For what was designed initially as a simple means to generate interest in the book and to last for just a "little while,"...well, I guess I've just quite never figured out how little of a while it should be. To be honest, some topics are definitely more detailed than others; some subjects get re-opened and embellished from time to time, while many others bear the stamp of "history lite." Some would say how "historical" is it to obsess on an old matchbook or postcard? And I'd reply that my intention has always been that history needn't be boring to be meaningful. Facts and figures are fine as they go, but more importantly, if I can generate a feeling inside the reader and something clicks- nostalgia, a memory, an anecdote...then I've done my job. So what if it takes an old grocery store ad or other cultural detritus to do that. As I state in the Facebook summaries each day, it's an eclectic mix.
I have you all to thank for keeping up with me these past three years. Without your input and support, I doubt I'd have kept this going this long...not that I'm ready to stop any time soon. But, to paraphrase the popular children's book's title, I like to think that it's "the little blog that could." Thanks again. See you Monday as we embark on a fourth year.
Congrats David on your anniversary. I have been a follower for about 1-1/2 years and look forward to the blog every day. My wife and I left Menasha 50 years ago. We visit at least annually and I'm often appalled at changes on Main St. that pass for progress. But my memories are locked mostly in the 1950s and the nostalgia stirred by many of your daily articles provides a pleasing connection to my childhood. Keep up the good work.
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Very nice milestone David. Looking forward to many more years of your research, insight, and family stories. Your posts are uplifting for those of us with Menasha heritage, even if we're not all Polish.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and many more to come! As a relative newcomer - I really enjoy the photos of the houses and maps of downtown. It appears to me our founders had a much better perspective on traffic flow and creating a center hub of activity downtown than the current traffic pattern is. Now, Main Street is just a side street bypassed by Racine and Tayco - back then, you drove right into the middle of the downtown.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem that Menasha has any mansions - similar to Neenah. Were they torn down, or never built? Would love to see another edition of your book.
I second the previous comment, "Would love to see another edition of your book". Hopefully you have the energy and the Menasha Historical Society the foresight to publish a sequal to this absolutely outstanding book on Menasha's history. I only visited Menasha as a child, but fondly remember many of the scenes represented in the photographs and acccompanying text and anecdotes. Please consider another volume!!!
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Thank you, one and all, for your kind words. Regarding the reader's comments about mansions in Menasha, the houses never did seem to match the grandeur of the ones on Wisconsin Avenue in Neenah, though some were built on Menasha's side of Doty Island. George Banta had a house on Naymut Street and Elisha D. Smith lived on the corner of Park and Keyes Street. But many of the businessmen who had their concerns in Menasha, for whatever reason, chose to build in Neenah on Forest Avenue or Wisconsin Avenue. Even Smith's sons chose to build on Forest Avenue...Charles Smith at 824 East Forest and Henry Smith at 706 East Forest. I think John Strange lived on Forest Avenue, too. I can only think that once that exclusive enclave existed, one didn't want to deviate from that area; keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you for your excellent work. I very much enjoyed your book which led me to this blog, and it has become a regular stop for me. Most of the history is well before my time, but I’m fascinated by the glimpses back-- especially the changing landscapes and downtown. While it’s sad parts of the Menasha I remember as a child are no longer recognizable today, change has been a constant in our history and I’m glad you are there to document it for future generations. I know much more about my hometown from your book and blog and I often relay the stories I read here to my family as we pass through the city.
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