STORY #18: The Blue Star Home
In September 1927, the Country Club neighborhood introduced Omaha to something entirely new — the “Blue Star Home.”
Located at 2012 N. 52nd St., the newly completed residence opened for public inspection as a showcase of modern living.
Built by the Metcalfe Company and outfitted by the Metropolitan Utilities District’s Gas Department, the home demonstrated how gas technology was transforming everyday life.
Visitors stepped inside to experience what was then considered the height of convenience and luxury. The house featured a Columbia warm-air gas furnace, a Roper gas range, an automatic gas water heater, laundry equipment, gas log fireplaces, a home incinerator and even a gas-powered refrigerator cooled by expanding ammonia — all designed to eliminate the smoke, coal dust and heavy labor common in earlier homes.
Every appliance carried the American Gas Association’s “Blue Star” seal, signifying tested quality and safety.
Fully furnished by Orchard & Wilhelm Co., one of Omaha’s premier furniture retailers, and brilliantly illuminated with the latest fixtures from Nelson Electric Co. at 1811 Farnam St., the Blue Star Home allowed visitors to imagine themselves living in a completely modern home.
Coal bins were unnecessary, allowing the basement to be transformed into additional living space. Orchard & Wilhelm demonstrated the idea by furnishing it with wicker furniture, suggesting it could serve as a den or billiard room — another innovation that fascinated visitors.
The Omaha World-Herald described the seven-room brown stucco residence as reflecting Spanish and Italian architectural influences, perfectly aligned with the European-inspired vision Metcalfe planned for Country Club. Open daily for tours that September, thousands of Omahans came to see the future of home living firsthand.
Nearly a century later, it’s fascinating to remember that what we now consider ordinary — central heating, modern kitchens and labor-saving appliances — once drew crowds eager to glimpse the future.
Which of these modern conveniences could you NOT live without?
Source: Omaha World-Herald Sept. 11, 1927 pg 47 and pg 50
Photo Captions:
Rendering of the MUD Blue Star Home from the Omaha World-Herald, Sept. 11, 1927 edition.
Advertisement for the MUD Blue Star Home located at 2012 N. 52nd St. The Omaha World Herald, Sept. 11, 1927, page 47.
Advertisement for the lighting fixtures featured in the "Blue Star Home" provided by Nelson Electric Co. Omaha World-Herald, Sept. 11, 1927.
2012 N. 52nd St. pictured in February 2025. Douglas County Assessor's website
