Historical Foundation A Key For The Potter Of 2019

Dec. 31, 2019, is the date that the Potter Historical Foundation begins its 20th year of "preserving the unique history of the town of Potter and combating deterioration of the central historical and business district of the town."

Although community betterment and volunteer efforts have always been prevalent in Potter's history, the idea for a formally organized foundation was generated on Sept. 24, 1990, during a community revitalization seminar presented by Dr. Edwin Nelson, president emeritus of Chadron State College. The Potter Historical Foundation was legally put into effect on Dec. 31, 2000.

The foundation operates as a nonprofit, public charity (501C3) with a 15-member board. The foundation receives or purchases real property that is then leased by start-up businesses. These businesses fill previously vacant downtown space to keep the area looking well maintained and vital.

Hopefully, these new businesses thrive, generating sales, income and payroll taxes for the state. The public charity designation allows those who are interested to donate property or money and receive a tax deduction.

Except for a few portions that are exempt, the foundation pays property tax, expenses incurred for renovations, and general upkeep with money generated by the lease agreements.

Three buildings, located in block two of the original town of Potter, comprise the Potter Historical Foundation's current holdings.

Constructed in 1914, the Potter Drug Company building (later called the Sundry) was donated by former resident Dr. Steve Davis and his wife Margaret. The neighboring building, constructed in 1919, was originally an O.P. Skaggs grocery/hardware store that was donated by the Enevoldsen family. A USDA grant and community matching grants were utilized to purchase what was originally the Kasten's Food Center building.

All of these foundation properties are being utilized to keep downtown Potter thriving. Workhorse Automotive is the most recent tenant in the former grocery store. Thomas and Kendra Mitchell have just finished their first year as the latest proprietors of the Potter Sundry.

Next door, A Collective Gathering Flea Market has been going strong for 15 years with an all-volunteer management group. Upstairs, Jennifer Thomas organizes The Potter Art Loft, and the Potter Lions Club oversees the Duckpin Bowling Alley and party area. Longtime local antique dealer Dale Dedic, utilizes the basement as a workshop.