Not Even a Dot

July 31, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Hearkening back to the late 1960's when Winneconne seceded from Wisconsin due to being left off the official state map, Neenah-Menasha gets its turn, though the stakes were a bit lower this time around.  The insult came on a recreational map that probably was published just to be given out in motel lobbies across the Midwest.  So, no great reaction except for this news item.  Heck, we might have gotten a festival out of it, had the community umbrage been greater as it was in Winneconne all those years ago. 

Summer Complaint

August 18, 1900, Oshkosh Northwestern

In my research, I found that "summer complaint" could be anything from sunstroke to diarrhea to poison ivy rash.  I believe the vague phrases used in news accounts of the day "protected" us from the use of such distasteful terms as "diarrhea" even though the back pages of those same newspapers contained extensive advertisements for any number of patent medicines to cure piles or to restore men's "vitality."  Make of that what you will.

Also, with the reports of Menasha burning, it brings to mind the Mark Twain quote stating "Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated," when newspapers mistakenly published his obituary.  I'm sure the city fathers had a laugh over that one.

It Helps the Languid

August 21, 1909, Neenah Daily Times

This advertisement for Walter Brothers Beer makes claims similar to those advertised for patent medicines you could see within the same newspapers.  Despite the claim that it helps make a fine snack until mealtime, the vibe it gives mimics the ads we'd see in later years, be it for cigarettes or other types of beer- two people enjoying one another's company, only made better by the addition of the product to their experience.

Only a Short Drive to Hilbert

July 27, 1939, Menasha Record

It might be a short drive to Hilbert, compared to the hundreds of miles that the Chippewa will take you to Milwaukee, Chicago or parts beyond, but still, it's not like walking down the block to the train station.   Nowadays, Menasha to Hilbert is 18 miles on a nicely paved US 10 and WI 114; it might take 25-30 minutes to get there.  Not sure about the condition of the roads in 1939, or the speed limit.  And I'm sure it was two lanes all the way. Still, the ad is enticing-  an air-conditioned train in the midst of summer sounds rather appealing and since this was the golden age of train travel, those stream-lined train engines were all the rage.  It just looked fast, even if it wasn't.

Blew Out the Gas

August 24, 1891, Oshkosh Northwestern

Not being familiar with the slang of the late 1890's, I'm assuming the hobo mentioned had a run-in with the gas pipe and was overcome by the stuff.  Sounds like there were several instances of vagrants making themselves at home in the area.  

And what IS a "blue jay social?"  I saw that phrase and was intrigued.  I found the term used in many instances in newspapers of the 1890's and early 1900's.  The only possible explanation was contained (in of all places) the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer's Monthly Journal, Volume 30 from 1896, where it is described below:

There's always something of interest in the old news accounts of the day.  Sometimes, I even learn something or come away confused, which is pretty often!

Back to School Values

August 25, 1949, Menasha Record

To the delight of many parents and the anguish of many children, it's almost time to go back to school.  But there is hope in sight- the many values available at Schultz Bros., right in the heart of downtown, creaky floors and all.

Slashed!

July 30, 1964, Appleton Post-Crescent

Aside from the incredibly low prices, here's something you didn't see every day, even back then...advertising those exact low prices.   Nowadays, I can look at an app on my phone to see the gas prices all over my town, but never in a newspaper.  I guess it wasn't enough to drive by and see the posted prices; these guys saw fit to advertise in the local papers.  I remember this gas station over by St. Pat's.  I recall receiving drinking glasses from an elaborate case right outside by the pumps.  Perhaps Consolidated was doing away with such gimmicks by then.