Esteemed sleuthers, Snooping Sallys and Wandering Warrens, we convene today to once more explore the beautiful and peculiar North Ninety-Sixth Street. These properties and this part of town are a marvel. Nevertheless, rumors commenced circulating not long after my last deep dig investigation into 412 North Ninety Sixth Street, and they are hardly reassuring. It seemed there was something ‘amiss’ about the corner of North Ninety-sixth Street and West Dodge Road, something ‘fishy’…Substantial intel, eyewitness accounts—some verified but mostly unconfirmed information in the form of questions, fears and suspicion—have been relayed to me. I could not fully comprehend the nature of this ‘fishiness,’ yet it was evidently discernible to those attuned to such characteristics. One must possess a nose for fishiness, so to speak, or so I have been informed. In this part of town, being ‘fishy’ is considered a transgression—except, of course, for architectural detectives, for whom such behavior is expected.

 

Four adjacent properties in the area have recently been listed for sale. One of the four owners demolished a house and plans to construct a new one, which will then be sold. It is entirely peculiar and captivating.

 

We will be examining current happenings, the little intrigues and the tittle tattle regarding:

412 North 96^th Street

318 North 96^th Street

317 North 96^th Street

9530 Davenport Street

 

Part Two will provide a concise history of each property leading up to the current situation.

 

412 North Ninety-sixth Street.

 

318 North Ninety-sixth Street. Photograph borrowed from Berkshire Hathaway Realtors.

 

317 North Ninety-sixth Street. Photograph borrowed from Berkshire Hathaway Realtors.

 

9530 Davenport Street.  Hole in the ground and beautiful orange Day Lillies from a gardener of the long past.

 

Image borrowed from the DOGIS site. Aerial view of the North Ninety-sixth Street and West Dodge vicinity. Top of the photo is north. West Dodge runs east to west along the top of the photograph. North Ninety-sixth intersects southward. The eastern quadrant of the photograph features residences in the Westchester addition neighborhood. The residences on the western side of Ninety-sixth are designated in City Lands. Adjacent to the residences along Ninety-sixth Street lies a private, gated community called Regency Park Vistas, made up of fourteen homes bordering North Ninety-seventh Court, with the Regency neighborhood situated further to the west. I have highlighted in blue the four properties to be examined today.

 

 

My 412 North Ninety-sixth Street article thoroughly examined both the 412 building, the property, and the surrounding area. That story here: Mysteries of Omaha: 412 North 96^th For newcomers, it might be helpful to start with that article, as it presents a chronological history, perhaps in a more comprehensible manner. It also provides a foundation for today’s exploration. Today, we will minimize backtracking and proceed with the assumption that all Sallys and Warrens are adequately informed and have just the right beverage of their choice within reach.

 

 

Guidance

Because of my inability to refrain from backtracking, I feel compelled to provide this straightforward explanation for those who may find it perplexing (myself included). People continue to ask why is 412 North Ninety-sixth or any of these homes labeled north when they are actually south of West Dodge Road? The designation “North” for these addresses is due to the original Dodge Street.  West Dodge Road is labeled as 500 N, located five blocks north of Dodge Street.  This bit of confusion intermittently appears in different areas of the town as one travels westward.

Furthermore, as per my established protocol, I will refrain from revealing the identities of the present property owners to uphold their privacy and demonstrate respect.

 

 

 

 

Part One

For Sale

 

 

Let us begin with 412 North Ninety-sixth. While this was not the initial property of the four to enter the current real estate market, it is likely this property is instigating some transformation in the neighborhood. Potentially the concurrence of these real estate listings are all Just a Coincidence.

 

 

 

 

 

412 North Ninety-sixth Street

 

412 North Ninety-sixth has posed significant challenges to this neighborhood for some time. The former owners demolished a traditional residence located centrally on the property and constructed the current 5,000 square foot edifice before us as a private event venue for Christian assemblies, political functions; the bottom floor functioned as a banquet hall, hosting football players and celebrities as distinguished guests and to accommodate a full-sized coach bus along with many rotating luxury vehicles from the owners’ collection. It also operated as an art gallery and various other enterprises, all the while at different intervals, family members and visitors resided within this structure. Although constructed to meet the very specific requirements of the owners, the structure quickly became a source of concern for the neighbors. It is told that the neighbors organized and there were supposed arguments with the Omaha Planning Board against this design. Rumor was the placement on the extreme southern edge of the property was done in spite after the neighbor next door at 318 North Ninety-sixth Street objected to the proposed structure. The exceptionally tall and stark 412 North Ninety-sixth surpassed the height of all adjacent structures, and its constrained placement in the rear corner amidst the peculiar, manicured grass created an atypical, suspicious dynamic, both disproportionate and deliberately intrusive. The substantial airplane hangar-style garage addition was constructed thereafter, following the neighbors’ renewed objections to the persistent parking of the coach bus in front. It is said this addition could comfortably fit ten vehicles. The property zoning was altered, introducing enigmatic trade and association to a previously tranquil yet dignified area of the town. Now I have not confirmed this, but I suspect the issue arose because, as I indicated, the properties on the west side of Ninety-sixth Street are situated on City Lands and are not part of a developed residential district where regulations and restrictions regarding construction are often enforced through covenants. On the other hand, one scratches their head about City Planning site approvals in this ordeal. This is America, after all and the moneyed mavericks are historically drawn to West Omaha, distancing themselves from the traditional city grid. This 412 North Ninety-sixth Street debacle potentially meant there were no community reins when confronted with a determined, litigious owner possessing grand ambitions.

 

The original house at 412 North Ninety-sixth Street. Demolished. Photo courtesy of Effie Goodall.

 

The newer building at 412 North Ninety-sixth Street, constructed in 1994.

 

 

Aerial of the North Ninety-sixth area. Camera faces west. Blue arrow points at the positioning of 412 North Ninety-sixth. West Dodge Road runs along the righthand side of the photo. Photograph borrowed from DOGIS.

 

Introducing the new owner, an entrepreneur originating from the Council Bluffs area. Mr. Current Owner of 412 North Ninety-sixth bought this massive lot in September of 2016 for $750,000, surely with ideas and plans, as any businessman would have. The inferred investment assumption was a good one, as he dwells in a lovely home in Regency. Rumors suggested that Mr. Current Owner initially desired the 412 North Ninety-sixth building due to his owning and operation of a large, successful vehicle sales enterprise. Subsequently, there were whispered aspirations of constructing a park of office buildings, apartment complexes, multi-family townhomes or multiple single-family homes. Nonetheless, significant interests are at play in this surrounding community, and the residents possess extensive connections. Although they may have lawfully been unable to prevent the construction of the elephant on the block in the 1990s, now they are disinclined to accept more headaches and eyesores on this corner. A very well-connected individual resides nearby and closely monitors the real estate market. We were informed there was veracity to the apartments and multifamily structure plans. Attorneys were contacted to dissuade the notion by presenting arguments that render it unfeasible and unacceptable to the neighborhood.

 

 

As viewed from North Ninety-sixth Street. The small real estate sign is enveloped at the side of the lot.

 

 

 

Now that was the last scuttlebutt, and I am assuming that the influential individual was successful in their campaign, since the property at 412 North 96^th Street property has just been presented on the market. Again, it might all Be a Coincidence.

 

On the northern end of the property is a large sign. The suggestion of “commercial” listing on the site continues to agitate neighbors. The asking price is $2,500,000.

 

 

Miss Cassette is going to dream big. First scenario: I propose that someone hire a highly proficient and innovative architectural firm. Completely gut the interior and reconfigure the outside of 412 North Ninety-sixth, to establish a functional family residence. (The current 412 North Ninety-sixth Street building was not designed as a residence.) Professional landscape architects are required for an extensive garden design to balance and harmonize the immense scale of the house, along with a staff of lovely gardeners for maintenance. Trees. Many trees and shrubs. Envision Beauty. A large, weathered brick wall, serving as hedge, borders the perimeter, adorned with vines and lanterns are required. Second idea: The current owner demolishes the 412 North Ninety-sixth Street structure. Then an affluent family acquires the land and builds a grand luxury palace, contemporary or traditional, facing Ninety-sixth Street, as God intended, centrally located within the borders. Perhaps a pool is in order, because this land is so perfectly flat and then of course, a pool house and a guest house. A vast sum of money is invested in multiple gardens, a forest, and exquisite greenery surrounding the mansion. So obscured, that the home is not visible. Possibly a vine covered brick wall, similar to those constructed in wealthy neighborhoods of Denver, featuring an ornate gate. Third idea–demolish the structure at 412 North Ninety-sixth Street and legally subdivide the site into two separate pieces for individual sale. Two new, gorgeous residences are constructed.

 

All of my dreams aside, sometimes miracles happen, and an owner finds their perfect building. I hope a new owner and the surrounding neighborhood can find an agreeable arrangement for 412 North Ninety-sixth Street. Realtor website here: https://www.nebraskarealty.com/properties/412-n-96th-street-omaha-ne-68114-22513987

 

 

 

Now let us move to 318 North Ninety-sixth Street, the second property to be listed recently.

 

 

318 North Ninety-sixth Street

 

 

Constructed in 2016 following the demolition of a beloved historic residence, (more info to follow), 318 North Ninety-sixth Street is an impressive 12,120 sq. ft foot ranch on 2.2 acres of private land, just to the south of the 412 North Ninety-sixth Street property. I’ve kept my attentive eye on this one for a long while, as this residence also happens to be the eighteenth largest home in Douglas County, according to my research. I have intended for a complicated, deliciously gnarly forthcoming story on all of these considerable, far reachers.  It is difficult to comprehend why Mr. and Mrs. Home Owner of 318 North Ninety-sixth would list this property, tailored to their every distinct requirement, for sale. I was alerted to this real estate listing in March of 2025 by a Little Birdie. Some have speculated whether this couple was apprehensive about the events at 412 North Ninety-sixth, the neighbor’s demolition, the burden of living in a construction zone, strange building plans,  or if their decision to sell was entirely independent ie life events, the economy etc. 318 North Ninety-sixth Street remains for sale with an asking price of $5,250,000. Here is the listing: https://www.npdodge.com/p/318-N-96th-Street-Omaha-NE-68114/dmgid_176160697

 

 

Curbside is deceiving but that is how we like it in Omaha. Stay Away and Walk on By. Oh, but there’s no sidewalk, you say. Yes, that is by design. Good day.

 

Behind the gate is a much different story. Varying wings and lots of land to roam about. Note the 412 North Ninety-sixth structure beyond the row of blue spruce trees to the north. Westroads Mall is in the distance on the far right.

 

318 North Ninety-sixth Street exemplifies the notion that one’s residence should remain private and not be for public display. The assessor site reports the house was built in 2016, however the trail of building permits show that the construction began in January of 2013.

 

As quoted from the listing: “Discover unparalleled luxury in this stunning ranch estate, nestled on over 2.2 acres in the heart of Omaha. Built w/ no expense spared, this masterpiece blends timeless elegance w/ modern sophistication. Step inside to soaring ceilings, exquisite custom millwork, & floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the home in natural light. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring top-of-the-line appliances, walnut cabinetry, and an oversized island. The primary suite offers a spa-like retreat w/ lavish en-suite & expansive closet. A separate private residence provides the perfect space for family or guests, offering comfort & independence. Outside your own private oasis awaits, featuring a saltwater pool, covered patio, outdoor kitchen, & professionally designed landscaping. Every detail, from handcrafted stonework to state-of-the-art smart home technology, reflects meticulous craftsmanship. A rare opportunity to own a breathtaking estate in one of Omaha’s most sought-after locations.”

 

 

If you follow my investigations, I suppose you already know that this gracious home does not align with my specific taste. However I do enjoy observing how people spend their money and prevailing architectural trends. I am sharing three images from the Berkshire Hathaway photoshoot of 318 North Ninety-sixth Street that I believe convey the casual luxury inherent in this custom residence. Miss Cassette could very much find use for the following massage room and who doesn’t want to sleep in a large, cottony-quiet, beige bedroom now and again?

 

 

Stayed tuned and we will find out about the glorious 318 North Ninety-sixth Street in time.

 

 

 

We will now cross the street and review 9530 Davenport Street, located at the northeast corner of Davenport and Ninety-sixth Street. Of interest, this property was the inaugural listing among the four for sale.

 

Aerial of the area borrowed from the DOGIS site. Camera faces north. West Dodge Road seen running east and west at the top of the image. Blue arrow points at the site of the 9530 Davenport Street parcel, post demolition.

 

 

 

9530 Davenport Street

 

Constructed in 1961, the property at 9530 Davenport Street was once site of a Mid-century ranch that previously hosted foreign dignitaries.  A loving history will be provided shortly. The ranch and property were sold from the estate of the late Hugh P. Whitt by the First Nebraska Trust Company, which was managing the estate. The trust company representative sold the property to Mr. New Property Owner in September 2024 for $450,000. By the building demolition permit, Mr. New Property Owner had the house razed by mid-January of 2025.

 

9530 Davenport in better days. Camera faces north.

 

 

 

9530 Davenport as it appears today. Camera faces east.

 

 

 

The camera is oriented southward; Davenport Street intersects Ninety-sixth Street on the right. Very recently a peculiar sign emerged on the desolate lawn, promoting a new contemporary house, visually represented through computer aided design software by Taylor Harrison Homes.

 

 

 

Close-up image of the sign in the yard. I surveyed their website: https://www.taylorharrisonhomes.com/

 

 

Upon investigating this matter of the mystery sign, I discovered the 9530 Davenport Street address categorized under “new construction” with a listing price of $1,900,000 in April of 2025. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 4,200 square feet. That listing is here: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/9530-Davenport-St_Omaha_NE_68114_M85295-29531

 

I was baffled. Not to be a Negative Natasha, but I questioned how a 4,200 sq ft residence could be constructed on 0.47 acres, accommodating a detached pool house, assuming the presence of a pool; even in the absence of a pool, I questioned the feasibility of such a configuration on that corner lot with setbacks and easements. But apparently I was getting all nettled for no good reason; I mean, these are professionals. After I walked the lot, I could see it. I was also dubious of the 2025 build date as we are halfway through the year but magical things seem to happen all of the time in the Westchester Addition. Curiously the Taylor Harrison Homes site depicted the “Olive” design shown above, complete with guesthouse, but at 2,484 sq ft. Potayto, potahto, right?

 

The Olive as seen on the Taylor Harrison Homes website.

 

The entire idea evoked a flashback to a remarkable turn of plans right down the lane at 9521 Douglas Street also within the Westchester addition.

 

Remember when this 9521 Douglas Street…

…became this 9521 Douglas Street? Complete with a delicious pool house on the eastern edge. Have a drive-by looksie immediately.

 

 

 

The intentions of the new 9530 Davenport Property Owner, regarding the proposed contemporary residence, remain uncertain. Clearly, he possesses a home in another part of the city and he bought 9530 Davenport as a scraper, with the purpose of selling it. The Taylor Harrison Homes firm allows a new buyer to choose their specs and semi-customize from their pattern book. By the $1,900,000 listing, I would guess Mr. 9530 Davenport Property Owner is involved in the construction business or an investor. But it appears the marketing of this lot, does not leave a whole lot of wiggle room for the grand plans. The very recent introduction of 317 North Ninety-sixth Street to the real estate market added an intriguing element.

 

 

The beautiful shaved tree between the two lots.

 

 

 

 

 

317 North Ninety-Sixth Street

 

Constructed in 1956, 317 North 96th Street is a handsome, low profile ranch, referred to as a Dramatic Contemporary in its day. The prominent features are the buff brick, the wide, central, fireplace wall and its low, low, low and wide roof. I adore this residence, a quintessential Mid-Century modern abode. Brief historical account forthcoming. This beloved residence remained under the ownership of a single family until quite recently. The Barbara Hosford Trust, administered by Pinnacle Bank of Omaha, was sold to the Current 317 North Ninety-sixth Homeowner on April 29, 2022. That autumn, Mr. Current Homeowner renovated the property to the tune of $35,900. And now the residence is freshly on the market: 2,912 square feet, a 0.046-acre lot priced at $859,000.

 

 

My dream. That wide fireplace wall also doubles to create a lovely, shadowy entrance.

 

The Current Homeowner adeptly understood how to remodel and showcase what the public has been desiring in recent years. Open floor plan; immaculate; understated; subtle indications of premium materials. The photographs were excellent. (Borrowed from Berkshire Hathaway.) Examine this: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/317-N-96th-St_Omaha_NE_68114_M78892-46926

 

 

I favor interiors that evoke the aesthetics and ambiance of a bygone era– very nearly the exact time in which they were constructed. I do like walls and separate rooms. For myself I wish to neither reside in nor be reminded of the year 2025. I acknowledge that I aim for a distinct, dreamlike, perhaps dated tone in my domestic affairs, and that others differ from me. Regrettably, the delightful Mid-century signatures of 317 North Ninety-sixth Street are no longer present in this home—for all I know they had been torn out in 1978; yet the new interiors are tasteful, seamless and contemporary with slight nods here and there to the past. I know this home will sell Very Soon.

 

 

I acknowledge that individuals transition and do not reside in the same homes indefinitely. However inquisitive individuals question whether there exists a broader strategy, whether this listing pertains to the 9530 Davenport property acquisition plan, or whether it is impacted by forthcoming developments at 412 North Ninety-sixth, or if it is Merely a Coincidence that this is the fourth home in a small vicinity to go on the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part Two

Whispers of the Past

 

 

The year is 1938, the Gordon Company, renowned for Alfred Wallace Gordon, had previously acquired 516.12 acres of rural, undeveloped land in McArdle Township. Much later portions of this site were sold and transformed into the Regency neighborhood. Mr. F. C. Meyer, a local mortician, purchased parcels of land from Mr. Gordon that would later become 412 North Ninety-sixth and 318 North Ninety-sixth. It is my conjecture that Meyer acquired the land from the Gordon Company either as an investment or for the purpose of developing a substantial property for himself. The status of whether the Gordon Company had subdivided lots on the perimeter of Ninety-sixth at that time remains ambiguous.

Mr. Meyer would then sell the northern-most land to Walter and Esther Green in December of 1938. For the full, deep dig article on the Green’s property, please survey my previous investigation: Mysteries of Omaha: 412 North 96^th 

 

Approximately twenty years would pass before these 1930s residences skirting North Ninety-sixth Street would see neighbors to the east in the Westchester expansion.

 

 

But for our purposes here today, the Greens built a gorgeous Tudor, the original 412 North Ninety-sixth, which they named, Greencrest Acres. Photo courtesy of Effie Goodall.

 

 

 

 

 

318 North Ninety-sixth Street

 

Some time ago, a friend informed me that there was once a lovely, older residence located just south of the 412 North Ninety-sixth Street house, and that the original 318 North Ninety-sixth Street house may have dated back to the 1930s. A little summer house was situated in the rear of the family home. My friend’s friend had worked at a party event on the premises about 2001. The owner’s name at that time was Margo Parsow. Margo’s spouse, Dr. Jay Parsow, had passed away earlier that year. Margo ultimately sold the family residence. The Current Homeowners demolished the beautiful older residence and the charming dwelling out back as well.

 

2010 aerial of the northwestern elevation (rear view) of the 318 North Ninety-sixth house displays country elegance. I sure would like to get a gander at that summerhouse. Photo borrowed from DOGIS.

 

 

 

Photo and information from the Omaha Jewish Press. Dr. Jay Parsow died suddenly from a massive coronary attack in January 2001. Dr. Jay Parsow seen in this photograph with wife, Margo and sons Aaron and Charles.

 

It turns out that this cool, historic residence was formerly the F. C. Meyer home. F. C. Meyer selected the parcel located at 318 North Ninety-sixth Street for his personal home. Fernand Charles Meyer was born in 1896 in Randolph, Nebraska, to parents of German Dutch descent. He would eternally be recognized in Omaha as F. C. Meyer, the mortician, the undertaker. I have documented F. C. Meyer in our other inquiries. Fernand C. Meyer, in partnership with Willis C. Crosby, operated a profitable mortuary enterprise. In the same year that Mr. Meyer transferred the northern land to the Greens, he became a named partner at the Crosby-Carlson-Meyer Mortuary located at 3618 Farnam. For more news of the F. C. Meyer outfit and building, please see my earlier investigation at: Passing Glimpse-3618 Farnam Street Part Two.

 

1938. Omaha World-Herald.  Now this is an interesting concept and one that I had not heard of. A radio show broadcast from a mortuary where an organist, presumably, was playing the requests of the listening audience. Weird, gothic and wonderful.

 

 

 

Fernand Charles Meyer or F. C. Meyer. Not just a mortician, I would find F. C. Meyer a savvy investor buying and selling property all over Omaha. It was said that he had “large investments on the Pacific Coast.” In 1945 he sold the Masonic Temple Building at Long Beach, California, a seven-story building constructed in 1929 by the Masons. In 1914, at the age of 19, Mr. Meyer married Freda Gran age 21 in Sioux City, Iowa but by 1920 he was a single man living in a mortuary as an embalmer. He would later marry an “Edna” and a woman named “Helen Lorraine Halsey Meyer.” Oddly all three wives were older than Meyer by a few years. Honestly I began to think it would make more sense that one woman changed her name over time.

 

 

1938. The Unionist.

In 1938 F. C. Meyer had hired Carl Carlson who was building “an elaborate duplex” on Ninety-sixth. A duplex did not come to fruition instead a lovely two-story white brick residence featuring a traditional English architectural style. One wonders if the duplex was designed for the land Meyer would sell to the Greens or if his personal house plans changed.

 

 

Here she is, folks. The original 318 North Ninety-sixth Street. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer and their a 20-year-old live-in servant, Olie May or Alie May Davenport from Missouri, resided in the home.

 

News for Nerds Like Me: In November 1939, the first rural branch water line commenced from Dodge on Ninety-sixth, facilitated by the newly installed twelve-inch high-pressure municipal water main along West Dodge Road to Boys Town. Walter Green and F. C. Meyer, the proprietors of two newly constructed nearby residences, purchased the water branch of Omaha in cash.

 

The last we heard, in 1948 F. C. Meyer, retired from the mortuary business, became a citizen of Lajolla, California, later purchased the Hotel Clifton in downtown Los Angeles, became a proprietor and investor and lived happily ever after.

 

Emery Peterson was married to Sarah and the couple had daughter, Peggy Jane Peterson prior to their divorce in 1931. In 1932, Emery remarried Flora Finch, 34, “a former Omaha advertising woman.”

 

The Meyers transferred ownership to E. O. Peterson family in July 1941. Emery O. Peterson was a prominent businessman in Omaha, recognized for his numerous interests. He appeared to have several ethical issues with his partners, whether due to his judgments or their flaws, creating a somewhat cutthroat environment. However, this may have only been a matter of business, as the adage suggests. During my brief surveillance of the individual, I discovered that he possessed the Omaha Printing Company in 1912. In 1916, he partnered with Mrs. Bertha Getzschmann, Julius Festner, and Henry C. Read to establish the Festner Printing Company. Festner Printing Company long occupied the offices of 1311 Howard Street. Mr. Peterson subsequently declared his presidency of the Macaroni Foods Corporation when he, along with Carmelo and Joseph Mangiameli and Henry C. Read, submitted articles of incorporation in February 1921, specifically to produce macaroni, spaghetti, and other grain products. In 1923, F. Julius Festner, Emery O. Peterson, Berta Getzschman, and Henry C. Read reestablished their partnership by incorporating the Howard Investment Company and initiating their real estate enterprise. Henry C. Read would late file suit against Emery O. Peterson, stating that he violated their contract as partners by withholding company shares. In November 1925, Mrs. Berta Getzschman initiated legal proceedings against Read and Peterson, alleging the improper diversion of monies from Festner Printing for use in the Macaroni Foods corporation. The corporation acquired Federal Lithographing corporation of St. Paul through misrepresentation to her. They clandestinely acquired the Richards Tag company in Omaha using funds of which she was unaware. She said she was due ninety-three thousand dollars. In 1931, Emery O. Peterson served as President and General Manager of both the Peterson Lithograph & Printing Company and the United States Check Book Company. A whirlwind of enterprise.

 

 

Jack and Frances Allgaier bought the house in December of 1951. Spending 65 thousand dollars, the tract included a “brick summer cabin.”

 

 

“318 North 96^th. Fine brick home with beautiful, private grounds. Specimen trees and flower beds, described in its day as Park-like. Lovely two-story white brick, traditional English design home with magnificent, lush landscaping. Home has a formal entrance to an elegant studio living room with a handsome fireplace, bay window beautiful formal dining room with a crystal chandelier and candelabra reflected in the large mirror, lovely, paneled library, separate breakfast room, modern yellow kitchen, full color ceramic bath, circular staircase to three twin size bedrooms, four bedrooms, full basement with central air conditioning two care attached garage. Delightful summer house with a huge fireplace, also called a Party House, featuring large room for dining and dancing, separate kitchenette with outdoor grill in separate garden.”

Although aerial photos of the 2010s, these images give a better idea of the house and glorious grounds.

 

2006 aerial. Camera facing west. How 318 North Ninety-sixth and 412 North Ninety-sixth were positioned. Photo borrowed from DOGIS.

 

 

 

Allgaier along with T. W. Cullen had operated the Cullen brokerage organization. The handled canned foods, condensed milk, cereals, and grocers’ specialties. In 1930 launched his wholesale food distribution company, Ideal Food Products. By 1936 J. C. Allgaier Sr. became owner of the Omaha Athletic Club. His son held the position of general manager. The decline in membership led to financial difficulties, resulting in the club’s closure in 1933, which persisted until its acquisition by Allgaier. The club was established in 1915 when a group of men contemplated a downtown athletic club as a social hub. Conceived by the architectural firm John Latenser and Sons, the building was a prominent “showplace” in its era. The Omaha Athletic Club structure was constructed in 1918 and comprised nine stories. A swimming pool, gymnasium, ballroom, handball courts, and 55 residential flats. In 1941, J. C. Algaier acquired the building from the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, which had obtained ownership of the property.

 

1801 South Seventy-second Street. The Allgaiers country home. MUST know more.

 

 

 

Part of the Omaha-Palm Springs Elite connection, the Allgaiers enjoyed high society–hosted gatherings at the Happy Hollow Club, teas at the Aquila Court and supper-dances at the Paxton Hotel. The Earl Bucks shared a notably close friendship.

 

When the Allgaiers listed the home and were moving in 1956, I learned more things about the home and property such as the circular staircase, the beamed living room ceiling, parquet floors, glassed-in porch off of the family room, a private 65 foot well electrically operated furnishes 50-degree water for air conditioning and lawn use. Completely furnished stone cabin with outdoor oven and fireplace. If anyone has photos of this home, gardens or outdoor cabin, please get in touch.

 

The Allgaiers moved out of 318 North Ninety-sixth and into  319 South Ninety-fourth. Get a load of this. Untouched, time capsule bathrooms and other perfections: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/319-S-94th-St-Omaha-NE-68114/75834557_zpid/

 

 

The Benson Sun. 1957. Woodmen of the World President at home with wife, Arline, and son, Kenny. Dennis was away at Northwestern for his sophomore year.

 

In the summer of 1957 the 318 North 96^th Street property sold to Howard and Arline Shallberg Lundgren. The couple had two sons, Dennis and Ken. Howard M. Lundgren was respected leader in town, the “fifth president of the nation’s financially strongest fraternal benefit organization, the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society.” Mr. Lundgren commenced his employment with Woodmen of the World in 1927, immediately after graduating from Central High School, in the accounting offices. He attended Omaha Law College at night, believing that a legal education would benefit him in the investment sector. Of My Omaha Obsession deep connection, Howard Lundgren’s parents: Oscar J. Lundgren, was an “expert iron worker” and his mother, Mary Swanson Lundgren, immigrated to Omaha from Sweden during their childhood. Carl Swanson, Mrs Lundgren’s brother, established the Swanson food processing enterprise, which was later sold by his sons, Clark and Gilbert Swanson.

 

 

For those who are obsessed with 33^rd Degree Masons AND Woodcraft members, I present Howard Lundgren with his Masonic pals in 1965. I believe Howard Lundgren is the handsome, tall gentleman in the back row. Savage, John. The Durham Museum. 1965

 

The 318 North Ninety-sixth Street house would remain in the Lundgren name, with sons and family members residing there until they sold to the Parsows previously mentioned.

 

The 2013 aerial revealed the 318 North Ninety-sixth Street home, although glorious to most, had been bought as a scraper. Photo borrowed from DOGIS.

 

 

 

 

9530 Davenport Street

 

9530 Davenport was the youngest of the structures reviewed today but like two of the others, was unfortunately razed. In September 1961, Elmer Gross initiated his next endeavor—an all-brick ranch situated in the prestigious Westchester district. Custom built. 2,600 sg ft on main floor, 3,529 total. Gross, as owner and builder of 9530 Davenport, designed a sprawling seven-room dwelling with an attached garage. The J. H. Kulakofsky family moved from the midtown Dundee neighborhood to the MCM ranch in 1962.

 

 

 

J. “Harry” and Sadie Kulakofsky were what we fondly call, Omaha Famous. Harry Kulakofsky was a co-proprietor of the Central Market located at 1608 Harney Street for five decades. He was a founder of the Beth El synagogue, president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, and a leader in the Israel bond initiative. Sadie, the wife, was from New York but in her time in Omaha had been awarded multiple accolades for her contributions to national and local Jewish women’s groups and her advocacy for Israel. The couple had three daughters: Ethelyn, Beth, and Ruth, and one son, Michael.

 

 

9530 Davenport. Complete with the circular drive and MCM lantern that I adore.

 

I had mentioned the home had entertained dignitaries. One such prominent person was Yaacov Sharett, son of Israel first Prime Minister, Moshe Sharett and a member of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The couple was active in the Israel Bond organization of the early 1960s. Sadie Kulakofsky had extensive knowledge in this domain and was recognized as a Woman of Valor across a three-state region due to her achievements in sales and promotion.

1962. October. Evening World-Herald. “Harry” and Sadie Kulakofsky.

 

Harry Kulakofsky died at the age of 81 in 1974. Sadie Kulakofsky passed away at age 85 in 1978. The Kulakofsky family sold the parents’ 9530 Davenport home in 1977.

 

 

 

 

317 North Ninety-sixth Street

 

The remarkable, some say “California,” ranch at 317 North Ninety-sixth was constructed in 1956 and was listed for sale that April. Described as an “extravagant use of miracle materials warm redwood and rough textured brick blended with fine design to create a truly modern, suburban home,” it would require time to identify its people. It wouldn’t be until March of 1957 that the Hosford family emerged, however they remained to such an extent that some may have deemed it their Forever Home.

 

 

“The last word in luxury living, beautiful décor and desirable location are combined to create this nearly new, buff brick and redwood home. Long flagstone entry, spacious living room, tremendous fireplace wall, full dining room, ultra-modern kitchen, and large adjoining laundry. Three bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Perfect for entertaining in huge downstairs recreation room with fireplace, kitchenette, full tile bath with shower. You’d admit this home has only the finest when you see the deluxe kitchen.”

 

 

Donald Cecil Hosford and his wife, Harriet Vette Hosford liked what they saw in the Westchester neighborhood and must have been intrigued by the “Dramatic Contemporary” looks of the newly built house. The couple had three children: Betty, Barbara and Donald C. Jr. Donald Hosford, Sr. was an Omaha attorney. By 1942 he had announced his new law office associated with George W. Pratt at 416 Omaha National Bank Building.

 

 

The 1933 engagement announcement of Miss Harriet Vette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Vette to Donald C. Hosford, son of the P. A. Hosfords of Winner, South Dakota. Beautiful Harriet could have been in the picture shows and I know, because the 1930s and 40s movies are my favorites.

 

 

 

Why here’s Donald C. Hosford now, on the left. 1944 Evening World-Herald.  Chairman of ticket sales for the Junior Chamber of Commerce’s baseball exhibition, Donald C. Hosford,“finds Mayor Dan Butler a willing customer. “

 

This great house remained in the family name until 2022 when they sold to Mr. Current Homeowner.

 

 

I suppose we had better head home for the night, as it is starting to rain. What an experience this was. I thank you for joining me.

 

 

I welcome your feedback and comments on these great Omaha properties. The old dwellings worked so hard! The new ones are giving their all. Let’s hear it for North Ninety-sixth. Please share your additional clues to the story in the “Comments,” if you have knowledge of what is going on in this area. Everyone would love to read what you have to say and it makes the sharing of Omaha history more fun. You can use an anonymous smokescreen name if need be. We want to hear from you.

 

The wonderful and mysterious 412 North Ninety-sixth…forever on our minds.

 

J. C. Allgaier, President of the Omaha Athletic Club, and son Jack Jr. walking in a police station on a gambling slot machine charge. Savage, John (1903-1989). The Durham Museum.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you, Omaha friends.

Miss Cassette

 

 

 

 

 

Omaha City Planning proposals from 1967. They wanted to connect Chicago Street all the way through, essentially cutting through the 412 North Ninety-sixth parcel and the 813 North Ninety-sixth Street property.

 

 

 

 

 

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If you are looking for more architectural and Omaha history sleuthing fun, ask your local or bigbox bookseller for my book: My Omaha Obsession: Searching for the City. Also available everywhere online. Thank you.