Black and white postcard (14.5 x 9.5 cm) with a view of George A. Joslyn Castle and conservatory, Omaha, Nebraska, after the March 23, 1913 tornado. There is a man to the left of the image viewing the rubble. A tall structure has been left standing in the center right. The title Geo. A. Joslyn's Conservatory is across the top left.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, Joslyn Castle is unique. Designed by Omaha architect John McDonald, the Scottish Baronial home was completed in 1903 at a cost of $250,000. Located at 3902 Davenport Street, it was built for George and Sarah Joslyn. The 4 story, 35 room mansion includes a reception hall, music room, ballroom, a library and gold drawing room. The basement at one time had a bowling alley. Landscape architect Jens Jensen created an informal setting for the 5.5 acre site. Over 100 mature trees as well as a wide array of bushes and flowers were planted. A conservatory, or greenhouse, built especially for orchids, was completely destroyed in the 1913 Easter Tornado and the house was damaged. Joslyn Castle still graces Omaha's Gold Coast area. Source: Omaha Public Library History Clipping File-Joslyn Castle.
