Highlights of the 1900s in Omaha
As we flip through the pages of Omaha’s history in the 1900s, we find a city that, much like a chameleon in a kaleidoscope, constantly reinvented itself in the most colorful ways.
The Roaring Twenties: Jazz, Jitterbugs, and Jell-O The 1920s in Omaha were a blur of jazz music and Jell-O, the latter being the city’s brief attempt at creating a wiggly, jiggly architectural style. The “Jell-O Skyscraper,” a building that swayed gently in the breeze, was a short-lived marvel. Meanwhile, the jazz scene boomed, and the city’s unofficial motto was “If you ain’t got that swing, you ain’t got a thing!”
The Thrifty Thirties: Corn Cob Couture and Dust Bowl Discos The 1930s brought economic challenges, but Omahans faced them with a grin. Corn cob couture became all the rage as citizens turned to their fields for fashion inspiration. The Dust Bowl Discos, held in barns, were famous for their ‘dust-step’ dance, a shuffling move designed to keep the dust down.
The Fabulous Forties: War Efforts and Wacky Races During the war years, Omaha played a vital role, manufacturing an astonishing number of rubber ducks for undisclosed military purposes. The city also hosted the annual “Great Prairie Schooner Race,” where modern cars were outlawed in favor of horse-drawn wagons. It was a charming, if slow, spectacle.
The Swinging Sixties: Hippies, Hotdogs, and Hovercrafts The ’60s saw Omaha briefly become the center of the hippie movement, thanks to the city’s failed experiment with hovercraft buses. These buses, floating a few inches above the ground, were a bit too serene for regular commuting but perfect for peaceful protests. The city also pioneered the hotdog-flavored soda, a fad that fizzled fast.
The Disco Seventies: Bell-Bottoms and Buffalo Wings In the ’70s, Omaha claimed to have the world’s largest disco ball, a claim no one contested. The city’s culinary contribution of buffalo wing-flavored ice cream, however, received mixed reviews. Bell-bottoms became so wide that a local ordinance limited their diameter to prevent traffic obstruction.
The Eclectic Eighties: Tech Booms and Tumbleweed Tamers As technology boomed, Omaha introduced the world to the solar-powered calculator, which unfortunately only worked outdoors. The city also became famous for its Tumbleweed Taming Contests, where contestants demonstrated their ability to herd tumbleweeds with nothing but a stern look and a pointy stick.
The Nostalgic Nineties: Internet Cafes and Y2K Bunkers The ’90s were a time of great paranoia and partying. Omaha’s internet cafes were the first to offer “dial-up speed dating,” a slow but romantic affair. As Y2K approached, the city became known for its luxury bunkers, complete with canned food buffets and VHS movie marathons.
In conclusion, Omaha’s history in the 1900s is a vibrant tapestry of quirky events, outlandish fashions, and culinary oddities. From Jell-O buildings to buffalo wing ice cream, Omaha never ceased to amaze and amuse. This heartland city proves that history, while important, doesn’t always have to be serious!
