1860-1880

Milwaukee / Region 8 - South East / Milwaukee County / Lifesaving Medal / Manufacturing & Trade / 1860-1880 / Object Histories / Nature & Environment / Transportation & Tourism

OBJECT HISTORY: Lifesaving Medal

All along Wisconsin’s 820 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, storms could mean the difference between profit and financial ruin, survival and terrifying death. This lifesaving medal reminds us of the risks that sailors and Wisconsin’s maritime communities have routinely faced since the early 19th century, and it documents the personal bravery, dedication, and ingenuity of those who would rescue their fellows…

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September 9, 2020

Horlick’s Malted Milk

Region 8 - South East / Horlick's Malted Milk / Racine County / Racine / Food & Cooking / Manufacturing & Trade / 1860-1880 / Science & Medicine / Object Histories / Global Connections

OBJECT HISTORY: Horlick’s Malted Milk

Invented in 1873 by British food manufacturer William Horlick, malted milk is made from wheat and malted barley extract mixed with reduced, dry whole milk.

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September 9, 2020

Jefferson County / Region 7 - South Center / A Duck Decoy / Lake Koshkonong / Manufacturing & Trade / 1860-1880 / Art, Sport & Entertainment / 1880-1900 / Object Histories / Nature & Environment

OBJECT HISTORY: A Duck Decoy

With its painted black bill, brown head, and white and black body, it is likely obvious to humans that this object is made out of wood. This object is called a duck decoy, and was intended to fool other ducks into settling…

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September 9, 2020

Studio portrait of Increase A. Lapham in suit and tie, photographic print, c 1859. Image ID: 43831 Courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Waukesha County / Region 8 - South East / Delafield / Lapham Peak Observation Tower / Related Stories / 1820-1840 / 1840-1860 / Politics, Society & Government / 1860-1880 / Science & Medicine / Nature & Environment

Increase Lapham and the Founding of the United States Weather Bureau

As immigration to Wisconsin swelled in the 1840s, so, too, did the state’s scientific and technological community, with innovations across industries ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to geology and environmental studies. Among Wisconsin’s first “pioneer scientists” was Increase A. Lapham, a young…

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September 8, 2020

Esterly Broadcast Seeder / Related Stories / Jefferson County / 2000-2020 / 2020-2040 / Region 7 - South Center / Whitewater / Food & Cooking / Manufacturing & Trade / 1820-1840 / 1840-1860 / 1860-1880 / 1880-1900 / 1900-1920 / 1920-1940 / Education / 1940-1960 / Ethnicity & Identity / 1960-1980 / 1980-2000

Industry and Manufacturing in the Whitewater Area

Since the earliest settlers arrived in the Whitewater area in the 1830s, industry and manufacturing have played important roles in the establishment and continued growth of the area.One of the earliest industries in Whitewater was grain milling, performed at the Old Stone…

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June 29, 2020

Polka Rhythms Bandstand / Related Stories / 1840-1860 / 1860-1880 / Art, Sport & Entertainment / 1880-1900 / 1900-1920 / 1920-1940 / 1940-1960 / Ethnicity & Identity / Curators' Favorites / Global Connections

Polka’s Popularity in the United States

After World War II, polka made its first mainstream American appearance thanks to Cleveland, Ohio’s celebrated “Polka King,” Slovenian-American Frankie Yankovic. The genre remains popular today, especially with the older crowd in the Midwest.

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May 17, 2020