Category: Neighborhoods

20th century, 21st century, Black businesspeople, Buildings, Children, Commercial vernacular, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Ownership1 Comment
This is 2026 image of the former Mansion Cafe at 2304 Grace Street.

A History of the Mansion Cafe

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

#PreserveThisPlace, 19th century, 20th century, Apartments, Architects, Biographies, Buildings, Commercial vernacular, Demolished buildings, Economics, Historic houses, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Mansions and estates, Neighborhoods, Neoclassical or Classical Revival, Normal house history, North Omaha, Official Omaha Landmark, Styles, Wealth, White people, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
This is a 1934 Latenser family dinner at the Round House. Included are patriarch John, matriach Anna, and children John Jr (1888–1978), Frank, Josephine C. Latenser Kirkland (1899–1972) and George W Latenser (1903–1940). Pic courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A Biography of John Latenser, Sr.

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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.

19th century, 20th century, Activism, African Methodist Episcopal, Biographies, Black churches, Black culture, Black History, Black ministers, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Enslaved Person, Ministers, Near North SideLeave a comment
This is a biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne (1855-1932) of St. John's AME Church in Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A Biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Rev. W.T. Osborne (1855-1932) was an influential leader in Omaha’s African American community. Over five decades, his ministry in the AME church spanned several states and touched thousands of lives. Continue reading A Biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, Cuming Street, Historic districts, Houses, Integration, Middle class, Neighborhoods, Neoclassical or Classical Revival, Normal house history, North 30th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Public housing, Queen Anne, Redlining, Segregation, White people1 Comment
This is a history of the Montclair Neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Montclair Neighborhood in Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

1888 Omaha Fair and Exposition, 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Belt Line, business, Culture, Government, Intersections, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Saratoga, White flightLeave a comment
This was the west side of the intersection of 24th and Ames Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, in 2009. Three of the four buildings pictured here have been demolished.

A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The intersection of North 24th and Ames Avenue in Omaha started as the promising Saratoga settlement in 1854, thriving for more than a century before decline due to white flight and economic divestment. Today, it stands as a quiet, mostly vacant shell of its vibrant history. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

19th century, 20th century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Commercial vernacular, Demolished buildings, Economics, Intersections, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Saratoga, TransportationLeave a comment
This is "A History of the 24th and Ames Streetcar Barn" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Streetcar Barn at 24th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, business, Civic Infrastructure, Florence, Fort Street, Industry, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 30th Street, Railroads, Transportation1 Comment
This is "A History of Railroads & Streetcars in Florence" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The North Omaha neighborhood of Florence transformed from a struggling village to suburban industrial hub with the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century. A streetcar served the community too for the next 40 years. This is a history. Continue reading A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

20th century, Biographies, Black businesses, Demolished buildings, Harlem Renaissance, Hotels, Industry, Manufacturing, North 16th Street, North Downtown, OwnershipLeave a comment
This was an ad for the Kaffir Chemical Company at 817 North 16th St. in Omaha.

A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

#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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belvedere, business, Civic Infrastructure, Druid Hill, Economics, Environment, Florence, Florence Field, Fort Omaha, Gifford Park, Long School, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Monmouth Park, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Ponca Hills, Streets4 Comments
These were rowhouses on North 30th Street in North Omaha. Pic courtesy of Joe Kinney.

A History of North 30th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Poverty, Racism, real estate, schools, Segregation, society, Streets, Wealth, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is "A History of Gentrification in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, Abolition, African Methodist Episcopal, Black culture, Black History, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Economics, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
In 1865, a so-called “colored school” was open by the new Omaha school district and served at least twenty-seven students annually from 1865 to 1872. Shown here is an 1888 picture of 9th Street north from Farnam. The school was on 9th Street north of Dodge Street until 1872.

A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

#PreserveThisPlace, Belvedere, Buildings, business, Demolished buildings, Drug store, Florence, Florence Field, Grocery store, Ice cream, Intersections, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., real estate, Restaurants, shopping, TheatersLeave a comment
This is a history of N. 30th and Redick Ave. in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Built to serve the Minne Lusa, Florence Field, Belvedere and Miller Park neighborhoods, this is a history of the intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue

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

#PreserveThisPlace, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Architects, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black ministers, Churches, Gothic, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Redlining, Segregation, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
Located at N. 18th and Emmet Streets in North Omaha, this is Plymouth Congregational Church in 1939. It has been home to Second Baptist Church since 1981.

A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Located at 1802 Emmet Street in North Omaha, this is a history Second Baptist Church. Before 1981, it was home to Primm Chapel AME and Plymouth Congregational churches. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black ministers, Black organizations, Churches, COGIC, Kountze Place, Ownership, Segregation, United Methodist, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
This is the Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ located at 2123 Miami Street, this church was built in 1915 by the Church of the Brethren (Dunkard Society). After moving in 1927, Grove Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church in 1927 and was renamed Clair Memorial. Clair moved into the former Brethren moved out in 1956, and Greater St. Paul COGIC moved in in 1962. It continues today.

A History of the Greater St. Paul Church of God in Christ

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

Belt Line Railway, Focus Topic, Historic districts, Saratoga
Saratoga Belt Line Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 2021, the Omaha City Council named the area around North 24th and Ames Avenue as an Economic Vitality Preservation District, a local building owner stepped forward to call it the “Saratoga Belt Line Historic District.” This article is a compilation of articles I’ve written about the area and other locations I’ve identified. Continue reading Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Banks, Bar or Tavern, Buildings, Commercial vernacular, Florence, History museums, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Newspapers, North 30th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Pioneer eraLeave a comment
This is a history of the Bank of Florence by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bank of Florence

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Bank of Florence in North Omaha, including its usages as a bank, newspaper office, Old West Saloon and horse stable, and as a museum today. Continue reading A History of the Bank of Florence

#PreserveThisPlace, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Buildings, Catholics, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, COGIC, Demolished buildings, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Gothic, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Ownership, Presbyterian, Racism, Redlining, Segregation, United Methodist, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
These are some of the historic churches of the Kountze Place neighborhood in North Omaha.

The Historic Churches of Kountze Place in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Demolished buildings, Economics, Florence, Healthcare, Kellom Heights, Long School, Poverty, Religion, Segregation, Senior citizens, society, White people1 Comment
This was the House of Hope in Florence, demolished in 2013.

A History of the Florence Home Healthcare Center, aka the House of Hope

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Cuming Street, doctors, Forest Lawn burial, Historic houses, historic preservation, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 40th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Queen Anne, Railroads, real estate, Walnut Hill, Wealth6 Comments
The Mercer Mansion in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Historic districts, Historic houses, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Neighborhoods, Official Omaha Landmark, Pioneer eraLeave a comment
National Register of Historic Places NRHP plaque

National Register of Historic Places in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

These are official historic sites in North Omaha, extending from Dodge Street to the Washington County line, and from North 72nd Street to the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading National Register of Historic Places in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Children, Culture, Education, Florence, Government, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 30th Street, Organizations, Senior citizens, Social halls, Students, Youth5 Comments
This is a 1971 pic of the sign for the Florence Community Center located at N. 30th and Clay Streets. Pic courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of the Florence Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Florence Main Street is filled with several important buildings that tell the neighborhood’s history from 1856 until today. One of the most important has been a social hall, gymnasium, public library, and is now a college. This is a history of the original Florence Community Center, also called the Florence Building. Continue reading A History of the Florence Building

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