Jelen, Nebraska facts for kids
Jelen is a small, unincorporated community located in Knox County, Nebraska, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a group of homes or buildings that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
Jelen's Story
In the 1880s, Jelen was a busy place, especially known for its large general store. This store was very important because it was where people could buy almost anything they needed, from food to tools. As more people moved to the area, Jelen grew and became home to several other businesses. It even had its own school, where children from the community could learn.
The Post Office and Its Name
A post office opened in Jelen in 1904. This was a big deal because it meant people could send and receive mail right in their own community, instead of having to travel far. The post office stayed open for about 12 years, closing in 1916. Jelen was named after the very first person to run the post office there, a man named Anton Jelen.
By 1920, the community of Jelen had a population of 26 people.