Mitchell

Image Source: Pinebrook Maps

Mitchell is also home to the Lenox Tower. The tower was built in 1924 and controlled traffic on train tracks and prevented collisions using a 80 pistol-grip lever to control the shifting of the rails. Since its inception the Lenox Tower has played an integral part of train-based transportation through the Metro East. The levers were operated by an individual who was housed in the two story brick building. As of now the control of the tracks was transferred from the Lenox Tower to dispatchers in Ohmaha’s Harriman Dispatching Center.

Image Source: Flickr

There exist multiple buildings and areas in Mitchell that were previously the staples of the “village”. One of the major areas was the Bel Air drive in. In 1953 the drive in opened and could allow up to 700 cars in its premise. A second screen was added to the area in 1979. However, in 1986 the drive in was closed and turned into an industrial park. The sign pictured is one of the last physical reminders of the drive in. Another famous attraction in Mitchell is the Luna Cafe. The cafe was opened in 1924, and is rumored that Al Capone would stop into this cafe when he would be in the area. Other buildings that are still standing include the Greenway Motel which was opened back in 1950 as well as The Canal Motel which also opened its doors in the late 1950’s.