I just finished looking at the towns in Dundy County in 1895 and found that Doane was located almost exactly halfway between Benkleman and Parks. I remember that my Great Aunt May Mahagan who lived on a farm just east of my folks, used to tell of her and Uncle Ernie Mahagan going to Doane after baby chicks. Was there a hatchery there or was it part of the elevator complex?
When did Doane fold up it's sidewalks and cease to be?
~Kay Haptonstall
The hatchery was a little west of Doane and then up a trail road to the north. The last time I
ReplyDeletewas by there were still orange tile walls standing. A family from Benkelman owned the hatchery but I can't recall the name at this time. It did not belong to the owner of the elevator who was a Mr. Eugene (Gene)Ham from Benkelman and also owned the elevators in Parks, Benkelman and Max. I believe the elevator in Doane ceased operation about 1978. Gene Ham passed away in 1976 and his son John ran the elevators for many years after that. That was the last business in Doane.
Cal Freehling