In 1902, the Mitchell Index published an article about what Mitchell had been like just two years earlier, in 1900.
At that time, Mitchell was described as "not wild and wooly, but new and incomplete." Homes had begun to appear, businesses were opening, and the railroad was bringing people, supplies, and opportunity into the valley.
The author called Mitchell a town in its "chrysalis state"—still forming, still unfinished, but filled with promise.
Mitchell may have been small, but its residents believed in what it could become. They saw more than open prairie and a handful of buildings. They saw homes, businesses, churches, schools, and a future worth building.
Every new building and business became part of that vision.
More than a century later, we are living in the community they imagined. The buildings downtown, the businesses that serve us, the schools that educate our children, and the events that bring us together all trace their roots to those early years.
Those early residents were not simply living in Mitchell. Together, they were building the town that future generations would call home.
Welcome to the very first issue of Mitchell Connections!
This is a local, independent newsletter created for and by people who care about Mitchell. You’ll find stories about our neighbors, local businesses, rich history, and the everyday happenings that make our community unique.
A look at Mitchell—then and now—and the potential that remains in our downtown.
ThenNow
1315 Center Ave. Same building. New vision. Still downtown Mitchell.
I smile when I think about my first impression of Mitchell. Downtown had clearly seen better days. Buildings sat vacant, some were used only for storage, and others desperately needed attention.
Yet Mitchell itself felt special. People waved, neighbors greeted one another, and men still held doors open for women.
That contrast stayed with me: How could a town feel so alive in its people, yet so quiet in its downtown?
An article in the Mitchell Index described the young town as “not wild and wooly, but new and incomplete.” The writer called Mitchell a town “in the chrysalis state”—still forming, still unfinished, but full of promise.
More than a century later, I saw that same promise.
The more I studied downtown, the more I noticed the character of its buildings. I imagined shops filled with customers, people visiting on the sidewalks, and special events bringing neighbors and visitors together.
Against my husband’s better judgment, I took a chance and purchased a small downtown building. With a shoestring budget, hard work, and many generous favors, we restored enough of it to open our doors.
The building was once again doing what it had been built to do—holding downtown businesses.
I moved my stationery and gift store into the building, and my daughter, Jennifer, relocated her law office from Scottsbluff.
Items from my daughter-in-law Samantha’s cottage business, Dorothy’s Bakery, now have a place there too.
No one knows what the future will bring. Businesses will always come and go. But with care, hard work, and a little faith, this building may still be standing and serving Mitchell long after we are gone.
One restored building cannot bring an entire downtown back to life. But it can be a beginning. My hope is that other buildings will find new purpose too, giving future generations a downtown where they can shop, work, gather, and know their neighbors.
Perhaps Mitchell is still in the chrysalis state—still forming, still unfinished, but full of promise.
From a kitchen table to a garage, a basement, or a small workshop at home, some of the most interesting things in and around Mitchell are being made by our neighbors.
People here are baking, preserving food, sewing, woodworking, printing shirts, making gifts, and creating all kinds of products on a small scale.
For some, it’s a business and a source of income. For others, it’s a way to stay creative, reduce stress, or earn a little extra money.
These home-based makers give our community its character. Their products are unique, personal, and often hard to find anywhere else.
The next time you need a loaf of bread, a handmade gift, or a locally printed shirt, consider shopping close to home. There is a surprising amount being made right here in Mitchell.
Want to know what is happening with streets, the golf course, city departments, or upcoming projects? Start with the City Council page. Public information is there for a reason — so residents can stay informed and take part in the life of their town.
Voting matters, too. In communities like Mitchell, a small number of votes can shape who makes decisions for the whole community. The more residents learn about local candidates, meetings, budgets, and issues, the better prepared we are to choose leaders who reflect the values and needs of Mitchell.
Being informed does not mean knowing everything. It starts with paying attention, asking questions, reading what is available, and showing up when it matters.
Because Mitchell works best when Mitchell residents are involved.
Some of the most valuable pieces of hometown history were never filed at City Hall. They remain tucked inside family photo albums, newspaper clippings, business receipts, church programs, signs, and the memories of longtime residents.
Our history lives in people
Mitchell Question of the Month
What Mitchell business from years past do you remember most and what made it special?
Share your memory through the Mitchell Invitation Co.’s Facebook page or stop by 1315 Center Ave.
