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Something special: Speaker says McCook has plenty to set it apart
Every town worth its salt should be known for something special, said Jim Harris, the guest speaker at McCook's annual Heritage Breakfast this morning. "McCook is special, but why?" he asked.
Harris grew up in McCook, the youngest son of John T. and Eleanor Harris, popular McCook business owners and civic leaders. Jim Harris grew up knowing, always, that McCook was special ... that there was something about the community that set it apart from any other.
There's great hunting and fishing, and a terrific golf course, Harris told those gathered for the annual breakfast. There's agriculture bounty, and, he said, a great football team. "It's a community where people support each other," Harris said.
"But, what sets McCook apart from other communities is the number of state and national leaders that it has produced. The people of 'Heritage Square,'" Harris said. He added, chuckling and referring to McCook's years-long struggle to provide quality drinking water for its citizens, "It must be something in the water."
"Heritage Square" is a 10-block area in the heart of McCook that includes the former homes of the state and national political figures and the only house in Nebraska designed by world-renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
GEORGE W. NORRIS
At the top of Harris's list of "The People of Heritage Square," is U.S. Senator George W. Norris, whom Harris called "one of the greatest Americans of all time."
Norris, a McCook attorney who served in the U.S. Congress and Senate for 40 years, is responsible for rural electrification, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the 20th "Lame Duck" Amendment, the Nebraska Unicameral. "Norris was a man of unquestionable honesty and integrity," Harris said.
THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOUSE
The sand-colored home at 602 Norris is the only house in Nebraska designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. "It is an architectural gem," Harris said. "What a jewel. It's a classic example of the Prairie School of Architecture."
And, thanks to the restoration efforts of its current owners, Jan and Van Korell, the house has returned to its original grandeur, Harris said.
RALPH G. BROOKS
Nebraska Gov. Ralph G. Brooks, elected in an upset in 1958, continued Norris's "streak of independence," a trait that would continue in more "People of Heritage Square," Harris said.
FRANK B. MORRISON
Another McCook man, a towering presence -- Frank B. Morrison -- was Gov. Brooks' successor, Harris said.
Harris remembers Morrison not so much as the politician and Nebraska governor that he was, but as his father's great friend. "John T. (Harris Sr.) and Frank Morrison were two completely original characters," Jim Harris said. "They were big men ... larger than life. And they got a kick out of each other."
Jim Harris recalls his third grade class meeting the great Mr. Morrison. "He really knew how to give a bear hug," Harris laughed, remembering and kneading the muscles in his neck.
BEN NELSON
"Ben Nelson ... Eagle Scout, Nebraska Governor, U.S. Senator," Harris said. "He continues that McCook tradition of independence, a tradition that makes him an importance influence in the Senate."
"Ben was inspired by Ralph G. Brooks, by Frank Morrison," Harris said. "Who knows what young person is being inspired today by Ben?"
Harris introduced his family, every one leaving her or his mark on McCook and Nebraska, "continuing that spirit of community service," he said. His mother and father, Eleanor and John T. Harris III, owned by operated DeGroff's Department Store in downtown McCook and Gro-Mo Chemical Co. -- "Mista Fahma!" John T. would loudly address local farmers, with his Alabama accent, on radio and television commercials. John T. died in November 2005.
Eleanor founded the McCook's Museum of the High Plains in 1963. "Eleanor, my mother, we all know what a jewel she is," James said fondly. Eleanor continues to live in Opelika, Ala., where her husband grew up.
Jim Harris introduced his brothers, John T. Jr., "J.T."; Bobby, Bill and Bert, each involved in community and state service. His brother, Paul, is deceased.
HERITAGE SQUARE
"How do we memorialize the legacy of Heritage Square" Harris asked. "A check would always be nice," he said with a grin. Heritage Square is a project of the Heritage Square Committee, which is affiliated with the George W. Norris Foundation. A check to the Foundation would always be welcomed, Harris said.
Harris unfolded -- and unveiled -- the new brochure detailing "The Historical Walking Tour of Heritage Square." He invited everyone to take the walking tour, share brochures with others and encourage visitors to take the walking tour of McCook's Heritage Square.
Harris said plans are in the works for the NETV television network to produce a documentary on Heritage Square and coordinators are researching the possibility of erecting statues in Norris Park to the personalities of Heritage Square.
Harris said the Foundation is also looking for a McCook person to become the co-chair of the Heritage Square project, filling the position left by Linda Hein after she and her husband, Rick, moved to McCook.
"In summation," Harris said, "What is special about McCook? It's the people. No question, it's the people."
He continued, "The people of Heritage Square have left us a legacy of independence, and honesty, and integrity."
"People," Harris said, "These are not ordinary political figures. We are standing on the shoulders of giants."
Harris encouraged his hometown to preserve this history, "to inspire future generations to keep the passionate fires of these proud public servants burning for years to come."
McCook Mayor Dennis Berry closed the breakfast ceremony, telling Harris that, "We hope we can still inspire great political leadership, but ... ," he paused, with a grin on his face, "there's nothing left in the water any more."