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Appleton History

Bibliography

Books in the Wisconsin Collection
Videotapes
Audio-Vlsual Materials in the Wisconsin Collection
Wisconsin Files
Post Crescent Index
Newspapers
Maps
Other Sources

Books in the Wisconsin Collection

WR
352.1
App
Official City of Appleton
Office of the City Clerk
This is the city's annual record of officials and statistics. It also includes a short history of the city. The library owns the directories for 1925-26, 1935- 36, 1942-47, 1949-53, and 1955 to the present.
WR
378.775
Schu
Creation of a Campus
Marguerite Ellen Schumann
A short, anecdotal history of Lawrence University. concentrating on the history of its buildings. (1957)
WR
917.753
Wel
Welcome to the Fox Cities
Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry
A promotional pamphlet about the cities of the Fox River Valley, including brief reports on the area's history, transportation, public safety, housing, agriculture, business and industry, shopping, recreation, education, arts and culture, entertainment, environment, health care, places of worship, and sports. (1977)
WR
917.753
Yar
Yarns of Yesterday
As a project to commemorate the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, the Friends of the Appleton Library published this collection of memories by Outagamie County residents, age 60 or older. (1977)
WR
917.7539
App
Appleton City Directory
The library has city directories dating from the very first published for Appleton in 1874. These directories list residents and businesses of Appleton by name, address, and telephone number. (Since 1874)
WR
917.7539
App
Appleton Postcard Scenes and Business Letterheads
Painted postcards and business letterheads from the early part of the twentieth century have been accumulated in this volume. (No date)
WR
917.7539
MacN
Appleton, Wisconsin, Illustrated
George McNamee
Photographs of sites in Appleton from the late 19th century. (1892)
WR
917.7539
Out
Outagamie County Directories
The library has directories listing residents, addresses, and telephone numbers. The earliest directly is dated 1928, with no others until 1958. Since then, the directories have been published on a regular basis.
WR
917.756
Art
Artwork of the Lower Fox
A short history of the Lower Fox River accompanies photographs of the river dating from the turn of the century. (1902)
WR
917.756
Val
Valley of the Lower Fox
Contains photographs from the late nineteenth century of the communities of the Fox River Valley. (1887)
WR
920
Com
Commemorative Biographical Record of the Fox River Valley
Published in 1895, this book contains "biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families" for Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties.. The name index to the book is a separate volume, located at 920 Bail (1895)
WR
920
Hol
Badger Saints and Sinners
Frederick Lionel Holmes
This collection of biographical portraits of famous Wisconsinites includes a chapter on Eleazar Williams, whose schemes indirectly led to the founding of Appleton. The author puts Williams on the "sinner" side of his title. (1939)
WR
921
Wil
Eleazer Williams 1821-1921
Deborah Beaumont Martin
A brief biographical study of Eleazar Williams, the man indirectly responsible for the founding of Appleton. (1922)
W
944.035092
Lou
Prince or Creole? The Mystery of Louis XVII
Publius Vergilius Lawson
A biography of Eleazar Williams, taking the position that he was, in fact, the lost King of France, Louis XVII. (1905)
WR
970.3
His
The History of the Hochungra People (Winnebago Tribe) of Wisconsin
A short history prepared for use in classrooms. (1988)
WR
970.3
Kec
The Menomini Indians of Wisconsin
Felix Maxwell Keesing
This is a scholarly study of the Menomini tribe of Wisconsin by a professor of anthropology at the University of Hawaii. (1971)
WR
970.3
Law
The Winnebago Tribe
Publius V. Lawson
A publication of the Wisconsin Archeological Society, this work is concerned primarily with early Winnebago settlements. (1907)
WR
970.3
Our
The Menominee Indians: A History
Patricia K Owrada
A thorough history of the Menominee Indians by a professor of history at Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. (1979)
WR
970.3
Ox
l The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe
Shelly Oxley
A brief history presented in the format of a study guide and workbook for students. (1988)
WR
970.3
Oxl
A History of the Menominee Indians
Shelley Oxley
A short history written for use by students. (1988)
WR
970.3
Oxl
The History of the Oneida Indians
Shelley Oxley
Another in a series of brief histories of Wisconsin's Indian tribes. (1988)
WR
970.3
Rit
The Oneida Indians of Wisconsin
Robert Eugene Ritzenthaler
This publication of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee provides only a brief historical sketch. The main emphasis of the work is a sociological study of the Oneida Indians. (1950)
WR
970.477
Rad
The Winnebago Tribe
Paul Radin
This study of the Winnebago Indians was originally published as a part of a report by the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1923. (1970)
WR
970.4775
Lur
Wisconsin Indians
Nancy Oestreich Lurie
A short and concise history of Wisconsin Indians, including detailed reports of their land cessions. (1980)
WR
970.4775
Mor
Early Indian Tribes of Wisconsin
W. E. Morton
This book provides a brief description of the Indians of Wisconsin at the time of the white man's arrival, and the subsequent events in the history of each tribe. (No date)
WR
970.4775
Rit
Prehistoric Indians of Wisconsin
Robert E, Ritzenthaler
Based on archeological evidence, this book explains the manner of life of the Indians of Wisconsin prior to the arrival of Europeans. (1979)
WR
977.5
His
History of Northern Wisconsin
This book provides brief historical sketches of many Wisconsin counties, including Outagamie. It also features a short history of Appleton and information about prominent area citizens, businesses, and organizations. (1881)
WR
977.5
Sta
Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
These volumes contain articles from the holdings of the State Historical Society, including material dealing with Appleton's history. Consult these subject headings in the index volumes: Appleton; Fox Indians; Grand Chute; Lawrence University; Menominee Indians; Williams, Eleazar; Winnebago Indians. (Since 1903)
WR
977.5
Wis
Wisconsin Magazine of History
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
These bound volumes of the magazine contain several articles about the early history of Appleton. The best articles are, "Lawrence College," by Samual Plantz (Vol. 6, p.44), and "Appleton," by William Raney (Vol. 33, p. 135). For additional articles, consult the index volumes under these subject headings: Appleton; Fox Indians; Fox River; Grand Chute: Lawrence University; Menominee Indians: Sampson, Rev. William H.: Smith, Reeder Williams, Eleazar Winnebago Indians. (Since 1917)
WR
977.539
App
Appleton Diamond Jubilee
The Post-Crescent
Published in 1932, this special issue of The Post-Crescent is devoted to a history of Appleton up to that time. (1932)
WR
977.539
App
Appleton Review
A weekly magazine that was published in Appleton during the early 1930s. It contains poems, editorials, and small items of local interest. (1930-1932)
WR
977.53
App
Appleton's 75th Anniversary Celebration and George Washington Bicentennial
Appleton Review
This souvenir edition of the Appleton Review is devoted to a look at Appleton as it was in 1932. (1932)
W
977.539
App
Our First 100 Years
Appleton Centennial Inc.
Written for Appleton's Centennial celebration in 1957, this book provides a brief history of the city's first 100 years. (1957)
WR
977.539
App
Photo Portfolio
Appleton Free Library
This photo album from the late nineteenth century contains portraits of area residents and some scenes of Appleton at that time. (No date)
W
977.539
Hel
Appleton, Wisconsin: The Early Years
Olga L. Heller
An anecdotal history of Appleton written for children. (1977)
WR
977.539
Cit
City of Appleton 1989 Historic Sites Inventory
Meant as a supplement to The Historic Building Survey (1978), this report provides more detailed information on several important historic buildings and sites. The work contains some excellent, detailed photographs. (1989)
WR
977.539
His
Historic Building Survey, Appleton, Wisconsin
This is a study of the historic and architecturally significant buildings in Appleton. Each entry contains a picture of the building, a description, and historic information. (1978)
W
977.539
Ire
I Remember, I Remember
Outagamie County Historical Society
A collection of memories in prose and poetry of life in Appleton and Outagamie County many years ago. (1987)
W
977.539
Kel
College and Oneida
Carolyn Kellogg
In this work, local historian Carolyn Kellogg presents a partial history of Appleton's downtown, centered at College Avenue and Oneida Street. The book covers the period of the early settlers through the development of The Avenue shopping mall. (1986)
W
977.539
Kor
The Fox Heritage
Ellen Kort
A popular history of the communities of the Fox River Valley, filled with photographs and illustrations. A special section of the book is devoted to histories of prominent area businesses. (1984)
WR
977.539
Nel
Appleton in World War II
Evelyn Edyth Nelson
Brief biographical information about the men and women from Appleton who served in the armed forces during World War II. (1946)
W
977.539
Out
Land of the Fox
A history of Outagamie County published to coincide with Wisconsin's centennial, this book is filled with detailed historical information on communities in the county. (1949)
WR
977.539
Out
Outagamie County, Yesterday and Today
Provides a brief sketch of the development of Outagamie County. (1925?)
W
977.539
Rya
History of Outagamie County
Thomas Henry Ryan
Along with providing detailed historical accounts of community affairs, this book is the primary source of biographical information on early county residents. See the separate name index volume at the same call number. (1901)
W
977.539
Spe
The Pioneers of Outagamie County
Elihu Spencer
Provides brief biographical portraits of the first settlers in Outagamie County. (1895)
W R
977.539
Stu
Study of Social Conditions in Appleton, Wisconsin
Students of Lawrence University
In 191 1, the American Cities class of Lawrence University compiled this account of the social conditions in Appleton. The report includes details on business, government, education, recreation, and general physical conditions of the city. (1911)
WR
977.53905
Fox
Fox Citian
The Fox Citian was a monthly magazine published in 1967, providing a contemporary look at activities in the Fox River Valley communities. (1967)
W R
977.53905
His
History Today
Outagamie County Historical Society
While serving primarily as a newsletter of the Outagamie County Historical Society, occasional articles on local history appear in these volumes. (Since 1976)
W R
977.56
App
View Bicentennial Issues
The Post-Crescent
This volume consists of four issues of the "View" supplement to The Post-Crescent, all of which were devoted to the history of the Fox River Valley. (1976)
W R
977.56
App
Wisconsin State Centennial
The Post-Crescent
This special edition of The Post-Crescent com- memorated Wisconsin's centennial in 1948. Some articles on local history appear along with material covering the state. (1948)
W R
977.56
Gla
Historic Tales of the Fox River Valley
Giles Clark
Short historical essays about northeastern Wisconsin at the time that the first Europeans arrived. (1973)
W R
977.56
MacL
Pioneer Life in the Fox River Valley
Annie Susan McLenegan
A brief account of the settlement of the Fox River Valley published by the State Historical Society. (1906)
WR
977.56
O'Ke
Story of the Fox River Valley, 1634-1880
Mary A. O'Keefe
A concise account of the history of the Fox River Valley, including information on the region's geography, the Indian tribes, early exploration and settlement. (1931)
WR
977.56
Tit
History of the Fox River Valley, lake Winnebago, and Green Bay Region [Three Volumes)
A flowery, old-fashioned history of the Fox River area. The information on Appleton is primarily limited to an article on Lawrence University. That article appears on page 537 in Volume II. The index is contained in a separate, paperbound book catalogued at the same number. (1930)
WR
977.561
Voy
Voyageur
Brown County Historical Society
This periodical is an historical review of Brown County and Northeastern Wisconsin published by the Brown County Historical Society. (Since 1984)
::

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Videotapes in the Audio-Visual Area

977.539
Bicycle Safety
Bic
Appleton Police Department
Originally produced in 1935, this silent color film was meant to instruct students in safe bicycle riding. The real value of the film today is in its glimpse of Appleton as it looked in 1935, with street scenes and appearances by local public officials. ( 1985?; VHS; 10 minutes)
711.4
Rep
Report to the Community: Downtown Development
AAL
A taped account of the 1984 press conference in which developers and city officials announced plans for Appleton's downtown mall, The Avenue. (VHS; 75 minutes)
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Audio-Vlsual Materials in the Wisconsin Collection

W
331.7
His
History and Development of Occupations in the Fox River Valley
Now and Then Radio Program
A series of 104 interviews on audiotape with people who know about, or were employed in, occupations important to the history of the Fox River Valley. Among the occupations covered are those in government, transportation, the arts, communications, industry, and services. (1979)
W
917.7539
Our
Our Appleton
Appleton Area School District
This sound filmstrip was produced to introduce children to the history of Appleton. A teacher's guide with recommended activities is included. (1982)
W
977.539
Dra
40 Years at Lawrence University
Dorthy Draheim
This audiotape, part of the "Now and Then" radio program, consists of an interview with Dorothy Draheim, who recalled her years serving as the registrar at Lawrence University. (1978)
W
977.539
Ear
Early Appleton
Appleton Area School District
A sound filmstrip prepared to explain Appleton's early history to children. A teacher's guide is included. (1982)
W
977.539
Mem
Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
Outagamie County Historical Society
A history professor at Lawrence University conducted a seminar on local history at the Appleton Library in the autumn of 1981. This is an audio recording of the group's discussions. (1981)
W
977.539
Tra
World Traveller
Mabel Okee Traiser
In this audiotape interview conducted for the Now and Then radio series, Appleton resident Mabel Okee Traiser recounts incidents from her life. (1978)
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Wisconsin Files

Many pamphlets, articles, and state documents can be found in the Wisconsin Files in the Wisconsin Collection under the following subject headings: Top of page

Post Crescent Index

For many years the library maintained an index of The Post-Crescent newspaper providing dates, page numbers, and headlines of articles. The index is now online and the newspaper is available on microfilm. Try these subject headings: Top of page

Newspapers

The library has the following local newspapers on microfilm: Top of page

Maps

The library owns bound copies of Outagamie County plat maps, located in the 912 area of the Wisconsin Collection, which provide information on land ownership. Holdings are from various dates.

Another plat map, showing the original land owners of Outagamie County, can be found in the Wisconsin Files under "Outagamie County, Wisconsin."

Many old maps of the city of Appleton and the Fox River Valley are in the map cases located in the Wisconsin Collection.

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Other Sources

A unique source of local history is provided by the yearbooks published by Appleton high schools, The library owns a nearly complete collection for the public high schools and a few from the parochial schools. The books are located in the Wisconsin Collection 371.8 App, with the most recent books kept in storage.

In the 977.5 section of the Wisconsin Collection are many books devoted to the general history of Wisconsin. Consult the index of each book for references to Appleton.

The Dictionary of American Biography, at 920 in the Reference Collection, provides brief biographical sketches of three figures important to the early history of Appleton: Samuel Appleton, Amos A. Lawrence, and Eleazar Williams.

Census records for Wisconsin maintained on microfilm are also available at the library.

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Appleton Public Library / 225 N. Oneida St. / Appleton, Wisconsin 54911-4780  (920) 832-6170
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Latest revision 12/15/2006