Manitowoc in Top 25 'Dreamtowns'
Saturday, August 16th MANITOWOC- Manitowoc was ranked No. 24 out of 140 micropolitan areas by the Bizjournals, according to a July 21 article on the Bizjournals Web site.
The article said the journal compared a list of 140 micropolitan areas using 20 statistical categories from data given by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The article describes a micropolitan as a central community with a population of 10,000 to 50,000 people and is surrounded by countryside.
“I think it’s great that more attention is now being paid to areas of our economy that range in size from 10,000 to 50,000 people,” said Mayor Kevin Crawford, during his Three Minutes with the Mayor on Monday. “According to many theories, areas like ours are where the most jobs and new economy will be developed as we move into the future. And for good reason, people really want to live where the quality of life is the highest.”
Homegrown Heritage Breakfast
· Saturday, August 16th
· Pinecrest Historical Village
· 7:00 am – 10:00 am
· Enjoy a catered breakfast of locally grown foods in support of local history preservation
· Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children age 6-17
· Contact MCHS at 684-4445 for reservations
On Saturday, August 16th, the Manitowoc County Historical Society will host a Homegrown Heritage Fundraiser Breakfast at Pinecrest Historical Village. The breakfast will be prepared by All Occasion Catering and will feature a wide variety of food and beverage from local producers.
Visitors will discover the variety of quality foods produced in Manitowoc County and celebrate our strong agricultural tradition. Funds raised at the event will help the Manitowoc County Historical Society in their efforts to preserve and promote local history.
According the MCHS Executive Director Mike Maher: “The Homegrown Heritage Breakfast is a celebration of the proud and hard working farm families and food producers that make our region a leader in agriculture. Pinecrest Historical Village preserves the history of Manitowoc County and serves as the perfect location to celebrate our “Homegrown Heritage”.”
Featured products include: Humpty Dumpty Eggs, Natural Ovens Bakery breads, Tuschel’s Fresh Country Meats, Maple Syrup from Glenn Rodewald of the Vinyl Top Shop, Willow Creek Mill pancake mix, Pine River Dairy butter, jams by Creative Cannery LLC, Stumpjack Coffee Company and milk provided by Larry’s Piggly Wiggly.
The Homegrown Heritage Breakfast will be held at Pinecrest Historical Village from 7:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturday, August 16th. The cost of the breakfast is $10 for adults and $6 for children age 6-17. Reservations are appreciated. For more information contact MCHS at (920) 684 – 4445 or visit us on the web at www.mchistsoc.org.
RiverEdge Galleries Celebrates It's 24th Anniversary
RiverEdge Galleries, 432 East Main Street, Mishicot, Wisconsin is celebrating it's 24th anniversary year and presents a one man exhibition of representational oil paintings by Milwaukee, Wisconsin artist Ken Bronikowski. The exhibition opens on Jun 29 and continues through August 3, 2008.
Bronikowski retired in 1996 after 44 years as an illustrator in the Milwaukee area. During his years as an illustrator in the commercial art field he worked on numerous national and local accounts. "Now I finally have the opportunity to pursue fine art completely, of which I will include portraiture, figurative paintings, landscapes, still lifes...and I love to paint onions."
The exhibition at RiverEdge Galleries includes recent paintings of Wisconsin landscapes, and classical still lifes. "Many of my oil studies are painted Al Prima meaning they are done on location, direct and without any preliminary sketching or compositional studies and finished in one painting session."
Bronikowski studied life drawing and oil painting/portraiture under William H. Mosby at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to painting he taught basic drawing, oil painting and portrait sketching at the West Bend Art Museum and Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The hours for the gallery during the exhibition are Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm and Sundays 1 - 4 pm. More information available at www.riveredgegalleries.com
A free public reception to meet the artist Ken Bronikowski will be held on Sunday June 29 from 1 - 4 pm at RiverEdge Galleries.
Elsewhere within RiverEdge Galleries is a concurrent group exhibition of original works in a variety of media. Artworks in this exhibit include oils by Bonnita Budysz, Two Rivers, Wisconsin; oils by Alicia Czechowski, Baltimore, Maryland; hand colored lithographs by JoAnna Poehlmen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; oils by Kathy Raasch, Gleason, Wisconsin; and kinetic sculptures by Dave Riemer, Chicago, Illinois.
Badger offers best price, more fun
The historic S.S. Badger car ferry begins its 2008 sailing season May 9 between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, combining a unique vacation experience on an authentic steamship with the lowest fares on Lake Michigan.
Despite significantly increased fuel costs, we are working very hard to reduce our operating expenses so we can keep fares as low as possible for our passengers, said Magee Johnson, Director of Media Relations. 2008 prices will be implemented starting May 9th, and will reflect a comparatively minimal increase with no added fuel surcharge, or other fees.
The largest car ferry on the Great Lakes, the 410-foot Badger holds 620 passengers, 180 autos, RVs, buses and commercial trucks, and is part of a century-old maritime tradition.
The SS Badger features a variety of amenities, including Badger Bingo, two food service areas, children's activities, expansive outside decks, free TV and movies, private staterooms, and gift shop. Carferry history is integrated into the onboard experience to educate and entertain passengers, providing a unique travel adventure the company calls Big Ship, More Fun!
The largest car ferry ever to sail on Lake Michigan, the S.S. Badger has established an outstanding record for safety and reliability. The ship is a registered state historic site in both Michigan and Wisconsin. The ship's coal-powered Skinner Unaflow Steam Engines, operating on domestic fuel, have been designated a national engineering landmark.
Lake Michigan Carferry has invested heavily over the past 15 years to maintain the Badger's historic steam engines. During the past winter, the ship's two steam condensers were re-tubed for the first time since the ship was built. According to Chief Engineer Chuck Cart, the S.S. Badger is in the best mechanical condition she has been in for more than thirty years.
Click here for more information on the S.S. Badger
April 24, 2008
Manitowoc Crane Motorcycle episode premiered on
'American Chopper'
Crane and motorcycle fans alike celebrated the airing of the 'American Chopper' episode featuring the Manitowoc crane inspired 'chopper' Thursday night, May 1, 2008. About 200 Manitowoc fans and residents gathered locally to watch the show air at a north-side Manitowoc sports bar and grill. The program was carried by cable television's The Learning Channel. After months of planning and coordination, the episode featuring the custom-made bike's planning, construction and unveiling,
was finally shown. With the show's airing, Manitowoc will now have the custom-built motorcycle on public display. Larry Weyers, executive vice president of the Americas region of Manitowoc's crane division, said it was gratifying to see the company featured in the show. Manitowoc Cranes really fits the show, so it was exciting to see them feature us. The Teutul's attention to detail and their passion
for their work embodies Manitowoc in many ways, he said. It was interesting how they had adapted so many elements of cranes into this chopper. It was also very enjoyable to see how much the company employees and crane enthusiasts really appreciated this bike. A visit to the Manitowoc crane manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, Wis. led to the inspiration of many of the crane-related elements on
the bike, including front and rear wheel rims which have coiled wire rope; a lattice-boom 'sissybar' complete with rope and hook; and handle bars inspired by Manitowoc's patented mobile hydraulic crane MEGAFORM boom design. The Teutul sons, Paul Jr. and Mikey, along with a video crew, visited the Manitowoc factory in February. Scenes of Manitowoc's factory and test yard were shown on the program. The chopper was presented to Manitowoc in a hand-over ceremony on Manitowoc's stand at the CONEXPO 2008 construction trade show in Las Vegas, in March.
That event was also videotaped and shown as part of Thursday's program. Manitowoc will display the chopper at regional events and dealerships throughout North America for the remainder of 2008. Merchandise featuring the Manitowoc
bike and the Orange County Chopper logo's available in Manitowoc's on-line store.
About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,
tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
Click here for more information on The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Burger Boat Company is pleased to announce that it has been commissioned to build a new 43 meter (140') custom motor yacht. This vessel has been designed over the past 18 months by Burger's team in conjunction with an experienced yachting family who currently own their third Burger-built boat. This project also accomplishes Burger Boat's planned objective to start construction of one new yacht in mid 2008, with completion expected by mid 2010.
During the second half of 2008, Burger Boat has the availability and intends to commit to the construction of one additional new custom yacht which, depending on size, is expected to be delivered in late 2010 or early 2011.
Since October 2007, Burger Boat has launched two vessels and currently has four custom yachts under construction, two of which will be completed by the end
of the third quarter 2008.
Burger Boat Company builds custom motor yachts, in aluminum and/or steel,
up to 60 meter (200') and, since 1863, has been recognized worldwide for design, quality construction and seaworthiness. Burger is the foundation of the American yachting experience and the oldest and most respected custom yacht builder in America.
Click here for more information on The Burger Boat Company
SPUTNIKFEST!! It's Coming
The Sputnik story is a little-known fact about the city of Manitowoc and we want to share that story with the rest of the world.
Be hokey, fun, and ridiculous! Join us for Sputnikfest 2008 on September 6th as we bring out the wacky and the tacky to tell our tale. The festival will be a celebration of not only the Sputnik/Manitowoc tie, but to that fun and sometimes frightening space age. Join the Rahr West Art Museum as we travel back in time for our "Where Were You in '62" art exhibit. See the world from a different perspective as you reminiscence about TV dinners, beehive hairdos and Russian satellites.
There'll be dancin' in the streets as you "Rock your socks" and listen to live bands playing songs you LOVE! Yep...kids around here in '62 weren't allowed to do the "twist" but at Sputnikfest you can shake, rattle and roll.
Artta this World Artists will be rockin' at Sputnikfest too! Plan a jaunt into their intergalactic creation stations...and you could be the owner of some awesome masterpieces to hang in your very own space pad.
Kids will love the Mountain of Moon Dust! Digging through Lunar Dirt to find extra terrestrial treasures is COOL! The whole family can take part in the Sidewalk Spacewalk event. Decorate your wagons, strollers, heck even your family dawg!
As we get in shape and show the crowd our Sputnikfest spirit.
AND the food will be out of this world!!! Get ready to digest some of the best space cuisine this side of the galaxy! At Sputnikfest calories don't count and your weight won't be an issue. There's zero gravity in our food court! Don't let your waistline weigh you down!
If you really want to be the "cat's pajamas", dress for success by wearing your favorite 1962 outfit to Sputnikfest. It'll put you in the proper frame of mind and everyone will think you're the BEE'S KNEES!
Start your countdown to Sputnikfest! It will be a trip you'll never forget!
What Happened in Manitowoc in September 1962?
On a recent "Millionaire" game show, the $100,000 question asked what happened in Manitowoc in September 1962. The crash of the Sputnik was one of four choices. The contestant didn't know the answer.
The SPUTNIK IV was launched at Balkanur, USSR, May 14, 1960. On June 15, Ground Control at Balkanur began to program the maneuver that would fire retro-rockets and bring the space craft back to earth. The incline of the rocket was inaccurate, however, due to the failure of the ship's orientation system and the vehicle assumed an elliptical orbit. SPUTNIK IV could not be recovered.
Several years later, the SPUTNIK IV began a slow plunge to Earth. At about 4:30 am Central Standard Time on September 5, 1962, a piece, 20 cm by 8 cm hit almost precisely on the center line of North 8th Street in front of the Rahr-West
Art Museum (look for the brass ring in the street).
Two Manitowoc patrolmen discovered the fragment and turned it over to authorities.Officials at NASA and the Smithsonian Institution identified threads arranged in the metric system and the detecton of two minerals created by heat and friction of re-entry.
The piece was later returned to the Soviets.
It was dedicated in September 1987 marking the 25th anniversary of the historic crash. There is a brass ring in the middle of the street in front of the Rahr-West Art Museum where the fragment was found imbedded in the pavement.
Today an exact replica of the SPUTNIK IV fragment is on display at the Rahr-West Art Museum and at the Visitor Information Center, a reminder of that time when space was a new frontier and Manitowoc was able to briefly share in the mystery and adventure.
As a result of the recent yet brief national attention of the SPUTNIK IV on the "Millionaire" game show and to commemorate the historic event, a new festival is being planned for September 5-6, 2008 in Manitowoc, WI.
Click here to read an article from USA Today about the launch of SPUTNIK I
(Oct. 4, 2007)
ROUSE SIMMONS - THE CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP
On November 23, 1912, the schooner, ROUSE SIMMONS went missing in a terrible gale force storm off the shores of Two Rivers (near Rawley’s Point). Her cargo was a load of Christmas Trees bound for Chicago. She was last seen by the Kewaunee Life Saving Service flying a distress flag and heading south toward Two Rivers, WI.
The Kewaunee Station notified The Two Rivers Life Saving Service of the ship’s plight. The Two Rivers Station searched for hours for the crippled vessel, battling high seas, wind, snow, and darkness. But the ROUSE was never heard from again.
Our Two Rivers fishermen knew she had sunk nearby, however, because they would frequently pull up Christmas Trees in their nets.
In 1971, a Milwaukee Diver, Kent Bellrichard, found the vessel off our shores, with her hold still crammed with Christmas Trees. The mystery continued, however, when it was discovered that the wheel of the ROUSE SIMMONS was missing from
the ship.
In 1999, a fishing trawler, trawling a mile from the wreck, picked something up
in its net which was later determined to be the wheel of the ROUSE SIMMONS. How the wheel was separated from the ship is still a matter of debate.
Today, the ROUSE SIMMONS is nationally known as “The Christmas Tree Ship.” The full story of the “Christmas Tree Ship” as well as the ship’s wheel, and other artifacts can be seen at Rogers Street Fishing Village, Great Lakes Coast Guard Museum in Two Rivers.
On November 17, 2007 there will be a presentation of the ROUSE SIMMONS and award winning author, Rochelle Pennington will speak on her book "The Historic Christmas Tree Ship" at 1pm at the J.E. Hamilton Community House in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Then from 2:30-4 pm the public is invited to tour the Fishing Village Museum and see artifacts off the historic vessel. The ship’s famous wheel, quarterboard, (nameboard) spreaders, crock jar, stool, deadeye and Christmas tree are among the artifacts on display at the Museum.
There will be the lighting of the Christmas tree at 2:30 pm and carolers at the Fishing Village. Hot chocolate will be available and gifts will be on sale as well. In keeping with the Spirit of the Christmas Tree Ship, free museum admission with a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the local food pantry.
Click here for additional information
MANITOWOC - ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS TREE
CAPITOL OF THE WORLD
Season's Gleamings Book sold at the Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau - see below for details
For 100 years, thousands of factory workers in Manitowoc fashioned a bright shiney metal into everything from cookie presses to rowboats; earning the accolade, "Aluminum Cookware Capitol of the World." In 1959, Manitowoc's Aluminum Specialty Co. sent a shock wave through the traditional American home by producing the "Evergleam" all-aluminum Christmas tree, complete with "Sata Lite," a motor-driven 4 color projector. The company even produced a spinning musical tree stand that played "Silent Night." An instant sensation, millions of trees were shipped throughout the world and Elvis adorned Graceland's front yard with rows of the trees.
Their most famous appearance was on the 1965 premiere of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" featuring Lucy ordering hapless Charlie Brown to "get the biggest aluminum tree you can find...maybe painted pink." Some of the workers, now retired, vividly recall twisting and gluing the fragile tinsel from July to November in time for Christmas. Now considered quite valuable, you can still see one of these magnificent aluminum trees at the Manitowoc's Visitor Information Center, courtesy of Melcher Media.
A new book, Season's Gleamings - The Art of the Aluminum Christmas Tree, beautifully illustrates many of the trees produced in Manitowoc. Authors Julie Lindemann and John Shimon meticulously photographed the trees to produce the book, now available for $16.95, plus s&h, from the Manitowoc Visitor & Convention Bureau and other area book stores. To order call 1-800-627-4896 or email us at visitmanitowoc@manitowoc.info.
Season's Gleamings Website: www.seasonsgleamings.com
Click here to view a special article featured in the USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-11-29-aluminum-trees_x.htm
Click here for a special article featured in the New York Times
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h in Wisconsin and 27th in the United States in annual milk production. Manitowoc County is also home to the second largest vegetable cannery in the country - Lakeside Foods - and hosts Wisconsin's third largest Farmers Market in Manitowoc.