Adventurous Couples

July 30, 1976, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

As promised last week, this is another of those  "Pioneer Profiles" which highlight the special women who helped raise Menasha (and in this case, Neenah, as well) out of the muck of the wilderness and into the firmament of prosperity and commerce.  And they did this literally, as evidenced above, by taking railroads west from their comfortable lives in the northeast and traveling eventually by steam ship, stagecoach, and wagon into the unsettled lands around Lake Winnebago and staking their fortunes in the muddy and stump-riddled communities they joined.  In those early days, they could not have imagined the successes their families would enjoy in later years.  But persevere they did, and in the process, helped raise the cities of Neenah and Menasha out of nothing.

Old-Timer

May 26, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

Back when longevity was more unusual than it is today and exploiting the novelty of someone reaping government payments for many successive years, comes this story.  Social Security had only been in existence since 1935, yet its promise of limiting what were seen as dangers in the modern American life, including old age, poverty, unemployment, and the burdens of widows and fatherless children, was in full swing by 1940 when this gent retired.  I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Hare as a young lad as he lived around the corner from me and was good friends with my grandfather.  

Test Alert

May 4, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

No, it wasn't the Battle of Jefferson Park, just a simple alert for the men of Company E on a Spring Tuesday night.   And choosing the pool as their designated simulated water works probably had more to do with its proximity to the armory...not to mention that "invading" Jefferson Park this time of year would not intrude upon the usual frolics that occurred at the pool. Can you imagine the hubbub this bunch would create for the regular bathers?!

Hannah Corry, Devoted Mother and Volunteer

December 24, 1976, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Look down the rolls of Menasha citizens and you often find unsung heroes, and there were no lesser ones than the spouses of our city fathers.  For every distinguished gentleman who played a major role in the city, there seemed to be a steadfast partner to back him up.  Case in point today, city physician Dr. Corry and his wife, Hannah.  The article above gives her her due.  As the mother to 13 children who all found their own successes in life, you'd think that was enough.  But Mrs. Corry was instrumental in Menasha band activities, the Red Cross, Catholic society organizations, and even completed her late husband's term on the school board.  Yes, too often these women are overlooked so it is a service to us all that they receive the recognition due to them.  I will have more similar stories in the coming weeks. 

Beginning Year Eight

Every year it seems I resurrect this postcard to mark another year on the blog.  Today sees the start of year eight.  Those of you who have followed this blog since April 24, 2012 know the secret origins of the blog- that it was conceived to act as a supplement to the Menasha book I wrote in conjunction with the Menasha Historical Society and also to promote it.

Over time, the blog took on a life of its own and now features over 1705 blog posts over those years.  We've covered everything from the historic to the frivolous and some things that were just caught in-between.  On this anniversary day, I thank you wholeheartedly for your interest and support over the years.  Your interactions, requests, and commentary have helped me keep this a joy to work on every day.  Again, let me offer my thank yous to all of you dedicated enough to stick by me as I trudge along.

Armory Proclamation

October 27, 1970, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Somebody recently asked me about the shops in the old armory, when that was, etc.  Well, here's the answer.  1970 saw the dawning of a new age of retailing for the old facility, utilizing an old theme, that of medieval times in "merry olde England."  Even the opening ceremony carried that theme to its logical conclusion.  The article below lists some of the "shoppes."

 February 23, 1971, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Band Uniforms

March 2, 1973, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Looking more like a conservative businessman than a band member, the addition of the overlay he is holding made the day...that and the traditional, enormous band-style hat.  New fashion, just in time for the upcoming Neenah-Menasha centennial celebration later that summer.  

March 8, 1973, Twin City News-Record