member of the Gates Community Center, Inc., said.
Fellow board member Brent Myers was pleased with the turnout. “I thought to myself, many times leading up to the fund raiser, how many will turn out and I was really surprised when the community started arriving.”
According to Myers, people from all around including alumni from the Gates school and many who have grown up and continue to live in the area were present. “Also, a big number from farther away who notice the importance of supporting local communities,” Myers added. He said 19 teams signed up for the corn hole tournament and approximately 200 attended the event. “Overall, it was really a good turnout and will help us fund the up keep of the facility,” he said.
If you were unable to attend the fund-raiser, you are welcome to contribute. They are a non-profit, service organization and your donation is tax-deductible. Checks can be made payable to Gates Community Center, Inc. and sent to Treasurer Angela Burnett, 43790 Sargent Rd, Anselmo NE 68813.