Merry Christmas Wishes

December 24, 1966, Appleton Post-Crescent

Christmas wishes come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to the Fox Valley's businesses and merchants, at least in 1966.  And here's one more Christmas wish, from me, to you.  May the blessings of the season be upon you and your families.  My thanks to you for your interest and support of this blog throughout the year.  Merry Christmas.  I'll be back after the New Year.

Buy Them Fresh for the Holidays

December 14, 1962, Oshkosh Northwestern

As we wind towards Christmas, here's another advertisement to get you in the mood.  Model Bakery was located on Main Street next door to the Ace Bar and filled the space of the former A&P.

Received Payment

Another "found" artifact associated with the ol' home town.  John B. Stitgen was the proprietor of the Hotel Menasha until 1920.  

This envelope is reminiscent of so many other documents of the 19th/early 20th century, with elaborate logos and that blocky style print you only see now on currency and old stock certificates.  

Racine at Main

From about 1980, we look towards Racine and Main Streets, from the vantage point of the corner of Broad and Racine.  Nothing remarkable about this photo, other than the fact that this area never gets the photo play that Main Street gets.  On the extreme left edge is the Racine Street bridge.  The last building on the right, before you turn right to enter Main Street is the old Loescher Hardware, which, over the years, later became Menasha Bike and Toy, Anderson's Coins and Novelties, and currently is a part of Club Liquors.  The other buildings in the photo have been a carousel of businesses over the years as well, but the one constant was usually a tavern at the location marked by the Schlitz sign. 

A Sparkling List of Gifts

December 10, 1967, Appleton Post-Crescent

With Christmas Club checks in the mail, what better time than now to get started on all your holiday shopping? 

Brin Christmas Party

 December 26, 1967 N-M Northwestern

What joy it must have been for these kids to have received these bikes at Christmas time!  It's bordering on quoting clichés to mention this, but it is so easy to lose sight of the real spirit of giving at this time of year.  The writer of this caption had it right, in capturing the magic of that party for these two little ones.

Drainer Bottoms

Here is an 1890's era advertising card from the Menasha Wood Split Pulley Company.  As we all know, Menasha had a long history of manufacture using wood, originally making chairs and other wooden ware- barrels and pails.  Eventually other firms used wood to make paper and paper products.  And of course, wood split pulleys from this company.  While not sexy products as Detroit's cars or Hollywood's movies, seemingly mundane items like this nevertheless fueled Menasha’s economy and helped broaden its companies' product lines.

100 People in a Lock

As the weather gets colder, let's hearken back to a warmer time, maybe an excursion on the water.  This photo of the Menasha lock, as featured in Lakeland Yachting magazine, sometime between 1946-1955 is also featured on the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway website.

A Holiday Staple

To me, this label just screams Christmas.  The color and the design must have been sanctioned from the jolly old elf himself.  I'm sure we had this around the house at Christmas time.

Give a Sweet Gift....

December 10, 1967,  Appleton Post-Crescent

 

This ad takes me back to Christmases past.  It wasn't Christmas without candy from Bowlby's around the house for entertaining.  There are so many candies on this list you can't find just anywhere, to include the fried oysters, cherries on a wire, and the angel food candy. I don't exactly remember what the peco flake was, but I have many Christmas memories of chocolate covered cherries, my Mom's favorite.

Marty's Sinclair Service

November 25, 1958, Appleton Post-Crescent

The local newspapers of the time are always good for shots like this.  The Post-Crescent and Northwestern for years had a business page where they'd feature local businesses with photos and sometimes feature length articles which essentially were commercials for the businesses.  I like this photo because not only do I love old gas station architecture, but you can see the Tastee-Freez sign in the background, as well.  And if the photo were clear enough, you'd see that a Sinclair employee was filling that car; another era, for sure. 

Smoother, Quieter, Comfort-Plus!

November 24, 1958, Appleton Post-Crescent

We first encountered the concept of the "400", as used by the Chicago and North Western Railway in a blog post last year:  http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-flambeau-400.html.  In short, the 400 became the moniker for the C&NW's trains because, in the competitive railroad environment of the 1930's, the "400" was able to travel between Chicago and Minneapolis in 400 minutes.  Eventually, the 400 name became synonymous with the C&NW's double decker coaches, or bi-level cars.  Of course, this all ended for the Neenah-Menasha area when service was terminated in 1971.

Santa Comes Calling...

November 23, 1966 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

Time for all those Christmas ads.  It wasn't yet known as Black Friday, but once upon a time, the Post-Crescent would tell you where to pick up their thick Christmas shopping edition, just in time to ensure Little Nell or Cousin Jimmy got what they'd been wanting all year long.  Sadly, none of these businesses exist any more. 

Pails, Pails, Pails

In time, 1956 to be exact, this activity would cease at the Wooden Ware.  But here, in this undated photo, pail workers man the conveyor and ready the finished product for shipment. During the Civil War, the pail factory led the Menasha Wooden Ware to become the largest manufacturer of woodenware in Wisconsin.

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

All Saints

November 1, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

With Halloween upon us tomorrow, I thought I'd feature this photo from the Post-Crescent, 55 years ago.  To say the least, such a pageant was not unusual for those of us who attended Catholic schools in the area. 

One Time Only!

28 October 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

I have a vague recollection of going to this event, even though I would have been four years old at the time.  But then, it might have been the Harlem Magicians, a competing act that had toured the country since 1953, until Mr. Saperstein brought a lawsuit against them for copyright infringement. 

Paper Mills

Some more turn-of-the-century paper mill photography, from the History of Neenah, of all places.  Readers, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think, from top to bottom, they are: Howard Paper (later known as Island Paper), John Strange, and Whiting. 

Treats!

October 27, 1972 N-M Northwestern

Just in time for Halloween, the Menasha Sweet Shop comes to the rescue!  Sign me up for the rubber Halloween ears! 

Polish Catholic Church

 

 

From roughly 1909, comes a cousin's request that Miss Olga Trilling come visit, via the Northwestern railroad.  By this time, this version of St. John's church was about nine years old.

St. Patricks 1909

 

A lovely scene on Nicolet Boulevard, or 'The Avenue" as it was called until the 1906 dedication of the Nicolet Monument in Smith Park.   That same year, The Avenue received a new name.  Even though the card publisher got the location wrong, we still know this as the Menasha side. 

Wimpy the Clown

October 27, 1972 N-M Northwestern

 

A special event at an elementary school...what could be finer?!  It reminds me of the thrill I'd always get when the A-V cart was rolled into class...finally, something different.  Even if it was a film strip (remember those?!), anything to break up the monotony of a school day was always welcome.  But a clown?  They hit the jackpot that day. 

Band Tournament 1931

We first encountered this major event for the city back in a 2012 blog post: http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/05/1931-marchers.html.  At that time we featured Menasha High's band coming down Main Street.  Here is a photo of another unidentified band.  Still, one gets a sense of excitement that must have permeated the crowd.

Hunters Policy

October 19, 1959 Appleton Post-Crescent

I spotted these ads yesterday while doing the football story and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to present them to you.  While not exactly the norm for every community but with so many hunters in the area, it was most likely a necessity.

Rite of Autumn

October 19, 1959 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

From 56 years ago today, the Post-Crescent highlights football activities, as sponsored by the Menasha Recreation Department.  In this case, the younger set- fifth and sixth graders, engage in the touch football league, populated with teams with some familiar sounding names.  I'm sure all the kids wanted to be on the Packers.

Gilbert 1958

Gilbert Paper's physical plant on Ahnaip Street, ca. 1958.

 

We've talked at length about Gilbert Paper Company on this blog, to include this post:   

http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/07/gilbert-paper-company.html where there's a lot of good back and forth commentary.  In that post, the readers were quite informative about some of the products Gilbert produced, to include special papers for currency and Social Security Cards.  You should check it out. 

Scene at Waverly Beach

Here's another circa 1909 view of Waverly Beach, as attributed to Appleton.

Across the River

Looking across the north branch of the Fox River, toward the Menasha Wooden Ware Company.  As we know, the company was started in 1849 and purchased by Elisha D. Smith in 1852.  Beginning as a pail factory, it later expanded into the production of other wood products and container products and became the largest manufacturer of its kind in the world.

 

photo courtesy, Menasha Public Library