STORY #6: Country Homes on North 56th Street — From Summer Retreats to Family Homes
Over time, many of the summer homes along North 56th Street became year-round residences — and several still stand today. Those include:
2320 N. 56th Street — “Aloha” House
Built in 1901 as a summer retreat overlooking the Omaha Country Club, this remarkable home was named Aloha by telegraph pioneer Col. John J. Dickey. Inspired by Hawaiian architecture, it featured wide porches, windows on three sides for cooling breezes and shaded sleeping porches — perfect for escaping Omaha’s summer heat.
Dickey and his wife, Emresa J. “Mattie,” purchased the land from their friend Archibald “A.J.” Love, who built his own summer home just to the south. (Remember Mr. Love from Story #5?)
After Dickey’s death in December 1902, Mattie sold the home to Theda B. Reed. Theda and her husband, Abraham Lincoln Reed — son of real estate developer Byron Reed — were well-known civic leaders. Abraham was a charter member of the Omaha Country Club and served on the board and executive committee of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. He was deeply involved in the Omaha Grain Exchange, helped establish the United States Trust Company, financed and built the Fontenelle Hotel and donated land for Prospect Hill Cemetery.
The Reeds first used Aloha as a summer home, then expanded it into their permanent residence between 1906 and 1910 in the popular Shingle style of the era. As the golf course gave way to streets and homes, neighbors remembered Reed strolling along 56th Street with a five-iron instead of a cane, mourning the loss of his favorite fairways.
The Reed family would continue to own and live in Aloha until 1952, when Abraham Lincoln Reed died.
2510 N. 56th Street
Built in 1902 as a summer home for attorney Frances Brogan.
2606 N. 56th Street
Built in 1900 for Edward H. Sprague of the Omaha Tire & Rubber Company.
More than beautiful homes, these properties tell the story of Omaha’s growth — from rural edge to thriving community — linking Benson, the Country Club and the people who shaped them.
Thank you to My Omaha Obsession for her thorough research on these homes: https://myomahaobsession.com/.../portrait-of-a-summer.../
In addition thanks to the Douglas County Historical Society for their write-up on the home and the Reeds.
Do you have a story about the origins of your home or a photo to share? Email us at council@countryclubhd.org
Note: We want everyone to feel comfortable participating in this celebration. If you would prefer that your home not be featured in a story, simply let us know and we will gladly respect your wishes.
Photo Captions:
This photo captures the Reed home before renovations, courtesy of the Douglas County Historical Society Archives
Here we see the Reed home after renovations. Douglas County Historical Society Archive Photo
Fun little tidbit about the Aloha House owners from the April 12, 1925 Omaha World-Herald. A precursor to social media???
A Lynn Meyer photo of the Aloha House from the City of Omaha Landmarks Commission.
