Curtis Reed Square

August 15, 1990, Twin City News-Record

We are quickly moving towards the thirtieth anniversary of dedicating the city square to founding father Curtis Reed.  I must admit, doing this righted many wrongs over the years.  Having that small parking circle adjacent to Banta's was something, but to me, it seemed like an afterthought.  I am as guilty as anybody, not having given Mr. Reed his due in this blog.  Do a search on "Curtis Reed" within the blog and see how many times I referenced him, though you can find a photograph of his house if you dig in a little bit.  

Sodas All Around!

June 8, 1928, Menasha Record

Despite the inexpensive prices being a big draw by 1928 standards, the soda fountain apparently was THE place to be on Main Street that year.  Where else could you indulge your ice cream fantasies while shopping for kidney pills and witch hazel?  I regret that the age of active ice cream counters in pharmacies went the way of the dinosaur, the way the five and dime went away.  But hey, at least I can say that I ate at Woolworth's and Kresge's lunch counters before they ceased business.  

New Flag

May 29, 1948, Appleton Post-Crescent

In the state's centennial year, a lot of activities like this, I'm sure, were instigated by communities and schools statewide and this became a familiar sight.  I'll bet more state flags made their appearance that year than ever before in Wisconsin's 100 year history up to that point.  And in case you were wondering why it might not seem that familiar, in 1979, the state legislature added the word "Wisconsin" and "1848" to the flag to distinguish it from the many other blue background state flags for some reason.  To what was already considered as a "too-cluttered" state flag by some, this didn't help any, if you ask me.

Floating Tribute

May 31, 1961, Oshkosh Northwestern

Left over from consideration for yesterday's post is a dramatic silhouette highlighting a tribute to America's fallen.  

Memorial Day 2020

I repost this most every year. 

The VFW in 2013 said it well.  I cannot improve on this:

Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of a holiday that we as veterans hold so close to our hearts. For too many, Memorial Day now signifies nothing more than the start of summer and is celebrated with holiday sales. Trips to the lake and shopping extravaganzas have replaced memorial visits, remembrance ceremonies or simply put, a day to reflect upon all of the luxuries—like freedom—that we as Americans enjoy daily.  

As proud veterans, we know the true meaning of Memorial Day. 

On Memorial Day, we honor our fallen comrades of the United States military in the form of remembrance. And with that, comes a deep sense of appreciation for both their selflessness in protecting the land of the free, and for their sacrifice in ensuring it stays that way. 

Each and every American owes a great debt to the courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect our way of life. While giving back to the extent they deserve is impossible, today, we merely attempt our repayment in the form of remembrance. We dedicate this day to them.

As we go about our activities, we should take the opportunity to not only remember the sacrifices of our fallen and mourn their departure, we should celebrate the spirit with which they served and reflect upon their contributions in making America, truly, the land of the free.

Whatever you do today, be safe.

Monuments

May 30, 1963, Oshkosh Northwestern

Well, here we are again, the unofficial start of summer.  And although we're under a different set of circumstances than in previous years, I'm sure we'll all find ways to decompress and put the woes of the last few months behind us, if only for a three or four day weekend.  

Growing up, Memorial Day weekend was always when my mom made us go out to the cemetery and ensure the flowers were ready for the summer.  Also, we ensured the flags were in place for those of our relation who had served our country.  

With all that in mind, let's pause to reflect on the solemnity of those places around the Twin Cities and view those hidden details we seem to overlook in a hurry to get to our parades or barbecues.  

Enjoy the weekend!  

Interior Quality

November 20, 1961, Oshkosh Daily Northwestern

This encouraging report that a localized fire within the Hotel Menasha was contained quickly also brought out elaborate details of the historic interior of the structure.  If only I had colorful photos to share of the treasures within!  A black and chartreuse theme!  Deep orange and white color schemes!  But suffice it to say, we'll just have to delve into our imaginations from the vivid descriptions provided.  A black and white photo of one mundane plaque certainly does not do justice to what must have been a celebratory tableau of Menasha railroad history and Indian life.

Wedding Finery

April 7, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Interesting look back to some of Menasha's history as a result of finding these gowns up in the attic.  Mrs. Banta was indeed a power behind the scenes for her husband George, the same way Mrs. Woodrow Wilson later stepped in, although more covertly, after the President's stroke to manage his office and how Eleanor Roosevelt became the eyes and ears for a handicapped Franklin Roosevelt who wasn't as mobile as he desired.  They were strong women, ones who didn't always get the kudos they deserved.

Tell the World

July 17, 1929, Oshkosh Daily Northwestern

I found this news item rather curious.  I have located no evidence to date that this sign was ever erected.  And unless I'm wrong, the stand pipe should have been erected at Second and Manitowoc where the old water tower was.  Perhaps the residents of the area decided they didn't want an illuminated sign in their otherwise residential neighborhood?   I leave it to the better historians and researchers out there to set me straight.

Renovated Pool

May 31, 1990, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

The opening of the city pool for a new season gets a new punctuation point thirty years ago when a new water slide makes its appearance on the scene.  A touchstone of summer, generations of kids marked the start and ending of summer by activity at the pool.  

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I redid the news articles from last Friday's post, due to technical difficulties (rather fuzzy, I was told).  I hope this helps.

Map Revisited

May 28, 1948, Appleton Post-Crescent

Here's a good synopsis of how Menasha got its start, and it also features the map we showcased in yesterday's post.  This is from the Post-Crescent's special edition from 1948, commemorating the 100th year of statehood.  The story of the boat captain who favored Menasha is a fun anecdote of how one can influence things.  And the back and forth over bridges is another whimsical touch to a tenuous relationship the two communities have always had.  

Bailey Map 1870

This is a fun map to review.  The artist who created this map, Howard Heston Bailey, was one of two brothers who specialized in this sort of panoramic view of 19th century America.  His biography is shown below, as well as that of his younger brother, who carried on the same sort of work.  This was found in a book titled, Artists in Ohio, 1787-1900: A Biographical Dictionary, which explains all the references to Ohio.

Wisconsin Historical Society, Bailey, H.H. (Howard Heston) 1836-1878, Menasha, Wis., 12481. Viewed online at (https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM12481).

Be sure to view the map at this link where you can pan and zoom and truly enjoy it:  http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/maps/id/118  Notice how Broad Street is labeled as Main and how the later Paris Street is listed as Berlin Street.  See the strange spellings of Kaukauna and Konemac Streets.  Notice Nicolet Boulevard referred to as "The Avenue."  Regular readers of this blog will recognize these references.  There's always a lot to learn from old maps.  

Outdoor Liturgy

May 30, 1990, Twin City News-Record

Back when "social distancing" wasn't a thing, this was a usual sight, to celebrate together.  But then again, in-person graduations were in vogue as well, and also, ...well, just being allowed to go to classes everyday inside classrooms with real teachers.  One of these days, things will go back to normal (we hope).  People said the same thing during the 1917 flu pandemic and yes, we got through that.  Good times just have to be ahead.  

Home School Fair

May 23, 1986, Appleton Post-Crescent

This is something I'll bet a lot of parents can relate to during this pandemic.  Of course, with schools closed, parents have been thrust into a role they never anticipated, that of being teachers.  So, despite the fact that these kids' parents elected to school them at home, the students' ingenuity at displaying their mastery of science-related topics should inspire anyone who has to teach.  I have a lot of admiration for anyone who can excel at that.  Teachers are, too often, so underappreciated.

Happy Mother's Day (Belatedly)

.

April 17, 1962, Twin City News-Record

Looking a lot like Aunt Bee from The Andy Griffith Show, this illustrated lady beckons us to provide nominations for Mother's Day Queen of Menasha.  The promotion lasted throughout the 60's as a means to generate business and interest among the Menasha merchants.  Of course, prizes awarded were from those same Menasha merchants and there was some interplay with advertising, etc.  I personally remember the queen riding in the Prospectors' Day parade but I'm not sure what other duties she might have had.  We first touched upon this contest back in 2013:  http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-mothers-day.html.

Just Say No!

May 24,1990, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Continuing the war on drugs started by First Lady Nancy Reagan in the 1980's, Menasha kids run it out to be safe against substance abuse.  Not sure if this is still a thing but it so defined the 80's and 90's for kids of school age.  

I'm taking a week's hiatus from the blog.  My aim is to return on Monday, May 11th.  Don't forget Mother's Day on the 10th!  And most of all, be safe out there!