With this year being the 75th anniversary I thought it might be interesting as well as fun to look back at Greendale’s beginnings from the viewpoint of its own residents and local news stories of the day. Every Thursday through the end of the year, I will be posting humorous, relevant or just interesting stories from Greendale’s original newspapers.
The following selected stories are copied exactly as they were originally written (including some misspellings) unless otherwise noted. Some may be shortened with “…”. They will be in bold and italicized type.
Also, just a reminder - Greendale first opened to residents on May 1, 1938
Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
GREENDALE REVIEW – Saturday, July 15, 1939
COOPERATION ---- NOT CONDEMNATION
Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
How do you like the food store now? If you happen to be one of those people who has not been in the store for some time, drop in and look around.
A permanent manager, George Olsheske, has been hired and he is attempting to give Greendale the best food store in Milwaukee county. With the support of the people of the village this goal can be obtained.
Bill stack, manager of the meat department, is trying to meet the requirements of the patrons of the store. The steady increase in volume in this department since he took charge is proof that customers appreciate his efforts.
The produce department has been made more attractive through use of a new fruit rack.
Someone commented that the discussion on our co-op at the last citizens’ association meeting was the best heart to heart discussion on the subject we have had. That is probably true and should be continued at future meetings.
The co-op board of directors meet the third Friday of each month.
In the meantime, give your suggestions and comments to the store, Mr. and Mrs. Greendale, and you are the ones to be pleased. Let your wishes be known.
----Homer Munger
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A YEAR AGO
On July 11 at the annual school district meeting, Martin Paust was elected to serve as clerk of the school board, and Ervin Zillmer as treasurer.
The general committee held a special meeting on July 20, and another on July 26 at which time Miss Molly Flynn and Mr. Barr discussed the advisability of establishing a W.P.A. recreational unit in Greendale. Those appointed to the recreational committee, were Mrs. C. Knutson, Mrs. George Napier, George Brinkman, Chester Moehrlin and Dan Molthen.
On the 29th the athletic association held a men’s smoker.
July 20th Archbishop Samual A. Stritch appointed the Rev. Frederick P. Arnold of St. Martins as pastor of Greendale, and named the parish St. Alphonsus. July 27 Fabian Strong was appointed treasurer and Alois Werner, secretary.
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GREENDALE REVIEW – SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1939
Village Clerk Records First Local Marriage
At last the village clerk, Helen Arndt, has been able to corral a couple of entries for her big book marked ‘Marriages”.
The marriage of Harry R. Brandt 5597 Angle Lane and Caroline L. Clausing, 6801 Grange Place, was performed by Rev. Mohrhoff at the Community Building July 1, 1939.
The marriage of Carl Berliner, 1903 N. 18th St., Milwaukee, and Catherine Cain, 1702 W. Center St., was performed by Justice of the Peace Radke at the home of Clem Donnelly July 1.
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GARDEN PLOTS DOING WELL
Allotment gardens in the three public areas are a fine example of what can be accomplished by effort and perseverance. Although quack grass and thistles threatened to choke out seedlings before they got a good start, continuous hoeing and raking finally got the best of the weeds.
Many vegetables have matured and have helped considerably in keeping down the grocery budget.
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W.P.A. PROGRAM SHOWS PROGRESS
Splendid progress and fine workmanship on the W.P.A. work is reported by Walter E. Kroening, Assistant Manager. The paving of Grange Avenue and 60th Street, the curb and gutter along Northway, and the paving of the walks and playgrounds are creditable improvements to the village. Work is now being started on the grading of the athletic field and the baseball diamonds.
Regrading of back yards as well as planting has been discontinued for the summer. Work on this phase of the project will be resumed during the latter part of August.
Norbert Gardener, superintendent in charge of the project, should be given credit for the efficiency and thoroughness in which the work is being done. Cost records submitted by the accounting division of the W.P.A. office at Milwaukee, show that the work is being done at costs slightly higher than the probable contract costs.
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SISTER CITY UNLIKE GREENDALE
Greenhills, Ohio, sometimes called “sister city” to Greendale and which most people would expect to find similar in lay-out and construction, is vastly different, according to Roy MacAfee, tenant relations council in the management office, who recently visited there while on a vacation tour.
Wood, brick and masonry exterior walls are used on neighboring homes and more row and group houses are to be found there than in Greendale.
One of the outstanding features of Greenhills is the school, which includes one of the most modern senior high schools in the country. Interesting murals, painted by W.P.A. artists decorate the building.
The community has a swimming pool that has attracted not only the residents, but the surrounding country-side as well. For this reason an iron-clad rule has been adapted, permitting only persons with a pass and guest passes are issued for relatives and immediate friends.
It is hoped, through the use of these passes, that the pool will be kept free of overcrowding.
Brice Martin, who is a frequent visitor in Greendale, showed MacAfee about Greenhills.
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LIGHTS BIG IMPROVEMENT
Conditions along Grange Avenue have been greatly improved by installation of new street lights. Nine overhead lamps have been placed between 60th and 76th streets, eliminating dangerous conditions at several intersections.
This improvement, coupled with the completed paving of Grange avenue, has bettered traffic conditions considerably.
The new lights along the avenue are automatically controlled by an astronomical clock that switches them on one hour after sunset and off one hour after sunrise.
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Next week – Construction started on new grounds building.
Thanks to the Greendale Historical Society, for which I am a member, for providing the original newspapers.
Steve Peters
