Hartington residents fill Gov.'s Mansion

HARTINGTON — Over 70 Hartington area residents packed the Governor’s Mansion Sunday to help the Nebraska landmark celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Gov. Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem stood at the front door of the Georgian Colonial-style mansion and greeted area residents as they entered Sunday.
The private ceremony was organized as a joint effort by the Hartington Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and city of Hartington. The three local groups came together to present a gift from the residents of Hartington to the Governor’s Mansion.
The gift was presented to honor the three former Hartington residents — Gov. Ralph Brooks, Gov. Dwight Burney and Gov. Charles Thone — who served as Nebraska’s Governor, and lived in the mansion.
A public ceremony outside of the mansion was then held on Monday to officially unveil the glass etchings by Hartington artist Angie Gildersleeve Peitz.
The special events helped kick off a week full of celebrations to observe the 50th anniversary of the mansion. The Nebraska Governor’s residence, located just south of the Capitol, was built in 1957.

Economic Development Corporation Vice President Peggy Year was the emcee for the unveiling.
She thanked Gov. Heineman for his hospitality.
”It’s quite an honor for our community to be able to come down here and present this gift. We are proud of the men from Hartington who served as Governor. We wanted an opportunity for the whole state to see that pride.”
Gov. Heineman thanked the people of Hartington for the gift. He looked around the packed room and thanked, “the whole town of Hartington for coming down here to mark this occassion.”
The glass doors etched with the design of the Nebraska State Quarter were installed in the office on the main floor of the home Monday.
“We’re pleased these doors will become part of the permanent collection of unique pieces featured in this house,” Gov. Heineman said. “The residence showcases the beauty of Nebraska, and Sally and I are honored to serve as stewards of this marvelous home.”
A plaque placed to the side of the door will honor the three governors along with the city of Hartington.
Gov. Heineman then said the community of Hartington is indeed a special community.
”I’ve been up there several times in the last couple of years. The pride you have for your community really shows through. I am glad we can share that with you.”
The Governor then asked former Gov. Thone to say a few words.
Thone said he was very pleased to see so many familiar faces come down for the event. He then entertained the crowd with several jokes before turning serious.
“I have to tell you, the town of Hartington holds a special place in my heart. I enjoyed growing up there. I enjoy going back there. It’s just a special place, a place we can all take pride in.”