Topic #1- My Hometown

Norfolk, Nebraska

I was born and raised in Norfolk, NE, which is about two hours north of Seward. Norfolk is a small town in the national sense, but a large town in relation to those surrounding it. The town is located on the north fork of the Elkhorn Valley River. The old tale states that in 1881 the settlers of the town were going to name the town North Fork but decided on a simpler version, Norfork. A postal man thought the name had accidentally been mixed up and changed it to Norfolk. Native Norfolkans, including myself, will still pronounce the town name as Nor-fork. 

The town was settled in 1866 by a small caravan from Wisconsin. The caravan carried 44 German families a mere 529 miles from Ixonia to Norfolk. Consequently, Norfolk is still a strong Germanic Lutheran community. In 1881 the village of Norfolk was founded. The community continued to grow and became deeply rooted in the agricultural and health care community.

Norfolk has small rolling hills and a beautiful man-made lake towards the center of town. As stated before, the town sits right off the north fork of the Elkhorn Valley River. Because of this, the town is located on a flood plane. The town officials had the river rerouted and put up a dam and flood control to avoid future flooding. Additionally, the town offers the Eldorado Golf Course, Taha Zouka Park, and the Cowboy Trail bike path. Several people enjoy the fact that the town is within an hour drive from the Yankton Dam, Missouri River, and excellent shopping in Sioux City. Norfolk also proudly boasts that it is the childhood home of T.V. star Johnny Carson.   

The economy of Norfolk is dependent on a select group of employers. Many people are employed by Faith Regional Hospital and its extensions. My father would be one who is dependent on the hospital for part of his employment. The other large employers include Nucor Steel, Affiliated Foods Store, Tyco Health care, and Goodyear. The local community college supports programs that lead into internships at these employers, mainly Nucor Steel. This is one way that Norfolk can build up and sustain its economy.

Norfolk is surrounded by a large farming community. In the summer, farmers set up their melon and corn stands throughout the town. Beef production is also extremely prevalent in the area. This is well reflected in the typical food choices in Norfolk. A delicious steak and potatoes dinner is commonly preferred. However, Norfolk also offers a small, unique collection of cultural food providers. There are three well established Mexican restaurants in town. There is also a Chinese and Italian restaurant. At our home, we traditionally make our food at home, and on a special occasion we will get to go out to eat at one of these culturally unique restaurants.