Labor Day Weekend

 

August 31, 1961, Appleton Post-Crescent

Now here's a handyman project to begin on a long Labor Day weekend- building a fallout shelter for the family!  And what better place to get ideas than the display in the Valley Fair center court.  

But all kidding aside, this was an era when the "bomb" was a major worry for Americans- Berlin Wall, Russian aggression, Bay of Pigs.  School kids were doing the duck and cover drill under their desks.  Do these sound familiar?  Everyone was on edge in fear of a nuclear holocaust.

The Dinner Problem

 September 11, 1933, Menasha Record

I don't know how many eateries resided in this location over the years but this is one iteration.  When I was growing up, it was listed as a coffee shop and the local TV station in Green Bay made light of the neon sign in the window that touted what looked to be "Air-Conditioned Pancakes."  I'm sure the proprieter enjoyed the publicity and who knows...it might have even brought in some business.  

Get On the Food Savings Band-Wagon

 

May 2, 1962, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

From our large inventory of local food ads for now defunct mom and pop grocers, comes this Wanserski's ad.  And is it just the "Big Bologna" that's back by popular demand or everything below it, to include the Big Bologna?   Whatever the case, you'd never get foot-weary there!

Mr. Serves You Right

August 13, 1926, Menasha Record

"Mr. Serves You Right" saves the day with his fresh fruit offerings at the Fountain Grill, a rare example of touting sensible eating.  For those of you not in the know, the Fountain Grill evolved into the Avalon Grill in the '40's. and then the Avalon Bar by the '50's.  In the early 60's, the property was sold and The Left Guard was erected in its place.  

Parading Again

August 6, 1962, Twin City News-Record

Last week we featured a group of kids doing a parade in conjunction with the parks department programs.  Well, I just couldn't let things sit after discovering these two photos.  These really show the depth of their involvement in doing it right.  I love all the doll buggies and wagons.  

Going Up?

July 15,1965, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Yes, the only escalator in the Twin Cities (at least at that time) held much fascination to this young man.  I recall pestering my folks to park behind the bank so we'd just HAVE to ride the magic stairway to the top.  But often times I failed at that plea.  I don't think they ever did put in the down version but I could be wrong.

Fun at the Playgrounds

August 14, 1962, Twin City News-Record

The penny carnival and the Mother-Daughter Day were two big attractions in the summer of  1962 on the Menasha Parks Department activities schedule.  Lots of fun was had by all.

Parade Day

 

August 3, 1962, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

You can almost feel the sun on our faces as another summer winds down in Menasha.  Soon, school will be upon us, but it won't erase the memories of decorating up our bikes and wagons and dressing like a hula dancer for one glorious August day.  

Back to School Shopping

August 17, 1972, Twin City News-Record 

It's that time of year again when you can spot parents and kids with shopping lists in hand, of things required for the first day of school.  Somehow, it always comes down to notebooks, pencils, pens, and crayons.  And despite the 50+ year distance from this ad, similar values can still be found in big box stores like Walmart and Target.

Safety is Paramount

 

August 28, 1965, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Take it from a former member of the school crossing patrol, safety is more than important, it's the most important thing, especially during back to school times.  It's necessary to regain the attention and alertness required to navigate safely through the city streets with school children present.  And the kids need to be just as aware.  

This and That

 
August 27, 1887, Saturday Evening Press

A number of famous local names grace this news roundup from the Press.  It is an nteresting time in that Mr. Curtis Reed had just now founded a resort at Brighton Beach while Menasha is fervently touting its industrial prominence within the larger community at large.  

Oh Oh

August 6, 1970, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I'm sure this wasn't the first, nor probably, the last time some one or some entity away from the area confused the two cities.  All one can do is look in puzzled bemusement.  I guess it's the thought that counts?

Hobo Day

 

August 6, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

"Hobo Day" was celebrated by the young crafters at Clovis-Grove School this fine August day in 1960.  With summer quickly drawing to a close, it was time for dress up and letting loose one more time before those school bells start ringing one more time.

Affordable Rentals

August 6, 1958, Appleton Post-Crescent

Drucks made it easy to obtain that useful appliance or TV needed in the home; try it out with a rental period and then decide if it really helped your lifestyle.  And an extra benefit in having those rental fees go towards the final purchase price.  

Movie Night

August 29, 1950, Appleton Post-Crescent

Let's start out the week by seeing what's at the movies.  Hey, why NOT have a movie night early in the week?  After all, everybody in the Fox Valley didn't have a TV in 1950.  (Yes, I looked it up...in 1948, only 1 percent of America’s households had a TV set; by 1953, more than 50 percent had one.)  

Soliloquy

August 30, 1939, Menasha Record

My suspicions were right...this WAS a wire service plant offered to newspapers across the country.  I took a quick look and saw this exact feature in newspapers from New Jersey to Oklahoma, from Nebraska to Missouri and Minnesota and other parts of Wisconsin.  Still, it's kind of charming in its own way, a filler that eats up a whole column in a newspaper on a slow news day while showcasing the laments of a young school boy who'd rather spend the day with his dog.  Cute.  

9 Great Locations!

 

The above is a placemat from the Left Guard restaurant for sale on eBay.  It's going for $47.50 if you can believe that.  Amazing how the price of history keeps rising!  

Back in Time

August 9, 2006, Twin City News-Record

An interesting array of stories highlights this "Back in Time" column.  Of particular interest to me is the Nicolet Monument photo.  I wonder who these dapper gents are.  

Bird's Eye View

 June 21, 1958, Appleton Post-Crescent

Now here's a view we didn't see very often.  Usually things were centered downtown or in the industrial district when a flyover photo was taken.  But this shot captures the recent growth of the northeast section of the city due to the Clovis farm being sold off and developed into homes.  

What's In a Name?

 

August 21, 1958, Appleton Post-Crescent

With so many pressing issues that could be on the council's agenda, one has to wonder who actually determined that the ballpark had no name.  I'm sure it took a bit of research to ensure that the name wasn't being overlooked, assuming it had one to begin with.

Special Price!

August 20, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

Let's all go to the drive-in.  What a deal, 59 cents per gallon for that tasty, creamy A&W root beer!  And don't we remember the Ninth Street location fondly.  

Lasting Friendships

August 5, 1946, Menasha Record

The hallmark of personal service, representing 90 years at this juncture, but decades more service to follow in the years ahead.  We've visited Laemmrich's many times in the years of this blog.