Have you wanted to see hands-on what life was like in a small frontier town nestled in the gently rolling grasslands of the Nebraska Sandhills? Dobby’s Frontier Town is located at 320 East 25th Street (Nance Road) in Alliance. On May 1st the town opened for the season, and it is open 10:00 – 6:00 daily.
Visitors to Dobby’s Frontier Town are invited to tour 27 buildings, each carefully filled with furnishings and artifacts from the early 20th century. Guests are invited to stroll through the town, enter the buildings, read information about each, and examine the items on display. Dobby wanted his town to be hands-on, trusting that guests would handle each piece of history with care and respect.
Kenneth Dobby Lee wanted to save a vanishing piece of history before it was lost. He and his family saved buildings from a bygone era and built or remodeled others, using methods available 100 years ago. Dobby’s goal was both preservation and education.
After Dobby’s death, a non-profit corporation was created to preserve Dobby’s Frontier Town. Ten years ago, the Lee family transferred the land, buildings, and items to Dobby’s Frontier Towners so the town could continue to operate.
Every September (except 2020 –COVID) Dobby’s holds a Fall Festival, with speakers, musicians, games, food, and crafts. Dobby’s hosts school groups, class reunions, community events, parties, even weddings.
People who are interested in helping to preserve this piece of history can volunteer by contacting Lori White, Dobby’s president, 308-762-7157. Since the buildings are older, there is always work to be done, like repairs or painting. Volunteers can help with yard work like mowing, weed-eating, trimming, or weeding. The town is not normally staffed, but interested volunteers could give tours to guests, who come from all over the United States and many other countries.
Dobby’s Frontier Town does not charge admission. However, donations are necessary to cover utilities and materials needed for upkeep. Donations can be made with PayPal or a debit or credit card at dobbysfrontiertown.com. Several buildings have scan codes on the side for people wanting to help. Donation barrels are located in the church and general store.
Over the next few months, we will be featuring stories about different buildings at Dobby’s Frontier Town. Be sure to visit, and bring friends and family. Dobby’s Frontier Town is a great Box Butte County treasure.