Omaha's Historic LGBTQ+ Havens: Unearthing the Legacy of the Diamond Bar

Omaha's urban landscape is a tapestry woven with stories, each building and street corner whispering tales of bygone eras. While the modern cityscape buzzes with activity, it's the echoes of the past that often hold the most profound resonance. For many, tracing the roots of a community involves delving into the establishments that served as vital gathering spaces, particularly for those who sought acceptance and camaraderie during times of societal challenge. In Omaha, one name consistently emerges when discussing the city's LGBTQ+ history: The Diamond Bar.

The Diamond Bar: A Beacon of Belonging in Omaha

Known as "The Oldest Gay Bar in Nebraska," The Diamond Bar holds a significant place in Omaha's social history. More than just a watering hole, it represented a sanctuary, a place where individuals could express themselves freely and connect with like-minded people. The very mention of its name evokes memories for many, and its legacy is etched into the city's cultural fabric. The information unearthed suggests The Diamond Bar operated in at least two distinct locations throughout its history, with one notable presence on South 16th Street.

From Brick and Mortar to Lasting Memory

The tangible remnants of history often provide the most compelling connections to the past. A photograph of a brick from The Diamond Bar's original building serves as a powerful testament to its enduring presence. This single artifact, salvaged from the bar's first establishment, speaks volumes about the generations of patrons who found solace and joy within its walls. While the physical structure may have evolved or been replaced, the spirit and impact of The Diamond Bar live on through such tangible links.

A Look Back at Omaha's South 15th Street

The source material offers glimpses into the historical development of Omaha's streets, particularly around the intersection of 15th and Howard. This area was once a vibrant commercial hub, with buildings like the Hotel Boquet and the original Orpheum Theater shaping the streetscape. While these establishments catered to a broader public, it's important to acknowledge the parallel narratives of community formation happening concurrently. The detailed descriptions of businesses like the Sheely Building, the Durham Museum's historical photographs, and the various enterprises that occupied the Howard building paint a picture of a dynamic urban environment where diverse social scenes coexisted.

Consider the evolution of the corner of 15th and Howard. Initially home to establishments like the Hotel Boquet (formerly the Karbach Hotel), the area also saw the presence of the Omaha Arts parking lot and the Orpheum Theater. Further exploration reveals the City National Bank building and the P. Weitz & Sons building, which would later house the Scott Awning business. These details, while seemingly disparate, contribute to the rich historical context of the city, reminding us that beneath the surface of modern development lie layers of past lives and businesses.

Navigating the Past: Businesses and Their Tenants

The research into the history of these locations uncovers a fascinating array of businesses and their proprietors. From the Voss rooming house to the Hiller Liquor Store, each entity played a role in the economic and social life of the time. The mention of the Omaha Reed and Rattan Works, and the subsequent disputes over shared party walls with the Webster-Sunderland building, offer a vivid, almost anecdotal, glimpse into the practicalities of urban construction and neighborly relations in the early 20th century.

The presence of Axel Loftman, who applied for a liquor license at the Howard address and ran ads for a "moral theatre," alongside mentions of various other businesses like the Burgess-Granden Company (gas and electric supplies) and M. Curran (an electrician), highlights the diverse commercial activity. The identification of Henry Schroeder with a Howard saloon around 1900, and the intriguing discovery of a Chesapeake Bar with an old menu pinpointing its address on Howard, further illustrate the evolving landscape of the area's hospitality sector.

The story of the Chesapeake Bar is particularly captivating, with its potential move and the discovery of its menu suggesting a resilience and adaptation. The brief mention of Joseph Kellog (or Keller, or Kelley) as a proprietor, and later the Robert Brummer Lunch, paints a picture of a building that served various purposes, reflecting the changing economic tides and consumer demands of downtown Omaha.

The Omaha Mining Company: A Successor and a Sanctuary

While The Diamond Bar holds the distinction of being the oldest gay bar in Nebraska, other establishments also played crucial roles in fostering a sense of community. The Omaha Mining Company (OMC), located on Leavenworth Street, emerges as another significant venue. Originally a two-story brick building constructed in 1889 by Civil War veteran Thomas G. Howell, it initially housed a neighborhood grocery store, later renamed Howell Brothers.

The store was known for its eclectic inventory, ranging from meats to hardware. After Myron Howell's passing in 1930, his brother Burt continued to operate the store until his own death in 1950. Burt, who started at the store at age 15, became synonymous with the establishment, recognized for his kindness and generosity, often offering free rent in upstairs apartments to friends in need.

From Howell Brothers to a Gay-Friendly Haven

The building's history took a significant turn when William F. Gunner Brown took over in 1955, operating it as the Clover Leaf until his death in 1970. It was during this period that the bar began to establish itself as a gay-friendly establishment, as early as the 1950s. This was a time when gay bars often faced police raids and societal suspicion, making the Clover Leaf's offering of a safe space, complete with a basement allowing for a quick getaway, particularly vital.

The venue later became known as the Omaha Mining Company (OMC), and it surged in popularity during the 1970s. Its accepting environment and the offering of after-hours dancing until 4 AM (even though alcohol sales stopped at 1 AM) made it a highly sought-after destination. The city's repeated, unsuccessful attempts to curb after-hours dancing underscore OMC's appeal and its defiance of restrictive norms.

Facing Adversity: A Site for Awareness and Resilience

Tragically, the era also saw an increase in "gay bashing," and OMC became a focal point for a rally aimed at raising awareness and advocating for a hate crime bill that included gay people. The bar and its surrounding area were unfortunately no strangers to violent crime, including stabbings, robberies, and shootings, often exacerbated by a perceived lack of police presence and media coverage, making it an easy target.

Despite these challenges, the legacy of OMC, particularly under the ownership of Mark (who passed away in 1997), continued. Terry Tippit purchased the business in 1997 and owned it until 2010. Today, the building encompasses three stories, with the basement transformed into "The Mineshaft," a popular party room, reflecting the venue's ongoing evolution and its commitment to providing a space for community and celebration.

The Max: A Modern Legacy of Inclusion

Further underscoring Omaha's vibrant LGBTQ+ history is The Max. Described as Omaha's oldest operating LGBTQ+ bar & venue, it proudly flies the rainbow flag on Leavenworth Street. For 40 years, The Max has been celebrated not only as Omaha's best dance club but also as one of America's premier gay nightclubs. Its reputation as a "fun, inclusive, working class dive bar," as noted in an Omaha World-Herald review, highlights its enduring appeal and its commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The existence of The Diamond Bar, the Omaha Mining Company, and The Max, alongside the historical traces of other businesses and streets that contributed to the city's narrative, paints a comprehensive picture of Omaha's evolving LGBTQ+ landscape. These establishments were more than just businesses; they were pillars of community, offering refuge, fostering connections, and celebrating identities during periods when such openness was rare and often met with resistance.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

The exploration of Omaha's historical venues for LGBTQ+ individuals is a vital undertaking. It's about more than just remembering; it's about understanding the struggles, celebrating the triumphs, and recognizing the importance of these spaces in building and sustaining a community. As we continue to explore and document these stories, we ensure that the legacy of places like The Diamond Bar and the Omaha Mining Company is not forgotten, serving as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing importance of inclusivity and acceptance.