Category: Civic Infrastructure

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

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 13 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In Michael Richardson’s book FRAMED, Chapter 13 exposes detail galore. This chapter shows how! Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 13 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 12 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is Chapter 12 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson. In it, the author explores the role of Duane Peak and the FBI in the resulting coverup. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 12 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytelling4 Comments
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 10 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

“Angry Policemen Seek Deadly House Bomber,” screamed the Omaha World-Herald. 25 people in North Omaha were arrested. Here’s the actual list of suspects compiled by the Omaha Police Department. Discover what happened on the day patrolman Larry Minard, Sr. was killed. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 10 by Michael Richardson

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

A History of the Demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Expo

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 9 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Note: This is Chapter 9 in the series on NorthOmahaHistory.com called Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story. It was written by Michael Richardson. Learn more here.   “I will never ever forgive the Black Panther Party for … Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 9 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is FRAMED Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson, exposing the history of the FBI framing of the Omaha Two. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED”: Chapter 7 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is Chapter 7 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson, detailing the blatant framing of Mondo we Langa and Ed Pointdexter in the years before 1971. Continue reading “FRAMED”: Chapter 7 by Michael Richardson

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Cuming Street, Economics, Historic houses, historic preservation, Neighborhoods, White flight14 Comments
This is "A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District is a jewel in the crown of North Omaha history. This is a summary of its history. Continue reading A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 4 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The fourth chapter of FRAMED by Michael Richardson continues detailing the FBI cover-up of Black Panthers in Omaha. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 4 by Michael Richardson

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, General history, Intersections, Lost history, North 40th Street, North Omaha, Theatres, White flight14 Comments
North 40th and Hamilton, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Hamilton Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The intersection of 40th and Hamilton has a rich legacy affecting several neighborhoods. This is a history of this historic district. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Hamilton Streets

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Black History, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Racism, Religion, society6 Comments
St. Benedict's parish church and school at 24th and Grant in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s Saint Benedict Catholic Church has been a bastion of hope for the Near North Side for almost a century. Here’s their story. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, Economics, Food, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Poverty, society, Water15 Comments
Truck farm, East Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One part of Omaha has stayed in touch with its agricultural roots for more than a century. This is a history of small family farms and the changing landscape in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, society, Transportation67 Comments
Nicholas Street Viaduct, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Railroads in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Its an understatement to say that railroads helped build North Omaha; they were absolutely vital. Here’s a summary of their history. Continue reading A History of Railroads in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Churches, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, Grocery store, historic preservation, Intersections, Lost history, Miller Park, nightlife, North 24th Street, Racism, society, Theatres, White flight9 Comments
Northeast corner of 24th and Fort Streets, Miller Park neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the buildings at North 24th and Fort Streets in the Miller Park neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Fort Streets

21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, General history, Military, society, Streets3 Comments
John J. Pershing, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s J.J. Pershing Drive and Monument

Adam Fletcher Sasse

On Veterans Day, 1941, there was a giant parade for the dedication of a new monument to honor the life of John J. Pershing, General of the Armies during World War I. The City of Omaha named a new roadway leading from Abbott Drive to River Drive after him, as well. This is the story Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s J.J. Pershing Drive and Monument

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Expo Grounds, General history, North 16th Street, North Omaha, societyLeave a comment
Robert C. Strehlow (1862 to 1952), North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Robert Strehlow helped build the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo and several others, then the Strehlow Terrace apartments. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

Americans, Biographies, Black History, Books, Crime, General history, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North Omaha, Omaha, Politics, press release, self-published, storytelling, StreetsLeave a comment
This is the cover of North Omaha History: Volume Three by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Dynamic Past, Hope-filled Future: North Omaha History, Volume Three Now On Sale!

Adam Fletcher Sasse

(Olympia, WA: December 1, 2016) The final book of Adam Fletcher Sasse’s series, North Omaha History: Volume Three, is now available from CommonAction Publishing. In the third book of the North Omaha History Series, Adam Fletcher Sasse reveals a lot of the hidden, denied … Continue reading Dynamic Past, Hope-filled Future: North Omaha History, Volume Three Now On Sale!

20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Fort Omaha, Government, historic preservation, Lost history, Miller Park, North 30th Street5 Comments
Fort Omaha Balloon School, Nebraska

A History of the Fort Omaha Balloon School

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Drifting high above North Omaha for 12 years, dirigibles and balloons that were lighter than air showed how Fort Omaha was central to US Army experimentation. This article shares the short history of the balloon school that showed so much promise early on. Continue reading A History of the Fort Omaha Balloon School

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, historic preservation, Lost history8 Comments
A History of the Streets of North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse

A History of Streets in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Asphalt, bricks, gravel and dirt lines the streets of one part of Omaha. For more than 160 years, the community has grown despite. Today, roads and avenues, highways, parkways, boulevards and more pave the way. This is a history of streets in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Streets in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, historic preservation, Near North Side, North 24th Street, society, Transportation3 Comments
The 26th and Lake Streetcar Maintenance Shop was built in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Imagine a time when riding a streetcar was interesting, respected and almost a little glamorous. On the dusty, granite-covered streets of Omaha, that time was during the 1870s and 1880s. That new technology needed fanciful buildings to go along with the times, and the streetcar barn at 2606 North 26th Street in North Omaha was one of those buildings. Continue reading A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, General history, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, society7 Comments
This is Ed Poindexter and Mondo we Langa. ©2016 Michael Richardson.

A History of the Case of Rice and Poindexter in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha, Nebraska, was founded on white supremacy. Since then, both formal and informal forces throughout the city have worked continuously to impose, maintain and expand white supremacy throughout the city, state and nation. The stories of Mondo we Langa and Ed Poindexter are examples of what that looks like. Understood in the context of North Omaha history, it is easy to see they aren’t the only examples; however, they are among the most powerful. Continue reading A History of the Case of Rice and Poindexter in North Omaha

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

A History of North Omaha’s Stroud Company

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black people, business, Crime, Culture, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, Politics2 Comments
Billy Crutchfield and Harry Buford North Omaha Nebraska

A History of Early 20th Century Crime Bosses in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In a time of mobland gangsters, illegal booze, dirty gambling halls and open prostitution, several African Americans rose high enough in Omaha’s criminal underworld to become the crime lords of North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early 20th Century Crime Bosses in North Omaha

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Politics, Race riot, society10 Comments
A history of the 24th and Lake Historic District by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. The picture shows the intersection of N. 24th and Lake Streets in North Omaha, Nebraska, circa 1940.

A History of the 24th and Lake Historic District in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha is screaming full of history, and the new 24th and Lake Historic District is a tremendous example of how that’s so. After its first developments in the 1870s, this intersection evolved to become a hotbed of the African American community; as well as the heart of the Jewish community; a farm supply area; and much, much more. In 2016, 38 buildings were included in a new listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This article is an introduction to the powerful, poignant past of a large jewel in North Omaha’s historical crown. Continue reading A History of the 24th and Lake Historic District in North Omaha

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

A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty5 Comments
This is Long School at 2520 Franklin Street in North Omaha in the 1890s.

A History of North Omaha’s Long School Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Long School neighborhood is located in North Omaha from Hamilton Street on the south to Erskine on the North; North 24th on the east and the North Freeway on the west, and it has a total of 30 blocks. Houses started getting built in the neighborhood as early as the 1860s. However, it wasn’t until Long School was built that things really got underway. This is a history of the neighborhood. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Long School Neighborhood

20th century, Black History, Culture, Lost history, North 24th Street, society6 Comments
History of the Carnation Ballroom, Adam Fletcher Sasse, NorthOmahaHistory.com

History of the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

African Americans stepped up to create community for themselves. Since Blacks weren’t allowed to move away from the Near North Side neighborhood, that’s where the community arose. Black churches, restaurants, clothing stores, and entertainment venues filled the North 24th Street strip from Cuming north to Lothrop Streets, and along Lake Street too. Continue reading History of the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha

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

A History of Mob Violence in Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, Culture, East Omaha, Houses, North 16th Street, society1 Comment
These images are from Squatter's Row in the 1930s.

A History of Squatter’s Row in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One area that benefited a lot from Nebraska’s pro-squatting law was a little strip in North Omaha, from North 11th Street on the east to North 13th on the west; Nicholas Street on the south to Locust on the north. This area was home to the North Omaha rail yards, but the railroads didn’t have without any concern for the squatters were starting putting up their shacks there as early as the 1860s. Continue reading A History of Squatter’s Row in North Omaha

20th century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Forest Lawn burial, Historic houses, Near North Side, societyLeave a comment
Salvation Army Women's Hospital, North 16th and Grace Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Governor Alvin Saunders Estate in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The fine Second Italianate Renaissance Style home built by Nebraska Territory governor Alvin Saunders was located in North Omaha at 1510 Sherman Avenue / 2008 North 16th Street. Learn more about it in this article. Continue reading A History of the Governor Alvin Saunders Estate in North Omaha

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

History of Lead Poisoning in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Economics, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Wealth, White flight4 Comments
Strehlow Terrace Apartments, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Ernie Chambers Court aka Strehlow Terrace in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Ernie Chambers Court aka Strehlow Terrace Apartments in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Ernie Chambers Court aka Strehlow Terrace in North Omaha

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

A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the Omaha Municipal Beach

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the North Omaha Radar Station

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, historic preservation, Lost history, North 16th Street, Politics, Race riot, Saratoga, Streets, White flight17 Comments
16th and Locust Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 16th and Locust Historic District in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The N. 16th and Locust Street intersection was a beehive of commercial activity for more than a century. The Locust overpass of the MoPac Railroad was a key. Learn more. Continue reading A History of 16th and Locust Historic District in North Omaha

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

A Biography of North Omaha’s Dr. Marguerita Washington

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Culture, Florence, Government, History of Nebraska, Lost history, North 30th Street, Pioneer era, Settlements21 Comments
Florence, Nebraska map from 1923

A History of the Florence Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of Florence begins with the tangled clopping of horse hooves and rattling of the sideboards on beat up wagons. The story of the town begins with people leaving, people coming back, a town booming, a town shrinking, and then getting annexed into Omaha and calming down. It’s a story that’s still being written every day, and lately things are on the up and up! Continue reading A History of the Florence Neighborhood

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

A History of East Omaha’s Florence Lake

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Parks, Walnut Hill3 Comments
Walnut Hill Reservoir, N. 40th and Hamilton Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Walnut Hill Reservoir

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Located immediately north of Mercer Park, the Walnut Hill Reservoir is bound by Hamilton Street and the Walnut Hill neighborhood on the west, North 38th Street on the east, Nicholas Street on the south, and Mercer Park Drive on the east. Walnut Hill is cut in half by the curvy Park Road, which extends from Mercer Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard. “Walnut Hill Reservoir” is chiseled into a concrete panel between the steps at North 38th Street. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Walnut Hill Reservoir