Object Histories

Region 7 - South Center / Madison-Style Ice Boat / Madison / Dane County / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Object Histories / 1900-1920 / Nature & Environment / Transportation & Tourism / Global Connections

OBJECT HISTORY: Madison-Style Ice Boat Model

This miniature ice boat was originally built in Madison, Wisconsin about 1916-1917 by a member of the Bernard family. Carl Bernard grew up in the culture of ice boating and began making models of them at a young age. Creating models helped the Bernards try new innovative building techniques and were also raced for fun.

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020

Milwaukee County / Region 8 - South East / Milwaukee / Lifesaving Medal / Manufacturing & Trade / 1860-1880 / Object Histories / Nature & Environment / Transportation & Tourism

OBJECT HISTORY: Lifesaving Medal

All along Wisconsin’s 820 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, storms could mean the difference between profit and financial ruin, survival and terrifying death. This lifesaving medal reminds us of the risks that sailors and Wisconsin’s maritime communities have routinely faced since the early 19th century, and it documents the personal bravery, dedication, and ingenuity of those who would rescue their fellows…

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020

Horlick’s Malted Milk

Horlick's Malted Milk / Region 8 - South East / Racine / Racine County / Manufacturing & Trade / Food & Cooking / 1860-1880 / Science & Medicine / Object Histories / Global Connections

OBJECT HISTORY: Horlick’s Malted Milk

Invented in 1873 by British food manufacturer William Horlick, malted milk is made from wheat and malted barley extract mixed with reduced, dry whole milk.

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020

Beloit / Rock County / Region 7 - South Center / Clair Mathews' Feed Grinder / Food & Cooking / Science & Medicine / Object Histories / 1920-1940

OBJECT HISTORY: Clair Mathews’ Feed Grinder

Recognizing the need to grind feed for his dairy cows, but unable to afford a mill, Clair Mathews designed his own version of a feed grinder. That grinder would inadvertently create the snack that would come to be known as Korn Kurls.

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020

Cherryland T-Shirt / Region 5 - Center East / Ephraim / Door County / Manufacturing & Trade / Food & Cooking / Object Histories / 1920-1940 / 1940-1960 / Transportation & Tourism

OBJECT HISTORY: Cherryland T-Shirt

In 1927, Marilyn Färdig’s grandparents, Andrew and Esther Färdig, purchased twenty acres of land in Ephraim, Image courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Image ID: 79142. Wisconsin, and started a cherry orchard. With the help of their seven children and workers from a variety of locations, including the southern United States, Mexico, and Jamaica, Andrew…

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020

Langlade County / Region 2 - North East / CCC Pillow Sham / Home Furnishings / Politics, Society & Government / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Object Histories / 1920-1940

OBJECT HISTORY: CCC Pillow Sham

Created in 1933, this commemorative pillow sham was just one of a number of textiles created by second-generation Hungarian immigrant Rose Mary Drab to honor her brother Edward’s service in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Rose Mary appliquéd the black cotton sateen sham with a small cotton tent, a blue eagle and two small stars, and hills, pine…

Read More

0 Comments

September 9, 2020