Category: business

19th century, 20th century, Biographies, Black attorneys, Black businesspeople, Black leader, clubs, Crime, History of Nebraska, Law, nightlife, RacismLeave a comment
Vic Walker Omaha Nebraska

A Biography of North Omaha’s Vic Walker

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Vic B. Walker (1864-c1925) was an African American attorney, police officer, business owner, and criminal in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Vic Walker

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Black History, Black people, Black politicians, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, Europeans, General history, Historic districts, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Industry, Jewish, Lake Street, Legislators, Near North Side, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, Religion, Segregation, Wealth, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld speech 1968

A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of relations between Black people and Jews in Omaha, Nebraska. It details instances, occasions, places and spaces where the Jewish community interacted with the Black community in the city. Continue reading A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Black organizations, Buildings, Florence Boulevard, historic preservation, Manufacturing, Saratoga2 Comments
Imperial Sash and Door / Oliver Farm Machinery / Lozier Corporation / Omaha Housing Authority, 4402 Florence Boulevard, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Today it looks like a bland industrial space along a decrepit street in a rundown part of Omaha. However, once this gigantic building was a foothold into the middle class for hundreds of workers; and again it was a warehouse to store parts for the homes of thousands across the community. Soon it will have a new future as a tribute to a community scion and African American icon for all times. This is a history of 4402 Florence Boulevard in the Saratoga Belt Line Historic District of North Omaha. Continue reading A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Bakery, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Buildings, Drug store, Industry, SaratogaLeave a comment
Taylor Dairy building, 4426 Florence Blvd, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 4426 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The building at 4426 Florence Boulevard is located in the Saratoga Belt Line Historic District. Built in 1926, it is a storefront and open space that has no basement. The City of Omaha Planning Department currently rates the building in poor condition. This is a history. Continue reading A History of 4426 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Black spaces and places, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Demolished buildings, Druid Hill, Economics, Grocery store, Historic houses, historic preservation, Lost history, Manufacturing, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Poverty, Racism, White flight3 Comments
Welcome to a history of the Beford Place neighborhood in North Omaaa,a

History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Bedford Place neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

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

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, 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, 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

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, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Belt Line, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Houses, Industry, Intersections, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Organizations, Politics, Saratoga, Wealth, White flightLeave a comment
Suburban Theatre, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Timeline of the History of Saratoga

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a timeline of the history of the Saratoga neighborhood in North Omaha, including the intersection of 24th and Ames. Included here are events, places and people central to the neighborhood’s existence as a pioneer town, leafy suburb, and a seemingly abandoned urban neighborhood. Continue reading A Timeline of the History of Saratoga

19th century, Architecture, business, Demolished buildings, historic preservation, North 24th Street, Pioneer era, SaratogaLeave a comment
Grant Hotel aka Saratoga Springs Hotel, N. 24th and Grand Ave., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Saratoga Springs Hotel in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

One building defined the early history of a boom-and-bust town located in present-day North Omaha. Despite only being open for a short time, the building left a long shadow on the area. This is a history of the Saratoga Springs Hotel in the town of Saratoga, Nebraska Territory. Continue reading A History of the Saratoga Springs Hotel in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Carter Lake, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Industry, Manufacturing, Missouri River, Parks, Public health, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
Carter White Lead Company, Omaha

A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For 40 years, one plant poisoned North Omaha with heinous disregard. This is a history of the Carter White Lead Company factory in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black people, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Geography, Historic houses, historic preservation, Houses, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Parks, Politics, real estate, Scandinavians, schools, Segregation, White flight5 Comments

A History of the Omaha View Neighborhood

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of North Omaha’s Omaha View neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest western expanses. Continue reading A History of the Omaha View Neighborhood

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, 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, 21st century, Ames Ave, Architecture, Buildings, business, Drug store, Economics, Food, Grocery store, historic preservation, Lost history, Restaurants, shopping, Wealth, White flight26 Comments
A history of Ames Plaza in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Ames Plaza, North Omaha’s Shopping Center

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Ames Plaza, opened in 1960 at North 56th and Ames Avenue in then-Northwest Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Ames Plaza, North Omaha’s Shopping Center

20th century, Ames Ave, Economics, Florence Boulevard, Lost history, Manufacturing, Saratoga2 Comments
Omaha 30, Omaha Motor Car Company, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Omaha Motor Car Company in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

When the automobile industry was just getting started, every major city in the United States had at least one manufacturer. In Omaha, there were several including the Ottomobile, Ford trucks, and the Omaha Car, which lasted for just over a … Continue reading A History of the Omaha Motor Car Company in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Buildings, Demolished buildings, Economics, historic preservation, Lost history, ManufacturingLeave a comment
Murphy, Wasey and Company factory built at Spaulding Street and Belt Line Railway, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Murphy, Wasey and Company Factory in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

In 1890, a major Detroit-based chair manufacturer called Murphy, Wasey and Company arrived in a big way in North Omaha. Located at 3167-77 Spaulding Street along what was then called North 32nd (aka John A. Creighton Boulevard) and the Belt … Continue reading A History of Murphy, Wasey and Company Factory in North Omaha

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black people, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Historic houses, Lost history, Restaurants, society6 Comments
Hillcrest Mansion, 2711 Caldwell Street, North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is the story of a mansion in North Omaha built as a home to a wealthy real estate mogul that eventually became the site of a decades-long Black-owned business. Continue reading A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

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

20th century, Black organizations, Buildings, doctors, Healthcare, Hospitals, Lost history, SegregationLeave a comment
People's Hospital, 1844 N. 20th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska, 1948 to 1953.

A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For almost a century, it was widely known that hospitals in Omaha were for whites only. Defacto segregation made doctors apply for birth certificates at hospitals where African American mothers weren’t allowed to birth their babies, while African American doctors … Continue reading A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha

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

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, 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

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

21st century, Amusement parks, Architecture, business, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Economics, historic preservation, Lost history, Missouri River, Parks, society, Wealth, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Lakeview Amusement Par, East Omaha, Iowa

A History of Sand Point Beach and Lakeview Amusement Park

Adam F.C. Fletcher

A lost amusement park haunts nobody’s memories, and some even deny it ever existed. This is Lakeview Amusement Park and the Sand Point Beach. Continue reading A History of Sand Point Beach and Lakeview Amusement Park

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Black History, business, Cafes, Culture, diners, doctors, Economics, Food, historic preservation, music, Near North Side, nightlife, Race riot, real estate, society1 Comment
Blue Lion Center, 2423 N. 24th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Blue Lion Center

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Blue Lion is one of North O’s most iconic buildings, holding business, services and opportunities for a century! Continue reading A History of the Blue Lion Center

20th century, Black History, business, Civil Rights Movement, Crime, Education, Ethnicities & Races, Food, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, Organizations, Politics, Racism, Religion, schools, Segregation, society, White flightLeave a comment
The Omaha Bus Boycott was led by the DePorres Club from 1953 to 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A Timeline of the Omaha DePorres Club

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a timeline of a 1950s-era civil rights group in Omaha called the DePorres Club. Continue reading A Timeline of the Omaha DePorres 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