As David recounts in his oral history, friends who had escaped from the police raids at the bars would come to their house for sanctuary - as Ephraim was confident the police would not try to harass him, given his reputation for being a very pugilistic lawyer.Įphraim was active in Democratic politics and had a reputation for being not only a tough attorney, but also someone who was not afraid of speaking out about discrimination or injustice. Typically, David put on an amazing party - he even brought art from their home in Fairacres to hang on the walls of the Bemis.Īs discussed by David Rice in the oral history he did with the Omaha Jewish Historical Society in 2012, a year before he died, they lived through the years when gay bars in Omaha were raided, etc.
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In 1992, for their 40th anniversary, they held a black tie dinner party for a large number of friends at the original Bemis Contemporary Art Space in Omaha - they celebrated their 40th, as they knew that Ephraim, who was in poor health, would most probably not live until their 50th anniversary. These parties were typically held at the French Cafe in the Old Market, or at their home in Fairacres.ĭavid and Ephraim were together for 46 years (1952-1998) they celebrated their 25th anniversary in 1977. David and Ephraim were famous for their elaborate parties (often given in honor or visiting opera singers, or fashion designers or artists), all planned and orchestrated by David. They were "visible and out" years before most gays had the courage to be out their "activism" took the form of just being visible and active in the Omaha community. They were truly one of the Omaha power couples.
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David was a leading interior designer, working for Brandeis Stores and then Orchard & Wilhelm before starting his own business, David Rice Interiors. Ephraim was a prominent attorney, one of the founding members of the Marks Clare law firm. The following was written by Gerry Sullivan, longtime friend of David Rice and Ephraim Marks and collection donor.Įphraim Marks (1910-1998) and David Rice (1931-2013) were one of the few "out" gay couples in Omaha.