From May 3, 2012
The Mill Street Bridge was, in various forms, in service from approximately 1856 through 1951. The version pictured here dates from about 1900, since the Smith Library appears to be recently completed. This riveted iron bridge was built by a Milwaukee company and cost $14,500. On Saturday, August 25, 1951, the new Racine Street Bridge was dedicated to pioneer Curtis Reed and shortly thereafter the Mill Street Bridge was demolished completely. Notice the old Menasha High School rising in the distance behind the library and how St. Mary's dominates the skyline.
A reader in the comments section (Kris) asked where this photo might have been taken. My guess is from the grounds of the Fox River Knitting Co. seen near the bottom of this Sanborn insurance map from 1906. The angle seems to work for this photo.
This is a terrific photo! From where would this most likely have been taken, assuming this to be approximately 1900?
ReplyDeleteKris: I added a map above to the post; my guess as to where the photo was taken from.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for adding the map! I figured this had to have been taken from a building roof across the canal, but just wasn't sure what might have there in 1900. The map is great! How wonderful that someone took the time to take this photo.
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