'68 Edition

From St. Mary's 1968 yearbook, the Renard, comes this photo of the marching band.  Now, I was never in the band, but I do have fond memories of it, to include the years my brothers who were in the same band, some 8-10 years before this photo was taken.  And they wore the same uniform, with the crossed white belts.  In fact, when I graduated in 1975, the same uniform was going strong.  I have no idea, if and when, it was ever modernized but suffice it to say, by the powers invested in me by this blog, I hereby declare this uniform as "classic" St. Mary's band wear.  You're welcome.  

Coonen's In Color

 

I'm not sure where I obtained these photos (they may have been featured in a Facebook group) so credit goes to that person.  But they make smile, because this gas station was in the background of countless home movies and photos taken out in my back yard at Second and Depere and I don't think I've seen it featured in photos in color before these.  What a time capsule...from the vintage cars to the gas for 34 cents a gallon.  A car wash for 35 cents?!  Unbelievable!  We first discussed this gas station in 2013:  https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2013/08/coonens-complete-service.html.  They don't make 'em like this anymore.  

A Work in Progress

April 17, 1954, Appleton Post-Crescent

All sorts of concerns made this improvement a necessity, the least of which was likely the widening of the streets.  Even in later years, I was nervous navigating turns at this five point intersection; thank goodness, by the '70s when I was driving, it had a well-regulated traffic light system.  I can only imagine the horrors of driving when it was likely a five way stop. 

The Store That Serves You Right

April 7, 1925, Menasha Record

Obviously, this retailer had the utmost confidence in its wares...exotic fabrics with even more exotic names, the suggestion of an international flair while providing high quality and affordability. The home dressmaker just had to leave this store with a newfound determination and verve, courtesy of the style tips the sales people within must have provided. Hollywood fashion had nothing on this store.

Mill Work

 May 15, 1978, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Here's another in the "Neenah-Menasha At Work" series the Northwestern put out in 1978.  At that time, it was then known as the Menasha Paperboard Mill.  Today, it is a subsidiary of Sonoco after it purchased the facility, known then as U.S. Paper Mills Corporation, in 2018.

Nine Special Years

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, comes the ninth anniversary of your favorite blog. (At least, I hope it's one of your likes.)  On April 24, 2012, I began this venture; today, this is blog post # 2176.  How'd we ever get this far?!  

For you regulars, you know the whole story of how I used this blog to promote the Menasha book which originated as a fundraiser for the Menasha Historical Society.  It continues in that role to this day; to me, it was a great investment in the city that nurtured me.  But aside from the pleasure in knowing the book helps support a great institution, it led me to a terrific venue to express and educate, make fun occasionally, but most importantly, give honor to a great place to have grown up in.  

From my home one thousand miles away in South Carolina (an odd circumstance, if you've ever heard one), keeping in touch with Menasha has been a challenge at times but not one without great benefits, as my ability to remain focused in the past while presenting all this isn't hampered much.  Despite all the changes on Main Street, my mind is rooted in the image of a downtown you see at the masthead of this blog each and every day.  Technology allows me the privilege of coming to you five days a week to share some historical tidbit or trivial matter regarding the old hometown.

So, once again, let me thank you for your interest, your posts, your emails, your contributions, and especially for your time.  Many of you have told me how much you enjoy my efforts on this project; that means the world to me.  On Monday, we shall begin year number ten.  See you then.  

Orphan Babies

April 24, 1965, Appleton Post-Crescent

A nice human interest story for 1965. This family of baby squirrels was lucky to have these three young ladies take them in and care for them when their mother met her lasting reward.  The jury is still out as to whether there were any takers to formally adopt the three babies.

Menasha...At Work

May 22, 1978, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Back when things were a little more hard industry driven, comes this snapshot of work at Gilbert's from '78.  The Northwestern had run a series of such photo essays highlighting specific paper mills and other stalwarts of the Twin Cities throughout the year, some of which we featured in the past.  Somehow this one escaped my grasp, but today I redeem myself.  

A Strange Rumbling

April 30, 1928, Menasha Record

May 1, 1928, Menasha Record

All's well that ends well, at least when it comes to public consternation that the earth is opening up and Menasha is likely to wind up like San Francisco in 1906.  Happily, the Menasha Record is on the case and it is easily explained away. With no social media as we have today and radio not yet in every home, newspapers carried the news of the day (literally) to soothe the shaky temperament of an excited public. 

New Terminology

 April 7, 1925, Menasha Record

My takeaway from these two strange happenings is my own incredulity that the term "motorist" in these articles is supplanted in favor of the term "autoist," which, to me, sounds totally weird.  But my research indicates the word was first used for this definition in 1899, so it had a long association with those who drove motor cars.  When It fell out of favor remains to be seen, but we know motoring as a thing, whereas "autoing" seemingly is not. Enco/Esso/Exxon used the phrase "Happy Motoring" in its ad campaigns for many years. Of course, "driver" supplanted "motorist" over time, though the word occasionally shows up in current usage.

Traditions

April 23, 1928, Menasha Record

We've encountered the Laemmrichs and the Saeckers more than once before: https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2019/02/celebrating-milestone.html.  Dignified service when folks need it the most.  

Linsdau

 

We've featured similar postal products within the pages of this blog, ones designed to do the job they were intended for but which also provided additional information to benefit the user.  Now comes this neat envelope from Linsdau Florist over on London Street, with just the right enough amount of prodding to ensure the person who encounters this knows that any occasion is time for flowers!  Here's some other examples of newsy envelopes from our distant past:  https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2016/04/just-one-more-minute.html and http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-you-live-in-menasha-you-vacation.html.

Reed's Bridge

Another postcard from the early 20th century, this time highlighting the dam and what was later known as the Mill Street Bridge.  Postmarked November, 1909, the text on the picture side testifies to the postcard craze going on in the US at the time, as the author promises a "dandy" for Donald, the next time she sends a card.  We visited with a similar photograph in 2013:  http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2013/09/menasha-dam.html.  

Main Street Revisited

 

Here at the blog, I've been doing this so long that there are countless references to Main Street resident on this site.  Over the years, I've made a conscious effort to not repeat things as best as I can manage, but here and there there's a slip up.  I don't believe I've featured this postcard before, but I could be wrong.  If I have, please accept it in the best light possible.  Yes, we've seen this view before, but not exactly, so to me, it qualifies as a new entry.  

When was this photo taken?  Well, the postcard is postmarked June 1910, which means about a month before, Main Street was paved for the first time because of the Elks convention coming to town that summer.  But this photo predates that event and could have been taken anywhere between 1905 and 1910, as the Hotel Menasha wasn't completed until 1905-ish.  The divided area of the writing side of the card places its printing no earlier than 1907 as that style was indicative of that era as well.  So, anywhere from 1905-1910 is about the best estimate I can garner.

Pay Day

 May 6, 1922, Menasha Record

Let's see what's playing at the Orpheum.  Fan favorite Charlie Chaplin graces the screen to the delight of Menasha moviegoers.  And once again, period slang befuddles me.  This may be a "whang of a picture" according to the newspaper or the exhibitor, but I can't safely say what that even means.  I'm sure it approximates a "winner" or a "blockbuster" or maybe even, simply a "hit."  Your thoughts, dear readers?.  

Summer Comfort

 April 26, 1922, Menasha Record

Despite the bad quality of the above ad, we're talking about sleeping porches here.   Before electric fans or affordable air conditioning were a common thing, families often created such rooms, where the younger set would sleep during summer.  They first gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century, and growing up in an un-air conditioned house, I would have killed some nights for access to one of those.  

Speed Demons

May 6, 1922, Menasha Record

New technology often brings new problems and the automobile was definitely a game changer.  Besides spooking horses in the beginning, there was bound to be more issues.  And so, the reckless driver is born.  One might argue that the trolleys of old were also an impediment to free movement, but this was a new crisis.  Not bound by rails or the whims of a responsible conductor, the auto could move about and truly terrorize an unexpected populace.    The local constabulary would have to get wise in a hurry.  

A Different Kind of Easter Parade

April 3, 1942, Appleton Post-Crescent

A little bit late for Easter, but never too late to be included in the blog is this charming little ad from the Milk Council.  The Easter Bunny approves of this addition to the parade!  Notice all the local dairies we had the pleasure of having back in the day, before the big companies took over and these little guys just couldn't compete any longer.  Some lasted longer than others and I know each had its devoted customers.  It's a world we'll never see again.

Will It Go 'Round in Circles

April 21, 1980, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Sometimes, it's enough to just let your guard down and embrace the inner kid in all of us.  Now granted, kids from 40+ years ago had a whole different range of sensibilities to have to worry about.  But some things are timeless and a little horseplay in the company of your best friend never gets old.  And after all, isn't that what friendship is all about?

Easter Aftermath

April 5, 1947, Menasha Record

Easter greetings and values from area Menasha merchants in 1947.  Be it Easter flowers, a special ice cream dessert, or that turkey lunch at the Broadway Tavern, Menasha had it covered.  Also, let's not forget the latest bowling scores!