Volunteers restoring historic stone staircase

NEBRASKA CITY –  A strength and restoration project of a Great Depression era staircase at Nebraska City’s Riverview Nature Park is underway.

Volunteer Robert Hartman has been clearing brush and digging beneath the handrail on the Sixth Street staircase in preparation for painting.

Brianna Graham of the Friends of Riverview Nature Park credited the Sherwin-Williams Company of Lincoln for sending Jason Hall to inspect the railing, which was originally part of a historic railroad bridge.

Hall assessed the railing and Sherwin Williams provided Hartman with the primer and the paint, in an antique brass color.

 

The steps at the park were first mentioned in 1929 and 1930 when the city asked the park to accommodate up to 5,000 visitors for the annual Missouri River regatta. The National Youth Association stone work followed.

Graham also announced a Wirth Foundation grant in support of masonry work. The top 13 steps will be re-laid to even out the forward-leaning steps and counter 95 years of erosion.

She said the massive stones on the historic staircase will be reset as part of the project.