Starting in the 1870s, the first wheat mill in Omaha was located on North 16th Street. For more than 125 years it went changes in business and technology, until it was recently closed. This episode connects the giant, familiar Mother's Best Flour mill landmark to surprising national history.

For 90 years, a huge mixed use commercial and apartment block on North 16th Street was an anchor in a busy neighborhood. This story explores who lived there, the small storefront businesses that rotated through it, and how it eventually met the wrecking ball.

In this episode, we explore Omaha Technical High School, once the largest school in the world under one roof. We’ll dive into the school’s unique “tinkerer” philosophy, which provided a vital vocational pathway for working class students, and celebrate the trailblazing graduates like Tuskegee Airman Alfonza Davis and basketball legend Bob Boozer. Adam will also share reasons why it closed.

Our thanks to our patrons:
Sheryl English
Tony Rathgeber
Bridget Maryalice
Matt Martin
Michael Wagner
Sarah Swanson
Jeff Rockwell
Barb Naughtin
Lonnie (Hansen) Dunbier
Tim Reeder
Jenna Smith
Dan Hedrick
Richard Gude
Daniel Ammons
Sara Rogers
Troy Lewellen
Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh
Jim Collison
and
The Great Plains Black History Museum.
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