Cursive Instruction

January 15, 1964, Twin City News-Record

Recently I read an article that said handwriting is making a comeback.  After so many years, the skill was pretty much abandoned in many ways as our students were taught with computer keyboards and developed a reliance on printed text.  But now, it may be a thing again.  For my generation, it was always a thing.

Bird Benefactors

 January 15, 1964, Twin City News-Record

Sometimes you run across the nicest stories in the newspaper.  What a wonderful idea...saving wildlife while also learning in the process.  These fourth grade teachers who put forth this idea should have been applauded for their altruistic efforts.  

Hoodlums (Of the First Order)

 

January 13, 1894, Saturday Evening Press

Methinks the staff of the Germania should have employed themselves with some ushers in some strategic locations to catch the perpetrators in the act and discharge them handily from the premises.  The moral of the story here is that mischief takes its usual form, no matter what the era, and one needs to deal with it handily.

Not Horsin' Around

January 17, 1979, Twin City News-Record

Now here's a classroom diversion you don't get at your elementary school every day.  Yes, we all loved it those times when our teacher would wheel in the A-V cart with a slide or movie projector on top, but this crowns them all.  Plus, you got to pet the horses at the end.  What could be better?

Athletic Influencers

January 26, 1968, Twin City News-Record

If this photo could talk....  The programs and athletic framework these initial members in 1948 formed undoubtedly resound all these years later.  They set the pace for generations of Menasha's amateur athletes to follow who have since benefitted from their efforts to foster sportsmanship and fellowship.

Jump for Joy

January 18, 1995, Appleton Post-Crescent

Not sure how effective this demonstration was but it does show that physical activity, whatever the degree, contributes to overall well-bring and health.  I've attempted to jump rope in the past and though I never got the hang of it like, I'm sure, these "professionals" did, it sure was a workout.

Science Project

January 11, 1952, Appleton Post-Crescent

I won't belabor the uses of a siphon...the Wikipedia article I read in conjunction with this post was 18 pages and it argued that siphons were not dependent upon atmospheric pressure.  Be that as it may, at least this science project had some relevance to the real world for these Jefferson students.  

New Year's Frivolity

January 3, 1972, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Let's bring the week to a silly close, as I feature a photo I forgot to include around New Year's.  It looks like the boys didn't do too badly for a New Year's celebration, work or not.  

Island Cleaning

 January 2, 1952, Twin City News-Record

Another in our litany of businesses that just aren't there anymore.  Based on the address, this location was likely subsumed long ago by industrial concerns, likely Marathon/American Can.  

A Rash of Crimes

                                           

January 6, 1933, Oshkosh Northwestern

January 20, 1933, Menasha Record

January of 1933 was ripe for crimes in the Twin Cities.  Granted, it was the Depression, and though Neenah and Menasha didn't fare as badly as other communities, that fact made them an easy target for transients who were down on their luck.  

Mem Polka

 January 21, 1952, Appleton Post-Crescent

Some of the pained looks on the faces of the polka dancers makes one wonder how pleasurable an activity this really was.  Of course, when it comes to the opposite sex, one frets over every little thing,  from one's breath to bad fashion choices to simply worrying about stepping on somebody's feet.

Looking Back

 January 4, 1989, Twin City News-Record

You just gotta love the 19th century English...when was the last time you saw the word "moiety" used?  Ever?  I had to look it up, too- defined as "a part or portion, especially a lesser share."  And those reckless drivers of 1914?  Probably making a beeline for the Armory to dance the tango!  Ah, history.  

Icicles

 January 2, 1970, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I wish this photo had turned out better, that is, without the bleed-through from the other side of the newspaper, but you get the picture.  One of the hallmarks of our winters in Wisconsin-  dangerous falling icicles that threaten the populace with impalement!  

They Whisper!

January 16, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

The muffler king of Menasha, at least for a time.  Or, the muffler king of Main Street.  Take your pick.  Look at all those pipes!  Being so close to Gibson's right there on Main, I wonder how much interplay there was between the two.  

Noon Deliveries!

 

January 16, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

This enterprise was ahead of its time, portending the rise of delivery services like Grubhub, Door Dash, and Uber Eats.  However, this was a food business providing delivery, like Pizza Hut and Domino's do today.   The three mentioned charge the restaurants they service hefty fees, leaving these services and restaurants as uneasy partners.  Still, for 1959, such a wide array of foods available was rather tempting and very unconventional.  See the ad from several months later touting its offerings.  

                                                            February 20, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

Sure. Keep the Top Down, But Put your Hood Up

January 2, 1970, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I love how the photo's caption makes no mention of the strange vehicle in the drive-through's outer lane, but why should we when we're touting the bank's more convenient service option?  .  

Historic

January 16, 1985, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Once upon a time, I thought being on the National Register of Historic Places was a guarantee of preservation.  But I was wrong. Under Federal Law, listing a property in the National Register places NO restrictions on what a non-Federal owner can do with his or her property  to include destruction, unless the property is involved in a project that receives Federal assistance.  And as the photograph attests, Main Street doesn't look like this anymore.  But we can still enjoy this photo from 1985.

End of the Line

January 12, 1972, Twin City News-Record

Like a misplaced forest, the Christmas trees line the roadway, awaiting pickup for their final demise.  As we approach the time of Epiphany, if those trees haven't already made it to the grinder, they soon will be.  Living in South Carolina, I still adhere to the old Catholic tradition of leaving the tree and decorations up until after January 6th, much to my neighbors' dismay.  In South Carolina, as in other places, I suspect, if it ain't down by New Year's, you're not doing your job.  

Persistence Pays Off

 

December 31, 1978, Appleton Post-Crescent

From time to time we've featured fishing activities on Little Lake Butte des Morts.  My favorites have always seemed to be the ones featuring kids experiencing the thrill of fishing and being in the outdoors.  Being out there with Dad, cold or not, is always a meaningful event.  

All Wrapped Up

January 2, 1971, Appleton Post-Crescent

As if to punctuate the end of the holiday season, this house puts the bow on the box.  Literally.  It's not something you see everyday.  

Hide and Seek

January 2, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Happy New Year!  In snow country, a necessary evil is performed by safety personnel in order to be ready, God forbid, for any contingency, keeping us safe while the ordinary citizenry plays.