Back to School

August 22, 1970, Appleton Post-Crescent

Some things never change, though the brand names and formats might.  Haven't seen a metal typing table like the one pictured since my early days in the Army.  And I wonder if they still make Hollywood brand candy bars?  And despite our computer/tablet/smartphone age, simple pencils and paper are still stocking the aisles of the local superstore when back-to-school time rolls around.

Quiet Fishing Day

Boaters edge closer to the railroad bridge over Little Lake Butte des Morts.  This was published in the October 22, 1976 Milwaukee Sentinel. 

Signs of Life

September 3, 1970, Appleton Post-Crescent

This pastiche of local businesses' ads is reminiscent of the Christmas/Happy New Year's messages the paper was famous for.  Coupled with a driving safety quiz, it makes its point of being extra careful on the roads, especially at back-to-school time.

Dining Room

From my friend Richard Nebel comes this beautiful view of the Hotel Menasha dining room, circa 1903.   I would have loved to have seen a close-up of the detail work on the ceiling, definitely from a bygone era.

Healy's Mid-Town

August 14, 1948, Manitowoc Herald Times

Unless Mr. Healy had some connection to Manitowoc, I find it curious to see this grand opening ad in the Manitowoc newspaper.  Seems like a long drive to visit a bar or to go bowling.  Nevertheless, it became a downtown institution for many years, seeing service as Gundi's in its last days. 

Gandy Dancers

August 26, 1971, Appleton Post-Crescent

Interesting article on the unsung heroes of the railroad, keeping up the lines, more or less behind the scenes.  As a not-so-glamorous job, these fellows lived a nomadic life, not unlike carnival workers and circus folk.  Most likely, though, they had a better reputation in the towns they visited due to the railroad being an established, trustworthy institution. 

Cleaning Pool

                               

                                                                August 28, 1971, Appleton Post-Crescent
With the Back-to-School season quickly approaching (or already here as it is here in South Carolina), the joys of summer are once again put away to the bane of most kids' existence, the return to the day-to-day regimen of school.  The joys of the daily visits to the pool are but a memory.  And all the newest and brightest school supplies and new clothes are not enough to offset the dread feelings for new teachers, new surroundings and seemingly insurmountable challenges.  Can summer ever return fast enough?