Chase Bank, Appleton, WI

Chase Bank, College Avenue, Appleton, Wisconsin, October 16, 2012

Found: State Office Building, Milwaukee, WI

ound: The new Wisconsin State Office Building at N. Sixth & W. Wells, Milwaukee, Wisconsin copyright the L. L. Cook Co. from an Ektachrome Transparency circa 1960

Found: Wisconsin State University, Classroom Building, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, photo and published by G. R. Brown, Co. Eau Claire, Wisconsin, circa 1965

Found: Vilas Communicaions Hall, University Avenue at Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin. Home of WHA-TV and WHA-Radio, University of Wisconsin Journalism and Communications, Theatre and related departments and facilities published by Wollin Studios, Madison, Wisconsin circa 1970

Was it because it's cold in Wisconsin that the state commissioned architecture of the mid-century is for the most part windowless, cinderblock inside and monolithic. While students at UW Madison, the word on the street was that buildings were designed to make sniper attacks on protesters easier or penetration into the building more difficult in case of insurrection.

Brown County Veterans Arena, Green Bay, WI

Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, Green Bay, Wisconsin, November 16, 2012

Found: St. Alban's Church, Marshfield, WI

Found: St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Marshfield, Wisconsin color photo by Don Bingham Photocards, Medford, Wisconsin, circa 1966

Found: St. Joseph's Church, Hayward, Wisconsin photo by G. R. Brown Co. Eau Claire, Wis, circa 1962

The Phone Line/The Tan Line, Appleton, WI

The Phone Line/The Tan Line, West Wisconsin Avenue (Route 96), Appleton, Wisconsin, August 11, 2012

Sweet Corn/Fresh Produce (with The Phone Line/The Tan Line),
West Wisconsin Avenue (Route 96), Appleton, Wisconsin, August 11, 2012

Found: Water Spectacular, Sheboygan, WI

Found: Water Spectactular on Plaza 8, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
photographed and published by G. R. Brown Co. Eau Claire, circa 1982

The Grand Opening of Plaza 8, according to the nearby Mead Public Library, was July 8-10, 1976 with 250 trees, 350 flowering bushes, and 5,000 flowers funded with a $5.9 million federal grant with $1.9 million from the city of Sheboygan. The cost of construction was $1.55 million.

Seasonal Display, Reedsville, WI

Seasonal Display (Holiday Express), Reedsville, Wisconsin, November 18, 2012.

This was our holiday card mailed out to 350 beautiful people December 2012.

A wet heavy snow fell on Thursday, December 20 covering everything in white 

just in time for the Winter Solstice.

Found: Mayfair Shopping Center, Wauwatosa, WI

Found: Gimbels, the South Mall at Mayfair, Hiway 100 at North Ave., Waustosa 13, Wisconsin
copyright the L.L. Cook Co. from an Ektachrome Transparency, 1959, 1961.

Found: Marshall Field and Company, the North Mall at Mayfair Shopping Center,
Route 100 at North Ave., Waustosa 13, Wisconsin copyright the L.L. Cook Co.
from a Natural Color Transparency, 1959 postmarked May 1968.

Found:Office Building at Mayfair Shopping Center, Hiway 100 at North Ave., Waustosa 13, Wisconsi
 copyright the L.L. Cook Co. from an Ektachrome Transparency, 1963.

Anyone searching for consumer utopia unlike the old downtown streets of Wisconsin circa early 20th century? Three views of Mayfair circa 1959 when it was a shopping center--recently opened with 70 stores (Gimbels and Marshall Field and Company were the original "anchors") and not a mall like today with a blog--show a clean, tree-filled, uncongested, wide-open pedestrian space for shopping. Photographer Brian Ulrich has examined the demise and/or evolution of such places in the 21st century in his most excellent book: Is This Place Great or What (Aperture, 2011).

Found: Drugs, South Water Street, Sparta, WI

Found: Drugs, South Water Street at Night, Sparta, Wis. by E. C. Kropp Co., Milwaukee circa 1920s.

Kornely's Crafts & Hobbies, Beaver Dam, WI

Kornely's Crafts & Hobbies, 130 Front  Street, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, December 12, 2009.

Capri Steak House, Columbus, WI

Capri Steak House, Columbus, Wisconsin, December 12, 2009.

Found: Evinrude Snowmobile, Eau Claire, WI

Found: Evinrude Snow Mobile Scene published by G. R. Brown, Co., Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Fire Station No. 1, Appleton, WI

Fire Station No. 1, corner of Drew and Atlantic, Appleton, Wisconsin, July 31, 2012.
Never allow children to play with fire.

Fleet Farm Parking Lot, Appleton, WI

Fleet Farm Parking Lot, Appleton, Wisconsin, October 2012.

Found: Indian Burial Grounds, Phillips, WI

Found: Squaw Island - Indian Burial Grounds, Phillips, Wisconsin. Here from this roadside park in the City of
Phillips, Wisconsin, one can see Squaw Island on Lake Duroy, which is of historical interest. For many years
before Phillips was settled, and for many years after, it was an Indian burial ground
published by G. R. Brown Post Card Co., Eau Claire, circa 1960s.

Found: Indian Mounds at Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The use of mounds was a method of burial of the Indian dead dating
back to pre-Columbian days. Rice Lake at it is known now, was a site of Indian villages attracted, no doubt, by the
wild rice which grew in abundance in he area. Photo and published by G. R. Brown, Eau Claire, Wisconsin circa 1960s.

Found; Indian Graveyard on Madeline Island, La Pointe, Wisconsin.
 One of many interesting landmarks on Meadeline Island,
is the old Indian graveyard, where the burial sites are covered and protected
by roofed shelters, and surrounded by tiny, weathered picket fences.
A bronze tablet marks the site of Treaty Hall, where the
peace pact between the Ojibways and the United States was finally signed
published by Curteich Color, 3-D Natural Color circa 1950s.

Found: Milwaukee by Moonlight

Found: Milwaukee River Front between Wells St. and Grand Ave. at Night by E. C.Kropp Co. circa 1930s

Found: River Front South From Wells St. Bridge, Milwaukee, Wis. The Milwaukee River,
flanked by stately bank and office buildings, flows through the heart of the city, enabling excursion steamer
to land their passengers within walking distance of theatres, hotels an retail stores. Milwaukee enjoys
the distinction of being one of the most beautiful cities and at the same time one of the greatest industrial centers
in the world by a Kropp Natural Color Card made in Milwaukee, Wis. circa 1930s

Found: .byBoating at Moonlight, Milwaukee, Wis M.L. Annenberg, puslisher, Milwaukee, Wis.
postmarked March 11, 1915, 11 PM

Found: Moonlight on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Wis. by Raphael Tuck & Sons' Post Card Series
"Milwakee" art publishers to their majesties the king and queen circa 1900s

Found: River View at Night, Milwaukee, Wis. handwritten on front "Very impressionistic. No?"
postmarked July 11, 1907 10 AM

Found: Looking South from Oneida St. Bridge at Night, Milwaukee postmarked Jun3 1, 1909

Found: Music under the Stars, Washington Park, Milwaukee, Wis. With a background of the highest influences...
cultural, social and industrial...Milwaukee was preserved a savory Old World Charm unusual for so large a city.
Prominent as a gathering place for music lovers is the Blatz Temple, a moder n music shell where outstanding
artists perform every year in a full summer schedule of concerts, operas, and cultural programs
by E. C. Kropp Co., Milwaukee postmarked March 5, 1951

The moonlight, water and stars combine to create enigmatic images of Milwaukee, Wisconsin located on Lake Michigan and along significant rivers in these early 20th century post cards.

Found: "My Milwaukee" by Hildegarde

We met Hildegarde (1904 - 2005) when she was 85. The New York Times credited her with starting the "single-name vogue among entertainers." Think Liberace, Melanie, Madonna, Lady Gaga, et. al. The equivalent of MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam lipstick was Revlon's shade of pink lipstick and nail polish inspired by Hildegarde. She was climbing the cabaret chanteuse circuit in American and Europe at the time. She lived to be 99 and died of natural causes according to The New York Times obituary dated August 1, 2005.

We knew little about Hildegarde until our friend Lars Kvam, a big fan of Wisconsin bands and music, told us about her. She resonated with us -- she was born in Adell in Sheboygan County not far from where we grew up in rural Wisconsin and aspired to national fame. Lars gifted us a copy of her "souvenir" 45 My Milwaukee/Wisconsinland performed with Jerry Blake's Orchestra.  My Milwaukee can be read as an "audio postcard" beckoning listeners to share and visit "her town."  She had lived and worked in Milwaukee while establishing herself as the "first lady of the supper clubs"and unlike Liberace who felt bitter about Milwaukee, she felt gratitude.

When we heard she was coming to the elegant red velvet Riverside Theater in Milwaukee in 1986, we got our tickets right away. We talked to media people and figured out a way to meet her at the Marc  Plaza, a classy downtown hotel where she was staying. At the Riverside, she accompanied herself on the piano wearing her signature over-the-elbow-white-gloves as she sang songs from her 78s through her 1976 LP, What I did for Love...  We wrote a piece on her for Art Muscle magazine (then published and edited by Debra Brehmer) and included her portrait in an exhibition of ours titled, The Elders in 1988.

Hildegarde, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1986, 15x15 gelatin silver print
"I always promised God that if I was successful
I would set a good example and be an inspiration.
I think I have done that."
 © J. Shimon & J. Lindemann

Letter received by J. Shimon & J. Lindemann from Hildegarde, September 1987 on her pink stationery.

 Hildegarde smelled of roses and pressed face powder and carried a white lace hanky and rosary in a small case she kept tucked in her black marabou jacket. She told us one of her secrets: as you prepare to go out to a meeting or what have you, leave everything you need by the door as you think of it, that way you won't forget anything. After we met her, we corresponded regularly sending copies of our article and a brochure from our exhibition. Her hand-written letters arrived on signature pink stationery from her room at the Plaza Hotel in New York. In a letter dated September 17, 1987, she wrote us that she was proud to know us saying we "have class and know how to do things right." What a vote of confidence! Thanks to amazon.com, we found her 1963 book Over 50, So What at a reasonable price, have thrifted a number of 78s, and bought copies of her later LPs while visiting San Francisco.

MY MILWAUKEE 
(by Ken Lonnberg)

recorded at Dave Kennedy Recording Studios, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 In my Milwaukee, unusual town. That's my Milwaukee, that friendliness found.

She has a spirit that's great everyday.

That's my Milwaukee, unique in its way. You'll find the charm and finesse of old world living at best. And international guests within her arms.

That's my Milwaukee, where friends come to meet.

In my Milwaukee, you're really in for a treat. 

So come and see my town, come and see my town. Milwaukee welcomes you. 

Milwaukee, I love you.

Found: Greetings from Milwaukee

Found: Greetings from Milwaukee, Wisconsin: THE CITY THAT MADE BEER FAMOUS. Prosit! Key views on other side: County Court  House, City Hall, St. John's Cathedral, Soldiers' Monument-Court of Honor, Milwaukee Depot, Lioness, Washington Park Zoo, Solomon Juneau-Milwaukee's First Mayor, Lincoln Memorial Bridge. by E. C. Kropp Co. Postmarked November 2, 1945

Found: A Bright Spot Milwaukee's Playground. Lincoln Memorial Drive, with a Splend9d View overlooking Milwaukee Bay, A Picturesque Six Mile Drive Along the Lakeshore from the Downtown Business District. The Lincoln Memorial located on the BRIDGE PLAZA. The imposing home of the Elks Club occupies an entire block, overlooking Lincoln Memorial Drive, built over the tracks of the Chicago Northwestern Railway. Inspect the deep rustically beautiful ravines, go Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Athletic Field, Golf Course, Concert Pavilion and Stadium. A truly delightful spot worth visiting by Lakeside Corporation, Realty Building, Milwaukee Title, Design, Color view made by Curt Teich copyright 1935.

Found: Greetings from Milwaukee Land. Milwaukee War Memorial on the Lake Front at 750 North Lincoln Memorial Drive. Here one sees the ultimate in Modern Architecture. Open to the public photo by David E. Brown circa 1960s.

Found: Greetings from Milwaukee Land. The Milwaukee Municipal Building and the City Hall photo by David E. Brown circa 1960s.

Found: Enjoying the "Dairy Air" in Wisconsin

Found: Enjoying the "Dairy Air" in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dairy Cow by Patrick Dean Photography, circa 2012

Found: Wisconsin is for • Lovers • of Lakes, Streams, Fishing, Camping, and Much, Much More.
Wisconsin is Whatever you Love by Wuttke Enterprises, Lake Geneva, WI, circa 1980s

Found: Greetings from Wisconsin by L. L. Cook Co. Milwaukee, Curteichcolor® 3-D Natural Color, circa 1970s

Found: Greetings from Wisconsin The Badger State. Wisconsin -- America's Dairyland
published by Johnson Printing, Eau Claire, Wis. circa 1970s

Found: Greetings from Wisconsin The Badger State, America's Dairyland,
The Vacationer's Paradise. Wisconsin is our 30th state.
Capital: Madison. Has 1,449 square miles of inland water
and is popular all-season playground. State Fish: Muskellunge.
Among the many other things for which it's famous,
Wisconsin is America's Dairyland.

Times they are a changing as illustrated by these postcards and song. Wisconsin technically lost its place as "America's Dairyland" to California based on milk production a decade or so ago. The state's "factory farms" super charge the "Dairy Air" to toxic odor levels wafting for miles beyond the pasture but may be helping to win back the "America's Dairyland" label. Here's an ode to Wisconsin sung by the incomparable Hildegarde (1906-2005), born in Adell, Wisconsin. Hildegarde memorializes a poetic list of the state's attributes in her souvenir record album circa 1960s:

"Wisconsin's northern lights twinkling, sparkling streams, rolling hills, daffodils, nature's wonderland, running deer, birds on high, sunlight bays, summer days, carefree dreaming in the sky, "She is blessed and caressed, this Wisconsinland I love...."

Found: Too Far Out for Wisconsin!

Found: Tammy Baldwin is too FAR OUT for Wisconsin! paid for by the Republican Party of Wisconsin,
full color postcard mailed October 2012

Found: You don't have to look too closely at Tammy Baldwin's record to see why Wisconsin families aren't feeling groovy about her agenda...Named the most liberal congressperson in America. Paid for by the Republican Party of Wisconsin,
full color postcard mailed October 2012

Wisconsin elected Tammy Baldwin over former governor Tommy Thompson to the U.S. Sentate 2012 despite this colorful postcard mailer turning Tammy Baldwin into a lava lamp. Was our neighborhood in Appleton, the only one to receive this eye catching postcard?

Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, WI

Lake Winnebago looking East, Menomonee Park, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, October 17, 2012

Found: Yachting on Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wis. No. 4842 circa 1912.
Written on the backside in pencil: "Dear Papa, Mamma said that you should
hurryup and get here because Mrs. and Dr. Jones are coming up heee.
Am having a fine time. Florence Robbins. postmarked Taycheedah, Wisconsin July 1 P.M. 1912.

We've been photographing Lake Michigan for years -- the horizon is always the water touching sky. ILake Winnebago reveals a shoreline from some vantage points even though it is the largest inland lakes in the Wisconsin and one of the largest in the US. We could see a wind farm and trees and the lake was tumultuous the rainy day we photographed in October 2012. The Lake contains sturgeon sometimes said to be more than a hundred years old. Spearfishing sturgeon from ice shanties in February is allowed by the DNR but limited as the creatures are on the verge of extinction from poaching and over fishing. The below video documents the culture, ritual, and history of spearfishing the primal sturgeon.

Photographing the mysterious Lake Winnebago, October 17, 2012

PDQ Car Wash, Calumet Avenue, Manitowoc, WI

PDQ Car Wash, Calumet  Avenue, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, December 2010

Found: Texaco (Complete Lubrication), Lake Tomahawk (Oneida County), Wisconsin
all rights reserved by L. L. Cook Co. on Kodak EKC paper, circa 1940s

In Wisconsin, streets are named for their association with native tribes that once inhabited the land. Street names like Calumet (a north American peace pipe) are abundant while town names like Manitowoc (dwelling of the great spirit or evil spirit) or Lake Tomahawk (named for the shape of a nearby lake) in Oneida County) are unique to the history of specific locations. Written as they are on state and federal signs appearing along the highways and byways, these words becomes further abstracted and distanced from their meaning. Back in the 1960s, farmers found arrow heads as they plowed their fields and would display the. Earlier generation remember "Indians" coming into town, attending school, or existing on the periphery. Institutions like reservations and casinos have reshaped the 21st century landscape in Wisconsin while a young generation seeks to reclaim native identity and traditions as they raise consciousness about a history so important to America.

Graffiti Silo, Oshkosh, WI

Graffiti Silo, County Trunk A, near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, October 17, 2012

Found: Totem Pole, Wausau, WI

Found: Totem Pole published by Wyman Photo Center,
Wausau, Wisconsin, Genuine Natural Color
made by Dexter Press, New York, circa 1960s