Strolling and sneaking around the city with you over the past decade, trying to get to the bottom of what is left of this city and reminiscing about our recollections has been a lasting delight. I have learned so many things from both the professionals gathered here and the neighbors around the way. If you like to stray, then you already understood My Omaha Obsession from the get go. We needed to find each other.

 

 

 

I recall my apprehensive first day, opening the door of the old detective office and allowing everyone to glimpse my Omaha-related dossiers. I was uncertain of what would happen but I hoped others would find great importance in the tiny, useless mysteries beneath the shadows, behind the toolshed. Meeting you and promptly exchanging our puzzlers and local clues made life a little more worthy living in short order. Most every one of our shared, useless hints were more exciting than headlines in the daily papers. As it turns out, nothing is more useful than the useless.

 

I am a dreamer. I am an artist. I liked houses from a young age, and I’ve always been overly curious about strange things in the built and natural environment. Mother of Miss Cassette can tell you and often does, if you are within earshot. Honestly, I do not know much about history, as I sketched during that class all through my years of education, with the exception of art, music, and clothing history. I believe that positions me to be an honest historian. I know what I don’t know. I am curious and I question most things. That obsession is precisely why I work so hard to dig to the bottom. (I have discovered that the rabbit hole has no bottom). As I said the other day, I am essentially a compiler painting a picture of reality. I would never speak from a place of authority (except about music), although I have been asked to talk at a number of speaking engagements regarding history over the years. I encourage you to question anyone who claims to Know Absolutely. My Omaha Obsession is a memoir of my journey to find the whys of what I perceive. But you have gathered that. The reason we have met in the first place is that you and I were constantly driven to distraction by the important matters, such as the uncanny appearance from a long, multi-paned window or the hand movements of a large oak, a strange winking attic eyebrow, the mysterious removal of a perilous brick path along Howard Street. These inklings have the habit of popping up unexpectedly from behind a hedge or within a ghost of a brick wall. They were whispering to us. As it turned out, you have been following the same strange markers for years. I imagine we are a lot alike. We don’t just like houses—we like to sense the people who lived within these homes. The decision making of the architects. How weather and the years played upon and reconfigured the building. We want to imagine who worked within those halls, padding along back servants’ stairs. We also hope to feel the spirit and essence of the building itself. It entirely holds our attention. I am convinced there are spirited hints, and I am more than ever certain of it now after ten years.

 

 

 

The Delight is Different Now

 

Every one of us feels what it is like to be transported by the things we see–the life that comes from a building or perceptions we detect from a winding, tree lined lane…back to a time of tangible memory or the childlike sensation of mystery or a swirling, half dream state. It is all useless meandering and yet, I think this enchantment fulfills a deep emotional need. I know I have it and I would guess you do too. My architectural investigations are really about trying to discover and share meaning but it often begins as a needling, childhood query. We each bring our experience here, to this huddled website and I hope we find what we want within the story line, maps, unraveled photos, or comments. We collectively find and share understanding. It is consoling to become familiar with this recognized language and frankly, I get lost in the folds. Sometimes I cry with joy and the perceived losses. And my word, there have been many losses in the last ten years. Although so many gathered here no longer live in Omaha, we sense the presence of one another and together, we have created a path that leads to home, no matter how far away.

 

 

Because there is more happening on this website than one-minute history articles, we take the long road. The rest of the world, online and otherwise, is pushing us faster, curbing and steering us toward short-form, high-frequency content but we recognize our architectural study takes time to unfold and sit with. Over the past decade, I have observed the rise of a History for Sale model nationally where shills have slithered in under the guise of history reporting, cranking out marketing puff pieces while others in our community and AI sites (who are they, we wonder?) present historic images of Omaha designed for rapid consumption, eliciting a fleeting dopamine burst before moving on to the next stimulus. Quell the constant quest for a history snack. I initially referenced this growing phenomenon five years ago. With so much delight and mystery going on above ground and under the surface in our town, why are we racing? I am aware that these differences in research methodology and presentation, are happening nationally as the public transitions—due to the Internet—toward needing a snippet history hit much as they require a dopamine snort of surface-level politics. Architecture and “Old Omaha” has become intertwined with the nostalgia trend. We have seen the rise in recent years of nostalgia marketing, possibly because it is such a simple way to connect people on an emotional level and drive a product. These snippet trends encapsulate the fundamental nature of the Internet, which has limited our cognitive abilities and attention spans, and we can anticipate an increase in this phenomenon, particularly as AI gradually weaves into the historical domain. I cannot control what happens on social media, where this unfolds in real time. This is why I approach my website and each investigation as if it were a book, going longer, more nuanced, more complex where I need to. Slow form, slow life, single-task deep digging. Those who need quick fixes on the Internet leave My Omaha Obsession just as quickly. Those who want straight bullet point history lessons are long gone. I acknowledge that I have not provided everyone with their preferred cup of tea, nevertheless I assert that the past requires careful examination and discussion. The Investigation Never Ends for us and we will not be rushed along.

 

 

The Cornish mansion on the southwest corner of 10th and Williams Street. Bostwick, Louis (1868-1943) and Frohardt, Homer (1885-1972) The Durham Museum. 1910.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Thanks Yous

 

 

To all of my wonderful Gunshoe Gals and Guys: Finding people that understood my interest in Omaha and wanderings, the stake-outs, the great buildings and detective journeys has really been the most gratifying thing. The fact that we have found each other—with our collective recreation invested in memories, architecture, Omaha history, fascinating people, photos of the past, ghosts, winding off-the-beaten-path brick paths and little buildings long forgotten is important. For those of you who have taken the time to write me emails, sharing your family histories, photos of houses and loved ones and telling me your stories–this expression has meant the world to me. Those of you who have sent me tips, included me in your neighborhood association communication and invited me into your homes–I am so grateful. The incredible emails sent by Complete Stranger Sisters all over the country cheering me on makes my eyes water. I champion your architectural and family history investigations. A spirit of Nancy Drew curiosity and beginner’s mind seems to reverberate between all history loving female detectives. May we always search and never know. Thank you.

 

I would like to thank Mr. Cassette for enduring all of my stakeouts and running to my pad of paper in the middle of the night when something “clicks” and simply demands to be in a story. He has given such sound guidance in all of the years as well as designing some amazing photo collages. My furry friends for sitting on me as I type these lengthy missives and snoring all the while. A big thanks you to Mother of Miss Cassette for the customary Morning-After-A-Post Grammar and Punctuation Correction Emails. My father and grandmother for teaching me about Old Omaha.

 

To my friends who encouraged me to branch out from my personal Facebook posts about Omaha architecture, create a public social media page and write a book. Chris Hill and Julie Mornin (RIP) stand out to me. Thank you, beautiful women.

 

To dear friend, Darren Keen, who seemingly, single-handedly made my first article on the Arms and Ammo building go viral.

 

Tim McMahon of Lazy-I music fame for his kind nod on his blog early on. I really appreciate it.

 

My friend, John Jordan, for his support, encouragement and for his introduction to Mike Kelly of the Omaha World-Herald. Likewise journalist, Mike Kelly, for his early nod in a brief mention in the OWH.

 

Sherri Moore and the Joslyn Castle staff for the opportunity to investigate for hire for their annual Joslyn tour. What fun I had.

 

Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik for introducing Bill Sitzmann to the My Omaha Obsession website, which in turn led to my first writing job with Omaha Magazine. Thanks to Doug Meigs for that opportunity!

Kris and Tom Bartel of Travel Past 50 fame for their sound counsel and early direction with the website.

 

Bill Gonzalez, Keeper of the Durham Museum Archives—an individual I deeply miss. I valued our discussions, his extensive knowledge, his empathy, and his guarantee that “What is said at the Durham stays at the Durham.” He was a staunch advocate. I am paraphrasing in keeping with “What is said at the Durham…” when I share that he thought Kristine Gerber and I worked hard to not be lazy. I was honored to be in her ranks and it honestly made me work harder to stay in Bill’s good graces. On that note, Kristine Gerber, formerly associated with Restoration Exchange Omaha, is recognized today for her remarkable publications, which are a significant contribution to Omaha, as well as her expertise and generosity. Thank you, Kristine, for the endorsement for my book.

 

I would like to formally thank Martha Grenzeback, Lynn Sullivan, Mark Sorensen and the incredible librarians at the W. Dale Clark Library in Downtown Omaha both for their time, attention, wisdom and like-minded obsessiveness. They taught me about Omaha resources and how to get at what I wanted and needed for my articles. Although the W. Dale Clark is now demolished, their collective humanitarian action in helping everyone who walked through their doors, with professionalism and compassion was inspiring. I continue to learn from Martha at the research annex in the old strip mall. Long Live Public Libraries!! I also thank Librarian Martha Grenzeback for her wonderful blurb on my book.

 

 

Cheers to Martha Miller of the Nebraska State Historical Society for her patience and help. Matt Piersol and all of the Nebraska State Historical Society team for continued contributions and support.

 

Stephen Sheehan, Marq Manner, Jesse Hutmaker, Ryan Roenfeld, Amanda Lynch, Dylan Gaughan, Jody Lovallo, Mike Arnold, Bruce Karlquist, Jana Faust, Lynda Clause, Zoe Drakulich, Syd Reinarz (for the much needed arcane advice and vintage car knowledge) and Jim Hofmann for ongoing encouragement and continued supportive words. They were the early supporters.

Thanks to all of my best galpals and our cherished coffee dates. Your support and sisterhood mean everything to me. Jude Conklin, Michelle McCormack and Kristin Burke, although not coffee bros are such dear, sweet sisters and I love them with my whole heart.

 

To all of the beautiful house owners who agreed to meet off the record to share the incredible stories of their homes. I treasure your time, your passion and your interest in preservation.

 

To the best of friends, co-conspirators and always-have-my-back-buddies, Jack France (RIP) and Jimmy Kaufman: The Earth People. They, along with Mr. Cassette, have done The Most to keep My Omaha Obsession afloat. I will love them forever and hope I am a smidge of the friend that they have been to me.

 

Scott Barnes from the County Assessor’s Office, Mary Barnes, a quasi-sister now retired from the Register of Deeds Office, Susanna Nunes, and the entire Omaha team at the Register of Deeds/Assessor’s Office for their patience with my persistent inquiries. They have exhibited exceptional generosity with their time and interest and possess a collective treasure trove of information. Scott Barnes also wrote an endorsement for my book, which he didn’t have to do. I thank you!

 

Trina Westman, City Planner – Urban Design Division, Planning Department at City of Omaha for her knowledge and generosity in sharing of the Planning Department archives. For Shelley McCafferty, her successor, for sharing Sanborn Maps and for developing the Historic Omaha GIS site. Gail Knapp and Mike Schonlau of the Omaha City Planning GIS department for their direction in past investigations. Joseph A. Knapp with Historic Preservation at the City of Omaha Planning Department for spending time to help me dig and dig further into my passion. Lynn Meyer, my personal Omaha photographer obsession, now retired Omaha planner, photographer and preservation advocate. Your photos inspire!

 

Thank you Michael Leahy for legal counsel, friendship and fun, weird Omaha lore. I really appreciate all of your help. Bill Eustice was also of great legal guidance early in my website and book. Love you, Bill.

 

Amy C. Schindler, Director of Archives & Special Collections at University of Nebraska at Omaha for her time and zest in helping me in the past.

 

My contacts at the Omaha Police Department records department. You know who you are.

 

Renee Ratner Corcoran of the National Jewish Historical Society for helping me with my questions and turning me onto some great books.

 

I would have no website or book without our forebears-the local journalists and historians of Omaha’s past, which I quote freely in my writing. I am so grateful.

 

I extend my gratitude to Taylor Korensky and the Appsky team for their assistance in designing and maintaining my website over its initial years. Carl Jacob and Jonathan Patton of JM Online assumed responsibility years ago, and their service has consistently been A+.

 

Ron Hunter for his great photographs, for sharing both his insight and the historic Sun Newspaper with me during the writing of my book.

 

Thank you, Kevin Cruise, for your fantastic photographs, collaboration and uplift.

 

A toast to the incredible foresight and keen vision of the Omaha photographers, mostly deceased, who captured the breathtaking architectural images that continue to draw us in. Thanks to the Durham Museum and the good people at Douglas County Historical Society for their help and for upholding these glorious photographic collections.

 

With utmost respect and admiration to those who compiled current and historical data for the various Reconnaissance Surveys of Omaha Neighborhoods studies, particularly the Nebraska State Historical Society, Omaha City Planning Department and various architecture firms–the reports from architects at Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture stand out. Outstanding ovation to those architects and aids who wrote the numerous National Register of Historical Places registration form documents. What a city treasure.

 

Bill Emsick and Bill Glaser have been loyal and kind fans turned friends since the beginning. I just need to give them a shout-out.

 

To Alexander Payne, Kurt Anderson and Chris Ware, all people that I respect greatly, for contributing their endorsements and writing to my book.

 

Janna Mattingly has been generous with her beautiful photographs and I thank you!

 

Michelle Gullett, intellectual property manager at the Omaha World-Herald, for help with photo permission for the book and the blog in years past. Much appreciated.

 

The My Omaha Obsession: Searching for the City book team of my editor, Rob Taylor and the staff of University of Nebraska Press for making my dream book a reality. Project editor Joeth Zucco and copyeditor Elizabeth Gratch chipped away at this thing during early covid lockdowns and it was not pleasant. Much thanks!

 

A kind thanks to all fellow history lovers, historical societies, women’s groups, neighborhood associations and bookstores who offered opportunities by way of invitations and speaking engagements. I regret that my professional career (ie. Real Job) and private life prevent me from taking part in a truly public forum. In another world, it would have been divine to have accepted these invitations, shucked this whole privacy matter and unreservedly branded myself. At some point, I may.

A BIG thank you to Jackson Street Booksellers, the Bookworm and the Next Chapter bookstores in Omaha for carrying my book and really getting behind me. The national chains did also carried a load but it was these hometown booksellers who meant the most.

 

If I have forgotten anyone, I am already mortified to imagine it. I am so sorry and it will come to me later.

 

Nancy Drew–did I forget to thank Nancy Drew?! Thank you to the book series that changed my young life and to Carolyn Keene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Dreams

 

A big goal is to finalize the articles derived from the research accumulated since 2016. The biggest, most knotted, complicated stories are within these shelves of manila folders. I aim to complete these mysteries within the upcoming year.

 

I possess a second My Omaha Obsession book, one-third conceptualized in my mind. Ha! I must commence work on this second book.

 

 

1971. Photograph from the Durham Museum.

 

 

 

The site’s most popular story of all time remains that of Bishop’s Buffet.  Online searches for the elusive recipe of the life-changing Chocolate Ambrosia Pie continue to send unsuspecting visitors to our door year after year. For the Love of Bishop’s Buffet: Why, Oh Why, Did They Close? Bishops was not only a regional chain with a greater web reach, but it also continues to evoke a distinctive sensation on the palate and in memory.

 

I have written about falling in love with each house that I am currently investigating, that each current investigation becomes my favorite and that remains true but there are some standout crushes that I cannot seem to get over. And these seem to favorites crushes of others as well.

 

 

Mysteries of Omaha: 5120 Mayberry Street

Mysteries of Omaha: Hidden House Part One

Mysteries of Omaha: 412 North 96^th Street

Mysteries of Omaha: 9301 West Dodge Road

Mysteries of Omaha: 1503 Park Wild Avenue

 

 

The following three are not necessarily crushes as much as psychological oddities that seem to stay in my consciousness and won’t let go.

The Invisible House Next Door

The Unmarked Floor

The Case of the Cat Who Inherited a House

 

And lastly I tried my hand at historical crime writing and this one definitely touched some people. Perhaps I will try this genre out again in the future.

Omaha Crime Files: The River Girl

 

I would be so happy if you would choose to start at the very first article Arms and Ammo  and slowly work in chronological order through the collection. It will show what has happened to Omaha. Many of the buildings have been demolished.

 

Omaha World-Herald illustration from the 1920s. Home Dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Cassette lit a fire about an hour ago and I must get going. When an investigation is finally completed, finally shared, a closed book is hopefully cracked open and my mystery casework is shared with the world. Everyone in this house and office is allowed to breathe again and return to their customary weighted footsteps. That is a little joke around here. This is when great things happen or do not happen on the My Omaha Obsession website. When an article works well—an emotional deluge of comments, emails, family stories, corrections, unexpected clues and photos spring forth but sometimes a quiet hush. Then again, an old story may gain traction and come to life years later. I never know what will stick. That is a lie. Sometimes, most of the time, I am compelled to do the investigation for myself even if I know it might be a gutter ball. This happens to some of my favorite crushes. One thing I have learned is The Story Never Ends.

This has been a great year and past ten years. I have cherished all that you have shared with me. I shall never forget our collaborative mysteries. A spirit of Nancy Drew curiosity and beginner’s mind seems to reverberate. May we always search and never know.

 

Thank You, detectives, for keeping me on my toes for ten years.

 

I love you all,

 

Miss Cassette

 

 

The William Paxton mansion. 206 South 25th Avenue. Bostwick, Louis (1868-1943) and Frohardt, Homer (1885-1972)The Durham Museum. 1910.

 

You can keep up with my latest investigations by joining my email group. Click on “Contact” then look for “Sign me up for the Newsletter!” Enter your email address. You will get sent email updates every time I have written a new article. Also feel free to join My Omaha Obsession on Facebook. Thank you, Omaha friends. Miss Cassette

 

 

1932 illustration from the Omaha World-Herald.

 

 

© Miss Cassette and myomahaobsession, 2026. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Miss Cassette and myomahaobsession with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Mr. Cassette made this great 10 year birthday image using the original photograph of the Charles Turner mansion at 3316 Farnam Street. Built in 1889. Now the site of Mutual of Omaha. Bostwick, Louis (1868-1943) and Frohardt, Homer (1885-1972)  The Durham Museum. 1914.