History

To Live in a Bygone Era

At one point or another we have all said, " I wish I could go back in time." If only it was as easy as jumping into a DeLorean, setting a date of destination, and speeding to 88 mph and zipped into the past. Say for a minute that time travel was possible. The decade I… Continue reading To Live in a Bygone Era

Civil Defense, Projects

Take Cover Neenah! My First History Exhibit Project

As May approaches the opening day of Take Cover Neenah! exhibit at the Neenah Historical Society gets closer! It has been a great opportunity to work with fellow historians to assemble an amazing exhibit about Cold War history in the United State and in Neenah, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Humanities Council awarded a grant to the historical society to help fund the… Continue reading Take Cover Neenah! My First History Exhibit Project

Allis-Chalmers

Roto-Baler Safety

The Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler is arguably one of the most complex farm machines ever devised. The machine was ahead of its time, and the company advertised it as the "turning point in hay history." Although the Roto-Baler was a revolutionary farm machine in its day, there were and still are dangers in operating this baler. I… Continue reading Roto-Baler Safety

Civil Defense, History

Mapping Wisconsin Shelters

I have been working on a history project that I hope will get some of my fellow Wisconsinites involved in. I started a page on Facebook that is geared towards the Wisconsin experience of the Cold War. There are publications and scholarly works done on the Cold War, but I would like to hear the first-hand stories… Continue reading Mapping Wisconsin Shelters

History

My Visit to the Wisconsin Historical Museum

Molly and I spent the day  down in Madison, Wisconsin. There are a number of places to visit down there, but the Wisconsin Historical Museum has always been on my list of places to visit. The museum has a wonderful building on the corner of West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street. Admission to the museum is based on suggested donations.… Continue reading My Visit to the Wisconsin Historical Museum

Allis-Chalmers

Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler

The Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler could easily be one of the most complex farm machines I have ever used/laid eyes on. It requires detailed attention to all the springs, latches, bearings, chains, and belts.  If one component is not finely tuned, there is a good chance the machine will not work. The round bale machine has some very interesting history behind… Continue reading Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler

Allis-Chalmers

AC Power Train Machining

The Allis-Chalmers West Allis Works was a vast factory complex in its day. Thousands of machined parts and equipment were being produced by the company day after day. On the northwest corner of the factory grounds, near gate 7, just off of 70th Street, was the tractor division. It was there that the Persian Orange… Continue reading AC Power Train Machining

Uncategorized

Revitalize Our Hometown

Markesan, Wisconsin, is my hometown and things are not what they used to be. Many people may not believe it, see it or want to admit it, but Markesan is heading down a road of destruction. I want to get a movement going to challenge the community to step up and make change. This isn't something… Continue reading Revitalize Our Hometown