Description
Book SynopsisEileen Wirth explores the important contributions of women to Omaha’s history—from the work of local women in numerous fields from the 1850s to the modern women’s movement in the 1970s—bringing to life many who have been overlooked.
Trade Review"Anyone who has an interest in Omaha history, Nebraska history, and/or women's history would be wise to read Wirth's book. . . . Wirth's book pays homage to women who struggled to improve their lives and the lives of others."—Sheryl Schmeckpeper,
Nebraska History"Women today, wearied by continued setbacks and obstacles to gender equality but yet retaining hope for the progress of future generations, will certainly find inspiration in the bold women who built Omaha."—Mallory Lutz,
Kansas History"This book is a great read for anyone who has ever spent time in Omaha and/or anyone who wants to know more about Omaha's history—or in this case, her—story."—Jean A. Lukesh,
RoundUp Magazine“Eileen Wirth offers Omahans a window into their history, a fuller accounting of the contributions of remarkable women who built this city. . . . Wirth’s extensive research and reporter’s style make this history book come alive with compelling characters and rich descriptions.”—Erin Grace, former columnist for the
Omaha World-Herald“An account of feminine accomplishment that goes well beyond the usual portraits of a few well-known society women who made their mark in the shadow of their even better-known husbands. . . . This book shares a wealth of interesting and little-known anecdotes about those women who paved the way to the Omaha of today.”—Martha Grenzeback, genealogy librarian of the Omaha Public Library
“In her no-nonsense, leave-the-fluff-in-the-hall style, Eileen Wirth has presented us with a well-researched look at Omaha women. . . . If you are a native, new to Omaha and curious, or just looking for some kind of history,
The Women Who Built Omaha is for you.”—Mary Maxwell, Omaha humorist
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction: Women in Early Omaha
1. Education
2. Founding Creighton University and Duchesne
3. Native American Women
Interlude 1: The “New Women” of the Gilded Age
4. Votes for Omaha Women
5. Prostitution in Wide-Open Omaha
6. Health Care
7. Human Services
8. Culture and the Arts
Interlude 2: From World War I to World War II
9. Business
10. Restaurants and Bakeries
11. Sports
Interlude 3: Postwar to the Women’s Movement
12. Law
13. Government
14. Civil Rights
15. After the Women’s Movement
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
