Jewell Building facts for kids
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Jewell Building
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 Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Omaha, NE |
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| Built | 1923 |
| Built by | Lof, John & Sons, Builder |
| Architect | Henninger, F.A. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001091 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 21, 1983 |
The Jewell Building is a really important historical place in North Omaha, Nebraska. It was built way back in 1923. This building is so special that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find it at 2221 North 24th Street.
For over 40 years, the Jewell Building was home to the famous Dreamland Ballroom. Many legendary jazz and blues musicians played there. Imagine seeing stars like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton all in one place!
The City of Omaha officially recognized the Jewell Building as a Landmark. It was a key spot for sharing music and art, especially before television became popular. Places like this helped musicians, both local and national, make a living.
History of the Jewell Building
The Jewell Building is located at 2221-2225 North 24th Street in the Near North Side area of Omaha. James Jewell Sr., a very important person in the local African-American community, had it built in 1923.
Architect Frederick A. Henninger designed the building. It was made in a style called vernacular Georgian Revival style. This means it looked like older, classic buildings but was built using local methods. The first floor had shops and businesses. The second floor was where the amazing Dreamland Ballroom was located.
In 1945, during World War II, the Dreamland Ballroom was used as a USO center. This was a special place for African-American soldiers to relax and have fun. It continued to host music performances until 1965.
The Omaha Economic Development Council (OEDC) helped fix up the building in the early 1980s. The City of Omaha named it a landmark on September 9, 1980. Then, in 1983, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, the OEDC had its main offices there. It also provided office space for other professionals and small businesses. There were even two private apartments inside the building.
The Famous Dreamland Ballroom
The Dreamland Ballroom was on the second floor of the Jewell Building. It was the best nightclub in Omaha for big bands and jazz music. James Jewell Jr. once booked the original Nat King Cole Trio to play there.
Many other famous musicians performed at Dreamland. These included Dinah Washington, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton. Local Omaha music stars like Preston Love, Anna Mae Winburn, and Lloyd Hunter also played on its stage. The ballroom closed its doors in the 1960s.
James Jewell was a respected leader in the black community. In the 1950s, he invited activist Whitney Young to speak at Dreamland Hall. Young talked about the Civil Rights Movement, which was a big effort to gain equal rights for all people. Whitney Young started his important work in Omaha and later became the national director of the Urban League.
See also
- Culture in North Omaha, Nebraska
- List of jazz clubs
- Music in Omaha
