One of the most interesting localities in the county is that adjacent to the Niobrara where Nebraska highway No. 7 crosses this stream. It has a scenic beauty all its own and is almost without a rival in the entire state. It has an historic background, replete with interest and romance. To do justice to this locality would require much space. It should be seen to be appreciated.
I have gleaned from the diary of Mrs. Slonecker (Blanch Mead) a few important facts and with her permission am presenting them here:
In August 1882, Merritt I. Mead a veteran of the Civil War, came from Thayer county and located on the south side of the river. He found a small log cabin in which the family consisting of wife and two daughters took up their residence. Several rooms were added and to accommodate travelers he opened his home for meals and lodgings. “Mead’s Tavern” soon ‘became very popular as Mrs. Mead and her daughters, Blanch and Gertie, were famous cooks.
Early in 1883 a post office was established at the Tavern. It was given the name Meadville and Merritt Mead was postmaster. Mail came from Ainsworth twice a week, Went Conway carrier. Later stage drivers were Corwin Campbell, Nate Blue, Dyer Crum, George Cook, Dave Hackler, Gene Olstrum, Cale Worley.
The next year W. S. Moore opened a store on the north side of the river and the post office was moved there. Later it was in Snyder’s store. Taylor was the last postmaster, up to 1896 when it was discontinued. In 1904 it was re-established with. Wm. Slonecker postmaster.
