Christmas Pageant

A look back to the newspaper 55 years ago reveals this photo, featuring two women who became my own teachers in the 1960s- my first grade teacher, Sister Marietta, and my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Larsen.  (I'm sure Gary made a very nice angel.) 

Valley Fair Coupon Days

November 16, 1959 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

 Just in time for your pre-holiday shopping; let's visit Valley Fair. 

Early School Board Members

In older blog posts, we've spoken individually of many of these city fathers.  Many politicians, yes, but also some captains of industry, merchants, and businessmen who, at various times, all contributed towards Menasha's quest for educational excellence as members of the School Board.  

This 1925 Nicolet photo montage of past school board members is a who's who of Menasha's history:  P.V. Lawson, mayor, author, attorney, orator; Silas Bullard,  mayor, city attorney, county judge, and vice-president of the First National Bank; John Schreibeis, policeman, grocer, alderman, postmaster; William Bublitz, real estate agent; John Marx, clothing merchant, alderman, president of John Strange Paper Company; Corydon P. Northrup,  insurance agent, city clerk, and the builder of the first house in Menasha in 1848 in what is now the middle of the intersection of Sixth and Milwaukee Streets; and John Rosch (sp), mayor and pharmacist, who introduced the first soda fountain to Menasha. 

Time Tables

An example of published railroad timetables in the local newspapers.  As we all know, Menasha was served by three major railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Late Thanksgiving Addition

Discovered too late to be our Thanksgiving Day offering, this ad from around 1950 is typical seasonal fare to spin up a product's involvement in the latest holiday.  By tying in the beer's relevance to Thanksgiving in this case, Gem may increase their sales volume.   Reminding the public that holidays are a great time for imbibing their product is one way to increase sales and perhaps generate interest that will carry into the Christmas season and beyond.  Infrequent buyers of their beer might be persuaded to buy a case or two to keep on hand. 

Menasha Carton

 

Pictured at the left is the Menasha Carton Company.  It later merged with the Menasha Printing Company at the right, and became, logically, the Menasha Printing and Carton Company.  This was the forerunner for the Menasha Products Company, which became Marathon Corporation, then American Can, and then James River Corporation.  Before the plant closed in July of 1998, it had become Fort James Corporation, formed through the merger of Fort Howard Corporation, Green Bay, and James River Corporation, Richmond, Va. This photo dates from about 1905. 

Tranquil Scene

 

After the hubbub of the Thanksgiving holiday, let's start the week on a quiet note.  This 1908 postcard reveals the peacefulness of the canal as viewed from the Washington Street Bridge.