Category: Culture

These are articles related to the culture of North Omaha.

19th century, 20th century, business, Children's entertainment, Civic Infrastructure, Lost history, Near North Side1 Comment
20th and Paul Circus Grounds Omaha

A History of the Circus Grounds in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Circus Grounds at N. 20th and Paul Streets in North Omaha from the 1870s through the 1930s. Continue reading A History of the Circus Grounds in North Omaha

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architects, Architecture, Florence Boulevard, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, North 16th Street, Parks, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments

A History of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Continue reading A History of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architecture, Buildings, Culture, Education, historic preservation, History of NebraskaLeave a comment
Girls and Boys Building, Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Girls and Boys Building in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Of all the buildings made for the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, the Girls and Boys Building had one of the most joyful, loyal and enthusiastic receptions. Here is a short history of the building. Fundraising for Construction “It was … Continue reading A History of the Girls and Boys Building in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Architecture, Black churches, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, NAACP, Near North Side, Organizations, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
St Philip Episcopal Church, North 21st Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a longtime, influential and successful segregated congregation called St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architecture, Buildings, Expo Grounds, Florence Boulevard, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
This is the Administration Building, aka the Administrative Arch, at the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo in North Omaha, Nebraska in 1898.

A History of the Administration Arch in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Administrative Building, aka the Administration Arch, at the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition held in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Administration Arch 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, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Organizations, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Religion, Restaurants, Ryan Roenfeld, Segregation, society, storytelling, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
This is a map showing Omaha's Chinatown, which was "4 blocks surrounding 12th and Dodge." There are other notable sites included too.

A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Note: This is a special exposè on a rarely-acknowledged but vitally important part of Omaha’s history. Written by local historian Ryan Roenfeld, I believe this history of Omaha’s Chinatown is necessary, vibrant and just a beginning, albeit a deep one! Share your thoughts in the comments section! Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

19th century, 20th century, Culture, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Organizations, Parks, Ryan Roenfeld, Sports, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is an 1895 ad for the Charles Street Bicycle Park.

A History of the Charles Street Bicycle Park in North Omaha by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Tucked away in the Near North Side was the Charles Bicycle Track. This is its history as told by Ryan Roenfeld. Continue reading A History of the Charles Street Bicycle Park in North Omaha by Ryan Roenfeld

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Expo Grounds, Geography, Government, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Pioneer era, Poverty, Railroads, real estate, Saratoga, Settlements1 Comment
1857 Nebraska Territory map showing Saratoga

A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Sulphur Springs was a settlement in the Nebraska Territory from 1854 to 1877. This article shares some of its history. Continue reading A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

19th century, 20th century, 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

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Economics, Expo Grounds, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Racism, Wealth12 Comments
The Sherman, 2501 N. 16th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of The Sherman Apartments

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of one of North Omaha’s most important historical landmarks, The Sherman apartments on North 16th Street. Continue reading A History of The Sherman Apartments

20th century, Carter Lake, Culture, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, music, Organizations, Prairie Park, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
Prairie Park Clubhouse, 2605 Ames Ave, Omaha, NE 68111

A History of the Prairie Park Club

Adam F.C. Fletcher

In the late 1900s, Omahans formed social clubs like the Prairie Park Club to enhance community ties. Established in 1909, it hosted numerous social events and activities. Learn what happened to it here. Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Club

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

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Black History, Economics, Historic houses, Kountze Place, Lost history, Organizations, White flight, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
The McLain Mansion was at 2214 Wirt Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood.

A History of North Omaha’s McLain Mansion

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Many of Kountze Place’s finest homes are gone now, demolished by indifferent landowners and city planners who are blind to the value of the neighborhood. One of these homes stood at 2214 Wirt Street, and it was clearly one of … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s McLain Mansion

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Americans, Architecture, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Education, Ethnicities & Races, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Monmouth Park, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, schools, Segregation, society, White flight, Wrecked buildings11 Comments
This is a 1968 pic of a mother and daughter at Saratoga School during a parent night program.

A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

There were and are many segregated schools in Omaha, and this is an account of their history. Continue reading A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

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, 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 18 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In Chapter 18 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson, the story continues unfolding. Read this original true story thriller from North Omaha today! Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 18 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, storytelling2 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 17 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is chapter 17 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson. It introduces the Congressional action against the Omaha Two, and more. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 17 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 16 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is FRAMED Chapter 16 by Michael Richardson. In this installment, arrests are made and fingers are pointed – again. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 16 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 15 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is Chapter 15 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson, covering the day Ed Poindexter was arrested. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 15 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 14 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Presented in Chapter 14 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson is a smoking gun! Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 14 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 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

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

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Racism, society, Wealth, White flight2 Comments

A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Examining the rise and fall of North Omaha requires a long and complicated journey through politics, culture, economics and more. One of the important early anchors of the community demonstrated the ability of one organization to steer things astray. Opening … Continue reading A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Culture, Economics, General history, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Poverty, societyLeave a comment
Gene Eppley Boys' Club, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys Club

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys’ Club was the cradle of youth engagement for a generation of young men. This is a history of the facility. Continue reading A History of the North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys Club

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Florence, Historic houses, society, Wealth6 Comments
Lantry-Thompson Mansion, 3524 State St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Land speculators snatched up a lot of North Omaha legally and illegally in the 1900s. Victor Lantry was one of them, and built a massive mansion to celebrate his wealth. Here’s his story. Continue reading A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black churches, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Religion, society12 Comments
Goodwill Spring Musical Choirs, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Black Churches in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s tradition of Black churches started less than a decade after the founding of the city in 1865. With de facto segregation the norm in the city by then, African Americans were denied seats in white churches. Not to be without a spiritual home, the city’s pioneer Blacks founded their own places of worship. This is an introduction to Omaha’s historic Black churches. Continue reading A History of Black Churches in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, Near North Side, Politics, Poverty, Religion, society3 Comments
Zion Baptist Church, 2215 Grant Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

History of Zion Baptist Church in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A leader among the bedrock institutions of North Omaha is Zion Baptist Church. One of the oldest congregations in Omaha, it was founded in 1884 and became the largest Black church in Omaha by 1900. It’s landmark building at 2215 Grant Street was designed by North Omaha native “Cap” Clarence Wigington, and its mission is still distinctly relevant more than 125 years after it was founded. Continue reading History of Zion Baptist Church in North Omaha

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, business, Culture, historic preservation, Houses, society1 Comment
Architecture by Joseph P. Guth, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

Adam F.C. Fletcher

North Omaha’s has A LOT of unsung architectural heroes, and one of them is Joseph P. Guth. Guth moved from Germany to Omaha in 1884 and designed business blocks, breweries, factories and warehouses, fire stations, schools, houses and multifamily residences, churches … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black businesses, Buildings, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, Historic houses, Houses, Lost history, Near North Side, Racism, society, Wealth, White flight3 Comments
This is 2060 Florence Boulevard in the 1970s. Photo from the City of Omaha Meyer Collection.

A History of North Omaha’s Burkenroad House aka Broadview Hotel aka Trimble Castle

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The home at 2060 Florence Boulevard has a reputation as a mansion for the social elite; an apartment house; a brothel, a hotel and as apartments again. Here is a history of North Omaha’s Broadview Hotel. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Burkenroad House aka Broadview Hotel aka Trimble Castle

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

20th century, Black History, Culture, Racism, societyLeave a comment
"Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City" article from LOOK magazine, December 17, 1963. https://northomahahistory.com/look-magazine-article-on-omaha-racism-12-17-1963-oct-4-2016-12-23-pm-1/

“The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

Adam F.C. Fletcher

On December 17, 1963, LOOK magazine included a story about segregation in Omaha. Following is a section of the article; there is a link to a PDF of the story under “Related Articles” that follows. THE NEGRO FACES NORTH OMAHA, NEBRASKA: THE NEW … Continue reading “The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Gold Coast, Historic houses, Politics6 Comments
Gold Coast Historic District homes, including (from left) the Dixon House, Joslyn Castle, and the Barmettler Mansion.

A History of the Gold Coast Historic District in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

From 1880 through the 1920s, Omaha’s new Gold Coast neighborhood was the opulent address in Omaha. Starting with Gilded Age mansions, it evolved into a mixed income neighborhood with wealthy and manager level classes. Continue reading A History of the Gold Coast Historic District in Omaha

20th century, Black History, business, Culture, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, North Omaha, Race riot, Racism8 Comments
With Don Davis as Program Director, in 1972, other personalities at North Omaha's KOWH included Erven McSwain, Buddy King, Herman Pearson, Ed Mims, The Magnificent One, and Beverly Blakely.

A History of KOWH, North Omaha’s Radio Station

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the aftermath of the 1960s riots that ravaged the community, a group of African American investors from North Omaha rallied to invest in technology, and for many, to invest in their home neighborhood. Pulling off a coup, for almost a decade, North Omaha was home to Nebraska’s first radio station and a former bastion of white middle class American culture. Except now it was the home of the city’s Black pride, empowerment and culture. Continue reading A History of KOWH, North Omaha’s Radio Station

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Americans, Black History, Culture, North Omaha, Politics, society1 Comment
This is a group of historical figures from North Omaha, Nebraska, including Rev. Anna R. Woodbey (1855-1901); James C. Mitchell (1809-1896); Rev. John Albert Williams (1866-1933); Manuel Lisa (1772-1820); Ophelia Clenlans (1852-1907); Dr. Rodney Weed; Vivian Strong (1954-1969); and Robert Strehlow (1862-1952).

People from North Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a timeline of people from the history of North Omaha. They include people from political, legal, religious, medical, and other professions who transformed the community in countless ways. There are also creative leaders, sports figures, and others, too. Continue reading People from North Omaha History

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, 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