\ .. I i j,

Omaha Skyline

" 1942 Manual of Civic Improvements

MAHA owes much to work started some years past and reports of the Civic Improvement Council, the Survey of the National Recreation (9Association, the Carter Lake Development Society and the City Plan­ ning Commission. Their efforts have been an inspiration to the Mayor and City Council of this Administration. We also acknowledge and wish to thank the National Parks Service, the Works Projects Adminisrrarion and the Civilian Conservation Corps (Local, State and National) for their help and assistance. Finally we are indebted to all departments for the services of their willing 'Workers and for the technical help of their skilled experts, consultants and I, advisors.

Recreation program by Mayor Dan B. Butler , .. Page 2 Park Improvements by Commissioner Roy N. Towl Page 8 Boulevards by Commissioner John Kresl Page 18 Airport Improvements by Commissioner Harry Knudsen Page 24 Public Improvements by Commissioner Harry Trustin Page 26 Police - Safety by Commissioner Richard W. Jepsen , Page 28 Fire Department by Commissioner Walter Korisko...... Page 30

- Photo b:-' Hodes SOUTH ENTRANCE CITY HALL , Eighteenth and Farnam Streets I Front cover photograph, by COtty· teJ'Y of the National Parks Service, Dixtrict offi,ce, Omaha, Nebraska

Back cover photograph hy c01lr­ les)' of U7alter Crdig

f{alj./MICS by IL\lOdl E~(;JUVI N'; C,1;IJJ'.\N"Y, Omaha

Printcd by n<>lJ"I.,IS Pm;>,'Tl.>';'; (iHfh\:.;Y, ()111.1!l,1 Supervised Recreation

The Omaha Recrearion Deparrment was created Participation in the departmental program has in­ for the purpose of providing a city-wide, carefully creased materially year by year with, of course, the planned recreational program for the cirizens of exception of young men of military age who have Omaha, regardless of age. None is too old and none been inducted into the service. The goal of the De­ too young to take part in the activities of this de­ partment - to furnish supervised recreation to rhe parrment. entire city - is being rapidly realized. Swings In the Omaha Many thousands of Omaha boys and girls from parks form one of the toddlers to those in their teens, as well as thousands Working in conjunction wirh the Works Projecrs principal amusements for of '"grown-ups" find happy activity at municipal play­ Administration, which has co-operated 100 per cent boys and girls in the Rec­ grounds in the summer and in Recreation Centers with rhe Ciry, the Recreation Department has made reation Centers that are in the winter. great strides in providing a systematized and super­ carefully supervised by vised recreational program for the citizens of Omaha. Recreation Department Programs of the Recreation Department, include workers. scores of activities affording a wide choice to those Orher departments of rhe city government, notably who desire to participate in the amusement, training rhe Park Department, the Police and Fire Depart­ or sport features of the department. These activities ments, the Health Department, the Street Depart­ Pho/Q by National Parks Service embrace sports and games of all kinds for children ment, the Department of Public Improvements and and adults, music, dram.atics, gymnastics, handicrafts the Building Department, have been of much assist­ and other pursuits. ance in carrying on the diversified program. An idea of the extent of the work of the depart­ at Elmwood Park on Sunday evenings. This service Steady progress has been made in the development ment may be better gained when it is known that helped in the promoting of good neighborliness, For the first time the juvenile population of the of the recreational program during the past four during the past year the centers and playgrounds citizenship, and an appreciation for music, which inci­ years. At the present time 27 centers and play­ city was given a supervised leisure time program have carried on 51 different activities in a total of dentally was gratefully accepted by the public. grounds, operated in parks and special locations are when the present Recreation Department was estab­ 23,403 classes or events with a gross participation kept open and further extension of the activities is lished in 1938, following a survey and report of the of 869,015 persons including 141,000 men, 79,000 Much playground equipment, mosr of which was planned, as soon as feasible. National Recreation Association. women, 312,000 boys, 247,000 girls, and about 90,­ manufactured in the Department shops, was installed 000 small children of both sexes. in the parks and playgrounds. The consrruction of a lighted playground, horseshoe and tennis courts The organization of leagues in all major sports and softball field at Athletic Park, 23rd and L streets, has played an important part in the year round pro­ South Omaha, was one of the major improvements gram, prominent among these being: Basketball with made in 1941. Extension of the facilities in this sec­ 19 leagues, embracing 175 teams playing 1,400 tion is planned for 1942, because the opening of the games; Softball with 16 leagues, embracing 128 bombet plant at Fort Crook is expected to increase teams playing 2,240 games; Volleyball with 4 the number of participants in the sports and games. leagues, embracing 32 teams and 288 games; Soccer, 2 leagues, embracing 12 teams playing 30 games. The Recreation Department, with the co-operation These teams played before an estimated total specta­ of the Works Projects Administration, has operated a complete' machine shop in which men and boys Miniature boat races are tor attendance of 58,656 people, and City tourna­ ments were run off in the following activities: Basket­ have been given valuable training in mechanical tbe delight of many small work of all kinds. boys who sail their boats ball, Horse Shoes, Marbles, Softball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Track and Field, Kite Flying, Handcraft under the carefttl super­ In this shop much of the equipment used in the display, Airplane contest, Sailboat Regatta and Danc­ 1/iJion of Re ere a t ion recreational activities throughout the city has been Department officials. mg. manufactured. The value of the equipment thus The Department, through it's sponsorship of the turned is estimated at more than $20,000. In the WPA Music Project, provided music and super­ making of these articles the workers were given an vision for the Community '"Sings" which were held opportuniry to learn skills of various kinds. Fho/a br Trabold

Page Two Family picnics on the shores of Carter Lake make enjoyable JttJnm,er outings for Omaha citi­ zens cmd swimming in tbe Lake is tt fttvorite sport of thottscmds of persons.

Omaha's Lakeland. has only started and will be all find the work not only interesting but very in­ carried on until the development of the region has structive and of real, practical value. been completed. Trained instructors are in charge of the classes and they give individual instruction to each student. The generous gifts and Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Cornish Handicraft of almost every kind is taught in the have made possible much of the development work school and hundreds of persons, young and old, take of the Carter Lake territOry. advantage of the opportunity to learn a useful art. The handicraft school is growing in popularity Classes in handicraft are about the most popular among the patrons of the Recreation Department classes held by the Recreation Department. They are Photo by Tfnbold classes and every effort is being made to accomodate patronized by boys and girls as well as adults. They all who desire to take the training. The shop was one of the most popular enterprises volley ball and soccer games and tournaments at­ carried on by the Recreation Department and at­ tracted almost 60,000 persons and were participated tracted many men, young and old, who desired to in by more than 4,500 players. avail themselves of irs advantages. Dramatic productions were taken part in by several The future of this shop work is in doubt owing to hundred persons and were given before several thou­ a curtailment of Works Projects Administration sand spectatOrs. One handicraft exhibit, showing the funds but ir is hoped that it may be carried on under work of Recreation Department members was viewed some arrangement during the coming year. by hundreds of persons. That the activities of the Recreation Department lu addition to the huge Sunday night community are not all fun and frivolity was proven by the course sings, held in Elmwood Park, the department held of training given in this shop, which afforded men [5 other sings which were participated in by several Hundreds of boys ttnd the opportunity to acguire at least some valuable skill thousand citizens of every age. with tools. It was useful training even though they girls attend httndicrc4t The Carter Lake region is faSt becoming a great made no immediate use of it. clttsses ttS shown in the ttC­ recreational center and thousands of persons enjoy comptmying pbotogrttph. More than 40,000 persons attended picnics staged its advantages each year. Picnics are held daily The yotmg folks take tt by the Recreation Department during 1941 and more throughout the warm weather on the piers and shores keen interest in their lUork than 30,000 persons were in attendance at dances of the lake. Swimming and bathing is, of course, the tmder trained. competent sponsored and arranged by the department. most popular sport on, or rather in, the lake. sttpervision. Concerts were attended by almost 10,000 and the The combined work of the Recreation and Park fun programs were participated in by 3,500 persons departments is making Carter Lake a real summer playground for Omaha citizens. The development of before 32 organizations. The basketball, soft ball, Photo br Trnbold

Page FON1' Page Five Recreation Centers and Playgrounds Twenty-seven Recreation Centers, Playgrounds and Gymnasiums are op· erated by rhe Omaha Recreation Departmenr in Omaha parks and pavilions, municipal buildings, school grounds and special centers throughout the ciry. These afford opportunities for healrhful recrearion and wholesome exercise for the people of Omaha, young and old. The programs are carried on in the following locations: ATHLETIC PARK, 23rd and L St. Softball, tennis, LAKE JAMES PARK, 49rh and Bedford. Wading horse shoes, volley ball, basketball, croquet, game pool, basketball, volley ball, play ground. boards, play ground. All lighted. LOGAN FONTENELLE HOMES, 22nd and BEMIS PARK, 33rd and Cuming. Play ground, ten­ Charles. Baskerball, volley ball, game room, ping llIS. pong, handicraft, singing, social recreation, dancing, BENSON GYMNASIUM, 60th and Military. Bas­ soft ball, dramatics, play school, play ground. ketball, volley ball, gymnasium classes, social recrea­ tion. MAIN CENTER, 24th and Prarr. Baskerball, volley ball, badminton, billards, game room, nature lore, BROWN PARK, 15th and W. Handicraft, dramat­ shuffel board, dancing, social recreation, handicraft ics, social recreation, dancing, wading pool, base ball, archery, radio, carving, book binding, art, dramatics, play ground. metal work. CORBY PARK, 24th and Corby. Sofr ball, tennis, basketball, volley ball, game boards, play ground. MILLER PARK, 30th and Kansas Ave. Play school, dramatics, dancing, game room, handicraft, basket­ CARTER LAKE PARK, 12th and Ames. Play ball, volley ball, soft ball, baseball, boat racing, ground. supervised play ground. COLUMBUS PARK, 24th and Woolworth. Wading pool, base ball, horse shoes, play ground. MORTON PARK, 41st and W. Handicraft, dancing, DAHLMAN PARK, 6th and Woolworth. Play ping pong, volley ball, basketball, sofr ball, horse ground. shoes, play ground. ELMWOOD PARK, 60rh and Leavenworth. Volley MORMON PARK, 8500 North 30th. Playground. ball, basketball, soft ball, archery, nature lore, com­ munity sing, play ground. MANDAN PARK, 13th and Harrison. Playground. STUDY of the above photographic ensemble inclusive. Both indoor and outdoor aCtlV!tles are FLORENCE CENTER, 8702 North 30rh. Dra­ PIERCE STREET PLAYGROUND, 16th and A will give a very comprehensive, though kalei­ carried on rhroughout almost the entire year. matics, handicraft, nature lore, first aid, play school, Pierce. Soft ball, volley ball, horse shoes, basketball, doscopic ideas of the many varied activities of the home nursing, ping pong, basketball, volley ball, ping pong, special recreation playground. These activities include basketball, baseball, soft­ game room, dancing, sewing, art, club work. Omaha Recreation Department. These pictures nat­ PULASKI PARK, 41st Ave. and H. Playground. urally can convey, to a limired extent only, a con­ ball, volley ball and soccer, skating, table rennis, FONTENELLE PARK, 42nd and Ames Ave. Game ception of the city-wide program that is carried on horse shoe pitching, marble rournaments, archery, room, social recreation, ping pong, volley ball, basket­ RIVERVIEW PARK, LOth and Deer Park Blvd. track and field meets, boxing shows, wrestling, kite Playground. for the benefit of the citizens of Omaha. ball, horse shoes, nature lore, social and folk dancing, flying contests, model airplane contests, model boar handicraft, play ground. SHERMAN SCHOOL, 13th and Ellison Ave. Social This program is designed for the purpose of pro­ races and almost every orher sport thar appeals to viding healthful exercise, useful rraining and clean GRACE YOUNG PLAYGROUND, 65th and Bed­ and folk dancing, social recreation, ping pong, handi­ boys and girls, as well as ro the adulrs. ford. Wading pool, sofr ball, playground. craft, game room, basketball, playground. and wholesome amusement for the people of our GIFFORD PARK, 33rd and Casso Ping pong, volley community. Many thousands of men, women, boys In addition ro these sports the Recreation Depart­ ball, badminton, basketball, horse shoes, game boards, SOUTH SIDE TERRACE HOMES, 28rh and T. and girls, of every creed, race and nationaliry are ment holds Community Sings, Dances, Pet Shows, sofr ball, playground. Sofr ball, volley ball, basketball, ping pong, game given rhe opportunity to rake parr in rhe recrearional Parades and Pageants, Picture Shows, handicrafr and room, handicraft, social recreation, dancing, play­ HANSCOM PARK CENTER, 29th and Ed Creigh­ activities. shop classes, hobby shows, fund programs, picnics, ground. ron Ave. Handicrafr, game room, nature lore, game As indicated in rhe above photographs, which were radio classes, fun programs and all orher activities boards, dramatics, singing, social recreation, dancing, SCHROEDER PARK, Saddle Creek and Pine St. taken during the past twelve months, the Recreation thar go to make up a complete and well-balanced basketball, volley ball, horse shoes, play ground. Playground. program is nor only a year-around affair but is all­ Recreation program for the entire city.

Page Six Page Seven The Omaha Park Program

OUR PARK PROGRAM in the World of War, has Almost overnight, military and civilian actlvlt1eS been developed to meet the demands of enforced have brought to rhe Omaha area thousands of new vacations at home and the spare time of daylight workers. Mushroom housing activity around the new saving. Be alert! Exercise out-of-doors! Visit and en­ expanded airport and throughout the city, especially joy Omaha Parks! in the packing house district, have added to the re­ quirements of the park and recreational system. PUBLIC APPRECIATION is the reward of the These special requirements have been anticipated by Park Department for work well done. War require­ the improvements in the nearby parks in these areas. ments must come first! Simple, streamlined park Adequate maintenance is promoted by simple open development and maintenance wins approval if areas, and large refotested or natural plantations. good proportion and fitness ate achieved. Fitness is a Wide ttails on easy gradients are ideal. war measure. It is developed through periods of both good and hard times. Now we may use it to test sur­ "If there are any among us today, particularly viving Park and Recreational activities in the inter­ among our young people, who become so confused ests of economy and efficiency. All projects must be by tragic world events that they are beginning to active agencies for the promotion of fitness of mind, doubt the democratic way, let them go into our body and soul. parks." - Secretary Ickes.

Photo by Der Moine! Register dnd Tribu.nc

Future Plan of Levi Carter Park Outboard motor boat The Missouri River cut off of 1877 has been Areas, will serve the enrire area. The lake now has an raceJ on one mile C01f.rJe ideal one mile race course. Certain areas will be kept dredged and made into a 3 mile lake. This is Omaha's tIt c,trter Lake outstanding development for Boating, Bathing, Fish­ clear of weeds by chemical and mechanical means. ing and Water Sports. The Cornish Field on the Iowa The water level has been srablized to a good working Peninsula financed by the lare Mr. and Mrs. Edward level ar a depth of 10 to 15 feet. Surface and sub­ drainage will insure an adequate water supply. The Cornish will, when completed, accommodate thou­ Stadium at the Cornish Field has been well planned sands of visitors. The newly projected Boulevard cir­ by the architectural firm of Kimball, Steele and cuit around the lake, via the Sea Scout Base, Carter Sandham. It will be built when men and materials Lake Club, Airport, North Shore Beaches, West Shore are available. Roads, ground work and parking areas Photo by Bortwick Boat Houses and Piers, Ball Diamonds and Picnic are partially completed. Kountze Park Redesigned Aerial Panorama OMAHA PARKS AND BOULEVARDS may be trees in the deep ravines make it a natural park of visualized from rhe Aerial Survey as you fly over Lake great charm. Bicycle and hiking trails connecting KOUNTZE PARK (before) Manawa and the South Omaha Bridge coming from ridges and ravines make all parts of the rugged park the East. On the Western Horizon you see Wahoo easily accessable. Soft ball and children's playgrounds Dangerous walk near curb, worn out and and Fremont beyond the great Valley of the Elkhorn are available to nearby residents. The Spring Lake badly in need of repair, and not on the and Platte rivers; the natural outer park limits. In Drive approaching the South Omaha bridge com­ proper level with the park surface. the foreground the Nebraska bluffs 300 feet above mands a view of the Missouri River. The lake will the Missouri River are covered with wild woodland be restored to its former place of importance, as the in the Fontenelle Forest, Camp Gifford and Camp central feature of the park. Brewster. This wilderness playground extends inro THE RIVERVIEW PARK zoo has many young and Beautiful Old Bellevue adjoining Fort Crook and old friends - Old "Pete," the last of the fire horses, the Bomber plant. passed on at the age of 33 years. Other attracrions The Gifford Drive runs from Mandan Park along are: Buffaloes, Elk, Deer, Antelopes, Llama, Lions, the bluffs through the replica of Mount Vernon to Bears, Foxes, Wolves, Alligators, Eagle, Peacocks, Spring Lake and Riverview; thence rhe Deer Park Pheasants and other wild birds. For convenience and Boulevard to Hanscom Park; thence via Turner and economy it may be desirable to bring back the Buf· Lincoln to Bemis and Mercer Parks; thence by faloes, Deer and Elk to pens near the caged animals. KOUNTZE PARK (after) Creighton and Paxton to Fontenelle Park; thence by Many of the animals were donated by Gould Dietz, Fontenelle and Bellevedere to Miller Park; also from Vincent Haskell and others. The swimming pool was Easy transition from the wide apron at the Fontenelle Boulevard you may continue north on the never modernized. The old shelter type pavilion has intersection to the new park walk follow­ Ridge Drive to the Water Works; also by Florence depreciated for lack of maintenance. There has been ing a natural route from the park entrance. and Pershing Drive to Hummel Park; from Hanscom an increasing demand for a new pavilion. Additional ro Elmwood good avenues and streets bring us to ground has been acquired between lath and 13th Happy Hollow Boulevard connecting with Fonte­ Street. The old brick-yard may also be added to the nelle. These grand circuits with the Carter Lake area park. The future plan for Riverview Park should pro­ make all of the city parks available on pleasant vide for league sized hard ball facilities, modern routes. bathhouse and swimming pool. The road system is Small parks and playgrounds are scattered far and very well planned. Some adjustments will be made wide. Gifford and Burdette serve latge populations for adequate parking and better maintenance, in CO~ and should be adequately improved. Morton, Christie operation with the Street anel Boulevarel Department. Heights, Pulaski, Upland and McKinley have spe­ HANSCOM PARK one of th~ oldest and best parks, KOUNTZE PARK (after) cial need of development for newly built housing noted for picnics and the lagoon. The band stand will areas near the Stock Yards. be repaired and preserved. The greenhouses are an New walk thirty feet away from the curb, Saddle Creek road makes a con venient connection economic problem. Road repairs and reconstruction safe within the park limits and a part of from Center Street to Benson passing Schroeder and with some adjustments will be made by the Street the park rather than an ord inary sidewalk. Metcalfe Parks. Dahlman Park, a scenic playground Department, in charge of all park roads and boule­ overlooking the river, was named for the pioneer vards. Mayor. Jefferson Square was our first park. BROWN PARK is an outstanding example of the This Survey, with ravines and reclaimed waste development of waste land, not suited for residential areas makes a panorama of future pnrks. play­ use. The hard ball field is bounded by high ground grounds and boulevards worthy of a Great Western on the South and West; making a natural ampi­ City on the banks of the longest navii!able river in theatre. The grandstand and approaches will be built the world; with Fort Peck reservoir 175 miles long :" soon as men and marerials are available. The old - 3,000 miles frol11 the Gulf of Mexico. swimming pool, might well be relocated and mod­ SPRING LAKE PARK was the first water suprly e-roized as there is a growing demand for this ('''PC PhotOf by Towl for South Omaha in 1885. The springs "n" latge of recreation. Page Ten Park Tour Along the Way THE ELMWOOD PARK springs are used by 300,­ afternoons; because it is the only clear area available 000 people during the period of a year. This warrants away from the airport. GIFFORD DRIVE may be extended south along the the attractive rock garden and paved area at the Missouri River to Nebraska City and beyond, touch­ springs. The parking lot should be paved. The Moor­ FONTENELLE PARK offers the finest baseball lay­ ing the Fontenelle Forest, Old Bellevue, Plattsmouth, ish Castle will be used for refectory, rest rooms and out in the middle west. The roof covered grandstand Rockport, King Hill, Goose Hill and Arbor Lodge, shelter. The attractive expanse of new lawns will and league size ball diamond was relocated with play the home of J. Sterling Morton, the father of Arbor be used by University students and picnickers. The to the northeast. The modern comfort facilities of the Day. sings are so popular, that a permanent bandstand has pavilion are open during all baseball games and other been located at the foot of rhe slope where the crowd public events. Winter sports were introduced ro Oma­ OUTER DRIVES: West from the Missouri River, numbers 12,000 to 15,000 per Sunday during the ha with the construction of the sled, bob-sled and to­ you may follow the Platte, its largest tributary; pass­ summer months. boggan slides on the west slope. These are lighted ing the State Fisheries and return by Dodge Street for night play. super highway via Boys' Town. Between Benson BENSON PARK, newly developed, is like a Country Park and Fontenelle, you pass the new Masonic Club. The entrance drives contact the building on the MILLER PARK, adjacent to the newly widened Home for boys near 52nd and Ames Avenue. The west only, with parking areas extending on either North 30th Street Highway, brings the visitors from future use of the Outer Parks will be more appreci­ Photo by Towl ated as the population spreads westerly. flank to the North and South permitting an uninter­ the rich farm lands of Northeastern Nebraska, South Fontenelle Park Winter Sports Lighted Slides rupted lawn area to the lake. The planting of large Dakota and Western Iowa, along side the gently FONTENELLE FOREST ASSOCIATION: We evergreens and trees has given the park a finish that sloping wide front lawn of Miller Park where its fine patrons sustain, not only a civic interest, but are gladly cooperate with all forestry projects. The Re­ would take twenty years to attain with the use of specimen trees are displayed to good advantage along genuinely alert to protect and preserve their beloved serve at Child's Point on the Missouri River bluff small nursery stock. The nine hole golf course may the boundaries and paved park roads. Thus, the pas­ parks. They report acrs of vandalism to the Police south of the city has 700 acres of well preserved be enlarged if rhe adjoining land is taken for that sersby enjoy a lovely park. Of course the park Deparrment, who respond effectively and follow wilderness, with trails and entrance parking facilities. purpose. Gas-Model planes use the course Sunday neighbors, members of garden clubs, and pavilion through until the situation is cleaned up in a satisfac­ The Omaha Forestry League is sponsored by the tory manner. The Park Department has no separate Fontenelle Forest Association. Our city forester as­ police force. sists in educational work, publicity and organization HUMMEL PARK, named for the late Joseph B. of school tree-clubs. The Park Neighbors and the Hummel, the veteran Commissioner, who labored Police Department take an active part in curbing for a generation on the acquization and development vandalism and protecting trees and shrubbery in all of the Park and Boulevard System (his memorial). of the parks. Most of the bluffs and ravines are cov­ ered with native trees and undergrowth. The front range supports a stone shelter and picnic area. Also a well used ski run and power tow. The Pershing drive (river road) will be graded and paved from the water works to Hummel Park. The main park road will be graded and paved to the summit. This improvement may be located as a cliff on the face of the front range overlooking the Mis­ souri river. PERSHING DRIVE may be extended north along the Missouri River to Sioux City and beyond, touching many historic and scenic places in the Indian Reservations. Elmwood Park bridle path Dewey Park Battery of Tennis Courts .fe'Fen mile circlIit

Page 'l'welve Pbofo by !3O,l/.1/lirk Park Catalog Park Catalog

ATLAS LOOKOUT: 13th and Atlas Streets. Y4 DEWEY PARK: 32nd Street and Dewey Avenue. HAPPY HOLLOW PARKWAY: Sunken Gar­ Bleachers; 9 Hole Golf Course; Hard Surfaced Acre. Reserve for view. 12 Acres. 12 Clay Surfaced Tennis Courts; Locker dens, Happy Hollow Boulevard and Underwood Tennis Court; Horse Shoe Courts; Picnic Areas; Play Facilities; 18 Horse Shoe Courts; Softball Diamond Avenue. 10 Acres. Landscaped and Wooded Ravine, Grounds; Lake; Skating. BEMIS PARK: 33rd and Cuming Streets. 5 Acres. and Bleachers; Play Grounds; Cusrodian's Cottage. extending to Dodge Street. Rest Rooms; Two Clay Tennis Courts; 5 Horse MORTON PARK: 41sr and W Streets. 4 Acres. Shoe Courts; Picnic Area. DODGE PARK: Pershing Drive. 146 Acres. East HIGHLAND PARK: 25th and C Streers. 6 Acres. Pavilion; Swimming Pool; Showers; Lockers; Rest of Hummel Park Target Range and Wild Life Re­ Play Grounds; 2 Hard Surfaced Tennis Courts; Rooms; Softball Diamond and Bleachers; Play BENSON PARK: 70th and Military Avenue. 115 serve. Dough Boy Memorial. Grounds. Acres. Pavilion; Lake; Picnic Area; Baseball Dia­ mond and Bleachers; 9 Hole Golf Comse; Ice Skat­ ELMWOOD PARK: 60rh and Dodge to Leaven­ HUMMEL PARK: Pershing Drive. 375 Acres. Nat­ MOUNT VERNON GARDENS: 13th and Y ing; Custodian's Cottage; M~~Jel Airplanes. worth Streets. 207 Acres. Pavilion; Shelrer; Bicycle ural Area; Shelter; Camping and Picnic Areas; Streets. 6 Acres. Open Portico; Scenic points; Floral ! ' ) Concession; Custodian's Cottage; Implement and Numerous Scenic Lookours; Ski Slide with Power and Hedge Displays; Replica of Washington Esrare. BLUFF VIEW: Florence and Carter Boulevards. 1 Tool Buildings; Kitchen and Picnic Areas; Resr Tow. Acre. Rooms; 18 Hole Golf Course and Service Buildings; PIONEER MORMON CEMETARY: 36rh and State JEFFERSON SQUARE: 16th and Cass Streets. 2 3 Softball Diamonds; 8 Fountains and 3 Jug Fillers Streets. Memorial of Winter Quarters of the Camps Acres. Floral Display; Sire for the Simeon Bloom BROWN PARK: 15th and U Streets. 12 Anes. supplied with Pure Spring Water in Paved Rock of Israel. Pavilion; Baseball Diamond and Bleachers; Wading Walled Court; Play Grounds; and Community Sing Memorial Founrain. Pool; Play Ground; Picnic Area; Ice Skating Rink. Area; Foot Trails along Happy Hollow Creek; Bridle PULASKI PARK: 40th and Avenue "G". 2 Acres. KOUNTZE PARK: 20th and Pratt Srreets. 10 Acres. Paths. Swimming Pool; Bath House; Lockers; Rest Rooms; 2 Hard Surfaced Tennis Courts; Lagoon; Skating BURDETTE PARK: 20th and Burdette Streets. 5 Play Grounds. Rink. Acres. Play Grounds; Baseball Diamond and Bleach­ FILMORE PARK: 29th and Filmore Streets. 2 Acres. Softball Diamond and Play Grounds. RIVERVIEW PARK: 10th and Deer Park Boule­ ers. LAKE JAMES: 49rh and Bedford Avenue. 3 Acres. vard. 110 Acres. Shelter; Rest Rooms; Baseball Wading Pool; Play Grounds. BURT TRIANGLE: 30th and Burt Streets. 2 Acres. FLORENCE PARK: 30rh and Stare Streets. 2 Acres. Diamond and Bleachers; Clay and Hard Surfaced Band Stand; Play Grounds; Rest Rooms; Pioneer NYA Work Shop. LOGAN PARK: 22nd and Seward Streets. 5 Acres. Tennis CourtS; Horse Shoe Courts; Picnic Areas; Mormon Memorial Marker. Softball Diamond; Play Grounds; Ad joining "Hous­ Play Grounds; Lake; Skating; Zoo. / " ./LEVI CARTER PARK; 16th and Cornish Boule- FONTENELLE PARK: 42nd and Ames Avenue. ing Project." / vard to Airport. 500 Acres Land. 280 Acres Lake... SCHROEDER PARK: Saddle Creek Boulevard and tQ8. Acres. Pavilion; Rest Rooms; Picnic Areas; Pavilion Shelter; Bath Houses; Boaf House; Custo~ MANDAN PARK: 13th and Jefferson Streets. 42 Pine Street. 2 Acres. Picnic Area; Play Grounds. Baseball Diamond and Grandstand; 9 Hole Golf dian's Cottage; 12 Barrack Type Buildings; Swim­ Acres. Pavilion; Rest Rooms; Picnic Areas; Scenic Course; Lake; Skating; Sled and Toboggan Slides. ming; Boating; Fishing; 3 Baseball Diamonds; Pic- Observarion Poinrs; Clay Surfaced Tennis Court; SPRING LAKE PARK: 20th and F Streets. 100 nic Areas; Ice Skating. .. Play Grounds. Acres. Pavilion; Rest Rooms; Sofrball Diamond; 9 FONTENELLE FOREST: South Gifford Drive. 722 Hole Golf Course; Scenic Foot and Bicycle Trails; Acres. Natural Forest Reserve; Foot Trails; Custo­ McKINLEY PARK: 28th and Harrison Streets. 5 Picnic Areas; Play Grounds. CHRISTIE HEIGHTS: 36th and Q Streets. 6 Acres. dian's Cottage; Parking Area. Play Ground; Baseball Diamond and Bleachers. Acres. Play Grounds. TURNER PARKWAY: Dodge Street to Poppleton GIFFORD PARK: 33rd and Cass Streets. 6 Acres. Ave. 10 Acres. Play Grounds at 34th and Leaven­ COLUMBUS PARK: 24th and Woolworth Avenue. MERCER PARK: 38th and Cuming Streets. 6 Acres. Play Grounds; Softball Diamond; Skating Rink. worth Streers. 7 Acres. Floral Display; Custodian's Cottage; Rest NaturalisticArea. Rooms; Baseball Diamond and Bleachers; Wading GRACE YOUNG PLAYGROUND: 65rh and Bed­ METCALFE PARK: 51st and Decatur Streets. 4 UPLAND PARK: 30th and Jefferson Streets. 10 Pool; Play Grounds; Ice Skating Rink. ford Avenue. 3 Acres. Custodian's Cotrage; Resr Acres. Acres. Rooms; Play Grounds; Wading Pool. DAHLMAN PARK: 6th and Pine. 3 Acres. Play­ MIAMI TRIANGLE: 43rd and Miami Streets. 1 WYMAN TRACT: Pershing Drive north of Water­ ground. HANSCOM PARK: Woolworth and Park Avenue. Acre. works and Boat Basin. 30 Actes. Wild Life Preserve. 58 Actes. Pavilion; Rest Rooms; Picnic Areas; Band DEER PARK: 15th and Deer Park Boulevard. 18 Stand; 2 Hard Surfaced Tennis CourtS; Lake; Green MILLER PARK: 24rh and Kansas Avenue. 80 YALE PARK: 34th and Lake Streets. 2 Acres. Play Houses; Ice Skating. / Acres. Natural Area; Softball Diamond. Acres. Pavilion; Rest Rooms; Baseball Diamond and Grounds. AERIAL SURVEY OF PARKS BOULEVARDS & RECREATION

aOMAHA & ENVIRONS Joo,tJiJO

~L[Y

~OUTH SlOt HOUSING ~o TH [. U STS.

PROPOSED CULTURAL GARDENS fROM MANDAN TO RlvtRVIE.W ALONG GifFORD DRIVE ANO'" SPRING LAKE DRIVE OVERLOOKING MiSSOURI RIVER AND IOWA BLum Boulevards and Park Drives

The beautiful Boulevatd drives of today in Omaha We had planned to complere the Pershing Drive are the outgrowth of the efforts of this Council to from rhe Water Works north to the entrance of economize. Prior to 1935 the City maintained the Hummel Park during 1942, but with world condi­ old system of about 65 miles. These boulevards were tions as they are and the uncertainty of manpower constructed many years ago, anticipating an entitely and material, it is difficult to lay any plans in advance. The beatlty of the tree­ different rype of traffic than we have today. However, to complete the picture and to bring to our bordered boulevards that City an entirely new Boulevatd system, there remains wind through and around In those years boulevards were laid without any the complerion of John A. Creighton Boulevard, Lin­ Omaha is strikingly illtJS­ base and were not curbed or guttered, and as a result, coln Boulevard, Turner and Belvedere Boulevard, and trated in this picture show­ in recent years when traffic became heavier, the old the surfacing for the first time of Gifford Drive south ing a view of the Missouri boulevards did not stand up. They began to deter­ of Riverview Park. river as seen from the iorate at such a rapid pace that repair crews were in scenic Pershing Drive. continuous operation from early spring into late fall, Ir might be well to mention that rhe maintenance This is one of the most at­ trying to keep a smooth driving surface on the worn of the old Boulevard system had grown to an annual tractive drives in the city. Out boulevards. expense of over $20,000, and was actually money wasted, as the patching resulted in no permanent im­ In 1935 the reconstruction of the old system began. provements, and could only be viewed as an annual We set about first to build a base to suppOrt the sur­ expense for all the years to come. face, and after a great deal of experimentation, we selected a base which gives every indication of stand­ We will continue to operate our boulevards out Photo b:; BOltwick ing up for many years to come. of the wheel tax allowance, and as new Boulevards The 500 miles of paved srreets and alleys in the By this method the older paved streets are kept in are constructed, the maintenance costs will lessen in Throughout the boulevard chain now completed, city are maintained through the operation of the good condition in spire of the heavy motor vehicle proportion to the number of miles of new Boulevards we have a five inch clay-bound rock base with a municipal asphalt plant. Two crews of men are con­ traffic which they wete not built to carry and prop­ completed. cushion of one and one-half inches of asphalt and tinously engaged in repairing the streets except when erty owners are saved the expense of resurfacing or with a one-half inch asphalt surface. In explanation of the wheel tax, 60% of the the weather will not permit. repaving. revenue obtained from this source goes into street Over 30 miles of new boulevards have been con­ mainrenance; the remaining 40% is set aside for structed out of the 40% allocated to boulevards from boulevard maintenance and earmarked for tbat pur­ the wheel tax. All of the completed boulevards have pose. been beautified, parkings seeded, shrubs and plants installed, and every effort made to provide a smooth Omaha, with the acquisition of Fairacres, now bas driving surface with the most scenic and pleasant sur­ approximately 700 miles of earth streets and alleys roundings. to maintain, and therein lies a problem wbich spring and fall weather creates. Nnmerous calls are received The boulevard program was designed from its in­ daily in rhese seasons for cinders, rocks, gravel, or ception to distribute these boulevards over every sec­ any material suited to get the citizenry out of the mud, tion of the City over the old routes. A glance at the A view of the "Big Mud­ but with the use of oil as a fuel, the inability to get now completed boulevards indicate we have kept dy" from a point on Per­ crushed rock, and the lack of any fund to purchase faith with every section of Omaha, giving an equal sbing Drive, as the boule­ gravel, the City is faced with a situation which can­ portion to all. ·vtErd follows the contoms not be met under our present financial set-up. The In all of our boulevard consrruction we have used of the rit;er bluffs. T be law tequires the City to blade these earth streets and a City sponsored WPA Program, setting up as much buildings in the fore­ to keep them passable in that way only. But when work each year as could reasonably be expected to ground are part of the wa­ moisture is from 10 to 36 inches below the surface, be completed in rhe current year. ter works plant that StIP­ it can readily be seen thar such conditions cannot be plies water to all Omah". At the close of 1941, we completed Fontenelle remedied by the use of Our heavy blades. If Omaha Boulevard from Ames ro Martin Avenue, and Belve­ is ever to provide the service requested, some means dere from 36th and Curtis Avenue to 30th Street. must be legislated for this purpose. PbOlo by BOJfWicl'

P,tge N in

The views on this page show the prog­ ress of the boulevard imptovement work y This photograph shows a road in Spring that was done in Spring Lake Park. Here I Lake as work began on the grading, the park drive was completely remade. It widening and resurfacing of the drive was graded, filled in where necessary and li'hich 'was relocated by the Depart- a complete new surface laid. ment of Streets and Boulevelrds. As may be seen in the photographs a hill in the curve of the boulevard has been cut down, the drive rounded up and a The rapid improvement thar has sweep of the curving road achieved that been made in park drives and boule­ was not present originally. vards during the last few years by the

Street Department, is clearly illustrated Photo b.l' To,v! As a result of these and other imptove­ by the two photographs on this page. ments on the boulevard system and on They are "before" and "after" pictures raken to Can anyone gain a clear idea of what has been ac­ park drives the pleasure of Omaha citizens show the progress made in the construction of mod­ complished and the extent of the improvement work in traveling over the boulevards and ern, smooth and well surfaced roads in the city. that has been going on. through the parks has more than doubled. I Borh views were taken in Spring Lake park. In the A portion of the money raised by the wheel tax The work shown on this page has been i top photograph the grading and levelling of a drive paid annually by Omaha motor vehicle owners, com­ duplicated sevetal times over in other in that park has just been started. The road is being bined with Works Projects Administration labor and parks and driveways and it is hoped that l' plowed up and it is being prepared for the grading funds have made these improvements possible. the improvement program may be carried I and surfacing that is to come. on until every mile of boulevard and drive I All the wheel tax money is spent either for im­ The lower photograph shows the same stretch of can be given similar tteatment. provements similar to those shown on this and the drive in Spring Lake park as it appeared when fin­ preceding page or to improvement of streets through­ ished and ready for use by the citizens of Omaha. The Civic Improvement program of the Out the city. None of the wheel tax money is used for street and boulevard department has not • Only by visiting these parks and the boulevards any other purpose. been confined by any means to the boule­ vard system alone. Many miles of stteets As a result the wheel tax paid every have been improved. They have been year helps to keep Omaha streets and graded, widened, opened, surfaced and , boulevards in good condition for driv­ otherwise put into condition for use. ing and the Omaha autoist gets 100 per cent return for the tax he pays. Wherevet hard surfacing was not pos­ I sible crushed stone and cinders have been used to make and keep roads passable and get as much of Omaha as possible out of f the mud. The completed drive in Spring Lake i.r In addition many miles of alleys have 1 pictttred here. Tbe grading, leveling eI,,,1 been graded, cindered and otherwise im­ restirfacing hels been fini.rhed ({nd tbe proved as part of the Civic Improvement .rmooth ,lItrelcti,;e bOltlel'ard is the re.rltlt. Program that has done so much to make Omaha a better city in which to live.

Photo by Towl Page Tmont)' Page Twenty·One Boulevard Tour

A tour of the Omaha Boulevard sytem, over its winding, tree-bordered drives will well repay anyone who has not made such a trip recently. A visitor to the city cannot be said to have seen Omaha until he has driven over the boulevards. Citizens of Omaha and visitors who desire to see the many scenic views and numerous points of inter­ est and historical moment along the boulevards may, of course, start their drive at any point and follow any route they prefer.

However the way to see the entire boulevard sys­ Photo by iHI/Tray tem at its best is to follow the roure proposed here: Memorial of Winter Qttarter.r of Start at the Pershing Drive, just east of the Omaha the Camps of Israel Waterworks station, north of Florence and follow 13th Street where Mount Vernon Gardens may be the beautiful scenic drive along the river south to viewed. Continue on 13th Street until the Mandan Read street and on to Florence Boulevard. Park Drive is reached. After a leisurely drive through Turn east on the Carter Lake Boulevard follow· Mandan Park, again reach 13th at the city limits. ing its winding course down to and around the north From here go north on 13th Street to the south shore of Carter Lake, making the return over Corn­ entrance to Spring Lake Park proceed north to Deer ish Boulevard to 16th Street, thence sourh to Com­ Park Boulevard at 20th Street; thence west on Deer mercial Avenue and west to Twentieth street and Park to Hanscom Boulevard. Follow this boulevard Florence Boulevard. to 31st Street and Ed Creighton Avenue. From here move to 32nd Avenue and go north to Follow this route to Davenport Street; then turn Center Street; thence west to 60th Street and north to east and proceed to 13th Street over this newly laid the entrance of Elmwood Park, following the wind­ street to 13th and Deer Park Boulevard. Here turn ing drive through Elmwood. Leave the park to drive east for a ride through Riverview Park, coming out Cnto the South Happy Hollow Boulevard to Dodge on the Gifford Drive, and follow this drive back to Street. Follow the North Happy Hollow Drive at this point to Military Avenue, again meeting the Fontenelle Boule­ vard. Drive through Fontenelle Park, continue north to Curtis Avenue, and turn east onto the Belvedere Boulevard to 30th Street. Thus circle the City and enjoy several hours of driving over the Boulevard system.

lf7c,I""t Hill ReJervoir from .lRth and L"fayette Alien/Ie Photo by BOJllI'id:.

Photo by BOJ/Il,j,k Minne LttJtl Pumping Station Page 'Twellty·Three Paved highways now lead to the airport. Located be a total investment of about $4,000,000, of which so near the city proper renders it unique among first sum the city has expended more than $1,500,000 class airports, as most of them lie many miles from including bond issues approved by the people in the the cities they serve. sums of nearly $1,000,000. The land used for airport The addirional land has made it possible to extend purposes, has all been purchased out of municipal runways, construct new facilities and otherwise im­ bond issues. prove the airport. Plans for, expansion of the present The total money expended on the Omaha airfield facilities include additional taxi-strips, field and has been invesred in buildings, runways, drainage, boundary lighting, drainage, a parallel runway sys­ lighting, fencing, grading, taxi~strips, planting and tem and new buildings, especially a new administra­ other beautification work. About $2,500,000 will tion center. have been spent on the field improvements, about Within the next few months the completed run­ $1,000,000 on the ground values and about $250,­ ways will have a total length of 4.30 miles and an 000 on the buildings. area of 363,000 square yards of paved surface. The That the money has been well spent is proven by runways will all be of standard width and all will be the fact that when the present program is completed at least 5,000 feet in length. They will be four in the Omaha airport will be brought up to the Class number. Photo by BOil1lJt'tk 4 Standard, the highest rating accorded any airport When the present program is completed there will by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. Airport Development

The Omaha Municipal Airport, on which approxi­ Ever since the acquirement of the field about ten mately $4,000,000 will have been expended when years ago improvements have been made year aftet the present improvement program is completed, is year. As a result of the steady progress made the air­ recognized as one of the leading airports in the coun­ port has reached its presenr high tating. try. It was not, however, until 1936 that the present It has been developed so that Omaha, like other betterment program was inaugarated. In 1937 and modern cities may possess suitable and adequate the years following, the assistance of the Works Proj­ facilities for the promotion of privare and commercial ects Administration has made it possible to spend aviation. many hundreds of thousands of dollars in extending Since the outbreak of the war the improvement and and improving the airport. enlargement of the Omaha airfield has become vitally During the last five years the construction of field important because of the part it will play in the ilnprovements, runways, etc., and construction of strengthening of our national defense program. The buildings has been carried on through the combined lengthening and widening of runways' have been effotts of the city and the Works Projects Adminis­ carried out so that the largest aircraft may land and o·ation. The latter organization furnished both labor take off from Omaha. and materials. In 1941 rhe use of special defense Everyone who has visited the airfield recently can­ hll1ds, allocated to airport development, has been of not have failed to be impressed by the great activity great assistance. It is expected that this year will see and the many improvements going on at this aviation rhe completion of the long range program. center. During the last twelve months the city has in­ The imagination is stirred by the roar of motors creased the area of the airport from 270 acres to 850 and by the arrival and dep~r~lJre of,airplanes almost acres by the acquisition of additional land. The cost every hour of rhe day,: Th~:, airpoh: ";s,. one of the of this addition was met out of the proceeds of a bond busiest places in the city. " issue voted by the people of Omaha for that purpose. Air traffic is steadily increa~ing at rhe field and the The firsr purchase of land for airport purposes was Omaha airport is destined to become one of the for only 77 acres, so that the size of the field has been principal inland aviation fields in the country. enlarged more than ten times during its existence. Photo by Bottwick Page Twenty-Five Page 'fwent.'Y.POflr Photo by Biblor Developing the City Sanitation 1mprovements

Millions of dollars have been spent in the last few ment and provided for years to come a satisfactOry [n addition to the actual construction of new ot re­ Leavenworth street, Cuming street, Missouri Avenue, yeats in a city-wide civic improvement program which way of handling the sewage in that section of the city. built sewers more than 2,500 new flat grate inlets West L street, West Q street and other streets. has been carried on by all departments of the city. have been installed doing away with the dangerous The Sewage Disposal Plant, while it is the most The total cost of these streets is in excess of $5,­ Through the aid of the federal government, which old style inlet with a dip in the pavement. important single accomplishment, is not by any 000,000 contributed jointly by the city and by the supplied funds through the Works Projects Ad­ means the only improvement that has been made by ministration these improvements have been accom­ Arterial highways serving Omaha now stretch to Works Projects Administration. the Department of Public Improvements. the west, north and south. They have been completed plished without increasing city taxes. The program of highway improvement in the city through the combined work of Department of Public Miles of main sewers have been laid, streets have began with the improvement of Dodge street which A great deal of the improvement program has been Works, the Street Department and the Works Proj­ been widened, opened and repaved and enginering was done by the State Highway department with done through the Department of Public Improve­ ects Administration. assistance has been given all city departments. federal funds. Since that street was finished the work ments which, through its engineering division, has The principal highways thus constructed include of street improvement throughout the city has gone been of great assistance to other departments. The completion of the Burt-Izard street sewer, draining the valley north and west of Creighton Uni­ North Thirtieth street, Sourh Thirteenth street, steadily forward. The outstanding project of the Omaha Civic Im­ versity and extending five miles to the Missouri river provement Program that has been completed in costing $1,750,000, did away with the almost annual recent years is the new Sewage Disposal Plant at inundation of that section of the city. 61 st and Harrison streets. Other large sewer work includes the Mattha street More than to,OOO street sign plates have been put up at more than 5,000 street corners throughout the city as a re­ sewer, the N street-South Omaha sewer, the storm The erection of this plant, which cost approximate­ sult of a combined City~NYA street sign project which was sewer across Thirtieth street from the vicinity of the ly $1,000,000, and the construction of the huge inter­ carried on during 1941. old Weber mill to the river and a numbet of other cepting sewer through the western part of the city As a result of the project thousands of street corners like projects. has solved the sewer problem of the west side. which were very poorly marked or not marked at all were For the first time in many years the danger of re­ provided with clear, easily read signs. This intercepting sewer runs from 78th and curring floods of streets, homes and basements Employment was given quite a number of young men in BIondo streets south to the Disposal Plant site near through inadequate storm sewers has been removed. preparing the metal signs which were manufactured by the the south line of Douglas county, a distance of 11.5 NYA. The ciry provided tbe material at a COSt of approxi­ miles. It cosr in the neighborhood of $700,000. In all more than 50 miles of sewers have been laid mately $3,500. Before the wotk is finally done every corner at a total cost of more rhan $9,000,000 which has in the city, including corners in the recently annexed west Co-operation of the City and the Works Projects been met by the City and by the Works Projects Ad­ and notthwest sections of the ciry, will be plainly marked Administration made possible this modern improve- ministration. with street signs.

PhQtQ b7 NYA Page Twenty-Six Page Twenty-Seven Omaha's Fine Record

For the second time in a period of six years Omaha lives of 15 persons during 194I, as compared to the has been awarded high honor,s in the annual Nation­ record made the year before. al Traffic Safety Contest fo{194I among the cities Serious crime was kept to a mllllmum, cltlzens of the country. This contest is sponsored by the Na­ were protected in rheir homes and On the streets, tional Safety Council which announced that Omaha hold-ups were very infrequent and there were fewer held first place among cities of between 100,000 and burglaries than in any other city of equal population. 250,000 population in the United States. This honor In addition to those activities the Police did a great was also won by Omaha in the year 1936. deal of other work. They rendered valuable aid to other departments, they patrolled the streets, boule­ During 1941 traffic deaths in Omaha were reduced vards and parks and the police first aid squad was of almost 50 per cent from 32 deaths in 1940 to 17 great service when called. deaths in 1941. In addition the number of traffic ac­ The Police Department also operated the Omaha cidents and persons injured also was smaller. Testing Station where all motor vehicles in the city Omaha not only won the first award in its classifi­ were tested for brakes, lights and other requirements cation but was second among all the cities of more every six months. than 100,000 population in the country. During the year a Cafeteria traffic court was put into operation with the co-operation of the Municipal This encouraging traffic record was due to rhe Court. This enabled motorists, arrested for minor of­ work of the Omaha Police Department under which fenses to pay scheduled fines and avoid the delays the splendid School Patrol operated. The police were attendant on appearing in police court. assisted by the Omaha Safety Council which put on a fine educational program, by Omaha firms and their Vice, including gambling, also has been kepr down and Omaha has earned the reputation of being one drivers and by the citizens of Omaha. Impartial and of the best governed cities in the country and also strict enforcement of the traffic regulations was re­ one of the cleanest and safest in which to live and sponsible, more than any other factor, in saving the bring up boys and girls. Photo by Dewell Safeguarding Life and Property One of the outstanding achievements of the Oma­ under the supervision of the school principals. There is now under construction in the east~ ha Police Department in the way of protecting and ern part of Dodge Park, a modern shooting During the last few years and in fact almost since range. With the assistance of the Park Depart­ safeguarding the lives of the people is the complete the School Patrol began its work there has not been ment, the range was laid out and the backstop elimination of fatal accidents in school zones through a single traffic fatality at or near a school building. constructed duting 1941. It will be completed the splendid work of the School Safety Patrol. this year and will include a comfortable club Accidents of any kind have been very few. house for those participating in practice or More than 2,000 boys are members of this competition. Most drivers are careful to slow down and exercise This new and modern range has been needed Patrol. They are on the job at or near their respective great care in approaching and passing through a during the past, but at present the need for it schools every school day, rain or shine, hot or cold. school zone. Those who do not, discover that the is imperative. Its construction and location will Their fidelity and their care in safeguarding the lives permit the use of all types of small arms, ln w keen-eyed youngsters are on the job and that they are eluding machine guns. Its location, on city park of their fellow students has made it possible for Oma­ prompt to report any motorist who fails to slow down property, while isolated and offering the mini­ ha to make a 100 per cent safety record for the or to obey their signals. mum hazard, is entirely accessible throughout school zones. the year, and when it is completed it will serve The result has been that, with the co-operation of not only to improve the shooting ability of The police co-operate with the members of the nearly alI drivers, the traffic accident record in school Omaha police offiecers, but will be available for organized rifle ;lnd pistol clubs to use. School Patrol and quite often a traffic officer is as­ zones has been made one of the best in any city in signed to duty at a school to aid the boys but for the the country. It is a matter of pride that this record PhOf() by Dih/er most part the youthful traffic workers do the job is so fine. Page TUJenty~Eight Ii ( Fire Department Equipment and Training The Fire Department Drill School is located at A well-equipped school room is located on rhe sec­ 30th and Hanover streets in a two story brick build­ ond Roor. All officers and men of the Department Omaha's Rescue Squad car has been in service ing, with a five story attached tower. The building regularly attend classes here and at company quarters. also houses Engine Company No. 24. since June 1936 - one of the first units of this type New candidates for the Department receive their in the country. The Unit carries all types of rescue Here all of the training activities of the Depart­ initial training here. After passing a rigid medical and salvage equipment, first aid supplies and a com­ ment are carried on. Twice yearly all Companies go and physical examination, they receive two weeks of plete surgical layout. It generates its own electricity through their complete evolutions and receive train­ intensive rraining. If they qualify, they are then ,IS­ and Roodlights enough to illuminate a city block. ing in new methods of fire fighting. signed to the various companies. In addition to first aid calls, the unit responds to all downtown fire alarms and is an invaluable aid in firefighting. Gas masks, Roodlights and power equip­ ment make for more efficient firefighting. Since June, 1936, the Unit has responded to 2,366 alarms - 942 fire alarms and l,424 rescue or firsr aid alarms. During this period the Squad has worked their inhalators and used artificial respiration on more than 800 people. At least 400 people have been treated for burns, lacerations and fractures. The Rescue unit also operates the two "Iron Lungs" owned by the American Red Cross. Caprains assigned to the Squad are also the First Aid Instruc­ tors for rhe Fire Deparrment.

Photo by Bibler

In 1940 the Omaha Fire Department purchased a new one hundred foot aerial lad­ det truck and two new pump­ ing engines. The aerial lad­ der is of cold drawn all steel type, hydraulic, one man op­ erated. It can reach the 10th Roar of any modern building within a few moments after arrival at the scene of a fire.

Photo by BOJ!'II,hk Lower fire msurance rates for Omaha have been out parts were replaced in the department shops. the direct resulr of improvements in the Omaha Fire Continuation of the progressive training program Department in recent years. New apparatus has been and the purchase of new apparatus each year will purchased year!y and during 194I every piece of ap­ tend to place Omaha in a still higher classification, paratus has been completely overhauled and worn with lower fire insurance rates.

PfJge Thirty Page Thirty·One Cultural Center

At the gateway to the scenic west and center of the world's richest agricultural region, Omaha In every direction from is located in the heart of the na­ Omaha waving fields of tion. grain extend for htlndreds of miles and htlndreds of The city is easily accessible by thomands of live stock railway, airway and highway. The graze in lmh pastm·es. fourth rail center in the country, Omaha is the hub of ten main line PhoU! by L. Lcppke railroads.

Because of its central location Omaha is easy to reach from every section of the United States, but convention delegates say it is "hard to leave" because of its genuine western hospitality.

Omaha is not alone an indus­ trial and great packing center but it is a city of education and cul­ ture. Two universities and large The famotls Joslyn Memorial, a marble medical schools combined with temple of art is one of Omaha's attractions splendid public and parochial schools make this an outstanding educational center.

Boys Town, Father Flanagan's world-famous home for boys, is situated a few miles west of Omaha and is the yearly mecca of thou­ - Photo hy Bostwick sands of visitors. RIVERVIEW PARK LAGOON Ak-Sar-Ben, an unique civic or­ ganization) is fatuous for its many activities, including live stock shows, horse shows, ice revues, stage shows and coronation balls. Omaha's popularion is 225,000.

PhOffJ by BQst1f,;ck Sea SCOtti Base Page Thi1'ty-T1lJO \ ..