The Crete Heritage Society was created in 1975 as The Crete Bicentennial Society, Inc. to choose and sponsor a project in celebration of the nation’s 1976 bicentennial anniversary. The group decided to purchase and preserve a 17-acre tract near Tuxedo Park in northwest Crete that was once part of Crete founder Jesse C. Bickle’s original 80-acre homestead. A section of Crete is situated on this hom
estead, and the town’s first post office was located in Bickle’s 1864 log cabin. This original log cabin is part of the 1870s frame Carpenter Gothic house, still extant on the property. After many years of fund-raising activities, the organization paid off the $38,000 mortgage, and the property has been renovated and is well maintained. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Known commonly for many years as “The Maples,” the name of longtime owner M.O. Smith’s meat market, the property has also been designated a Nebraska State Arboretum site. Today, students of all ages, and also adults, participate in heritage activities at the facility each year. The Bickle farmstead, located on the northeastern portion of the acreage, includes the house, an early 20th century barn, and small outbuildings. Also located on the property are Saline County District #1 Star School, renovated in 2004 in ca. 1910 style, and the Benne Memorial Museum.
