History

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Iron Block Building, About 1867
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Iron Block Building, About 1867

Influenced by the North Italian Renaissance Revival, its cast-iron architecture is rare.

Bar Exam: Klinger’s East Is a Time Warp
Bar Exam

Klinger’s East Is a Time Warp

Still with same owner after 40 years, it's very old Milwaukee -- modest, cozy, quaint.

City Streets: Yes, Tory Hill Is a Street
City Streets

Yes, Tory Hill Is a Street

It was named to commemorate the old Irish neighborhood obliterated by a freeway.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Inside the Grain Exchange, 1880
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Inside the Grain Exchange, 1880

The trading room was one of the "most lavishly decorated" public spaces in the region.

Bar Exam: History of the Up and Under
Bar Exam

History of the Up and Under

It dates back a century, was a Polish bar, "soft drink parlor" and a house of blues.

City Streets: Michigan Street Had a Mob Riot
City Streets

Michigan Street Had a Mob Riot

And a dispute involving the streetcar, which ultimately won the day.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Van Cott Block Building, Late 1860s
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Van Cott Block Building, Late 1860s

It had many businesses and is now where the high-rise First Financial Centre is located.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Spencerian Business College, Late 1860s
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Spencerian Business College, Late 1860s

Located in the four-story Library Block, one of the city's tallest structures.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Menomonee Hotel, Late 1860s
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Menomonee Hotel, Late 1860s

One of earliest hotels, near what is now Plankinton and Wisconsin, was modest indeed.

Bar Exam: Von Trier Is a Teutonic Treasure
Bar Exam

Von Trier Is a Teutonic Treasure

It abounds in such artifacts and boasts a huge selection of German tap beers.

House Confidential: A Historic House Almost Destroyed
House Confidential

A Historic House Almost Destroyed

1880 home on Cambridge saved by historic preservation law that could be overthrown.

City Streets: Van Buren Named After Democratic Vice-President
City Streets

Van Buren Named After Democratic Vice-President

Solomon Juneau was a Democrat and named many streets after members of his party.