Wisconsin 101

Harley Davidson and Milwaukee

It’s no secret that Harley-Davidson’s history is deeply rooted in Milwaukee. From dealerships to museums, the motorcycle giant serves as a cultural landmark and has become synonymous with the sprawling city. Thus, one may be surprised to learn of its humble beginnings.…

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June 18, 2022

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.

Milwaukee / Object Histories / Milwaukee County / Manufacturing & Trade / 1900-1920 / Transportation & Tourism / The Harley-Davidson V-Twin Engine / Region 8 - South East

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 UW–Eau Claire History

Old Main - the first academic building on campus is now known as Schofield Hall. This building is located at the center of campus.

Eau Claire / Education / Related Stories / Ethnicity & Identity / Eau Claire County / 1900-1920 / Region 3 - Center West / Council Oak Tree

UW–Eau Claire History

Today, The University of Wisconsin System consists of 11 four-year campuses that educate over 165,000 students. But this extensive institution grew from very modest beginnings. Most of the universities that formed the UW system began as one-building teacher’s colleges, and for the…

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October 5, 2021

Eau Claire / Education / 1800-1820 / Related Stories / Ethnicity & Identity / 1820-1840 / Eau Claire County / 1840-1860 / 1860-1880 / 1880-1900 / Nature & Environment / 1900-1920 / Region 3 - Center West / 1920-1940 / 1940-1960 / 1960-1980 / 1980-2000 / Council Oak Tree

UW-Eau Claire & The Council Oak Tree

Oak Trees have been regarded for centuries as a symbol of strength, moral, and knowledge, and throughout history have been represented in different mythologies to show these attributes. And for the original Council Oak Tree, grown in Eau Claire, it also held…

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October 5, 2021

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

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

Object Histories / Neenah / 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