Tag Archives: J.F. Rosenfield Peony Gardens

Have you already picked out flowers for your Valentine this #ThrowbackThursday?

This 13.5 x 8.5 cm color postcard from around 1914-1920 pictures a view of a woman standing in the middle of rows of pink, white and red peony bushes holding a red bouquet. The postcard reads “J. F. Rosenfield Peony Gardens, Omaha, Nebraska, on Lincoln Highway” on the top left side of the postcard.

This nursery, was located just outside the Omaha city limits at 77th street and the Old Lincoln Highway, the current 77th & Cass Street. People would drive from all over the country to view the flowers. Omaha’s Peony Park, located across the street, took its name from the gardens. The Lincoln Highway, running past, was the first highway across America linking the Atlantic to the Pacific and in 1913 the route through Nebraska was announced. Lincoln Highway followed Dodge Street until about 76th Street when it veered to the northwest toward 78th & Cass past these gardens. Source: Omaha Public Library Omaha History Clipping File-Peony Park.

The card is not addressed, stamped, or postmarked but does read:

J.F. Rosenfield Poeny Gardens
This charming garden spot was established in 1884 by the present owner. It contains now twenty-five acres of peonies in several hundred of the world’s very choicest varieties. Blooming season extends from middle of May throughout June. They are at their best the first half of June. The grounds are open to the public.

This image is published and owned by the Omaha Public Library. They have a large collection of 1,100+ postcards and photographs of the Omaha area.

See this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive!

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.