Tecumseh, Nebraska store fronts around the town square. 

So, it seems I’ve been to more small towns in Nebraska the last several days than usual. From one end of the state to the other. East to west and back east again. I’ve seen thriving communities and some that are basically dying – if not dead.

And hidden gems.

This morning began much like any other morning that held nothing on the calendar. I was just sitting down with my cup of coffee and beginning to read my daily devotional when I got the text.

“Are you driving our bus?” I was confused and instantly filled with anxiety thinking I had dropped the ball and left someone high and dry. My reply was a simple, “nope.” Or, at least, I was hoping I wasn’t on the schedule. “Do you know who is?” “No, but let me check.”

When I realized who was the scheduled driver, I had to laugh. It was the coach’s husband. Oops! A simple overlook of the schedule. It happens to the best of us! “We were supposed to leave at 7:00.” It was now well after 7:00. “Do I need to come?” The reply, “Yes. Brent is on the route.”

I was relieved I hadn’t messed up. But a little concerned about arriving at our destination on time. I put my phone down and quickly did a complete mind change, got myself dressed, ran my fingers through my hair and headed out the door. No lunch got packed, no books were grabbed and I didn’t even think about grabbing my computer. There was no time. Coffee and water bottle was all that went out the door with me. It would take me about a half hour to get to the bus and then to the high school.

It wasn’t until I was nearly to the bus that I thought about not having anything to do all day. It was supposed to be a nice day. I told myself I would just go explore the town. I needed to get my steps in anyways.

Once I dropped off the kids and parked the bus, I ventured out and about.

Downtown Tecumseh was only three blocks or so from the school. My first stop was a flower store. Walking through the greenhouse, I wondered how I could get some of the different varieties of flowers home on the bus. I decided that would be a dumb idea. I could probably go to Omaha and get some to fill my empty pots. But I really liked what she had in small-town USA!

Another block to the West was the town square…courthouse and all.

 

Johnson County Courthouse in the center of the town square. 

And then another unknown gem…the Johnson County Museum. Oh my gosh! It was like stepping back into time and being allowed to walk into someone’s cabin, a doctor’s office, the grocery store, their home, etc. I fell in love.

The story of this museum, however, begins in 2013 with a building on main street that had been condemned and was ready to be torn down. There was no roof and the multiple levels of flooring was in the basement. A skeleton of a building was all that was left. Someone had a vision and it turned out beautifully.

The building in its prime.

These medical instruments look quite scary to me!

I was told prior to wedding dresses being ivory and white, a dress was sewn, used as a wedding dress and then became part of a woman’s wardrobe. This explains the black wedding dress.

The middle and farthest right wedding dresses were sewn and worn in the 1800’s. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with the retired teacher who was now serving as the tour guide. She was pointing out other stores for me to be sure to visit as another couple was walking in the door. A good time for me to continue my adventure.

Tecumseh is practically straight south of Omaha about 70 miles and 55 miles southeast of Lincoln. I’ve been here before. Sometimes just driving through to somewhere else and several times as the bus driver for track meets. But I had never taken the time to explore the town or to see what it had to offer.

This community has all it needs to be self-sufficient. A grocery store, a hardware store, a car parts store, a pharmacy, a car dealership, a Dollar General and more. I honestly believe if I was told I had to move here, I would be okay with that. The people I have talked to have all been friendly. People sit on their front porch and call out “hello” and wave as you walk by. What a jewel!

I’m so glad I accidentally got to spend this day hanging out in Tecumseh, Nebraska! One more town you definitely need to stop in if you’re near. This town is a true picture of small-town USA…alive and doing well. And exploring it was by far better than what I probably would have done otherwise.

Take the time to explore a community (even one you’ve been to many times before). Search out and find those hidden gems. You’ll be glad you did!