History

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. ...

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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. ...

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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

The Bar That Once Ruled Milwaukee Politics

Matt HrodeyDecember 2, 2017

A present-day upholstery shop was once the beating heart of Wisconsin’s political life....

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Beer trays were a common promotional item for decades and are highly collectable today.

The Story Behind This Gettelman Brewery Beer Tray

Matthew PriggeNovember 30, 2017

The Gettelman Brewery is Milwaukee's forgotten giant of beer-making, but its innovations forever changed the way beer was shipped and marketed. ...

History 1

The True Story of the Milwaukee Blizzard of 1947

Matthew PriggeNovember 22, 2017

When an intense snowstorm took the city by surprise, people hunkered down and helped each other out....

Feature StoryHistory 2

An original coaster from Caesar’s Inn, signed by Milwaukee baseball legend Harvey Kuenn. (Private collection)

The Story Behind This Cesar’s Inn Coaster

Matthew PriggeNovember 22, 2017

Harvey Kuenn led the Brewers to the World Series in 1982. But it was at his corner bar that he felt most at home. ...

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In 1883, Milwaukee’s Newhall House burned to the ground in what was then the deadliest hotel fire in American history. This relic was recovered from the ruins of the hotel. (Private collection)

The Story Behind This Relic from Milwaukee’s Newhall Fire

Matthew PriggeNovember 16, 2017

When the Newhall House opened in 1857, it was a point of local pride. When it burned in 1883, it was a tragedy of historic proportions. ...

History 0

These two publications from Milwaukee’s Brumder Publishing Company illustrate how American attitudes towards Germany changed between 1918 and 1919. (Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear)

The Story Behind These ‘Germania’ Annuals, 1918-1919

Matthew PriggeNovember 9, 2017

During World War I, much of Milwaukee's German heritage was washed away in a tide of nationalism. One of the city's most respected German-language publishers followed suit. ...

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