the old North Shore in Racine

the North Shore in Racine, Wis

Progressive milk wagon crossing the North Shore tracks in West Racine

old Racine harbor about 1950

Racine’s Fourth of July in 1884 was a monumental day. That day saw the unveiling and dedication of Soldiers Monument in Monument Square. Racine Heritage Museum celebrates this 130th anniversary by exhibiting original documents that record the fundraising activities that resulted in the now-familiar landmark. Visit Racine Heritage Museum to see the artifacts, and for a limited time in July, receive a postcard photo of the dedication event. 1884 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Racine, and a monument commemorating local soldiers who fell on Civil War battlefields was chosen as a fitting way to both observe the anniversary and honor the fallen. Planning and fundraising for the monument began as early as 1880. In October of 1881 the women of Racine organized and held a weeklong fundraising fair, and local businesses also promised funds. By 1883 funds were sufficient and a Vermont company was contracted to produce the monument, inscribed: In memory of Racine’s loyal and noble sons who enlisted to defend and perpetuate the union of these United States in the War of 1861-1865. On July 4th, 1884 in the public space originally known as Market Square, now Monument Square, a well-attended and photographed dedication ceremony occurred with prayer, music and multiple speeches.

Joe Jagersburger, ran the first Indy 500

North Shore train about to leave the Milwaukee depot..painting by by Don Ricchio

The Spark...see plaque photo.

Someone told me that, when they tore this lighthouse down, the bulk of it was hauled down Washington Avenue on a truck and scrapped. I've heard that there's photos of this somewhere - anyone ever heard this?

The Horlick Mill at “The Rapids” was where Racine farmers took their grain to be ground into flour. William See built the first flour and feed mill on the site in 1836. Matthew Titus and Thomas Summerston subsequently owned it before it was purchased by Joseph Horlick in 1874. In 1921 the mill burned down but one of the ancient millstones that William See purchased from France was used in 1928 as a commemorative marker at the site. Today the Riverside Inn stands where the old mill once was.

Joe Jagersburger lived in Racine, Wis

Kewpee hambergs were the best.

harbor Racine Wisconsin

My beautiful picture

This is Monument Square in 1884! The back of this photographs reads, "Unveiling and Dedication of Civil War Soldier's Monument on Monument Square 4 July 1884, Racine's Golden Anniversary."

High Street Meat Market, c. 1910.

Monument Square in 1942. We were able to date this photograph so accurately by magnifying the marquee at the Rialto theater (seen on the right), playing a Charlie Chan movie, Castle in the Desert.

This tunnel underneath the Root River was built by the Wisconsin Natural Gas Company in 1928. A banquet was held at its completion. It's located about a couple hundred feet east of the Main St bridge, in line with Chatham St on the north.