MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Thompson Community Center
CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON TOM SUTTER
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 59
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Tom Sutter, Laura Leimer, James Richter, Mark Moderson, Gwen Sargeant, Linda Muldoon, Brian Schneider, David Buss, John Marx, Karen Probst and Jim Krueger.
REVIEW OF UPCOMING MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS:
April 9th Appleton- Then and Now, by Scott Mahnke
May 14th Hoffman Construction, since 1892, by Paul Hoffman and Miles Girouard
APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION:
· Officers and Committee Chairs for the organization are as follows:
A. President - Thomas Sutter
B. Vice President - Christine Williams
C. Secretary – James Richter
D. Treasurer – Laura Leimer
· Committee Chairs for the organization are as follows:
A. Mark and Karen Moderson, Principal Organizers
B. Brian Schneider, Technical Resources
C. David Buss, Research Specialist
D. Gwen Sargeant, Public Relations and Web Page
PRESIDENT SUTTER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Thanks to Oscar and Tom Boldt for their program at our February meeting. They were kind enough to make a $75.00 donation for use of the facility to AHS.
B. Featured as this month’s special: Gwen Sargeant’s Historic Highwheeler Bicycle.
C. Special thanks is also extended to Gannett Publications for regular coverage in their Bulletin paper.
D. Mark Moderson has acquired a copy of a 1932 Post Crescent Issue. Tom has had professional copies made from which he read excerpts.
E. Announced that we now are officially an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
F. Sad news to report that Mrs. Doug Ogilvie has passed away. She and her family did a presentation just months ago at AHS on Pierce Manufacturing, the family’s company.
G. Just a reminder that previous meeting presentations can be found on YouTube, and our Meeting Minutes with Program Summary are on our Web Page.
H. Door Prize – Two Car Wash Tokens provided by Bergstrom Automotive. Drawing was was won by Mary Keller.
I. Final reminder to renew your annual membership if you have not yet done so, we already have 69 paid members.
AHS COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS:
Gwen Sargeant, Board and Public Relations Committee Member:
1. Gave a summary of upcoming AHS programs through May (See List Above).
2. Noted that Historic tours will be presented at the Monte Alverno Retreat Center on March 15th.
3. Encouraged us to attend a new exhibit of Edison photographs at the Historic Hearthstone.
4. Also reminded us that AHS will be hosting another Cemetary Walk at Riverside Cemetary on August 17th.
Jim Krueger, AHS Board Member:
1. Gave a postscript on his Presto Products History presentation. Showed a Fairy Metal Cutout that had been the firm’s original logo. It was dropped because the firm’s leadership thought it would offend women.
8th AHS HISTORY FAIR REPORT:
James Richter, Co-Chairman, along with Mark Moderson, Co-Chairman, gave a final report on our 8th History Fair.
A cold and snowy day, but our 8th History Fair had a terrific response from the community. The event was again held as part of the Appleton Downtown Winter Farm Market at the City Center in downtown Appleton. With our highest attendance ever with 345 visitors, people showed great support and positive comments for our theme, and the diversity of our exhibits.
Our planning committee chose a Central Theme of Appleton’s Historic Dairies focusing on producers of Fluid Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, and Whey. A wide array of exhibits and artifacts were displayed.
EXHIBITORS (We deeply appreciate their efforts):
(1) Appleton Historical Society-David Buss & Christine Williams –Welcome Table
(2) Brian Schneider & Gwen Sargeant – Historic Videos, Artifact Scanning
(3) John Marx – Dairy Artifacts and Pictures
(4) Dave Kalz – Historic Appleton Photos
(5) Mark Moderson – Dairy Artifacts and Pictures
(6) James Richter – Dairy Artifacts
(7) Arvin & Betty Wolfgram – Historic Appleton Photos, Post Cards
(8) Tom Sutter, AHS President – Historic Newspapers and Maps
(9) Jim Krueger - Dairy Artifacts and Pictures
(10)Mike Broeren – Dairy Artifacts and Pictures
(11) Alan Deeg – Historic Photos and Artifacts
(12) Donna & Barney Hameister – Historic Appleton Pictures
(13) David Buss- Portrait of old YMCA/Public Library/Zuehlke Building
(14) Ted Daelke – Dairy Artifacts and Pictures
(15) Allan Schmidt – Quaker Dairy and Potts Dairy Items
We thank Jennifer Stephany and Djuanna Hugdahl of Appleton Downtown Inc. for making the event possible. Thanks also go to Pfefferle Companies Inc. and their City Center Staff for providing space, equipment and assistance. We also appreciate the excellent news coverage that was provided prior to the event by the Appleton Post Crescent, the Bargain Bulletin, WHBY Radio and finally to Pat of Murray Photo for providing photo services for the event.
ZUEHLKE BUILDING HISTORY DISPLAY REPORT:
James Richter also reported that he, Mark Moderson, and Brian Schneider have just repaired the lighting and refreshed the exhibit in the public lobby of the Zuehlke Building. Members and guests are urged to view the exhibit.
David Kositzke Passes Away:
Dave Kositzke, Appleton Native, and local history buff has passed away while vacationing in Florida. He was a lover of Appleton history, a dedicated volunteer to the Outagamie Museum, and attended many AHS events.
PROGRAM- Appleton Bicycling History from 1869 to present, by Gwen Sargent
Gwen Sargeant’s Background:
Gwen Hinzman Sargeant, Appleton Bicycle Shop. Gwen is the 4th generation to work at Appleton Bicycle Shop. She runs the operation with her husband Joe and they have 3 elementary school children Joey, Helen, and Paul. Gwen is an Appleton Historical Society board member and volunteers her time with the Appleton Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, East Central Bike Planning, Fox Cities Cycling Association , Neenah Historical Society, and Fox River Environmental Education Alliance. Gwen enjoys researching all Appleton history and has a passion for genealogy. You can find her on "Moonlight" bicycle tours of Appleton history, researching in the library, answering questions on the Appleton Historical Society facebook page, talking bicycles on the sales floor, and repairing bikes in the shop. Gwen was born at Memorial Hospital in Appleton and graduated from Lawrence University in 1997 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Science.
A Running History of Bicycling in Appleton from the Beginning (Summary of Pictures Shown):
A. The Velocipede and College Ave.
Velocipedes were first seen on the streets of Appleton in 1869. Mr. Kirkwood was the first to introduce one. He would have pushed his velocipede or hobbyhorse as he called it. Unlike today’s bicycles the hobbyhorse didn’t have pedals. Mr. Kirkwood would have pushed and glided down the rugged dirt streets of Appleton like College Avenue pictured here. When he appeared crowds gathered to see his performance. Even the dogs nipped at his heals and barked at the unusual sight. This patent from 1869 shows a hobbyhorse design.
B. Letter to Editor
Mr. Kirkwoods introduction of the velocipede to Appleton enticed both men and women. In March of 1869 the Appleton Crescent received this question to the editor. I’m not sure what men were supposed to do when they careened to leeward.
C. Highwheeler and Safety Bikes
The push and pull of allowing women to ride velocipedes and eventually highwheelers and safety bikes was a topic of conversation in many parlors and newspapers of the day. The highwheeler added pedals and large front wheel to increase the speed. In the 1880’s bicycle clubs began to form in towns across the United States. Cycling increased in popularity as it became more available to people, Wisconsin had a number of bicycle manufacturers. The safety bike reduced the front wheel size and is similar in structure to modern bicycles. In 1883, the Appleton newspaper noted that “Bicycles had begun to be numerous”. (History of Outagamie County).
D. The Bicycle Boom
By the 1890’s the full bicycle boom had begun. Lawrence University had a ladies cycling club. Here the 22 ladies are pictured outside of the ladies dormitory, Ormsby Hall. The bicycle increased the freedom and independence of the rider.
E. 1895 Post Crescent Article
In 1895 the Appleton Crescent noted that “The organization of the Appleton wheeling club was perfected by the election of C. L. Marston President, Harvey Pearson, VP ; H.E. Pomeroy, Secretary; and Alfred Galpin Treasurer. The new organization started out with a membership of 45.
The photo shows the Appleton Wheeling club at high cliff. The members pictured included Harry Pope, Hugh Pomeroy, George Peerenboom, Sam Ryan, and Charlie Green. In, 1895 Bicycle touring was a popular sport. Everyday parties containing a half dozen or more wheelmen from various parts of the state were registered at the hotels. Bicycling had a positive effect on the local economy in both touring and racing. The Appleton Cycling Club had its eye on hosting the state meet and in November 1895 the membership of the League of American Wheelmen and Appleton Cycling club was 117. That number assured enough votes-- with those of Marinette-- to secure the state bicycle meet the following summer of 1896. In December of 1895 the new fair grounds were secured for the state bicycle meet. The Fair Grounds were located at College Ave and Linwood St. July 8th 1896 the state bicycle meet opened at the driving park.
F. Nick Hoffman’s Wheel Fever Book
A new book “Wheel Fever” by our own local historian Nick Hoffman gives a magnificent description of this event from the local papers of the day. “ There were 3 massive grand stands and the scene was a dazzling one as the ‘fair ones’, and there were hundreds of them, were attired in dainty light gowns of rich materials.” Designated as a national meet this event drew a lot of famous cyclists to Appleton. Local businesses decorated their storefronts with the colors of the Appleton Cycling club. Festivities happened throughout Appleton from the around the track area to the downtown. There were parades and a dance held at the armory.
G. The Bicycle by Early 1900
By the early 1900’s bicycles were also quite popular with children. The Galpin and Richmond Children are pictured here with their safety bicycles.
H. Track Meets
In 1904 bicycling became part of track meets. This photo shows the Appleton High School cycling team. The athletes pictured are Ray Hardacker, Harry Ballou, Elmer Merrill, Hubert Wolfe, Joe Plank, Hugo Kuehmstedt, and George Dutcher.
I. Appleton’s Bicycle Shops
Gwen said that “Now I’m going to “shift gears” (that was for Tom Sutter) and talk about the bicycle shops. The first evidence of a bicycle shop in Appleton comes from the 1893 directory. It lists bicycles as a category and has William Groth as the only bicycle dealer. This photo shows the back of the Groth Bicycle Store. The William Groth bicycle store was located at 875 College Ave. (Where the Paper Valley stands today). The picture was taken from Superior Street looking West at the alley behind College Ave. On the left of the photo is a livery stable. A newspaper article from Saturday March 5th 1898 made mention of William Groth’s store. “The store was completely filled with bicycles.” Among those represented were Rambler, Remington, Sterling, Trinity, Barnes, Gendron, Ideal, Reliance and Crescent. It is amazing how many different companies were manufacturing bikes in country at this time.
The 1896 Directory adds bicycle repairing as a category. In it, it lists:
Henry Bergman at 625 Appleton; William Groth at 875 College Ave; and George E. Mendel at 1030 College Ave.
J. Groth’s Bicycles – 1893 through 1925
Here is photo of the directory pages from Groth’s Bicycles in 1893 and 1925. It is interesting to note that they also sold guns and ammunition and fishing tackle. Bicycles became an important method of transportation and recreation in the beginning of the 20th century.
K. Bicycling in the 20’s
Fast Forward to the 1920’s post world war 1 and we find some great examples of bicycle advertisements. (READ and Talk through what is on slides) National Bike Week.
The 1925 Directory lists Bicycles and Supplies: The businesses included:
Belter Otto H 117 N Superior
GALPIN'S A SONS, 200-202 E College av
GROTH WX A SONS, 305 W College av
Schiedermeyer & Koehnke 204 N Summit
L. Popularity Continued through the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s
Bicycles were popular throughout the 1920’s,30’s and 40’s. Bicycles served as transportation, delivery vehicles, and recreation. Junior Koester is shown here delivering meat for his Uncle Joe of Wentink-Steidl’s meat market on Lawe St. We know it now as Jacob’s Meat Market. Junior also delivered pop cases by bicycle for his Grandpa Henry and Dad Walter Koester of Koester’s pop. Junior is riding a single speed, coaster brake bike. He’s probably dreaming of the invention of a two speed kick back.
M. Saturday Morning Traffic Court
If Junior wasn’t following the traffic rules for bicycles he would end up here; Saturday morning traffic court with Sgt. Radtke. Sgt. Radkte was instrumental in establishing the rules of the road for bicycles in Appleton. He delivered posters on the rules to schools and spoke to the Hiawatha Bicycle safety club at its’ first organizational meeting. When you first arrived we had the bicycle safety video playing. The video called “Handlebar Hazards” was filmed by R.L.Swanson. It featured all Appleton locations and citizens along with Sgt. Radtke. Bicycle were big business. They were sold by hardware stores like Schlafers and bicycle shops.
N. Hinzman Starts the Appleton Bicycle Shop
In December of 1939, with $75 dollars and a prayer my grandpa Clarence Hinzman started the Appleton Bicycle Shop. At the time the shop did bicycles, general repairing, and welding. He’s pictured with his father Robert Hinzman. The shop was located at 127 Soldier’s Square. (Where the Soldier’s Square parking ramp now stands.) 2014 marks Appleton Bicycle Shops 75th anniversary.
In the 1940’s Appleton Bicycle Shop sold the first tandem in Appleton. In 1941 the directory Appleton Bicycle Shop is listed as the only bicycle shop. The hardware stores of the day did sell bicycles as well.
O. The Appleton Bicycle Shops First Delivery Vehicle
The first delivery vehicle.
P. Grand Opening
August 17th 1950 Appleton Bicycle Shop had their grand opening at 121 S. State St. A Post Crescent Advertisement of the Grand Opening— with free pins, etc. was shown. Also shown was a picture of the interior of the Appleton Bicycle Shop.
Q. Milhaupt’s Bicycle Shop
Milhaupt’s Bicycle Shop also came into Appleton in the 1950’s and were well known for their location on the 300 Block of North Appleton Street.
R. Lappen’s Bicycle Shop
The then far northside had it’s Bicycle Shop too. Lappen’s Bike Shop was in the 200 block of East Wisconsin Avenue. They were known for doing Whizzer Bike conversions into the 1960’s.
S. Grandpa Hinzman Riding His High Wheeler
Grandpa often rode his high wheeler in the parades in Appleton. He bought this authentic high wheeler in 1951. This picture is on College Ave. in the 1950’s, Recker’s Bar is in the background. The people in the crowd are dressed in uniform. Love any help in identifying more about that time.
T. Neighbor of the Appleton Bicycle Shop
Across the street from the store was a candy store. My dad said his dream was to go in with $20 dollars. It had wooden floors and the old style candy counter. The box bikes sat outside. These pictures are from before the addition on the back of the building. Paul said ‘we always wondered where we were going to with everything”.
U. Winter Storm before the Appleton Bicycle Shop
Snow piling up at the front door and the decorations for Christmas.
V. What the Store Looked Like Back Then
We had a cream and brown tile floor. You can see in the windows that bicycles were $37.95 and up. You can see the edge of the coke machine. We sold bicycles and some other fun things. The little tractor on the end you would pump with your arms and steer it with your feet.
W. As the Years Advanced the Products Changed
1960’s middleweight tires and then phasing into beginning of 5 speeds duerailluer’s and thinner tires. 1966 was the first 10 speed varsity
X. The 70’s was another bicycle boom.
There were no bikes in the show room strictly boxes and we had a waiting list. We would set them up and call them. 1970,71, 72, and 73 it was just a madhouse. It was tough to keep bikes in stock. An 2 story addition was built onto the back of the building for storage.
Conclusion:
Today the Appleton Bicycle Shop lives on with a variety of bike brands including Giant. Some exercise bikes and accessories are also sold. Bicycling in the community is going quite well as evidenced by the community’s commitment to install bike lanes throughout the City.
Currently the Riverview Gardens complex is seeking donations for a bike trail on their property. There is also a Fox Cities Cycle Association that does “Moonlight Rides” in Appleton on Fridays during the summer.
Respectfully, James L. Richter
AHS Secretary, 4/5/14