2 Main Street

 

This building, was, among many other businesses over the years, the old Ulrich Meat Market at 2 Main Street right across from the Brin building.  At various times, it was a liquor store, a satellite television dealership and perhaps many others I cannot document.  From the photo, we can deduce it's around Christmas time and the new Fox River Mall is still in its infancy; see the billboard touting the 80 new stores.  Change is in the air.  Soon, the advent of this mall will help accelerate the demise of Valley Fair and seriously compromise retailing in downtown Appleton.  Even Fox Point in Neenah will be affected as the enlarged J.C. Penney at Fox River Mall makes the smaller Fox Point store irrelevant. 

This building was demolished around 1989. 

Willis Miner House

Last week, we discussed the life of Willis Miner, civic leader and one time president of the Wooden Ware.  His house on Park Street was constructed in 1896 and still stands today. The Willis H. Miner House is located on Doty Island at 330 Park Street and sits almost directly across the street from the caboose in the park. Situated on a large lot, the Miner House is a two-and-one-half-story Queen Anne residence featuring a bay window and an extensive front porch. A contributing member of the Smith Park Historic District, the Willis H. Miner House is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne period of construction.

Also, regarding yesterday's entry, the bridge pictured was the Mill Street bridge, NOT the Tayco Street bridge.  This blogger regrets the error. 

Swing Bridge

Above...a long distance postcard view of the bridge on Mill Street

Originally when I posted this photo yesterday I misread the whole scene and attributed this bridge to Tayco Street.  Sharp-eyed blog reader Jim Krahenbuhl showed me the error of my ways.  This is the Mill Street bridge by the old library.  You'd think by now I would have a feel for the era by the clues within the photo- placement of the Wooden Ware, the dam, etc. 

Thanks Jim!  

Neenah - Waupakun?

Menasha was originally referred to as "Waupakun" until about 1848.  P.V. Lawson, in his 1908 history of Winnebago County, reveals this fact in telling the story of Menasha's first doctor, Dr. Thomas Jefferson Noyes:

 

According to Mr. Lawson's history, the city was eventually named "Menasha" by either Governor Doty's wife or simply derived from a Winnebago Indian term:

 

Regardless of the exotic explanation invoking the Sioux, I have seen "Menasha" referred to in other references as an Indian word for "island," "water," or "settlement on the island." Take your pick. 

 

The evolution of Puants Rapids to Winnebago Rapids to Waupakun to Menasha seems a stretch even though most places begin with different names.  In the 1840s, the Fox River was referred to as the Neenah River and Oshkosh was known in the 1830s as Algoma and later, as Athens.  In 1840, by popular vote, Athens became Oshkosh.  Speculation abounds regarding the rationale in naming that city after a local Indian chief, but that's a story for another time and another blog. 

My Grandpa

My grandfather, Pasquale Galassi (Perry Galassie) at work at the Menasha Wooden Ware, date unknown

I wrote the following essay which appeared in Good Old Days magazine in 2005. When I reread this, I think of the many history books which detail how Menasha's founding fathers set foot into a virgin wilderness and felled trees and constructed dams and made a settlement out of a woods, setting the course for generations to come.   
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Great American heroes have been celebrated in print for years- tales of the old West, of our country’s fight for freedom, of brother pitted against brother. Often neglected, however, are the stories of the common man, particularly those brave souls who scrimped, saved and, swallowing hard, boarded a ship to come to this country. Sometimes with family, but all too often alone, they set sail for a new land, to a new future, to a new destiny. This is one such story, of a young Italian immigrant who did just that. He was my grandfather.
 

Pasquale Galassi grew up in a rocky, mountainous region of Italy known as Abruzzi. On the map, it is only 60 miles east of Rome, but the harsh reality is worlds away from the continental charms of the one time seat of the Roman Empire. As a boy, Pasquale tended sheep and herded goats and hogs. He also sold vegetables to help out the family, especially after his father, the local sheriff, died after a fall from his horse. In summers, he worked as a guide for the tourists who would make the journey from Rome, taking them from town to town within his home province of L’Aquila.

Southern Italy was a poor region in the early 20th century and opportunities were limited. With only the equivalent of an eighth grade education, Pasquale set his sights on joining his older brother Francesco in America. Francesco’s letters described the new opportunities and life style which awaited his younger brother. Maybe if they saved long enough, they’d even be able to send for their mother and siblings! With $40 in his pocket and a determination to make a better life for himself, he set sail from Naples aboard the SS San Giorgio, on April 13, 1910. Arriving 15 days later in New York, he processed through Ellis Island, the first stop for thousands and thousands of immigrants. Then, continuing his journey, he took a train to upstate New York, entering Canada through Niagara Falls and reentering the United States at Port Huron, Michigan. Pasquale eventually joined his brother in Eveleth, Minnesota, where iron ore mining was the chief industry. He became a water boy in the mines, a dangerous job too, though one deemed fit enough for a young, inexperienced immigrant. Pasquale had limited English skills but a determination to make something of himself in his new land. He wasted little time.
 

Within ten years, my grandfather had met my grandmother, fathered three children, and had settled in northeastern Wisconsin. And as for the rest of his life? No, he didn’t become a great statesman or a renowned industrialist. He didn’t invent the light bulb, or write the great American novel. Instead, he built furniture, barrels, and wooden toys in a factory. He refinished and upholstered furniture. He raised chickens and grew grapes. He gained his citizenship. He saw his mother, brother and sister come to the United States and begin their lives anew. He became my grandfather.
 

It is almost unthinkable to envision such an adventure today. In this age of instant communication and fast travel, the sacrifices my grandfather had to endure to come here and the uncertainty he must have wrestled with boggle the mind. And to do it at age 16! To board a ship for a strange land, never knowing how well things will turn out, not knowing if you will ever see your family again, had to be one of the hardest things he ever did. To have just a small amount of the courage it took to do that…just think what we could

accomplish!
 

So much has been written about the people who made this country great, but by and large they are the big names- the Gettys, the Astors, the Rockefellers, the Kennedys.  Americans do themselves a great disservice by not learning more about the sacrifices of people like my grandfather and their own ancestors.
 

This brief glimpse into Grandpa’s life is only the tiniest piece of the rich tapestry of life and achievement woven by these heroic immigrants. Compared to a world today where “heroes” are declared by virtue of their accomplishments on a basketball court or a recording studio, they were true heroes. Their faith, bravery, and determination to succeed in their new country laid the foundation for the good life many of us now lead. Without men like my grandfather, I would not be here today and this great land of ours might be very different. But he took the risk, to give himself and his ancestors a better life.  Thanks, Grandpa. 

Sally Rand Visits

 

Over the years, I'd heard anecdotes from people about seeing Sally Rand out at the old Airport Road site.  I didn't give it much credence until I ran across this advertisement the other day.  This ad dates from 1950 and although I couldn't find the actual newspaper this appeared in, a review of other state newspapers showed that Miss Rand had a major statewide tour sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.   

However, the Milwaukee Police Department didn't take kindly to her showmanship.  According to the Rhinelander Times of July 14, 1950, the force arrested her and her management, citing an indecent performance.  Considering the times, when hem lengths were mid-calf or lower, this isn't too surprising.  Also, notice the mention of "minstrel" men.  We're really before the age of political correctness here. 

Beer Labels

 

 

For all you beer aficionadoso out there, here are three different Gem beer labels from the hometown brewer, Walter Brothers Brewing Company.  I admit that I know little about beer and I haven't seen the second label too often, but I like that it gives a prominent shout out to Menasha. 

 

Happy weekend! 

1910 Business Directory

For the more serious students of history out there, I provide to you the 1910 business directory for the city of Menasha.  Documents such as this directory are a valuable historical resource, as well as a fascinating window into a world gone by.

A few observations about this directory- notice all the neighborhood grocers on page 2 and the many meat markets on page 3.  This was an era where every neighborhood seemed to have a corner store, but meats mostly came from the butcher shop.  One stop shopping came much later.  On page 3, examine the list of "Sample Rooms."  Yes, this was a euphemism for a tavern, or at least, someplace to get a drink, like the Hotel Menasha or the other hotels in town.  The undertaker on page 4, was also a furniture business, somewhat fitting considering the construction of caskets and the like.   Lots of familiar names and businesses throughout this document, and seeing as how it's 1910, there are still lots of old era endeavors that don't have a place in today's world, i.e., blacksmiths, feed stables, harness makers, livery, and wagon repair, with nary a mention of motor cars, save for a listing under "Garage." 

Willis Miner

 

Willis H. Miner (1863-1935) was one of Menasha's most prominent industrialists and involved citizens. Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin in 1884 he went to work for the Menasha Wooden Ware Company, where he would work his way up from lumberjack to president of the company, serving from 1921 until his death in 1935. He also was president of the Montana Coal and Iron Company, the Southern Oregon Company, and the Blackwell Lumber Company of Couer d'Alene, Idaho. A proud Menashan, Miner was involved with the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and served as alderman and president of the school board. Other activities included long terms as treasurer of the Congregational Society and as secretary of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library.   Miner was also a trustee at Ripon College. 

Christian Walter House

The Christian Walter House is historically significant for its association with one of Menasha's most prominent business and civic leaders.   Christian Walter was prominent in the business and civic life of Menasha.as president of the Walter Brothers Brewery.  He also served on many civic committees and was an alderman.  .Along with C. W. Howard and Carlton R. Smith, Walter was responsible for the building of the Hotel Menasha in 1906, which continued under his ownership until 1921. His house at 404 Nicolet Boulevard was constructed in 1896.

Located on the northeast corner of Nicolet Boulevard and Walnut Street, the Walter House is an irregularly shaped two-and-one-half-story Craftsman/Arts and Crafts style residence featuring a veranda and foundation built of granite rock. Surrounding the property is a granite rock wall built into the front lawn.  The Menasha surveys done to document historical sites in 1986 and again in 2009 have categorized the house as likely originally more of a Queen Anne style house and suspect it was probably "Craftsmanized" in the 1910s.

Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory Citation

Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, Christian Walter House, Menasha, Winnebago, Wisconsin, Reference Number 61591

Mill Street and Main

Lots of long gone businesses front Main Street in this photograph from the late '70s/early '80s.  The overcast sky, the bare trees, and the dirty snow against the curb date this to what, spring perhaps? 

Wooden Ware Back View

 

A little seen view of the back of the Menasha Wooden Ware facility, looking north across the river.   This view emphasizes the reliance on railroad transportation.  Though the photo resolution makes it a challenge, one can still distinguish the oversized Menasha Wooden Ware box car to the left as opposed to the regular size Soo Line boxcars to the right. 

The tower rising in the top center of the photo is the old fire house on Main Street, which dates this photo to be 1885 or later.  In later years, this tower was removed. 

Menasha Dam

Facing east toward Lake Winnebago, this photograph shows the Menasha Dam near the Mill Street Bridge. This bridge preceded the current Racine Street bridge, built around 1951.  After crossing the bridge, the traveler would first encounter the magnificent public library, an imposing sight welcoming them to mainland Menasha.  Doty Island is visible in the background and the Island Paper Mill can be seen on the right.

Economy Shoes

From the 1940 Renard, St. Mary's yearbook.

 

This shoe store was located at 204 Main Street, next door to the Stilp and Hedberg Pharmacy, later known as Lang's Pharmacy.

 

At one time "Peters" Shoes were a big deal, the company having been formed in the 1890's and was one of a few nationwide brands.  Over time, through acquisition and mergers, it became a part of a global conglomerate that included Florsheim and Converse, names better known to the public today.

 

 

Early Main Street

This image of Main Street appears to pre-date 1884 as none of the more permanent buildings we've come to know on that street appear.  The 1880's was the benchmark for brick and mortar construction.  In that decade, for instance, we saw the construction of the Scott Building further west at the corner of Milwaukee and Main, as well as the Odd Fellows Hall that housed The Clothes Shop for many years.  At the time of this photograph, the Loescher Building at the corner of Main and Racine has yet to be constructed.  As of 1884, it did appear on Sanborn maps of the city. 

Otto Grunski

September 10, 1973 NM Northwestern

Forty years ago the first Otto Grunski Bicycle Races were held.  As evidenced from these articles, the amateur innocence evident at this first event was just a precursor to the tide of spandex and helmet wearing cyclists who would soon infiltrate on a permanent level. Nevertheless, over the years, the races evolved into a complete festival, replete with boats, bikes, running, food and music, in various formats.   

So who was Otto Grunski? Legend has it that he was a Polish inventor attributed to be the creator of the "Boneshaker," a precursor to the modern bicycle.  Myth or man, Menasha residents and its invited guests have nevertheless gotten 40 years worth of mirth and merriment from his memory.  . 

Julius H. Fieweger & Sons

Julius H. Fieweger was one of Menasha's pioneers.  Born in Prussia in 1827, he was reared and educated in his native land, learning the trade of wagon maker and also that of millwright. In 1853 he immigrated to America and established a home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was employed until 1855, when he moved to Menasha, then only a small village. He built up a large and prosperous business of building wagons at the corner of Tayco and Water Streets and eventually brought his sons into the business.  He married Caroline Mahn in Menasha and together they had seven children, many of whom became well-known in the business world themselves.  (Charles Fieweger was instrumental in the formation of the Dean Dairy in Appleton and Joseph Fieweger became the president of the Bank of Menasha in 1907.  A daughter, Anna, married one of the Tuchscherer sons.)

As a biographical sketch of him in the 1887 Historical Review of the State of Wisconsin states, "He was a man of strong character and impregnable integrity, was loyal to all civic duties, was an able and steadfast business man and was a citizen to whom was ever accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and respect. He passed from the stage of life's mortal endeavors in 1905, at a venerable age, his cherished and devoted wife having been summoned to eternal rest in 1895. Both were zealous members of the Catholic church and in politics the father gave his allegiance to the Republican party. Julius Fieweger was not only one of the representative business men of Menasha for many years but was also most loyal in the supporting of those measures and agencies tending to advance the material and social prosperity of his home city. He served as a member of the board of aldermen of Menasha and was here identified with several fraternal organizations, in which he manifested a lively interest."

FNB Drive Through

 

The construction of the First National Bank in 1964 allowed for drive through banking.  Access was from Water Street, or via the steep ramp from Main Street, which was heated in the winter to free it from ice and snow. 

Check out the cars in the drive through.  I think that's a 1964 Chevy Impala in the front and a 1959 Chevy Bel Air in the rear.  We had that '59 model as our family car for awhile.  I especially loved the fins in the back of that one. 

First Air Mail Flight

This first day cover commemorates the Air Mail service inaugurated in 1928 to include service to Menasha via the Milwaukee to Green Bay route.  As you'd expect, the mail planes landed at the Whiting Airport which was located at Airport Road and present day Highway 47.  The airport opened for operations in March of 1928 but closed when the air mail service was suspended in 1930, not a surprise with the Great Depression in its early stages. 

Flowing Gold

A 1949 newspaper ad touting the brew Menasha made famous and some of the neighborhood establishments at that time who were proud to serve the hometown product.  Many of them are still in business, though the beer ran out long ago.