The first time I saw the Minden courthouse, it was in an old Nebraskaland magazine from the 1970’s. I was so impressed because it was very beautiful. I wondered if it was still lighted for Christmas. So, I searched online and saw that it is still lit every year. About a week ago I decided to drive to Minden since it was a mild evening and spent around 15 minutes trying to get a few really nice photographs. (The key to getting great night shots is to use a good tripod and the self timer, so there is no camera shake when you take longer exposures.)
The lighting of the courthouse began in 1915. There are approximately 12,000 bulbs that light the courthouse and the square itself. Every year, the “Light of the World” Christmas pageant is performed in the square and is free of charge to any who attend.
This is the historic Minden opera house. It has been around since 1891. When old buildings are lit up at night, I find they have a warm, romantic charm.