Wisconsin 101

Milwaukee’s Music Scene in the Late Nineteenth Century

The Wisconsin music industry experienced a dramatic growth in the second half of the nineteenth century, as Milwaukee became a national leader in musical performances and a manufacturing center for the production of musical instruments. The city was home to a vibrant…

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April 23, 2025

Recital Poster / Music, Theatre & Cinema / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Milwaukee / Milwaukee County / 1877-1900 / Society & Religion / Region 8 - South East

The Milwaukee Athenaeum

Built in 1887, the Athenaeum has been home to the Women’s Club of Wisconsin since its founding. Situated in Milwaukee’s East Town at 813 Kilbourn Ave., the building and the organization that calls it home can lay claim to a number of…

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April 23, 2025

Recital Poster / Music, Theatre & Cinema / Related Stories / Ethnicity & Identity / 1900-1918 / 1918-1945

Raphael Baez

Raphael Baez, Sr. can be counted as one of the first Mexicans ever to call Milwaukee home. Born in Puebla, Mexico in 1863, Baez began his musical education at the age of nine. From the start, the youngster displayed a remarkable ability…

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April 22, 2025

Usher Uniform / Music, Theatre & Cinema / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Baraboo / Related Stories / Sauk County / 1918-1945 / Region 7 - South Center

Stars of Silent Film

The Ringling Theatre featured many forms of entertainment throughout the years, including live theatrical performances as well as silent films. At the time when the theatre was built in 1915, silent films were becoming more popular because advancements in film technology allowed…

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July 18, 2024

Music, Theatre & Cinema / Usher Uniform / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Baraboo / Related Stories / Sauk County / 1900-1918 / Region 7 - South Center

The Al Ringling Theater

General View from the South, Al Ringling Theatre. Photo by Douglass C. Green for HABS (Survey #WI-261), ca. 1970. Albert (“Al”) Ringling was the eldest brother of the Ringling family and was credited with both the creation of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus and…

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July 18, 2024

Music, Theatre & Cinema / Usher Uniform / New Object Histories / Baraboo / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Object Histories / Clothing, Apparel & Fashion / Sauk County / 1900-1918 / Region 7 - South Center

OBJECT HISTORY: Ringling Theater Usher Uniform

Usher's Uniform Coat, from the collection of the Sauk County Historical Society.Usher's Uniform Pants, from the collection of the Sauk County Historical Society.Usher's Uniform Hat, from the collection of the Sauk County Historical Society. On November 17, 1915, the Ringling Theatre opened…

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July 17, 2024