![]() Many of these once-glorious palaces built for the King of Kings became hollow shells, echoing with the choirs and prayers of yesteryear’s fervent and devout faithful. Years back, while still living in Chicago, it used to break my heart every time another Catholic church was closed and shuttered. The sad thing today about many of these neighborhoods is that they have only gotten worse. Many immigrants went on to thrive and become self-sustaining for themselves and the families many chose to raise. Settlement houses which taught immigrants English, basic trade skills, and home economics were also a beehive of activity. Like Chicago, many were ethnic enclaves where many Catholic faithful of mostly European backgrounds settled and built their communities around a Catholic parish. ![]() Many of these poor neighborhoods were once economically viable places, often built by pioneers to the west, some settling in the Midwest instead of traveling further. It seems like at least twice a day, one will unavoidably drive down the street or visit a gas station and smell the pungent stench of marijuana, which overwhelms you. Many of these establishment also sell popular marijuana-based oils and other products to the many addicts out there. I thought Chicago had way too many liquor stores, but in all of Omaha, liquor stores, and gas stations that sell liquor, abound all around. At winter, I’m told, the violence decreases because of Nebraska’s brutal cold weather, but I also hear that come summer, bullets will be flying from all directions. In my many years of working in communities in many cities across America, I’ve never seen as many homeless drug addicts as I see in the North Omaha area. The blight, homelessness, and despair are truly a sad thing to witness. The North Omaha area reminds of the generational blighted areas like Chicago’s west side, where less educated impoverished people tended to flock to, often lacking economic and employment opportunities. I don’t know whether or not Omaha ever had a black community like these, however. Many neighborhoods like Chicago’s Hyde Park and Bronzeville thrived, and continue to thrive today with black Americans who pursued higher education and economic opportunities. There is one great place I’ve visited a few times with my four sons called Hollywood Candy, a place that would give Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory a run for its money.Īs happened historically with most Midwestern urban areas, there took place the great migration to the north when slaves were freed. There are, however, a few gift stores featuring every kind of kitschy pop culture antique and collectible one could ever imagine. ![]() The Old Market area, along with nightlife in the Dundee neighborhood, seems like a fun place for twenty-somethings, but as a family man my age, that’s no longer the kind of scene for me. The zoo was founded at the end of the nineteenth century, and now features thousands of animals from around the globe, 160 acres of exhibits and gardens, which include seven acres of indoor exhibits, so there should be plenty to interest anybody. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is supposed to be second in the nation only to the San Diego Zoo, though I’ve yet to visit it with my sons. Like anywhere else, Omaha has its interesting parts, neighborhoods, and attractions. I challenge anyone to just drop everything for the love of marriage and family. I must admit it has been somewhat of a rough ride the past few years, and now I’m living in a town that I’d only visited twice before. At this point, it isn’t exactly my favorite place in the world, but my much-loved wife and children are here, and I would follow them to the ends of the Earth. I recently moved to Omaha, Neb., to be near my family.
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