Not Even a Dot

July 31, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Hearkening back to the late 1960's when Winneconne seceded from Wisconsin due to being left off the official state map, Neenah-Menasha gets its turn, though the stakes were a bit lower this time around.  The insult came on a recreational map that probably was published just to be given out in motel lobbies across the Midwest.  So, no great reaction except for this news item.  Heck, we might have gotten a festival out of it, had the community umbrage been greater as it was in Winneconne all those years ago. 

Summer Complaint

August 18, 1900, Oshkosh Northwestern

In my research, I found that "summer complaint" could be anything from sunstroke to diarrhea to poison ivy rash.  I believe the vague phrases used in news accounts of the day "protected" us from the use of such distasteful terms as "diarrhea" even though the back pages of those same newspapers contained extensive advertisements for any number of patent medicines to cure piles or to restore men's "vitality."  Make of that what you will.

Also, with the reports of Menasha burning, it brings to mind the Mark Twain quote stating "Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated," when newspapers mistakenly published his obituary.  I'm sure the city fathers had a laugh over that one.

It Helps the Languid

August 21, 1909, Neenah Daily Times

This advertisement for Walter Brothers Beer makes claims similar to those advertised for patent medicines you could see within the same newspapers.  Despite the claim that it helps make a fine snack until mealtime, the vibe it gives mimics the ads we'd see in later years, be it for cigarettes or other types of beer- two people enjoying one another's company, only made better by the addition of the product to their experience.

Only a Short Drive to Hilbert

July 27, 1939, Menasha Record

It might be a short drive to Hilbert, compared to the hundreds of miles that the Chippewa will take you to Milwaukee, Chicago or parts beyond, but still, it's not like walking down the block to the train station.   Nowadays, Menasha to Hilbert is 18 miles on a nicely paved US 10 and WI 114; it might take 25-30 minutes to get there.  Not sure about the condition of the roads in 1939, or the speed limit.  And I'm sure it was two lanes all the way. Still, the ad is enticing-  an air-conditioned train in the midst of summer sounds rather appealing and since this was the golden age of train travel, those stream-lined train engines were all the rage.  It just looked fast, even if it wasn't.

Blew Out the Gas

August 24, 1891, Oshkosh Northwestern

Not being familiar with the slang of the late 1890's, I'm assuming the hobo mentioned had a run-in with the gas pipe and was overcome by the stuff.  Sounds like there were several instances of vagrants making themselves at home in the area.  

And what IS a "blue jay social?"  I saw that phrase and was intrigued.  I found the term used in many instances in newspapers of the 1890's and early 1900's.  The only possible explanation was contained (in of all places) the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer's Monthly Journal, Volume 30 from 1896, where it is described below:

There's always something of interest in the old news accounts of the day.  Sometimes, I even learn something or come away confused, which is pretty often!

Back to School Values

August 25, 1949, Menasha Record

To the delight of many parents and the anguish of many children, it's almost time to go back to school.  But there is hope in sight- the many values available at Schultz Bros., right in the heart of downtown, creaky floors and all.

Slashed!

July 30, 1964, Appleton Post-Crescent

Aside from the incredibly low prices, here's something you didn't see every day, even back then...advertising those exact low prices.   Nowadays, I can look at an app on my phone to see the gas prices all over my town, but never in a newspaper.  I guess it wasn't enough to drive by and see the posted prices; these guys saw fit to advertise in the local papers.  I remember this gas station over by St. Pat's.  I recall receiving drinking glasses from an elaborate case right outside by the pumps.  Perhaps Consolidated was doing away with such gimmicks by then. 

Summer Fun for Only 42 Cents

July 25, 1947, Menasha Record

If the Eagles' Family Picnic doesn't catch your eye for weekend fun, there's always the movies...and how can you beat the price?  42 cents at the Brin with children for 12 cents.  Plus, it's air conditioned, which is always a plus in the dog days of summer. 

To the Moon

July 21, 1969, Oshkosh Daily Northwestern

Despite my excitement in watching those first telecasts from the moon, it seems not everyone was so inclined to concede that the moon shot was a good thing, though I think every kid in America would have felt like I did.  Growing up in the '60s, it seemed every space launch was required viewing, even in school.  We'd all get so excited when the teacher would roll in the television so we could watch the latest Gemini or Apollo flights take off.  This one happened to be in the middle of the 1969 summer, so my normally shared viewing experience was limited to members of my own family. 

We kids had all bought into the space race by drinking Tang, eating Space Food Sticks (remember those?!), building plastic rocket models, and having our Moms buy the cereals that contained crew patches from all the manned flights.  We celebrated each successful flight and we mourned when the Apollo 1 astronauts lost their lives in that terrible pre-launch accident.  Life magazine was the bible of the day, containing exciting color photos of the flights and riveting interviews with astronauts families.  I made more than one scrapbook out of the materials in those magazines, recognizing how important space flight was.  Yes, 1969 was, indeed, a heady time.

Wild West Day

July 26, 1957, Appleton Post-Crescent

Here's something you won't see again in today's politically correct world.  In fact, you'd be hard pressed to even find the toy guns and bows and arrows that would allow you to play cowboys and Indians.  It was a different time, to be sure. Kids with televisions in the '50's were smack dab in the heyday of Davy Crockett and TV westerns that dominated the television schedule.  So it only makes sense that Wild West Day would be a staple of playground programs everywhere.

Pump Away

August 5, 1985, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

We've seen this pump before in past blog posts.  In fact, it was only a year ago I featured a different photo of this pump in action: https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2018/07/fill-er-up.html   It was a specific highlight of my summer to get some of that cool water.  Despite the old-fashioned nature of having to pump, it just tasted better.  Maybe it was psychological, but the trick worked every summer for this kid.  

Nosebag Lunch

June 5, 1948, Appleton Post-Crescent

For the life of me, I had never heard the term "nosebag lunch" before, but there it was in black and white in the newspaper.  And then again, I had never been a Brownie or a Girl Scout either, though my daughters belonged many years later.  I knew about "putting on the feed bag," but this variation, I had not heard.  Perhaps the term fell out of favor as the years progressed, because I never heard it mentioned then, but a little research taught me that it really was just a special term for a bagged lunch- a sandwich and maybe some fruit that dated back to 1927, when used in conjunction with a story about Girl Scouts. Are you familiar with the term, dear readers? 

A Cool Aftermath

July 5, 1956, Twin City News-Record

Rounding out this Independence Day week was the chilly reception the Menasha citizenry got for 1956's version of the Fourth of July.  Unseasonably cool weather brought out the jackets and sweaters but that did not stop the holiday fun in its tracks.  Folks pushed on in spite of the cooler weather, ensuring a grand time was had by all.

 

I am taking a brief respite from the blog.  I will return here on July 16th.  See you then!

Happy Birthday, America!

I'm reposting this parade photo from 1943 which I first used in the blog's first year, 2012.  Needless to say, a lot has changed since this parade was held in honor of the holiday. 

Happy Independence Day to all my readers!  Make it a safe and wonderful holiday. 

In Rapt Attention

July 5, 1955, Appleton Post-Crescent

With the exception of the period dress, and the fact that most everyone is standing (were they on their feet for a quick getaway?), this scene could be any Independence Day celebration.  Today, there'd be lawn chairs, coolers, flip flops, and foam cozies surrounding their favorite beverages.  Regardless of the accoutrements, the end result is the same- dazzling pyrotechnics with a big bang, sure to please kids of all ages. 

A Full Slate of Activities

June 29, 1928, Menasha Record

The Fourth of July celebration of 1928 also saw the dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Building in Smith Park.  Known affectionately as "the Mem," the building has been a mainstay in Menasha recreation for over 90 years now.  In celebration of its newest building, Menasha went all out, as evidenced by the extensive roster of events as listed above.  There was something for everyone, it seems, to include the award of a Nash automobile for one lucky recipient.  It must have been a grand occasion.

Heed the Warning

July 3, 1917, Menasha Record

Tuchscherer's gives a wink to the community this Independence Day week while trying to unload its summer styles to the good residents of Menasha.   And, of course, touting its business acumen in the world of shoes for 41 years.