New Year's Preparations

December 30, 1939, Menasha Record

Eighty years ago, the Menasha community collectively got itself ready for its New Year's celebration.  Many shops were available for purchase of beverages of a certain type, or if that didn't meet your needs, dance bands were holding court at various venues across the valley. 

Community Greetings!

December 23, 1944, Appleton Post-Crescent

A small leftover from Christmas I forgot to post.  However, with the coming of the New Year, this array will do double duty as it is a favorite of the blog to portray local businesses at such a time and provide well wishes for the holiday season, which, of course DOES include the New Year.  In this case, we journey back to 1944 and World War II.  Menasha has seen its finest gone to serve for several years now, but in a year's time, things will be quite different in the ol' town.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from me to you.  I am going to take some time off to be with family and enjoy the season. And to finish my shopping!  I hope the last 12 months have been good to you, but if not, my wish is that this holiday season will help you salvage some good of what's left of the year. 

Enjoy your families and your time off.  I will strive myself to remember the real meaning of Christmas, for as someone once told me, if Christmas isn't found in our hearts, if won't be found under a tree. 

I am thankful for you, my dear readers who have kept up with me all these years.  I so greatly appreciate your support, your contributions, and your friendship.  I hope to return to this on December 30th.  Let's set the stage to share some more Menasha memories in 2020.  See you then!

Banta Goes to War

December 22, 1943, The News-Times

Businesses in World War II, especially at Christmas-time, addressed to the public their not having their full-time staffs often and thoroughly.  An example shown above is the Christmas acknowledgement by the George Banta Company, of which my father was an employee.  In a virtual roll call, the firm gave the public an update on the doings (as best it could) of its employees, their whereabouts, etc.  It kept people informed as well as it being a nice shout-out to those workers who had answered the call of Uncle Sam to serve their country.  And at this time of year, they were sorely missed.

Santa, the Dandy

December 1, 1966, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

I guess it was only a matter of time before Santa would succumb to the fashion of the day, in order to be perfectly coiffed for his adoring public.  Or maybe it was always like this and somehow his defenses were let down and he was caught by a wandering paparazzo during this tonsorial procedure.  Needless to say, it wasn't his best moment, but one that most kids will forgive him for.  This blog reporter remembers his own Mom being seen in public with curlers in HER hair and no one was hurt and only a little bit of pride was numbed by the experience, mostly his own.  So, Santa we forgive you this sartorial lapse and understand that you must do what is necessary in order to maintain appearances.  After all, Christmas comes but once each year and we DO want you to be feeling your very best.  Besides, we're told that being polished and groomed DOES make the man.  And Santa, you are SO the man.

Flying In

January 30, 1935, Menasha Record

Amidst all the society page items of dances and garden club committees, a world famous flyer made her way to a podium at the local armory to enchant the audience with stories of her latest solo flight from Hawaii to California.  In a few short years, she will take that ill-fated flight which will make her even more of a legendary figure.  But until then, she will continue to sell out auditoriums nationwide to satisfy a ravenous crowd, eager for tales of adventure.  The folks of Neenah-Menasha were the lucky recipients of her selective appearances.

Thank You, Santa!

December 13, 1968, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Once again, the jolly old elf proves that he is a timeless presence during the holiday season. Be it any year, the expected reaction to his actions is undoubtedly similar to this.  Every time.