Wisconsin 101

Read more about the article OBJECT HISTORY: The Harley-Davidson V-Twin Engine

“1909 Harley-Davidson V-twin motor." Courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Archives.

OBJECT HISTORY: The Harley-Davidson V-Twin Engine

“1909 Harley-Davidson V-twin motor." Courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Archives. When Edward Pennington unveiled the first prototype for what he deemed the “motorcycle” in 1895, inspiration struck the minds of two Milwaukee natives, William Harley and Arthur Davidson. Joined by Arthur’s brother, Walter,…

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June 18, 2022

Read more about the article OBJECT HISTORY: The 1904 Kohler “Armeda” Toilet

Drawing of the Kohler Company's "Armeda" toilet. Courtesy of the Kohler Co. Archives.

Home Furnishings / Object Histories / Sheboygan / Manufacturing & Trade / 1900-1920 / Sheboygan County / Region 5 - Center East / The 1904 Kohler “Armeda” Toilet

OBJECT HISTORY: The 1904 Kohler “Armeda” Toilet

By the year 1904, when the “Armeda” toilet pictured here appeared in the Kohler Company’s product catalogue, Sheboygan-based Kohler had become one of the largest makers of bathroom furnishings in the United States. Even at this early date in its history, as…

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March 11, 2022

Read more about the article Manhole Cover Designs and Contemporary Aesthetics

City of Madison Manhole Cover. Photo courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

Art, Sport & Entertainment / Neenah / Related Stories / 1840-1860 / Manufacturing & Trade / Winnebago County / Region 4 - Center / Transportation & Tourism / Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover

Manhole Cover Designs and Contemporary Aesthetics

Over the past 45 years, there has been a growing worldwide fascination and appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of manhole covers. Some enthusiasts even created a subreddit aptly titled, Manhole Porn: Sewer covers in all their glory!, celebrating this ubiquitous iron…

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September 29, 2021

Neenah Foundry Standard Design. Courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

From the Fox River Valley to the Windy City: The Roaring Twenties and the Neenah Foundry

The 1920s began with significant economic prosperity and an emphasis on social and culturally rich energy with an influx of jazz, Art-Deco, telephones, film, and radio in cities like Chicago, IL. With the City of Chicago flourishing, The Neenah Foundry of the…

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September 29, 2021

Raw coke for iron ore smelting. Made by heating coal in the absence of air. Photo courtesy of Stahlkocher.

An Iron Kinship: Abraham Darby and William Aylward Sr.

In 1872, William Aylward Sr. combined air, coal, and iron ore to produce his first plowshares and other agricultural implements.[1] The founder of what would become the Neenah Foundry followed a process developed by an English man named Abraham Darby more than…

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September 29, 2021

Read more about the article OBJECT HISTORY: Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover

City of Madison Manhole Cover. Photo courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

Neenah / Object Histories / Manufacturing & Trade / 1900-1920 / Winnebago County / Region 4 - Center / Science & Medicine / Transportation & Tourism / Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover

OBJECT HISTORY: Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover

Since opening in 1904, the Neenah Foundry has earned a worldwide reputation for producing manhole covers. Manhole covers are removable lids fitted for tunnels large enough for people to access underground sewer and storm water systems. Made from strong and long-lasting cast…

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September 29, 2021