A record number of cyclists registered for the sixth annual Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour held on Saturday, August 12. The event was sponsored by HUB, Hastings Unique Bicyclists, and held in conjunction with Kool-Aid Days in Hastings, Nebraska. Over 130 riders from four different states rode their bicycles either 30 or 60 miles, drank Kool-Aid and helped raise money for the Pioneer Spirit Trail (PST), a hike and bike trail being built in and around Hastings. With generous help from the cyclists and local area sponsors, over $1000 was raised for the trail
Click here to see pictures from the tour.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Weekend America: Part-time Baker
It's nearly dawn and drizzling in Hastings, Neb., a Midwestern college town of 25,000 surrounded by farmland. In a brick alley downtown, the glow of a street lamp illuminates a small sign that reads: Back Alley Bakery.
Inside, Bryce Wiebe stokes up a wood fire in a handmade brick oven. He wears jeans under a white apron and a tight knitted cap pulled down over his brown hair. Wiebe's face glows in the firelight as he checks the temperature. "This for me is prayerful activity," he says. "It's quiet, it's focused, and I think its something that connects me to the divine, or with God or with whatever you want to say, because it's creative."
Wiebe was raised in the Mennonite church, which is similar to the Amish faith, but less suspicious of modern technology. Mennonites highly value life's simplicities and hard work.
Wiebe grew up in Hastings, he attended Hastings College and got a job as the director of its local Big Brothers/Big Sisters chapter after he graduated.
He is a busy man during week, but on Friday, Wiebe skips a night out so that he can be fresh for his early Saturday morning shift. "I felt there was something better about waking up and accomplishing something in a day than finishing late and waking up hurting the next day," he says.
Wiebe says that the simplicity of bread attracted him to the bakery. The loaves are only made using organic flour. The majority of their ingredients are locally grown. The bread is free-form baked, right on the floor of the wood-fired brick oven and without tins or pans.
Wiebe discovered baking early in life. During family holidays, he was the only little boy allowed to help in the kitchen. His mother and grandmothers taught him how to bake cakes and pies, but his weekend passion is bread.
"Bread is essentially a balance between your solid, your flour and moisture, he says. "If you get the proportions wrong, you wind up with a disaster on your hands." Wiebe showed up at the Back Alley Bakery one day and begged to be brought on as a volunteer. The bakery's owner, John Hamburger, says Wiebe was initially like a lost puppy, but "he really took off. It wasn't long before we trusted him to start making fires and coming in at four o'clock in the morning."
Right now, Wiebe works on what will become a batch of sourdough baguettes. All the Back Alley's bread is sourdough, made from an original batch that is several years old. Sourdough is an organism that grows on its own and replenishes itself over time--yet another way of reclaiming old traditions.
The baguettes come steaming out of the oven when they are done. Wiebe explains that he can tell when it's done by listening for the steam crackling through its crust. "If you can squish it a little bit with your fingers and it crackles then it's good," he says. It IS good. The crust is crunchy, and the soothing aroma of the escaping steam fills the air. The bread is moist, fresh and flavorful. It tastes like someone put their heart and soul into it. Wiebe says there's something spiritual about baking bread. "When you allow yourself to invest in something and be a part of something then you have to let it go," he says.
"You have to let it do its own thing, and you watch it, and you wait for it, and then you finish it. And when you're done, you have something that feeds people, you have something that nourishes people and...that's really important to us - that we give someone, give people something good to hold onto."
http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/16/baker/
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Motorsport Park has been developed as multimillion-dollar playground
BY PAUL HAMMELWORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
HASTINGS, Neb. — As he roared down the straightaway at 100 mph in an $80,000 canary-yellow Corvette, George Anderson had a thought: "It just doesn't get any better than this."
George Anderson drives his Corvette around the 2.15-mile track at Motorsport Park. He said his hometown was ideal for a motor sports venue.Then he downshifted into a gravity-bending corner, the car's 650-horsepower engine growling under the hood.Anderson, 59, owner of a high-performance machine shop and sports car dealership in Hastings, has turned a passion for fast cars and high speeds into a multimillion-dollar playground for auto enthusiasts. Motorsport Park is east of town, amid cornfields and ethanol plants.It's a country club for big boys with big, fast toys. It draws members, car clubs and motorcycle racing groups from around the region.Some car owners have purchased $300,000 condominiums at the track to store their Porsches, Corvettes and Mustangs so they're ready to race when they can get away.
Click to enlarge.There are $1,000 initiation and $500 annual membership fees to join the Guardrail Club, which provides "T-times" (track times) to cars zooming up to 140 mph on the 2.15-mile asphalt road course.Members are primarily middle-aged folks who have disposable income and crave the adrenaline rush of pushing the pedal to the metal in souped-up autos. They range from a local cattle feeder to an Internet millionaire."Golf costs money, and bass boats are expensive, too, but this has a lot more thrills than most of those hobbies," said Randy Hablitzel, a 60-year-old self-employed businessman who was out testing his 1989 Ford Mustang on a recent afternoon."This is go-carts for big kids," he added.The track, which opened in 2006, is similar to Mid America Motorplex, the 2.23-mile track south of Omaha near Pacific Junction, Iowa, that opened in 2002.The Hastings track has 75 lots that can be developed for luxury condominiums. The condos, each of which can store up to six cars, have two bedrooms, decks that overlook the race course and hot tubs.
Condos overlook the 2.15-mile track at Motorsport Park east of Hastings. The buildings include space for storing racing enthusiasts' vehicles.Fifteen lots have been sold, and nearly a dozen condos are completed."They like their freaking privacy, and that's what we provide here," Anderson said of the guests.But Motorsport Park is also bringing economic development to Hastings.Besides additional business for Anderson and his machine shop and dealership, there have been purchases of Corvettes and other fast cars in the area.And when 140 car club members drive in from Denver or Omaha for a private weekend of racing, there's more business for local motels and restaurants."It's an economic plus," said Tom Hastings, president of the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, who credits Anderson for fulfilling an ambitious dream.David Balingit, director of the National Auto Sports Association's Rocky Mountain region, said the Hastings track is the best such racing complex in his eight-state region.That's because the track, designed by widely known course designer Alan Wilson, is safe, smooth and fun to drive, Balingit said. The hospitality from Anderson and the community of 25,000 is unmatched, he added.Some drivers refer to Motorsport Park as the "racetrack with the homemade cinnamon rolls," which are among the pastries Anderson delivers each morning.After driving time is over, members quaff beers in the soon-to-be-completed clubhouse."When we come to Hastings, they roll out the red carpet for us," Balingit said.Anderson, a Hastings native whose family owned an irrigation-pump business there, said his hometown was ideal for a motor sports venue — just as Nebraska's Sand Hills have become an ideal spot for private golf courses.Land is reasonably priced, and there are fewer neighbors and zoning restrictions to deal with in building a racetrack, Anderson said.Despite higher fuel costs, the vast majority of racing car owners are willing to shell out the additional dollars to drive fast on a controlled course, he said.There have been a couple of crashes at the track since it opened.But the cars have such safety features as fire-extinguishing systems and roll cages, drivers wear safety suits and the track has tire barriers and car-slowing gravel traps to minimize injuries, said Dusty Kohl, the track manager.Anderson has plans for the future, including a motocross track and drag strip with grandstand seating for 6,000 to 8,000.On a recent steamy weekday afternoon, the track was a buzz of activity, with a racing team sponsored by Hastings businessman Terry Klatt, a member of the Nebraska auto racing hall of fame, stopping by to work on its cars between races at McCool Junction, Neb., and Belleville, Kan.Klatt's spacious garage here has a front that looks like a 1940s Mobil Oil service station.Landscapers were working on some of the condos while Anderson was revving up the Corvette. One of his mechanics drove out one of the $225,000 Shelbys that Anderson's shop, Gessford Machine, sells and modifies for customers as far away as New Zealand."This is what a $51,000 engine looks like," Anderson said, raising the hood on the brushed aluminum, two-seat sports car. "This is the real deal. This is a pretty keen job I have."
HASTINGS, Neb. — As he roared down the straightaway at 100 mph in an $80,000 canary-yellow Corvette, George Anderson had a thought: "It just doesn't get any better than this."
George Anderson drives his Corvette around the 2.15-mile track at Motorsport Park. He said his hometown was ideal for a motor sports venue.Then he downshifted into a gravity-bending corner, the car's 650-horsepower engine growling under the hood.Anderson, 59, owner of a high-performance machine shop and sports car dealership in Hastings, has turned a passion for fast cars and high speeds into a multimillion-dollar playground for auto enthusiasts. Motorsport Park is east of town, amid cornfields and ethanol plants.It's a country club for big boys with big, fast toys. It draws members, car clubs and motorcycle racing groups from around the region.Some car owners have purchased $300,000 condominiums at the track to store their Porsches, Corvettes and Mustangs so they're ready to race when they can get away.
Click to enlarge.There are $1,000 initiation and $500 annual membership fees to join the Guardrail Club, which provides "T-times" (track times) to cars zooming up to 140 mph on the 2.15-mile asphalt road course.Members are primarily middle-aged folks who have disposable income and crave the adrenaline rush of pushing the pedal to the metal in souped-up autos. They range from a local cattle feeder to an Internet millionaire."Golf costs money, and bass boats are expensive, too, but this has a lot more thrills than most of those hobbies," said Randy Hablitzel, a 60-year-old self-employed businessman who was out testing his 1989 Ford Mustang on a recent afternoon."This is go-carts for big kids," he added.The track, which opened in 2006, is similar to Mid America Motorplex, the 2.23-mile track south of Omaha near Pacific Junction, Iowa, that opened in 2002.The Hastings track has 75 lots that can be developed for luxury condominiums. The condos, each of which can store up to six cars, have two bedrooms, decks that overlook the race course and hot tubs.
Condos overlook the 2.15-mile track at Motorsport Park east of Hastings. The buildings include space for storing racing enthusiasts' vehicles.Fifteen lots have been sold, and nearly a dozen condos are completed."They like their freaking privacy, and that's what we provide here," Anderson said of the guests.But Motorsport Park is also bringing economic development to Hastings.Besides additional business for Anderson and his machine shop and dealership, there have been purchases of Corvettes and other fast cars in the area.And when 140 car club members drive in from Denver or Omaha for a private weekend of racing, there's more business for local motels and restaurants."It's an economic plus," said Tom Hastings, president of the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, who credits Anderson for fulfilling an ambitious dream.David Balingit, director of the National Auto Sports Association's Rocky Mountain region, said the Hastings track is the best such racing complex in his eight-state region.That's because the track, designed by widely known course designer Alan Wilson, is safe, smooth and fun to drive, Balingit said. The hospitality from Anderson and the community of 25,000 is unmatched, he added.Some drivers refer to Motorsport Park as the "racetrack with the homemade cinnamon rolls," which are among the pastries Anderson delivers each morning.After driving time is over, members quaff beers in the soon-to-be-completed clubhouse."When we come to Hastings, they roll out the red carpet for us," Balingit said.Anderson, a Hastings native whose family owned an irrigation-pump business there, said his hometown was ideal for a motor sports venue — just as Nebraska's Sand Hills have become an ideal spot for private golf courses.Land is reasonably priced, and there are fewer neighbors and zoning restrictions to deal with in building a racetrack, Anderson said.Despite higher fuel costs, the vast majority of racing car owners are willing to shell out the additional dollars to drive fast on a controlled course, he said.There have been a couple of crashes at the track since it opened.But the cars have such safety features as fire-extinguishing systems and roll cages, drivers wear safety suits and the track has tire barriers and car-slowing gravel traps to minimize injuries, said Dusty Kohl, the track manager.Anderson has plans for the future, including a motocross track and drag strip with grandstand seating for 6,000 to 8,000.On a recent steamy weekday afternoon, the track was a buzz of activity, with a racing team sponsored by Hastings businessman Terry Klatt, a member of the Nebraska auto racing hall of fame, stopping by to work on its cars between races at McCool Junction, Neb., and Belleville, Kan.Klatt's spacious garage here has a front that looks like a 1940s Mobil Oil service station.Landscapers were working on some of the condos while Anderson was revving up the Corvette. One of his mechanics drove out one of the $225,000 Shelbys that Anderson's shop, Gessford Machine, sells and modifies for customers as far away as New Zealand."This is what a $51,000 engine looks like," Anderson said, raising the hood on the brushed aluminum, two-seat sports car. "This is the real deal. This is a pretty keen job I have."
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Best Places to Live for Fast Commutes"
According to CNNMoney.com Hastings ranks 15th in a study of "Best Places to Live for Fast Commutes". Nebraska has five cities in the Top 25 including: Norfolk, Columbus, Kearney, Hastings and North Platte.
Here is the link:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top25s/qualitylife/
Here is the link:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top25s/qualitylife/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Flatwater Folk Festival is this weekend at the Prairie Loft Center! Here is a schedule of events. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 19, 11am-10pm
Concerts, Workshops, Kids’ activities, Vendors, Food & Beer
Main Stage
Saturday, July 19, 11am-10pm
Concerts, Workshops, Kids’ activities, Vendors, Food & Beer
Main Stage
11:30 Emily Dunbar
12:30 Robin Harrell
1:30 John Marriot
2:00 Craig DeWalt
2:30 Rowdy Grabowski
3:30 Todd Brown
4:30 Tom Prasada Rao & Cary Cooper
5:45 Mike & Amy Finders
8:00-10:00 Wild Clover
Sunday, July 20, 10am-5pm
10am Pancake Breakfast ($5)
11am Bluegrass Worship with Sweet Clover
Main Stage
11:45 Tracy Adrian & the T’Dance Studio Cloggers
12:15 John Marriott
1:00 Jay Bayles & Trey Hamik
2:00 Tom Prasada Rao & Cary Cooper
3:15 Doris Winkler, Tom Shroeder, & Tim Arthur
Monday, July 14, 2008
In the words of a traveler...
Sarah is bringing her kids to Hastings and you can read all about it on her BLOG at http://sarahsfabday.blogspot.com/2008/07/were-off.html. Thanks for the plug Sarah! You will have a great time in Hastings!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Take a lap!
For those with a passion for racing of any kind Motorsport Park Hastings offers just what you are looking for. MPH is a multi-million dollar racing facility including a 2.33-mile, 14-turn track drawing racing enthusiasts from all over the nation
Thursday, June 26, 2008
www.CentralNebraskaAdventures.com The Central Nebraska Tourism Partnership has launched a new tourism website. The website includes maps, itineraries, location tools and attraction/event listings from 13 participating counties in central Nebraska . It targets out-of-state travelers and showcases the area as a cohesive travel destination. In addition to being able to map all of the attractions in a specified area the viewer can request more information and find links to local attractions and tourism websites.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Rolling out the Red Carpet...
Hastings participated in the Red Carpet Service offered by the UNL Extension on May 20th and 2st. Over 60 front-line employees and managers from the service and tourism industries attended the two day class. The goal of the program was to learn how to effectively welcome visitors, give directions and cross promote other tourism attractions and retail businesses in Hastings.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hastings!
Friday, May 16, 2008
2008 Nebraska Vacation Guides
On May 15th Hastings welcomed 15 Nebraska Vacation Guides. The guides toured the Hastings Museum, a historic housing district,the Hastings Aquacourt Waterpark, Downtown Hastings and Motorsport Park Hastings. They also met Kool-Aid Man. OH YEAH! The guides will spend the summer welcoming visitors to the state at the information booths in the 1-80 rest stops.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Can I tell you about Prairie Loft?
I am a city girl through and through but there have been things in my life that have introduced me to life outside of city limits. I have ridden a tractor and horse, I have worked in a garden and I have gone swimming in a creek. And all of these things have generated an appreciation for nature.
But as the world changes and video games, the Internet and TV take a stronger presence in my life I wonder... will my children have the opportunity to experience nature in the ways that I have? will they recognize the importance of environmental stewardship? and will they respect the people who work to get food from the fields and into the grocery store?
There is a group of people in Hastings who asked these same questions and recognized the importance of being "green" before it was in vogue. They have found an answer and are working tirelessly to make it a reality.
The Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning is dedicated to increasing the awareness of sustainable agriculture systems and environmental stewardship practices among people of all ages. This center is housed in the buildings formally used as a working farm for the Hastings Regional Center and it will give everyone the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature.
Call and ask how you can help. Kaleena at 461-2370
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Come to Hastings....
...and enjoy a series of self-guided tours exploring the history, culture & architecture of Central Nebraska from 1872-1950.While you are here you will also enjoy cultural events, art galleries, antique shops, walking trails, live music venues and first class attractions. We hope to see you soon! www.adamshistory.org
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
"Best Places to Live in Rural Nebraska"
Progressive Farmer magazine has published its fourth annual "Best Places to Live in Rural America" report. The magazine's editors compiled the list of rural counties based on certain criteria, including home and land prices, crime rates, environment, education, economic factors and access to health care. There were nine Nebraska counties that made the magazine's Top 100 list of Midwest counties. The highest rated Nebraska county was Red Willow County at number 10, with Adams County the second highest rated Nebraska county at number 12.
For a complete list of the Top 100 Midwest Counties you can go to www.pfbestplaces.com. (As reported by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce)
For a complete list of the Top 100 Midwest Counties you can go to www.pfbestplaces.com. (As reported by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Hastings Named Top Walkable City
Prevention Magazine along with the American Podiatric Medical Association recently named Hastings as one of the top three best walking cities in Nebraska. The number of places to walk in Hastings is higher than in most communities with more than 260 acres of parks, several miles of walking trails and sidewalks throughout the community. Hastings was ranked fourth in the state for parks per square mile, and it earned the state's second-highest Walk Score with a score of 88 out of 100. (As reported by the Hastings Tribune on March 25, 2008)
Way to go Hastings!
Way to go Hastings!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Spring still seems a few weeks away but I am dreaming of summer festivals. Planning is well under way for Hastings to host Chautauqua this July. With activities for all ages this event will entertain the whole family. We are blessed to have Chautauqua Pavilion to use and celebrate throughout the festival. The pavilion has been used for activities of this nature for the last 100 years, has seen countless celebrations and has entertained thousands of people under its rafters.
The festival will be here before we know it and for now all we can do is dream of warmer weather, green grass, ice cream, good friends and an old fashioned gathering at a historic Hastings landmark. See you soon!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Brought to you by the letter V...
The cranes are here! Saturday was a warm, clear 60 degree day and cranes could be heard over head. They could also be seen flying gracefully in their V shape on their way to the Platte River to rest up for the remainder of their journey.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
This Summer....
I just spent the morning updating the community calendar (www.hastingscalendar.com) with summer events....
There is a lot going on this summer in Hastings... we are excited to host both the Nebraska Humanities Council Chautauqua and the Flatwater Folk Festival in July in addition to the already busy festival line-up including the Cottonwood Festival (June), Adams County Fairfest (July) and Kool-Aid Days (August).
Motorsport Hastings and the Smith Softball Complex have released their summer schedules and it doesn't look like there is a weekend this summer that we won't have racers or softball players in town. In addtion to their normal schedule MPH will host the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Showboat Grand Prix on August 29, 30 and 31st. If you have even the slightest appreciation for vintage cars or racing this event will blow you away.
Be sure check out the calendar for updates on special events coming up this summer and please if you are hoping to book a hotel room for a weekend this summer do it now!
There is a lot going on this summer in Hastings... we are excited to host both the Nebraska Humanities Council Chautauqua and the Flatwater Folk Festival in July in addition to the already busy festival line-up including the Cottonwood Festival (June), Adams County Fairfest (July) and Kool-Aid Days (August).
Motorsport Hastings and the Smith Softball Complex have released their summer schedules and it doesn't look like there is a weekend this summer that we won't have racers or softball players in town. In addtion to their normal schedule MPH will host the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Showboat Grand Prix on August 29, 30 and 31st. If you have even the slightest appreciation for vintage cars or racing this event will blow you away.
Be sure check out the calendar for updates on special events coming up this summer and please if you are hoping to book a hotel room for a weekend this summer do it now!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lodging up 26% in Adams County in 2007!
According to the state tourism office, in the first 11 months of 2007 Adams County saw a 26 percent boost in lodging tax receipts.
It was a busy year last year for Hastings. It was the first full racing season for Motorsport Park Hastings which draws racing enthusiasts to Hastings throughout the summer. We celebrated the opening of a new Holiday Inn Express and we welcomed a large influx of natural gas pipeline workers. We also continued to see the benefits of being a host community for the Amateur Softball Association at the Bill Smith Softball Complex and we also welcomed the NSAA State Softball Tournament in October.
We look forward to another strong summer in 2008!
It was a busy year last year for Hastings. It was the first full racing season for Motorsport Park Hastings which draws racing enthusiasts to Hastings throughout the summer. We celebrated the opening of a new Holiday Inn Express and we welcomed a large influx of natural gas pipeline workers. We also continued to see the benefits of being a host community for the Amateur Softball Association at the Bill Smith Softball Complex and we also welcomed the NSAA State Softball Tournament in October.
We look forward to another strong summer in 2008!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Vacation to Hastings....why?
By: Janell Bradley, Editor
January 09, 2008
©Newspapers of Fayette County 2008
As Iowans, perhaps most of us can't imagine planning a vacation to Hastings, Nebr. But after watching a recent news segment on a museum there, I've added it to my own personal "100 Places to See Before I Die" list.
Why? I'm not sure if they have anything else in Hastings, Nebr., but the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History seems to be a worthwhile venture. If you're over 40 years of age, you might have collected Kool-Aid package "points" to purchase Kool-Aid premiums like the smiling Kool-Aid face mugs, pitcher, canteen - and I think there was even a Kool-Aid tent!
As a kid, I mailed away for a purple Kool-Aid mug after downing numerous quarts of sugary Kool-Aid. Many of those items are now on display in the Hastings Museum. Everyone's favorite childhood drink, Kool-Aid® got its start in Hastings. The soft-drink mix, now owned by Kraft Foods, actually started out as a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack.
A young Edwin Perkins experimented with homemade concoctions in his mother's kitchen. Edwin's father opened up a General Store in Hendley, Nebraska. It was in the store that Edwin became entranced with a new dessert mix introduced by a childhood friend (and future wife) Kitty Shoemaker. The powdered dessert came in six delicious flavors and was called Jell-O®. Edwin convinced his father to carry the dessert line in his store. It was at this same time Edwin sent away for a kit called "How to Become a Manufacturer."
During the following years, Perkins graduated from high school, published a weekly newspaper, did job printing, served as postmaster and set up a mail order business called "Perkins Products Co." to market the numerous products he had invented.
In 1918, Perkins married his childhood sweetheart, Kitty, and developed a remedy to kick the tobacco habit called "Nix-O-Tine." By 1920, the demand for this and other products was so great, Perkins and his wife moved to Hastings, which had better rail service for shipping purposes. Another product that was proving to be popular was a concentrated drink mix called Fruit Smack. Fruit Smack, like Jell-O®, came in six flavors. But shipping the bottles proved to be costly and breakage was becoming a problem.
In 1927, Perkins developed a method of removing the liquid from Fruit Smack so the remaining powder could be re-packaged in envelopes called Kool-Aid. The product, which sold for 10¢ a packet, was first sold to wholesale grocery, candy and other suitable markets by mail order in six flavors; strawberry, cherry, lemon-lime, grape, orange and raspberry.
By 1931, the demand for Kool-Aid® was so strong, other items were dropped so Perkins could concentrate solely on Kool-Aid®. During the Great Depression, Perkins cut the price in half to just 5¢ a packet, a "luxury" most families could afford. Young entrepreneurs sprung up across the country setting up Kool-Aid® stands. While most of the profits were consumed by the youngsters, it was something most children enjoyed.
The Hastings Museum houses an impressive Kool-Aid® collection as part of the Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream exhibit, including the original Kool-Aid® Man costume worn in the television commercials. Hastings College has another collection on display in the Perkins Library on campus.
January 09, 2008
©Newspapers of Fayette County 2008
As Iowans, perhaps most of us can't imagine planning a vacation to Hastings, Nebr. But after watching a recent news segment on a museum there, I've added it to my own personal "100 Places to See Before I Die" list.
Why? I'm not sure if they have anything else in Hastings, Nebr., but the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History seems to be a worthwhile venture. If you're over 40 years of age, you might have collected Kool-Aid package "points" to purchase Kool-Aid premiums like the smiling Kool-Aid face mugs, pitcher, canteen - and I think there was even a Kool-Aid tent!
As a kid, I mailed away for a purple Kool-Aid mug after downing numerous quarts of sugary Kool-Aid. Many of those items are now on display in the Hastings Museum. Everyone's favorite childhood drink, Kool-Aid® got its start in Hastings. The soft-drink mix, now owned by Kraft Foods, actually started out as a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack.
A young Edwin Perkins experimented with homemade concoctions in his mother's kitchen. Edwin's father opened up a General Store in Hendley, Nebraska. It was in the store that Edwin became entranced with a new dessert mix introduced by a childhood friend (and future wife) Kitty Shoemaker. The powdered dessert came in six delicious flavors and was called Jell-O®. Edwin convinced his father to carry the dessert line in his store. It was at this same time Edwin sent away for a kit called "How to Become a Manufacturer."
During the following years, Perkins graduated from high school, published a weekly newspaper, did job printing, served as postmaster and set up a mail order business called "Perkins Products Co." to market the numerous products he had invented.
In 1918, Perkins married his childhood sweetheart, Kitty, and developed a remedy to kick the tobacco habit called "Nix-O-Tine." By 1920, the demand for this and other products was so great, Perkins and his wife moved to Hastings, which had better rail service for shipping purposes. Another product that was proving to be popular was a concentrated drink mix called Fruit Smack. Fruit Smack, like Jell-O®, came in six flavors. But shipping the bottles proved to be costly and breakage was becoming a problem.
In 1927, Perkins developed a method of removing the liquid from Fruit Smack so the remaining powder could be re-packaged in envelopes called Kool-Aid. The product, which sold for 10¢ a packet, was first sold to wholesale grocery, candy and other suitable markets by mail order in six flavors; strawberry, cherry, lemon-lime, grape, orange and raspberry.
By 1931, the demand for Kool-Aid® was so strong, other items were dropped so Perkins could concentrate solely on Kool-Aid®. During the Great Depression, Perkins cut the price in half to just 5¢ a packet, a "luxury" most families could afford. Young entrepreneurs sprung up across the country setting up Kool-Aid® stands. While most of the profits were consumed by the youngsters, it was something most children enjoyed.
The Hastings Museum houses an impressive Kool-Aid® collection as part of the Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream exhibit, including the original Kool-Aid® Man costume worn in the television commercials. Hastings College has another collection on display in the Perkins Library on campus.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Summer Nebraskans!
I spent the weekend in McAllen, Texas at their International Travel Show promoting Central Nebraska as a travel destination. In speaking with people from all over the nation that call themselves "Winter Texans" I was pleased to meet a number of people who make their way to Hastings every summer.
In Hastings, we are blessed with a fairgrounds facility that is in a central location, can accommodate large groups, is air conditioned and has camping facilities on site. A variety of groups utilize the facility for conventions of all types throughout the year and a large number of camper clubs who meet in Texas in the winter reunite in Hastings in the summer.
I look forward to once again welcoming the "Summer Nebraskans" to Hastings!
www.adamscountyfairgrounds.com
In Hastings, we are blessed with a fairgrounds facility that is in a central location, can accommodate large groups, is air conditioned and has camping facilities on site. A variety of groups utilize the facility for conventions of all types throughout the year and a large number of camper clubs who meet in Texas in the winter reunite in Hastings in the summer.
I look forward to once again welcoming the "Summer Nebraskans" to Hastings!
www.adamscountyfairgrounds.com
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