These iron gates are near the middle of Centennial Park (1200 W. Francis) along a sidewalk that runs from the parking lot to the concession stand.

Our readers would like to know about the history of the gates – why they are there, when they were built, and if there is some special significance to the Native American faces on them.

If you can help, please contact the Bulletin. Our phone number is 308-696-0052.

Paul Wyman of Wyman and Sons Welding of North Platte believes the gates were made by them, probably in the early 1970s.

“I recognize the metal,” he said. “Those are materials that we kept on hand. It was definitely something we did. I didn’t personally work on it, but my dad or someone else would have. I’m sure.”

Wyman said he knows of no specific reason why the Indian faces were used.

Another reader speculated that the gates were once part of the fence at the Sioux Lookout monument on a hill southeast of the city.

Wyman doesn’t think so.

The Sioux Lookout statute and fence remained on the hill overlooking the Platte Valley until 2000, when it was removed by the Lincoln County Department of Roads, renovated by Mary Tanner and placed behind fencing on the grounds of the Lincoln County Courthouse. 

This article was first published in the Bulletin’s Aug. 28 print edition. It has been updated to include Paul Wyman’s response.

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