STORY #12: Wanted: A Slogan for a New Neighborhood
In the fall of 1925, as the former Omaha Country Club land was being transformed into a new residential district, the Metcalfe Company launched a clever marketing campaign: “Wanted — A Slogan.”
Omahans were invited to submit a short phrase capturing the beauty and promise of the new Country Club District as both a place to live and a smart investment. Prizes of $50, $25 and five $5 awards were offered — and thousands of entries poured in.
The winning slogan?
“The Show Place of Omaha” — submitted by Mrs. Genevieve DeVoe
Runner-up honors went to:
“Beyond Comparison” — by Joseph Gerspacher
Other $5-winning entries painted a vivid picture of what the neighborhood aspired to be:
“The Choice of All Outdoors”
“Country Club District – Every Site, Just Right”
“All the Charms of Country Life Convenient to the City”
“Where Omaha is at its Best”
“Buy a Lot and Make a Lot”
These phrases weren’t just catchy — they helped define the identity of a brand-new neighborhood and were used in their sales brochures. Nearly a century later, many still feel remarkably true. Do you have a favorite?
Sources: Wanted a Slogan Omaha World-Herald Oct. 14, 1925 p23; Winners Announced Slogan Contest Omaha World-Herald Dec. 6, 1925 p29 and pg32; Metcalfe Ad Aug. 23, 1925 Omaha Daily News
Caption:
The Metcalfe Company places an ad for their contest to choose a slogan in the Aug. 23, 1925 Omaha Daily News.
Mrs. Genevieve DeVoe is announced as the official winner of the Country Club District slogan contest. Omaha World-Herald, Dec. 6, 1925.
Slogan contest winners are announced in the Dec. 6, 1925 Omaha World- Herald.
Winning slogans make their debut in the official Country Club District sales brochure.
