56 Nebraskaland • August-September 2023
PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST
Pheasant hunting, 1983
These pheasants were taken opening day in 1983. Five limits of pheasant
hunting with my high school (Hastings High, class of 1948) best friend,
Joe Mc Keone then from Cozad. Front row left to right: Kert McKeone, Tod
McKeone and their father, Joe McKeone. Back row: Dave Martin and Joe's
son, Mark McKeone. I'm now 92, but the memories of that hunt make me
want to try it again!
– David W Martin, Lakeland, Florida
Paddlefish, Gavins Point Dam, 1975
My wife, Jan, of now 61 years along with
our three sons (Greg, Steve and Roger) were
spoonbill fishing below Gavins Point Dam.
Four gates were open so there was a lot of
action that day. We caught several spoonbills,
but this was the largest.
I still go spoonbilling whenever I can get a
permit.
Love your magazine for a long time now.
– Donald Ortmeier, Fremont
Platte River State Park, 1990
This picture was taken in 1990 on the steps
of the commons area of the six Wild Strawberry
cabins at Platte River State Park. My wife,
three children and I stayed at PRSP the first
two years it was open. After that, the next 38
years, my six siblings and their children have
gone together every July or August. The annual
reunion generates biblical amounts of trash,
some scientific cabin stuffing, lots of giggles,
grins, games and memories for a lifetime. All
of the park personnel have been great through
the years with their help and patience. The
family names here are the Brannens, Flemings,
Hereks and Joneses.
– Tom Brannen, Bellevue
