Episode 5 - Streets of Old Milwaukee

360 Milwaukee Public Museum

As you close your eyes and immerse yourself in the guided imagery, remember to breathe and relax. You arrive at the Milwaukee Public Museum on a chilly winter day in January. The moment you step inside, your eyes are captivated by the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit on the second floor, accessed through a streetcar entrance. It's as if you've been transported to the past, leaving behind the present world.

After disembarking from the streetcar, your gaze falls upon Northside Lumber and Fuel, which was the precursor to Bliffert Lumber and Hardware. The office with its nondescript appearance is sheltered under a yellow and blue awning.

Continuing your journey along the street, you pass by various stores and hotels that line the sidewalk. One of the first notable landmarks you encounter is the Pfister Hotel. This opulent establishment, constructed in 1893, stands proudly in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Just a few blocks away from the shores of Lake Michigan, its grand entrance doors showcase the splendor of Milwaukee's premier hotel.

As you proceed further, you catch sight of Klode Furniture, a renowned furniture store that operated in Milwaukee from 1900 to 1970. Located at 823 N 2nd St, it was established by James D. Klode. Glancing through the window, you admire the well-crafted and sturdy wooden furniture on display.

Your eyes are drawn to The Schloemer automobile, which was the first internal combustion vehicle to grace the streets of Milwaukee. Proudly parked nearby, it serves as a testament to the city's evolving technological advancements.

Walking past Roundy, Pekham and Co, the predecessor to Pic n' Save, your attention is caught by an open case of apples and some neatly arranged canned goods, a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.

Next, you come across Fred Usinger's, a renowned sausage-making company established in 1880 by Fred Usinger, a German immigrant who brought his sausage-making expertise to Milwaukee. You can see the sausages hanging from the wall and workers making the sausages.

As you turn the corner, you encounter Grandma House, where an elderly woman peacefully rocks on a chair outside her humble abode, adding a touch of warmth to the street.

Your senses are tantalized by the sight of a candy shop modeled after Stark Candy. Known for inventing the popular Candie Raisins candy and producing an extensive range of confectioneries, the shop's window glistens with an array of colorful treats. Eager children can be seen running up to the window, their eyes sparkling with excitement, as they plead to visit the Haymarket General Store where these delectable sweets are sold.

Continuing your exploration, you pass by the Nickelodeon, a theater showcasing black and white films, transporting you back to the early days of cinema.

You see the giant sign "The Comfort" This establishment is the original Mader's Restaurant, founded in 1902 by Charles Mader. The sign has a dinner special for 20 cents and beer for 5 cents.

Your attention is then drawn to a bakery, where freshly baked bread is artfully displayed in the window.

Nearby, a statue overlooks a small pond, providing a serene focal point amidst the bustling street.

You come across a pharmacy, reminiscent of Laabs Pharmacy, founded in 1898 by Otto Laabs. The shelves are adorned with bottles, boxes, and tins containing an assortment of pills, powders, liquids, and creams. Displays of perfumes, soaps, lotions, and brushes entice you with their scents and textures.

In the distance, the T. A. Chapman Co. department store stands tall. The store's windows proudly showcase a variety of dresses, suits, and other fashionable clothing items.

A Schlitz tied house saloon comes into view, proudly displaying the Schlitz globe and the slogan "the beer that made Milwaukee famous." The establishment exudes a vintage charm with its old-fashioned decor and memorabilia from the iconic Schlitz brewery.

You stumble upon H. Kuhm General Store, a one-stop-shop selling everything from groceries to hardware to clothing. This store, named after Henry Kuhm, a German immigrant who ran a general store in Milwaukee in the 1870s, displays a treasure trove of goods from that era. Wooden barrels, crates, and baskets overflow with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices. Glass jars, metal cans, and paper packages house an assortment of candies, cookies, crackers, and nuts. Shelves are adorned with fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and needles, while racks hold an array of coats, hats, gloves, and shoes. At the counter, a cash register, scale, and ledger await the transactions of the day.

Further along the street, you encounter a barber shop, its iconic barber pole spinning gracefully. The sight conjures images of traditional shaves and haircuts from days gone by.

As you continue your journey, you arrive at the Haymarket General Store, open to the public, inviting you to step inside and relish the experience of purchasing old-time candy, savoring the flavors of the past.

Finally, you reach Pawling and Harnischfeger (P&H), a company renowned for manufacturing some of the world's largest cranes and mining equipment. Founded in 1884 by Alonzo Pawling and Henry Harnischfeger, this landmark represents the pinnacle of industrial innovation during that era.

You reach the end of your journey through the Streets of Old Milwaukee, where a replica of Solomon Juneau's log cabin stands, a tribute to the city's founder. Take a moment to appreciate the rich history and vibrant culture that once thrived in these streets.

As you open your eyes, carry the memories of this immersive experience with you, allowing the serenity and nostalgia to bring you a sense of peace and relaxation before you drift off to sleep.