Voices from the Past

He published several stories he gathered over the years and produced plays.

He often captured stories by interviewing residents of The Willows assisted-living facility and Neligh Nursing Home. He stated, “If you have family members getting on in years, do get their stories recorded in writing or on tape.”

Some of Mr. Hauptmann’s works includes a program he produced in 2010 called, “Voices From The Past.” It was written and directed by him and was presented by area residents he handpicked for the production. The vignettes included: Day of Sorrow (Scene about White Buffalo Girl), A Joy Filled Musical Evening, Educator Par Excellence, Patriotism, and Devotion to Duty. These short scenes were presented at the Pioneer Church. After the performances, guests were invited to tour Laurel Hill Cemetery to visit gravesites of characters whose brief narrative episodes were portrayed. Here is a photo of the program selections “Voices From The Past” booklet.

After the performance of the vignettes, the audience visits several graveside headstones in Laurel Hills Cemetery. Pictured are actors in the play Pioneer Reminiscences-a story about Mabel Guild and Mrs. Henery. Another play portrayed Frank Barnett, a story about a black man playing Santa Claus for Levern Hauptman when he was five years old. Photos by Gloria Christiansen

One of the play’s settings, Native American Tragedy, highlighted the drama that took place on the hillside overlooking the developing town of Neligh on May 23, 1877. The scene portrayed a news record of early pioneers who did show humanity toward fellow human beings during this time. Mr. Hauptmann was particularly pleased to have Joe Starita, author of “I Am a Man,” present the day at the cemetery, who talked about Chief Standing Bear’s Ponca Tribe’s forcible removal from the Nebraska homeland and marched to what was known as Indian Territory (now Oklahoma,) in what became known as the Trail of Tears.

For decades, the gravestone of White Buffalo Girl has been maintained and continues to be decorated. Who does the decorating is not known for sure. They may come from near and far.

For years, Levern Hauptmann undertook essential work to assure the sustainability of the museum and the story of White Buffalo Girl by organizing school-age children’s activities. Because of his efforts, it is thought area school children may often decorate the grave and because of individuals like Levern Hauptmann, the story lives on.

The relationship between Neligh and the Ponca Tribe is still vital. No, Neligh never forgot to follow their promise to Black Hawk and Moon Hawk to honor the child’s grave, and with the Ponca and Omaha tribes, continues to care for White Buffalo Girl as their own. Museum members are determined to cultivate a relationship with the Ponca Tribe. Hauptmann was instrumental in arranging for the return of a sacred artifact housed at the museum to the Native American people.