Category: Civic Infrastructure

These are articles related to the civic infrastructure of North Omaha, including streets, schools, parks, and more.

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Florence, Government, Pioneer eraLeave a comment
This is a history of the Florence Post Office by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Florence Post Office

Adam Fletcher Sasse

For more than 170 years, the Florence Post Office has been a vital community hub. Serving as the political center during early elections, it continues to struggle to survive today. Continue reading A History of the Florence Post Office

1888 Omaha Fair and Exposition, 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Belt Line, business, Culture, Government, Intersections, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Saratoga, White flightLeave a comment
This was the west side of the intersection of 24th and Ames Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, in 2009. Three of the four buildings pictured here have been demolished.

A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The intersection of North 24th and Ames Avenue in Omaha started as the promising Saratoga settlement in 1854, thriving for more than a century before decline due to white flight and economic divestment. Today, it stands as a quiet, mostly vacant shell of its vibrant history. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

20th century, business, Civic Infrastructure, Florence, Fort Street, Industry, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 30th Street, Railroads, Transportation1 Comment
This is "A History of Railroads & Streetcars in Florence" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The North Omaha neighborhood of Florence transformed from a struggling village to suburban industrial hub with the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century. A streetcar served the community too for the next 40 years. This is a history. Continue reading A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

20th century, Biographies, Black businesses, Demolished buildings, Harlem Renaissance, Hotels, Industry, Manufacturing, North 16th Street, North Downtown, OwnershipLeave a comment
This was an ad for the Kaffir Chemical Company at 817 North 16th St. in Omaha.

A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Kaffir Chemical Laboratories was founded in 1920 by African American entrepreneurs in North Omaha. Led by Madree Penn, it became a significant Black-owned business producing various products until its decline by 1925, representing a powerful chapter in Omaha’s Black business history. Continue reading A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha

#PreserveThisPlace, 20th century, 24th and Lake, Black businesses, Black businesspeople, Black hotels, Historic houses, Houses, Near North Side, Segregation, Willis AvenueLeave a comment
This is a history of the Ashby Tourist Home at 2228 Willis Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Ashby Tourist Home

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Ashby Tourist Home at 2228 Willis Avenue in North Omaha. It was crucial for Black travelers in the city, offering them hospitality amid widespread racism. Its significance lies in fostering community and resilience during the Jim Crow era in Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Ashby Tourist Home

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belvedere, business, Civic Infrastructure, Druid Hill, Economics, Environment, Florence, Florence Field, Fort Omaha, Gifford Park, Long School, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Monmouth Park, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Ponca Hills, Streets2 Comments
These were rowhouses on North 30th Street in North Omaha. Pic courtesy of Joe Kinney.

A History of North 30th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of N. 30th Street in North Omaha, extending from Dodge Street into the Ponca Hills, from 1854 to the present day. Continue reading A History of North 30th Street

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Poverty, Racism, real estate, schools, Segregation, society, Streets, Wealth, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is "A History of Gentrification in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

From the 1910s through today, there have been various agendas, plans and schemes focused on fixing up North Omaha. This is a history of gentrification in the community. Continue reading A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black businesses, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Culture, Economics, Environment, Government, Lost history, lynching, Omaha Police Department, Ownership, Politics, Racism, Redlining, Rioting, Segregation, society, WealthLeave a comment
This is "A History of White Supremacy in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This article examines Omaha’s “doctrine of white supremacy” as a deliberate, engineered system rather than random prejudice. From 1850s enslavement to modern redlining and carceral pipelines, the city’s geography and institutions were built to extract Black wealth and agency, ensuring white success through a durable, structural architecture of exclusion. Continue reading A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

20th century, Activism, Black activists, Black History, Black leader, Civic Infrastructure, events, Integration, Scandinavians, Segregation, Students, YouthLeave a comment
The Omaha Bus Boycott was led by the DePorres Club from 1953 to 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Omaha Bus Boycott from 1952 to 1954 was a crucial yet overlooked Civil Rights movement. It successfully challenged employment discrimination in public transit, inspiring a collective economic action that transformed labor dynamics in Nebraska and shaped future activism. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Civic Infrastructure, Environment, Geography, Government, Industry, Missouri River, Ownership, Parks, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Redlining, Segregation, Water, weather, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
This is "A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha has suffered from deliberate neglect and environmental racism for over a century, leading to severe health disparities among its residents. Historical policies prioritized industrial growth over community wellbeing, resulting in toxic environments, high infant mortality rates, and persistent pollution. Recent efforts focus on addressing these inequities and promoting environmental justice. Continue reading A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha

20th century, 24th and Lake, Bar or Tavern, Black businesses, Black performers, Black spaces and places, clubs, Clubs, Guest author, Harlem Renaissance, Lake Street, Lost history, Musicians, White people1 Comment
Club Harlem, 2410 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Burlesque Theatres in Omaha by Iona Fortune

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s note: There were many burlesque theatres in Omaha’s history. According to Wikipedia, burlesques had three parts, including 1) songs and ribald comic sketches by low comedians; 2) acts like acrobats, magicians and solo singers; 3) chorus numbers and sometimes … Continue reading A History of Burlesque Theatres in Omaha by Iona Fortune

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Government, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Parks5 Comments
This is a pic of the Miller Park in North Omaha from the 1960s.

A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Miller Park in North Omaha has a long history. There is no single right way to write about it, and if, after you’re done reading this entire article, you disagree with the way I’ve written this history, I invite you to write your own version. This is a history of North Omaha’s Miller Park. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

19th century, Activism, Black History, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Culture, Enslaved Person, General history, Government, Legislators, Omaha, Pioneer era, Politics, Racism, Reconstruction, SegregationLeave a comment
This is "A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of early laws enforcing racial discrimination in Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, American Legion, American Legion Post #30, Americans, Biographies, Black doctors, Culture, doctors, Forest Lawn burial, SegregationLeave a comment
Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959) was a medical doctor in North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city's African American community.

A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959), a medical doctor practiciin North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city’s African American community. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

#PreserveThisPlace, Belvedere, Buildings, business, Demolished buildings, Drug store, Florence, Florence Field, Grocery store, Ice cream, Intersections, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., real estate, Restaurants, shopping, TheatersLeave a comment
This is a history of N. 30th and Redick Ave. in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Built to serve the Minne Lusa, Florence Field, Belvedere and Miller Park neighborhoods, this is a history of the intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Historic houses, historic preservation, Minne Lusa, North 24th Street, North 30th Street35 Comments
Minne Lusa Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Minne Lusa Historic District in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Starting in 1916, one North Omaha neighborhood became a bastion for middle-class suburban lifestyles. Today, it is integrated, urban and surviving. This is the history of North Omaha’s Minne Lusa Historic District. Continue reading A History of the Minne Lusa Historic District in North Omaha

Belt Line Railway, Focus Topic, Historic districts, Saratoga
Saratoga Belt Line Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 2021, the Omaha City Council named the area around North 24th and Ames Avenue as an Economic Vitality Preservation District, a local building owner stepped forward to call it the “Saratoga Belt Line Historic District.” This article is a compilation of articles I’ve written about the area and other locations I’ve identified. Continue reading Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

19th century, Activism, Bar or Tavern, Biographies, Black barber, Black businesses, Black businesspeople, Black spaces and places, Downtown, nightlife, Ownership, Politics, Prospect Hill burial, SegregationLeave a comment
Barber shop, 24th and Ames, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of Richard D. Curry

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Many people live unremarkable lives filled with sameness and consistency, while some break the mold. Given the racist nature of Omaha, in the city’s early Black community, there are not a lot of noted Black people. This is the story … Continue reading A Biography of Richard D. Curry

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americans, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Enslaved Person, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, French, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Lost history, Missouri River, Mormons, Native Americans, Omaha, Pioneer era, Racism, Spanish, White peopleLeave a comment
York (1770 – before 1832) was the first African American in Omaha. He was a slave belonging to William Clark of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.

A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black trappers, traders, pioneers, and farmers were in the Omaha area before the city was founded. This is a history of Black people in the Omaha area before 1854 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

24th and Lake, Architecture, Bar or Tavern, Black businesses, Black doctors, Buildings, business, Grocery store, Law, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, RestaurantsLeave a comment
This is the top of the building at 2314 N. 24th St. in North Omaha, and this is an article about the building's history by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Jensen Building in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Jensen Building by 24th and Lake in North Omaha. Built in 1913, its been essential to the Black community’s history in the city. Continue reading A History of the Jensen Building in North Omaha

Demolished buildings, Grocery store, Hospitals, Intersections, North 24th Street, North Omaha, University of OmahaLeave a comment
This is the signage on the northeast corner of 24th and Pratt, highlighting the TBC Shop sign behind the street signs.

A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Pratt Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the intersection of 24th and Pratt, home to important institutions and businesses throughout the life of North Omaha. It was written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Pratt Streets

20th century, 21st century, Black churches, Buildings, Churches, Demolished buildings, historic preservation, Modern, Near North Side, North 24th Street1 Comment
This is the North 24th Street Church of God at 2021 N. 24th Street in North Omaha. Founded in 1923, this building was constructed in 2001.

A History of the North 24th Street Worship Center

Adam Fletcher Sasse

There are a number of historical Black churches in North Omaha. A few have illustrious, long stories packed with hard times and fascinating outcomes, all the while growing and shrinking, suffering and aspirations. Other congregations are built entirely on faith … Continue reading A History of the North 24th Street Worship Center

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Banks, Bar or Tavern, Buildings, Commercial vernacular, Florence, History museums, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Newspapers, North 30th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Pioneer eraLeave a comment
This is a history of the Bank of Florence by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bank of Florence

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Bank of Florence in North Omaha, including its usages as a bank, newspaper office, Old West Saloon and horse stable, and as a museum today. Continue reading A History of the Bank of Florence

20th century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Culture, Cuming Street, Intersections, North 16th Street, North 30th Street, Restaurants, Wrecked buildings, Youth15 Comments

A History of Drive-Ins in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the 1950s, a culture of cruising muscle cars, jeans and white t-shirts, pony tails and carhops on roller skates took over America. As the home to a lot of Omaha’s suburban dreamscape, North Omaha had several drive-in restaurants starting in that decade and spreading into the 1960s. This is a history of drive-ins in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Drive-Ins in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Cuming Street, doctors, Forest Lawn burial, Historic houses, historic preservation, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 40th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Queen Anne, Railroads, real estate, Walnut Hill, Wealth6 Comments
The Mercer Mansion in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of North Omaha’s Mercer Mansion, built in 1885 at N. 40th and Cuming Street and still standing today! Continue reading A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Economics, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Streets, Transportation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Omaha Street Railway Company streetcar barn, N. 20th and Nicholas Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Nicholas Streetcar Barn in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the streetcar barn at North 20th and Nicholas Streets that stood from 1887 to 2017. It was also home to Micklin Hardware and Lumber. Continue reading A History of the Nicholas Streetcar Barn in North Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, General history, historic preservation, North Omaha, presentation, press release, Transportation5 Comments
This is a July 16, 2023 presentation called "North O's Planes, Trains & Automobiles - AND MORE!" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam Fletcher Sasse

On June 16, 2023, Adam Fletcher Sasse made a presentation to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church called “North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE!” In this slideshow, I showed how the railroads, interstates, boulevards and more influenced, drove and transformed the history of the community for the last 170+ years. Continue reading North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Civic Infrastructure, General history, Military Avenue, nightlife, North Omaha, society, Theatres5 Comments
This is a circa 1946 pic for "A History of North 45th and Military Avenue" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Here’s the history of the convergence of a passenger railroad, several neighborhoods and streetcars that made N. 45th and Military a vibrant intersection in North Omaha for decades! Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Children, Culture, Education, Florence, Government, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 30th Street, Organizations, Senior citizens, Social halls, Students, Youth5 Comments
This is a 1971 pic of the sign for the Florence Community Center located at N. 30th and Clay Streets. Pic courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of the Florence Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Florence Main Street is filled with several important buildings that tell the neighborhood’s history from 1856 until today. One of the most important has been a social hall, gymnasium, public library, and is now a college. This is a history of the original Florence Community Center, also called the Florence Building. Continue reading A History of the Florence Building

20th century, Age groups, Architecture, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Buildings, Children, Children's entertainment, Commercial vernacular, Culture, Economics, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Organizations, Parents, Senior citizens, YouthLeave a comment
Bryant Center, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Bryant Center

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Bryant Center in North Omaha, Nebraska, starting in 1966 and continuing to today! Continue reading A History of the Bryant Center