Story 35: Craftspeople and Suppliers Who Worked on the Country Club Homes
Schroeder Investment Co. built more than 50 homes in the Country Club neighborhood. In a May 26, 1929 Omaha World-Herald ad, they emphasized quality construction:
“We know that a few dollars spent for good construction will pay big dividends in extra comfort and will ensure the resale value of your property for years to come.”
The ad also highlighted the trusted materials and local companies behind their homes. In addition, an Omaha World-Herald Country Club Section on Sept. 11, 1927 listed additional suppliers in the neighborhood. Both ads remind us that these houses were truly a community effort.
So where did the hardware, brick, and cabinetry come from?
Here’s a closer look at some of the suppliers and craftspeople who helped bring these homes to life:
• Heating: Nesbit Moist Air Furnaces, supplied by Olson Brothers (Axel E. and Gilbert E.), 2612 Leavenworth St.
• Millwork & Cabinetry: M.A. Disbrow & Co., located at 1201–1205 Nicholas St. Established in Omaha in 1886, the company produced everything from doors and windows to ornate wood details like newel posts, brackets, and gable decorations. The firm operated at this site for nearly 100 years before being sold in 1982. Today, the building is being transformed into a boutique hotel.
• Lumber: George A. Hoagland & Co., 615 Douglas St., a wholesale and retail lumber company founded in Omaha in 1861.
• Roofing: National Roofing Co., 627 Paxton Block. Founded in 1878 and led by President Norman E. Dow, the company supplied materials and installation.
• Brick: Consolidated Builders Supply Co., 1818 Harney St.
• Hardware: Corbin Hardware, supplied locally by Nelson, Johnston & Doudna, 1417 Harney St. (The same hardware was also used in Harrison School and the Joslyn Art Museum.)
• Additional Lumber: Central Lumber & Coal Co., 4719 S. 24th St., led by President E.L. Platner, offered a full range of building materials.
• Stucco: Konkrete Exterior Stucco Co., operated by William H. Platner, provided Portland cement stucco manufactured in Omaha (25th & Oak). Available in a variety of colors and finishes—and guaranteed for life.
• Weatherproofing: Chamberlain Metal Weather Strip Co., 703 S. 24th St., managed by James Kirkwood Jr., supplied metal weather stripping to reduce drafts around windows and doors.
Together, these local businesses supplied the materials—and the craftsmanship—that helped define the quality and character of the Country Club neighborhood homes we still admire today
Photo Captions:
Schroeder Investment ad from the May 26, 1920 edition of the Omaha World Herald.
Central Lumber & Coal Co. placed this ad touting its work in the Country Club Subdivision in the September 11, 1927 Omaha World Herald.
Geo. A. Hoagland & Co.'s clever advertisement in the Omaha World Herald from July 12, 1936.
Nesbitt Moist Heat furnaces were advertised in the December 6, 1931 Omaha World Herald
