Eager to Return

 August 19, 1955, Twin City News-Record

In past weeks, we've delved into the realm of kids being quarantined at home due to the polio situation in 1955, found them playing marathon board games and engaging in other pursuits to pass the time. Unfortunately, 1955 didn't have the advantage of Zoom calls or other means for "distance learning," which might have put the threats of delayed, or no summer vacation  on the back burner for these students.  But despite the threats to free time, one has to be amused at the first respondent who worried about the girls he wouldn't get to meet; I wonder how Casanova fared once school was in session!

I'm Not so Sure About This

 September 3, 1969, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Soon the new school year will be among us.  But though it won't look as smooth as this 1969 picture represents, apprehensive looks might still be there, although hidden behind mandatory face masks for those choosing to attend in-person classes.

Feathered Star

August 27, 1962, Oshkosh Daily Northwestern

A slow news day brings out the best, sometimes, in nature stories, and the bureau photographer's best efforts.  We've seen this time and time again within the pages of the blog, from ducks and geese at the old Gilbert pond, to man's best friend, palling around with local neighborhood kids.  There's an old adage in Hollywood about it being advisable to never work with kids or animals (usually, dogs) but this event proved it wrong- providing a great photo and an experience for those on Second Street who witnessed it- giving them a conversation piece for years to come.

Abide by the Patrol

 September 12, 1969, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I became an eighth grader the year after this photo was taken and Mr. Simon was my eighth grade teacher for history and geography.  And yes, I too, was a member of the esteemed safety patrol, though he wasn't the advisor that year.  I was brave enough to stop traffic at the intersection of Second and Racine Streets, though I didn't have a vest.  Instead, I wore a bright, blaze orange Sam Browne type belt that went around my waist and then had the shoulder strap that went over my torso diagonally and cinched to the waist belt.  Included, was a classy silver AAA badge, which definitely was a dead giveaway as to who was sponsoring that year.  What I really wanted was a cool stop sign to hold up to get the traffic's attention, but I was relegated to just using hand signals, with the idea that the orange belt was attention-getting enough.  Funny how important things are to a kid; it should have been enough to have had the badge and belt. 

Madness

 August 25, 1969, Twin City News-Record

Just in time for "back to school," its Moonlite Madness!  Corn, beer, and brats helped bring people downtown, as if the bargains available until 11 pm weren't enough.  Patrons of the event could reap some serious savings on furniture, grills, and clothes.  

Criticism

August 29, 1899, Appleton Post-Crescent

We first attended this gathering in 2014:   https://menashabook.blogsot.com/2014/03/mystery-solved-brighton-beach-chautauqua.html.  Giving credence to the adage that no good deed goes unpunished, or that you can't please all the people all of the time, the editors of the Madison newspaper take umbrage with the gathering at Brighton Beach in the summer of 1899.  Before there were movies and radio and television, entertainment was scheduled debates, stage plays, or orations for the assembled masses.  While every parlor had a piano and a great amount of sheet music for entertaining, events like this were a welcome respite.  Evidently, the editors of the fine Madison paper thought we could have done better.  The schedule is published at the link above...see for yourself who attended and the topics covered.  I thought the program was well-rounded but then, as I am not of the 1899 sensibilities, I am unaware at what could have been.

Swimming in the Streets

August 29, 1975, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Rain so rapid and heavy that the sewers couldn't handle it all.  So, what's left to do?  Swim, or raft in the streets and create a photo op for an otherwise boring summer day in August, right before school begins again.  These kids are so "seventies" its ridiculous.

A Great Find

August 30, 1962, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

This article shows that historical treasure can be found anywhere, even in the attic of an older house.  This is a familiar story...workmen finding old magazines, tobacco tins, or other paraphernalia in the walls of a building under renovation.  But thank goodness they usually have the foresight to preserve what they find so local history fans can reap the benefits of these chance encounters.  Word to the wise...keep your eyes open.  You never know what you might find!

The Old War Again

 August 30, 1862, Appleton Crescent

One thing I like about old newspapers is that they don't hesitate to delve right in and tell like it is.  Sometimes, in the case of so many industrial or railroad accidents, they tend to be on the lurid side.  But this item from almost 160 years ago mentions the long-forgotten bridge over LLBDM (known here as "The Lake") built to help alleviate the impacts Menasha felt when the railroad bypassed the then-town.  Is it any wonder the townspeople would guard this valuable artery to aid in the town's commerce?

A Marathon Game

August 20, 1955, Appleton Post-Crescent\

The photo above is a leftover from last week's coverage of polio in the 1950's in Menasha.  Going back 65 years, this picture has resonance today in that many of us today have also been having marathons of board games, jigsaw puzzles, and Netflix watching since March and the onset of the pandemic.  This game looks to be Monopoly, a timeless favorite.  Social distancing didn't enter into the equation back then the way it must today.

A Fresh Look

 August 1, 1977, Twin City News-Record

Back in '77, you could be assured of the stands filled with avid football fans.  But what the future holds for fans this year remains in doubt.  Will they even be allowed to watch from a reasonable distance?  Or will the schools play to empty stands?  I know the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association approved several details of a one-year alternative season in the spring for fall sports and reduced the number of weeks for sports during the 2020-21 winter and spring seasons at its August meeting.  The earliest football game, if it happens, wouldn't be until late September.  Schools will be required to initially declare if they plan to participate in the traditional fall season or the alternate fall season in the spring by Sept. 1. I guess it's wait and see what the future holds for those who play at Calder. 

A Good Report

 

August 3, 1978, Twin City News-Record

There's nothing like an old photo or report card to conjure up memories of school days past.  And when that report card is as old as the one Mr. Smith presented his former teacher, I can only imagine how this bridging of time would delight her. From 1903, the report card was, literally, from another world...one hard to imagine, even in 1978 when this occurred, but I'm sure a vivid recollection for teacher and student alike.  People tend to remember their school days.  Such a fun idea to celebrate the life of a centenarian. 

World's Lightest

August 20, 1955, Appleton Post-Crescent

This Mom is happy because she's holding the "world's lightest TV," though at 32 pounds, that could get tedious if it had to be carted too far.  Today, everybody has the equivalent of a TV in their pocket and it is only as heavy as your cell phone, so something this big and bulky is laughable by 2020 standards.  Of course, in 1955, computers could barely do simple math calculations and were in a room the size of a semi-trailer, and look what became of them.  (Side note: My family had such a TV and I can remember having permission to watch Star Trek in the late '60's on it, if only because I couldn't interest my family in it enough to sustain a family viewing experience!  I think the TV had built-in rabbit ears and, if you remember that experience, it often took a certain finesse to get the picture right.  If you weren't careful, you could have a second Mr. Spock following him around, despite what the plot warranted.) 

Stay Off the Streets!

 August 29, 1955, Twin City News-Record

Related to yesterday's post about recreational activities while young people stayed home during the polio outbreaks of the 1950's, comes this directive from the Menasha Health Officer.  Sound familiar?  Today, they'd call this social distancing and quarantine.  Back then it was enough to call them restrictions. I wonder what the "penalty" was that he threatened.

Home Rec

 August 26, 1955, Appleton Post-Crescent

It really isn't fair to compare the polio restrictions of the 1950's with the COVID-19 situation today, but there is some sameness... school changes and an emphasis on home-based recreational activities are but a few of the similarities. But unlike a recent Gallup Poll which stated that 35% of those polled said they would NOT take a vaccine if it was available today, I do not believe there was a similar reluctance when it came to polio.  Different times, indeed.

When Boats Collide

 August 22, 1906, Menasha Record

 August 25, 1906, Neenah Times

Back before car crashes led the headlines on television news, boat accidents took center stage, that is, when there weren't lurid accounts of train fatalities or buggy disasters.  Because of the the damages to the Thistle, the boat passengers had to spend some unforeseen time in our fair city, with some making other arrangements to get to their final destination.  Let's hope the folks in Menasha made their unexpected stay an enjoyable one.

A New Day

August 19, 1966, Twin City News-Record

Wisconsin only recently gave the green light for fall sports so high school football cannot even practice until September due to COVID.  So, let's hearken back to a happier time, when the worries of the world were much less for these athletes and equipment was again issued, bringing the promise of a new season with raised hopes and expectations.  Let us hope this tradition can continue in a safe, yet exciting and competitive manner.

Corn and Costumes

August 26, 1966, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Here are some fun photos from the 1966 edition of Prospector Days in Menasha.  Clerks and customers alike joined in the fun.  Looks like it was a great time.

Champions!

August 17, 1959, Appleton Post-Crescent

Wearing t-shirts reminiscent of the logo utilized during the centennial some six years earlier, the Papermakers proudly display their solidarity in this team picture.  Do you see any of your former playmates?  I came along a bit late for the era of this photo, but I recognize so many of the last names and was familiar with many of their younger brothers.  Small town life, it was another time.  

Klan Fake

August 6, 1924, Menasha Record

There's no end to the monkey business inherent in trying to silence a witness or accuser, no matter what the era.  In the KKK rampant days of the early 20th century, this trick was attempted via a fear ongoing in the newspapers of the time, of a resurgence in Klan activity.  Thank goodness we had the Klan, headquartered in Oshkosh no less, to quell the furor caused by the bogus letter.

Keep It Safe!

July 26, 1924, Menasha Record

The Roaring Twenties were a time of excess and fiscal bounty so is it any wonder the local banks would encourage their patrons to secure their valuables in one of their special safe deposit boxes?  We here at the blog would like to think the staid Menashans of the 1920's weren't the stereotypical flappers and bootleggers as portrayed on the silver screen, so their investments and spending might be more on the conservative side.  But still, a sentimental heirloom or a valuable coin collection might make their ways into such a secure environment.