Bikes and Meters

July 20, 1957, Appleton Post-Crescent

Two extremes of modern transportation were featured this summer day in 1957.  Every kid's friend, the bicycle, had a chance to excel in the bike rodeo while harried motorists had to begin to use their pocket change to feed the hungry parking meters downtown.  But as with many innovations, the bike rodeo lasted for many years and then faded from prominence.  Back in the 50's and 60's there were bicycle inspections, license plates and registrations.  That too, faded away.  The parking meters were removed eventually, too.  But I must ask, when was the last time you heard a road referred to as an "arterial?"

Relatively Quiet

July 29, 1972, Appleton Post-Crescent

For so many years the boat races were a fixture on Lake Winnebago, creating a cacophony of engine noises, rising and falling with the pace of competition.  In my place of residence three blocks west on Second Street, this assault on the senses was an annual rite of summer, like the (more welcome) gate bells marking the opening and closing of the Racine Street Bridge, wafting though my window on a humid night. In the days in advance of Independence Day, let's pause to appreciate this recreational treasure that Menasha has enjoyed  for close to 90 years.

Illegal

July 2, 1968, Twin City News-Record

June 25, 1968, Twin City News-Record

June 28, 1968, Twin City News-Record

With the Fourth of July holiday rapidly approaching, we'll soon hear the retorts of fireworks.  While not living in the state anymore, I'm not sure about the fireworks laws currently.  But when I was a boy in the late '60's, my Air Force brother brought me several packages of forbidden firecrackers from out of state (I think he was stationed in South Dakota at the time).  I can't relate properly the heady feeling it gave me to have the verboten devices and what a big shot I felt like (or so I thought) because I was the cool "bad" boy.  Needless to say, local merchants capitalized on this ban and ensured we had access to all the approved "fun things."

Dandy

June 26, 1968, Twin City News-Record

Today in the blog, we step across Nicolet Boulevard to visit Robby's, free drink coupon in hand.  We first talked extensively about the hamburger chain in 2015:  http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/09/new-taste-delight.html.  Say what you will about those allegations, but for a time, it was quite the popular place.  

Fun Time

June 28, 1968, Twin City News-Record

All sorts of fun awaited the young people fortunate enough to participate in the parks programs offered by the city.  From sports to crafts to dance to trips, the rec department ensured the kids had a quality summer.  I know many of the blog's readers have their own fond memories of the park programs.

85 Years and Gone

January 30, 1983, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Yesterday, in wrapping up Father's Day, we featured an ad from Grove's Clothing store.  Today, we feature the closing of the store for good in 1983, after 85 years in business.  Not mentioned in the article is that the store was originally known as the Golden Rule Clothing House.  We first addressed Grove's in 2012; see the following link for an interesting photo of an advertisement for the store under this name: 

http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/06/golden-rule-clothing.html

...Sure to Delight Dad

June 15, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

One last item before we leave Fathers Day for all the Menasha dads.  Grove Clothing was a mainstay on Main Street for many years, occupying the east end of the street while The Clothes Shop held court on the west end of Main.  That Menasha, in its small size population-wise, could support two clothiers for so long is surely a testament to the business acumen of the retailers who ran the stores.  Full service, to include tailoring, went a long ways towards customer loyalty, a factor not evident so much anymore in our big box discount store mentality nowadays.  More about Grove's tomorrow.