Lost Omaha

by Janet R. Daly Bednarek

The landmarks of Omaha's past reveal a history of industry, innovation and change. The Hotel Fontenelle, the Omaha Athletic Club and the Medical Arts Building disappeared in the wake of changes remaking downtown after World War II. Jobbers Canyon, a vital part of the city's wholesale district, was sacrificed to ConAgra's headquarters. Peony Park closed as suburban sprawl prevented its expansion, and changing leisure patterns took residents farther away for their amusement park experience. The stockyards finally closed in 1999, ending a long chapter in Omaha's history. Author and historian Janet R. Daly Bednarek charts the legacy of Omaha's lost history through its landmarks.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2018

Reviews

[Chuck Neumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lost Omaha" covers many of the landmarks of Omaha's past that are now gone. It is an interesting read. The author points out that while we may miss them, in many cases the buildings that replaced them also become landmarks as well. Some covered in the book were the Hotel Fontenelle, the Medical Arts Building, Peony Park, the Ak-Sar-Ben racetrack and convention center, and Jobbers Canyon. Only a few decades ago, the thought of any of those landmarks being torn down was unthinkable. The book covers the landmark's history and what lead to their demise. I was a little surprised the book didn't include Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the city's AAA baseball team and the College World Series. The series made the stadium beloved not only in Omaha but across the country to college baseball fans. The loss of Rosenblatt though led to two new baseball stadiums, one for the College World Series and one for the AAA team, as well as aiding the Henry Doorly Zoo. An example that sometimes change can be painful but perhaps worthwhile. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who live in the Omaha area.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book on the history of Omaha following WWII and the major redevelopments an urban sprawl swept the city and more white collar employees entered the workforce in the community. I remember the changes (some fond memories; some not) during the 1950's, '60 and '70's. The greenspace and additional parks are lovely, parking and traffic is downtown Omaha continues to be problematic. And some of those glorious buildings would have made gorgeous apartments and/or condos on prime real estate in downtown Omaha's landscape.

[Julie]

Love all Omaha history!

[Matthew VanCleave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid history book with thoughtful insight and perspective about the "creative destruction" of some historic Omaha places.

[Lizzie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to past historic sites in Omaha