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.