Object Histories

Shawano County / Region 2 - North East / New Object Histories / Shawano / National Guard Nightstick / Manufacturing & Trade / Food & Cooking / Politics, Society & Government / Object Histories / 1920-1940

OBJECT HISTORY: National Guard Nightstick

Police nightstick, signed by National Guard Members who participated in Milk Strike, 1933. Image courtesy of Nick Censoprano In mid-May 1933, battles, clashes, and strikes erupted throughout Wisconsin. The catalyst? Milk. On the orders of Governor Albert G. Schmedeman and Adjunct General…

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June 27, 2023

Manitowoc County / Manitowoc / 2000-2020 / 2020-2040 / Region 5 - Center East / New Object Histories / Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse / Manufacturing & Trade / Object Histories / 1900-1920 / 1920-1940 / Nature & Environment / 1940-1960 / 1960-1980 / 1980-2000 / Transportation & Tourism

OBJECT HISTORY: Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse

Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse. Image courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society ID:59505. Many of us can easily picture a lighthouse in our minds. You may think of a tall structure that’s right along a lake or ocean, illuminating the water and land it protects.…

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May 29, 2023

2000-2020 / 2020-2040 / Region 8 - South East / New Object Histories / Wind Point Lighthouse / Racine County / Racine / Manufacturing & Trade / 1880-1900 / Science & Medicine / Object Histories / 1900-1920 / Nature & Environment / 1920-1940 / 1940-1960 / 1960-1980 / 1980-2000 / Transportation & Tourism

OBJECT HISTORY: Wind Point Lighthouse

Photo of Wind Point Lighthouse. Image courtesy of Cheryl Kaufenberg (June, 2016). Wind Point Lighthouse is located in the Village of Wind Point, which sits just north of the Racine harbor on Lake Michigan.  The lighthouse was constructed in 1880 and stands…

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May 10, 2023

Green County / Region 7 - South Center / New Glarus / New Object Histories / Swiss Cheese Kettle / Food & Cooking / 1860-1880 / Object Histories / Ethnicity & Identity / Global Connections

OBJECT HISTORY: Swiss Cheese Kettle

This cheese kettle, now held at the Swiss Historical Village in New Glarus, reflects Green County’s cheesemaking past. Made out of copper because of its ability to retain heat well and to be heated easily on an open fire, this cheese kettle…

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April 17, 2023

Waukesha County / Region 8 - South East / New Object Histories / Henk Mineral Spring Water Bottle / Waukesha / Food & Cooking / Manufacturing & Trade / 1880-1900 / Science & Medicine / Object Histories / Nature & Environment

OBJECT HISTORY: Henk Mineral Spring Water Bottle

Henk Mineral Spring Water Bottle. Courtesy of Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum Collection ID: 2009.011.181. Once a small prairie town, Waukesha, Wisconsin became known as Spring City during the late 19th century with the discovery and promotion of healing springs throughout…

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February 19, 2023

Grant County / 2000-2020 / 2020-2040 / Region 6 - South West / Platteville / Ingersoll-Sergeant Pneumatic Rock Drill / Manufacturing & Trade / 1880-1900 / Object Histories / 1900-1920 / Nature & Environment / 1920-1940 / 1940-1960 / Education / 1960-1980 / 1980-2000

OBJECT HISTORY: Ingersoll-Sergeant Pneumatic Rock Drill

Picture of Ingersoll-Sergeant Pneumatic Rock Drill, courtesy of Liam Reinicke. The Ingersoll-Sergeant pneumatic rock drill stands in front of the Rountree Hall Apartments in Platteville, serving as an important symbol of Platteville’s mining history. The drill was manufactured by the Ingersoll-Sergeant Rock…

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December 13, 2022