Wisconsin 101

OBJECT HISTORY: Council Oak Tree Bench

Dating from the early 1800’s, the Council Oak Tree, planted in Eau Claire stood for over 150 years with little to no disturbance. However, on July 10, 1966, a summer storm blew through the city and lightning struck the tree, leaving a…

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October 1, 2021

Art & Design / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Industry / Neenah / Related Stories / Everyday Life / 1848-1877 / Manufacturing & Trade / Winnebago County / 1965-1987 / 1987-2011 / Region 5 - Center East / 2011-Today / 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

Object Histories / Neenah / Industry / Wisconsin Made / Manufacturing & Trade / Winnebago County / 1987-2011 / Region 5 - Center East / 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

Art, Sport & Entertainment / Object Histories / Milwaukee County / Milwaukee / Sports & Games / Ethnicity & Identity / Clothing, Apparel & Fashion / Curators' Favorites / Everyday Life / Global Connections / 1987-2011 / Region 8 - South East / Earlene Fuller's Bowling Shirt

OBJECT HISTORY: Earlene Fuller’s Bowling Shirt

This shirt, which features an African kente cloth print, was designed, made and worn in the mid-1990s by Milwaukee's Earlene Fuller, an African American bowler and seamstress.

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August 30, 2020

Art, Sport & Entertainment / Racine / Music, Theatre & Cinema / Object Histories / Sports & Games / Clothing, Apparel & Fashion / Racine County / 1987-2011 / Region 8 - South East / Racine Belles Movie Costume

OBJECT HISTORY: Racine Belles Movie Costume

This Racine Belles costume was worn in the 1992 film "A League of Their Own." The film focused on the Rockford (Illinois) Peaches, tracking a season in the All-American Girls' Professional Baseball League. The Peaches played the Belles several times during the film.

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August 24, 2020