Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District
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| Neighborhood | Bemis Park |
| Website | link |
| Designated: | December 20, 1983 |
The Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District is a special neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska. It's known for its historic homes and beautiful streets. This area became part of Omaha in 1887. Its development took place between 1889 and 1922. In 1983, Bemis Park was officially named an Omaha Landmark. You can find it between Cuming Street and Hawthorne Avenue, and Glenwood Avenue and 33rd Street.
Contents
Discovering Bemis Park's Past
How Bemis Park Started
A man named George Bemis created this neighborhood in 1889. His company, Bemis Land Company, planned out the area. The park in the neighborhood is named after him. It was part of Omaha's larger plan for parks and scenic roads. What made Bemis Park special was its streets. They were designed to follow the natural hills and valleys. This was different from other parts of Omaha. Most streets there were laid out in a simple grid pattern.
Unique Homes and Styles
Bemis Park is famous for its amazing homes. They were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can see different styles of architecture here. Some homes are Queen Anne, with their fancy towers and wrap-around porches. Others show the Arts and Crafts style, which focuses on handmade details. There are also Neo-Classical style buildings, looking like ancient Greek or Roman temples. Many homes also have a simpler, local style.
The Great Tornado of 1913
In 1913, a very powerful tornado hit Omaha. It was called the Easter Day Tornado. This storm caused a lot of damage in Bemis Park. One report said that this beautiful area was "completely ruined." Many pretty homes were badly damaged or destroyed. Trees were broken or pulled out of the ground. It was a very sad day for the neighborhood.
Who Lived in Bemis Park?
After the tornado, the neighborhood slowly rebuilt. By the 1940s, many people who worked nearby lived in Bemis Park. This included employees from the new Mutual of Omaha company. Teachers from the nearby Tech High School also made their homes here. Workers from Methodist Hospital also found it a convenient place to live.
A Special Historic Place
The City of Omaha believes Bemis Park is very important. They think it should be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places across the country that are important to American history.
Historic Homes to See
Bemis Park has several homes that are officially recognized as historic. Here are a few of them:
| Name | Address | Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Payne House | 3602 Lincoln Boulevard | 1908 | This home shows the Dutch Colonial Revival architecture style. |
| Porter-Thomsen House | 3426 Lincoln Boulevard | 1902 | This house is an example of Georgian Revival architecture. |
| Zabriskie House | 3524 Hawthorne Avenue | 1889 | Many people think this is one of the best Queen Anne style houses in Omaha. |
