Category: 20th century

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 13 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In Michael Richardson’s book FRAMED, Chapter 13 exposes detail galore. This chapter shows how! Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 13 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 12 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is Chapter 12 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson. In it, the author explores the role of Duane Peak and the FBI in the resulting coverup. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 12 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytelling4 Comments
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 10 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

“Angry Policemen Seek Deadly House Bomber,” screamed the Omaha World-Herald. 25 people in North Omaha were arrested. Here’s the actual list of suspects compiled by the Omaha Police Department. Discover what happened on the day patrolman Larry Minard, Sr. was killed. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 10 by Michael Richardson

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Government, Kountze Place, Lost history, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Parks, real estate5 Comments

A History of the Demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Expo

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898 and the Greater America Exposition of 1899. Continue reading A History of the Demolition of the Trans-Mississippi Expo

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Black Panthers, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 9 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Note: This is Chapter 9 in the series on NorthOmahaHistory.com called Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story. It was written by Michael Richardson. Learn more here.   “I will never ever forgive the Black Panther Party for … Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 9 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is FRAMED Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson, exposing the history of the FBI framing of the Omaha Two. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 8 by Michael Richardson

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED”: Chapter 7 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is Chapter 7 of FRAMED by Michael Richardson, detailing the blatant framing of Mondo we Langa and Ed Pointdexter in the years before 1971. Continue reading “FRAMED”: Chapter 7 by Michael Richardson

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Cuming Street, Economics, Historic houses, historic preservation, Neighborhoods, White flight14 Comments
This is "A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District is a jewel in the crown of North Omaha history. This is a summary of its history. Continue reading A History of the Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Culture, Economics, Government, Lost history, Michael Richardson, North Omaha, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Race riot, Racism, self-published, storytellingLeave a comment
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 4 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The fourth chapter of FRAMED by Michael Richardson continues detailing the FBI cover-up of Black Panthers in Omaha. Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 4 by Michael Richardson

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, General history, Intersections, Lost history, North 40th Street, North Omaha, Theatres, White flight14 Comments
North 40th and Hamilton, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Hamilton Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The intersection of 40th and Hamilton has a rich legacy affecting several neighborhoods. This is a history of this historic district. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Hamilton Streets

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

A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black History, Book review, historic preservation, music, society, storytellingLeave a comment
Cover of A Thousand Honey Creeks Later by Preston Love, Sr.

NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a book review of the autobiography of North Omaha’s Preston Love. Continue reading NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Black History, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Racism, Religion, society6 Comments
St. Benedict's parish church and school at 24th and Grant in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s Saint Benedict Catholic Church has been a bastion of hope for the Near North Side for almost a century. Here’s their story. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, Economics, Food, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Poverty, society, Water15 Comments
Truck farm, East Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One part of Omaha has stayed in touch with its agricultural roots for more than a century. This is a history of small family farms and the changing landscape in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, society, Transportation67 Comments
Nicholas Street Viaduct, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Railroads in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Its an understatement to say that railroads helped build North Omaha; they were absolutely vital. Here’s a summary of their history. Continue reading A History of Railroads in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Churches, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, Grocery store, historic preservation, Intersections, Lost history, Miller Park, nightlife, North 24th Street, Racism, society, Theatres, White flight9 Comments
Northeast corner of 24th and Fort Streets, Miller Park neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Fort Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the buildings at North 24th and Fort Streets in the Miller Park neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Fort Streets

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

A History of the North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys Club

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of Black Churches in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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

History of Zion Baptist Church in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Expo Grounds, General history, North 16th Street, North Omaha, societyLeave a comment
Robert C. Strehlow (1862 to 1952), North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Robert Strehlow helped build the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo and several others, then the Strehlow Terrace apartments. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Fort Omaha, Government, historic preservation, Lost history, Miller Park, North 30th Street5 Comments
Fort Omaha Balloon School, Nebraska

A History of the Fort Omaha Balloon School

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Drifting high above North Omaha for 12 years, dirigibles and balloons that were lighter than air showed how Fort Omaha was central to US Army experimentation. This article shares the short history of the balloon school that showed so much promise early on. Continue reading A History of the Fort Omaha Balloon School

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

A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, Black History, Crime, Culture, Government, Lost history, North 24th Street, Racism, Saratoga4 Comments
Mrs. Beverly Wead Blackburn Jones (1937 - 1973) was a youth worker, educator and champion for North Omaha.

A Biography of Beverly Blackburn and a History of the JFK Rec Center

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of an individual and the short-lived organization she created. It’s a story about the power, purpose and potential of young people in North Omaha, and the constant struggle between the City of Omaha and the Black community. This is a history of Beverly Blackburn (1937-1973) and the JFK Rec Center. Continue reading A Biography of Beverly Blackburn and a History of the JFK Rec Center

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

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

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

A History of the Gold Coast Historic District in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Houses, Kountze Place, Omaha Claim Club4 Comments
Anna Wilson's home at 2018 Wirt Street in North Omaha's Kountze Place neighborhood.

A History of Anna Wilson’s Mansion in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A. D. Jones, Dr. Elizabeth Reeves, Robert Beech Howell, Anna Wilson, the Omaha Old Peoples Home Association, Crosby Funeral Home, and several others were attached to the mansion at 2018 Wirt Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. What happened to it? Continue reading A History of Anna Wilson’s Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, historic preservation, Lost history8 Comments
A History of the Streets of North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse

A History of Streets in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Asphalt, bricks, gravel and dirt lines the streets of one part of Omaha. For more than 160 years, the community has grown despite. Today, roads and avenues, highways, parkways, boulevards and more pave the way. This is a history of streets in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Streets in North Omaha

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

A History of KOWH, North Omaha’s Radio Station

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, historic preservation, Near North Side, North 24th Street, society, Transportation3 Comments
The 26th and Lake Streetcar Maintenance Shop was built in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Imagine a time when riding a streetcar was interesting, respected and almost a little glamorous. On the dusty, granite-covered streets of Omaha, that time was during the 1870s and 1880s. That new technology needed fanciful buildings to go along with the times, and the streetcar barn at 2606 North 26th Street in North Omaha was one of those buildings. Continue reading A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

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

People from North Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Economics, Industry, Lost history, SaratogaLeave a comment
Stroud Company's Red Wagon, 4308 Commercial Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 1916

A History of North Omaha’s Stroud Company

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Thomas Frank Stroud’s North Omaha business was successful. After starting it in Omaha in 1894, he formally organized the firm in 1895 to build dirt moving machines that he designed. In 1905, he built a $20,000 factory at the intersection of Florence Boulevard and the Belt Line tracks. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Stroud Company

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, business, Houses, Industry, North Omaha, Saratoga, White flight2 Comments
The Stroud Mansion at 5100 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Stroud Mansion in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Built: 1909 Address: 5100 Florence Boulevard Architecture: Neo-Classical Demolished: 1969 In 1895, Thomas F. Stroud started his wagon making business in North Omaha. He was going to make his fortune selling wagons to western farmers in the city considered to be the Gateway to the … Continue reading A History of the Stroud Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, historic preservation, Industry, Monmouth Park, society, White flight30 Comments
This is a colorized image from the Ames Bar and Grill at North 30th and Ames, looking north towards Fowler Avenue in 1971. Some of the businesses here include Pat's Beer, the Koffee House and Gatchell's Hardware. Original pic courtesy of Durham Museum.

A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The intersection of North 30th and Ames Avenue was an important suburban crossroads in North Omaha as early as the 1890s and going all the way into the 1960s. Then, with white flight in full force and North Omaha divestment underway, the intersection started to struggle. Today, it continues to flounder, but many businesses stay open, overcoming the negative, challenging and demeaning perceptions many Omaha’s have about the community. Continue reading A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Cemeteries, Cuming Street, Historic districts, historic preservation2 Comments
J. F. Bloom and Company, Florence Blvd and Ames Ave, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s J. F. Bloom and Company

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Omaha has always been a good place to die. Starting in the 1840s when the first trails were cut through the area, people were laid to rest all across the city. With cemeteries scattered across North Omaha, it made sense for a stonecutter to make his work in the community. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s J. F. Bloom and Company

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Cemeteries, Central Park, Civic Infrastructure, History of Nebraska11 Comments
North Omaha's historic Central Park Neighborhood extends from N. 33rd to N. 48th St, from Ames Ave to Sorensen Pkwy.

A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Tucked away in North Omaha is a historic neighborhood that gets little attention. However, the people who’ve lived there have vibrant memories and meaningful stories that lasted a lifetime. The Central Park neighborhood extends from North 33rd to North 48th Streets, from Ames Avenue to Sorenson Parkway. Located west of the town of Saratoga, it was never an incorporated town like its neighbors in Irvington or Benson. A lot of the oral histories of the area talked about it being a rural community, surrounded by farms and fields, orchards and more. Rising from cornfields and hills, the Central Park neighborhood has a long history starting in the 1880s. Here are details I could find about the neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black people, business, Crime, Culture, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, Politics2 Comments
Billy Crutchfield and Harry Buford North Omaha Nebraska

A History of Early 20th Century Crime Bosses in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In a time of mobland gangsters, illegal booze, dirty gambling halls and open prostitution, several African Americans rose high enough in Omaha’s criminal underworld to become the crime lords of North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early 20th Century Crime Bosses in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, society1 Comment
Elks Club Iroquois Lodge 92 2420 Lake Street Omaha, Nebraska

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

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Starting in 1905, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, also called the black Elks, met in North Omaha. They were determined to help foster positive social connections, build community and foster growth within Omaha’s African American community. Almost 100 years later, it keeps going. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92

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 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. The picture shows the intersection of N. 24th and Lake Streets in North Omaha, Nebraska, circa 1940.

A History of the 24th and Lake Historic District in North Omaha

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
African American owned newspapers in Omaha, Nebraska

A History of African American Newspapers in Omaha

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, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Gifford Park, Near North Side, weather5 Comments
Before the 1913 Easter Sunday tornado, these locomotives were parked IN the Missouri Pacific Railroad roundhouse near North 16th and Locust Streets.

A History of the 1913 Easter Sunday Tornado in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

On Easter Day 1913, an F4 tornado that was a quarter mile wide hit North Omaha, killing at least 94 people. As of May 2016, is the deadliest Nebraska tornado of all time, and the 13th deadliest-ever tornado in the United States. It is one of Omaha’s most popular collective memories, and yet, few people seem to know about it. Here is a history of the 1913 Easter Sunday Tornado in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the 1913 Easter Sunday Tornado in North Omaha

20th century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, society21 Comments
This is a history of the Belt Line Railway in North Omaha from 1883 to 1987 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

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

20th century, 21st century, Florence, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Mormons, North 30th Street, society1 Comment
Mormon Tree, Florence, Nebraska 1920

A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Mormon Tree, also called the Brigham Young Tree, has loomed over my studies of Florence history for a decade now. I’ve seen mentions of it in old newspapers and heard stories about it from older people. However, I couldn’t find anything about it all this time. Until last month. Finally, after all these years, I wrote the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters to ask about the Mormon Tree. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty5 Comments
This is Long School at 2520 Franklin Street in North Omaha in the 1890s.

A History of North Omaha’s Long School Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Long School neighborhood is located in North Omaha from Hamilton Street on the south to Erskine on the North; North 24th on the east and the North Freeway on the west, and it has a total of 30 blocks. Houses started getting built in the neighborhood as early as the 1860s. However, it wasn’t until Long School was built that things really got underway. This is a history of the neighborhood. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Long School Neighborhood

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Houses, Miller Park, society5 Comments
Miller Park Duplex Historic District, N. 24th and Himbaugh Ave., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Immediately after World War II, there was a rush of soldiers flush with government money that allowed them to buy homes and build families right away. A lot of North Omaha finished in-filling during this period, with houses constructed in just a few months and selling a lot quicker than that. Spread across a few streets in the Miller Park neighborhood, one set of these homes created an architecturally distinct area that should be designated as a historic district and preserved quickly. Continue reading A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

20th century, Black History, Culture, Lost history, North 24th Street, society6 Comments
History of the Carnation Ballroom, Adam Fletcher Sasse, NorthOmahaHistory.com

History of the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha

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