Our Bustling City Center

This shot is almost identical to the header photograph to this blog, which was attributed to be circa 1958.  Some of the signage has changed in the background- particularly the stores to the east of Schultz Brothers and the big bold letters on Tuchscherers' corner are missing as well- so this might be earlier than that photograph. 

Wooden Ware Office Staff

 

Members of the corporate staff pose in front of the old office building shortly before it was closed in 1967 and the offices moved to Neenah.  Left to right are Tad Shepard, Dick Johnson, Rae Peppler, Joe Jankowski, Jan Smith, Nancy Linsmire, Lucile Miller, Phyllis Bender, Pan Zenefski, Audrey Schultz, Ray Golden, Len MacKenzie, Dorothy Britzke, John Dombeck, Mac McCarragher, Mowry Smith, Jr., Dorothy Anderson, and Neal Jack.

95 Years Ago

 

July 3, 1918 Oshkosh Northwestern

 

Patriotism ran high 95 years ago in the midst of World War I.  The news reports the recognition of St. Mary's parishioners who'd entered military service as well as a decision that still holds today- the renaming of Berlin Street to Paris Street.  Anti-German sentiment ran high, with U.S. involvement in the war.

 

In keeping with this mindset, on a personal note, my grandfather, an American citizen of German/Austrian extraction since August of 1906, was nevertheless required to carry around identity documents with him for the duration of the war.  I often wonder how he felt about having to do this.  Did he feel this was the cost of his being a part of this country?  Did he feel betrayed?  Compared to what Japanese-Americans went through during World War II with relocation camps, etc., this was minor, I know.  No political statement here- just a recitation of the facts. 

 

 

 



Scott Building

Another view of the Scott building.  When I was a young boy, I seem to remember that Shell station behind the building as being a Sinclair station, if I recall correctly.  Dinosaurs and all.  Who could forget DIno Power to fuel those big cars parked out front?!   

City Square - Happy Independence Day!

A lot has changed for the ol' Menasha square over the years.  It's now developed its own identity as Curtis Reed Square and is the focal point for many community events, to include an annual New Year's Eve gathering and is a Community Fest venue for bands and food vendors and the like. 

As I take a hiatus from this blog to celebrate the Fourth with my family, my best to you and yours for a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.  See you Monday!

538 Broad Street

 

At one time Menasha had three commercial districts: at the intersections of Broad and Appleton, Main and Mill, and Main and Tayco. 

Commercial activities at Broad and Appleton developed as a result of the boat landing and plank roads that led from that spot as a point of transshipment.  With the completion of rail connections in 1861, this area declined in commercial significance leaving only a few reminders of its former importance. 

This building west of the intersection of Broad and Appleton Streets dates back to 1884, when it was first used as a grocery store and saloon.   By 1910, it was home to Emmet Lindau's photography studio and by 1920, it had been subdivided into apartments.  

 

Tuk-Cher's

 

I've long wondered if the changing of the name outside of Tuchscherer's in the 70's was a clever marketing move by the owners.  It would perhaps fix the nearly a century-long confusion by the public in spelling the name correctly.  Or were they just resigned by the dumbing down of America in general, and figured, if you can't beat them, join them.  

 

I worked at J.C. Penney during my high school and college years.  To this day I still see too many people spelling it as "Penny's" and I see it in print that way too often.  It drives me nuts.  Being a stickler for correct grammar and spelling, I can definitely see the Tuchscherers' point. 

 

Aside from that, this cool building was a prime example of what architects call "art moderne," a late type of the Art Deco design style which emerged during the 1930s. It emphasized curving forms and long horizontal lines. Sharp angles were replaced with simple, aerodynamic curves. Exotic woods and stone were replaced with cement and glass and unnecessary ornamentation was a thing of the past. 

 

Although this building is gone now, a similar type structure in the city which still exists is the old Gear Dairy on 1st Street.