Category: 21st century

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Commercial vernacular, Cuming Street, Demolished buildings, Industry, North 24th Street1 Comment
This is a history of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building that stood at 926 N. 24th St. in North Omaha from 1909 to 2016 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building that stood at 926 N. 24th St. in North Omaha from 1909 to 2016, and was later used by the Steril Manufacturing Company and State Farm Insurance. It was written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building

20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Barbershop, Biographies, Black barber, Black businesses, Black culture, COGIC, Culture, North 40th Street8 Comments
This was Youngblood's Barbershop at 40th and Ames in 2024. Pic courtesy of Marsullous Jones.

A Biography of Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer (1944-2026) was an iconic barber in North Omaha whose barbershop left a lasting impact through mentorship and camaraderie, bridging familial and cultural ties in the community. Continue reading A Biography of Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer

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, 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, 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, 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

#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

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Civic Infrastructure, General history, Military Avenue, nightlife, North Omaha, society, Theatres5 Comments
This is a circa 1946 pic for "A History of North 45th and Military Avenue" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Here’s the history of the convergence of a passenger railroad, several neighborhoods and streetcars that made N. 45th and Military a vibrant intersection in North Omaha for decades! Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

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

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, General history, historic preservation, North Omaha, Pioneer era, presentation, press release
An April 16, 2023 presentation to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in North Omaha called "Losing North Omaha's History" by Adam Fletcher Sasse of NorthOmahaHistory.com.

Losing North Omaha’s History Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Losing North Omaha’s History—Little towns, forgotten schools, lost cemeteries and other missing elements have left big holes in the history of North Omaha. Drawing on his original research, Adam will highlight the bizarre, boggling, and benign past of big dreams, good intentions, and abandoned possibilities of the community with pictures and more, much of which nobody remembers or shares anymore. Continue reading Losing North Omaha’s History Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Government, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Parks, Poverty, society, White people2 Comments
This is part of the Jefferson Square looking towards North 16th and Cass Streets in Omaha, Nebrsaka, in 1950. Courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of Jefferson Square Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Crime, Culture, Demolished buildings, Downtown, Government, Highways, Historic districts, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Omaha Police Department, Organizations, Pioneer era, Politics, Poverty, schools, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Forest Lawn burial, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Mansions and estates, Official Omaha Landmark, Queen Anne, Wealth, White people, Wirt Street2 Comments
This is a comparison of the George F. Shepard House at 1802 Wirt Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska, in 1907 and in 2015. 1907 image courtesy of Sam Swanson.

A History of the George F. Shepard House

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Black leader, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, events, History of Nebraska, music, nightlife, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Organizations, Parades, Social clubs1 Comment
This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, formerly called Native Omaha Days, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Native Omahans Festival

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, which has happened biennially in North Omaha, Nebraska since 1976. Continue reading A History of the Native Omahans Festival

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black spaces and places, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Demolished buildings, Economics, General history, Intersections, Lost history, Streets, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings24 Comments
This is a history of North 42nd and Redman Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Economics, North 24th Street, Saratoga, Theaters, TheatresLeave a comment
The Suburban Theater at North 24th and Ames Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, was opened around 1900 and closed in 1927.

A History of the Suburban Theater

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Civic Infrastructure, Intersections, Streets, Transportation11 Comments
This is a graphic for the "History of North 40th and Ames Avenue" by Adam Fletcher Sasse ©2023 NorthOmahaHistory.com All rights reserved.

A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Some intersections have always been busy. For more than 130 years, the intersection bordering Fontenelle View, Central Park, and Benson has been one of those busy places. This is a history of the intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 40th and Ames Avenue

20th century, 21st century, Belt Line, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Geography, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Houses, Military Avenue, Neighborhoods, real estate, White flight, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
Explore North Omaha's Clifton Hill Historic Neighborhood established in 1887 as researched and written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Bemis Park, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Benson, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Government, Highways, Historic districts, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kellom Heights, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Lost history, Military, Military Avenue, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North 40th Street, North Downtown, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Parks, Pioneer era, Politics, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Saddle Creek, Water, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings14 Comments

A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

21st century, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Carter Lake, Culture, events, historic preservation, Organizations, society2 Comments
c1979 pic of the Stone Soul Picnic by Rudy Smith

A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black people in Omaha have celebrated, uplifted and empowered Black culture in the city for more than 150 years. Sometimes there are events and places that become synonymous with these celebrations. One of these happened for more than 25 years. … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

20th century, 21st century, Black churches, Churches, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Presbyterian, Wealth, White flight, White people3 Comments
Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 2108 Emmet Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of First United Presbyterian Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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