https://youtu.be/Xezf9tBENgw Pardon my awkwardness…
Tag: Winnebago County
The Spanish Flu Experience in Winnebago County
I can't help but be interested in the parallels of our current pandemic with the one in 1918. Naturally, I have been diving into the newspapers and trying to find any information/accounts/statistics of that horrible disease that swept the world back then. I stumbled upon this paper that sheds some light on our county's… Continue reading The Spanish Flu Experience in Winnebago County
Throwing Shade During WWI: The “Slacker” Part I
Had you been around during World War I you would have lived through some things that would have made you say, "Uhhh, is this America?!" Yeah, things got that ugly. Freedoms were suspended, food was rationed, and your neighbor could get you arrested for saying gesundheit after a sneeze. There are a few of those… Continue reading Throwing Shade During WWI: The “Slacker” Part I
1938 Otis Elevator Equipment
The Winnebago County Courthouse elevator equipment has been in service since 1938, and sooner or later it will be replaced. Although it seems antiquated to us, back when the building opened it was considered top-of-the-line equipment. Three elevator shafts were built--two for public elevators and one for a jail elevator. A public elevator car and… Continue reading 1938 Otis Elevator Equipment
Winnebago County Highway Garage
If I have not made it obvious, I work for Winnebago County as a maintenance technician and ensure our public buildings are running top notch. Besides learning new skills, I really enjoy learning about our buildings' histories--especially our courthouse. Our department operates out of the former Winnebago County Highway Department shop, and I never really… Continue reading Winnebago County Highway Garage
Local Building Research #2
A few posts ago I talked about a house being considered for the Oshkosh Landmarks Commission Historic Plaque Program and the research I did for the property owners. Earlier this year we had another property owner express interest in having his property locally landmarked, which protects a structure's historic character from being drastically altered. The… Continue reading Local Building Research #2
The Courthouse Light Returns
It's been two years since the quest began to bring this original Winnebago County Courthouse light fixture back home. My former supervisor and friend Isaiah and I have a mutual appreciation for architecture and history. Our courthouse is a beautiful example of the Depression Moderne style from the 1930s. I was fortunate in that he… Continue reading The Courthouse Light Returns
Historian for Hire
Check out the new "My Work" tab in the About Me section on the menu bar. I've had inquiries from people in the last couple of months asking for my help with research requests on family members or other local historical information. I've decided to put my skills and history degree to use to help… Continue reading Historian for Hire
Winnebago County Gold Stars
The Winnebago County Gold Stars page is now complete. Please click here to visit.
Chief Oshkosh Day
I've been exploring some really interesting local history lately that's right down the road from me. I live near Menominee Park in Oshkosh where there is a massive statue of Chief Oshkosh near the shores of Lake Winnebago. The bronze memorial to the chief was placed in the park in 1911, one of many statues generously donated by… Continue reading Chief Oshkosh Day
Austin M. Frederick 