Spiker, Washington County, Nebraska Historic Towns: Spiker Historic Towns: Spiker -Courtesy of Washington County Nebraska History, 1980 In the early period of settlement, Spiker General Store served needs of families around the locality, saving trips to town with horse and buggy that usually took half a day. The exact date the hamlet was started is uncertain. The store was there in the early 1890's as Fred Grabbe carried mail there. In 1900 it ceased to be a Post Office. Records show Hans Larsen leaved half an acre to the Spiker Building Association in October 21, 1890. Spiker got its name through a drawing. Three names of early settlers were placed in a hat; Christian Holstein, Elias Marsh, and Samuel Spiker. Of the three, the latter was drawn. Older citizens of the community named early owners of the store as John Gossard and Harry Platzs, who sold to Alfred Marsh on March 5, 1908. Mr. Marsh also owned the Vacoma store located on a farm just three miles northwest. It passed through several owners over the years. In 1955, Chester Spiker took over as the stores last owner. In the fall of 1963 the store closed and was left vacant until 1970 when it was torn down. Better roads and autos made trips to larger towns much quicker. In the early days, on the west side of the road there was an orchard located on the Marsh farm. In it a platform was built where dances were held. To the north of the orchard was a creamery and at the back of the store was located a blacksmith shop. Later dancing, boxing matches, elections and various things were held up over the store. Later on, the Spiker hall was moved to the upper floor of the garage located on the south side of Spiker. In the late 1930's the garage and an adjoining house were both destroyed by a fire. Back to Top