Category: 20th century

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Florence, Missouri River, Mormons, Pioneer era, Ponca Hills, Water, weather1 Comment
This is "A History of the US Army Corps of Engineers Facility in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the US Army Corps of Engineers Facility in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The US Army Corps of Engineers facility in North Omaha has more than 200 years of American history! Continue reading A History of the US Army Corps of Engineers Facility in North Omaha

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, 4CL, Activism, Americans, Black culture, Black History, Black leader, Black ministers, Black people, Civil Rights Movement, events, Racism, SegregationLeave a comment
This is "A History of Malcolm X's June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Malcolm X’s June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 1964, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz returned to his Omaha birthplace to deliver a potent “Warning to White America.” While the Omaha Star highlighted his substance and self-defense advocacy, the World-Herald used sensationalism and bias to fuel decades of local resistance. This is an account of the occasion. Continue reading A History of Malcolm X’s June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Black businesses, Black churches, Black communities, Black culture, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Culture, Enslaved Person, events, Geography, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Military, Ownership, Racism, Segregation, Settlements, society, weatherLeave a comment
This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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, 20th century, 21st century, Black businesses, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Culture, Economics, Environment, Government, Lost history, lynching, Omaha Police Department, Ownership, Politics, Racism, Redlining, Rioting, Segregation, society, WealthLeave a comment
This is "A History of White Supremacy in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, Activism, Black activists, Black History, Black organizations, Civil Rights Movement, Organizations, Politics, Racism, Segregation, Social clubs, Students, YouthLeave a comment
This is a history of the Tomorrow's World Today Club in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1940 to 1945 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Tomorrow’s World Club in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Tomorrow World’s Club, founded in 1940 by young activists in North Omaha, challenged systemic racism through surveys and campaigns for Black teacher representation. Continue reading A History of Tomorrow’s World Club in Omaha

20th century, Activism, Black activists, Black History, Black leader, Civic Infrastructure, events, Integration, Scandinavians, Segregation, Students, YouthLeave a comment
The Omaha Bus Boycott was led by the DePorres Club from 1953 to 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Omaha Bus Boycott from 1952 to 1954 was a crucial yet overlooked Civil Rights movement. It successfully challenged employment discrimination in public transit, inspiring a collective economic action that transformed labor dynamics in Nebraska and shaped future activism. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

20th century, 21st century, Activism, Biographies, Black activists, Black attorneys, Black politicians, Integration, Law, North Omaha, PoliticsLeave a comment

A Biography of Omaha’s Fred Conley

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a political history about Fred Conley, Omaha’s first African American city council member, who has bridged civil rights activism and political leadership in Omaha for more than 50 years. Continue reading A Biography of Omaha’s Fred Conley

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Civic Infrastructure, Environment, Geography, Government, Industry, Missouri River, Ownership, Parks, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Redlining, Segregation, Water, weather, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
This is "A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black communities, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black athletes, Black people, Sports2 Comments
This is a 1964 parade celebrating North Omaha legend Bob Gibson after the start of his professional career.

A History of Black Athletes, Black Teams, and Segregated Sports in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s sports history is significantly shaped by African American athletes who broke barriers across various disciplines. From early baseball pioneers to basketball legends and much more, these athletes carved paths of excellence, inspiring future generations and establishing a rich legacy in sports. Continue reading A History of Black Athletes, Black Teams, and Segregated Sports in Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Government, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Parks5 Comments
This is a pic of the Miller Park in North Omaha from the 1960s.

A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Miller Park in North Omaha has a long history. There is no single right way to write about it, and if, after you’re done reading this entire article, you disagree with the way I’ve written this history, I invite you to write your own version. This is a history of North Omaha’s Miller Park. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, American Legion, American Legion Post #30, Americans, Biographies, Black doctors, Culture, doctors, Forest Lawn burial, SegregationLeave a comment
Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959) was a medical doctor in North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city's African American community.

A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959), a medical doctor practiciin North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city’s African American community. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

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

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

20th century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Culture, Cuming Street, Intersections, North 16th Street, North 30th Street, Restaurants, Wrecked buildings, Youth15 Comments

A History of Drive-Ins in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the 1950s, a culture of cruising muscle cars, jeans and white t-shirts, pony tails and carhops on roller skates took over America. As the home to a lot of Omaha’s suburban dreamscape, North Omaha had several drive-in restaurants starting in that decade and spreading into the 1960s. This is a history of drive-ins in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Drive-Ins in North Omaha

#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, 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, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Economics, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Streets, Transportation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Omaha Street Railway Company streetcar barn, N. 20th and Nicholas Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Nicholas Streetcar Barn in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, General history, historic preservation, North Omaha, presentation, press release, Transportation5 Comments
This is a July 16, 2023 presentation called "North O's Planes, Trains & Automobiles - AND MORE!" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam Fletcher Sasse

On June 16, 2023, Adam Fletcher Sasse made a presentation to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church called “North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE!” In this slideshow, I showed how the railroads, interstates, boulevards and more influenced, drove and transformed the history of the community for the last 170+ years. Continue reading North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse