HistoricOmaha

Easter Tornado, March 23, 1913

webadmin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:20:03 +0000

Today is the 95th anniversary of the deadly tornado that hit Omaha on Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913. This family of storms makes up the top 3 killer tornados in Nebraska history according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

THE TOLL OF EASTER DAY IN OMAHA AND VICINITY,
The Terrible Tale of America’s Worst Tornado.

Omaha and Environs.
Dead. Injured. Property Loss.

Omaha 115 352 $5,000,000

Council Bluffs 11 15 300,000

Ralston 7 20 250,000

Totals 133 387 $5,550,000

Nebraska.
Dead. Injured. Property Loss.

Yutan 18 21 $300,000

Berlin 7 17 350,000

Mead 2 2 50,000

Rock Bluffs 1 1 10,000

Fremont 2 1,500

Bennington 7 5,000

De Soto 2 10 6,000

Valley 6 1,250

Plattsmouth 1 1,000

Nehawka 1 12 5,000

Waterloo 6 2,500

Greenwood 4 1,500

Tekamah 2 1,000

Craig 6 2 2,500

Total, Nebraska 37 93 $737,250

Iowa.
Dead. Injured. Property Loss.

Glenwood 5 12 $125,000

Woodbine 8 300,000

Beebertown 2 10 125,000

Gilliat 2 5 75,000

Weston 2 11 100,000

Neola 3 4 50,000

Total, Iowa 14 50 $775,000

Grand total 177 510 $7,062,250

Homes destroyed in Omaha 642

Homes wrecked in Omaha 1,669

Persons left homeless in Omaha 6,834

**Omaha and Environs.**
	Dead.	Injured.	Property Loss.
Omaha	115	352	$5,000,000
Council Bluffs	11	15	300,000
Ralston	7	20	250,000

Totals	133	387	$5,550,000

**Nebraska.**
	Dead.	Injured.	Property Loss.
Yutan	18	21	$300,000
Berlin	7	17	350,000
Mead	2	2	50,000
Rock Bluffs	1	1	10,000
Fremont		2	1,500
Bennington		7	5,000
De Soto	2	10	6,000
Valley		6	1,250
Plattsmouth		1	1,000
Nehawka	1	12	5,000
Waterloo		6	2,500
Greenwood		4	1,500
Tekamah		2	1,000
Craig	6	2	2,500

Total, Nebraska	37	93	$737,250

**Iowa.**
	Dead.	Injured.	Property Loss.
Glenwood	5	12	$125,000
Woodbine		8	300,000
Beebertown	2	10	125,000
Gilliat	2	5	75,000
Weston	2	11	100,000
Neola	3	4	50,000

Total, Iowa	14	50	$775,000

Grand total	177	510	$7,062,250

More photos and descriptions:

There are several sites with photos and stories from a 32 page supplement published by the Omaha Bee.

Easter Sunday 1913 Omaha Tornado
Track of the Tornado Housed by the MARDOS Memorial Library at USGenNet.org
1913 Omaha Nebraska Easter Tornado Photo Gallery housed by NOAA’s website

11913 OMAHA NEBRASKA TORNADO extensive descriptions, index of affected families, and a table listing the human and property destruction from a booklet published by the Omaha Daily News
Story of the Great Flood and Cyclone Disasters America’s Greatest Calamity edited by Thomas H. Russell, A.M., LL.D

Tragic Story of America’s Greatest Disaster by Marshall Everrett

Chapter XVIII — Omaha’s Terrible Night Description of a great city in the path of the awful forces of destruction—Humanity returned to life of destitution in a twinkling of an eye—Rich and poor on equality in bitter cold of wind-swept hills
Chapter XIX — Tragic Days After Tornado Relief and sight seeing amid ruins of great city—Soldiers on guard—Story of Pete, the canary
Chapter XX — Heroism of Telephone Girls Feminine nature responds to call of duty—Not even daunted by Omaha tornado—Exchange a hospital and military headquarters

TORNADO OF MARCH 23, 1913 in the Omaha Public Library’s Early Omaha: Gateway to the West collection
Omaha Easter Sunday Tornado (1913) at Wikipedia.org.
HOW OMAHA WAS STRICKEN.; Fully 1,500 Homeless; $5,000,000 Property Loss. New York Times, March 24, 1913.
OMAHA COUNTS 200 LIVES LOST; Surrounding Towns Add 50 More — Roll of Injured Numbers Nearly 500. New York Times, March 25, 1913.
OMAHA’S TERRIBLE NIGHT is a lengthy description of the tornado and its impact on the city.
Omaha’s Easter Tornado of 1913 (Paperback) by Travis Sing

Bob Vila

webadmin — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:08:37 +0000

Bob Vila, television’s original home improvement guru, will be at Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs (645 9th Ave.) on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 12 to 1 to discuss “green” building techniques in construction.

Bob is making this stop as part of his campaign for Hillary Clinton for President. Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs cannot and does not endorse any political candidates.

We encourage anyone who is a Bob Vila fan or interested in knowing more about green building practices to join us. Light refreshments will be served.

Endangered Buildings

webadmin — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 02:49:16 +0000

Landmarks Inc. is a private non-profit organization that serves as the advocate for the preservation of Omaha’s historic environment.

Landmarks needs your help. They are seeking nominations for Omaha’s most endangered buildings. Please fill out the nomination form if you know of a building in danger or in need of preservation action.

Current List of Endangered Buildings

St. Cecilia’s Convent

Current Address: 3843 Webster

Date of Construction: 1927

Original Architect: Leo A. Daly

Threat: The Archdioceses is planning to tear down the building because of high re-investment and maintenance costs needed to rehab the building.

Support: The current Owner is not interested in saving the building. A new building is planned for the site. A committee was formed to develop options for its reuse and was presented to the Church. An assisted living care center, affordable housing, or a variety of mixed uses are compatible to this building and its neighborhood. Due to water damage, another recommendation was made to invest in a new roof in lieu of demolition costs. That way the building could be stabilized until a new use was formed. Other options including tearing down the newer addition on the back, and preserving the original structure or Façade fronting along Webster Street. If you are interested in saving this property, please contact Landmarks.

4524 Farnam Street

Current Address: 4524 Farnam Street

Current Owner: St Ellen 15 LLC

Alternate Addresses: 4486 Farnam Street

Date of Construction: 1900 per assessor’s page

Statement of Significance: NRN Criteria C - Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
According to the Sanborn maps, in 1918 this property served as the construction yard for John Harte, a prominent local contractor. It is also a beautiful example of Sullivanesque commercial architecture.
Threat: As the plans for Saddle Creek Road’s relocation develop, this building waivers between demolition and salvation. Traffic studies are in process for the street’s relocation and how it may connect to Dodge Street.
Support: The current Owner is not objectionable to the relocation of Saddle Creek Road , provided the property is not negatively effect by it. There is a public meeting to be held on March 19th, 2006 facilitated by Destination Midtown. Go to www.destinationmidtown.org for details. If you are interested in saving this property, please contact Landmarks.

The Hupmobile Building

Current Address: 2523 Farnam Street

Current Owner: Frank Horedshi

Date of Construction: 1910 - 1917

Original Owner: Hupmobile

Statement of Significance: NRN Criteria A - Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
Hupmobile Car information: Visit the Hupmobile Club Site. This area of town contained many car dealerships, show rooms, and repair garages in the 1920s. This pattern of the rise and fall of a small auto manufacturer is not uncommon. During WWII artillery shells and plane parts (some for the Enola Gay bomber) were made there. A plane was placed on top of the building during that period. Much of the original equipment is still in place and operational. This is last preserved Hupmobile dealership that exists in the country.
Threat: The building is without a current use. Efforts to sell and reuse the building as a part of Metropolitan Community Colleges Culinary Arts program did not realize. A new tenant(s) or buyer is being sought after.

Support: The current Owner is supportive of the building’s rehabilitation. If you are interested in saving this historic property, please contact Landmarks.

HistoricOmaha bookmarks for November 7th through November 25th

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:36:11 +0000

These sites that caught our eye between November 7th and November 25th:

Nebraska Memories : Omaha Stock Yards - Photo gallery of historic photos of the Omaha Stock Yards in South Omaha
Omaha Archives - Significant events in Omaha weather: 1913 Omaha tornado, May 1975 tornado, Oct 1997 snow storm, March 2003 ice jam, June 2003 Coleridge tornado, May 2004 Walnut IA tornado, May 2004 Hallam NE tornado
Nebraska Memories : Historic Maps - Gallery of historic Nebraska maps
Omaha Nebraska 1913 Track of the Tornado Easter Sunday - Photo gallery from the Omaha Bee
Omaha 1913 Tornado Photo Gallery - Photos & captions of the destruction caused by the 1913 Easter Tornado
Planning - Historic District Design Guidelines - Introduction Glendale’s Residential Character Siding & Exterior Finishes Roofs Porches Windows & Doors Victorian Style Foursquare Style Craftsman Style Mission Revival Style Mediterranean Revival Style Spanish Colonial Revival Style Tudor & E
RHDC.org - Design Guidelines for Raleigh Historic Districts - The Design Guidelines for Raleigh Historic Districts booklet (referred to throughout the document as the design guidelines) is intended to meet several essential needs. It serves different roles for different stakeholders in the historic districts. For
Home Improvement | Home Repair | Home Remodeling - Get Matched to Prescreened Home Improvement Contractors

Holiday Churches Tour and Luminaria Lighting

webadmin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:22:28 +0000

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007
5-7 p.m.
Free admission

Eleven of Destination Midtown’s most beautiful churches will be aglow for a holiday churches tour on Dec. 2. Luminarias will be lit at 5 p.m., setting the tone for a warm and joyful evening. Begin your tour at any of the churches. You will enjoy a wide variety of special activities during this magical event, including music performances, live nativity scenes, guided tours and refreshments.

First Baptist Church 421 Park Ave.

First Central Congregational Church 421 S. 36th St.

First Lutheran Church 542 S. 31st St.

First Presbyterian Church 216 S. 34th St.

First Unitarian Church 3114 Harney St.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 1326 S. 26th St.

Harvest Community Church 3903 Cuming St.

Holy Cross Catholic Church 4837 Woolworth Ave.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 2117 S. 33rd St.

St. Barnabas Church 129 N. 40th St.

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 602 Park Ave.

HistoricOmaha bookmarks for September 23rd through October 29th

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:30:43 +0000

These sites that caught our eye between September 23rd and October 29th:

NYPL Digital Gallery | Turn of the Century Posters - Turn of the Century Posters Edward Penfield (1866-1925). Harper’s February. Digital ID: 1131252 Hundreds of American posters printed from 1893 through the first years of the 20th-century. The collection represents the inception and heyday of magazine, boo
NYPL Digital Gallery | Results - Searched for: omaha in Source: “Detroit Publishing Company postcards”
Samples of Harrison Bros. & Co ready mixed paints. - Town and country house painting : thirty-five colored illustrations showing the effect of various combinations of colors on houses, cottages and villas of different designs of architecture together with hints on painting and other useful information. (cre
The Barefoot Home - Forget using the front door or eating dinner in the dining room. Today, we live in a casual, no-tie-required fashion, where we wear our jeans to work, put our feet up on the coffee table, and entertain in our kitchens. Our lives have become increasingly i
Lavello Sinks - Home - The selection of your kitchen sink should not be an afterthought, it should be one of the main design elements in your kitchen. Our handcrafted stainless steel sinks will complement nearly any design, from classic to modern. Our Apron Front Sinks make a s
Design*Sponge - design*sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney.
Subdivided - Isolation, Community, Urban Sprawl, and The McMansion, a Documentary Film by Dean Terry - Subdivided is a documentary film about life in contemporary suburbia: a personal study of isolation and the struggle to find and maintain community in an era of careless development, the uninspired design of the modern subdivision, urban sprawl, and the i

O! Art Galleries

webadmin — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:54:06 +0000

Omaha by Design has a gallery of all the locations in the O! Public Art project. Also, take a look at the Inventory of Public Art while you are there.

The Omaha Chamber of Commerce has a gallery of images and a downloadable map (PDF) of the O! sites.

Finally, local flickr in the Omaha, NE: You are here group users have contributed their own photos .

Rejuvenating Historic Florence

webadmin — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:54:04 +0000

[via Omaha by Design]

A bold master plan aimed at rejuvenating Omaha’s historic Florence area was unveiled Sept. 19 by Florence Futures at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the evolution of a vision born at a town hall meeting almost two years ago.

“This plan celebrates our rich heritage while renewing us for a brilliant future,” said Linda Meigs, chairperson of Florence Futures. “With this plan, Florence is poised to become a historic entrance to the city of Omaha and a link to regional tourism.”

The $25 million plan outlines several downtown redevelopment and streetscape recommendations and lays out a blueprint for a new gateway park, an attraction that would feature a celebration fountain, historic village and winter quarters garden. It also calls for the establishment of a neighborhood revitalization area from State Street to Craig Avenue.

“We’ve done a lot of urban planning like this, and every time this happens, people are renewed. There is a sense of pride, a sense of worth,” said Dave Ciaccio of BCDM, a full-service architectural firm based in Omaha.

BCDM crafted the plan along with urban planners from Olsson Associates. The master plan incorporates input from more than a dozen organizations and entities, including Florence Futures, Omaha by Design, the City of Omaha Planning Department and the chamber.

“When a plan is in place, it sends a signal to the broader community and to the region that new things are beginning to happen, and, as a result, private investors begin to seek new opportunities,” Ciaccio said. “This whole process is about building new community spirit, new energy in the community and attracting private investment.”

Omaha City Councilman Jim Suttle represents the Florence area and believes the vision can be made real. “If you can dream it, you can do it. That’s what we’re doing to this city. We can dream a convention center, and we did it. We can dream landing the Olympic swimming trials, and we did it. It’s a matter of capturing the dream and then settling down on how you implement it.”

Suttle, who Ciaccio described as a “great spirit behind the project,” said he is already working on that next step.

“We are started. I’ve already engaged the Mormon church in discussions. We have two hotel groups that are now stepping forward with interest. There are some other commercial interests that are actively looking at locations in downtown Florence,” Suttle said.

While revitalizing the downtown commercial district is a key part of the master plan, it also focuses on capitalizing on the 60-80,000 tourists who visit the Mormon Trail Center and the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery each year. Paul Bogard, president of the Florence Historical Foundation, said right now, those tourists are bypassing Florence because it doesn’t have the facilities to feed, entertain or accommodate them.

“We have the potential of taking care of these many thousands of people who come to us without any push, but we’re not captivating them,” Bogard said. “We want to beautify our area and make it stellar and desirable for that tourist dollar.”

The master plan explains how Florence can position itself as a hub for regional tourism and details how the Florence Mill can be adapted into a virtual visitor center.

The Florence community raised the $180,000 to pay for the master plan, making it Omaha’s only master plan paid for without city funds.

“I just think that says a lot about this area,” said Mele Mason, a member of the Florence Futures board. “We have a lot of pride in Florence, and we want to show it.”

Councilman Suttle said he has spoken with Omaha’s mayor and planning director about adopting the Florence master plan into the city’s comprehensive master plan. Suttle hopes to have public hearings before the planning board and the city council before the end of the year.

Read the complete masterplan: Historic Florence Downtown Redevelopment and Historic Park (PDF)

HistoricOmaha bookmarks for September 6th through September 21st

mjoyce — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:41:38 +0000

These sites that caught our eye between September 6th and September 21st:

Johnson Sash & Door - Since 1932, Johnson Sash & Door, a 3rd generation family owned business has been providing extreme excellence in the field of Window and Door services. At Johnson Sash & Door, we take pride in our quality materials and workmanship.
Home Improvement - Seeing the light - When it comes to windows, Janice Calpo praises restoration over replacement
SAVE ROSENBLATT to SAVE CWS - We are the grassroots organization that intends to save Rosenblatt Stadium for CWS. We support a proposal to redevelop Rosenblatt and the surrounding area to create an enhanced atmosphere for this great NCAA event.
THE ARTS & CRAFTS HOME - THE ARTS & CRAFTS HOME provide ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT furnishings, from the full range of currently available WILLIAM MORRIS WALLPAPER to a MACKINTOSH CHAIR.
Historic Districts are Good for Your Pocketbook - The impact of local historic districts on house prices in South Carolina

AIA Architect’s Home Tour

webadmin — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:47:12 +0000

Homes destroyed in Omaha		642
Homes wrecked in Omaha		1,669
Persons left homeless in Omaha		6,834