Loescher's Hardware

From the Semi-Centennial Souvenir Edition of the Menasha Press, June 1898:

In 1895, after ten years of experience as salesman in the hardware business, Mr. Geo. A. Loescher embarked in business for himself, opening a hardware store in the Clovis building on the south side of Upper Main street. His extended acquaintanceship with all the varied details of the business came into good play, for it enabled him not only to buy just the sort of a stock that the wants of the people called for, but to sell at figures that would induce buyers to repeat their visits. Mr. Loescher's venture prospered from the very outset, and today he carries one of the best stocks in the two cities, made up of hardware, tinware, stoves, ranges, sporting goods, mill supplies and bicycle sundries. He also does a large jobbing and contracting business, and employs a force of ten operatives most of the time.   This article would not be complete without at least an allusion to the attractive and unique displays Mr. Loescher always has in his show windows. A permanent feature is the large aquarium in the west window in which odd specimens of the finny tribe may be seen at any time.  Mr. Loescher was born and reared in this city, being a son of the late Frederick Loescher, Sr., and in 1891 was married to Miss Barbara Landgraf, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Loescher live in tastefully furnished rooms over the hardware store.

Pictured above, the building at Main and Racine Streets. 

A Circle of Beauty

In this 1910 photo, Main Street has just been paved in anticipation of the convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  Previously, Main Street was paved with cedar blocks; a thin layer of dirt on top provided an extra cushion, but made the road muddy when it rained and dusty when the weather was dry.  In the summer, a wagon would sprinkle the streets to keep the dust down.  However, for the convention, the city wanted to put its best foot forward.  Compare this photo with the cover of the upcoming book and you will see many similarities as that photo was taken during the Elks convention.

The news article dates from May 13, 1910. Regarding the prominent circle in the photo, depending upon the prevailing political climate, at certain times there was an upraised triangular flower bed, then the next administration would remove it, having a better idea.  Sometimes years went by and there was nothing in the "triangle" area.  Finally a circle became the norm and later, a flagpole was added.    I think we all remember that growing up.

Tip Top

In doing some research on the subject of Prospector Days, I came across these ads from the July 18, 1962 Appleton Post-Crescent.  Third and Racine Streets was still a viable shopping area in those days; we examined some photos in the blog from that area in the late 1920s some days ago.  A bit of personal trivia...I was in Tip Top the night President Nixon announced his resignation in 1974 and saw it all on one of Tip Top's color TVs.  I guess you DO remember where you were during major historic events. 

Memorial Day

The Isle of Valor is located adjacent to Smith Park and honors those service members from Menasha who exhibited bravery or valor in military or civilian circumstances.  Pictured here are Elmer J. Burr and Ken Stumpf who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action bestowed on any U.S. soldier.

Elmer J. Burr Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for service during World War II in New Guinea as a member of Company I, 3rd battalion, 127th Infantry, 32nd Division, Wisconsin National Guard.   On December 24, 1942 he covered a grenade with his body to save the lives of his comrades.  Though he died of his wounds the following day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 11, 1943.

On April 25, 1967 as a Specialist Four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, Ken Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy fire and single-handedly disabled an enemy bunker. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.  He served 29 years with the US Army before retiring in 1994. 

This being Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to reflect upon the many individuals who answered the call to arms for a higher purpose- to preserve liberty, justice, equality, and the right to live in a world free of oppression.  Let us thank them for their service and never forget their sacrifice. 

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day Weekend

We’ve seen this logo before…it was used in Menasha’s 1953 centennial celebration and announced to the world that Menasha is THE Paper City of Wisconsin.  I don’t know the circumstances surrounding this photo but it never fails to give me a smile.  (Notice the boy in the center…can kids nowadays even carry around toy guns anymore?!)   Nevertheless, with a three day weekend in sight, here’s hoping you, the faithful reader, have as much joy in your life as these little ones did back then.

Monday is Memorial Day.  Please remember our military veterans and have a safe holiday.

Third and Racine Streets

These views of the intersection of Third and Racine Streets in late fall or spring date from the late 1920s.  By this time, the streetcar service has been discontinued, though you can see evidence of the old tracks in the street. Notice the sign attached to the telephone pole at the left of the photo which designates Racine Street as US 41.  US 41 went through Menasha until about 1937.  At that time, the former route of US 41 from Green Bay Road west of Neenah through the city and into Menasha became an extension of WIS 114, while the former route from Menasha to the corner of Richmond Street & Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton became an extension of WIS 47.

If you zoom in on the traffic signal you can see that it’s reversed from what we are used to today.  The green light is at the top, as evidenced by the “GO” etched into the lens.  Lutzow’s Cash Grocery is affiliated with the IGA network of food stores, which still exists today.  Many of us remember the Cities Services gas stations as we grew up; they later morphed into the Citgo brand we see today.  And don't miss that bubbler on the corner!

Batter Up!

This photo from the mid 1920s is indicative of small-town baseball at its zenith.  Every town had a team, perhaps some had several.  But as the famed baseball writer, W. P, Kinsella said in his novel, Shoeless Joe, “Any game becomes important when you know and love the players.”  While still at the beginning of yet another spring, let’s pause for a moment and harken back to a simpler time and remember Menasha’s boys of summer. 

Back row, standing left to right:  manager: Harold Landgraf; 2^nd base: Brady; pitcher: Melzer; centerfield: Beik; shortstop: Joe Muench; general manager: Wally Pierce.

Front row, seated, left to right: pitcher and coach: Harry Rush; 1^st base: Harry Leopold; 3^rd base: Zelinski; leftfield: “Piggy Warden”; catcher: Delmore; rightfield: Cissa; batboy and mascot: Norbert Smith.