Story #36: 2048 N. 53rd St. (Built 1928)
Schroeder Investment Co. pulled a building permit in January 1928 to build a two-story brick veneer and stucco home at 2048 N. 53rd St.
When completed, the residence stood out with its buff-toned brick and stucco exterior, green roof, and white stone trim accenting the terrace. Even the details mattered. The side ramps were designed with graceful curves into the landscape, and the attached garage allowed direct access into the basement — a modern convenience for its day.
Inside, the home reflected the comfort and craftsmanship buyers expected in the new Country Club neighborhood. It featured a vestibule entry, living and dining rooms, a “domestic science” kitchen with a breakfast room, and three bedrooms upstairs along with a tile bath and shower. The attic was finished for storage and even included a cedar closet. Walnut woodwork filled the downstairs rooms, while the kitchen and bedrooms were finished in old ivory enamel.
The first owners were Louis A. and Ruth Detring, who moved from the Drake Court Apartments. Louis was a teacher at Omaha Technical High School and had started teaching in 1912 at Commerce High School, Tech High’s predecessor. Beyond the classroom, he was known as a local championship golfer and coached Tech’s golf team. For more than 20 years, he also taught evening stenography and shorthand classes at the YMCA. Ruth worked as a railroad stenographer.
The Detrings had purchased the homesite in October 1925, when the original Country Club platting took place.
By 1945, the home belonged to Jack and Pearl Hurwich, who would remain there for more than four decades. At the time, Jack worked as a clerk at United Provision Store in South Omaha. Together, the couple raised three children in the house. In 1985, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary while still living at 2048 N. 53rd St.
The current owners purchased the home in 2002 and raised three children there as well — continuing nearly a century of family life and memories within its walls. They still treasure details that connect the house to its past, including the original laundry chute, the mail slot that delivers letters directly into the home, and the original pink bathroom tile that has survived for nearly 100 years.
Photo Captions:
Rendering of 2048 N. 53rd Street from the original Metcalf Company Sales Brochure
Announcement for Louis A. Detring's new home in Country Club from the Jan. 22, 1928 Omaha World-Herald.
Love this pre-social media announcement detailing the Detring's move into their new home. Featured in the June 3, 1928 issue of the Omaha World-Herald.
Recent picture of 2048 N. 53rd St. courtesy of the current owners.
Fun fact: the original outdoor fireplace still exists 100 years later!
