Over the years, we've featured many, many views and posts about Smith Park. Well, count today's as yet another notch on the old blog's belt. This postcard view of the original pavilion is no older than 1907 yet likely taken between that year and the 1920's if only because of the reference to it as "City Park." I'm not sure when it formally ceased being referred to as "City Park" or "the City Park" though I've seen references as early as 1931 referring to it as the "Elisha D. Smith Park" and the "E.D. Smith Park" in 1935.
August 9, 1919, Menasha Record
For the low price of $1.50, one could tour the entire Lake Winnebago area on a summer Sunday. For the uninitiated "Clifton" is essentially High Cliff: its name was changed to avoid confusion with another Clifton in the state of Wisconsin. Was "Auto Buss" the pet name for the conveyance that took you on the tour? Or just a typo? To me, "buss" means a kiss.
September 25, 1899, Oshkosh Northwestern
What a different game this must have been, compared to the games we watch today. Minimal padding to be sure and only some players wore leather helmets which consisted of three straps which barely covered the tops of the players' heads. Ear flaps weren't even considered yet.
It's hard to believe now but helmets were not even mandatory for college play until 1939 and for the pros until 1943.
August 31, 1979, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern
"Local Woman Finds Thrifty Alternative to Driving" might be the alternative headline to this story. It sounds like it was a fit and fun way to get to work vs. just driving. I'm not sure about being in the roads though.
August 31, 1981, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern
The Menasha Lock remains closed for another boating season. It has been eight years since the lock was open to pleasure boats after a discovery of the invasive round goby in the upper Fox River.
The DNR is using the lock as a barrier to keep the fish from reaching Lake Winnebago, where it would pose a threat to native gamefish. The Fox River Navigational System Authority is working on designs for an electric barrier system, but reportedly, that will not be done this year.
In the meantime, here's a picture of a happier time from 1981 when the lock was in full operation.
August 4, 1951, Twin City News-Record
I know it's hard to believe there was a time when two movie theaters graced downtown Menasha, but it's true. Obviously, as shown by the offerings here, Westerns were a big draw, even on television in the fifties. This was the era of the big Davy Crockett craze, with kids of every ilk wearing the iconic coonskin caps.