Cora's Place opens for business

The idea of a coffee shop gathering place is not a new one for Whitney.

Mike Cartwright chats with a customer at Cora's Place.
(Chadron Record photo by Kerri Rempp) 

In years gone by, there’ve been coffee shops, soda fountains, and a few restaurants, too.

But recent years have not been kind to the prospect of such a gathering place  -- until now.

Whitney native Mike Cartwright  – who, during the Whitney School Resunion in May,  alluded to opening such a  a coffee shop and gathering place” – has done just that. We were delighted when Lois Douthit sent us a link to the Chadron Record story that tells about the “…new gathering spot in Whitney.”

A retired college professor, Mike has teamed up with his wife, Jeanetta, to create what they call “Cora’s Place.”

It’s an appropriate moniker, since the shop is in the same dwelling on Missouri Street that was owned by his grandparents Lewis and Cora Cartwright – hence, “Cora’s Place.”  It’s nestled between the town hall and post office on the west side of Missouri Street in downtown Whitney.

Not only does Cora’s Place bring the aroma of hot coffee to downtown Whitney, there’s also an array of antique items and artwork.   Most importantly, it brings the prospect of increased fellowship and a new sense of “community” to Whitney.

According to the Chadron Record story, Cora’s Place displays the art work of Robin Smith, Kit Watson, and Don Ruleaux.

We’re looking forwarding to visiting Cora’s Place the next time we visit Dawes County.

Read all about Cora’s Place in this Chadron Record story.