July 28, 1967, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern
Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people looking half dead
Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
(with apologies to The Lovin' Spoonful)
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The 1960's were many things and though 1967 was billed as the summer of love, the actions of the local constabulary seemed to presage the turbulent year that 1968 would bring. I do not recall any riots in Menasha or neighboring Neenah, for that matter, but the local force was ready nevertheless. I searched in vain for some photographic evidence of this riot gear, but it was not to be.
I will say the police department had this stuff in storage until about 2002. It was outdated and potential dangerous to use. The helmets were less than protective and the nightsticks were equipment that truly had no place in policing.
ReplyDelete