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The park was developed on ground once known as the "clay pit." In 1916, Dr. Verges converted the clay pit into a private park. The park housed a lagoon, footbridge and a gazebo. In 1923 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. Dr. Verges deeded the park to the city of Norfolk in 1959 and the city gave it to the Elkhorn Valley Historical Society in 1986. The cave is open on the Thursday before Halloween for "Creepers in the Cave" and during "Pioneer Days in the Park" in August. The newest, permanent Verges Park exhibition includes the Dederman Cabin and the Dederman Schoolhouse.
The Dederman Cabin is the first house in Norfolk and was built in 1868. The cabin has been reconstructed to it's original condition. The cabin was given to the museum in 2003.
The Dederman School opened in 1882 and was located northwest of Norfolk. The District #24 School Board gave the school to the museum in the fall of 2006. The school will be renovated back to the early 1900's and will be used as a teaching tool which will be available to teachers in the area for hands-on classes. The Dederman Family was one of the original families to settle Norfolk in 1868. |
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