SOUTHERN ROCK COUNTY

Rose:

Sybrant:  Sybrant Store and Post Office was originally operated by Don Sybrant.  When the Post Office was closed and business slackened, the store was closed.  The area continues to be a strong community centered around the Sybrant School and the Sybrant Church.  The Church also doubles as a Community Hall and hosts many different events such as Wedding Showers and Community dinners.   Many of the ranchers continuing to live in this community are great great grandchildren of the original settlers.  The Sybrant School has been in session since 1877 as a Class 1 (one room school) but will no longer hold classes after the 2003-2004 year.  It will be a sad loss for this community.  (See picture on our picture page.)

Pony Lake: 

Twin Lakes:   Twin Lake Store and dance hall was located about 20 miles south of Bassett.  The store was built in 1933 by Charlie Iverson.  The store was torn down in 1941.  Twin Lakes is still there and is now under the management of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  See picture of Twin Lakes on our Picture Page.

WESTERN ROCK COUNTY

Cuba:

Pine Creek

Valley Grove:

NORTHERN ROCK COUNTY

Carns:  The Carns Store was located north of Bassett on the north side of the Niobrara River.   It started out as a thriving place of business with a hotel, general store, post office and dance hall.  This area of northern Rock County/southern Keya Paha County had a history of horse rustlers and Outlaws.  The Vigilantes were frequent visitors to this area.  Read about this history in the Harold Hutton Books available at the Rock County Library.  Today the town of Carns is no more.  A local rancher has a house near the old town.  The Carns bridge is pictured on our Picture Page.

Mariaville:  The Mariaville Store and Post Office was located 9 miles north, 3 miles west of Newport.  In 1877 Thomas Peacock settled in this community and they named the small community after their daughter who was the first child born in what is now Rock County, Hatti Maria.  The store was closed in 1938.  The School is still standing.

Kirksville:

Riverside:  Riverside Country Store was located 13 miles almost straight north from Newport, NE and just a short way from the beautiful Niobrara river.  The store was opened by Charles Hicks in 1903.  The last owner was Harold E. Meyers.  A Community Hall was built near the store.  The hall furnished all kinds of community entertainment, including box and pie socials, school programs, dances, funerals and wedding receptions.  The store was closed in 1957.

EASTERN ROCK COUNTY

Eureka Valley/Diamond Valley:

South Newport: