A Tale of Two Bridges

February 24, 1966, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

With the two bridges linking Menasha with Doty Island, what affects one affects the other, obviously.   Even routine maintenance causes delays and tie-ups.  But look at all the old vintage cars from the big three automakers; not a foreign car in sight.

A Valentine's Leftover

February 8, 1989, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

February is American Heart Month and we just had Valentine's Day, so why not bring out one more heart-oriented theme?  The first graders from thirty years ago are now today's mid-30 year olds and most likely encouraging their own kids to get involved in their communities.  It sounds like Gegan had the right idea to celebrate February by "taking heart" on all sorts of topics.

Presidents Day

February 23, 1938 , Appleton Post-Crescent

Back before President Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays were combined to make a Presidents Day, Menasha pupils used the occasion to display some patriotic fervor for the father of our country.  And a Happy Presidents Day to you all!

BoM Staff

February 21, 1981, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

The staff of the Bank of Menasha wish you a happy Friday, looking as 1981-ish as they can be.  We've been discussing the Bank of Menasha for as long as this blog has been in existence.  Among other stories, we've highlighted the dramatic renovation that took place in 1962:  https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-bank-of-menasha-opens.html

Young Love

February 10, 1971, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Cupid's arrow finds two young Menasha sweethearts, who apparently were neighbors, as well.  And as for sentimental grandmothers...that might have worked in 1971 but I wondered if, over time, the Valentine's demographics have changed.  According to 2016 statistics reported by fundivo.com, 25-34 year olds spend the most on the holiday; those aged 55+ spend the least.  Apparently, times do change.

Valley Fair Re-Do

February 21, 1981, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

We haven't featured Valley Fair in quite a while and when we did, it was usually in regards to its heyday in the 1950s and 60s.   Today, we turn to when the mall was renovated in the early 80s, right before things got quite drastic with the development of the Fox River Mall that arrived in July of 1984.  Of course, we know the story of Valley Fair, of how it struggled for years afterwards.  It is quite hard to compete with what became the largest mall in Wisconsin.

Slalom Course

February 20, 1980, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

The temperature was a balmy 34 degrees this day in February when the heavy machinery came out on Main Street.  Not much of a story here, but an enjoyable picture showing some of the commerce of Main Street in past years in the background.