August 27 , 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Fifty years ago the cornerstone of the Governor’s Residence was put in place and construction began on the residence that is now familiar to many Nebraskans. This year marks the golden anniversary of the Governor’s Residence.
This week my wife Sally and I are hosting a series of events to celebrate this milestone. The Governor’s Residence will host displays featuring the inaugural gowns of first ladies from the last five decades and a series of presentations on the home’s history. There will also be bus tours of the historic sites in our capital city. The celebration culminates with a block party on Friday evening.
This celebration provides an opportunity for Nebraskans to see the craftsmanship and attention to detail that make this home so unique. First families have taken great pride in the Governor’s Residence and it has been maintained in excellent condition. This maintenance has required extra attention of the first families.
The Legislature provided the initial funding for construction of the residence. However, little was available for maintenance and upkeep. Over the years the home fell into disrepair.
First Gentleman Bill Orr began a fundraising drive for restoration of the Governor’s Residence with the publication of the First Gentleman’s Cookbook. Forty years after the home was first opened, First Lady Diane Nelson oversaw the renovation and restoration of the home. That renovation marked a turning point.
Following the renovation, the Governor’s Residence became the people’s home, being used for more than the home of Nebraska’s chief executive. For the last 10 years, it has served as a gathering place for non-profit and community groups, playing host to hundreds of visitors every week.
While our State Capitol is the centerpiece of our state government and capital city, the Governor’s Residence provides an occasion to showcase the beauty and history of Nebraska.
To mark the 50th anniversary, a pair of glass doors etched with the design of the Nebraska State Quarter was installed on the main floor of the Governor’s residence. The final decision of which design would appear on the Nebraska quarter was left to me and Sally worked to plan its release last spring. The doors are a special reminder of the role we were privileged to play in promoting the history of our great state. This latest addition joins the permanent collection of unique pieces featured in the Governor’s Residence that can been seen by all who visit.
Plans are also underway to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the residence with the release of a new cookbook, which is expected to be released early next year. Proceeds will be used for updates to ensure the building remains a functional place for groups and organizations that come to the residence for many years to come.
Those unable to join us for the 50th anniversary activities can take a virtual tour of the residence, available online at http://www.governorsresidence.ne.gov, which also features stories from former governors and their families about life in the Governor’s Residence.
Sally and I are honored to serve as stewards of this marvelous home, and we are pleased to share it with the people who come to visit each and every week. We hope to see you soon.
