There have been many notable African American women in Omaha’s history. Many of them started businesses and organizations, but have yet to be recognized for their contributions to the city’s economy or their contributions to the city’s Black community. This is a biography of one leader named Christine Althouse.
Mrs. Christine “Madame” Althouse (1895-1959) was the co-founder of the Althouse School of Beauty in North Omaha. Born in Loiusiana, Missouri, she was the president of the Omaha branch of the National Beauty Culturalists’ League for years and regularly attended the annual convention on behalf of the chapter. Madame was a labor organizer, establishing together Beauticians Local 101, and the founder of the Omaha chapter of Alpha Phi Chi Omega Sorority. A national officer of the United Beauty School Owners, she was a beauty shop inspector for the State of Nebraska as well.
At least one researcher attributed the following statement in the Omaha Star to Madame:
“It is your duty as young citizens to do your part in having that group who does not care how they look, act or say to realize that society more often judges a distinct group by its worst rather than its best, and such conclusions will keep that portion of the minority group in Omaha who cares for his personal appearance from winning the place in society which they crave.”
—Omaha Star, July 18, 1952
In addition to her career, Mrs. Althouse was an active member of St. John’s AME Church in Omaha, a member of the State Republican Committee, a supporter of the segregated YWCA in Omaha, and an active member of the Omaha NAACP.
Madame’s only child was Mrs. Patricia Drew. Her parents eventually moved to North Omaha, too. Mary Irving (1875-1955) and her husband Robert Irving (1875-1948) came from their Missouri home to live at the Althouse home.
The family is buried in Forest Lawn.
You Might Like…
- A Biography of George W. Althouse
- Notable African American Women in Omaha History
- A History of the Althouse Beauty School
Elsewhere Online
- “Christine Althouse” on findagrave.com
BONUS
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