Last of the Pail Makers

Taken in 1956, this photo shows the last group of workers that made pails for the Menasha Wooden Ware, just before the factory closed its doors, ending a tradition that had begun in 1849.  Menasha had once been known as the "Pail-making Capital of the World." 

The Twin City News-Record commented that this "was the same pail that Grandma got when she went to the old general store and asked the clerk to include butter in her provisions for the month.  And it's that old pail, always looking the same, that Dad got when he bought nails to repair the house or barn.,  And it's the pail the kids saw under the Christmas tree, but which they were too busy to notice because they were occupied with removing the candy from it.  And yes, it's that pail that once held such diverse items as pigs' feet or shredded tobacco, jelly or pickles; maple syrup, or medication for horses' hooves...."

Standing from left, Stanley Sperger, Frank Schmidt, Mike Mayefski, Ben Dombrofski, Emmanuel LeComte, and Walter Stommel.  Seated: Bob LeComte, Dick Fox, Stanley Novakofski, Gene Verkuilen, and Dick Buss.