Follow the Fox

This view from the Racine Street Bridge looking west showcases some of Menasha's industrial base on the left shore, while the right side, in this pre-1986 photograph, reflects a bit of the commercial side of town before the marina was built.  You can see the sign for the old First National Bank drive through and parking lot as well as the former Elks hall (B.P.O.E 676).  If the camera could have panned a bit more to the right, you'd see the old Elisha D. Smith library. 

St. John's

On Feb. 25, 1888, 75 Polish Catholic families decided to break away from the German Catholic congregation at St. Mary’s.  The result was the formation of St. John's Polish Catholic Church and School in the “Polander Settlement.”   

The church building pictured in the top photo was erected in 1900 on the corner of Fifth and DePere Streets. The cost of the church was $16,000 and is an example of the Romanesque Revival movement of architecture.  Over time though, the church's structure changed.  A new entrance was created and the church's twin spires were leveled off. 

Church members were always dedicated to giving their children a Catholic education and the St. John Grade School educated its parish children for well over 100 years.   However, the school closed its doors in June of 2002 due to finances and lack of students.  Today, the school is used for office space, religious education classes, and parish meetings, and is rented out to various groups.

St. John is a linked parish with St. Mary's and is served by their pastor.   

Despite all these changes, 2013 marks the 125th anniversary of St. John's parish.  

Hustle and Bustle of Small Town America

This photograph shows the iconic Bank of Menasha corner sometime in the late 1930's/early 1940's.  Next door to the bank, heading westerly is the Avalon Bar, occupying real estate that would be home to the Left Guard years later.  You can also see the Gibson Chevy dealership and the Fire Department.  Between Gibson's and the Avalon are offices for a few attorneys and physicians, to include the Jensen brothers, Fred and Dick.  The festive banner across Main Street invites us to celebrate in Menasha.  Next to the bank with a truck in front, is Leopold's Tavern.  Notice the Old Style and Gettelman's signs on the corner.  And in keeping with the lighting downtown, notice the combination light/flag pole on the circle. 

A photo like this makes me think of Hollywood's idealized middle America.  I half expect to see Andy Hardy riding by! 

Tayco Street Bridge Renovation

June 27, 1967 NM Northwestern

We've learned a lot about the Tayco Street Bridge in our time together on this blog.  Today, we see a renovation effort which gave the bridge another 22 years of life before the ill-fated collapse of 1989 and the bridge's eventual replacement in 1993. 

Blue Inn

September 15, 1960 NM Northwestern

October 9, 1964 NM Northwestern

March 14, 1965 Appleton Post-Crescent

Lots of talk and planning for the upcoming May 18th Blue Inn "Reunion" dance at Smith Park lately.  So it seemed time to reminisce about the Blue Inn's heyday with a few news items from area newspapers, to include a nice feature on our genial DJ, Mr. Jerry Burke....

Brat und Brau

November 17, 1972 Appleton Post-Crescent

April 11, 1975 Appleton Post-Crescent

 

This establishment on Appleton Road was a big favorite in the '70s for this high school and college student.  I spent many a weekend night there with friends pondering the fate of the world over pitchers of beer and pizza.  And enjoying the live entertainment, too. 

Bank of Menasha

Date unknown, but I suspect this to be the early 1900's for this view of the Bank of Menasha interior as pictured on a collectible postcard.