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If the Omaha Public Library had only had $650 back in 1913....... Omaha, Nebr., July 15, 1913 Miss Edith Tobitt, Librarian, City. My dear Miss Tobitt:- We have for sale a very beautiful Nebraska Bird Collection, in all about 300 birds. We are leaving the City and as we do not care to take a Nebraska Bird Collection to California, will dispose of them for less than the cost of mounting. This is the finest collection of birds in the State and Omaha should have them for educational purposes. If you desire to take them, arrangements should be made at once as we have our goods ready for packing. Very truly, Joseph Whinnery Phone: Douglas 1867 July 17, 1913 Dr. J. G. Whinnery 407 Paxton Block, Omaha. My dear Dr. Whinnery:- I sent your communication to Mr. Dietz [Omaha Public Library Board President] as soon as it was received at the Library and asked him to take some action so that I might communicate with you. He told m...

One of the fun things about working at the library is meeting people doing research. This past week, local researcher, Daniel Schafer , brought in a couple of historic images from his own collection to share with us of the Omaha Fire Department. He is researching the early photographers in Omaha and Nebraska and said these were taken by Mitchell & McGowan in the summer of 1878. The first is of the Omaha Fire Department #1 - built on the northeast corner of 20 th & Izard . The front of the building faces west. The second image is of one of their fire wagons, which is probably seen in the background of the first photo. Enjoy!