Category: North 24th Street

#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

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

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

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

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

Apartments, Architecture, Commercial vernacular, Demolished buildings, Kountze Place, North 24th Street, schools, Students, University of Omaha1 Comment
Joslyn Hall, Omaha University, North 24th and Evans Streets.

A History of Joslyn Hall in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

From 1916 to 1964, a three-story brick building sat at N. 24th and Evans St. in North Omaha, Nebraska. This is a history of the building, originally called Joslyn Hall and then University Apartments. Continue reading A History of Joslyn Hall 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

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

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

History of 2410 Lake Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, 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, 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

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

A Biography of Bertha Calloway

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of 1324 North 24th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of Creighton University

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of the Creighton Observatory in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of Creighton Hall in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Black churches, Kountze Place, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Lost history, North 24th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Presbyterian, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings4 Comments
North Presbyterian Church, 3105 North 24th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church was a short-lived attempt by a fleeting denomination to maintain a significant presence in North Omaha. Despite the hard work and commitment by African American members, the congregation ultimately failed. However, they did succeed in ensuring … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Ethnicities & Races, Historic houses, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Public housing, Segregation, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
"A History of Public Housing in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Public Housing in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Public housing was introduced in Omaha in 1937 when the federal Housing Act was passed. This act made federal loans to the city for the construction of low-income public housing. This is a history of the public housing in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Public Housing 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

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

A History of the Salvation Army Hospital in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 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, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Ethnicities & Races, Government, Kellom Heights, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, White flight1 Comment
A history of North Omaha's Kellom Heights neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Heights Neighborhood

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Kellom Heights neighborhood, including the pioneer era, the school and its redevelopment. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Heights Neighborhood

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, 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

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

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, 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

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

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

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