Ode to Our Lady of Leavenworth
Before I get into the who and why of this incredible Omaha woman, let me first start by explaining my need to champion my fabulous Omahans in an ongoing series. When I was young it seemed that everywhere I looked in Omaha there were glimpses of truly great characters. So many eye catchers, especially in Benson, where I grew up, the midtown area and downtown Omaha. I have always looked for the fabulous (in all things) and created stories and names for people out of complete, honest admiration. One could argue that I didn’t have much life experience and therefore these people looked interesting to me. But I don’t think that quite covers it. There are a couple of reasons why I think those fabulous, colorful, free spirits are seen few and far between in the last decade and a half but that would turn into, perhaps, a weird, ugly rant about socioculturalpolitical shifts and the killing of American style by way of Walmart and this blog is certainly not about that. Any of that.
I simply wish to acknowledge that we have been in the company of real greats: The Broom Man, Seven, Sly Stone of Downtown Omaha, the Orange Lady of the Old Market, Little Edie Beale of Leavenworth, Val the Old Market Artist, the Cosmic Superhero of Leavenworth, Skip the Hardhat Guy, the Hessian AKA Krokus, Mary the Wandering Woman Who Is Actually Rumored to be Quite Well Off, the Smoking Buddhist Monks of Saddle Creek and countless others who, sadly, I have forgotten over time. I’m sure you’ve heard of a few of those, passed them on the street or had the privilege of interacting with them. The fact is, the beautiful, rare birds are not seen very often these days. There are still some eccentric souls to be seen around town. This series, Fabulous People of Omaha, is meant to honor them. Also to serve as reminder to look up from the pavement, to look outside of your car window, to get off of your phone as you walk around. You will see some real treasures.
On a beautiful,warm March day like today, I am reminded that spring is near and it won’t be too, too long until I will again see the beautiful, diligent, spring bustling of Our Lady Of Leavenworth. Surely you have seen her on the three-way cross over of 57th Street, Happy Hollow Blvd and Leavenworth. Her home faces west on 57th. She has the most amazing, glorious garden which she tends most of the year. My favorites are her flowers that she grows right along Leavenworth. These flowers are so tall and they will reach right out to your car, urging you to slow down and take it all in. She also has pret’near a forest of sunflowers. Our Lady of Leavenworth wears a yard-work uniform that is, at once, both fashion and function forward. I love her varied, nonconformist looks. I believe the sun informs her original yard-work wear. One day while my partner and I were walking in Elmwood Park, we passed a couple who were also out walking. The woman was petite, attractive and wearing a floral, almost golf type, skirt. My partner, (we will call him Mr. Cassette going forward) who happens to know of Our Lady of Leavenworth in another capacity, excitedly said, “Did you know that was Your Lady of Leavenworth?!!?” I about ran after her for an autograph as I was so happy to not only see her beautiful face out from under that duct tape hat but to see her out of her natural habitat. It was exhilarating. But I’ve strayed….what makes Our Lady of Leavenworth so noteworthy in my mind, is that her persona, her style, her sheer will and intention is an act of love for all the passersby of the high end of Leavenworth. Or I pretend it is. Maybe it is a purely self-indulgent act, that special show that she creates on her corner, but I don’t think so. I have never had the courage to approach her as I do truly enjoy her from afar….but when I do, THANK YOU is going to be one of the first things I sputter out. Around these parts, we all think she’s pretty much the Queen Bee.
(photo taken July 3, 2013 the summer there was a lot of construction in OLOL’s block, which she, understandably, appeared none too pleased about.)
Thanks, Omaha friends.
I used to live blocks away from her and will miss walking by her beautiful flowers. I wondered why she was always fully covered; but I was always on my way somewhere, unable to stop and chat. I love that you have honored her here.
Again, I thank you, Miss Cassette! Your little Omaha “off-sites” are fun, refreshing and bring back memories many of us have left boxed up for entirely too long. These stories belong on the air…
I used to live right around the corner from her and must have walked by her house hundreds of times while she was working on her yard. She was always very focused and we never exchanged words or acknowledged one another UNTIL my wife and I had our twin girls. I would walk them to Elmwood Park daily, passing her house on the corner of 57th and Leavenworth. The first time she was working in her yard and saw me pushing a double stroller, she stopped what she was doing and greeted us. She asked if she could see the girls. We introduced ourselves and she told me that seeing the girls really made her day. It was always hard to see her face under that duct-taped hat, but that day I could see that she is beautiful. Her name is Maureen. She prefers to go by “Mo”, and she lives in the house with her brother, Morris, who is a baseball fanatic and a really nice guy. After that day, we were always friendly and stopped to chat. I miss that neighborhood.
I see her all the time! I always wonder if that’s her cute red mustang parked in the street. š
Love it and await more characters!
Peggio
For years I lived in the Washington School neighborhood. We loved the ‘Lilly Lady of Leavenworth’ and her monster day lilies she tended along the curbing. Thank you, Miss Cassette for giving her the due respect for brightening a small corner of our existence!
I grew up in the 55th and Leavenworth neighborhood and currently live only a few minutes away from my childhood home and Our Lady of Leavenworth.
My mother and I have always admired her garden and how hard she works tending it. Many times I wonder how she has never been hit by a passing car.
Just last summer, my mother decided to write her a letter thanking her for the constant work of managing her beautiful flowers. My mother was very pleased when she recieved a letter from her in return. Her writing was just as colorful (if not more) as her flowers. One part of her letter described how she cusses worse than a sailor while weeding her garden. Ha! I love it!
She is definitely a character and I am so happy that other people in Omaha are acknowledging this amazing woman.
Thank you!
Oh that is so great! All of this has made me want to approach her this spring. Thank you!
People can really do so much to make their areas more beautiful! What a great tribute.
She is a treasure. Just saw her for the first time of the season a few weeks ago. Thanks for your comment.
What about Benson? You grew up there. So did I. Late 40’s 50’s and very early 60’s
Hello. Yes, I’ve got some Benson stories on the burners. In time, certainly. I am only 2 months into this. Thanks for your comment.
I haven’t seen her lately and her garden seems to be somewhat pared down?
Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen Our Lady all season! When we walk or drive by she is nowhere. I will send out feelers to friends who might know. Thank you and good to hear from you.
Thank you! I am ready to go on up there and knock? Maybe she and Morris need some help or a food train!
I saw her last weekend! She was in a new navy blue coat I have never seen her in before. She did not seem to work with the same panache as seasons past. Did you ever go to her door?
Hello all, My neighbor Scott and I live next to Mo Borden and her brother Howard. With Howard’s permission we have cleaned up ‘The Devil’s Strip’ in memory of our beloved Mo. I have gathered all the zinnia seeds and will dry them for next year. Scott and I would like to have a special day next Spring to gather and replant Devil’s Strip with your help. I should have more than enough seeds to distribute for your own personal memorial garden. Stay tuned and suggestions are welcomed.
This is so great! Please keep us in the loop. Iām sure many people would want to help!