Verges Park (Norfolk Brick and Tile Company)

The cave in the west bank still has its fireplace, a coat room and what appears to have been a kitchen, with cartoon characters of the 1920s on the walls. Masons and Lions reportedly gathered there. The speakeasy story told about it has no concrete evidence, Libby McKay, director of the Elkhorn Valley Museum, told KOLN in 2023; the cave is part of the museum grounds and opens for school visits, Pioneer Days in August and Halloween trick-or-treating. Inside the museum are the Emmy awards of Johnny Carson, who grew up in Norfolk.

What the plaque says

Verges Park (Norfolk Brick and Tile Company) This park developed on ground once known as the"clay pit." John F. Flynn came to Norfolk in April 1880 to start a brick factory at this site. Flynn, Dr. Ferdinand Verges, August Pilger, and Herman Gerecke formed the Norfolk Brick and Tile Company, which operated from 1888 until 1907. Dr. Verges came to Norfolk in 1880. For three generations the family practiced medicine in the community. Dr. Carl J. Verges, son of Ferdinand, bought the 4½ acres in 1907 after the clay's quality declined. He tore down the buildings and in 1916 converted the clay pit into a private park. Landscaping included a lagoon, a foot bridge, and a gazebo. In 1933 a cave lined with concrete and decorated with comic strip figures was dug into the 90-foot west bank. It was used for meetings and parties. In 1959 Dr. and Mrs. C. J. Verges deeded the park to the city, which gave it to the Elkhorn Valley Historical Society in 1986. Nebraska State Historical Society Elkhorn Valley Historical Society of Norfolk

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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• Battle Creek — 9.6 mi
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