“Te objects we deposited in our capsule were meant to be a representative and equitable cross section of the present— our small gif for the future.” A Past Encounter Experiencing UWGB History by Sean Gleason An interesting but nearly forgotten episode which was conducted by the facilities manager Paul Pinkston in the early history of the University of –Green Bay and his team—unearthed a not-so-well preserved box of slightly took place before the campus was even constructed. In the open decomposed treasures. The scene was alive with a crowd of curious plot of land connected to the Shorewood golf course, Chancel- faculty and archive staff. Academic technology sent a video crew lor Edward Weidner—along with several prominent members to record Deb as she narrated the uncovering of campus artifacts, of the University of Wisconsin education system—and key city which had not seen the light of day for fifty years. figures gathered to mark the occasion of the building of a new The cornerstone was also the inspiration for the 2015–2016 four-year university in the city of Green Bay. To do so, they gath- UWGB time capsule project. With the help of the dedicated lead- ered together at a ceremony placing artifacts and documents in a ership and patient coordination of the archives director, the tradi- cornerstone time capsule that was to be opened fifty years later. tion was passed from one generation to the next. This task started My first involvement with the cornerstone began in the summer with me researching options for a new time capsule. Then, Deb of 2015, during my internship at the UWGB Archives and Area formed a committee that included several other university staff Research Center. As an intern, one of the projects that I had a members, professors, students, and me to collaborate and plan the chance to work on was the UWGB cornerstone. Originally, it was next iteration of this historical tradition. not even well known that a “cornerstone” or time capsule existed The capsule design itself took on a form unfamiliar compared anywhere on the campus. However, this important but somewhat with its predecessor, and its location was changed to the library obscure moment of the university’s history did not escape the per- lobby, which as Chancellor Weidner remarked, was “the heart sistent attention of Deb Anderson, the UWGB Archives and ARC of the campus.” A campus survey was designed by the archives coordinator. Deb took a special interest in the idea of reviving to reach out to students and faculty to include them in the deci- awareness of the cornerstone just in time for the university’s fifti- sion-making process for what artifacts to include in the time eth anniversary, which was arriving forthwith, and put me right capsule; a promotional video—courtesy of the history club—was to work. produced to encourage participation as well. The cornerstone project began with a historical primary source, The culmination of all these efforts was a time capsule dedica- which had been tucked away in the university archives. This doc- tion ceremony held in the library lobby, where the objects were ument was a map that Chancellor Weidner had penned himself displayed one last time before the final act of depositing them for depicting the spot on the hallway floor where the cornerstone was their fifty-year retirement in the new time capsule. Those who deposited. A note in bold writing warned not to throw the map contributed to the planning and execution of the time capsule away because it was the “only map” that existed. The original cor- project were invited to join in on sending off our collage of an nerstone was not in an obvious location, and may never have been epoch. The objects we deposited in our capsule were meant to be found if not for this obscure reference. This search for hidden a representative and equitable cross section of the present—our artifacts was one of the more exciting aspects of the project from small gift for the future. Distinguished figures such as the perspective of an intern. Chancellor Gary Miller, Council of Trustees Chair Lou LeCalsey, Plans were discussed on how to excavate the cornerstone Deb Anderson—and even I—put the project to rest with some which (according to the chancellor’s map) was planted below remarks in the presence of university staff, students, and guests an unmarked tile floor, underneath a plaque displaying a quote who had gathered for the occasion. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Archives, Cofrin Library from the chancellor himself. Several ideas were proposed to more For me, having a chance to work in the archives and see history precisely determine its location, possibly using a metal detector in action was a formative experience. Not only did I gain expe- An interesting anecdote to the cornerstone discovery is that the deposit format was very different than what was expected, based on these photographs or ground-penetrating radar, but ultimately a decision was made rience conducting historical research, but I also increased my of the ceremony. Te above photographs tell a story that during the ceremony, the steel box containing all the artifacts was encased into one of the to conduct reconnaissance by drilling down into the concrete, in understanding of why history ought to be a central defining value cement blocks, and sealed with cement. However, it may have been that this act served more ceremonial than practical purposes, because when the accordance with the measurements issued in the map. of an advancing culture, whether at the macro level such as a cornerstone was found, buried in the foundation, there was no sign of the ceremonial cinder blocks that was expected to be found. Tis part of the Several interesting objects and documents were discovered nation-state or at the micro level such as a university in Green story remains somewhat mysterious. inside the old cornerstone. The much anticipated excavation— Bay, Wisconsin.

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The time capsule story, or “From the Field” as we had been calling it during the editing process was one of the 6 pieces I worked on. I did mostly basic editing with this piece, some rewording, restructuring, and making it all flow nicely. This article required a couple emails back and forth with the author to provide photo credits and some clarifications. FROM THE COLLECTIONS THE FROM Furniture and found two children under age 14 working there. The company let them go to be in compliance with the law. The exhibit includes a clipper sleigh and a juvenile chair on display from Appleton Toy and Furniture Company. Another toy on display is a “Bronko Pony” rocking toy. Richard Kahn made this walking toy based on the patent designed at Appleton Toy and Furniture in 1938. Kahn was the son of a former owner of the company. Kahn even appeared as a model in the advertisements for the Bronko Pony in the 1930s. P A new toy factory was established in 1920. The Toy Company of America made juvenile furniture, wooden pull toys, hand- L painted animal toys, shoo-flys, doll houses, and other playsets under the trademark “America’s Santa Claus.” Many of their toys were smaller than those made by Appleton Toy and Furniture. They had a variety of playsets, including a Noah’s Ark, which is Te A Y on display. The line was very successful and was sold in stores around the country, but the company was short-lived. It closed in December 1925 because it did not pay off a $10,000 mortgage. This resulted in the company having to lay off 100 workers. There was also a toy factory in Hortonville, but the parent company, American Toy and Furniture, was based in Illinois. The Hortonville manufacturing plant, known locally as the “toy factory,” made a variety of wooden toys from about the 1940s through the 1990s. These included play furniture, easels, toy boxes, and educational toys. A wooden doll high-chair made at Golden this factory is featured in the exhibit. Furniture companies sometimes made toys in addition to their other products. For instance, around 1930, Appleton Wood Prod- of ucts Company manufactured Happy Builder Blocks, an edu- cational building toy. Patty Smith Hill, a New York pioneer in theories of education through play, invented Hill Floor Blocks, Age Toys which were specifically aimed at kindergarten-aged children to foster creativity. Appleton Wood Products Co. made and distrib- uted Hill’s invention under the name “Happy Builder Blocks.” by Emily Rock These blocks were large, grooved maple boards that allowed chil- dren to build sturdy, multi-story structures large enough for them to play inside. A 1932 advertisement for the Happy Builder Blocks states: “Happy Builders bring out and develop leadership, imag- oys provide children with a sense of comfort, an and Furniture Company, it made classic wooden toys such as ination, observation, originality, and initiative. They stimulate opportunity to express their creativity, and to sleds, rocking horses, shoo-fly rockers, and children’s furniture. mechanical aptitude, the spirit of co-operation and foster health- learn how the world works. During the twentieth In the 1890s, the company expanded its footprint and changed ful exercise.” A few of these blocks can be seen in the exhibit, and century, store-bought toys became inexpensive and its name to Appleton Toy and Furniture Company. During the replicas can be played with at the activity table. more widely available than ever before. The boom 1920s, the average factory output was 400–500 chairs per day, Toys are an important part of childhood and are part of every- in American toy production, from the early 1900s and 75–100 rocking horses per day. These toys were sold across one’s personal histories. Play: The Golden Age of Toys is not only Tthrough the 1960s, has been dubbed the “Golden Age of Toys,” the United States at companies like Marshall Field and F.A.O. a walk down memory lane but a chance for children of all ages and is the topic of a new exhibit at the History Museum at the Schwartz. In 1945, there was another rebranding and the factory to explore vintage and classic toys (and play with some too!). We Castle in Appleton. Play: The Golden Age of Toys explores why became Appleton Juvenile Furniture Company. Under this name, hope that something visitors take away from the exhibit is that toys are important and the history of some classic toys, including the products were largely children’s play tables and chairs instead though many people have fond memories of national brand toys those made locally. of rocking horses and sleds. By 1965, Playskool bought out the like Barbie, Tinkertoys, or Slinky, toys have an important place in In the 1800s, Germany was the leading toy producer, but by the company and production moved to Illinois. local history as well. early 1900s, American companies led toy production with cast This history is not all cheery. Child labor was used by the iron, tin, and wooden toys. The Fox Cities had a small industry factory from 1898 through 1923, which was common at the time. Te toys pictured here are on display at the History Museum at the manufacturing wooden toys; the exhibit has toys from some of However, laws were becoming stricter to protect young children Castle in Appleton. Ruth Lider made toys like this high chair at the these companies on display. and limit their participation in the workforce. These children may Hortonville factory. She gave the one on display to her granddaughter, The Appleton Toy and Furniture Company operated from 1882 have been doing tasks such as painting toys, cleaning up around Lee Brueggemann, as a gif around 1970. to 1965. The location of the company was on the Fox River on the factory, or even small woodworking jobs. In 1898, the Wis- Lawe Street next to Lock Number 3. First known as Union Toy consin Bureau of Labor and Statistics inspected Appleton Toy and Photos Sunshine Tourtillott Sunshine Photos

56 | Voyageur Winter / Spring 2017 | 57

This article, as well, required basic editing throughout. I restructured the quote by adding on to it to make the authors version a bit more relevant to all the pictures. I was also reassigned this piece to do final checks before the magazine went to print.

or close to 1852 the borough of Green Bay purchased So, the city moved the existing engine house and built a brick fire In a portion of a lot on the east side of South Washington station featuring a single apparatus bay and second story meeting BACK LOOKING Street just south of Walnut Street. That site is currently the south- rooms on the South Washington site. ern end of the Backstage at the Meyer. To promote a permanent In 1883, the city built an addition to the north side of the station fire department, the borough built a two-story wooden engine for the Washington Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and moved house there and obtained a new hand pumper fire engine. A new them their previous station. fire company (named Alert) formed, but ceased operations within Full-time, paid firefighters replaced the volunteers in 1892. The two years, as had two previous fire companies in 1841 and 1847. fire department renamed the companies at the South Washington Following three devastating fires from November 1853 through station Hose No. 1 and Truck No. 1. The department renovated December 1854, a group of immigrants organized themselves as the upstairs to serve as living quarters and built horse stalls in the Germania Fire Company No. 1. The common council gave them apparatus bay. possession of the engine house on South Washington and the Now named Station 1, the South Washington station housed hand pumper fire engine. the first motorized vehicle, a chief’s car, in 1919. The depart- Fortunately, Germania No. 1 became the nucleus of a stable ment retired the last horse-drawn apparatus in 1924 at Station 1, Green Bay Fire Department and other companies soon formed. replaced by a motorized ladder truck. A technological innovation—the steamer fire engine—changed The city closed the station in 1929 and the companies moved to the fire department and impacted the engine house on South the current Station 1 on the northern end of the triangular block Washington Street. formed by South Washington and South Adams, just north of The Green Bay Fire Department obtained a steamer in 1868 for Mason Street. Germania No. 1. The engine house built in 1852 was too small. The former fire station was torn down soon thereafter. More information on the early history of the Green Bay Fire Brown County Library Department can be found in the book Forces of Change, available Lef: Close-up of the wooden engine house on South Washington Street, in many Green Bay outlets and through Amazon. from an 1867 lithograph. Tis view looks south with the intersection of

Washington and Walnut in the foreground. Te two-story engine house Photo David Siegel with a bellow tower in the rear is on the lef side of South Washington. Below: View in 2016 of the South Washington Street site of two differ- Fire ent former Green Bay Fire Department stations, which is currently the South Station on southern end of the Backstage at the Meyer. Washington Street

BY DAVID SIEGEL

Green Bay Metro Fire Department archives Lef: Brick Station No. 1 on South Washing- ton Street in 1902. To fit the larger steamer fire engine, the city built the right side in 1868. Tey built the lef side addition in 1883 to accommodate a ladder company.

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While editing this article I ended up needed to contact one of the authors because of a date. The first line he writes, “In or close to 1852…” and I was hoping I could find a way to be more specific, but the author got back to me and told me it frustrated him too, however, that was the most accurate he could be.

For this piece, I was in back and forth communication with the author Dr. Sherman for different reasons like photo credits, and caption information. I ended up needing to write the caption for inside the house, which fortunately I knew a little about because I helped work on the Saga Project.

REVIEWS Blaze Orange: Whitetail Deer Hunting in Wisconsin

129 pages, sofcover, $29.95. Travis Dewitz Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2014.

Travis Dewitz, a professional photographer based in Eau Claire, pages of Blaze Orange. The pride in the faces of the families and has produced a pictorial essay collection of an iconic annual cul- the business owners illustrate special feelings which come to the tural event in Wisconsin. In Blaze Orange: Whitetail Deer Hunting surface during deer season in Wisconsin. Dewitz properly docu- in Wisconsin, the reader tags along with Dewitz as he mingles ments that the women of Wisconsin are participating more fre- with hunters from the west-central section of the state, a game quently in whitetail deer hunting. Photographs of wives, sisters, warden, various merchants, meat processors, a knife craftsman, daughters, and granddaughters are all included in the collection. and, of course, whitetail deer. The photographs in Blaze Orange capture their subjects in a Thomas H. Garver, former director of the Madison Art Center natural, relaxed, and non-staged environment. This is a credit and author of the book’s forward, points out that documenting to both the photographer and the hospitality of the people being deer season in Wisconsin requires a plan and a vision of the end photographed. product. Dewitz decided to attempt to capture “timeless” photo- Dewitz could have ventured into documenting deer camps graphs that will seem familiar to almost any Wisconsin resident, and individual preferences of hunting—for example: walking or whether they hunt or not. The variety of photographs in Blaze sitting in a blind, or the choice of firearms—but one could go off Orange includes much more than the actual hunting of white- in many directions on this subject. In Blaze Orange, Dewitz pro- tail deer. Family farms, level farmland, and forests are included. vides a nice pictorial essay on the landscape and the wide variety Camps and campfires illustrate the places of relaxation and enjoy- of people who participate in a variety of ways in the annual white- ment after the hunt. Preparation for the hunt can be half of the tail deer hunting season in west-central Wisconsin. fun, and Dewitz included plenty of photographs of hunters stock- It is only fair to warn those who choose not to participate in deer ing up with supplies. After a deer is harvested, the animal is pro- hunting or hold strong feelings against the hunting of animals cessed and, as Dewitz documents, it is not only the meat that is that some of the photos of processing the whitetails might offend, utilized. The skins are processed for gloves and other products especially if the reader has not been exposed to meat processing and the heads and antlers are often saved as mementos of the suc- in the past. Making maximum use of the harvested whitetail deer half page = w: 7.5 in h: 4.75 cessful hunt. is the hunters’ way of showing respect for the natural resource. 1/4 page = w: 3.625 in h: 4.75 On an emotional level, Dewitz recalls the anxious feeling of Even so, it is not something everyone would want to see. waking up and getting ready to hunt on opening day, especially Blaze Orange will make a nice coffee table piece for genera- when young and just beginning to hunt whitetail deer. Those of tions of Wisconsin deer hunters to share as they remember their us who began hunting whitetail deer as children can relate to the own stories and timeless memories of hunting whitetail deer in anticipation and hope of seeing that big buck run in front of us Wisconsin. GB Antiquarian Society at dawn on opening morning. The photographs in Blaze Orange capture the common feelings and emotions that help to make whitetail deer hunting season so special and memorable. The James J. Ombrello Jr. faces of the hunters and the mix of camouflage and blaze orange clothing are familiar because they are seen all over the state of Voyageur Editorial Committee Wisconsin during deer season. The dark and cold colors of late fall are highlighted by blaze orange in many of the photographs. The spirit of comradeship between fellow hunters and the “Te spirit of comradeship between special ties between generations of family members and relatives fellow hunters and the special ties joined together in the ritual of the annual whitetail deer hunt are featured in this book. Dewitz presents the small family-owned between generations of family members businesses which supply the needs of the hunters and add to the and relatives joined together...” feeling of comradeship. Convenience stores, sport shops, a taxi- dermy shop, a meat market, and taverns are all featured in the

Winter / Spring 2017 | 59

x:4.528 Y5.595

Originally, I was assigned two book reviews but the second one got dropped before it got to this stage of the production. I worked on this piece by doing some basic editing and restructuring. I also had to go through and find a pull-out quote. PRESS

GAZETTE by Mark Steuer

SCAN n December 11, 2013 Governor with Republican ties but often are done in urban areas represented Scott Walker signed the October by Democratic lawmakers.” The lawmakers say the measure will Special Session Assembly Bill 4 unlock the potential of historic structures that have not been into law at downtown Green Bay’s renovated because of asbestos, lead paint, outmoded layouts and historic Hotel Northland, origi- other challenges associated with their age.”3 nally dubbed the “Million Dollar Throughout 2014 and 2015, the restoration of the Hotel North- Hotel” in its completion year of land towards its intended format as a boutique hotel, maneuvered 1924. Historic preservationists through a number of setbacks and delays; involving everything and other developers lauded the from tax credits to Department of Housing and Urban Devel- fact that doubling state tax credits from opment loans.4 The Hotel Northland is poised to reopen in the 10 percent to 20 percent on historic structures built before Spring of 2017, however, with a restored building and a renewed 1936 would aid in preserving a number of historic buildings sense of hope for the redevelopment of downtown Green Bay. throughout Wisconsin. “The passing of this legislation will revitalize downtown dis- The Original Hotel Northland, 1924-1972 tricts across the state,” Walker stated. “Restoring these build- The March 20, 1924 evening edition of the Green Bay Press-Ga- ings will create a temporary and permanent economic increase zette declared in its emblazoned headline to the world that the for local and state economies.”1 Rep. Chad Weininger (R-Green “Northland Holds Formal Opening Friday Evening.”5 Dubbed the Bay) served as the lead assembly bill sponsor, touting the need “$1,000,000 Hotel,” a picture of the Hotel Northland graced the to remain competitive with surrounding states who possessed cover, along with eighteen corresponding articles describing all these types of tax-credit incentives in their tool belts. Roughly 60 manner of detail for this bellwether event. The most elegant hotel percent of U.S. states, in 2013, had credits ranging in the 20 to 25 north of Milwaukee was about to embark on its storied journey. percent range for commercial restoration projects. The “$1,000,000 Hotel” price tag that forever defined the Hotel Mentioning widespread public support for the restoration of the Northland 92 years ago, would now, in today’s money, be known Hotel Northland, Green Bay Mayor, Jim Schmitt, stated, “This is as the “$13,671,965.31 Hotel,” after adjusting for inflation.6 what a real city is about: preserving history, creating something What is unique to the reader of this newspaper is that the entire that's socially significant and (offers) economic development. front page dealt with the Hotel Northland, and nothing else. There This is going to put Green Bay on the map like no other project. is not a word that was written about the deployment of U.S. troops Photo Credit We're pleased with what we have here, but creative people, edu- sent to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to quell a rebel uprising. Nor is Caption for this photo goes here. Not sure how long it's going to be cated people, look for places like the Northland to host events, to there mention of Constitutionalist Winston Churchill’s, elec- yet, but hopefully not too long. have their guests stay, to spend time in the community."2 tion defeat to Unionist Otho Nicholson in Great Britain. There Jason Stine of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported, “The was nary a space to discuss the recently released swashbuckling Opposite: Photo by Courtney "Coco" McAllister historic rehabilitation projects have bipartisan appeal, however, silent film, The Thief of Baghdad, featuring Douglas Fairbanks, One of the twenty-two commemorative placques located along the because they can draw in well-financed businesses and investors nor Nikola Tesla’s announcement describing his success at trans- in Green Bay. Vince was introduced as the Packers coach at the Hotel Northland on February 3, 1959. 20 | Voyageur Winter / Spring 2017 | 21

mitting power without wires. There was no mention either of the bull's 1923 stock drive and also set up the Packers as a non-profit Town of Astor from near and beyond. These hotels were instru- fact that St. Petersburg, Russia was now known as Leningrad fol- corporation.”7 mental in nurturing the cultural and economic growth of these lowing Bolshevik Vladimir Lenin’s recent death. No paragraphs Nationally, U.S. Senator and former Wisconsin Governor fledgling towns on the east side of the Fox River. described George Gershwin’s debut of “Rhapsody in Blue” in New Robert M. La Follette was embroiled in the 1924 presidential elec- The Astor House, located near the intersection of Mason York City or Claydon Sunny’s publishing of the iconic “Happy tion. Considered to be the leading proponent of progressivism, and Adams Streets, was considered by many to exemplify the Birthday to You” ditty. The dismemberment of the once power- La Follette railed against the vestiges of corporate power, as evi- epitome of class, prosperity, civic pride, and culture in the fledg- ful Ottoman Empire into Kemal Ataturk’s Turkey was an after- denced in the Teapot Dome scandal, as well as corrupt business ling community. This edifice was critiqued by one local resident, thought here. It was all Hotel Northland. trusts, all while championing fights for racial equality; suffrage who noted, “When the work was actually completed and in all Flashing back to 1923 on a local level, Green Bay Press-Gazette for women; environmental protection; initiatives for agricultural the imposing majority of its three stories and crowning cupola, business manager, Andrew B. Turnbull, was intent on seeking pro- groups; Socialist causes and labor unions’ right to strike. the Astor House, glistening with fresh white paint stood in the fessional help to gain community support and financial backing An avowed pacifist who decried U.S. involvement in the First morning sunshine, [was] a beautiful object to the partial eyes for the fledgling football team. Turnbull and World War and eventually the much-ballyhooed Treaty of Ver- of the [town] dweller.”8 Many of Green Bay’s early gala events, four colleagues, “called the “Hungry Five,” included grocer Lee sailles, as well as the ensuing drive to join the League of Nations, including balls, weddings, and banquets took place there. Joannes, player-coach Dr. W. Webber Kelly, , La Follette stood firm on his platforms, only to lose to Repub- In History of Brown Country, Deborah B. Martin, commented attorney Jerry Clifford, and Turnbull, who laid the foundation for lican Calvin Coolidge in the general election. While Green Bay that the Astor House “surpassed the Washington House when the modern Packer corporate structure. They supported Turn- was celebrating the opening of the Hotel Northland in March of it was built and it also proved to have the longer history. Astor 1924, La Follette was living out the final year of his celebrated life. eventually sold his hotel to Dr. William Beaumont who operated it with his son Israel until it was destroyed by fire in the late 1850’s. Earlier Green Bay Accomodations Photo Courtesy of Neville Public Museum of Brown County The hotel was rebuilt c. 1861 as the Beaumont House on the same Interior shot of the Hotel Northland open for business for meals to The Hotel Northland was not, of course, the first lodging site for site. The Beaumont House was the premier hotel in the city for the public and large business meetings. visitors to Green Bay. Green Bay had needed accommodations several decades with beautiful furnishings and an impressive from fairly early in its history. lobby. The hotel also offered other services such as a high quality Native tribes of Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Sauk, Fox, and dining room and bar. There were numerous changes in manage- Over time, other inns and hotels graced this diminutive urban Potawatomi, among others, predated European settlement before ment and several owners over its long history. The 1861 hotel pocket to provide the supply for the business traveler and tourist the 1650s. Subsequent French and British forces controlled the went through a major remodeling in 1910 and was demolished in alike. “Cooke’s Hotel was built in 1874 by Joseph Brown and Green Bay area until Fort Howard (1816-1852) was established 1963 when the site was used for a new Beaumont Motor Inn, now George Cooke and, with the Beaumont, was one of the major by American troops of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old the Days Inn. Thus, although the original hotel has been gone Green Bay hotels. The hotel was built at the corner of Cherry and Guard”) on the west shore of the Fox River on August 7, 1816. The for 130 years, this site has been used for hotel purposes since the Washington Streets and was a four-story brick building with 70 stability thus engendered helped to ensure American control over founding of the Village of Navarino.”9 rooms. It also featured a café, bar and barbershop. In 1916, it was the region and to serve as a safety buffer for the general citizenry. Following the Civil War, Martin noted, “Green Bay had emerged noted that this hotel had running water and telephones in every The frontier settlement of Navarino, across the Fox River from from the woods to become an agricultural and industrial center of room and 19 actually had connected bathrooms. Later owners Fort Howard, looked to gain further legitimacy when town over 18,000 people. The world supplier of wheat and the shingle and operators changed the name of the hotel to the ‘Straubel,’ pioneer Daniel Whitney saw to the construction of the Washing- capital of the world were heralded, at the end of the century, as a ‘Felch,’ and ‘Sherwood’ hotels.”11 ton House from 1829 to 1830. Shortly thereafter, wealthy fur mer- world center for the productions of fine cheddar cheese. At the Due to a number of debilitating conflagrations in Green Bay in Photo Courtesy of Neville Public Museum of Brown County chant John Jacob Astor would have the Astor House constructed same time, a burgeoning paper industry was making its presence the years of 1853, 1863, and 1880, as well as the horrifying vestiges Interior shot of the Hotel Northland Ballroom during an in 1835 to lure settlers and commercial interests to his competing known in the world marketplace.”10 of the tragic Peshtigo Fire of 1871, many commercial structures, event held by the hotel. including hotels, would eschew the exclusive use of wood con- struction in favor of steel and brick. By the time the First World War broke out in 1914, there were at least 1200 hotel rooms in a number of Green Bay at the Hotel Northland establishments. These included: the Columbia (1894); the Frontenac; the Arlington; the Broadway House; the Bradley House (1894); the Hibernia House (1874); Union Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss, in his acclaimed for the puffs of smoke that signaled the election of a new Pope in Hall (1894); the Milwaukee House (1890s); the Wiscon- biography of Vince Lombardi, When Pride Still Mattered, dwelt on Rome. Inside the boardroom, every director had something to say It was at the press luncheon where Lombardi delivered two of his sin; the Reis (1910); the City; the Champion; the Huffman the moments leading up to the hiring of Lombardi as coach, and about the future of the Packers.”20 most memorable pronouncements during his time in Green Bay. House (1875); the Green Bay House; the Cooperstown general manager of the Green Bay Packers on January 28, 1959. Lombardi was the offensive coordinator for the New York One was: “I want it understood that I’m in complete command.” House (1889); and a number of others. He writes: “The board of directors of the Green Bay Packers... Giants, but was an unknown commodity outside of New York, The other was: “I’ve never been associated with a loser and I don’t convened...at noon at the Hotel Northland. Their function was especially in Green Bay. Iowa head coach, Forest Evashevski, expect to be now.”21 Building the Hotel to approve or deny the decision of the executive committee...The was a leading candidate for the vacant head coaching position. For a few brief moments, the Hotel Northland in downtown Coinciding events, issues and projects married the con- full board met in the Italian Room, a name that caught the atten- Packer icon, Earl “Curly” Lambeau was also considered, amongst Green Bay held the national sports world in its determined grip. struction of the Northland in 1923-24. Since the latter tion of one writer. There were seventeen reporters stuck in the a number of others. After much verbal wrangling, Packer pres- With the hiring of Lombardi, the die had been cast, propelling part of the nineteenth and early decades of the twentieth makeshift press center, Room 173, lounging on the bed, in the ident, Dominic Olejniczak, announced the hiring of Vincent this modest-sized community and the NFL’s smallest city into centuries, a thirty-five mile stretch of the oft-turbulent chairs, sitting cross-legged on the floor, kneeling against the wall, Thomas Lombardi to lead the lowly Packers. gridiron mythology as “Titletown U.S.A," an appellation created Fox River boasted twenty plus paper mills, making it the resting on an over-turned wastebasket, coughing, cracking jokes ‘Lombardi addressed the media and the team’s board of directors after the first of Lombardi’s five NFL championships in 1961; and highest concentration of said industry anywhere in the and clouding the room with blue smoke as the hours dragged on at a luncheon in the Northland’s Crystal Ballroom on February 3, it all began at the Hotel Northland introductory luncheon on that world. Authors Robert E. Gard, Elaine Reetz, and Edgar with no word about a new coach. It was, one said, like waiting 1959, six days after he was named the Packers’ new head coach. wintery February day in 1959. G. Mueller commented, “The Fox River Valley had a lot

22 | Voyageur Winter / Spring 2017 | 23

coming and will do amazing things for the city’s downtown.” A number of CLG status benefits will allow Green Bay to apply NOTES 1. Jason Stein, “Scott Walker signs bill hiking tax credits for renovating historic buildings,” Milwau- “This is a celebrated, historic landmark that many people have for historic preservation grant monies to cover such activities kee Journal Sentinel, December 11, 2013, 1. treasured,” Vonck said. “We’re very excited to have a high-end and projects as: National Register nominations; survey projects; 2. Jeff Bollier, “Hotel Northland developers secure $44M for renovation,” USA Today Network-Wis- boutique hotel right in the downtown area. It will help us attract municipal preservation plans; various educational publications, consin, April 16, 2015, 1. visitors, and for the local residents, there will be some great new workshops, media publications; and the administration of local 3. Stein, “Scott Walker signs bill." 31 4. During the summer of 2014, local television storylines on the Hotel Northland were many and restaurants and a social club.” historic preservation programs. The Green Bay Historic Pres- varied. “Hotel Northland Prepares for Construction” (June 17), “Hotel Northland developers The project includes more than $2.5 million in city support, ervation Commission has been working hand-in-hand with the pondering tax credit moratorium” (June 25), “Hotel Northland Surprised by Historic Tax Credits Halt” (June 25), “Update: Hotel Northland Project Moves Forward” September 9), “Hotel a $4.7 million loan through the U.S. Department of Housing Green Bay Law Department on recrafting the existing advisory Northland renovation closer thanks to HUD loan” (September 9), and “City council OKs federal and Urban Development, $15 million in historic tax credits and ordinance into a mandatory document that will allow for Certi- loan for Hotel Northland” (September 17). 32 During this same year, various state and local newspapers chimed in as well with such stories as several other grants. fied Local Government status and all engendered benefits. “$35 million renovation proposed for Green Bay’s Hotel Northland”(February 18), “Developers The reopening of the Hotel Northland later in 2016 will “Where preservation is supported by local government poli- of Hotel Northland in Green Bay wait on funding” (June 16), and “Hotel Northland Develop- ment Team Adds Experts in Historic Restoration and Hospitality Marketing” (June 17). cement Green Bay’s rightful place as the focal point of northeast- cies and incentives, designation can increase property values and 5. “Northland Holds Formal Opening Friday Evening,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, March 20, 1924, 1. ern Wisconsin and beyond. Steve Frantz further opines that the pride of place. Revitalization of historic downtowns and adap- 6. http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation/inflation.php?amount=1000000&year=1924. “Hotel Northland will be designed as a destination for travelers tive reuse of historic districts and buildings conserves resources, 7 http://www.ci.green-bay.wi.us/history/1920_30s.html. and locals alike. Intended to be the city’s only four-star boutique uses existing infrastructure, generates local jobs and purchasing, 8. Deborah B. Martin, History of Brown County, Wisconsin Past and Present (Chicago: S. J. Clarke hotel, the property will be the center of Green Bay’s downtown supports small business development and heritage tourism and Publishing Company, 1913), Volume 1, 133. social scene with a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue, enhances quality of life and community character.”36 9. Ibid. 10. Betsy Foley, Green Bay: Gateway to the Great Waterway (Woodland Hills, CA: Windsor Publica- as well as a spa and private club.” “With a storied past, Hotel The reopening of Green Bay’s historic Hotel Northland will tions, 1983), 65. Photo Courtesy of Neville Public Museum of Brown County Northland will marry historic architecture with classic contempo- combine disparate elements into planned successes in the area of 11. Timothy L. Heggland, Green Bay Intensive Resource Survey Final Report (Milwaukee: Howard, A flyer promoting historical locations in downtown Green Bay, rary finishes,” said Frantz, “we intend to energize downtown with historic preservation, now and for years to come. Needles, Tammen, and Bergendoff, 1988), 30-32. including the Hotel Northland and it’s event rooms and cafés. a hotel that serves today’s modern business and leisure traveler 12. Robert E. Gard, Elaine Reetz, and Edgar G. Mueller, Te Fox River Valley – Lore and Legend (Madison: Strauss Printing and Publishing Co., 1973), 205. 33 and programming that invigorates a property built in 1924.” 13. Foley, Green Bay, 66-67. The following list shows the many partners and associates who helped The yeoman efforts provided by both the private and public 14. Ibid., 79. eighth floor for years and Vince Lombardi was introduced for the sectors to restore the Hotel Northland to its exalted status of past to see the Hotel Northland project through to completion. 15. “Williams was Big Factor in Getting New Hostelry Here,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, March 20, first time to Packer faithful in his memorable press conference.29 grandeur have often been arduous, yet gratifying. Richard Moe, 1924, 1. 16. Ibid. Frantz continued, “Our main clientele will be the individ- who served as president of the National Trust for Historic Pres- CO-DEVELOPERS Frantz Community Investors 17. Michael Iwinski, “National Register Questionnaire for Port Plaza Towers, 304 N. Adams Street, ual business traveler during the week and leisure travelers on ervation from 1993 to 2009, stated, “There may have been a time (FCI) and Keith P. Harenda City of Green Bay, Brown County, WI,” United States Department of Interior National Park the weekends, but we’re certainly going after all markets. Major when preservation was about saving an old building here or there, Service-National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet, October 22, 2009, 9. flagged hotels are losing (market) share to unique, independent but those days are gone. Preservation is in the business of saving 18. United States Department of Interior National Park Service-National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet, (1992): Section 7,. 2. 34 GENERAL CONTRACTOR KPH Construction hotels. People are looking for that more unique experience in communities and the values they embody.” 19. Ibid., Section 8, 9. 30 their hotels.” The Hotel Northland restoration project embodies Richard 20. David Maraniss, When Pride Still Mattered : A Life of Vince Lombardi (New York: Simon & Frantz, a 27-year veteran of the hospitality industry, said the Moe’s comment. Historic preservationists in Green Bay hope that SENIOR LENDER FirstMerit Bank Schuster, 1999), 201. Northland and Lodge Kohler will fill the Green Bay area’s need for this project will spur further efforts to attain Certified Local Gov- 21. http://www.packersheritagetrail.com/TrailSites.aspx four-star hotels that serve the “affordable luxury” market. “It’s not ernment (CLG) designation for the city of Green Bay. Today, 67 22. JFK: Te Local Connection - Part One -"Green Bay," Channel 5 WFRV, Green Bay, WI, Kris FINANCING City of Green Bay Schuller, November 20, 2013. an under-served market here, it’s unserved,” Frantz said. “Obvi- CLG governments exist in Wisconsin, with De Pere and Allouez Department of Housing & 23. Ibid. 30 ously, the folks at Kohler felt the same way.” representing Brown County. Other northeast Wisconsin commu- Urban Development 24. Ibid. The Northland will aim to fill that void with two restaurants, the nities with said status are Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, Fond du Wisconsin Economic 25. John F. Kennedy: "Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy, Green Bay, WI," October 23, 1960. Gridiron Sports Bar and Jazzmine’s restaurant; a spa and salon, Lac, and Sheboygan. 26. Keith Pamperin, Green Bay Housing Authority and Green Bay Redevelopment Authority , 10,000 square feet of meeting space; and Club Northland, a mem- The CLG “is a national preservation program initiated in Develoment Corporation e-mail message to author, June 27, 2016 27. City of Green Bay, WI, Agenda of the Common Council, Report of the Green Bay Redevelop- bership club that will include a two-lane bowling alley, billiards 1980 as part of the National Historic Preservation Act. This ment Authority, September 16, 2014, 4. and other amenities. “We think [Club Northland] is a way to program helps local governments integrate historic preser- ARCHITECTS Khaler Slater and Berners- 28. “City council OKs federal loan for Hotel Northland,” Fox 11 News, Green Bay, WI, September connect the local community to the hotel,” Frantz said. vation concerns with local planning decisions. A Wiscon- Schober Associates 17, 2014. 29. “Northland success hinges on more than Packers”, USA Today Network-Wisconsin, Corrinne Milwaukee-based KPH Construction completed demolition sin CLG is any city, village, county, or town that has been Hess January 7, 2016, 1. inside the eight-story building ahead of schedule and will now certified by Wisconsin’s State Historic Preservation Office and HISTORIC CONSULTANT Preservation Design Works 30. Ibid. shift to restoring some of the building’s historic interior details. the Department of the Interior as meeting the following criteria: 31. Ibid. KPH CEO Keith Harenda said the team was glad to find the orig- INTERIOR CONCEPT The Gettys Group 32. Ibid. inal tile floors, mezzanine level, Crystal Ballroom fixtures, wood- •Enforces an appropriate local ordinance for the desig- 33. Ibid. work and other details intact. nation and protection of historic properties, 34. “Hotel Northland Development Team Adds Experts in Historic Restoration and Hospitality Frantz would not give an exact date for when the Northland will INTERIOR DESIGN LP/W Design Works Marketing,” HotelExecutive.com, Staff , June 17, 2014. open, but he said owners want to have the common areas ready •Has established a qualified historic preservation com- 35. www.azquotes.com/author/57604-Richard_Moe, Richard Moe Quotes. 36. “Why Become a Certified Local Government (CLG)?” California State Parks Office of State to open by the fall of 2016 and then bring floors of rooms online mission by local ordinance, BRANDING/MARKETING Company B Brand Marketing Historic Preservation, ca.gov, 2016. as they’re finished. •Maintains a system for the survey and inventory of Harenda and Frantz have both said about 80 percent of the local historic properties, and MANAGEMENT COMPANY Legendary Hospitality construction work will go to Green Bay area companies. Once it is complete, the hotel will employ 160 full-time employ- •Provides for public participation in the local historic ACCOUNTING Baker Tilly ees. “Kevin Vonck, director of economic development for preservation program.”35 the city of Green Bay, said the project has been a long time LEGAL Mallory & Zimmerman

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This piece I got after one of the editors had done a lot of the heavy work on it. My job was just to find the small grammatical errors that fell through the cracks and then send the suggestions back to my supervisor.