History

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.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Milwaukee and Wisconsin Streets, Late 1860s
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Milwaukee and Wisconsin Streets, Late 1860s

These buildings still stand today, except (at left) the original steeple of St. John's Cathedral.

City Streets: Highland Was Known as “Sauerkraut Boulevard”
City Streets

Highland Was Known as “Sauerkraut Boulevard”

It was also Johnson St. and Prairie St. before its name changed.

Bar Exam: Monica’s on Astor Replaced Former Bordello
Bar Exam

Monica’s on Astor Replaced Former Bordello

It's a cozy, unique bar in building that goes back to 1850s. But about that racy history...

City Streets: Marshall Street Attracted Orphans
City Streets

Marshall Street Attracted Orphans

Not to mention delinquent boys. Yet it was named after a famed judge.

Plenty of Horne: Streets of Old Milwaukee Made New
Plenty of Horne

Streets of Old Milwaukee Made New

Public Museum has redone the 50-year-old exhibit, adding more sights and sounds and smells.