History

What Does ‘Milwaukee’ Mean, Anyway?

Matthew PriggeJanuary 29, 2018

Our city's name has its roots in the words of the native languages of this area. But which language? And which words? ...

History 4

With a promise to halt the aging process, Milwaukee’s own Palmolive Soap became one of the most popular beauty products of the 1920s. (Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear)

The Story Behind This Bar of Palmolive Soap

Matthew PriggeJanuary 25, 2018

Palmolive is one of the most recognized soap brands in the world. The distinctive green bar that launched the brand was born right here in Milwaukee. ...

History 0

These industrial molds were used to impress the Ambrosia name into their bulk chocolate products. (Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear)

The Story Behind This Ambrosia Chocolate Mold

Matthew PriggeJanuary 18, 2018

Ambrosia Chocolate once gave downtown Milwaukee a sweet smell and has long been a nationally-known brand. ...

History 5

Cream City: Behind the Brick that Built Milwaukee

Lauren SiebenJanuary 18, 2018

Our city’s building blocks are having a moment....

HistoryMagazine 1

This postcard boasted young Sherburn Becker as the “Mayor of Milwaukee,” even though it was postmarked before his actual inauguration. (Private Collection)

The Story Behind This Postcard of Milwaukee’s ‘Boy Mayor’

Matthew PriggeJanuary 11, 2018

Sherburn Becker was rich, young, and brash. And for two years, he was one of the flashiest mayors in the nation. ...

History 0

This Schlitz sign, from 1925, makes no mention of the product that made the company famous. (Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear)

The Story Behind This Non-Alcoholic Schlitz Brewing Sign

Matthew PriggeJanuary 4, 2018

During Prohibition, Milwaukee's beer brewers were forced to adapt - both in the products they sold and they way they marketed their brands. ...

History 1

These odd double-locking doorknobs were once used to secure a document room at Northwestern Mutual’s Broadway headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. (Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear)

The Story Behind These Northwestern Mutual Doorknobs

Matthew PriggeDecember 28, 2017

Northwestern Mutual has built several landmark structures in Milwaukee during its long history. ...

History 2

Hoffco Shoe Polish is still made in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. The company’s white polish remains its most famous product. (Private Collection)

The Story Behind This Can of Hoffco Shoe Polish

Matthew PriggeDecember 21, 2017

Harri and Herta Hoffman escaped the Nazis in Germany, and made a name for themselves in Milwaukee in both business and philanthropy. ...

History 0

When he retired in 1988, Mayor Henry Maier was honored by the Greater Milwaukee Committee with a dinner at the Pfister Hotel. This piece of the City Hall complex was given to guests as a keepsake

The Story Behind This Henry Maier Paperweight

Matthew PriggeDecember 14, 2017

Henry Maier was one of Milwaukee's most influential and controversial mayors, leaving an imprint on the city that, for better or worse, is still visible today. ...

History 0

Brewers fans were thrilled to have Hank Aaron back at County Stadium in 1975. Player-specific bobblehead dolls were still a novelty then, making this Aaron doll an iconic piece of Brewers memorabilia.

The Story Behind This Hank Aaron Bobblehead Doll

Matthew PriggeDecember 7, 2017

Hammerin' Hank Aaron returned to Milwaukee in 1974 as a member of the Brewers, giving local fans a second chance to celebrate one of the game's greatest players. ...

History 1