Omaruru was home to many European merchants and hunters, including Axel Wilhelm Eriksson. Viehe also founded a school for the local Herero, but the one he founded for white and mixed-race children closed within six months.
Many European traders and trappers resided in Omaruru, such as Axel Wilhelm Eriksson. Viehe also initiated an educational institution for the nearby Herero community; however, the school he established for white and mixed-race children was shuttered after just six months.