Pat Winter (c/o Paul Winter) is the owner of this house with wraparound porches at 1146-48 N. 13th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The city has a raze order on the house, but it could easily be fixed. A Hmong church congregation expressed interest in buying the house to use it as a parsonage if it were able to also buy the church at 1234 W. Juneau Ave., which is virtually across the street from the house. (See photo above.) The church has a separate owner. I have phone numbers for the owners of the house and the church, and certain departments at Milwaukee City Hall can also supply those phone numbers. My phone number is: (414) 278-5848.
Sandstone Church Lost in Madison
July 25, 2008--I was in Madison Tuesday-Wednesday, saw St. Raphael's, and took about 10 pictures of it. It is/was an imposing building in the heart of downtown, on high land, less than a mile west of the Capitol. The east wall was almost completely torn down when we got there late on Tuesday afternoon.
All of the window glass, and the decoration set into the walls over the front windows, had been removed. The front entry was impressive, but partly destroyed and littered with ground-up stone.
We could see what looked like two file cabinets in the tower area in about the second floor level. I hope they were empty. The construction materials included rounded stones and what looked like sandstone (in color, at least), something we saw on other buildings in Madison, but do not see in Milwaukee or other places I've been.
It's shocking that this could happen to such an obviously significant building. In the Midwest, we usually treat our churches better than this.
Design and Preservation Awards Rate Cover
May 29, 2008--The "Mayor's Urban Design Awards, Courting the Cool Factor" is the cover story of the Shepherd Express, May 29-June 4, 2008 issue, available at free newsstands around town.
The Mayor's Design awards and the Cream of the Cream City awards for historic preservation will be presented today, Thursday, May 29, at the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning, 2131 E. Hartford Ave.
The pre-reception is at 4:30 in the building's commons, which are located in the south wing, first floor. The awards presentation is 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the auditorium, room 170. It will be followed by the reception, in the commons.
The article is on pages 18-19 in the Shepherd.
Public Invited to "Preservation Summit"
Set for Feb. 2, 2008, 9:15 a.m.
January 24, 2008--Officials from the National Trust
discussion at the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance's "Historic Preservation Summit" on Saturday, February 2, 2008, from 9:15 am to Noon at the Milwaukee Public Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., first floor meeting room. Coffee and pastry will be served. The event is free, and the public is welcome. —— Gail Fitch ——
HPC Meets Re: Downer Ave.
Set for Monday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m.
January 24, 2008—— Downer Avenue, not the Coast Guard Station, will be the subject of the Historic Preservation Commission's special meeting on Monday, January 28 at 3 p.m. in City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Room 301-A.
There are two items on the agenda, both concerning Downer Ave. City Attorney Greg Hagopian will give an overview of a pending lawsuit regarding the property at 2574-90 N. Downer Ave. That is where a multi-story parking garage is being built. Then, an HPC subcommittee will continue its review of building material samples regarding the parking garage, and the full HPC will vote on the subcommittee's recommendations.
For questions about the meeting, call city official Martha Brown at (414) 286-5810 or email her at mbrown@milwaukee.gov .
(To sign up to be notified by email of city meetings in the "Historic Preservation Commission Agenda" category, go to this web address:
http://itmdapps.ci.mil.wi.us/login/login/signin.jsp]
The address BELOW is for changing the categories of city email notification or for ending it entirely:
http://itmdapps.ci.mil.wi.us/login/citizenlogin.
—— Gail Fitch——
Say Goodbye to the Coast Guard Station,
and Other Preservation News Since July: A Summary
January 23, 2008—— Say goodbye to the old Coast Guard station at Milwaukee’s lakefront. From 1915 until it was decommissioned, it launched countless rescues at the lakefront. Then, it stood in Prairie-style elegance, in silent testament to all that had happened before. In the end, no one rescued it.
Only one other Coast Guard station like it still stands in the entire world, according to Carlen Hatala of the city’s historic preservation staff. Milwaukee’s station is on the National Register of Historic Places, and received local historic designation in 2003. Various groups and individuals had ideas for the building’s reuse so recently as this fall, but no one came forward with money.
For about 30 years, the station was vacant and largely neglected. A fire, years ago, left a hole in the roof that reportedly wasn’t covered. Moisture put cracks in the stucco walls, and rusted metal beams. The roof of the boat-house portion of the building caved in. The 1915 wooden roof shingles are still in excellent condition, though, Paul Jakubovich, a city preservation staff member, said.
At the city’s January 14 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting Milwaukee county parks director Sue Black said that the county has $80,000 in its budget to tear down the Coast Guard station, and wants to begin taking bids for the demolition. The county has budgeted additional amounts to rebuild the sea wall near it, and build an open-air pavilion where the station now stands, she said.
The HPC reluctantly agreed that the station is beyond feasible repair, but withheld approval for demolition until after it sees a design of the proposed pavilion. A special HPC meeting may be called for that purpose, rather than make the county wait until the HPC’s next regular meeting, in February.
There is “some impressive wood inside,” Jakubovich said. Commissioners said that some of the salvageable material could possibly be incorporated into the pavilion, and that that would need to be stipulated when the County advertises for bids for demolition. After bids are taken would be too late.
Commissioner Pat Balan was concerned that whatever replaces the station should have “permanent significance.” Alderman Bauman was “afraid of a low-budget pavilion” and “not sure the county will do justice to this site.” Of the imminent loss of the old Coast Guard Station, Commissioner Tim Stemper said, “It’s a shame.”
***
Also in January, the HPC approved National Historic Register nominations for the St. James Court Apartments, downtown at 831 W. Wisconsin Ave., and the Industrial Historic District at Florida & Third Streets on Milwaukee’s near South Side.
***
In December, the Brady Street-area home of a mason and three-term city alderman who died in 1912 was approved by the HPC for local historic designation. The nomination
of the Francis Niezorawski Duplex, 1722-1724 N. Franklin Pl., grew out of neighbors’ concerns about the building, which has an absentee owner.
***
A theme of the November HPC meeting was buildings whose owners would welcome helpful intervention, such as a buyer.
The old Lohman Livery Barn at 804 W. Greenfield Ave., received an extension of its Mothball Certificate to December 2008 to allow more time for owner La Causa to repair or sell it. Charles Shudsen, legal counsel for La Causa, said he’s in charge of the effort to preserve the building. La Causa is open to selling it or possibly donating it to an arts group or similar group for storage. In the basement, the horses’ names are still on the stalls.
The HPC granted a three-month Mothball Certificate to a pre-Civil War era house at 1851 N. 2nd Street that needs repairs. The owner wants to sell the house. Built around 1858, it is in the Brewers Hill Historic District. The three months will expire about mid-February.
The last historic building on what was the Watertown Plank Road could be demolished in order to create eight parking places. The old house at 2841 N. Richardson Place in the Concordia Historic District is owned by Neighborhood House, a social service agency that also owns a nearby building. The agency applied for approval to demolish the building, but staff members John Zweifel and Don Schein were not adamant about the demolition or the need for more parking. The building needs repairs, but is in better condition than the 2nd Street house, Paul Jakubovich said. Commissioner Tim Stemper suggested advertising the building to see if anyone wanted to move it. The HPC voted to hold the item over for six months (until May).
***
Other HPC agenda items between August and November included: electronic signage for the Pabst Brewery complex redevelopment; changes on Downer Ave.; and repair to the slate roof of the UWM-owned McLaren mansion, which is visible to boaters on Lake Michigan.
At the September meeting, William Krueger and Penny Anstey of SightLine, L.L.C., demonstrated 3-D laser scanning equipment that can document rooms or entire buildings for a variety of purposes. Commissioners commented that it could have been used to record Building #11 in the Pabst complex before it was torn down this year.
***
Community News and Publications
East Side Alderman Mike D’Amato announced that he is not running for reelection. The field of candidates includes Nik Kovac, whose parents’ home is immediately next door to the parking garage that, despite considerable community protest, is being built on Downer Ave. Articles on Downer Ave. in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel included one on January 17, page 1B.
Whitney Gould, who wrote an “urban spaces” column
for MJS, retired, and was nominated to the City Plan Commission. Her appointment must be approved by the Common Council before she can join the Commission.
In November, the Milwaukee County Historical Society published Milwaukee at Mid-Century, The Photographs of Lyle Oberwise. Historical pictures are usually in black-and-white, but we are lucky that Lyle Oberwise shot in color! Historian John Gurda discussed the book in a MJS article December 1.
A book of historical pictures of the Brady Street neighborhood, by Frank Alioto, is expected in stores January 28.
***
Coming Events
Citizen participation was welcomed for the Downtown Plan Update Kickoff on January 17. See www.mkedcd.org/planning/plans/downtown.
Topics related to urban planning will be the subject of lunchtime seminars at UWM. For announcements, email smart-growth-10022007@uwm.edu or contact the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Historic Milwaukee, Inc., plans local tours for February 9 and April 17. A Panel Discussion Series begins January 24. The topic for February 21 is “Historic Districts.” See www.historicmilwaukee.org or call (414) 277-7795.
***
Judith Simonsen, Bob Morgan
Lost in the last few months were Judith Simonsen, long-time head of the research library at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, and Robert Taylor Morgan. Mr. Morgan, 84, a retired city health inspector, volunteered at the Milwaukee County Museum, the Laubach Reading Center, Havenwood State Park, and the Friedens Food Pantry. He also lent support to at least one historic preservation effort.
—— Gail Fitch ——
"Red Castle" Approved for Historic Status
July 17, 2007—— A small, Germanic "castle" in reddish stone and matching terra cotta, a trendy house for its time – 1892— was approved for local historic status at the July 16 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. The former George Schuster house, on a corner lot at 3209 W. Wells, was nominated by its current owner, Arne Vedum, who is selling it and wants it to be preserved. (The house may be familiar since it has been open on some of the Concordia Neighborhood historic walking tours, held annually in June.)
Uniform color is a feature of Germanic architecture, according to HPC staff member Carlen Hatala, who also noted that the Schuster house's architect, Crane & Barkhausen, was a fashionable firm known for its "edgier styles." She said that few examples of German Renaissance Revival are now left in Milwaukee. Although local historic status does not involve interiors, city photos from 1985 showed beautiful woodwork and fireplaces, and Ms. Hatala noted that the interior is remarkably intact.
A restrained riot of asymmetry, with towers of different shapes, the Schuster house is deemed a visual landmark in its neighborhood because of its bright color, interesting roofline, and corner location with large yard and coach house also visible. Next, this nomination goes before the city council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods, and Development Committee.
In other matters, the Gipfel Brewery building is still parked, on wheels, near 3rd & Juneau after two proposed locations fell through. An update on that is expected soon.
Restoration continues at the historic Adler House, 1681 N. Prospect (corner of Prospect & Brady), under new ownership. Some interior features were reportedly stolen from the house recently.
The Lion Bridge at Lake Park will be rehabilitated. (After the meeting, I heard that the equestrian statue at Lake Park is being cleaned. News of that should be in Wednesday’s Daily Reporter, a free newspaper available in the City Hall lobby.)
Grant Waldo, Activist
June 30, 2007—— Civic activist Grant Waldo died last week. He was 80. "Waldo rattled cages, defied the powerful...Zeidler ally took stand against closure of Wisconsin Ave." is the title of the obituary by Amy Rabideau Silvers in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, page 4B. From the photo with the article, I recognized Mr. Waldo as a regular at the Fourth Street Forum television shows taped at Turner Hall.
Downer Ave. Moves Forward Despite Protests
May 23, 3007 —— Tuesday, the city's Zoning, Neighborhoods, and Development Committee approved the plan for a parking garage / drive-through bank building for the SE corner of Downer and Belleview, and approved the sale of the lot it is to be built on. The lot, which is across from Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop and Downer Theatre, is owned by the city and has been a surface parking lot fringed with greenery for more than 40 years. It is also the site of a privately owned and operated popcorn wagon.
Next, the Downer plan and lot sale will go before the Common Council on Wednesday, May 30. If approved, construction cannot begin until after the bicycle race on Downer Ave. in late July. (The Columbia St. Mary's Great Downer Avenue Bike Race is Saturday, July 28.)
Members of the public requested that the issue be held over so that the plan could be further refined while the city still owned the land and, therefore, had more leverage, but a city official said, "I don't think holding [the plan] will improve it."
The plan and the sale were approved by the three members of ZND who were present: Ald. D'Amato (chair), Ald. Murphy, and Ald. Bauman. Aldermen Wade and Hamilton were not present. No members of the public testified in favor of the Downer plan.
State and National preservation officials advised by letter that the plan would have an adverse effect on the adjacent residential historic district, most specifically by placing a sheer wall within a few feet of a house to the east. A house to the south would be similarly affected.
Ten members of the public spoke against the plan. When one asked whether Park & Downer might not be a more suitable location, an official said that neighbors had rejected that location. Another member of the public complained about the "limits on what we can talk about," and said that if it's "a done deal," this is a "bogus meeting."
And that's the short summary
Preservation and Planning Figure in Recent Days’ Newspapers
July 9, 2008--In the last few days, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has been rich in articles related to preservation and planning.
Tuesday, it reported that the three-year-long renovation of City Hall is on budget and almost on schedule (July 8, Metro section, p.1, article by Greg J. Borowski). Some of the scaffolding is already coming down.
Sunday's paper (July 6), reported that a proposal to redesign Cathedral Square will go before a Milwaukee County parks committee July 15. The plan by architect Jim Shields includes building a likeness of the small courthouse that once stood on the southern side of the square. In 1854,fugitive slave Joshua Glover was freed from jail there. The new buildingwould be used as a performance platform. The article by Mary Louise Schumacher on page 1 of the Cue section includes a diagram and historic illustrations.
Preservation usually refers to buildings, and nature isn't usually thought of as "historic," but in the Sunday, July 6 Crossroads section, page 1, John Gurda described the unspoiled beauty and pre-white-settlement
Authenticity of Seminary Woods adjoining St. Francis Seminary. He wrote that financial stress on the Achdiocese of Milwaukee could mean that the 70 acres may be "on the endangered list."
"Walkable neighborhoods are more in vogue than ever as gas prices soar." An article by Michele Derus in the Sunday, July 6 Real Estate section, page 11,talked up Riverwest, and described a web site, www.walkscore.com that will display a map of the neighborhood amenities within walking distance of any given address. As evidence that Riverwest is a place where "artists, activists find a home – and plenty to do," a photo shows Jim Godsil, Howard
Lewis, and Nik Kovac having a good time at Riverwest
Co-op and Café.
Editorial Comments on Downer Ave.
May 23, 2007—— At each public city meeting on Downer Ave. I've attended between February and this week, the plan has been presented as though nearly final, and public input has been limited to only narrow aspects of the project; for example, only the exterior skin. Where and when were the opportunities for the public -- outside of a few adjacent neighbors -- to be involved in basic and important aspects of the project, such as where it would be located?
Homeowners around the current location are vehemently opposed, and why doesn't their opposition to the plan count?(I am not a credentialed expert, but from an urban design standpoint, I think that this project would do a lot less harm at Park & Downer than at Belleview & Downer.)
Someone said that the first, public group meeting about this project was held at a church on December 18, a time of year when many people are too busy to attend a meeting. On Tuesday, the public had to wait more than two hours -- 10:30 a.m. or earlier to later than 12:30 p.m. -- before they could speak since Downer Ave. was #16 on the ZND agenda.
I believe that at the Plan Commission meeting in May, no (or few) members of the public who were in favor of the plan registered as being present. Numerous citizens opposed to the plan registered as being present, but were surprised and dismayed to learn that no public testimony would be allowed at that meeting. Yet, shortly after, on the same afternoon, more than a dozen individuals spoke in favor of the plan at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting (and were outnumbered by those who were opposed).
At Tuesday's ZND meeting, no citizens in favor of the plan spoke (and, probably, none even attended).
It looks like there's a pattern here. Perhaps, those in favor of Downer Ave. know things in advance that those opposed to it do not know? It suggests that the outcome of certain meetings was pre-determined.
Parking Lot on Downer?
The Battleship of Downer Ave.
May 16, 2007—— This will be the Battleship of Downer Avenue (a reference to the plan to park a battleship at the lakefront; the plan was defeated after overwhelming public outcry.) It will be block the view of things we'd rather look at, and will have dubious economic value. Unlike the defeated Lakefront Battleship, it has NO historic value.
I hope we can "sink" it, that is, put TWO parking levels below grade and have only two levels plus the rooftop parking. That would lower it by one story.
The behemoth will BLOCK light, but if its bricks / other materials are relatively LIGHTER COLORS, the building will at lease REFLECT more light, which I think is the least it owes us!
Wouldn't this parking structure / retail building have been a better fit at PARK & Downer (NW corner), where there is more room? That location is more "tucked out of sight." Instead, a unique little corner lot will be spoiled, with consequences to TWO historic districts! Putting this proposed building on the unique and sensitive location of Belleview & Downer (SE corner) is like Bigfoot trying to cram his appendage into a glass slipper when there was a king-size work boot as a ready alternative.
There was talk that this building will "complete the shopping street." Nonsense! It's an entire block of RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS on all four sides of the block! If the plan had been to put two little houses on the lot, THAT would have "completed" what was already there, and have been a lot more interesting.
Height comparisons to the Schwartz building were misleading and invalid because it is a different situation. The height of the Schwartz building does not justify height of the proposed parking structure. Behind Schwartz is an alley, backyards, and houses who backs are turned on Downer Ave. Schwartz doesn't block the view of anything. In contrast, this new monster is slated to go VERY CLOSE TO, and ALONGSIDE two residences: the house on Belleview and the coach house on Downer. It will VERY MUCH ruin what has been a great view, many great views.
The meeting process does not allow REBUTTLES to invalid, ridiculous, misleading, or untrue things that are said. I heard plenty of them!
HPC Splits Decision on Pabst Complex
April 16, 2007—— Today, the Historic Preservation Commission split a decision on the Pabst Brewery Complex Historic District. The HPC approved the request to demolish Building #22, the 1948 boiler house with tall smokestack, on Juneau Ave. between 10th & 11th, but rejected demolition for Building #11, a cream city brick building on McKinley St. between 10th & 11th.
Kevin Donahue, a member of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, said that even though #22 would be hard to reuse, it contributed to the character of the complex. He and another MPA member, Donna Schlieman, spoke against demolition of Building #11. Mike Mervis, lead representative for owner Town Reality, said that the cost to repair Building #11 would leave less money to repair other buildings they plan to save.
The HPC approved interim historic designation for the First National / First Wisconsin National Bank building at 735 N. Water St. Donna Schlieman, who nominated it, said that Captain Fred Pabst was the first president of the bank there. It was built in 1912-14, according to the report by HPC staff member Carlen Hatala. The owner, who was represented by Atty. Matt Flynn, was not in favor of the designation.
Also approved by the HPC were changes to upper-story doors and windows at 1101 E. Brady St. (Sciortino’s Bakery), and a garage and addition for 2604 N. Lake Dr. All seven HPC members were present: Sandy Ackerman, Pat Balon, Ald. Robert Bauman, Matt Jarosz, Sandra McSweeney, Ann Pieper Eisenbrown, and Tim Stemper (chairman).
Coast Guard Station
March 4, 2007—— The Coast Guard station is under threat again. See today's paper, Metro section, page 1.
Historic Preservation Staff's Home Design Built January 16, 2007—— Did everyone see Sunday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel? Section F, "Real Estate," has a page 1 article on the Victorian home designs by the city's preservation staff. One of the houses has been built at 1127 N. 20th St. (20th & Highland) and is for sale at less than cost. The designer of the house, Paul Jakubovich, is pictured standing in its porch. The article continues on page 2, and there are five photos altogether
Help for the Homeless in Milwaukee: A Documentary January 10, 2007—— Tonight (Wednesday), Channel 10 at 8-9 p.m. is "Homeless in the Heartland," a documentary with interviews of the homeless in Milwaukee.
If it shows the Guest House homeless shelter on 13th near Juneau, that is the former Sunday School building for what was Friedens United Church of Christ. The homeless shelter was one of many community outreach programs begun by Friedens before it disbanded in 1986. The congregation spent its entire, 117-year life in one location.
The show may be rerun later, too.
Pabst, Houses Near UWM on December 11 HPC Agenda
November 15, 2006—— The issues of demolition of Pabst building #11 and interim historic designation for the Louis Auer & Son houses are expected to be on the agenda of the December 11, 2006, meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Building #11 at Pabst is on the northern perimeter of the built complex, at mid-block on McKinley Ave. between 10th & 11th Streets. The Auer houses, at 2005 and 2009 E. Kenwood Blvd., are opposite UWM.
The HPC's Monday, December 11 meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 3 p.m. at CIty Hall, 200 E. Wells St., room 301-A.
School Closings Are Sad
November 6, 2006—— In today's paper, columnist Jim Stingl laments the likely closing of 38th Street School, where he attended kindergarten, and other MPS schools with low enrollment. See page B1 (Metro section, page 1) in the November 10 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
MPA and Pabst Project: A Comment
November 3, 2006—— I can't believe how Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writers and other media people keep harping on the Pabst project that was passed up last year when there is a much better Pabst project in the works now. Yesterday's instance was an article in the MJS business section about the new Bay Shore town center, which isn't really that big of a departure from what was already there and already successful. Moreover, Glendale doesn't have the serious and large issues / problems confronting it and competing for public intervention / support that Milwaukee has.
Last year's Pabst plan was glitzy, but would have fizzled and taken the city's bond rating down with it. It would have wiped out a major asset: a large complex of historic buildings. It would have tied up financial assets that can now be better used. Last year's plan is done with. Don't even look back. I'd like to see / hear some enthusiasm from media people about the NEW Pabst plan.
Special Meeting to Consider Houses Near UWM
October 19, 2006 —— The Historic Preservation Commission's special meeting on October 25 to consider Intermin Historic Designation for 2005 and 2009 E. Kenwood Blvd. will actually be held at 809 N. Broadway, in the First Floor Board Room. It will NOT be held at City Hall because no rooms were available there. The public will be heard at this meeting! The Interim Designation of the Louis Auer & Son Houses is the only thing on the agenda.
Pabst Demolition Plan Approved; Beer Museum Discussed
October 18, 2006 —— Only a few of the former Pabst brewery buildings will be torn down under the new plan approved by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission on Monday, October 16. The buildings approved for demolition are: #41 -- a 1969 building with loading docks, at 10th & Juneau, SE corner; #3 – a 1967 building at 10th & McKinley, SE corner; and #17 – an 1894 building in mid-block, back from the street, between 10th & 11th, McKinley & Juneau.
Also to be torn down are the metal sheds, the connectors (above-ground, enclosed walkways that join some of the buildings), and the large tank with the Pabst logo on it (at 10th & McKinley).
Building #11, the 1894 dry house, on McKinley between 10th & 11, is still under state review for possible demolition. It was not included in Monday’s decision.
Pabst and Beer Museum Discussed in Print
The new plans for the former Pabst brewery were described by Tom Daykin in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tuesday, October 17, page 1D (Business section), “Pabst owner to ask city for $28.6 million.”
Also see, “The beer museum that could make Milwaukee famous,” an op-ed piece by Brian Back in last Friday’s (October 13) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, first section, page 23.
We Lost an Old One
September 13, 2006—— We lost a pre-Civil War residence on the East Side this month. All that was left yesterday at 1502-1504 E. Irving Pl. was freshly disturbed dirt and a hole. This duplex on a large, corner lot at Irving & Cambridge had been built in 1855. It was purchased in 1998 by Gene & Inna Gokhman of Mequon.
"Homeless in the Heartland" Was Filmed in Milwaukee
On January 10, 2007, at 8-9 p.m., Channel 10 broadcast "Homeless in the Heartland," a documentary built around in-the-field interviews with homeless people in Milwaukee and volunteers who assist them. Among other locations, it showed the St. Ben's meal program, St. James Episcopal Church, Salvation Army, and the Guest House homeless shelter on 13th & Juneau. The Guest House is the former Sunday School building for what was Friedens United Church of Christ. The homeless shelter was one of many community outreach programs begun by Friedens before it disbanded in 1986. The congregation spent its entire, 117-year life in one location. This is a great documentary to catch when it's rerun.
—— GF, January 10 & February 15 ——
Milwaukee History Documentary is TV Worth Watching
Don't forget: The three-part documentary on Milwaukee history, based on John Gurda's book, The Making of Milwaukee, will be broadcast on three consecutive nights: this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 9-11 on Channel 10.
—— October 7, 2006 ——
MPA Fete at Ambassador Hotel Was Fun
The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance's meeting at the Ambassador Hotel last week Wednesday, September 27, 2006, was a great time amid restored Art Deco elegance. Who knew the Ambassador, at 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., was built as a residential hotel? That's why the rooms originally had a kitchenette, and why there's a 20 x 20 foot safe in the basement: The ladies needed a place to lock up their furs! Owner Rick Wiegand told how undoing the 1950s or 1960s remodelling revealed a marble floor under the green lobby carpet, and other hidden marvels dating to 1927.
MPA officials, members, and guests reported on the status of the Soldier's Home, The Brewery (formerly, Pabst), and other properties of interest. There were new people and many regulars. The snacks were fun. The time between 5:30 and 8:30 -- more like 9 pm -- went fast. Let's do this again!
—— Gail Fitch ——
Portable Art, Milwaukee / Wisconsin Style
On the subject of art that is more portable than architecture, I recommend several local artists,
craftsmen, and photographers whose work I enjoy seeing. They include:
Dawn Klein, who is the sculptor of the two Arabian horse busts pictured on my Index (entry) page.
Grace Natoli Sheldon does wonderful "Kitchen Art" photography -- still lifes and cutaway views of fruit, brilliantly lit.
—— February 4, 2006——
Ian Pritchard creates noteworthy photos of Milwaukee, nature, and architecture. See www.MilwaukeePhotos.com
—— December 13, 2006——
Being busy has kept me from elaborating on the two above artists and adding others to the list as I had intended to do earlier. Now, one of them can only be discussed in the past tense.
Jim Eukey died Sunday, March 19, 2006, of pancreatic cancer. He first noticed a symptom in August, 2005, was diagnosed in mid-November, and four months later, he's gone. Jim was 63, but did a lot of things, had an estimated 4,000 friends, and brought a lot of smiles to faces, some of which are captured in his photos.
Jim's photography of East Side street scenes, arts events, nature, and additional pictures that are hard to classify, taken especially during the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, reflected his keen eye and sense of humor. He also did advertising, fashion, wedding, and newspaper photography.
Jim was multi-talented and always coming up with new ideas. Besides photography, his interests included music (he especially liked Buddy Holly), political satire (he issued a CD in 2004), gardening, playing chess, and plays on words. A very bright guy, he had degrees in psychology and library science from UWM. He had a mellifluous speaking voice, and could have been a voice talent, but he didn't want to leave Milwaukee. He frequented coffee shops, and went to movies. For about 15 years, he played in the summer, co-ed softball league. He had a two-minute, non-speaking part in the movie Major League (1989), which was filmed in Milwaukee.
As remarkable as Jim was, nothing was more impressive than how he lived the last chapter of his life. He was courageous and dignified. He never complained. He did not tell many people he was sick, but word got around. He welcomed back old friends, and relived good times with them. Jim, we'll, "See you later."
--Gail Fitch
March 20, 2006; photo of Jim Eukey by Gail Fitch, 1987.
A few photos by Jim Eukey appear in Milwaukee's Brady Street Neighborhood, a book in the Images of America series. Brady Street was originally lined with businesses owned by German-Americans and Yankees, then became a neighborhood of Polish- and Italian-Americans.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, it was Milwaukee's "hippie" neighborhood. The street was wall-to-wall people for the annual Brady Street Festival. More recently, the street hosted one day of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle celebration. The neighborhood has gone upscale somewhat since the 1970s, but still has more than its share of the young and/or creative.
Author Frank Alioto writes about local history. His parents grew up and met in the Brady Street neighborhood, and he lives there now with his family. This book is avaialble in book stores, and from the author.
March 20, 2008
