"I'm in for $10,000 over a period of
five years," announced literary giant Stephen E.
Amborse September 18 at the Cornhusker Hotel in
Lincoln as if he was making a bet in a power game.
Ambrose, author of "Undaunted Courage" and "D-Day,
June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II."
was not taking a risk in a card game Friday, but
committing himself to the realization of a Lewis and
Clark Interpretive Trail Center in Nebraska City.The promise was given to Nancy Hoch, president of
the River Country Economic Corporation, after she and
RCEDC member Doug Friedli described the center, its
purpose and focus on flora and fauna to Ambrose in a
private meeting. Gary Moulton, Lewis and Clark
expert from the University of Nebraska, was also
present. Hoch and Friedli also gave Ambrose a
sneak preview of the plans for the center during their
private session with him.
Seconds after Ambrose committed the funds, he
mumbled, "If Gary Moulton will come to the grand
opening, Stephen Ambrose will also come."
"I think it's a wonderful idea. It's a great
sight. They're picking up on a theme that hasn't
ever been picked up on. We have a string of
museums, but none doing flora and fauna," Ambrose
said. "It's a drop-dead location and a wonderful
entrance into Nebraska. It's going to be a
wonderful historical center and a great success." |
