I just received the best email from Kristine Gerber of Restoration Exchange Omaha (REO). If you are not familiar, check out: http://www.restorationexchange.org In this email, she cleared up some questions that arose in the writing of the George Parks house story. If you are not up to speed on this incredible South Omaha home, please take some time to read Mysteries of Omaha: 3825 South 25th Street before you continue with this edition. Believe me, it will make a lot more sense if you take the time now.
Kristine clarified a number of questions regarding the roles and history of multiple Omaha preservation groups. In her words, “REO was formed through the merger of Landmarks Inc., Omaha Urban Neighborhoods and Restore Omaha.You will want to note that Landmarks Inc. was Omaha’s historic preservation group from 1965 until it merged to form REO in 2013. It is different than the city-run Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission that reviews local and national register nominations and oversees reconnaissance surveys for the city.” I know this was a discussion point within the comments. This certainly opened my eyes.
Kristine also send along these documents from the REO files. Just illuminating. The letter made my eyes well up, especially when the grandson thought someone might want this information for a later article. Breathtaking. Almost all of my questions answered. Like a gentle nod from the past with a little wink. I will not say any more. I believe this stands up on its own. Enjoy!
**UPDATE** My Omaha Obsession reader, Colleen, was so generous to write me and include a photo she snapped with her cell while touring 3825 So. 25th years ago when it was up for sale. She wrote, “I told you that I had once consider purchasing the house and when I was in it, I took a picture of the wall in closet of the master bedroom. There was a first name you can’t see, but I loved the address because it wasn’t in Omaha or the current address. Just a cool bit of history.”
From what I can make out, it appears to say “Parks 140 (?) N 28 Str, So. Omaha Neb July 9th 1902” I absolutely love this bit of shrouded message.
Thanks to Kristine Gerber and to all my Omaha friends. I really appreciate your interest and support. If you would like to comment, please click on the header title. If you would like to email me, please do so at myomahaobsession@yahoo.com. Take care and keep looking out for the real Omaha.
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Most of all, I love the family portrait. People really dressed up, especially the women and young girls. It reminds me of a Sunday afternoon photo of my father’s family, those lovely white dresses and men in suits and ties.
Thank you and to those who provided the additional information. The legacy continues.
Absolutely. To think there was only ever one family photo taken. We are all lucky to see this one.
I have another family photo but don’t know how to send it. I have it in an email.
Vicki Archer
Great granddaughter of George Parks
Hello! I would love to see it.
myomahaobsession@yahoo.com
Thanks for writing in.
I believe the “shrouded message” found written in the closet, is the “South Omaha” address of the property. To me, it looks like “1405 N. 25 St” The “5” in “25” looks smeared, perhaps that is why it looks like an “8”. South Omaha addresses were different than the addresses given them once South O was incorporated into Omaha. I have yet to find out how to translate a South Omaha address to it’s current Omaha address – and vice versa. This would also explain the crossed out “N” for North and side note of “S” for South in Rev. Mugan’s memories of the Missouri Ave. residence. The old barn is at what was then “N. 17th Street” in South Omaha. Now it’s “South 17th Street” in Omaha.
The glare in the photo of the message makes it hard to read, but I wonder if it is George Parks (it is in the master bedroom closet), signing his name, the house’s South Omaha address, and the date of his signature, or date of full completion of the home,
I lived in South Omaha and have always admired this building. Thank you for its story.
Hi! I reached out to you previously to thank you for all of your research on the George Parks house (I think via email). I’m a great-great granddaughter of George Parks. My great uncle was Father Bill Mugan – the grandson of George Parks – who created the documents posted here. He was an amazing historian who did so much work on our family’s history. He would be so happy to see his work published here.
PS – My aunt informed me about your My Omaha Obsession book – I just ordered it! I’m coming back to Omaha in August and plan to visit the Parks house again and visit Parks/Mugan grave sites.
If any distant relatives see this – I would love to meet you!
Thank you again for keeping history alive!
When this giant was last for sale, I went for a serious look. That may have been as long ago as 2012 but seems more recent.
I’m very tall and this house overwhelmed me. I couldn’t recall being in a home so grand and spatial. Not fancy, but handsome and solid. Beautiful proportions. It was calling out for love and preservation.
The kitchen had been updated, probably in the 90’s, in the design trends of the time. Lots of white and navy, Corian and florals.
It was easy to see the remnants of being a mortuary. Once in the basement, a strong feeling of the macabre tapped on your shoulder. But as you traveled up a truly grand central staircase past the magnificent stained glass triptych windows , you could sense that this home had once been loved, filled with joy, and crafted with pride.
With such a rich documented history, I truly hope it is never abandoned but fully restored someday.
I have not seen it’s condition recently. It would have been too much for me to undertake, beyond my humble resources, but not in, and of itself an impossible task.