Three Kearney
Centennial historical markers Erected in June 1973 –
History of Kearney – Centennial Park on 11th Street
Kearney State College – on east edge of campus on college curve
Cottonmill - on west Highway 30 at east edge of plot where the cotton mill
building stood
May 2016 – [43 years later] Cotttonmill sign removed by Nebraska Department
of Roads
Reason given - Traffic hazard – People making U turns Plan to
put it in Cottonmill Park - mile away from actual site
Gives impression cottonmill was beside the lake
Initial idea for a
cotton mill The most ambitious Boom Period plan for an
industry in Kearney June 1888 – Two Kearney business men went to Mass. to talk to the
Comnock Brothers who owned cotton mills in the New England area $50,000
in cash & real estate for the Comnocks
Comnocks would build the building
More local meetings in June 1889
$250,000 raised by local
businessmen pledges in about six weeks
November 30, 1889 – contract signed
Other investors included
Watson and George Frank
Location in West Kearney section (platted
southeast/northwest & northeast/southwest)
Some facts about
the cotton mill Spindles operated – 15,000 Capacity – 26,000 yards unbleached muslin
daily. Employed
– 450 persons. Buildings – Main
mill – 408 x 102, two stories, full basement Tower –
33 x 27 feet, three (four) stories,
with water tank for automatic sprinklers for entire building in case of
fire.
Fan room – 92 x 27 two stories. Power
house – 59 x 48 feet. Engine
room – 30 x 70 feet. Turbine
wheel – 800 horse power, water from canal; coal fire in winter
Water from Kearney Canal in 10’ pipe
(still exists in 8’ pipe now used for storm release) Smoke
stack – 28 feet square base; 125 feet tall