Shelby, Nebraska
Encyclopedia
Shelby is a village in Polk County
, Nebraska
, United States
. The population was 690 at the 2000 census. The center of population
of Nebraska is located near Shelby http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt. Shelby lies along the north side of U.S. Highway 81 near the eastern edge of Polk County. It is six miles (10 km) east of Osceola, and just 17 miles (27.4 km) south and three miles (5 km) west of Columbus.
in Loup County. In search of a new name for the settlement, the people chose Shelby, after the name of an official with the Omaha and Republican Valley Railway
(a branch of the Union Pacific). The land which Arcade was established on was owned by Gilbert Van Vorce and Peter Matter. Seeing a need for a trade center in the area these two men gave the railroad company half interest in their property and the town was established. After the railroad retained its 200 feet (61 m) on each side and closest to the tracks, eight blocks were located on each side parallel to the tracks. The original streets are still present and retain the names of Walnut, Elm, Chestnut, Pine, Cherry, and Oak. In 1880 the town of Arcade boasted a population of 93 with businesses to include a drug store, hardware store, hotel, boot and shoe shop, livery stable, and physician.
Today Shelby has 690 residents, businesses, programs, community organizations, and a new housing development subdivision. Shelby celebrated its centennial in 1979 and its quasquicentennial in 2004.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the village has a total area of 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²), all land.
Distance in highway miles
of 2000, there were 690 people, 299 households, and 199 families residing in the village. The population density
was 1,268.4 people per square mile (493.4/km²). There were 323 housing units at an average density of 593.8 per square mile (230.9/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 98.55% White, 0.14% African American, 0.29% Asian, 0.29% from other races
, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.
There were 299 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples
living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the village the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $36,071, and the median income for a family was $42,434. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $21,979 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $15,900. About 2.5% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.
The Village of Shelby is a member of the Mid-State Interlocal Communities. The communities of Shelby, Stromsburg
, Gresham
, Benedict
, Hampton
, Bradshaw
, and Polk
comprise the membership for the organization. The communities meet on a quarterly basis and are working toward further sharing of resources to improve operations and services to the communities.
and the Shelby Betterment Corporation
participate in community life.
The Shelby Betterment Corporation, a non-profit organization, was organized in 1987 with 20 stockholders. The corporation has helped finance new business ventures within the community and attract new businesses. The corporation also strengthens the community through smaller projects.
, hog production and retailing
.
elected by the citizens of the area served. The college maintains administrative offices in Grand Island and operates campuses at Hastings
, Columbus
, and Grand Island
as well as practical nursing programs at Grand Island, Kearney
, and Columbus and Community Education Centers in 90 communities in the area.
The Columbus Campus, 25 miles (40.2 km) north of Shelby, offers 35 vocational-technical programs and 13 academic transfer programs designed for transfer to four-year colleges
. Campus enrollment during 1995-96 totaled 3,179 on-campus and generated 705 full-time equivalencies. Of that total, there are 564 full-time students and 7,829 part-time students. Off-campus students total 5,713 and generated 240 full-time equivalencies and non-credit reimbursable students total 654. Enrollment totals include more than 2,000 people who completed business, industrial, and professional training programs provided by the campus for local employers.
The Shelby Park received new playground equipment as part of a renovation project designed to update the park and meet safety codes. The equipment is designed for children with skill levels of 5 to 12 years old.
A recreational bike/hike trail was constructed in the park. The concrete trail is 8 feet (2.4 m) wide and lighted for use by bicyclists and pedestrians. Another segment of the trail, constructed in the summer of 2001, connects the school to the public library. This section is lighted and is 8 feet (2.4 m) wide. The two segments will be connected in the future.
Summer recreation programs that Shelby offers include: Tee Ball
, softball
, baseball
, soccer, and swimming
. In the past Shelby has hosted the State Softball Tournaments, as well as several other tournaments.
Polk County, Nebraska
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 5,639 people, 2,259 households, and 1,570 families residing in the county. The population density was 5/km² . There were 2,717 housing units at an average density of 2/km²...
, Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 690 at the 2000 census. The center of population
Center of population
In demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
of Nebraska is located near Shelby http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt. Shelby lies along the north side of U.S. Highway 81 near the eastern edge of Polk County. It is six miles (10 km) east of Osceola, and just 17 miles (27.4 km) south and three miles (5 km) west of Columbus.
History
Shelby, originally named Arcade, was established in 1880. In the winter of 1880-81 postal authorities objected to the name Arcade due to confusion with the town of ArcadiaArcadia, Nebraska
Arcadia is a village in Valley County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 359 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Arcadia is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 359 people,...
in Loup County. In search of a new name for the settlement, the people chose Shelby, after the name of an official with the Omaha and Republican Valley Railway
Omaha and Republican Valley Railway
The Omaha and Republican Valley Railway was a branch line of the Union Pacific that crossed Nebraska. Traversing several counties, including Buffalo County, the Railway was the impetus for several settlements, and upon its demise, several ghost towns...
(a branch of the Union Pacific). The land which Arcade was established on was owned by Gilbert Van Vorce and Peter Matter. Seeing a need for a trade center in the area these two men gave the railroad company half interest in their property and the town was established. After the railroad retained its 200 feet (61 m) on each side and closest to the tracks, eight blocks were located on each side parallel to the tracks. The original streets are still present and retain the names of Walnut, Elm, Chestnut, Pine, Cherry, and Oak. In 1880 the town of Arcade boasted a population of 93 with businesses to include a drug store, hardware store, hotel, boot and shoe shop, livery stable, and physician.
Today Shelby has 690 residents, businesses, programs, community organizations, and a new housing development subdivision. Shelby celebrated its centennial in 1979 and its quasquicentennial in 2004.
Geography
Shelby is located at 41°11′39"N 97°25′36"W (41.194187, -97.426717).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the village has a total area of 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²), all land.
Distance in miles from
- OmahaOmahaOmaha may refer to:*Omaha , a Native American tribe that currently resides in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Nebraska-Places:United States* Omaha, Nebraska* Omaha, Arkansas* Omaha, Georgia* Omaha, Illinois* Omaha, Texas...
...... 81 - LincolnLincoln, NebraskaThe City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
...... 68 - ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
...... 547 - Dallas...... 623
- Denver...... 473
- Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
...... 1,484 - New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
...... 1,321 - Kansas CityKansas City, MissouriKansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
...... 259
Distance in highway miles
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 690 people, 299 households, and 199 families residing in the village. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,268.4 people per square mile (493.4/km²). There were 323 housing units at an average density of 593.8 per square mile (230.9/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 98.55% White, 0.14% African American, 0.29% Asian, 0.29% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.
There were 299 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the village the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $36,071, and the median income for a family was $42,434. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $21,979 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the village was $15,900. About 2.5% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.
Local government
The Village of Shelby is governed by a Board of Trustees. Municipal officials include a Board Chairperson and four Board members who are elected for a term of four years. Polk County has 14 townships and is governed by three county commissioners elected by popular vote for four-year terms.The Village of Shelby is a member of the Mid-State Interlocal Communities. The communities of Shelby, Stromsburg
Stromsburg, Nebraska
Stromsburg is a city in Polk County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,232 at the 2000 census.- History :Stromsburg was settled early in Nebraska history. A group of Swedish settlers coming from the town of Ockelbo arrived in the 1860s after several years in Illinois. This group had a...
, Gresham
Gresham, Nebraska
Gresham is a village in York County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 270 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Gresham is located at ....
, Benedict
Benedict, Nebraska
Benedict is a village in York County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 278 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Benedict is located at ....
, Hampton
Hampton, Nebraska
Hampton is a village in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA. The population was 439 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hampton is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
, Bradshaw
Bradshaw, Nebraska
Bradshaw is a village in York County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 336 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bradshaw is located at ....
, and Polk
Polk, Nebraska
Polk is a village in Polk County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 322 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Polk is located at ....
comprise the membership for the organization. The communities meet on a quarterly basis and are working toward further sharing of resources to improve operations and services to the communities.
Community organizations
The Shelby Chamber of CommerceChamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
and the Shelby Betterment Corporation
Corporation
A corporation is created under the laws of a state as a separate legal entity that has privileges and liabilities that are distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business. Early corporations were established by charter...
participate in community life.
The Shelby Betterment Corporation, a non-profit organization, was organized in 1987 with 20 stockholders. The corporation has helped finance new business ventures within the community and attract new businesses. The corporation also strengthens the community through smaller projects.
Economy
The basic economic activities of Shelby include farming, cattle feedingCattle feeding
Different cattle feeding production systems have separate advantages and disadvantages. Most cows have a diet that is composed of at least some forage . In fact most beef cattle are raised on pasture from birth in the spring until autumn...
, hog production and retailing
Retailing
Retail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery. Purchasers may be...
.
Educational Service Unit
Shelby participates in Educational Service Unit #7, which is headquartered in Columbus and serves seven counties.Community College
Shelby is part of the Central Community College which encompasses 25 counties. The college is governed by an 11 member Board of GovernorsBoard of governors
Board of governors is a term sometimes applied to the board of directors of a public entity or non-profit organization.Many public institutions, such as public universities, are government-owned corporations. The British Broadcasting Corporation was managed by a board of governors, though this role...
elected by the citizens of the area served. The college maintains administrative offices in Grand Island and operates campuses at Hastings
Hastings, Nebraska
Hastings is a city in and the county seat of Adams County, Nebraska, United States. It is the principal city of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Adams and Clay counties. The population was 24,907 at the 2010 census...
, Columbus
Columbus, Nebraska
Columbus is a city in east central Nebraska, United States. Its population was 22,111 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Platte County.-Pre-settlement history:...
, and Grand Island
Grand Island, Nebraska
Grand Island is a city in and the county seat of Hall County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 48,520 at the 2010 census.Grand Island is home to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center which is the sole agency responsible for training law enforcement officers throughout the state,...
as well as practical nursing programs at Grand Island, Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Kearney is a city in and the county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 30,787 at the 2010 census. It is home to the University of Nebraska-Kearney....
, and Columbus and Community Education Centers in 90 communities in the area.
The Columbus Campus, 25 miles (40.2 km) north of Shelby, offers 35 vocational-technical programs and 13 academic transfer programs designed for transfer to four-year colleges
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
. Campus enrollment during 1995-96 totaled 3,179 on-campus and generated 705 full-time equivalencies. Of that total, there are 564 full-time students and 7,829 part-time students. Off-campus students total 5,713 and generated 240 full-time equivalencies and non-credit reimbursable students total 654. Enrollment totals include more than 2,000 people who completed business, industrial, and professional training programs provided by the campus for local employers.
Religion
The Methodist Church was the first to be built, ringing its bell to call worshipers in 1883. In 1898 the Catholics completed their first church. A new Methodist Church was built in 1951.Recreation
The village of Shelby has one park approximately five acres in size. Facilities in the park include: two ball fields (dugouts, lighted, and electronic score boards), announcers building, brick concession stand, roofed shelter for grilling out, restrooms, swimming pool, sand volleyball, tennis court/basketball court, sheltered picnic area and playground.The Shelby Park received new playground equipment as part of a renovation project designed to update the park and meet safety codes. The equipment is designed for children with skill levels of 5 to 12 years old.
A recreational bike/hike trail was constructed in the park. The concrete trail is 8 feet (2.4 m) wide and lighted for use by bicyclists and pedestrians. Another segment of the trail, constructed in the summer of 2001, connects the school to the public library. This section is lighted and is 8 feet (2.4 m) wide. The two segments will be connected in the future.
Summer recreation programs that Shelby offers include: Tee Ball
Tee Ball
Tee Ball or T-Ball is a sport based on baseball and is intended as an introduction for children to develop baseball skills and have fun. The name Tee Ball is a registered trademark while T-Ball is the generic name, although many sources use Tee Ball as a generic title.- Description :In T-Ball, the...
, softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
, baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, soccer, and swimming
Swimming (sport)
Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
. In the past Shelby has hosted the State Softball Tournaments, as well as several other tournaments.
Annual events
- Hoop & Spike Fest in March
- Shelby Days (street dances, tractor pulls, free swimming, etc.)
- Co-ed Softball Tournaments during the summer
- Card Clubs (bridge, sheephead, pitch, pinochle, eucher, and rummy).
Farm Heritage Days
In 1985 Farm Heritage Days was initiated. It was an annual event held on the first weekend in August, the event would bring large crowds to Shelby for the old tractor and machinery displays, demonstrations, and a parade. The last Farm Heritage Days event was held in the late 90's. Today Shelby has "Shelby Days" a Biennial event held over Memorial Day Weekend.Radio
Between 1926 and 1929, Dr. John Dunning and his father, built radio stations WCAJ and KGBY (which operated on the regular broadcast bands and were later sold.) and, using local talent, produced the town's only broadcasts.Notable natives and residents
- Theodore A. KiesselbachTheodore A. KiesselbachTheodore A. Kiesselbach fondly referred to as “Mr. Corn” was born in Shelby, Nebraska, lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. Agronomist, educator and author or co-author of over 140 articles, Kiesselbach was an internationally renowned major developer of corn hybrids...
, agronomist and educator - Terence Romaine von DurenTerence Romaine von DurenTerence Duren was a leading artist from Shelby, Nebraska during the post-World War II period. Duren is most widely known for his regionalist works, which drew on his rural upbringing...
, artist - John R. DunningJohn R. DunningJohn Ray Dunning was an American physicist who played key roles in the development of the atomic bomb. He specialized in neutron physics and did pioneering work in gaseous diffusion for isotope separation...
, nuclear physicist and educator - Curtis TomaseviczCurtis TomaseviczCurtis Tomasevicz is an American former college football player for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, and bobsledder who has competed since 2004...
, 2006 and 2010 U.S. Olympic bobsledder