Local author and history buff, Steve Olson, has completed his 2nd book on the Manitowoc River. This text entitled Manitowoc River History: Manitowoc Rapids to Lake Michigan, 1836 to 2019 focuses on the arrival of immigrants and usage of its’ riverbanks. Olson Told SeehaferNews.com that his 118 page book with 185 photos is “relevant and interesting even to young folks because it shows where we begin, where we came from, and where we are heading.”
Olson stated changes along the Manitowoc River have been significant with coal once being king, which drove what was going on along the riverbanks, because “that’s where shipbuilding was located. Coal was needed in such huge quantities, that the only way to bring it in back then was by ship, railroads, or in their infancy huge coal yards.” However, he added that the riverbank is currently being revitalized, citing as one example the city’s purchase of the Canadian National property, formerly known as Shipbuilders’ Point.
Olson’s book contains poignant tales of what life was like 100+ years ago which he says he found fascinating. “Things like at the height of America’s involvement in WWI, April of 1918, Henry Guetke was the bridge tender on duty for several days. Two days in a row, carferries slammed into the 8th street bridge while he was on duty. He was quoted by the local paper as saying ‘I’d have been safer in the trenches of France.” The river story also features the historical background of Charles and John West and their massive Shipbuilding footprint, when the Custerdale subdivision was built to house shipyard workers.
Olson also mentioned major fires along the Manitowoc River, the Clay Pits and their importance to Portland Cement Company, eleven passenger trains serving the city daily at one time compared to now when the Canadian National is the only train left…and the 10th Street bridge was actually moved to 21st Street. Manitowoc River History: Manitowoc Rapids to Lake Michigan can be purchased at Wisconsin Maritime Museum Heart & Homestead and La De Da Book Store. All profits are dedicated to the Maritime Museum.
