Author: Adam Fletcher Sasse

I am a historian who researches, writes and edits NorthOmahaHistory.com. I grew up in the Sherman and Miller Park neighborhoods and graduated from Omaha North High School in 1993. I have written eight books and have had several academic articles published related to the past of North Omaha.
20th century, Biographies, Black culture, Black educators, Black History, Black performers, Culture, Education, music1 Comment

A Biography of Florentine Pinkston

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Flora Pinkston (1887-1966) of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Florentine Pinkston

20th century, 21st century, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Benson, Black businesses, business, Demolished buildings, Economics, historic preservation, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Segregation, shopping10 Comments
This is a history of department stores in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

History of Department Stores in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Department stores once dotted the area north of Dodge and east of North 72nd Street. This is a history of department stores in North Omaha. Continue reading History of Department Stores in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Bakery, business, Demolished buildings, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, historic preservation, Immigrants, Jewish, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Wrecked buildings20 Comments
History of Bakeries in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

History of Bakeries in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Once located all over North Omaha, there are few bakeries left — but lots of memories! This is an account of some of the bakeries from the community’s history. Continue reading History of Bakeries in North Omaha

20th century, Activism, Biographies, Black churches, Black leader, Black ministers, Black spaces and places, Civil Rights Movement, Demolished buildings, historic preservation, Near North Side, Presbyterian, Religion, SegregationLeave a comment
Seward Street Presbyterian Church., Rev. Russel Taylor, 2628 Charles Street, North Omaha, Nebraska.

A Biography of Rev. Russel Taylor

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A musician, educator and minister committed to Black power, Rev. Russel Taylor was a powerful leader in North Omaha. This is his story. Continue reading A Biography of Rev. Russel Taylor

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, Biographies, business, doctors, History of Nebraska, Miller Park, Newspapers, Pioneer era, Politics, Racism, Railroads, real estate, Wealth, White people3 Comments
Dr. George L. Miller, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Dr. George L. Miller (1830-1920), a prominent businessman and controversial racist from Omaha’s history. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Americans, Architects, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black spaces and places, Buildings, Catholics, Churches, Demolished buildings, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, Lutheran, Poverty, Presbyterian, Religion, Segregation, United Methodist, Wealth, White people, Wrecked buildings4 Comments
These are some of the historic churches of the Kountze Place neighborhood in North Omaha.

Directory of Historic North Omaha Church Buildings

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a directory of historic North Omaha church buildings. Many are still churches; some are not. Continue reading Directory of Historic North Omaha Church Buildings

19th century, 20th century, 24th and Lake, American Legion, Biographies, Black dentists, Black leader, Clubs, Creighton University, doctors, Economics, Healthcare, Hospitals, Near North Side, Prince Hall Masons, SegregationLeave a comment
Doctors Make Purchase of Land, Omaha Star, June 15, 1945

Biography of Dr. Craig Morris

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One African American dentist in Omaha was a civil rights advocate, economic justice activist, and medical leader in the community. Then he simply left North Omaha. This is a biography of his life in the community. Continue reading Biography of Dr. Craig Morris

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Economics, Government, Highways, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, Segregation, Streets, White flight, Wrecked buildings7 Comments

A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

First conceptualized in 1954, it took almost 40 years for North Omaha’s highest high speed corridor to be completed. This is a history of the North Freeway. Continue reading A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

19th century, Churches, Demolished buildings, Florence, General history, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Monmouth Park, Mormons, North 30th Street, Pioneer era, Religion, Settlements, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Winter Quarters, Indian Country, 1846

A History of Winter Quarters

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 1846, a town emerged on the western bank of the Missouri River. Although it only existed for a few years, there were a lot of elements that resembled a regular town, and its impact is still felt today. This … Continue reading A History of Winter Quarters

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black businesses, Black spaces and places, Cafes, Clubs, clubs, Demolished buildings, Food, Lake Street, Lost history, Near North Side, nightlife, Restaurants, Theaters1 Comment
The Off Beat / Carver Bank / Elks Club, 2408-2420 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

History of 2410 Lake Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the now-demolished building that once stood at 2410 Lake Street that housed a vaudeville theater, movies, a nightclub, a bowling alley, a supper club, and a teen club, as well as a bar before it was demolished in the 1970s. Continue reading History of 2410 Lake Street

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Art, Black businesspeople, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, SegregationLeave a comment
Carver Savings and Loan Association, 2416 Lake Street, 24th and Lake Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska.

History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Carver Bank in North Omaha, the first-ever Black-owned bank in Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Demolished buildings, Ethnicities & Races, Immigrants, Lost history, Near North Side, North Downtown, schools2 Comments
North Omaha School, N. 19th and Izard St., Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the North Omaha School aka Izard School

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha had a hard time getting its public school system going. Once they got going, it took more than a decade to build a second school. However, when it opened on the outskirts of the city at North 17th and Izard Streets, the new school was the grandest building of its time. This is a history of the North Omaha School, aka the Izard School. Continue reading A History of the North Omaha School aka Izard School

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Americans, Biographies, Black athletes, Black businesspeople, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Education, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Legislators, Lost history, society3 Comments
Negro Women's Christian Association of Omaha, 933 N. 25th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

Notable African American Women in Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black women in Omaha have done all kinds of work as mothers, businesswomen, teachers, ministers, politicians, and in other roles to make the community great. This is a history of some of the notable African American women in North Omaha. Continue reading Notable African American Women in Omaha History

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architects, Architecture, Black culture, Black people, Black spaces and places, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Great Plains Black History Museum, historic preservation, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North Side, Organizations, Social services2 Comments
Original North Side YMCA, 2213 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Some buildings are constructed, serve a purpose and then are demolished. Others seem to live several lifetimes by acting as a base for several enterprises and a hub for the community during different crises. Despite looking like its falling apart right now, one Lake Street building is such an institution, serving as an icon of change, sustainability and transformation in the community. This is is a history of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building. Continue reading A History of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Demolished buildings, Ethnicities & Races, historic preservation, Immigrants, Jewish, Near North Side, North 24th Street, schools, SegregationLeave a comment
1950 Kellom School, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Kellom School

Adam Fletcher Sasse

What do Fred Astaire, Roger and Gale Sayers, Bob Gibson, Bob Boozer, Michael Anania, Brenda Council, and former Omaha mayor Johnny Rosenblatt all have in common? Born in the Near North Side, each attended the same school. That same building is a neighborhood institution with deep roots going back at least 140 years in Omaha’s past. This is a history of North Omaha’s Kellom School. Continue reading A History of Kellom School

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Black leader, Black organizations, Culture, General history, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North SideLeave a comment

A Biography of Bertha Calloway

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of historian and North Omaha leader Bertha Calloway (1925-2017). She was a Civil Rights activist, museum founder, historian, author, student, educator, speaker, promoter, playwright, journalist, administrator, mentor, wife and mother. Continue reading A Biography of Bertha Calloway

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black organizations, Demolished buildings, Drug store, Lost history, Near North Side, North 24th Street, shopping, Social halls, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment

A History of 1324 North 24th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the course of a century, a lot of things can change in a neighborhood. The Near North Side of Omaha has had a lot of changes, with some buildings transitioning from vital to demolished with reckless abandon. This is … Continue reading A History of 1324 North 24th Street

20th century, Activism, Black organizations, Black people, Economics, Government, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Poverty, Racism, Social services2 Comments
Lake-Charles Community Organization parade float, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Lake-Charles Community Organization

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a short-lived neighborhood association with a long shadow over the history of the Near North Side neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Lake-Charles Community Organization

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Buildings, Catholics, Creighton University, Cuming Street, Healthcare, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Racism, Religion, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
1879 Creighton College, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Creighton University

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Creighton University, including notable people, places and events throughout its history. Continue reading A History of Creighton University

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Creighton University, historic preservation, Near North Side, North 24th Street, weather4 Comments
Creighton University Observatory

A History of the Creighton Observatory in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One building on the Creighton University campus is among the oldest and places a significant role in the history of field of astronomy. However, it is off limits to the public! Here is a history of the Creighton Observatory in … Continue reading A History of the Creighton Observatory in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Creighton University, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, SegregationLeave a comment
Creighton Hall, North 25th and California Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Creighton Hall in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The oldest building at Creighton University has changed radically over the years. However, hints of its past show inside and outside, and wait to be discovered by history explorers! This is a history of the Creighton Hall in North Omaha. … Continue reading A History of Creighton Hall in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Architecture, Black businesses, Black organizations, Clubs, clubs, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, music, Near North Side, nightlife, Official Omaha Landmark, real estate, Social halls2 Comments
This is a history of the Dreamland Ballroom in the Jewell Building at 2222 N. 24th St. in North Omaha.

A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the iconic Jewell Building in the 24th and Lake Historic District. It features notable people, organizations, businesses and events there, as well as the architecture and more. Continue reading A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

20th century, Architects, Architecture, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Florence, Florence Boulevard, Florence Field, Historic houses, historic preservation, Houses, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Near North Side, Public housing, Saratoga, White flight1 Comment
Everett S. Dodds (1898-1958), Architect, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of Architect Everett S. Dodds

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Everett S. Dodds, and prolific architect who designed many buildings in North Omaha from 1914 through 1940. Continue reading A Biography of Architect Everett S. Dodds

19th century, 20th century, Architects, Architecture, Buildings, business, Catholics, Churches, Culture, General history, Immigrants, Italians, Lost history, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, Religion, Segregation, Social halls, White flight, Wrecked buildings16 Comments
St. Alfio Society Parade in North Omaha, Nebraska, in 1949

A History of Italians in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha is a city of immigrants, and North Omaha is no exception. Along with its historic African American community and wealthy white settlers, the community has been home to Jews, Scandinavians, English and other Europeans. Among this plethora of diversity … Continue reading A History of Italians in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Historic houses, Kountze Place, Normal house history, Wealth, White flight, Wirt Street2 Comments
M. B. Copeland House, 1922 Wirt Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 1922 Wirt Street in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Kountze Place neighborhood was built for middle- and upper-class Omahans seeking a streetcar suburb suitable for building large homes, raising fine families and enjoying the fruit of their labors. Indicative of the Victorian era, the home was designed in … Continue reading A History of 1922 Wirt Street in North Omaha

20th century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Hilltop Projects, North 30th and Lake Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the third public housing projects built in North Omaha called the Hilltop Homes. Continue reading A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
A History of the Pleasantview Public Housing Project in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the former Pleasantview Public Housing Projects in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Black organizations, Black people, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Healthcare, historic preservation, Hospitals, Lost history, Near North Side, Public health, Segregation, White flight, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment

A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha was de facto segregated for more than 75 years. Jim Crow affected employment, education, housing, religious institutions, and more throughout the city. It also meant that African Americans would routinely and frequently be denied healthcare throughout the city. This is a history of Black hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Architecture, Black churches, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, NAACP, Near North Side, Organizations, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
St Philip Episcopal Church, North 21st Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a longtime, influential and successful segregated congregation called St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Biographies, Black businesses, Buildings, Drug store, historic preservation, Lost history, music, OPD, Pioneer era, Race riot, White flight1 Comment
Duffy Drugs, 2424 N. 24th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Duffy Drugs

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Going back to 1886, the southwest corner of 24th and Lake has been vital to North Omaha! Its first Black-owned business didn’t happen until 1968 though. Find out more in this history of Duffy Drugs! Continue reading A History of Duffy Drugs

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Organizations, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Religion, Restaurants, Ryan Roenfeld, Segregation, society, storytelling, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
This is a map showing Omaha's Chinatown, which was "4 blocks surrounding 12th and Dodge." There are other notable sites included too.

A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Note: This is a special exposè on a rarely-acknowledged but vitally important part of Omaha’s history. Written by local historian Ryan Roenfeld, I believe this history of Omaha’s Chinatown is necessary, vibrant and just a beginning, albeit a deep one! Share your thoughts in the comments section! Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

20th century, Black History, Black organizations, Civic Infrastructure, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Segregation, society2 Comments
North Side YWCA, North 22nd and Grant Street, North Omaha, Nebraska,

A History of the Negro Women’s Christian Association of Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A social force, culture builder, educational center and powerful advocacy base, the Negro YWCA was vital to African Americans advancement in Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Negro Women’s Christian Association of Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Culture, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Organizations, Parks, Ryan Roenfeld, Sports, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is an 1895 ad for the Charles Street Bicycle Park.

A History of the Charles Street Bicycle Park in North Omaha by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Tucked away in the Near North Side was the Charles Bicycle Track. This is its history as told by Ryan Roenfeld. Continue reading A History of the Charles Street Bicycle Park in North Omaha by Ryan Roenfeld

20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Segregation, society3 Comments
Omaha Urban League North Side Community Center, 2213 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s Urban League

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A hallowed history unlike any other organization in the state, the Urban League of Nebraska is committed to, “…lead Nebraska in closing the social economic gap in the African American, other emerging ethnic communities and disadvantaged families in the achievement … Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Urban League

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Expo Grounds, Geography, Government, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Pioneer era, Poverty, Railroads, real estate, Saratoga, Settlements1 Comment
1857 Nebraska Territory map showing Saratoga

A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Sulphur Springs was a settlement in the Nebraska Territory from 1854 to 1877. This article shares some of its history. Continue reading A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Buildings, Culture, Economics, Healthcare, Hospitals, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Poverty, Public health, society, Wrecked buildings39 Comments
Booth Memorial Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Salvation Army Hospital in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Omaha Salvation Army Women’s Hospital was home to many babies in the city’s history. This is a history about the facility. Continue reading A History of the Salvation Army Hospital in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Biographies, Civic Infrastructure, Farming, Geography, Government, Houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Omaha Claim Club, Pioneer era, Politics2 Comments
This is a biography of George Smith (1826-1901) of 2202 N. 16th Street in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A Biography of Omaha’s “Doc” George Smith

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The biography of Doc George Smith (1826-1901) is the story of a longtime civil servant and respected mentor among pioneer Omahans. Continue reading A Biography of Omaha’s “Doc” George Smith

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Economics, Expo Grounds, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Racism, Wealth12 Comments
The Sherman, 2501 N. 16th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of The Sherman Apartments

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of one of North Omaha’s most important historical landmarks, The Sherman apartments on North 16th Street. Continue reading A History of The Sherman Apartments

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Buildings, business, Demolished buildings, Fort Omaha, Fort Street, Intersections, Miller Park, North 30th Street, Pioneer era5 Comments
This is a streetcar that went to the intersection of 30th and Fort.

A History of the Intersection of North 30th and Fort Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Lavish military maneuvers and parades, streetcar expansion and dirty deeds marked the early years of 30th and Fort. See what its become! Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 30th and Fort Streets

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Military, Missouri River, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Omaha Claim Club, Pioneer era, Politics, Railroads, real estate, Segregation, society, Transportation, Wrecked buildings7 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

History of Omaha’s North Downtown

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Omaha’s North Downtown neighborhood. Continue reading History of Omaha’s North Downtown