STORY #32: 5036 Parker Street (Built 1928)
A building permit for the home at 5036 Parker Street was issued in October 1927 for $6,000, and construction was completed in February 1928. Built as a speculative home by the Metcalfe Company, it stands out as the only Colonial-style house on the block.
In 1930, Swedish immigrant Dr. Sven E. Isacson, a pathologist, and his Hungarian wife, Lenke, purchased the home. Dr. Isacson built his medical career in Omaha at the former Lord Lister Hospital. Lenke became active in the community, helping advocate for a dedicated building for the Benson Library in 1941. She also brought her mother to Omaha after her family’s home in southern Hungary was seized by Marshal Tito’s forces following World War II. Lenke shared her heritage with Omaha readers through a newspaper feature highlighting her favorite Hungarian recipes.
Their daughter, Betty Ann “Lenke” Isacson, was among the first students to attend the newly opened Harrison Elementary School in 1930. She later appeared in plays at Central High School and the Omaha Community Playhouse, eventually pursuing an acting career under the stage name Lenka Peterson. She traveled with the USO entertaining troops in the Pacific during World War II, appeared on national television, and performed on Broadway. Her brother, Peter Isacson, followed their father into medicine and by 1961 was serving as an associate professor of research at Yale Medical School.
After Dr. Isacson died in 1961, the home was sold to Maurice “Morrie” and Rosalie Meiches. According to their daughter, Beth, the family was returning home from Rosh Hashanah services at Beth Israel Synagogue at 52nd and Charles when Rosalie spotted the “For Sale” sign. After touring the home, she declared it the house of her dreams. They submitted an offer of $19,500—and to their surprise, Mrs. Isacson accepted.
For Rosalie, it truly was a dream realized. She had grown up at the Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects at 24th and Paul Streets, where her mother supported the family by sewing draperies at Brandeis Department Store. One of Rosalie’s childhood neighbors? Future Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson.
At 5036 Parker, the Meiches family built a life filled with both hard work and simple joys. Morrie worked at the downtown Nebraska Furniture Mart, while Rosalie became an office manager for UNO’s Gateway newspaper and even filed to run for City Council in 1977. The children made the most of the property—building a fort above the garage and playing for hours under the blue spruce in the front yard.
Morrie’s passion for gardening transformed the yard into a neighborhood showplace. With nearly 80 rose bushes, the home became a highlight on local garden tours.
Today, a young family continues to serve as thoughtful stewards of the home.
From immigrant traditions and medical careers to theater, public service, and gardens, the story of 5036 Parker Street reflects the many lives that have shaped Omaha’s historic neighborhoods.
A special thank you to Beth Meiches for sharing her family’s story.
Do you have a story to share about a home in the Country Club neighborhood? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
Photo Captions:
Ad from the March 11, 1928 Omaha World-Herald announcing that 5036 Parker St. was open for inspection.
The February 1928 Omaha Bee News carried an ad for the sale of 5036 Parker St.
5036 Parker Street Photo courtesy Douglas County Assessor's website
Mrs. Sven Isacson's cooking was featured in the April 20, 1961 edition of the South Omaha Sun.
This story from the Oct. 14, 1930, edition of the Omaha World-Herald featured Betty Ann "Lenke" Isaacson as one of the first pupils to attend the newly opened Harrison Elementary School.
