Great Nebraska

Naturalists and Scientists

Frank H. Shoemaker, Douglas County, Nebraska

The photographs Shoemaker took in Douglas County are greatly varied and range from the time he got his first camera to later years. They illustrate his interest in birds, landscapes, snakes, and insects. Some of the bird photographs shown are those Shoemaker took of birds and other “critters” that lived in the bird-room at his home with the VanSant cousins. The photographs show some of the challenges associated with glass plate negatives and their condition over time. The photos may show damage to the original glass plate, including cracks from breaks and changes in color or missing sections due to flaking or damage to the emulsion on the glass plate.

Purple Martins

Original caption: “Purple martins assembling for autumn migration, Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-B0142)

black and white photo of many birds on electric post and wire

Purple Martins

Original caption: “Purple martins assembling for autumn migration, Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-B0141)

black and white photo of birds in tree branches

King Rail nests

Original caption: “King Rail-nesting site, Cut-off Lake, Omaha.” July 7, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-B0138)

black and white photo of groundcover vegetation

Ferns, leaf clover

Original caption: “Ferns appearing though leaf cover in small ravine off Bellevue Road above Coffin Spring.” Apr. 30, 1922. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1356)

black and white photo of banks and tree atop them

Loess banks

Original caption: “Omaha, 13th st. -Loess banks.” July 11, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1323)

black and white photograph of fields and trees

Agriculture fields

Original caption: “Western Douglas County, NE.-Agriculture view.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1312)

black and white photo of field and wheat shocks

Alfalfa, wheat fields

Original caption: “Western Douglas county NE. – An Ideal view of agricultural land-wheat in shock, pasture land, alfalfa, cut alfalfa, alfalfa in stacks corn, hay in windrows.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1304)

black and white photo of valley landscape

Elkhorn Valley

Original caption: “Elkhorn Valley – Western Douglas county NE. – An Ideal view of agricultural land-wheat in shcok, pasture land, alfalfa, cut alfalfa, alfalfa in stacks corn, hay in winrows. July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1306)

black and white photo of catepillars and trees

Molting caterpillars

Original caption: “Datana integerring-the black walnut Western Douglas County, Ne. (Cluster of molting caterpillars on bark of black walnut.)” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1307)

black and white photo of road and clover vegetation

Clover, road

Original caption: “Sweet clover along road in Western Douglas County, NE.” Douglas County. July 10, 1921. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1308)

black and white photo of field and barn

Agriculture fields

Original caption: “Agriculture view, Western Douglas County, Ne. see #1297-98” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1309)

black and white photo of wheat shocks and field

Agriculture fields

Original caption: “Agriculture view, Western Douglas County, Ne.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1310)

black and white photo of wheat shocks and corn

Wheat, corn field

Original caption: “Western Douglas County, NE.-Wheat in shock, growing corn.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1311)

black and white photo of oat shocks in field

Oats shocks

Original caption: “Western Douglas Co. NE, oats in shock.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1303)

black and white photo of field and wheat shocks

Wheat field

Original caption: “Western Douglas County, NE.-wheat in shock.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1302)

black and white photo of field and wheat shocks

Wheat shocks

Original caption: “Western Douglas County, NE.-wheat in shock.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1299)

black and white photo of field

Agriculture field

Original caption: “Douglas County NE.-Agriculture view. (#1297 joins on left).” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1298)

black and white photo of field

Agriculture field

Original caption: “Douglas County NE.-Agriculture view. (#1298 joins on right)” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1297)

black and white photo of field and road

Agriculture field

Original caption: “Douglas County NE.-Agriculture view.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1296)

black and white photo of road and trees

Country road, Douglas County

Original caption: “Western Douglas County-road.” July 10, 1921. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1295)

black and white photo of camp with tipis

Exposition camp

Original caption: “Indian Camp, Trans Mississippi Exposition, Omaha.” Oct. 26, 1898. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1153)

black and white photo or river and banks

Missouri RIver

Original caption: “Southern Omaha; view from down river.” Aug. 19, 1929. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1176)

black and white photo of bird on branch

Robin

Original caption: “Young robin-Omaha.” Aug. 3, 1919. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1231)

black and white photo of rows of trees

Elmwood Park

Original caption: “Elmwood Park, Omaha: Pines.” May 14, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1261)

black and white photo of tree rows

Elmwood Park

Original caption: “Elmwood Park, Omaha: Pines.” May 14, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1263)

black and white photo of river valley with two women looking down at river, wearing plaid dresses

Missouri River

Original caption: “Missouri-view across the valley.” May 14, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1275)

black and white photo of small trees

Orchard

Original caption: “Douglas County NE. -an abandoned orchard.” July 10, 1921. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1294)

black and white photo of camp with tipis

Exposition camp

Original caption: “Indian Camp, Omaha.” Oct. 26, 1898. Douglas County. Frank Shoemaker (321301-A1152)

black and white photo of houses and streets

Omaha buildings

Original caption: “West from Van Sant residence, Omaha.” 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1124)

black and white photo of branch and berries

Boxthorn specimen

Original caption: “Lycium Vulgare, Omaha.” Aug. 1929. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A1068)

black and white photograph of water in landscape

Cut-off lake

Original caption: “Old cut-off of Missouri River, from point near East Omaha (X) car line.” 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0799)

black and white photos of willlow in landscape

Willows

Original caption: “Willows at Marsh adjoining cut-off Lake.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0801)

black and white photo of water in landscape

Cut-off

Original caption: “A “cut-off” from Cut-Off Lake, Omaha.” 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0800)

black and white photo of water in landscape

Marsh

Original caption: “View of one of the adjoining marshes, Cut-off Lake, East Omaha, Nebraska.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0798)

black and white photo of marsh landscape

Marsh

Original caption: “View of one of the marshes adjoining Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebraska.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0796)

black and white photo of flowers in leaves

Dicentra

Original caption: “Dicentra cucullaria. Omaha, NE.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0551)

black and white photo of seeds

Milkweed specimen

Original caption: “Milk-weed with burst seed-pods–Omaha.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0525)

black and white photo of snails on branch

Snails

Original caption: “Snail, Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0358)

black and white photo of plant in landscape

Milkweed

Original caption: “Milk-weed, cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebr.” 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0524)

black and white photo, with damage, of spider in palm of hand

Spider

Original caption: “Lycosid spider with cocoon, Omaha.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0356)

black and white photo of spider skins lined up

Spider skins

Original caption: “Cast-off skins of Lycosid spider, Omaha.” Apr. 21, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0355)

black and white tunnel in landscape

Spider tunnel

Original caption: “Lycosid tunnel, Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0353)

black and white photo of spider

Spider

Original caption: “Cosid spider with brood on back and cocoon attached to spinnerets, Omaha.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0350)

black and white photo of moth and spread wings

Moth specimen

Original caption: “Geometrid moth, life size Omaha.” Sept. 8, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0345)

black and white photo of pinned butterflies

Butterfly specimens

Original caption: “Megathymus series, collection of R.A. Leussler, Omaha, Nebr.” July 1915. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0340)

black and white photo of spider in palm of hand

Mouse

Original caption: “Omaha Young white-footed mouse” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0324)

black and white of photo of two bison

Bison

Original caption: “American Bison in Riverview Park, Omaha.” Apr. 28, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0321)

black and white photo of single bison

Bison

Original caption: “American Bison in Riverview Park, Omaha.” Apr. 28, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0320)

black and white photo of two bison

Bison

Original caption: “American Bison in Riverview Park, Omaha.” Apr. 28, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0319)

black and white photo of baby mice

Mice and nest

Original caption: “Omaha Young white-footed mouse” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0318)

black and white photo of snake on ground

Garter snake

Original caption: “Garter Snake in Autumn-Omaha Eutaenia Sirtails Sirtatis.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0316)

black and white photo of snake held in hand

Snake

Original caption: “Omaha Young blue-racer (?)” June 4, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0315)

black and white photo of two lizards on tree branch

Lizards

Original caption: “Our household lizards, Omaha” Apr. 6, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0312)

black and white photo of snake held in a hand

Garter snake

Original caption: “Garter snake, Omaha, Nebr.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0309)

black and white photo of nest in reeds

Red-winged Blackbird nest

Original caption: “Nest of Red-winged Blackbird, in cat-tails, Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebr.” July 13, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0165)

black and white photo of bird nest with eggs

King Rail nest

Original caption: “Nest of King Rail. Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebraska.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0148)

black and white photo of bird eggs in nest

King Rail nests, eggs

Original caption: “Nest of King Rail. Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebraska.” July 7, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0147)

black and white photo of bird nest in reeds

Long-billed Marsh Wren nest

Original caption: “Long-billed marsh wren Omaha Cut-off lake.” July 13, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0136)

black and white photo of bird on twig

Cat-bird

Original caption: “Young Cat-bird, Omaha, Nebr.” June 26, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0134)

black and white photo of bird in nest

Least Bittern nest

Original caption: “Young Least Bittern in nest, Cut-off Lake, Omaha.” July 14, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0133)

black and white photo of two birds on small branch

Doves

Original caption: “Young Morning Doves, Omaha, Nebr.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0103)

black and white photo of birds on tree branch

Doves

Original caption: “Young Morning Doves, Omaha, Nebr.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0102)

black and white photo of leaves

Sparrow

Original caption: “Chipping Sparrow approaching nest in honeysuckle.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0101)

black and white photo of room interior with door and chair

Bird-room

Original caption: “Bird-room in Van Sant residence, Omaha, Nebr.” June 9, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0097)

black and white photo of bird perched on finger

Cuckoo

Original caption: “Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Omaha.” 1898. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0089)

black and white photo of a bird, close up

Cuckoo

Original caption: “Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Omaha.” June 1899. Douglas County. Frank A. Shoemaker (321301-A0088)

black and white photo of two baby birds

Catbirds

Original caption: “Young Catbirds.-Omaha.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0087)

black and white photo of bird on twig with leaves

Blue Jay

Original caption: “Young Blue Jay enjoying sun-bath, Omaha.” July 30, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0132)

black and white photo of birds on electric wire and pole with house roof

Purple Martins

Original caption: “Purple martins. The fall convention. Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0113)

black and white photo of three birds on branch

Grosbeaks, English Sparrow,

Original caption: “Young Grosbeaks and English Sparrow, Omaha.” July 6, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0110)

black and white photo of two birds on branch

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Omaha, Nebr.” July 5, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0109)

black and white photo of bird on branches

English Sparrow

Original caption: “Young English Sparrow (Junior), Omaha, Nebr.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0107)

black and white photo of bird nest in tree

Brown Thrasher nest

Original caption: “Nest of Brown Thrasher, Omaha, Nebr.” May 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0106)

black and white photo of bird nest in tree

Brown thrasher nest

Original caption: “Nest of Brown Thrasher, Omaha, Nebr.” May 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0105)

black and white photo of bird on berrie and pitcher

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Omaha, Nebr.” Oct. 15, 1900. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0069)

black and white photo of bird on small twig

Blue Jay

Original caption: “Young blue jay enjoying sun bath, Omaha. July 30, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0073)

black and white photo of eggs and nest

Wood Pewee nest

Original caption: “Nest and eggs of Wood Pewee, Omaha” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0074)

black and white photo of five birds on a reed

King Rails

Original caption: “Nest of King Rail, Cut-off Lake, Omaha.” June 10, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0079)

black and white photo of bird nest in reeds in water

Red-winged Blackbird nest

Original caption: “Nest of Red-winged Blackbird, Cut-off Lake, Omaha” June 10, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0080)

black and white photo of two bird nests in reeds on water

Nesting site

Original caption: “Nesting site of Least Bittern (lower nest) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (upper nest), Cut-off Lake, Omaha.” June 30, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0085)

black and white photo of two baby birds

Catbirds

Original caption: “Young Catbirds.-Omaha.” 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0086)

black and white photo of bird with wings expanded

Red-shouldered Hawk

Original caption: “Red-shouldered hawk. Wings extended. Omaha.” Oct. 25, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0056)

black and white photo of bird on back of chair

Cuckoo

Original caption: “Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Omaha.” June 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0060)

black and white photo of two yound birds

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Omaha, Nebr.” July 2, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0063)

black and white photo of nest and eggs

Catbird nest, eggs

Original caption: “Nest and eggs of Catbird, Omaha” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0064)

black and white photo of bird nest in cat tails

Red-winged Blackbird nest

Original caption: “Nest of Red-winged Blackbird. Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebraska” July 13, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0055)

black and white photo of young bird

Wood Thrush

Original caption: “Young Wood Thrush, Omaha” June 18, 1900. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0067)

black and white photo of bird on chair back

Wood Thrush

Original caption: “Wood Thrush (“Texas”), Bird-room, Omaha” Feb. 1900. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0068)

black and white photo of nest in reeds

Least Bittern nest

Original caption: “Nest of Least Bittern, Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebr.” 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0053)

black and white photo of bird nest among reeds

Long-billed March Wren nest

Original caption: “Nest of Long-billed March Wren, Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebr.” July 13, 1902. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0051)

black and white photo of man holding a bird near tall reeds

Least Bittern

Original caption: “Least Bittern, Cut-off Lake Omaha.” Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0050)

black and white photo of young bird on single branch

Baltimore Oriole

Original caption: “Young Baltimore Oriole, Omaha.” July 7, 1901. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0047)

black and white photo, rather dark, of two small birds on a branch with leaves

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Omaha.” July 2, 1899. Douglas County. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0046)

black and white photo of bird nest and two eggs shown along tree branch

Broad-winged Hawk nest, eggs, Douglas County

Original caption: “Nest and Eggs Broad-winged Hawk, Child’s Point, Sarpy Co., Nebr.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0041)

black and white photo of two birds on tree limbs and branches

Barred Owls, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Barred Owls, Omaha.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0035)

black and white photo of bird seated on branches

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeak (“Fluff”), Omaha.” Oct. 21, 1899. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0016)

black and white photo of young blue jay on branches

Blue Jay, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young blue jay.” 1902. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0018)

black and white photo of bird and nest in reeds

Blue Jay, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young blue jay Nest of Least Bittern, Cut-off Lake, Omaha.” July, 1901. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0021)

black and white photo of two birds on tree limbs and branches

Barred Owls, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Barred Owls, Omaha.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0022)

black and white photo of two birds on tree limbs and branches

Barred Owls, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Barred Owls, Omaha.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0023)

black and white photo of two birds on tree limbs and branches

Barred Owls, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Barred Owls, Omaha.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0033)

black and white photo of two birds on tree limbs and branches

Barred Owls, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Barred Owls, Omaha.” Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0034)

black and white photo, mostly black, of three young birds on side of cane basket

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, English Sparrow, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and young English Sparrow, Omaha.” July 4, 1899. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0015)

black and white photo of three bird eggs in nest on tree branch with leaves

Nest, rose-breasted Grosbeak, Douglas County

Original caption: “Nest of rose-breasted Grosbeak in oak tree, Omaha.” 1899. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0014)

black and white photograph of a bird nest in a tree limbs

Orchard oriole nest, Douglas County

Original caption: “Nest of Orchard Oriole, Cut-off Lake, Omaha, Nebr.” July 7, 1901. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0008)

black and white photo of blue jay bird on tree limb with leaves

Blue jay, Douglas County

Original caption: “Young Blue Jay, Omaha.” June 30, 1902. Frank H. Shoemaker (321301-A0004)