Dowsing for History

By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

The mail carrier in Ellsworth wondered if the truck with the Nebraska plates had broken down. The man grading the roads in Geneseo just wanted it out of the way. Bill Bolte quickly allayed their concerns, but then returned to his work, walking briskly and watching for the metal rods in his hands to cross.

Bolte is trying to add to the historical record. Old pioneer, cattle and military trails are well known, but his interest lies in Native American footpaths. About five years ago, he began tracing a trail after collecting oral histories from central Nebraska residents.

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