20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, society1 Comment

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

July 9, 2016January 12, 2025 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 in North Omaha

July 8, 2016February 4, 2025 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, Black History, business, Culture, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism6 Comments

A History of African American Newspapers in Omaha

June 10, 2016December 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s African American culture has grown and changed dramatically since its founding in 1854. One of the main drivers of the culture for more than a century has been the Black media. From the time Omaha’s first Black newspaper was published in 1889 through Shanelle Williams’ continued use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media today to build the African American community in Omaha, Black media has continued to transform the North Omaha community and the city at large. Continue reading A History of African American Newspapers in Omaha

20th century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, society21 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

May 28, 2016September 1, 2024 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

21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Cuming Street, historic preservation, schools29 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Technical High School

May 10, 2016March 6, 2026 Adam F.C. Fletcher

Judges, teachers, decorated veterans, actors and singers, an Olympian and a Heisman Trophy winner are among its alumni. This is a short history of Omaha Technical High School. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Technical High School

20th century, Black History, Culture, Lost history, North 24th Street, society6 Comments

History of the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha

May 7, 2016April 19, 2026 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 History of Mob Violence in Omaha

April 26, 2016August 31, 2024 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

A History of Squatter’s Row in North Omaha

April 21, 2016February 4, 2025 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

A History of the Governor Alvin Saunders Estate in North Omaha

April 21, 2016July 7, 2024 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

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Cemeteries, Culture, History of Nebraska, Religion, societyLeave a comment

A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

April 8, 2016August 19, 2024 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

A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

April 5, 2016February 11, 2024 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, 21st century, Black History, business, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Politics, society4 Comments

History of the Omaha Star

March 19, 2016September 12, 2024 Adam F.C. Fletcher

More than 65 years ago, a newspaper was launched to serve Omaha’s African American community. Coming from a legacy of several Black newspapers before it, the paper was launched by the visionary Mildred Brown and her husband Ed Gilbert. Losing its direct competitors within a decade, The Omaha Star became the city’s Civil Rights media champion, refusing to print negative news and constantly focusing on keeping it positive. The original banner was “Joy and Happiness”, and the only told good news. Continue reading History of the Omaha Star

20th century, Culture, Florence, General history, Lost history, Parks, society3 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Pries Lake

March 8, 2016August 5, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The hills around North Omaha’s Florence neighborhood have kept their share of wealthy country homes, fancy gentlemen’s farms and old settlements hidden since the 1840s. However, one of the most popular places that ever existed in the area was a … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Pries Lake

20th century, Black History, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, North 16th Street, Race riot, society6 Comments

A History of the Ohio Fish Market in North Omaha

March 1, 2016July 28, 2022 Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Ohio Fish Market was a North Omaha institution for 25 years. Discover the history of this iconic restaurant and store… Continue reading A History of the Ohio Fish Market in North Omaha

19th century, Architecture, Culture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Industry, Near North Side, societyLeave a comment

A History of the Bailey Residence in North Omaha

February 9, 2016April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Built: 1875 estimated Address: 1504 North 19th Street Architecture: Eastlake Style Demolished: 1900 estimated When Omaha was first starting up in the 1850s and 1860s, it was built with wood. Wood-frame stores, hotels, homes and boarding houses were all over. … Continue reading A History of the Bailey Residence in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Culture, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Racism, Religion, society32 Comments

History of Churches in North Omaha

December 21, 2015October 6, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

In its first 75 years, North Omaha was home to no fewer than four Jewish synagogues, six Catholic parishes and 50 Protestant congregations. These churches reflected the community’s diversity, including ethnic churches where only Italian, German, Norwegian, Danish and other languages were spoke. Within 25 years of Omaha’s founding, there were also several Black churches in the neighborhood north of downtown. Following is a history of churches in North Omaha. Continue reading History of Churches in North Omaha

21st century, Architecture, Culture, Florence, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Houses, society4 Comments

A History of Arlena Lodge, the Brandeis Country Home, in North Omaha

December 14, 2015May 2, 2017 Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is the story of the Florence-area country escape of the Brandies family called Arlena Lodge… Continue reading A History of Arlena Lodge, the Brandeis Country Home, 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

December 10, 2015November 3, 2022 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

A History of the Florence Neighborhood

December 2, 2015October 20, 2026 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, 21st century, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Religion, society5 Comments

A History of St. Clare’s Monastery in North Omaha

December 1, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of one of North Omaha’s hidden holy grounds built as St. Clare’s Monastery. Continue reading A History of St. Clare’s Monastery in North Omaha

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black businesses, clubs, Clubs, Demolished buildings, Lost history, nightlife2 Comments

A History of Club Harlem In North Omaha

November 29, 2015September 21, 2024 Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of Club Harlem, a vibrant center of the North Omaha jazz scene in the 1940s. Continue reading A History of Club Harlem In North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Culture, Cuming Street, Historic houses, historic preservation, Walnut Hill16 Comments

A History of the Walnut Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

November 28, 2015September 1, 2023 Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Walnut Hill neighborhood is one of the most historically distinguished in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Walnut Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Parks, Politics, Poverty, RacismLeave a comment

A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Pool

November 20, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Near North Side neighborhood was packed with people for more than a century. People need places to hang out and cool off in Omaha’s hot summers, and in the late 1940s the City of Omaha Parks Department decided to … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kellom Pool

19th century, 20th century, Biographies, Black History, Culture, History of Nebraska, society3 Comments

A Biography of North Omaha’s Dan Desdunes

November 16, 2015January 10, 2025 Adam F.C. Fletcher

Dan Desdunes was The Man. The leader of Omaha’s powerhouse music scene for more than 20 years, here’s his story… Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Dan Desdunes

19th century, 20th century, Culture, ghosts, Halloween, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North 30th Street, North Omaha4 Comments

A History of Grave Robbing in North Omaha

November 2, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is the story of Prospect Hill Cemetery superintendent Daniel Callahan digging up the dead of North Omaha in 1909. Continue reading A History of Grave Robbing in North Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Americans, Cemeteries, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Halloween, History of Nebraska, North 30th Street8 Comments

A History of Missing Cemeteries in North Omaha

October 30, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Prospect Hill Cemetery was not Omaha’s first cemetery. This article explores that, and shares information about the city’s actual first cemeteries, including a few others lost to time. Continue reading A History of Missing Cemeteries in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Americans, Architecture, Culture, Florence, ghosts, Halloween, historic preservation, Native Americans28 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Hummel Park

October 28, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Ponca Hills are packed with real history and some mysteries. Unfortunately, one of the most enigmatic stories in the history of the entire city of Omaha is there, too. This is a history of Hummel Park. There is a … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Hummel Park

19th century, 20th century, Black History, Culture, Economics, History of Nebraska, Industry, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty1 Comment

History of the Omaha Colored Commercial Club

October 26, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s Colored Commercial Club was an business referral, employment agency, and community building org for almost a decade. This is it’s history… Continue reading History of the Omaha Colored Commercial Club

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Omaha Claim Club, society1 Comment

A History of the A.J. Poppleton Mansion in North Omaha

October 15, 2015January 26, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is the story of A. J. Poppleton’s North Omaha estate called Elizabeth Place. Continue reading A History of the A.J. Poppleton Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, North 16th Street, Politics, societyLeave a comment

A History of the J. J. Brown Mansion in North Omaha

October 15, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The J. J. Brown Mansion belonged to one of Omaha’s early industrialists, and became one of Omaha’s first hospitals. Discover it’s story… Continue reading A History of the J. J. Brown Mansion in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, North 24th Street, society4 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s McCreary Mansion

October 15, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the 1870s, businessman John McCreary built a fine Italianate mansion in present-day North Omaha. Here’s a history. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s McCreary Mansion

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Near North Side, North 24th Street7 Comments

A History of the Redick Mansion in North Omaha

October 15, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The most famous mansion built in North Omaha is probably the Mayne Mansion, also known as the Redick Mansion. Clifton E. Mayne was a pioneer real estate investor and salesman in the city. In the 1870s, a farmer built a little house along Saunders Street leading north out of Omaha. He sold ten acres and his little farmhouse to Mayne in 1885. Continue reading A History of the Redick Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Omaha, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, society, White flight4 Comments

A History of the Near North Side Neighborhood in North Omaha

October 13, 2015April 29, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

As far as I’m concerned, the history of Omaha’s Near North Side neighborhood is the richest in all of Omaha. It has been home to working class families, poor people, and the wealthy; northern Europeans, African Americans, and eastern Europeans; Lutherans and Catholics, Jews and Black Muslims; slums, family homes, and mansions; looked like a pioneer town, had country gentleman farms, been a suburb, and had slums; professional offices, warehouses, manufacturing plants, local storefronts, printing presses, training centers, supermarkets and pop-up shops; giant churches and synagogues, and tiny storefront temples and more. So much has happened here, and clearly its story is still being written… Continue reading A History of the Near North Side Neighborhood in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, society, White flight11 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Jewish Community

October 11, 2015August 22, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Jewish people in North Omaha were tied together with the establishment and growth of the community for a century… Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Jewish Community

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, History of Nebraska, Industry, Kountze Place, North 24th Street, Parks, Politics, society7 Comments

A History of the 1899 Greater America Exposition in North Omaha

October 9, 2015October 9, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the 1899 Greater America Exposition in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the 1899 Greater America Exposition in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, East Omaha, Florence, Government, Parks, society, StreetsLeave a comment

History of the River Drive in Omaha

October 5, 2015February 4, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Imagine a smooth, easy drive on a Saturday afternoon in the fall all of it weaving along nineteen miles of the city’s waterfront. There are long, calm curves and tall, stately oaks lining the boulevard, with walkers and bikes moving … Continue reading History of the River Drive in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Culture, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, North 24th Street, society1 Comment

A History of the Omaha Presbyterian Theological Seminary in North Omaha

October 5, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Presbyterians were one of the congregations that grew along with Omaha. Arriving soon after the city’s founders, the first Presbyterian church in Omaha was opened in 1856. Over the next 25 years, more than 100 Presbyterian churches were founded in towns and cities across Nebraska. Their buildings became institutions for the faithful, for their communities and for the culture of the state. One institution made leaders for these flocks for more than 50 years. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Presbyterian Theological Seminary in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, society, White flight7 Comments

A History of the Viking Ship in North Omaha

October 1, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Suburbs need social clubs, and social clubs need swingin’ good fun! North Omaha’s Viking Ship was that place for more than 50 years before turning into a quasi-community center. Here’s the history of the Viking Ship, aka Birchwood Club aka … Continue reading A History of the Viking Ship in North Omaha

20th century, Benson, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, historic preservation, Parks, White flight1 Comment

A History of North Omaha’s Adams Park

September 20, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Adams Park in North Omaha, Nebraska Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Adams Park

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Benson, Black History, Carter Lake, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Minne Lusa, Near North Side, North 24th Street10 Comments

A History of Theatres and Movie Theaters in North Omaha

September 9, 2015February 3, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

While it has absolutely no active movie theaters today, the North Omaha community has been home to at least 20 (!) movie theaters over the last century. This is a short history of those theaters. Its really incomplete, as information has been hard for me to find. Continue reading A History of Theatres and Movie Theaters in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Culture, General history, History of Nebraska28 Comments

A History of the Immanuel Deaconess Hospital

August 28, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Immanuel Hospital has been an institution in North Omaha for a long time. Originally located in the far northern part of the city of Omaha, it was intended to serve the burgeoning population in the section centered around N. 30th and Ames Avenue. Continue reading A History of the Immanuel Deaconess Hospital

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, Florence, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North Omaha, Omaha, Omaha Claim Club, Politics, Racism, White flight17 Comments

A History of Redlining in Omaha

August 2, 2015March 24, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of North Omaha includes redlining starting during the 1920s, and being made illegal in the 1960s. This article explores that history, including the context in which it happened and some of the outcomes. Continue reading A History of Redlining in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Culture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, society12 Comments

A History of Mansions and Estates in North Omaha

June 15, 2015August 7, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Once upon a time, North Omaha was littered with large mansions and estates. This article summarizes some of them. Continue reading A History of Mansions and Estates in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, Politics, Race riot, Racism, White flight11 Comments

A History of African American Politics in North Omaha

March 13, 2015December 18, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of African American politics in Omaha beginning in the post-Civil War era, evolving through various struggles for rights and representation. Continue reading A History of African American Politics in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Benson, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, East Omaha, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Omaha, Racism, Saratoga6 Comments

A History of Streetcars in North Omaha

March 12, 2015April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of streetcars in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Streetcars in North Omaha

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, East Omaha, Expo Grounds, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, OmahaLeave a comment

A History of the Location of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition

March 7, 2015February 4, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

By now, many North Omahans are familiar with the grand, wonderful, exuberant and spectacular event know as the Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898. However, not many people know that the “event of the century” almost didn’t happen in banker Augustus Kountze’s land centered on 24th and Evans. In planning for at least three years before it was launched, the Expo committee worked diligently for many months to identify the absolute perfect place to hold the event. Led by early Omaha banker Gurdon Wattles, this committee was stocked with business leaders and other informed by locally important people including David Mercer and … Continue reading A History of the Location of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Culture, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Miller Park, North 24th Street, Racism, schools, Streets, White flight44 Comments

A History of the Miller Park Neighborhood

February 13, 2015March 30, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

The place where I grew up, Omaha’s Miller Park neighborhood, rushes through my imagination a lot. I want to see it acknowledged, appreciated and accentuated every day. This article is my acknowledgment of the past and contribution to the future. Continue reading A History of the Miller Park Neighborhood

20th century, Black History, Culture, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Politics, Racism, White flightLeave a comment

A Time for Burning

October 3, 2014April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

One of the most powerful documentaries to ever be made in Omaha is called A Time For Burning. Nominated for an Academy Award for documentary filmmaking in 1966, the film highlights then-barber/future Nebraska legislator Ernie Chambers. A graduate of the Creighton University Law School, he was elected Senator to the Nebraska Legislature in 1970. By 2005 he had become the longest-serving state Senator in the history of Nebraska. This is a powerful clip from the film featuring Chambers talking with the minister of a Lutheran church who was trying to integrate his congregation. Learn more about the film. You Might … Continue reading A Time for Burning

Architecture, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Kountze Place, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Politics, Race riot, Racism, White flight55 Comments

A History of 24th Street in North Omaha

October 27, 2013February 4, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

North 24th Street in North Omaha, Nebraska, used to be a regular street of dreams. Home to immigrants and entrepreneurs, it hosted generations of families that made it. Then in the 1960s, several riots struck at the heart of the community. It hasn’t recovered in the 50 years since. Continue reading A History of 24th Street in North Omaha

20th century, Benson, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Fontenelle Boulevard, historic preservation, Parks, White flight15 Comments

A History of Fontenelle Park in North Omaha

October 14, 2013January 2, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

A history of the Fontenelle Park in North Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse. Includes baseball, parks and recreation, fireworks and more! Continue reading A History of Fontenelle Park in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Belt Line Railway, business, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Geography, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, nightlife, Politics, Transportation, Water, Wrecked buildings15 Comments

A History of Carter Lake

September 28, 2013August 20, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Everything begins somewhere. For Omaha’s Carter Lake, it was as a fun-filled day in the water for all kinds of people. Following is the early history of the place. It includes a waterfront boardwalk, hotels, a resort, clubs and an amusement park. Continue reading A History of Carter Lake

Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Florence, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Streets, White flight11 Comments

A History of the Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

September 23, 2013October 27, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Florence Boulevard in North Omaha has a historic treasure trove packed with homes, businesses, churches and more. Continue reading A History of the Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, History of Nebraska, North Omaha, Saratoga35 Comments

A History of Kiddieland and the Pleasure Pier in East Omaha

September 21, 2013June 11, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the 1950s and 60s, the Kiddieland and Pleasure Pier at Carter Lake Park in Omaha, Nebraska, were a veritable wonderful of fun and good times. Continue reading A History of Kiddieland and the Pleasure Pier in East Omaha

Black History, Culture, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th StreetLeave a comment

A Video History of the Dreamland Ballroom in North Omaha

March 18, 2013April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Here is a video by Waymaker Media with a short history of the Dreamland Ballroom on North 24th Street in North Omaha. Make sure you like the video and leave comments on YouTube! You Might Like… A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom A History of the 24th and Lake Historic District A History of the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha A Short History of The Stage II Lounge A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92 BONUS PICS! Continue reading A Video History of the Dreamland Ballroom in North Omaha

Black History, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Omaha, Omaha Claim Club, Race riot, Racism, Segregation, White flight20 Comments

A History of Racism in Omaha

December 19, 2012September 26, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of racism in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Racism in Omaha

Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, East Omaha, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Industry, Kountze Place, Near North Side, Saratoga, Streets, White flight19 Comments

History of 16th Street in North Omaha

November 30, 2012April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Long before becoming a decrepit pipeline for the neglect of old North Omaha, North 16th Street had a history almost as long as the city itself. Continue reading History of 16th Street in North Omaha

24th and Lake, Black businesses, Black leader, Cafes, Demolished buildings, diners, Food, Restaurants5 Comments

A History of North Omaha’s Fair Deal Cafe

November 8, 2012October 13, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Soul food was served in mighty heaps at Omaha’s old “Black City Hall.” Learn about the legacy of the original Fair Deal Cafe… Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Fair Deal Cafe

19th century, 20th century, Culture, Economics, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, Saratoga6 Comments

A History of the Omaha Driving Park in North Omaha

January 15, 2012September 14, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

A century ago, there was a race track tucked away in Omaha’s memory. Starting as a rugged race track for fast horses and wagon races, it become a proper driving park, the county and state fairgrounds, and home to several … Continue reading A History of the Omaha Driving Park in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Omaha, Pioneer era, Saratoga, Settlements, Streets17 Comments

A History of the Saratoga Neighborhood in North Omaha

January 9, 2012August 10, 2026 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Saratoga was originally a large township on the Missouri River. What happened to it? Continue reading A History of the Saratoga Neighborhood in North Omaha

19th century, Biographies, Black History, Culture, Politics, Race riot, Racism3 Comments

The Lynching of George Smith

January 29, 2011April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

On October 18, 1891, not thirty years before the lynching of Will Brown, Omahans carried out an even more heinous breach of justice than the lynching of George Smith… Continue reading The Lynching of George Smith

20th century, Black History, Crime, General history, Lost history, Race riot, society, Sports3 Comments

A History of the Jack Johnson Riot in Omaha

December 22, 2010April 23, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

In July 1910 racial tension flared towards Omaha’s African-American community after a tremendous upset victory by boxer Jack Johnson versus James Jeffries in Reno, Nevada. Continue reading A History of the Jack Johnson Riot in Omaha

Americans, Biographies, Black History, Culture, Economics, North Omaha, Politics, society3 Comments

A History of Community Leaders in North Omaha

August 31, 2008February 4, 2025 Adam Fletcher Sasse

Today, leaders in North Omaha continue to grow the heart and soul of the community. This article explores what’s happened before… Continue reading A History of Community Leaders in North Omaha

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North Omaha, society3 Comments

A History of Fur Trading in North Omaha

August 2, 2008April 25, 2024 Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s history began 50 years before the city was a city. North Omaha’s fur trading roots still affect the community today. Here’s the story… Continue reading A History of Fur Trading in North Omaha