The Kenfields, Petrified Wood Gallery, Ogallala, NE

At a young age, Harvey & Howard Kenfield moved to the Ogallala area from eastern Nebraska. After graduating from high school, they began working at a local manufacturing plant.

In the early 1950's, they were both drafted into the Army and served together with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea in 1951.  Receiving Honorable Discharges, they returned to their previous jobs. During hours of relaxation, they began collecting Indian Artifacts in 1953 which led them to collecting petrified wood and the "rock hobby" - the art of cutting and polishing rocks.

From 1954 through the present time, many years have been devoted to grinding and polishing rocks.  Many gem and mineral shows were attended and vacations were spent hunting petrified wood in western Wyoming.

In 1976, each purchased one acre of land south of Ogallala, built homes for their families and the first Petrified Wood Gallery.

After 42 years of employment, Howard and Harvey both retired in 1980 and the Gallery was opened to the public from May through September.

In 2000, the Kenfields donated their collection to the Western Nebraska Community Foundation with the stipulation that it stay in Ogallala.  At that time, the owners of the famous Front Street, built an addition to the Front Street structure to house the Petrified Wood Gallery....the collection had found a new home. Over the years, additions were made to the collection and in spring of 2011, the Gallery moved to a larger facility across the street, 418 East 1st Street.