New Year's Preparations

December 30, 1939, Menasha Record

Eighty years ago, the Menasha community collectively got itself ready for its New Year's celebration.  Many shops were available for purchase of beverages of a certain type, or if that didn't meet your needs, dance bands were holding court at various venues across the valley. 

Community Greetings!

December 23, 1944, Appleton Post-Crescent

A small leftover from Christmas I forgot to post.  However, with the coming of the New Year, this array will do double duty as it is a favorite of the blog to portray local businesses at such a time and provide well wishes for the holiday season, which, of course DOES include the New Year.  In this case, we journey back to 1944 and World War II.  Menasha has seen its finest gone to serve for several years now, but in a year's time, things will be quite different in the ol' town.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from me to you.  I am going to take some time off to be with family and enjoy the season. And to finish my shopping!  I hope the last 12 months have been good to you, but if not, my wish is that this holiday season will help you salvage some good of what's left of the year. 

Enjoy your families and your time off.  I will strive myself to remember the real meaning of Christmas, for as someone once told me, if Christmas isn't found in our hearts, if won't be found under a tree. 

I am thankful for you, my dear readers who have kept up with me all these years.  I so greatly appreciate your support, your contributions, and your friendship.  I hope to return to this on December 30th.  Let's set the stage to share some more Menasha memories in 2020.  See you then!

Banta Goes to War

December 22, 1943, The News-Times

Businesses in World War II, especially at Christmas-time, addressed to the public their not having their full-time staffs often and thoroughly.  An example shown above is the Christmas acknowledgement by the George Banta Company, of which my father was an employee.  In a virtual roll call, the firm gave the public an update on the doings (as best it could) of its employees, their whereabouts, etc.  It kept people informed as well as it being a nice shout-out to those workers who had answered the call of Uncle Sam to serve their country.  And at this time of year, they were sorely missed.

Santa, the Dandy

December 1, 1966, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I guess it was only a matter of time before Santa would succumb to the fashion of the day, in order to be perfectly coiffed for his adoring public.  Or maybe it was always like this and somehow his defenses were let down and he was caught by a wandering paparazzo during this tonsorial procedure.  Needless to say, it wasn't his best moment, but one that most kids will forgive him for.  This blog reporter remembers his own Mom being seen in public with curlers in HER hair and no one was hurt and only a little bit of pride was numbed by the experience, mostly his own.  So, Santa we forgive you this sartorial lapse and understand that you must do what is necessary in order to maintain appearances.  After all, Christmas comes but once each year and we DO want you to be feeling your very best.  Besides, we're told that being polished and groomed DOES make the man.  And Santa, you are SO the man.

Flying In

January 30, 1935, Menasha Record

Amidst all the society page items of dances and garden club committees, a world famous flyer made her way to a podium at the local armory to enchant the audience with stories of her latest solo flight from Hawaii to California.  In a few short years, she will take that ill-fated flight which will make her even more of a legendary figure.  But until then, she will continue to sell out auditoriums nationwide to satisfy a ravenous crowd, eager for tales of adventure.  The folks of Neenah-Menasha were the lucky recipients of her selective appearances.

Thank You, Santa!

December 13, 1968, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Once again, the jolly old elf proves that he is a timeless presence during the holiday season. Be it any year, the expected reaction to his actions is undoubtedly similar to this.  Every time.  

Bridge Over Navigable Waters

December 7, 1956, Twin City News-Record

What a great idea, but then, every year in the spring, there'd be that announcement in the paper about moving it out of the way so the navigation season could begin. See below.  That was just the way it had to be along the canal.

April 19, 1961, Twin City News-Record

What's Old is New Again

December 1, 1969, Oshkosh Northwestern

As we get ready for the big day, some things are out and some things make a comeback.  Yes, the decorations might change from year to year but one cannot tinker with the timeliness of Santa.  As the young lady above experienced, the kid in all of us never forgets the jolly old elf and what he meant to us in former years.  It is an adult joy to share that memory with our own children, giving us a glimpse into our own pasts.  Ah, Christmas!

Post-Christmas Idyll

December 28, 1954, Appleton Post-Crescent

Okay, so I accelerated things a bit...we're not THAT close to Christmas yet.  But how often do you get a dynamic shot of the Seventh Street playground rink?  

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care....

December 16, 1954, Appleton Post-Crescent

I've heard it said that this is a typical division of labor- Sandy does the heavy lifting, as it were, while dreamy-eyed Gary ponders the existence of Santa, and, having satisfied that requirement, checks on his progress. In the post-World War II decade of plenty, this slice-of-life makes a fine tableau of what those service members were fighting for less than ten years before- home and hearth and a consumerism to counter the lean years leading up to the war.  I am nothing, if not all things Christmas.  You're welcome.

Let's All Chip In For Mother

December 23, 1937, Menasha Record

This clipping contains a multitude of riches for aficionados of Menasha's businesses of the mid-20th century.  From the famous Loescher's Hardware to the Clothes Shop to Walter Bros. Brewing, they had us covered.  I've said it before, but I love how the brewery's phone number was "2!"  If memory serves me, the Hotel Menasha was "1." 

Toyland for Girls and Boys

November 26, 1964, Twin City News-Record

Our look back at 1964 concludes.  I remember so many of these toys.  Who didn't play with an Etch A Sketch or have a spirited game of Monopoly?  I was just disappointed there were no GI Joes, as this was the breakout year for the popular action figure.  

Mass in English?

November 27, 1964, Twin City News-Record

So far, this week has been all about 1964.  Gee there was a lot going on that year.  Among other things- Gulf of Tonkin, Johnson elected, a little thing called The Beatles...Vatican II dictated that celebrants would now incorporate English into the Mass.  Not so surprising for we students at area Catholic schools- we'd been hearing about it for awhile, but I cannot imagine the shock and dismay that regular parishioners must have felt when first encountering this strange intrusion into the traditional Latin Mass.  

Christmas Tree Lane

November 26, 1964, Twin City News-Record

Sure it's Neenah...but we all went there anyway!  And being a grand old man of eight years old in 1964, Colonel Caboose was my guy, and I would have gone anywhere to see him.  We first encountered the Colonel in 2012, shortly after the advent of this blog in conjunction with a little trifle known as the fizz-nik:  https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/08/fizz-nik-party-with-colonel-caboose.html.  (Read the linked blog post if you don't know what I'm talking about!)

Parking Utopia

November 27, 1964, Twin City News-Record

Here's a rarely seen view of a part of a Menasha downtown that is barely recognizable now.  This is roughly pictured from the current location of Mihm's, looking east towards a parking lot that might be the one next to the current Riverview Plaza building.  The wholescale rerouting of Chute Street and the revamp of Curtis Reed Square project made this photo just a historical footnote to a moment in time, to be sure.

First Grade Pride

November 25, 1964, Twin City News-Record

We're all about Thanksgiving leftovers here at the blog, so it is no surprise that I would bring forward this gem from our file of days gone by.  These kids were more or less contemporaries of mine, maybe a year behind me in school age, so I recognize the clothes and the poses of accomplishment for a job well done.  I don't know if the history lesson stuck with the kids but the turkey might have gotten the job done.  If nothing else, they can thank the ol' blogmaster for resurrecting an art/history hybrid from some fifty-five years ago they can now share with their grandchildren.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 12, 1964, Oshkosh Northwestern

I'm taking the remainder of the week off from the blog to spend time with family.  And in keeping with the holiday, let me bestow my thanks to you, dear readers, for your unflagging support of this blog.  Your interest, enthusiasm, and support make it all worthwhile.  I'll be back Monday, December 2nd.  Happy Thanksgiving!

But before I go though, let me share some exciting news!  Recently I published another book.  And although this one doesn't apply to our beloved city or its nearby environs, I took just as much care on this one as I did with the two Menasha titles.  Living in South Carolina as I do and having worked at Fort Jackson the last 24+ years, I felt a distinct kinship with my new home.  And having had a little bit of experience with this book thing since 2012, I managed to put together a volume devoted to Fort Jackson's history as the Army's premier basic training facility.

For the record, the book is available at all the usual haunts:  Amazon,com, Barnes and Noble.com, Booksamillion.com, etc.  Not that there's any connection with Menasha besides yours truly, but for the military history buff, I'm sure there's enough there to satisfy that itch.

Milwaukee Road

November 18, 1893, Saturday Evening Press

The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad; often referred to as the Milwaukee Road; was a Class I railroad that operated in the Midwest and Northwest of the United States from 1847 until 1986. The main line went through Hilbert with a spur line that connected to Neenah and Menasha.  In later years, one would have to drive to Hilbert to pick up the train, but it didn't detract from being another option in a once-crowded world of rail options.

Hotel Dining on Turkey Day

November 23, 1926, The Daily News-Times

November 19, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

The newspapers advertising it might have changed, but year after year, the Hotel Menasha was THE place to go locally for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner out of the home.  It all sounded enticing in 1926, but does anybody know what "Casper Cheese" is?  

2 Cents Per Mile

November 21, 1933, Menasha Record

Not the most romantic of ads but it gets the information across that one can go visiting via train for the Thanksgiving holiday in an affordable manner.  In the midst of the Great Depression, keying on the 2 cents per mile aspect of the trip helped win over many consumers, I'd think.  And though the Fox Cities did not suffer as badly as other parts of the nation, value definitely sells and I'm sure the Soo Line benefited greatly from this promotion.  

In Time for Thanksgiving....

November 14, 1957, Appleton Post-Crescent

It's a win-win for customers of Memorial Drive Florist who get to order their Thanksgiving flowers early as well as impress the hostess of their Thanksgiving feast.  And don't forget the red rescus!

Shoe Fitting, X-Ray-Style

November 24, 1933, Menasha Record

Marketed as a scientific method for optimizing shoe fit, the fluoroscope appeared in shoe stores nationwide from the 1920s to the 1960s. But the machines not only didn’t do what they promised, they also exposed children, their parents and store clerks to unhealthy doses of radiation.  In the late 1940s, scientists began to raise serious concerns about the dangerous levels of radiation and over the next two decades, individual states gradually took action to either ban or restrict the use of the device.  By the 1970s, concerns grew about radiation emitted from other common appliances, such as televisions and microwave ovens. By the mid 1970s, 33 states had banned the devices.  I was too young to experience the x-ray shoe fitter, but many of our older readers have mentioned the fluoroscopes at Tuchscherer's.  While it might have been a fun novelty to see the bones in our feet, the truth is that we were exposed to multiple doses of unnecessary radiation.  But while it is popular to repeat popular maxims that those "fun" activities like this and playing with mercury with our bare hands didn't kill us, I wouldn't recommend it for my own kids, whereby I'd likely be jailed for child abuse today.

Holiday Lights

November 10, 1989, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

November 14, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Judging from the dates on these photos, I guess it's not too early to consider the city decorating for Christmas.  I know the stores are already in the Christmas mode, considering there are less shopping days before the big event. Thanksgiving is late this year, so is it any wonder retailers are vying for every dollar they can get?

A Snack and a Smile

November 27, 1913, Neenah Times

Every so often we must remind ourselves of Menasha's brewing heritage and the novel ways these entrepreneurs employed print ads to get the public to consume their product.  Similar to today's TV ads which associate the product with a lifestyle, the 1913 version employs incredible claims as evidenced here.  We saw this employed also in an ad from four years before:  https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2019/07/it-helps-languid.html  At that time, Walter Bros. brought women into the mix, an interesting development since most ads geared towards women at this time were for baking powder or remedies for kids, e.g, Fletcher's Castoria.  And yes, there were also ads for feminine maladies, but they were usually in very fine print on the peripheries of the publication and couched in very vague terms.

Basketball Follies

November 27, 1905, Oshkosh Northwestern

From the sound of it, it appears the Menasha players were up to some shenanigans on the court with fainting and stall tactics.  I was taken with the phrase "playing for wind" and did a bit of research on the term.  It appears in early 20th century sports-related news items and I even found it in a 1923 book devoted to "physical culture" which was the term for physical fitness or lifestyle back then.  Essentially it means taking a break, an odd use of a phrase when one word would do.  And I could be wrong but the low score makes me think they were still playing with closed bottom peach baskets; it was around this time or a year or two later when nets were finally introduced.  This ended the era when the game needed to be halted to summon a janitor with a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Doings Around Town

November 17, 1905, Oshkosh Northwestern

Aside from the news of the fire in the Rosch drug store comes the admonition for "automobilists" who dare to abuse the twelve mile per hour speed limit through the confines of Menasha and, evidently, the rest of the state.  Why, its those drivers from Appleton and Neenah who menace our fair city, driving like speed demons and putting our very lives in jeopardy! Be it known that our mayor will not stand for it and the local constabulary will remedy the situation post-haste.  Good day, sir.

Veterans Day Viewpoint

November 11, 1992, Twin City News-Record

Let's extend the Veterans Day observance one more day this week.  Here is the story of one of America's Finest, those brave individuals who served in World War II.  We lost Don in the last year, after a long life of giving of himself in ways that the majority of us do not have the courage for.  I'm proud that Don lived long enough to see the turnaround in people's attitudes with an increased recognition of veterans and their service.  Regardless of whether the change in attitude for this was 9-11 or our reaction to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans today better respect the institutions that give us our freedom.  We owe a debt of gratitude to the likes of Don Lesperance and his ilk...one of Menasha's own.

Prize Winner

November 23, 1895, Oshkosh Northwestern

Young Mr. Schoetz, son of the future mayor of Menasha, won his $5 in gold by showcasing his academic prowess.  No Googling for this young man!  I would be hard-pressed to provide answers to many of these questions, even with the many resources available to us today.   Andrew Schoetz DID go on to become a graduate of Lawrence University and become an attorney.  He died in 1931.  

Veterans Day

November 12, 1964, Twin City News-Record

The United States previously observed this day as Armistice Day until it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.  Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, per protocol in 1918, when the armistice with Germany went into effect. Please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who have served throughout the years to keep us all safe and free.  

Thirty Years Ago- The Library Comes Down

November 3, 1989, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Once upon a time, this building was a welcoming presence to those entering downtown via the Mill Street bridge, a stately and dignified temple of knowledge, the way Elisha D. Smith, its namesake would have wanted. But just about thirty years ago, the end of an era passed with the demolition of the original library, though it could be argued that its time had already passed twenty years before that with the opening of the new facility on First Street.  Built in 1898, the old girl had seen a lot of history- three major wars, a couple of "police actions," the closing of the Mill Street bridge in 1951, and the Woodenware fire of 1964, to name a few.  It was present during the city's centennial in 1953 and yet another celebration in 1974.  Tearing it down wasn't popular then, yet the memory of it still raises a smile to those of my era and a little bit older.  The structure may be gone, but its spirit lives on today in a state-of-the-art facility that is a priceless asset to Menasha's young and old alike.  

I am taking a week-long hiatus from the blog.  I will see you the week of November 11th.

Downtown Tricks and Treats

October 30, 1965, Appleton Post-Crescent

Menasha's trick or treaters make a fine display of all the culturally relevant figures for the time...spacemen, Disney characters, as well as the tried and true- clowns, hoboes, and the like.  I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few secret agents and Beatles thrown in too.  And that skateboard is a timely gift as well.

Follow the Crowd

October 27, 1888, Saturday Evening Press

An interesting presentation of an idea by the Tuchscherer shoe store.  Is the store clerk saying, "What did you expect?  We're out of stock."  Or is he so pleased with himself for his sales idea?  He has an expression on his face which will become celebrated years later as the "What, me worry?" look as popularized by Mad magazine.  In an age of journalism that utilizes florid, matter of fact prose to sell patent medicine and youth rejuvenators, this arty cartoon is a refreshing change of pace.  

Parade of Students

November 1, 1977, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

In keeping with the obvious Halloween theme this week, we bring you imaginative Nicolet Elementary students parading in their distinctive Halloween fashions.  An around-the-block parade in the midst of a school day is enough to make anyone positively giddy with excitement, if only for the break from school.  

Every Day's a Holiday....

October 23, 1970, Appleton Post-Crescent

The Left Guard tries its hand at continental cuisine in 1970, importing a European-trained chef and offering something other than the usual steak and potato fare.  

Draftees

June 13, 2001, Appleton Post-Crescent

All sorts of 1950's styles are represented at the CN&W station as we say goodbye for now to Neenah and Menasha's finest.  Is that Fonzie or James Dean at the extreme left of the group?  But seriously, it wasn't so long ago that these same men bid adieu to their loved ones- primarily fathers and brothers- for a different conflict, some less than ten years earlier.  Now, their turn has arrived and faithfully they have responded.  May God have blessed these brave young men, who followed the call to service and brought them safely back home.

Fixtures Galore

October 31, 1969, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Drucks was definitely one great resource for that hard to find electrical bulb or light fixture to complete our home experience.  Today, we might be tempted to find it online and have it shipped directly to our home.  But in the days before the internet, shopping in person at such a store was the only way to go.  For a teenager, Drucks was the place for the latest records or perhaps that new transistor radio.  

Christmas Mice

October 30, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Isn't it a bit late to start a Christmas Club account in October, and late October, to boot?  I thought the idea was to deposit small amounts all year to make the financial burden seem less harsh.  Oh well, it makes for a cute ad anyway.

Spooktacular Values!

October 24, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Downtown Menasha gets into the Halloween shopping spirit, some forty years ago. I remember the hardware store only too well.  

Idyllic Scene

October 26, 1986, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Amidst the noise and mayhem, among the hustle and bustle of industry and commerce, there is often a chance to pause and eke out a moment of contemplation.  Herein is just such a moment.  Happy Monday.

Menasha Water Power

October 14, 1880, Saturday Evening Press

Let's end the week with some vintage ads from 1880.  I especially like the secton near the top which acts as an endorsement for the city, as if to school the first time reader of the newspaper of what a great place Menasha is.

Fun With Fallen Leaves

October 14, 1981, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Ah, the fun of fallen leaves.  There's nothing like jumping into a big pile of them and coming out with them sticking to your sweatshirt, not to mention the fun of ticking off your older brother who meticulously had raked them into that pile and was already "late" for an important date, at least by his reckoning.  I wasn't talking about myself, was I?  Oh no, I'd have never done that.

(Peaceful) Atoms at Work

October 24, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

1959 was prime time for us all to worry about the bomb and the Cold War, so peaceful applications of atomic energy were on display to soothe the agitated soul in all of us.   It was the Space Age, the era of Sputnik and a race to the Moon was just a few years away from beginning.  Big dreams for atomic power in the Eisenhower era of plenty, and those visitors to Valley Fair were lucky enough to experience it first hand.  Plus, free Coke and those nine cent "hots" had to be a draw, as well. 

Football Fury

October 15, 1900, Oshkosh Daily Northwestern

Back in the early days of football, it was a violent game-  so much so that years after this story, President Theodore Roosevelt managed to save the game from extinction by gathering a number of collegiate presidents and coaches together to create some sanity with enforced rules.  See my post from 2012 which explains his efforts to save the game: https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2012/12/1898-menasha-high-football-team.html

Nevertheless, it is a bit satisfying, despite the serious injuries, that a team of Menasha's "Finest" managed to overhaul the nearby Lawrence University football squad so badly, that subsequent games were cancelled for the remainder of the "season." See below.

October 15, 1900, Appleton Post-Crescent