Category: Civic Infrastructure

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

20th century, business, Jewish, Near North Side, North 24th Street, SegregationLeave a comment
The 9 Center, 2035-2037 N. 24th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the 9 Center Five and Dime in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the 9 Center Variety Store in North Omaha, Nebraska from 1938 to 1947. Continue reading A History of the 9 Center Five and Dime in North Omaha

Biographies, Black businesses, Black businesspeople, Black History, Black hotels, Forest Lawn burial, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Religion, Senior citizens1 Comment
This article, entitled "Love, Freeheart, Sunshine and Peace, It's Wonderful," was a mocking piece in the Omaha World-Herald on February 27, 1944.

A Biography of Perfect Peace

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha has been home to all kinds of people. Some were entrepreneurs, some were devoutly religious, and every now and then some were a little bit of one and the other. This is a biography of one such woman … Continue reading A Biography of Perfect Peace

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Government, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Parks, Poverty, society, White people2 Comments
This is part of the Jefferson Square looking towards North 16th and Cass Streets in Omaha, Nebrsaka, in 1950. Courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of Jefferson Square Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Jefferson Square Park, the first park and the site of the first school in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Jefferson Square Park

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Crime, Culture, Demolished buildings, Downtown, Government, Highways, Historic districts, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Omaha Police Department, Organizations, Pioneer era, Politics, Poverty, schools, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Omaha’s first public park; first public school; it’s Native American neighborhood; and it’s “Hobo Park,” all wrapped up in one. This is a history of Jefferson Square in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Forest Lawn burial, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Mansions and estates, Official Omaha Landmark, Queen Anne, Wealth, White people, Wirt Street2 Comments
This is a comparison of the George F. Shepard House at 1802 Wirt Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska, in 1907 and in 2015. 1907 image courtesy of Sam Swanson.

A History of the George F. Shepard House

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Fancy homes used to line certain streets throughout North Omaha, and one of those was Wirt Street. Business leaders, influential socialites, and high-minded politicians lived up and down the block, building the neighborhood along the way. This is a history … Continue reading A History of the George F. Shepard House

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Black leader, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, events, History of Nebraska, music, nightlife, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Organizations, Parades, Social clubs1 Comment
This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, formerly called Native Omaha Days, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Native Omahans Festival

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, which has happened biennially in North Omaha, Nebraska since 1976. Continue reading A History of the Native Omahans Festival

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black spaces and places, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Demolished buildings, Economics, General history, Intersections, Lost history, Streets, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings24 Comments
This is a history of North 42nd and Redman Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the intersection of N. 42nd and Redman Ave. in North Omaha, Nebraska. It discusses the development, businesses, and demise of the intersection including factors affecting it. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Economics, North 24th Street, Saratoga, Theaters, TheatresLeave a comment
The Suburban Theater at North 24th and Ames Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, was opened around 1900 and closed in 1927.

A History of the Suburban Theater

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Saratoga neighborhood has existed since Nebraska was on the edge of the Wild West. After its glorious revelry during the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo, it settled into becoming a successful neighborhood on the edge of Omaha with a business center … Continue reading A History of the Suburban Theater

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Civic Infrastructure, Intersections, Streets, Transportation11 Comments
This is a graphic for the "History of North 40th and Ames Avenue" by Adam Fletcher Sasse ©2023 NorthOmahaHistory.com All rights reserved.

A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Some intersections have always been busy. For more than 130 years, the intersection bordering Fontenelle View, Central Park, and Benson has been one of those busy places. This is a history of the intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue

20th century, 21st century, Belt Line, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Geography, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Houses, Military Avenue, Neighborhoods, real estate, White flight, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
Explore North Omaha's Clifton Hill Historic Neighborhood established in 1887 as researched and written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Clifton Hill neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1885. Continue reading A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Bemis Park, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Benson, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Government, Highways, Historic districts, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kellom Heights, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Lost history, Military, Military Avenue, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North 40th Street, North Downtown, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Parks, Pioneer era, Politics, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Saddle Creek, Water, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings14 Comments

A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Military Road aka Military Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Black people, Civil Rights Movement, Crime, Economics, General history, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Omaha Police Department, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, schools, Segregation, society, White people4 Comments
This is "A History of Police Brutality in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This article is a history of police brutality in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1887 to present. Continue reading A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Florence Boulevard, Government, historic preservation, Neighborhoods, real estate, Streets, White flightLeave a comment
North Omaha Boulevard System

A History of Boulevards in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the boulevard system in North Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1889, it is currently experiencing a renaissance from interested groups and might possibly be refurbished by the City of Omaha. Continue reading A History of Boulevards in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Art, Baptist, Black churches, Black culture, Black educators, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black performers, Black spaces and places, Books, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, clubs, Clubs, Culture, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Jazz, Lost history, music, nightlife, Religion, schools, Segregation, Social clubs, Social halls, Social services, society, Theatres, United Methodist, White flight, White people5 Comments
This is a history of the music of North Omaha, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Music in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a summary of a LOT of music in North Omaha over the last 150 years, including jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, gospel, pop, and so much more. Get introduced some of the people, places, events, and more from North Omaha’s musical history. Continue reading A History of Music in North Omaha

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

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, 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

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

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Baptist, Demolished buildings, Kountze Place, Lost history, North 24th Street, Segregation, White flight13 Comments
Immanuel Baptist Church, North 24th and Pinkney Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Immanuel Baptist Church

Adam F.C. Fletcher

A giant church building, a large congregation and lots of impact by Immanuel Baptist Church went on for more than 50 years in North Omaha. Today there’s no sign of this once-important place. This is a history of the church. Continue reading A History of Immanuel Baptist Church

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, Architecture, Black spaces and places, historic preservation, North 30th Street, schools, White flight5 Comments
Howard Kennedy Elementary School, 2906 North 30th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Howard Kennedy School

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Sitting on top of a hill on the western edge of North Omaha, the Omaha View School was one of the city’s earliest. Rebuilt on a new site in 1908, in 1910 it was renamed, too. Since then the school has had notable alumni, built the surrounding neighborhood up, and changed dramatically. This is a history of the Howard Kennedy Elementary School. Continue reading A History of Howard Kennedy School

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

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, Architects, Architecture, Black spaces and places, Buildings, Economics, Education, historic preservation, Lost history, North 30th Street, schools4 Comments
Druid Hill Elementary School, North 30th and Spaulding Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Druid Hill School

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Some schools in Omaha were built in reaction to floods of new residents moving into neighborhoods unexpectedly. Others were built to attract new residents. Originally opened in 1885, the school at North 30th and Spaulding Street was the latter. This is a history of the Druid Hill School in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Druid Hill 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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Florence, Government, Highways, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Missouri River, Mormons, North 30th Street, Politics, Ponca Hills, Wyman Heights10 Comments
Mormon Pioneer Memorial Bridge, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Mormon Bridge in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Built on the rock bottom of the Missouri River, dreams of today’s Mormon Bridge go back to 1846. This article explores the history of the bridge, the ferries, the politics and more. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Bridge 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