Scandalous Hijinks, 1890's Style

June 27, 1890 Oshkosh Northwestern

Another mention of the Mystic, as seen previously on this blog.  

Here's hoping your weekend is a lot less "scandalous!"  See you next week! 

Cozy Bar

Cozy Bar in left center of above photo at Old Style sign. 

Aluminum token,  reverse says "Good for 15c in merchandise," presumably the price of a beer at the time of this token's use.   

Bars and taverns sometimes issued tokens which could be used in payment for future drinks.  When buying a round of drinks for friends, the bartender would give a token to those patrons already having a drink, and collect the full sum from the round-buyer. The owner would collect immediately, and the drinkers would have a token for later use. As the token cost less to produce than the value of the drink, there was a significant profit to the bar owner. Sometimes, drinkers would take the token home, and forget to bring them back. This has been cited as the reason bar owners loved tokens, and they were found in virtually every drinking establishment.  Tokens were also used as change, where the price of the drink was odd. For example, in America for many years, drinks were two for 25 cents, or one bit (12.5 cents) each. Thus some tokens exist with one-bit denominations.

The early tokens were usually made of brass or aluminum and would have the name or initials of the bar on them, so that they could not be used anywhere else. Often, they had the landlord's name on them as well. This ensured that, when the bar changed hands, the new landlord would not have to honor old tokens. Many small, family bars still use tokens today, but modern tokens are generally made of plastic (brass and aluminum tokens are still made, but as they are more expensive, are less used). -- thanks to Wikipedia

Gear Dairy

from 1945 Neenah-Menasha Telephone Directory

May 4, 1967 Appleton Post-Crescent

Some images and memories of Gear Dairy.  About the time of the ad above, Gear's was finalizing its merger with Morning Glory, closing out a chapter that saw the demise of the many local dairies in the community selling out to corporate interests.  Today, its 1st Street location is home to a screen printing and embroidery concern and an insurance agency. 

Looking West

A view of Main Street, looking west, extracted from the 1975 centennial Nicolet, the Menasha High yearbook.  Looks like a messy day, weather-wise.  Judging from the cars on the street, this was no contemporary photograph though, merely a step back in time to the late 50s/early 60s to help celebrate 100 years of MHS' service to the community with period photos. 

Those ARE some classic cars to the left.   

Menasha High School Band First Uniforms

Though not what we'd expect when we think of today's band uniforms, I'm sure these sweaters and headgear brought plenty of excitement to the community (and the band itself) when they were first worn. 

Gala Opening

This program details the exciting movies to be shown at the New Menasha Theatre at 155 Main Street, opening on Thanksgiving Day, 1934.  Take a break from your own busy Thanksgiving weekend shopping and family time for some escapist entertainment.  Happy weekend! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21, 1964 NM Northwestern

Here's wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving and hoping that what's on your table rivals what was on the Hotel Menasha's menu back in 1964.   Take some time to reflect on all the blessings bestowed upon our lives, big and small.  Despite all our political and socio-economic differences, it's still a great place to live!  

And to the readership of the Menasha book and my blog, I bestow upon you a very large thank you.  Your generous enthusiasm for Menasha history inspires me to seek out more and more interesting aspects of this great town of ours to share with you. 

Best wishes to you for family, fellowship, and friendship.

Morton Drug

from the 1945 Neenah-Menasha Telephone Directory, with the Hotel Menasha address

In 1932, Charles E. Morton opened a pharmacy on Wisconsin Avenue in Neenah.  Seven years later, he opened a second pharmacy in Menasha.  Originally located in the Hotel Menasha, it later relocated to 167 Main Street.  In time, the Morton family maintained pharmacies throughout the Fox Valley, which lasted until 2011 when they quit their retail businesses to concentrate on long-term care pharmacy operations.

Ralph's Beer Depot

from 1945 Neenah-Menasha Telephone Directory

1940s/50s price list

October 24, 1959 Appleton Post-Crescent

I can recall going to Ralph's as a boy with my Dad, getting the old time 24-count cases of Adler Brau or Chief Oshkosh bottles in the early '60s.   I love the above ad, how 'ol Ralph just put it out there in print about his dispute with his neighbor.   Needless to say, I didn't know what zoning laws were, but even I, as a little kid thought it a bit weird to visit a guy's basement with stocks of beer and liquor for sale in a residential neighborhood!

Gibson Company

This November 8, 1940 Buick ad from the Gibson Company definitely highlights the large span of time between then and now.  It is particularly evident by the ability then to buy a new Buick for "only" $935, but also note the use of the language.  How many of us today can even define what "millinery" is?  Try asking a young person what that means...you might as well ask them who Frank Sinatra or Ed Sullivan were! 

While millinery as a term applies mostly to the manufacture and sale of ladies' hats, I think, in this ad, Gibson was making the point that the upholstery, appointments, and accessories of the cars were not as important as the core performance of the car itself. 

What To Do This Weekend (1940-style)

From the Saturday, November 16, 1940 Appleton Post-Crescent, 72 years ago today...there's lots of movie choices in the area.  If you want to stay in the ol' home town, it's Ladies Blue Ovenware Night at the Brin.  Plus, they're presenting the Amateur Nite Revue on the Brin stage; who knows who'll you see there. 

And if you really want to get your money's worth out of the weekend (if the Poultry Shows at High Cliff and Apple Creek don't excite you) you can go back to the Brin on Sunday to see Mickey and Judy in "Strike Up the Band", or hit the Sunday night dance at the Mem at 8:00.  Only 10 cents!

Best Bakery

The son of a baker, Dennis Manderfield established Best Bakery in Menasha in 1956 at Second and Appleton Streets.  Dennis sold it in 1972, but not before inspiring a third generation of bakers and the opening of a new store under the Manderfield's name at 811 Plank Road in the mid-1990s.

Stand Pipe

With recent talk on Facebook about razing the current Menasha water tower, let's head back to the early part of the 20th century before that water tower was a gleam in the city engineer's eye. 

In July 1904, the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, reported that George Cadogan Morgan of Morgan

Engineering in Chicago had been hired to draw the plans and writing the specifications for the new

plant, which was to be powered by a diesel-fueled electric generator as opposed to a steam boiler.

Morgan had already built plants in New London, De Pere and Watertown and another was, at that

time, under construction in Sheboygan. Contracts were let in February 1905 and 11 miles of water

mains were laid and nearly 90 fire hydrants were installed; the water was turned on in November.

Aside from the plant itself, the system included an engine house, a home for the engineer and a 135-

foot-tall stand pipe to store water and generate pressure. The building was added on to by no later

than 1913 and also functioned as the electric lighting plant for the city (electric lighting would later

be provided by the River Street facility, See discussion for 199 River Street). Construction of a two-

story, water purification plant began in 1927 and was completed the following year and an additional

wing was constructed between 1947 and 1948. Finally, the eastern end of the facility appears to have

undergone more recent alterations. Indeed, in 1978, a collector system, piping and a decanter tank

were added; a chlorine room was also constructed. Ten years later, a new reservoir and pump station

were built and a $12.8 million upgrade to the filtration system was completed in 2008.36

In July 1904, the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, reported that George Cadogan Morgan of Morgan

Engineering in Chicago had been hired to draw the plans and writing the specifications for the new

plant, which was to be powered by a diesel-fueled electric generator as opposed to a steam boiler.

Morgan had already built plants in New London, De Pere and Watertown and another was, at that

time, under construction in Sheboygan. Contracts were let in February 1905 and 11 miles of water

mains were laid and nearly 90 fire hydrants were installed; the water was turned on in November.

Aside from the plant itself, the system included an engine house, a home for the engineer and a 135-

foot-tall stand pipe to store water and generate pressure. The building was added on to by no later

than 1913 and also functioned as the electric lighting plant for the city (electric lighting would later

be provided by the River Street facility, See discussion for 199 River Street). Construction of a two-

story, water purification plant began in 1927 and was completed the following year and an additional

wing was constructed between 1947 and 1948. Finally, the eastern end of the facility appears to have

undergone more recent alterations. Indeed, in 1978, a collector system, piping and a decanter tank

were added; a chlorine room was also constructed. Ten years later, a new reservoir and pump station

were built and a $12.8 million upgrade to the filtration system was completed in 2008.36

In July 1904, the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern reported that George Cadogan Morgan of Morgan Engineering in Chicago had been hired to draw the plans and writing of the specifications for the new plant, which was to be powered by a diesel-fueled electric generator as opposed to a steam boiler. Morgan had already built plants in New London, De Pere and Watertown and another was, at that time, under construction in Sheboygan. Contracts were let in February 1905 and 11 miles of water mains were laid and nearly 90 fire hydrants were installed; the water was turned on in November. Aside from the plant itself, the system included an engine house, a home for the engineer and a stand pipe to store water and generate pressure.

June 23, 1930 Oshkosh Northwestern

Working Logs on the Fox

This 1915 photo shows logs for the Menasha Wooden Ware being worked past the crib protecting the Mill Street Bridge on the Fox River. 

 

Log booms were barriers, designed to collect and contain floating logs while they are guided to their respective mills.  As the logs proceeded downstream, they encountered these booms in a manner that allowed log drivers to control their progress, eventually guiding them to the mills.  Most importantly, the booms could be towed across lakes, like rafts, or anchored while individual logs awaited their turn to go through the mill. Booms prevented the escape of the logs into open waters.  Log boom foundations were commonly constructed of piles or large stones placed into cribs in a river to form small islands. The booms were themselves large floating logs linked together end to end, like a large floating chain connecting the foundations while strategically guiding the transported logs along their path.

World War I Veterans Reunion

Members attending the 50^th anniversary of Menasha’s Company E, 4^th Wisconsin Infantry, held August 12, 1967 at the American Legion Clubhouse. 

Kneeling, left to right: Clarence Smith, Henry Jankowski, Cal LaSalle, Alvin Staffeld, Ben Hart, Steve Kolasinski, Harold Rank, John Calder, Nick Kuepper, Jim Wilson, Oliver Baenke. 

Standing, left to right: Waldo C. Friedland, John R. Scanlon, Emil J. Duerrwaechter, Steve Wisnefski, Chick Remich, Wilbur Winch, John Shedlewski, Ed. Lantondress, Victor Panfield, Carl Steffenhagen, John Rieschl, Joe Hottl, Clarence Walker, Ed. Tratz, Carl O’Brien, Frank Spilski.
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In honor of all those heroes who served our country to give us freedom.  And with respect to George M. Cohan who wrote the song "Over There," let's remember these old Menasha soldiers who in 1917 answered the call to fight in World War I. 

Over there, over there,

Send the word, send the word over there

That the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming

The drums rum-tumming everywhere.

So prepare, say a prayer,

Send the word, send the word to beware -

We'll be over, we're coming over,

And we won't come back till it's over, over there.

Hotel Menasha Memories

No big story here...just some old matchbooks, an old key, and an ad from the Hotel Menasha.  And it's beyond an ordinary buffet, we get a smorgasbord. 

February 8, 1968

Daisy Bruehl

1949 photo

Photo, date unknown, when the oldest library borrower in town, a Mr. Sommers (aged 95)        checked out a book

 

October 10, 1963 NM Northwestern

The fabric of Menasha's history is festooned with unsung heroes like Mrs. Bruehl, carrying on in the background and going about their day-to-day business.  Yet it was people like her who touched our lives in oh, so many subtle ways.  I'm sure we can all recall many such folks- teachers, clergy, storekeepers, and the like who not only made our town great, but who also benefitted our lives as a result. 

Photographs courtesy of the Menasha Public Library.

What IS Cable TV?

December 3, 1973 NM Daily Northwestern

I remember when cable TV came to town.  My family never subscribed while I lived there, but my best friend did and I marveled at his being able to watch "exotic" TV channels from Milwaukee and Madison, and best of all, WGN in Chicago! 

This ad doesn't reflect it, but a year or so later when HBO was offered, his folks added that to their subscription and I can remember watching commercial-free movies and comedy specials at his house with George Carlin and Robert Klein, complete with all the "mature themes" and bad words.  Gotta love that "keep on truckin'"-esque illustration, but then, it WAS the 70's! 

Hard to imagine a time when you'd need to have a Q&A ad to explain something that we so take for granted now.  And for someone's cable bill to be only $5.50 per month?  Wow! 

The Mystic

May 21, 1887 Oshkosh Northwestern

Before railroads became the dominant means of conveyance, Menasha, with its presence by water utilized steamboats of all varieties to move cargo and passengers.  In the late 19th and early 20th century, paddlewheel steamboats were in service along Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, similar to ones seen on the Mississippi for example, though on a lesser scale.  Smaller pleasurecraft like the Mystic pictured above were a more affordable and convenient means to take a day long excursion to the other side of Lake Winnebago or to travel down to Oshkosh or Fond du Lac for picnicking.  Docking facilities might be nonexistent to the point of being precarious as seen in the above photo, but that didn't stop determined passengers from boarding.   

The Ol' Swimmin' Hole

Before the Menasha swimming pool, there was this...This 1897 photo shows the swimming area near the present day Memorial Building. In the background, you can see a swimming tank sheltered against the elements and the public's gaze, for modesty sake.  It'd be 60 years before the pool was built.  (photo courtesy of Steamboats on the Fox River by D.C. Mitchell, 1986)

"When You Live in Menasha, You Vacation Your Life"

Frank Hoffmann's grocery was at 163 Main Street, just a few doors down from the First National Bank.  We first caught a glimpse of it in the July 4th photo I posted on the blog earlier this year.  Obviously, Frank was a promoter of the city, as evidenced by the stationery he was using touting the advantages of living in 1930-ish Menasha.  I can only presume this was an intitiative of City Hall/Chamber of Commerce and expect that other merchants were doing the same thing.  Interesting slogan. 

Alexander N. Strange

from Memories of Doty Island (1999):

   Alexander Strange was born in Menasha in 1856. His education was in local elementary and high schools. He married Jane Chapman, a very talented and colorful person and daughter of Mr. John Chapman, formerly of Chapman & Hewitt Woolen mills. She loved people and entertained lavishly. She wrote the lyrics for a song used in 1912 for the Menasha Homecoming celebration. Eddie Hanson, the organist at the Doty Theater in Neenah, wrote the music.
   For a time Alexander moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where his father-in-law operated a woolen mill. Alexander managed the plant until 1895 when he returned to Menasha and managed the John Strange Paper Mills which his brother owned. This did not work out well, so he and others established the Island Paper Company which bought Howard's company. They stayed in business until the 1920's, making corrugated paper which aggravated the citizens because of the odor which it emitted. They called it "strawboard."
   Alexander built the home at 515 Keyes Street in Menasha. They had only one child, a son, Alexander Thomas, who carried on the ownership and control of the Island Paper Company when he grew up. When he married, he and his wife moved in with his parents. They continued to live there even after their two children, Jane Clair and Alexander N., were born.

 Alexander N. Strange home at 515 Keyes Street

Mr. and Mrs. Strange in front of their home in their chauffeur-driven 1911 Oldsmobile