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Downtown 1958

Downtown 1958

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

More on the Doty Island Driving Park

A reader of this blog, Don Nussbaum, was so kind as to share with me (and us) some newspaper articles he'd collected regarding the driving park.  As he stated yesterday in the comments section, the original name for the association was the Menasha Driving Park Association and these articles prove bear that out.  It was only ten years later, in 1879 that the designation was altered to the new name after some changes in the membership of the association.

 Island City Times, July 11, 1868
 
 Island City Times, July 25, 1868
 
Island City Times, August 22, 1868


Neenah City Times, June 13, 1879

Tomorrow, we look at the news reports of the first day of operation at the park.  

Monday, June 29, 2015

Doty Island Driving Park

 
As early as 1868, there had been talk of a developing a horse track and/or fairgrounds on Doty Island.  Later that year, 60 acres were purchased at the east end of "The Avenue," as Nicolet Boulevard was known then, but on the Neenah side. 

As reported in Memories of Doty Island (1999):

   Raising money to purchase the necessary land was difficult and things did not move along as rapidly as expected. A group of men had pledged $15,000, but it was not enough. In June of 1879, 20 acres of Moore's 60 acre tract on the lake shore was bought by the stockholders of "The Doty Island Park Assn." The officers at this time were: President - C. S. Felton; Vice- President - F. C. Shattuck; Treasurer - A. H. F. Krueger; Secretary - G. W. Dodge. Now both cities were represented.
   Finally, it was announced that the park was completed and would be open to the public on Sunday, August 23, 1879. Season tickets $5; carriage and two persons 25¢ and for each additional person 10c; children under 12 free. The track officially opened September 6, and most of the racing entries were local. On September 13 the Menasha Saturday Evening Press announced: "The opening of the Doty Island Driving Park took place on Saturday last. The weather was pleasant and a large crowd in attendance. Several turf-men present gave their opinion that the track was the best half-mile course in this part of the state."
    Regular sulky races began in October and were held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The price of admission was 25c, and the first race had a purse of $225. Soon the races became an accepted part of the community, and for several years harness racing was a part of the 4th of July celebrations.

   A grandstand was built in front of a twelve-stall stable, and a huge barn in the Gothic style was also erected. Enthusiastic horse owners brought their sulkies and pure-bred horses from a considerable distance to have them race for the fairly substantial prize. It was said that the money won by betting was often larger than the prize.
   The attendance by the general citizenry was not as great as had been anticipated. Rumors of large betting and a brothel nearby to accept cash from the winners or to console the losers kept many of the church-going ladies and their husbands away. Constant changes of owners and officers were not conducive to establishing interest.
   By 1889 no races were being held on the Fourth, only in the Fall. By that time S. A. Cook was the owner but he was hoping to sell it to the Chautauqua Assembly. Finally, horse races were discontinued entirely, and the area became, in succession, a campground, a picnic grounds, a bike racing track, a baseball field, and a park. Families came by the wagonload for their outings.
   Eventually the prime location was sought for residential lots, and the Smiths bought part of the land. The Smith home was built in 1917, long after the last horse ran, but their driveway followed the curve of the track. Soon the entire area became a development of lovely homes and of the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Auto Electric


Because of address numbering changes over the years (St. Patrick's is now 324 Nicolet), I didn't have a clue where this business was located.  But thanks to the good ol' city directory for 1939, I have a much clearer picture now.  (Thanks goodness for reference books.)

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Butte des Morts Beach

 1931 N-M City Directory
 
I learn something new every day; yet another surprise from the city directory.  I had no idea there was ever a Butte des Morts Beach.  And apparently this cottage area eventually became the lots and homes along Lakeshore Drive.  Current maps show a West Butte des Morts Beach Road on the west side of LLBDM, between the railroad tracks and the lake shore.  One would think that it would follow that there'd be an East Butte des Morts Beach Road, yet the Menasha side, where the beach area is shown, became known as Lakeshore Drive.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Tenderfoot


This linen postcard from the 1930s provides a view of the Brin theater in its fresh glory, having just been completed in late 1928.  The picture listed on the marquee, "The Tenderfoot," came to Appleton in May of 1932, so that certainly helps in dating this card to be from around the same time.  While I'd hoped to have found a Brin ad touting this film, this version from the Warners theater in Appleton will have to do.

May 28, 1932 Appleton Post-Crescent

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

A Stormy Night

June 23, 1965 Appleton Post-Crescent
 
A glance at the paper from 50 years ago today shows that the ol' hometown suffered a bit the previous night with a major storm blanketing the city.

But the smorgasbord at the Hotel Menasha might make you forget all about that:

June 23, 1965 N-M Northwestern

Monday, June 22, 2015

All Products Perfectly Pasteurized


April 1945 N-M Telephone Directory, back page
 
Starting the week off with some local ads from the back of the phone book in 1945.  (Seems like Menasha had a lot of dry cleaners in town over the years.)
 
 

Friday, June 19, 2015

Library Then and Now



The original public library downtown on Mill Street was used until 1969, when the new building, shown in the top photo, was built at 440 First Street.

In 2003, the library began a massive renovation. 18,000 square feet were added to the existing 28,000 square feet of the library. The $4.5 million project involved gutting and rebuilding the old building. 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Baseball 1925 Style


This two page gatefold of local ads celebrated the coming baseball season in Neenah-Menasha in June of 1925.  In conjunction with the Appleton Post-Crescent, a contest was held and these fine merchants were the prize contributors.  Unfortunately, circumstances had conspired against the team and caused it to dissolve.  Yet the contest was honored and prizes awarded. A new team arose from the ashes of the old and soon baseball again was in the swing of things.  (I love how the news article refers to the team as "Menasha-Neenah" as opposed to the usual "Neenah-Menasha.")

 
June 3, 1925 Appleton Post-Crescent

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Lake Winnebago and the Lower Fox Valley

From The Journal of Geography, 1913-14
 
This map obviously predates the preponderance of major highways as automobile travel was still in its infancy; paved roads were rare outsde metropolitan areas.  But look at all the railroad lines.  All those initials were shorthand for the major railroads criss-crossing the area- GB&W: Green Bay and Western, C&NW: Chicago and North Western, CM&SP: Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Pacific (also known as The Milwaukee Road). 

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

New Bank of Menasha Opens

August 14, 1963 Appleton Post-Crescent
 
Talk about a complete makeover.  It's hard to believe that this:
 
Came from this:
 
Until I read this newspaper article, I had thought that the old bank was razed and a new one put in its place.  If the bankers were looking for a more modern look, they certainly succeeded as the new facility surely had the look of the 1960's while the old bank looked dated in that dignified, yet stuffy bank sort of way.

Monday, June 15, 2015

A Cinder in His Eye


from the 1924 Menasha High Yearbook, The Nicolet
 
Once known as the Golden Rule Store, Grove's Clothing was a fixture on east Main Street for many years.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Falls and Reaches of the Lower Fox

from The Journal of Geography, Volume 12, 1913-14
 
I've seen similar cross section diagrams which display the different depths along the Fox River but this one, I think, dramatically illustrates why the lock system iis needed to safely navigate the river.  In the 37 miles from Menasha to Green Bay, the Fox falls from 746 to a final 578 feet above sea level.  One doesn't realize that the total drop of these falls (168 feet) is approximately the same as Niagara Falls, although over a much longer stretch, obviously.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Residential and Cottage Areas

from 1939 N-M City Directory
 
I'll be the first to admit that I know little about this area, having grown up closer to downtown Menasha at Second and DePere.  So, I was surprised to come across this map with these neighborhoods displayed along Lake Winnebago's north shore.  As a point of reference, the cross hatched area at the map's bottom is the Jefferson Park/Brighton Beach area and north is to the left. 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

LR Adams Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical Supplies

Perhaps it was deemed acceptable in a non-mainstream publication as this, but I was still taken aback by seeing an actual toilet pictured in an ad from 1920.  (If you'll recall your growing up years, movies and TV shows couldn't show or even imply toilets existed.  Unlike the anything goes world of today, it was a big "moment" to hear Archie Bunker flush his toilet on his show in the 1970's.)  So, more than likely, this photo is from a plumbing supply catalog of the day.  But it was still a surprise.  And seeing how the retail price of this city directory was $10.00, a lot of money for 1920, it was only going to be seen by a lot of businessmen anyway and unlikely to offend the squeamish masses out there.  (The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a site on the internet that tracks how the real value of money changes over time. According to its calculator, $10 in 1920 is worth nearly $120 today!)

By the way, Mr. Adams didn't stay in business long after this was published.  The October 21, 1924 edition of the Appleton Post-Crescent reported that: "Ray Murtauth has purchased the plumbing business formerly conducted by L. R. Adams and will take possession at once. He at one time was in Mr. Adams' employ."

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Linen St. Mary's

 
 
This pleasant view of St. Mary's is on a "linen" postcard, which were highly popular during the 1930's, 40's, and 50's.  Contrary to their descriptive name, these postcards were not actually made out of linen, which is derived from flax, but they did have a high rag content, which means the paper contained a certain amount of cotton fiber. Instead, linen actually refers to the surface texture of the postcard—prior to the early 1930s, it was not economically feasible to print anything of quality on embossed papers. Two of the key traits of linen postcards are their saturated colors and their soft focus, the result of the cards’ uneven surfaces.  Though this card is rather dirty and worn, you can still see the "linen" fibers, especially in the sky over the church.

From the text, our correspondent appears to be enjoying herself, having travelled over a thousand miles from Virginia, apparently and still on her way to parts unknown with family. 

Monday, June 8, 2015

Fox River Industrial Sites


The water power of the Fox River made Menasha and Neenah the 19th century industrial powers that they became.  This map, culled from 1880 census data, shows the concentration of mills and factories along both branches of the Fox.  In 1880, flour milling was still an important function of the local economy, especially in Neenah, but that was quickly coming to an end.  The paper industry had been inaugurated in the 1860s, but only began to gain traction with the formation of Kimberly-Clark in 1872.    By 1890, with the westward expansion of the wheat industry away from Wisconsin, the flour milling industry was essentially over.

Back in February, we featured a news article on the flour mills:
http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/02/milling-story.html

Friday, June 5, 2015

Historian's View of Winnebago County


from Prairies, Pines, and People (1976)
 
As with many historical references, sometimes I end up with more questions than answers.  So, today I'm explaining away some of the lesser-known labels on this map (at least to me):
 
Poygan Paygrounds: The "Poygan Paygrounds" was a 90 acre plot in Winneconne Township, Section 18. Here the Government made annual payments for 20 years. Payment occurred in October for 10 days. The Government Agency set up office with soldiers from Fort Howard to protect Indians while being paid.  Indians had to come to the office even though it was difficult for some to make it.  Once off the Paygrounds they were disgracefully relieved of their payment by scallawags laying in wait for them.
---from Mariam Smith's The History of Omro [1976]
 
Ball Prairie: On a range of glacial hills on the Cross farm in section one in northeast corner of the town of Winneeonne, and on the summit of the most prominent elevation, there was a series of thirteen hill mounds within a distance of 900 feet, which in 1848 were about four feet high and conical in form. When the early surveyor passed these mounds they were prominent against the horizon for a long distance, resembling a row or cluster of balls, from which the surveyor gave the region the name "Ball Prairie," a name it has borne ever since and often placed on maps. ---from P.V. Lawson's  History Winnebago County Wisconsin: Its Cities, Towns, Resources, People (1906)

Samuel Rogers Buried:  There is an Official Wisconsin Marker erected in 1976 in honor of Samuel N. Rogers Sr., a soldier of the American Revolution. ---from Wisconsin Historical Markers blog

Partridge Child Lost: The account of this case is quite involved, but it involves a little 4 year old boy named Casper Partridge who disappeared into the woods in 1850.  It was believed that the Menominee Indians had abducted him.  Casper's father searched for two years, and in 1852, while attending a meeting where the Menominees were given Government payments, friends of his thought they saw an "extra child."  Convinced it was his Casper, they had the child taken by the authorities.  Eventually, a trial of sorts decided that the boy was not Casper, but that did not stop the Partridges from taking this boy and fleeing to Ohio.  You can read the very extensive record of this case at the following link:

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=N:4294963828-4294963788&dsRecordDetails=R:BA4496

Garlic Island: Old records owned by the Schmitt Abstract Title Co. of Oshkosh reveal that, the island was sold by the federal government to Ann Smith, its first private owner, on Feb. 1, 1843. There appears to have been a succession of owners until July of 1877, when the property was acquired by the Island Park Association, a stock company comprised originally of 20 members of the Oshkosh Yacht Club, as a rendezvous point for the organization's cruises and summer outings. The new owners built a summer hotel and, later, a number of cottages, according to a brief history of Garlic Island written by H. B. Harshaw, one of the Island Park Association incorporators. The summer hotel, "as I remember, was carried on for one or two seasons by Joe Heath." Harshaw wrote, "and was largely used by the members of the Yacht dub, and other citizens of Oshkosh, as a summer camping and outing ground.  "In the early days, as early as 1856 to my personal recollection, the island was a great resort for boys out of school on their summer vacations. "While it was in the ownership of the original 20," Harshaw continued, "jt was always open to the public, and was a popular resort for picnic and excursion parties from Fond du Lac, Neenah, Oshkosh and other cities on the waters of Lake Winnebago and the river. "All church societies and civic societies who had their conventions in Oshkosh held their outings-.on the island. "I believe," the Oshkosh yachtsman noted, "that the location of the Northern Hospital (now Winnebago Mental Health Institute) and the State Normal School (the University of Wisconsm-Oshkosh) is largely due to the hospitality shown the locating committees by the citizens of Oshkosh on Island Park." At one time, Harshaw recalled, "there were upwards of 500 elm trees. . .on the island , besides many fine old basswoods. "The raising of the waters of the lake, by reason of the Neenah and Menasha dams, has greatly reduced the size of the island, and many of its finest trees have been carried away by the high water and by the ice." Harshaw described Garlic Island's harbor, about 800 feet from the mainland, as "the finest in the world. The water in the channel has a depth of 20 feet, with perfect anchorage and safety for boats in any wind, and campers never need to fear mosquitoes." There is a legend that Garlic Island acquired its name when an early settler mistook the leeks with which it abounded for garlic. Garlic Island later came into the possession of Stephen C. Radford, an Oshkosh lumberman who owned the property many years. Charles H. Williams, was one of three incorporators of Island Point, Inc., which acquired the island in 1931, several years after Radford's death. The other owners were J. C. Thompson, also an attorney, and Clyde B. Terrell, a businessman. Garlic Island has been owned since June of 1948 by Lynn Werner of the Town of Menasha, who uses it for hunting. Little more than a hunting shack and a boat dock remain on the once busy island, according to Werner. The Oshkosh Public Museum proposed to excavate part of Garlic Island during the summer of 1970, primarily in the hope of finding relics of the British occupation during the War of 1812.  Robert J. Hruska, museum assistant director and curator of anthropology, said the plan was abandoned because the project probably would have been beyond the abilities of available student archeologists, most of them of high school age.  Hruska said that so far as he knows there never has been a professional excavation of historic Garlic Island.  ---Appleton Post-Crescent, October 31, 1976

Thursday, June 4, 2015

The New Gem Beer

May 1, 1953 Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
 
We haven't featured a Gem beer ad for quite awhile now.  Hopefully, this beer fared better than New Coke did in 1985.  Many factors, I'm sure, figured into the closing of the brewery three years later but this reworking of the formula wasn't the savior the company might have hoped it'd be.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Swimming Pier

We first met our friend Clarence last week.  Four years later after that postcard, Clarence seems to have improved his penmanship as well as his discourse.  Still writing to his Uncle Bill in Mishicot, Clarence is quite folksy in asking the condition of the various farm animals.

We saw a close-up of this swimming pier in the following post fromm last September:
http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-publics-morals-must-be-protected.html

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Hill of the Dead


This official State of Wisconsin Historic Marker, formerly in Fritse Park, was removed in March of this year. This marker, erected in 1955, described a 1730 French and Menominee attack on a Meskwaki (Fox Indian) village on the western shore of LLBDM and the resulting massacre. The story goes that the numerous Meskwaki allegedly killed in this attack were buried in a large earthen burial mound that once stood on the west shore of the lake. Although historians of the time attributed the burial mound to the attack, there is no archaeological support for this legendary event. Modern science has proven that the mound was prehistoric in origin and likely dated between 2500 and 2000 years ago. Since 1990, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh anthropology professor Jeff Behm has campaigned to have the record righted and the marker removed.  Today, you will no longer find this sign on the State of Wisconsin's list of 558 official state markers.

We discussed old newspaper accounts of this legend back in March: http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/03/legends-of-butte-des-morts.html

Monday, June 1, 2015

Party Line Courtesy

from the April 1945 Neenah-Menasha Telephone Directory
 
For those of you too young, a party line was a telephone circuit that was shared by multiple phone service subscribers.  Largely, they've gone the way of the dinosaur, existing only in the rarest of occasions nowadays in rural areas.  But when I was growing up, my house had a party line, and if we picked up the phone and someone was talking, we had to wait our turn.  Can you imagine that today, (assuming you even have a hard wired telephone line to your home)?  Anyway, in the spirit of cooperation that was prevalent during World War II and due to wartime shortages, I bring you these courtesy guidelines, brought to you as a service of your local phone company.