Island Paper

We first encountered the Island Paper Mill last year in a blog post.  http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2014/02/howard-paper-mill.html

After changing hands many times, this mill, formerly known as Howard Paper, was sold to an interest controlled by Duncan T. H. MacKinnon and Alexander Noble Strange in 1905.  Renamed as the Island Paper Company, the mill made corrugated paper, which they called "strawboard."  Supposedly, this aggravated the local populace due to the strong odor it emitted.  This handsome blank check shows their ornate logo, typical of firms of that era.

Admiration

This caption says it all! The blog is taking a short hiatus and will return on Monday, November 30th.   I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. 

Just Like Home....

November 20, 1958 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

In days gone by, the Hotel Menasha was THE place for a Thanksgiving celebration with family.  For a place noted for its Friday night smorgasbords, is it any wonder that they could put on a fabulous Thanksgiving feast? 

Valley Mourns

November 23, 1963, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

I believe everyone of a certain age remembers where they were and what they were doing when this tragic event occurred.  I was in Sister Marietta's first grade at St. Mary's when the announcement came over the loud speaker in the classroom.  I recall we were encouraged to say a group prayer.  Later, when it was confirmed that he was, indeed, gone, we were dismissed from school. My big brother from the high school came and walked me home.  The rest of the weekend was a big blur, though I recall the somber funeral on television.  

Bard Heats Best

November 19, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

With winter not too far away, it's a good time to consider whether or not our heating capacity is in good order.  Leave it to Menasha Sheet Metal to set us on the right path...55 years ago.

 

Airfield

This is the Whiting Airport which was located at Airport Road and present day Highway 47.  The airport opened for operations in March of 1928 after 100 acres of farm land were leased from Michael Wittmann.  It closed when the air mail service was suspended in 1930, not a surprise with the Great Depression in its early stages. 

Ride, Anyone?

This is the first truck obtained by Wheeler Transportation, located on Chute Street.  Before this big moment, circa 1911 or 12, horses were the ride of choice.  The driver is listed as Henry Wilz.

Photograph courtesy of the Menasha Public Library

Pour Goodness By the Glassful

 January 27, 1967 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

For your Tuesday, a selection of ads from the Post-Crescent business page.  

Paper Mill Spools

1890's era spools manufactured by P.V. Lawson's Menasha Wood Split Pulley Company

We've featured the pulley company here many times in the past. Founded in 1888 by P.V. Lawson, Jr., he was a renaissance man- an attorney, author, politician, orator, and mayor of Menasha.   His factory on Little Lake Butte des Morts at the foot of Sixth Street made wood split pulleys which, like the Menasha Wooden Ware products, were exported all over the world.

Scene at Waverly Beach

More frame (literally!) than substance, this 1909 postcard of Waverly beach, to me is an oddity.  One would think the photographer in this case would have strived for something a bit more picturesque, but evidently not.

The Name's the Same, The Service is Even better

October 30, 1964, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

Dan Luebke had, for many years, operated a service station at the corner of Third and Racine Streets until 1964 at which time he moved out to the corner of Racine Road and Midway Roads.  While a bit more inconvenient geographically for city dwellers, I'm convinced his more central location opened up more Town of Menasha (and probably, Appleton as well) business in the years to come.  

Veterans Day

Many of us are familiar with this building.  Located just across the Menasha city limits on Washington/Commercial Street, the S.A. Cook Armory was built in 1906 by ex-mayor, ex-congressman and industrialist Mr. S.A. Cook.  Presented debt-free to be used by both Neenah and Menasha, inside the facility were club rooms, locker rooms and a National Guard Drill Hall for Company I, 1st Wisconsin Infantry. It was also used for basketball games, dances and other social events. Later, it was remodeled inside to provide a number of small shops in the 1970's. In 1988, it was torn down and replaced by a warehouse.

Today being Veterans Day, please take a moment to remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have given of their lives to keep us all safe and free.

Amusements

November 5, 1965 Appleton Post-Crescent

From time to time, it's fun to see what was playing at the Brin and other theaters way back when.  And checking out the action at all the local "teen bars" to see what exciting bands were playing was a prerequisite for finding your fun as well.  Elvis, The Beatles, John Wayne, and Old Yeller...what an era to be living in! 

Practical Business Seminar (PBS)

March 15, 1973 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

I remember this initiative only too well at St. Mary's and though I wasn't a part of it, it was the talk of the school for quite some time.  Imagine, giving high school business students practical experience in retailing, bookkeeping, and management outside the school proper and getting credit for it.  The store was at the corner of Racine and Broad Streets and lasted several years. 

Gold Label

formerly advertised as a "healthful drink,"  (see http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-healthful-drink.html) this beautiful label graced one of the Walter Brothers' signature products for years.

Ads

November 5, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

Here's some fun ads from 55 years ago to take a look at today.  I had almost forgotten about weiners and sauerkraut, but thanks to Wanserski's ad, they jolted me back to my roots. 

Downtown 1955

 

Forgive me if I've offered this photo before, but to me, you can't beat a good view of the downtown, regardless of the era.  This comes from September 1955 and is courtesy of the Appleton Post-Crescent.  I've compared this to the 1958 color version that headlines this blog and besides the parked cars and traffic, there is little change in those three years, save for a sign change at the Ace Bar from Schlitz to Pabst, adding another sign to the Coffee Shop announcing that it is air conditioned, the removal of the hanging Rexall sign in front of Hidde's Pharmacy and the addition of a Walgreens agency sign, and the bold lettering for Tuchscherer's shoe store.  Lots to see if you look closely enough.  Why, it's almost like one of those "can you spot the changes" puzzles.  I'm sure I missed something.  Readers?

Free Turkeys, Free GE Irons

November 10, 1965 Appleton Post-Crescent

We've seen postings about Druck's Electric before on this blog.  But this time, let us hearken back fifty years to their 33rd Anniversary, where the savings were brought to you, the consumer, with the chance to win a flat iron or take home a free turkey with a valid major purchase.  Still not sure?  Don't forget, they offered "revolving charge!" 

Eckrich Home

From about 1897, we visit the home of Louis Eckrich, cooper (barrel maker) at the Menasha Wooden Ware.  Louis' residence was at 317 Second Street.  Posing in front of the home with their children are Louis at center and Helen, Louis' wife on the extreme right. 
photo courtesy of Menasha Public Library