"Traffic Jam"

June 22, 1970, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Here's a picture unique to Menasha and other cities along the Fox River, and definitely a harbinger of summer.  Seeing this scene reminds me of the days before air conditioning in my boyhood home and the many late summer nights with open windows.  As I lived only three blocks from the river, the clanging bells of the Racine Street Bridge opening for boat traffic is etched in my memory.

Polish Oral History

September 4, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Recently, I discovered a great series of oral histories, written as newspaper articles in the Northwestern from 1979 by history professor Michael O'Brien from UW-Fox Valley.  This is the first of twelve articles he wrote for the paper detailing diverse topics about the Twin Cities.  I am proud to present the first of them, highlighting the experience of the Polish in Menasha.  As time progresses, I will offer additional articles. 

Sparkle Picnics on the 4th

June 28, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

It can't be summer on this blog without paying homage to the old Twin City Bottling Company of Menasha that lasted until 1978.  In a future posting, we will detail the demise of the company, but for now, let our memories bask in the glow of summer, a cold cherry soda, or perhaps a root beer, in hand. 

Happy Father's Day (Belatedly)

June 18, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

I missed Father's Day on the blog due to taking some time off the week before and didn't give it a second thought.  But then I came across this neat picture presentation the other day from 1960 and it reminded me that I had forgotten the day entirely.  So many portrayals of dads, especially on television and in movies nowadays portray them as bumbling idiots and the butt of many jokes (Homer Simpson, anyone?). It was refreshing to find this poignant tribute to fatherhood that I can share with you.  To all the dads out there, my hat's off to you.

Tot Lot Safety

June 24, 1972, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

While it's never a bad idea to promote safety, I wonder how much of the safety message got through to these kids, possibly overwhelmed by this magnificent red fire engine in their midst.  If it had been me at their age, I wouldn't have heard one word!

Temperance Pledge- 1861

I found the certificate above in a digital archive for the Newberry Library in Chicago.  Signed in 1861 by 7 year old Ella Bosworth, it is significant for its value in understanding the temperance movement of the era.  But notice who signed this pledge certificate.  Elisha D. Smith, founder of the Menasha Wooden Ware, Menasha benefactor, and teetotaler.  As we've written here before about his donation of Smith Park to the city, he stipulated that there be a strict ban on "alcohol, circuses, gambling, sports, and dangerous machinery" at the park. What became of little Ella remains a mystery to me for now; I wonder if she fulfilled the Band of Hope Pledge for the remainder of her days, abstaining from intoxicating liquor, the use of tobacco, and all profanity.

Twin City

June 21, 1967, Appleton Post-Crescent

We all know this building eventually became City Hall, but fifty years ago this week, it began its life as a savings and loan.  Today this ad would be deemed politically incorrect, but I'll bet it didn't raise many eyebrows in 1967.