The following article was submitted by Meredith Gadzinski, a Local History Consultant at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Every so often, in my position as a Local History Consultant at Manitowoc Public Library, I receive questions about local historic photographs. When I finish helping the person, they tell me that MPL has such wonderful resources and they’re thrilled to know about it. I think, YES!
I’m happy to say that even before my time started at the Library, this archival resource had been digitized and was available online free for browsing! I remember doing research for my undergrad assignments on Wisconsin History and actually using MPL’s local history collection. Not only are there hundreds of historic photos to peruse, but full text histories, plat maps, and oral history records all housed within The Manitowoc Local History Collection. When I think about the digitized collection, I feel spoiled because not every community has this resource at their fingertips the way our community does. We’re very fortunate that MPL took the initiative to get these historic photographs digitized.
Motorcycle Club No. 2
There are so many wonderful photographs to look through, but there are a few that I receive comments on often. For example, the photograph titled, Motorcycle Club No. 2 (shown above), is one that comes to mind right away. The photo was taken on the corner of North 8th and Buffalo Streets on August 17, 1919. Looking at the photo, Kunz Motorcycle Olp & Co. is on the left. There is a man dressed in white standing underneath the sign. To find this picture I just typed in “motorcycle” in a keyword search.
This database is maintained by UW-Madison—which is why a search of the collection yields results from the entire state. However, you can refine your search by clicking on “Collections” and choosing which one you want to search. For example, a favorite search of mine is “Parks”. I just love seeing the historic photos of our local parks. It’s fun to see how they once looked and how much they have changed.
Park Belles
To narrow down my search of parks I would choose “Manitowoc Local History” to see images of our community’s parks. One picture in particular, titled “Park Belles” (shown above), is a personal favorite. It shows a group of young women in Washington Park and behind them is the fountain that used to be in the park. The women are in beautiful dresses and all have parasols. There are so many trees in the park and you can see other people in the background mingling. It’s such a beautiful picture. It reminds me of our community and people coming together.
I love this photograph collection and I didn’t really even grow up here! When I look at the photos, I see a great community and its history. And my family isn’t in these photos. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to look through these photos and see one’s family members. Or to look at a photo of Downtown and remember what restaurants were open for business in the ‘60s or ‘70s where other businesses are now located.
Before I wrap up, I wouldn’t be doing a very good job if I didn’t empower you find these photo on your own. Simply go to www.manitowoclibrary.org and scroll down the page. On the lower right-hand side of the screen is an image that says “Manitowoc Local History Collection”. Click on it. A new window will load and you can either search or browse the images.
If you haven’t taken the time, I invite you to take a look at this wonderful collection and explore the history of Manitowoc and the surrounding communities through a wide selection of images, historical texts, and maps, and plat books that date back to the mid-19th Century. Whether for historical or genealogical research, school assignments, or business or civic presentations, this collection provides an in-depth look at Manitowoc’s rich history.
