A History of the Mansion Cafe
The Mansion Cafe, opened in 1958, evolved from a single-family home to a restaurant and later a daycare. Continue reading A History of the Mansion Cafe
These are articles related to the economy and economics of North Omaha.
The Mansion Cafe, opened in 1958, evolved from a single-family home to a restaurant and later a daycare. Continue reading A History of the Mansion Cafe
North Omaha bursted with car dealerships throughout the 20th century! This is a history of them. Continue reading A History of Car Dealers in North Omaha
120 years of history—from a streetcar hub into a vibrant commercial area into a historic district—is anchored by 4002 Hamilton Street in North Omaha. This is it’s story. Continue reading A History of 4002 Hamilton Street
A massively important architect in Omaha for decades, John Latenser Sr’s designs are still especially important in North Omaha. This is a story of his life and work. Continue reading A Biography of John Latenser, Sr.
Smith Coffey became a prominent blacksmith and community leader in Omaha who helped establish the first African American church, participated in politics, and faced struggles. Continue reading A Biography of Smith Coffey
The Montclair Neighborhood in North Omaha, established in the late 19th century, transformed over time to ultimately face challenges like redlining yet keeps fostering a resilient community. Continue reading A History of the Montclair Neighborhood in Omaha
Few innovations shaped the daily lives of North Omaha residents like the streetcar. As the city expanded northward into the old town of Saratoga, transportation became the lifeblood of working-class neighborhoods. This is a history of the streetcar barn at … Continue reading A History of the Streetcar Barn at 24th and Ames Avenue
John Latenser, Sr. built Bellwether Mansion in 1918, an Italianate summer retreat mansion, for his family. It still stands today. Continue reading A History of the Latenser Summer Home
Saratoga, a planned town in the Nebraska Territory, established the Saratoga Bank in 1857 to fuel its growth. But when the Panic of 1857 led to its demise just months later, it was forgotten. No more. Continue reading A History of the Bank of Saratoga
The history of African Americans in rural Nebraska encompasses a resilient existence from the territorial period through the early 20th century. This article shares stories of migration, homesteading, and the establishment of all-Black towns. and explores the systemic racism and environmental challenges ultimately dismantled these communities. Today, the heritage of Black pioneers in Nebraska is largely forgotten. Continue reading A History of Rural Black Nebraska
Kaffir Chemical Laboratories was founded in 1920 by African American entrepreneurs in North Omaha. Led by Madree Penn, it became a significant Black-owned business producing various products until its decline by 1925, representing a powerful chapter in Omaha’s Black business history. Continue reading A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha
This is a history of the OPPD North Omaha Station located in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the OPPD North Omaha Station
This is a history of N. 30th Street in North Omaha, extending from Dodge Street into the Ponca Hills, from 1854 to the present day. Continue reading A History of North 30th Street
From the 1910s through today, there have been various agendas, plans and schemes focused on fixing up North Omaha. This is a history of gentrification in the community. Continue reading A History of Gentrification in North Omaha
This article examines Omaha’s “doctrine of white supremacy” as a deliberate, engineered system rather than random prejudice. From 1850s enslavement to modern redlining and carceral pipelines, the city’s geography and institutions were built to extract Black wealth and agency, ensuring white success through a durable, structural architecture of exclusion. Continue reading A History of White Supremacy in Omaha
Adam’s Notes: Alan Welsh privately researched and wrote the following article and shared it with me so we can enrich, deepen, and otherwise learn more about the actual life of the first recorded lynching victim in Omaha. Shortly after the … Continue reading A Biography of George Smith by Alan Welsh
This is a history of the Ivy Apartments that stood at 2407 N. 16th St. in North Omaha, Nebraska, until 1985. Continue reading A History of the Ivy Apartments, aka the Fairfax, in North Omaha
This is a history of youth activism in Omaha, Nebraska, from the last 125+ years. Continue reading A History of Youth Activism in Omaha
Before Omaha’s founding in 1854, white supremacy suppressed Black political participation. This is a story of how Black people in the city were betrayed by white leaders and still thrived, regardless of white supremacy. Continue reading A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870
Before 24th and Lake existed, Omaha’s first Black neighborhood was established in the 1850s. It was around 10th and Dodge, and was a segregated enclave known as the Near North Side. It housed significant community leaders and institutions, witnessing early civil rights struggles and eventually leading to the area’s integration by 1872. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood
The Missouri River ferry in Omaha served as a vital connection for settlers in the 1800s, enabling the city’s establishment. This history shares its founding and ending with people, places and important events between. Continue reading A History of the Missouri River Ferry in Omaha
North Omaha has suffered from deliberate neglect and environmental racism for over a century, leading to severe health disparities among its residents. Historical policies prioritized industrial growth over community wellbeing, resulting in toxic environments, high infant mortality rates, and persistent pollution. Recent efforts focus on addressing these inequities and promoting environmental justice. Continue reading A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha
Grand Island, Nebraska, holds a rich history of African American communities since the 1870s, establishing thriving neighborhoods and institutions. This story shows the community continues to be resilient with ongoing struggles for equality and acknowledgment. Continue reading A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska
The Kountze Place Golf Club, established in North Omaha during the 1890s, was a brief yet significant recreational venture for the affluent, lasting only three years before its land transitioned to educational use. Continue reading A History of the Kountze Place Golf Club
B.J. Scannell (1861-1960) significantly impacted North Omaha’s development as a businessman and community leader. Continue reading A Biography of B.J. Scannell
The historical Prairie Park neighborhood in North Omaha was built and mostly demolished in the 20th century. Learn why… Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Neighborhood
This is a history of North Omaha’s Ideal Cement Stone Company, which operated in the neighborhood from 1905 through 1988. Continue reading A History of the Ideal Cement Stone Company
This is a biography of African American businessman State E Montgomery (1875-1946) of North Omaha. Continue reading A Biography of State E. Montgomery
This is a biography of early Black baseball figure Vasco Graham (1892-1913) of Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Omaha’s Vasco Graham
This is a history of seven banking and financial institutions established in North Omaha, Nebraska, since 1856. Continue reading A History of Banks in North Omaha
This is a history of the Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha, including the art, literature, and music that emerged from that period. Continue reading The Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha
This is a biography of newspaper editor, businessman and community leader S. Edward Gilbert. Continue reading A Biography of S. Edward Gilbert
This is a history of the Alamo Barber Shop operating by E.W. Killingsworth and R.C. Price in North Omaha for more than 25 years. Continue reading A History of the Alamo Barbershop
This is a biography of Jimmy Jewell, Jr., an entertainment scion in North Omaha who was once called the “wealthiest Negro in Omaha.” Continue reading A Biography of Jimmy C. Jewell
This is a history of the East Omaha Factory District, which existed from the 1880s through 1936. Continue reading A History of the East Omaha Factory District
This is a history of the Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Greater St. Paul Church of God in Christ
Richard D. Curry (1831-1883) was a leader in Omaha’s pioneer Black community who made a LOT of things happen. Continue reading A Biography of Richard D. Curry
The George J. Hunt Mansion was located at N. 31st and State Street in Florence, Nebraska, until 1964. Continue reading A History of the Hunt Mansion in Florence
This is a history of the historic churches in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading The Historic Churches of Kountze Place in North Omaha
This is the history of the House of Hope, a nondenominational senior living facility in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Florence Home Healthcare Center, aka the House of Hope
This is a history of 2003 Pinkney Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of 2003 Pinkney Street
This is a history of the Horse Railway in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Horse Railway in North Omaha
This is a history of North Omaha’s Mercer Mansion, built in 1885 at N. 40th and Cuming Street and still standing today! Continue reading A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha
This is a history of the streetcar barn at North 20th and Nicholas Streets that stood from 1887 to 2017. It was also home to Micklin Hardware and Lumber. Continue reading A History of the Nicholas Streetcar Barn in North Omaha
This is a history of the Omaha Swedish Mission Hospital, later called the Omaha Evangelical Covenant Hospital. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Swedish Mission Hospital
This is a history of the Bali-Hi Lounge in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Bali-Hi Lounge in North Omaha
This is a history of the the beautiful home at 1618 Emmet Street in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of 1618 Emmet Street
This is a collection of some of the Victorian era homes in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading Victorian Houses of North Omaha
This is a history of the Fairfax neighborhood in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Fairfax Neighborhood
The houses at 3939 and 3947 North 41st Street in North Omaha were marketed as the “House of Tomorrow” when they were built in the 1930s. This is their histories. Continue reading A House of Tomorrow in North Omaha
This is a history of the High Point neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska Continue reading A History of the High Point Neighborhood
This is a history of the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Forest Lawn
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
This is a history of slavery in Nebraska, including enslaved people, enslavers, locations and events. There’s also a history of the Underground Railroad and Lane Trail in Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Enslavement in Nebraska
This is a biography of Boston Green (1838-1908), a popularly scorned African American homeless person in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Boston Green
This is a history of a Black-owned real estate addition in East Omaha, Nebraska called Edgewood Park. Continue reading A History of Edgewood Park, Omaha’s First Black-Owned Subdivision
This is a history of the Sorenson Parkway in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Sorensen Parkway
This is a history of the Safeway building at North 24th and Lake Streets from 1963 to 2021. Continue reading A History of Safeway at 24th and Lake Streets
This is a biography of Daisy Anderson (c1900-1998), the widow of a wealthy Black man in western Nebraska who was forced to move to North Omaha. Continue reading Daisy Anderson in North Omaha
This is a history of the former Count Creighton House in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Count Creighton Mansion in North Omaha
This is a history of the John P. Bay House, an official Omaha Landmark in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the John P. Bay House
This is a history of the Prince Hall Masons in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Prince Hall Masons in Omaha
This is a history of the Dodge Street School in Omaha, Nebraska, open at 11th and Dodge from 1872 to 1898. Continue reading A History of the Dodge Street School
This is a history of the Jefferson Square Park, the first park and the site of the first school in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Jefferson Square Park
This is a history of Omaha’s first public park; first public school; it’s Native American neighborhood; and it’s “Hobo Park,” all wrapped up in one. This is a history of Jefferson Square in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood
This is a history of commercial buildings in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Commercial Buildings in North Omaha
Fancy homes used to line certain streets throughout North Omaha, and one of those was Wirt Street. Business leaders, influential socialites, and high-minded politicians lived up and down the block, building the neighborhood along the way. This is a history … Continue reading A History of the George F. Shepard House
This is a history of the intersection of N. 42nd and Redman Ave. in North Omaha, Nebraska. It discusses the development, businesses, and demise of the intersection including factors affecting it. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue
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
This is a history of the Sherman neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Sherman Neighborhood
These are historic neighborhoods in North Omaha, including their establishment, locations and links. Continue reading Historic Neighborhoods in North Omaha
This is a history of the Clifton Hill neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1885. Continue reading A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha
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
For only 40 years, a longtime congregation was at home in the Kountze Place neighborhood. They built a huge church, had a successful run, but couldn’t keep going. This is a history of the First United Presbyterian Church in North … Continue reading A History of First United Presbyterian Church
This article is a history of police brutality in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1887 to present. Continue reading A History of Police Brutality in Omaha
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
North Omaha is the historic home of Max I Walker Cleaners. This article summarizes their history in the community. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Max I. Walker
This is a history the Climmie, a rowhouse at 2514 N. 16th St. in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of The Climmie
This is a history of the Bedford Place neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood
Throughout most of his life, Edwin Overall (1835–1901) dedicated himself fighting for civil rights. This is his story. Continue reading A Biography of Edwin Overall
The Benson Commercial Historic District has been home to several department stores. This is a history of the Omaha neighborhood’s stores. Continue reading A History of Department Stores in Benson
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
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
This is a biography of Dr. George L. Miller (1830-1920), a prominent businessman and controversial racist from Omaha’s history. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller
Millions of bobby pins, pink hair curlers, and other products came flying out of the Tip Top Products Company factories in Omaha. This is a history of the company. Continue reading History of the Tip Top Products Company
This is a directory of historic North Omaha church buildings. Many are still churches; some are not. Continue reading Directory of Historic North Omaha Church Buildings
From 1951 to 1963, the 24th Street Dairy Queen was serve the Black community in the Near North Side. This is a history of the business. Continue reading History of the 24th Street Dairy Queen
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
First conceptualized in 1954, it took almost 40 years for North Omaha’s highest high speed corridor to be completed. This is a history of the North Freeway. Continue reading A History of the North Freeway in Omaha
A wealthy industrialist worked hard, then died. His wife gave the City of Omaha a lot of money to commemorate his life, and today the name is all over East Omaha. This is a biography of Levi Carter. Continue reading A Biography of Levi Carter
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
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
Some schools in Omaha were built in reaction to floods of new residents moving into neighborhoods unexpectedly. Others were built to attract new residents. Originally opened in 1885, the school at North 30th and Spaulding Street was the latter. This is a history of the Druid Hill School in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Druid Hill School
Adam’s Note: This is a guest article by Jody Lovallo in her continuing series about important women in North Omaha history. Check out the “You Might Like…” section below for links to her other articles. Enjoy “A History of the Zabriskie Mansion” by Jody Lovallo. Continue reading A History of the Zabriskie Mansion in North Omaha by Jody Lovallo
This is a history of the Omaha Crèche, which was located on North 52nd and Pratt Streets for a half century. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Crèche
This is a history of the only foster home for African American youth Omaha history, open from the 1940s into the 1950s. Continue reading A History of the Oak View Home for Negro Boys
Built on the rock bottom of the Missouri River, dreams of today’s Mormon Bridge go back to 1846. This article explores the history of the bridge, the ferries, the politics and more. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Bridge in North Omaha
For 40 years, one plant poisoned North Omaha with heinous disregard. This is a history of the Carter White Lead Company factory in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha
This is a history of North Omaha’s Omaha View neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest western expanses. Continue reading A History of the Omaha View Neighborhood
The Plum Nelly area is a once secret neighborhood that’s become a lost neighborhood located in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Plum Nelly Area in North Omaha