Papillion in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Evolution of Washington Street Businesses

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

1. Evolution of Washington Street Businesses Marker

Inscription.

Evolution of Washington Street Businesses. . , 105-109 N. Washington St. , The Bloedel Building , This two-story building was built in 1903 and housed many businesses throughout its history. Some uses included E.F. Bloedel's agricultural implement store, the local telephone company, and a doctor's office. Harold J. Lutz purchased the building from E. Bloedel in February 1937. He operated a hardware business in the north half of the building for several years, while a shoe repair shop operated out of the south half. , 123 N. Washington St. , Curti Drug Store , This is the location of the original Megel and Son wooden building until it relocated to 137 N. Jefferson St. The brick building standing today was built for the Curti Drug Store. In 1903 the Curti Drug Store was expanded with the construction of an additional brick building next door, and the two buildings were connected. In 1904, J.E. Curti replaced the old wooden boardwalk in front of the store with a cement sidewalk. This improvement sparked other downtown businesses to modernize. Gene Curti was very active in the community, helping to bolster the success of the drug store. Fred Bell purchased Curti Drug Store in 1906, where he operated Bell Drug Store until he moved into a new building across the street (134 N. Washington St.) in 1915. In the building's long history, it also served as Papillion Hardware for more than 50 years - closing in the summer of 2013. Although the building has been remodeled and updated, the original drug store building remains standing today in its original location that is now 123 N. Washington St. , 127-129 N. Washington St. Variety Store/Tavern , The original building at 127 N. Washington St. served as a variety store before it was converted into a tavern. Elmer and Dee Dort purchased the building in 1961 and opened Dort's Bar. Four years later the owners purchased 129 N. Washington St. to expand their business. By 1969, the original building was demolished and a new, expanded business was up and running.

105-109 N. Washington St. — The Bloedel Building
This two-story building was built in 1903 and housed many businesses throughout its history. Some uses included E.F. Bloedel's agricultural implement store, the local telephone company, and a doctor's office. Harold J. Lutz purchased the building from E. Bloedel in February 1937. He operated a hardware business in the north half of the building for several years, while a shoe repair shop operated out of the south half.

123 N. Washington St. — Curti Drug Store
This is the location of the original Megel & Son wooden building until it relocated to 137 N. Jefferson St. The brick building standing today was built for the Curti Drug Store. In 1903 the Curti Drug Store was expanded with the construction of an additional brick building next door, and the two buildings were connected. In 1904, J.E. Curti replaced the old wooden boardwalk in front of the store with a cement sidewalk. This improvement sparked other downtown businesses to modernize. Gene Curti was very active in the community, helping to bolster the success of the drug store. Fred Bell purchased Curti Drug Store in 1906,

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where he operated Bell Drug Store until he moved into a new building across the street (134 N. Washington St.) in 1915. In the building's long history, it also served as Papillion Hardware for more than 50 years - closing in the summer of 2013. Although the building has been remodeled and updated, the original drug store building remains standing today in its original location that is now 123 N. Washington St.

127-129 N. Washington St. Variety Store/Tavern
The original building at 127 N. Washington St. served as a variety store before it was converted into a tavern. Elmer and Dee Dort purchased the building in 1961 and opened Dort's Bar. Four years later the owners purchased 129 N. Washington St. to expand their business. By 1969, the original building was demolished and a new, expanded business was up and running.

Erected by Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 41° 9.411′ N, 96° 2.567′ W. Marker is in Papillion, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. It

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

2. Evolution of Washington Street Businesses Marker

is on North Washington Street (State Highway 85) just north of East 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 North Washington Street, Papillion NE 68046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flourishing Papillion Businesses (within shouting distance of this marker); Papillion's First Jail & The Sander's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Sander House & Golden Rule (within shouting distance of this marker); Booming Businesses in the Early 1900s (within shouting distance of this marker); Thriving Papillion Businesses (within shouting distance of this marker); A History of Devastating Floods (within shouting

123 North Washington Street — Curti Drug Store Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

3. 123 North Washington Street — Curti Drug Store Building

distance of this marker); County Seat & Papillion's First Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Train Depot & Interurban Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Papillion.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour

Marker detail: Curti Drug Store image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Sarpy County Museum

4. Marker detail: Curti Drug Store

Curti Drug Store was located midway between First and Second streets on the east side of North Washington Street.

Marker detail: The view looking northeast from First and Washington streets in 1910 image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Papillion Area Historical Society & Jim Miller

5. Marker detail: The view looking northeast from First and Washington streets in 1910

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 13, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.