Sparks to Springview on Scenic Highway 12Thousands of people begin aquatic treks down the Niobrara River every summer from Sparks, so even though we wouldn’t be waterlogged, it seemed like a good place to begin a fall road trip. Story by Alan J. Bartels |
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WITH HIGH HOPES, the Sparks brothers christened their new community with their own family name. They envisioned a bustling railroad center serving north-central Nebraska and south-central South Dakota. In 1888, Sparks had a church, post office, school, general store and one house. The trains never arrived, and Sparks really never took off. But it endures.
Thousands of people begin aquatic treks down the Niobrara River every summer from Sparks, so even though we wouldn’t be waterlogged, it seemed like a good place to begin a fall road trip.
Sparks is much like it was in 1888. The creamery building and a newer schoolhouse, both closed, are still there. The general store, better known as Dryland Aquatics, is headquarters for adventurers seeking to tame the resolute Niobrara by canoe, kayak and tube. The silver filament of river threads itself through nearly 500 miles of the Cornhusker State, and arguably, the portion south of Sparks is the most scenic.
Ed and Louise Heinert think so; they purchased the store a dozen years ago. “When we bought it, we bought the town,” Louise said.
Ten area families receive their mail at the contract post office she runs from the store. Louise and her daughter, Belinda, were painting Sparks’ 1888 church when we arrived. With extra brushes on hand, we pitched in to help, and to visit.
Between careful brush strokes, Louise said the church was being used as a workshop when a former resident wanted to get married there. The bride’s family did enough work to make it happen. Then there was a funeral and another wedding. Even though Sparks itself is small, population 2 (Ed and Louise), big-hearted area residents soon resolved to restore the church. Now, in addition to those big community events (another wedding is scheduled for this fall), services take place occasionally during summer. It has a new roof, but Louise says it needs a new door, too. “It always needs something,” she said.
Across town, actually only a few steps away, Ed is carrying an old saddle into an ordinary looking steel building, the new Sparks museum and Lillie’s Cafe (named after Louise’s mother). A horse-drawn carriage and sleigh are displayed, as are American Indian artifacts and farm and ranch items.
During the hectic river recreation season, brief respites to the museum are an important diversion for Ed. A tornado wreaked havoc on the building in May. After the twister took part of the roof, two days of 50 mile per hour wind-driven rain followed. None of the exhibits were damaged, but he’s repairing the roof and replacing sheetrock. Undaunted, Ed says, “We’ll get it done.” As donations of historical items continue, the museum will play an increasingly important role in preserving Sparks’ history and culture.
