Escapees September-October 2022

“These orchards… fl aunt the beauties of four seasons and hold nutritious food, geography and history in their acres.”

WOSTREL FAMILY’S UNION ORCHARD • KIMMEL ORCHARD • MORTON ORCHARD ARBOR DAY FARM •

close friend of Grosvenor "Grove” Porter. When a son was born to Grove Porter and his wife, he was named Joy Morton “Mort” Porter after J. Sterling’s son, Joy Morton. Mort Porter worked at and managed the 300-acre Morton Orchard owned by J. Sterling’s son, his namesake. Mort Porter, married with four children, also took a great interest in horse racing. He became intrigued with a horse, named Omaha, that won the Triple Crown. William Woodward, the owner of Omaha, revealed that when the colt was born, he was so “beefy” appearing, the colt reminded him of the Omaha Stockyards. Thinking of this, he named him “Omaha.” Mort Porter convinced the owner that, in retirement, the horse would have a happy existence in a barn at Morton Orchard. After the owner agreed, Mort found himself spending two and one-half days riding in a boxcar with Omaha, a 1300-pound horse, plus oats, hay, a water bucket and a small suitcase. The horse lived out his days on Mort’s farm. At 27 years old, the horse died and was buried on the Ak-Sar-Ben Racing grounds, in Omaha, Nebraska. Patrons continue to this day to visit this 260 acre orchard, farm, vineyard and forest to enjoy apples, baked goods and activities at these three orchards. These orchards, adorning the Southeastern Nebraska countryside, fl aunt the beauties of four seasons and hold nutritious food, geography and history in their acres. They nourish and quench our thirst for entertainment, offer the freshest of fruit, present views of nature, promote learning, establish festive moods, and offer the best in healthful eating.

Nebraska. Richard Kimmel, growing up in this vicinity, was in fl uenced to plant an orchard on land northwest of Nebraska City. So Kimmel Farm became Kimmel Orchard. Richard Kimmel met Lauarine Oetgen, another Nebraska City native, and married her shortly after starting his orchard. During the years spent together, Lauarine began displaying her love for art and painting. She perfected her painting, gaining national recognition for a series of watercolor paintings depicting outhouses. What began as a well-patronized roadside fruit stand displaying fruits and vegetables, became a favorite destination for those living near and far for some of the best garden and orchard products available. Visitors discover many varieties of apples, salsa, jams, pies and some kinds of wine. The orchard grows strawberries, cherries, peaches, blackberries, cherries, apples, grapes, Asian pears, plums and many vege tables. It is especially known for its delicious apples every fall. Late July to mid-August, juicy, sweet peaches are available. There is also a gift shop. Free-of-charge hayrack rides are available during festivals and most weekends. Visitors enjoy walking on the nature trails. There is also a “summer-time” café. In 2005, Kimmel Orchard became the site of the Kimmel Education and Research Center, dedicated to agricultural research and historical preservation. The Center, with displays revealing the history of this orchard, also houses research facilities, a food lab, meeting rooms and of fi ces. Morton Orchard Years ago, Morton Orchard was established in Nebraska City. It is now owned by the Arbor Day Foundation and is the scene of many tourist attractions. J. Sterling Morton was a

Information ARBOR LODGE STATE HISTORICAL

PARK AND MANSION 2600 Arbor Ave. 402-873-7222

MRB LEWIS AND CLARK CENTER 100 Valmont Drive 402-873-9900 WILDWOOD HISTORIC CENTER 420 Steinhart Park Road 402-873-6340 ADF TREE ADVENTURE (MORTON)ORCHARD 2611 Arbor Avenue 402-873-8717 KREGEL WINDMILL FACTORY MUSEUM 1400 Central Avenue 402-873-1078 FIREFIGHTING MUSEUM 1320 Central Ave. 402-873-4403 or 3579

CIVIL WAR MUSEUM 910 First Corso 402-209-0551 NATURE CENTER 114 South Sixth 402-873-2806

OLD FREIGHTERS’ MUSEUM 407 North 14th St. Nelson House-711 3rd Corso

402-873-9360 402-873-6188

VICTORIAN ACRES RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND 402-873-6866 6591 Hwy. 2 Camp clubs and big rigs welcome info@victorianacresrvpark. com

DOROTHY RIEKE began teaching at the age of 16 and continued to teach for over 40 years. After retirement, she has spent most of her spare time writing for magazines. She lives on a farm with her husband in southeastern Nebraska.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022