Author: Adam F.C. Fletcher

I share about youth, education, history and more. Learn more about me at https://adamfletcher.net
20th century, Carter Lake, Culture, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, music, Organizations, Prairie Park, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
Prairie Park Clubhouse, 2605 Ames Ave, Omaha, NE 68111

A History of the Prairie Park Club

Adam F.C. Fletcher

In the late 1900s, Omahans formed social clubs like the Prairie Park Club to enhance community ties. Established in 1909, it hosted numerous social events and activities. Learn what happened to it here. Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Club

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Economics, Historic houses, Kellom Heights, Lost history, real estate, Wealth, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
Thomas Mansion, 958 N. 27th Ave, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Thomas Mansion

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Many of early Omaha’s wealthy builders built their mansions and estates in North Omaha. One of them was attorney Dexter L. Thomas (1841-1919). His large house at N. 27th Avenue and Nicholas Street was a landmark for years, surely inspiring … Continue reading A History of the Thomas Mansion

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Ethnicities & Races, Government, Kellom Heights, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, White flight1 Comment
A history of North Omaha's Kellom Heights neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Heights Neighborhood

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Kellom Heights neighborhood, including the pioneer era, the school and its redevelopment. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Heights Neighborhood

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Government, Kountze Place, Lost history, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Parks, real estate5 Comments

A History of the Demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Expo

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898 and the Greater America Exposition of 1899. Continue reading A History of the Demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Expo

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black History, Book review, historic preservation, music, society, storytellingLeave a comment
Cover of A Thousand Honey Creeks Later by Preston Love, Sr.

NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a book review of the autobiography of North Omaha’s Preston Love. Continue reading NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, Parks, Politics, society, White flight1 Comment
Kountze Park, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Malcolm X Memorial Park sits in the heart of North Omaha’s Kountze Place. Discover why you don’t hear about it anymore. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Florence, Historic houses, society, Wealth6 Comments
Lantry-Thompson Mansion, 3524 State St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Land speculators snatched up a lot of North Omaha legally and illegally in the 1900s. Victor Lantry was one of them, and built a massive mansion to celebrate his wealth. Here’s his story. Continue reading A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, business, Culture, historic preservation, Houses, society1 Comment
Architecture by Joseph P. Guth, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

Adam F.C. Fletcher

North Omaha’s has A LOT of unsung architectural heroes, and one of them is Joseph P. Guth. Guth moved from Germany to Omaha in 1884 and designed business blocks, breweries, factories and warehouses, fire stations, schools, houses and multifamily residences, churches … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

20th century, Black History, Crime, Culture, Government, Lost history, North 24th Street, Racism, Saratoga4 Comments
Mrs. Beverly Wead Blackburn Jones (1937 - 1973) was a youth worker, educator and champion for North Omaha.

A Biography of Beverly Blackburn and a History of the JFK Rec Center

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of an individual and the short-lived organization she created. It’s a story about the power, purpose and potential of young people in North Omaha, and the constant struggle between the City of Omaha and the Black community. This is a history of Beverly Blackburn (1937-1973) and the JFK Rec Center. Continue reading A Biography of Beverly Blackburn and a History of the JFK Rec Center

20th century, Black History, Culture, Racism, societyLeave a comment
"Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City" article from LOOK magazine, December 17, 1963. https://northomahahistory.com/look-magazine-article-on-omaha-racism-12-17-1963-oct-4-2016-12-23-pm-1/

“The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

Adam F.C. Fletcher

On December 17, 1963, LOOK magazine included a story about segregation in Omaha. Following is a section of the article; there is a link to a PDF of the story under “Related Articles” that follows. THE NEGRO FACES NORTH OMAHA, NEBRASKA: THE NEW … Continue reading “The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Economics, Industry, Lost history, SaratogaLeave a comment
Stroud Company's Red Wagon, 4308 Commercial Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 1916

A History of North Omaha’s Stroud Company

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Thomas Frank Stroud’s North Omaha business was successful. After starting it in Omaha in 1894, he formally organized the firm in 1895 to build dirt moving machines that he designed. In 1905, he built a $20,000 factory at the intersection of Florence Boulevard and the Belt Line tracks. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Stroud Company

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, historic preservation, Industry, Monmouth Park, society, White flight30 Comments
This is a colorized image from the Ames Bar and Grill at North 30th and Ames, looking north towards Fowler Avenue in 1971. Some of the businesses here include Pat's Beer, the Koffee House and Gatchell's Hardware. Original pic courtesy of Durham Museum.

A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The intersection of North 30th and Ames Avenue was an important suburban crossroads in North Omaha as early as the 1890s and going all the way into the 1960s. Then, with white flight in full force and North Omaha divestment underway, the intersection started to struggle. Today, it continues to flounder, but many businesses stay open, overcoming the negative, challenging and demeaning perceptions many Omaha’s have about the community. Continue reading A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Cemeteries, Cuming Street, Historic districts, historic preservation2 Comments
J. F. Bloom and Company, Florence Blvd and Ames Ave, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s J. F. Bloom and Company

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Omaha has always been a good place to die. Starting in the 1840s when the first trails were cut through the area, people were laid to rest all across the city. With cemeteries scattered across North Omaha, it made sense for a stonecutter to make his work in the community. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s J. F. Bloom and Company

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Cemeteries, Central Park, Civic Infrastructure, History of Nebraska11 Comments
North Omaha's historic Central Park Neighborhood extends from N. 33rd to N. 48th St, from Ames Ave to Sorensen Pkwy.

A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Tucked away in North Omaha is a historic neighborhood that gets little attention. However, the people who’ve lived there have vibrant memories and meaningful stories that lasted a lifetime. The Central Park neighborhood extends from North 33rd to North 48th Streets, from Ames Avenue to Sorenson Parkway. Located west of the town of Saratoga, it was never an incorporated town like its neighbors in Irvington or Benson. A lot of the oral histories of the area talked about it being a rural community, surrounded by farms and fields, orchards and more. Rising from cornfields and hills, the Central Park neighborhood has a long history starting in the 1880s. Here are details I could find about the neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, society1 Comment
Elks Club Iroquois Lodge 92 2420 Lake Street Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Starting in 1905, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, also called the black Elks, met in North Omaha. They were determined to help foster positive social connections, build community and foster growth within Omaha’s African American community. Almost 100 years later, it keeps going. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92

20th century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, society21 Comments
This is a history of the Belt Line Railway in North Omaha from 1883 to 1987 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Almost a decade ago, I stumbled across stories of a railroad that looped around Omaha. Different sources told crazy realities, including conflicting ownership, court cases, and the rise and fall of several neighborhoods in North Omaha. I was fascinated that I saw this track all the time when I was growing up, but I never knew its story, so I started researching. I read articles and pamphlets, books and maps. After that, I started an article on Wikipedia to share what I’d found. Well, as you know, that’s never enough for me. With some recent encouragement from John Peterson, a fine Omaha history writer, I am going to expand here on what I’ve researched and learned about the Belt Line Railway in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

20th century, 21st century, Florence, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Mormons, North 30th Street, society1 Comment
Mormon Tree, Florence, Nebraska 1920

A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Mormon Tree, also called the Brigham Young Tree, has loomed over my studies of Florence history for a decade now. I’ve seen mentions of it in old newspapers and heard stories about it from older people. However, I couldn’t find anything about it all this time. Until last month. Finally, after all these years, I wrote the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters to ask about the Mormon Tree. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Houses, Miller Park, society5 Comments
Miller Park Duplex Historic District, N. 24th and Himbaugh Ave., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Immediately after World War II, there was a rush of soldiers flush with government money that allowed them to buy homes and build families right away. A lot of North Omaha finished in-filling during this period, with houses constructed in just a few months and selling a lot quicker than that. Spread across a few streets in the Miller Park neighborhood, one set of these homes created an architecturally distinct area that should be designated as a historic district and preserved quickly. Continue reading A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Omaha Claim Club, Race riot, Racism, society8 Comments
A mob stands outside the Douglas County Courthouse in 1919, waiting to lynch an African American man named Will Brown for a crime he didn't commit.

A History of Mob Violence in Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Mobs have terrorized Omaha since the city was founded in 1854. Defined as “the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims,” terrorism was been the weapon of Omaha’s mobs from the beginning. Early on, they were seemingly concerned with horse thieves, claim jumping and break-ins. In more recent times, mobs attacked people in Omaha because of their race and ethnicities. 50 years ago, mobs lashed out at businesses. Notably, there haven’t been any mob terror trials, monuments, or other acknowledgments of the acts of the masses in Omaha throughout its 160+ years of existence. Continue reading A History of Mob Violence in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, business, Crime, Economics, General history, Government, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Poverty, Public health, Racism, White flight6 Comments

History of Lead Poisoning in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For more than 15 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been fighting lead poisoning in North Omaha as part of a citywide environmental cleanup focused on the 27-square-miles east of 72nd Street. Continue reading History of Lead Poisoning in North Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Cemeteries, Culture, History of Nebraska, Religion, societyLeave a comment
SAVE HISTORIC CEMETERIES IN NORTH OMAHA.

A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Did you know that North Omaha has at least eight historic cemeteries? Serving religious and ethnic populations as well as the general public, these are the final resting places of thousands of people from the 1840s through today. Continue reading A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Cuming Street, historic preservation, History of Nebraska12 Comments
Cuming Street at North 25th, looking west towards the Robert's Dairy and Tech High School.

A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Now seen as the front door to Omaha, Cuming Street has also served as the city’s farthest edge; as the growing, mighty muscles of industry and business; and as its dirty, neglected backside. This article highlights the history of Cuming Street, from its beginnings through to present day. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

20th century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Geography, historic preservation, Lost history6 Comments
Swimming at the Omaha Municipal Beach on Carter Lake in 1919

A History of the Omaha Municipal Beach

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Located at 809 Carter Lake Drive North, Municipal Beach was a success, and for decades on every good swimming day all summer long a thousand people swamped Omaha’s Municipal Beach to enjoy sun, fun and good times. It was located there from 1919 through to the 1950s, enjoying massive popularity, an influx of money from the US federal government, and a place in many older peoples’ memories still today. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Municipal Beach

20th century, 21st century, Black History, business, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Politics, society4 Comments
The Omaha Star building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo by Joe Kinney.

History of the Omaha Star

Adam F.C. Fletcher

More than 65 years ago, a newspaper was launched to serve Omaha’s African American community. Coming from a legacy of several Black newspapers before it, the paper was launched by the visionary Mildred Brown and her husband Ed Gilbert. Losing its direct competitors within a decade, The Omaha Star became the city’s Civil Rights media champion, refusing to print negative news and constantly focusing on keeping it positive. The original banner was “Joy and Happiness”, and the only told good news. Continue reading History of the Omaha Star

20th century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Government, History of Nebraska, Military, North 72nd Street5 Comments
North Omaha Radar Station, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the North Omaha Radar Station

Adam F.C. Fletcher

During the 1940s and 1950s, Omaha was the location of several Cold War initiatives outwardly intended to keep the country safe from nuclear war, but ulteriorly designed to frighten and captivate a passive populace. With sparse housing around it but … Continue reading A History of the North Omaha Radar Station

19th century, Biographies, Cuming Street, Guest author, History of Nebraska, Politics, society, WealthLeave a comment
The Nebraska First Territorial Capital was completed in 1855, and is where young Tom Cuming would've governed the Nebraska Territory.

A Biography of Nebraska Territorial Governor Thomas B. Cuming by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam F.C. Fletcher

One of North Omaha’s landmark roadways that has always intrigued me is Cuming Street. My dad used to take my brother and I to Canfield’s, where we’d comb the aisles for what seemed like hours. Creighton University seemed like a … Continue reading A Biography of Nebraska Territorial Governor Thomas B. Cuming by Ryan Roenfeld

Biographies, Black History, Culture, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, society, storytelling1 Comment

A Biography of North Omaha’s Dr. Marguerita Washington

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This story begins with the death. On November 2nd, 1989, Mildred Brown passed away. Easily the mother of North Omaha pride, Mildred co-founded The Omaha Star in the late 1930s and ran it by herself for almost 50 years. She promoted the community mercilessly, building pride, power and purpose through her paper, and her death was a massive loss to everyone in North Omaha, especially the African American community. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Dr. Marguerita Washington

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Politics, society2 Comments

A History of the John E. Reagan House in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

With the old country ties in mind, one lawyer in Omaha took it upon himself to bring some fellow Irishmen back to Omaha to stump for “Cowboy” Jim Dahlman, Omaha’s corrupt longtime mayor who was controlled by local boss Tom Dennison. Did his tireless campaigning get him a seat in the Nebraska State Legislature? Was there dirty money involved in building his palatial home? Continue reading A History of the John E. Reagan House in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Lost history1 Comment
North Omaha History: Florence Lake, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of East Omaha’s Florence Lake

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Along the wild timeline of the Missouri River, a little nest of water was created in East Omaha, Nebraska. When European settlers saw it, they called it Florence Lake. Here’s a short history of its appearance, some appreciation, and its disappearance. Continue reading A History of East Omaha’s Florence Lake

19th century, Biographies, Government, Politics, schools, StreetsLeave a comment
This is Judge George B. Lake of Omaha, Nebraska (1827-1910).

A Biography of North Omaha’s George B. Lake

Adam F.C. Fletcher

There is a street that starts in North Omaha and shoots west, with a man so respected by Omahans that more than a century later they named another street after him. North Omaha has been filled with interesting people since the city was founded, and even before that. One of them was Judge George Baker Lake. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s George B. Lake

19th century, 20th century, ghosts, Halloween, History of Nebraska, North 30th Street6 Comments
Immanuel Deaconess Institute, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Tunnels Beneath Immanuel Hospital

Adam F.C. Fletcher

More than just an expedient way to move water, gas and electricity around their massive campus, there were once tunnels throughout the Immanuel Deaconess Institute in the Monmouth Park neighborhood. They were once used to move people, including the dying, … Continue reading A History of the Tunnels Beneath Immanuel Hospital