[1855]

	
I.O. of G.T.
I.O. of G.T.-A notice of the meetings of Evening Star Lodge, recently 
formed at Two Rivers, will be found in our columns. We learn that the 
Order is in a fair state of prosperity, and though not sufficiently 
posted in the objects of the organization to express any opinion of 
its probable influence for good, yet, there are those connected with 
it who are worthy of confidence, and whose influence has ever been on 
the side of truth.
Manitowoc Tribune, Sept. 6, 1855


I.O.O.F.
Odd Fellows' Festival-At a special meeting of Chickerming Lodge, No. 55, 
I.O.O.F., held on Monday evening last, it was resolved to have a Festival 
on the 1st day of January next, and the following persons were selected a 
Committee of Arrangements: Past Grand-W.W. Waldo, M. Fellows, S.W. Smith, 
W.F. Eldridge, G.S. Glover; K.K. Jones, Geo. L. Lee, P.J.Pierce, Jos. W. 
Thombs, W.W. Deming, H.E. Zailley, E.K. Rand, A.L. Edwards.
Manitowoc Tribune, Dec. 20, 1855


[1859]

	
Masons	
MASONIC.-Tracy Lodge, No. 107, having obtained its charter at the last 
session of the Grand Lodge, was solemnly dedicated last Friday night, 
and the following officers were duly installed: Fred. Borcherdt, W.M.; 
Fred. Ransch, Sr. W.; Aug. Wittmann, Jr. W.; Chas, Korten, S.; Chas 
Winkelmuller, Tr.; Adolph Wittmann, Sr. D.; Edward Mueller, Jr. D.; 
Daniel Roehmer, Ty.; Fred. Krause, and Herman Gutmann, Stewards.
Manitowoc Pilot, July 22, 1859


[1875]

	
Concordia Singing Society
At the semi-annual meeting of the Concordia Singing Society, of this place, 
the following officers were elected: Pres't Louis Kline, Sec'y Andrew Baetz, Jr. 
Treas. Wm. Nicklaus.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), May 18, 1875


[1885]


Kiel news: 
The Sons of Herman organized a lodge here lately.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 20, 1885 P.2


On receipt of the news of the death of Gen. McClellan the Grand 
Army boys set their flag at half mast. Many of them served under 
"Little Mac."
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 3, 1885 P.4




[1886]



To-morrow the State Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic 
will meet in Milwaukee. It will be a gathering of more than usual 
interest. Over two hundred Posts will be represented. The delegates 
from the Post in this city are Messrs. W.I. Besant and Jos. Miller with 
Chas. Spindler and Jere Cox as alternates. Comander H.C. Buhse, Past 
Commanders J.S. Anderson, E. Cone, J. Cumberlidge and C.E. Estabrook 
will attend as members of the encampment.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 2, 1886 P.3
________________
 
Capt. Emil Baensch of the Rankin Guards was elected treasurer for the 
ensuing year at the recent meeting of the officers' association of the 
Wis. National Guard.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 2, 1886 P.3



	
Knights of Labor
The Knights of Labor was at Manitowoc last week and arranged to form an 
assembly in that city. The Knights of Labor within a year will be the most 
powerful organization in the world if they continue to increase in numbers 
as rapidly in the future as they have in the past.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), Mar. 2, 1886


A reunion of the 14th Wis. Reg. has been called to meet at Fond du Lac 
on the 15th, 16th and 17th of June next. This is the first reunion ever 
called of that regiment and we hope it will be a success. This call will 
interest some of the old boys' of Capt. Waldo's Comapny which went from 
this city.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, March 16, 1886 P.3


The march of the serenaders around town on Friday evening and the drill of the 
Rankin Guards with torch lights were incidents enjoyed by a great many people.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, September 14, 1886 P.1





[1898]

	
South Side Ladies Aid Society	
South Side Ladies Aid Society to Give an Entertainment for the Poor. 
THURSDAY, NOV. 24, THE DATE Ladies Here Labored Faithfully to Make the 
Affair a Success and Should Be Given a Rousing Benefit. The South Side 
Ladies' Aid society will give an entertainment and dance at Turner opera 
house on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24. The proceeds will be 
devoted to the relief of the poor and, as the object is a worthy one, 
citizens should see that they are given a rousing benefit. The ladies 
have spent much time and labored conscientiously in the preparation of 
a program, which is excellent. About twenty-five of the leading young 
people are to assist and from present indications the entertainment will 
be a success. Bielings orchestra has been engaged to furnish the music, 
which will add much to the pleasure of the evening. A special feature of 
the program is the "Cake Walk" given by the members of the Darktown club. 
This will be participated in by ten young people well known to our citizens, 
but whose names for the present are withheld. The walk will create no end 
of amusement and the most graceful couple will be presented with a large 
cake. After the cake walk the floor will be cleared and lovers of dancing 
will be given an opportunity to trip the light fantastic. The entire evening 
promises to be one of rare enjoyment. The program is as follows: Selection, 
Bieling's Orchestra. Piano Solo, Miss Bertha Klingholz. Trio, Cornet, 
Trombone, and Piano, Mr. E. Sohrweide, Mr. H. Sidher, Mrs. Gust Alter. 
Vocal Solo (Soprano), Burt Kress. Reading, Miss Erna Wagner. Vocal Solo (Bariton), 
Mr. Schmitz. Vocal Solor (Soprano), Miss Matlida Schmidt Voca Trio, Miss. Leuhr, 
Miss Ada Locke, Miss L. Morrison. Male Quartete, Aaron Torrison, Clyde Sedgwick, 
A.S. Grahm, E.J. Onstad. Cake Walk, Members of Darktown Club.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Nov. 18, 1898


[1899]

	
TABITHA SOCIETY
The Tabitha society of the Norwegian Lutheran church held a social at 
the home of George Olson last evening. About $20 was netted and the 
proceeds will be used to place windows in the new church.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, January 18, 1899 P. 4



Clio Club
"LOVE", THE THEME. Clio Club Met With Mrs. Oscar Alter This Afternoon. The 
Clio Club met this afternoon at the pleasant home of Mrs. Oscar Alter, 818 
York street, and had a very enjoyable time. The club is making a study of 
Shakespeare's plays and its members are at present deeply interested in the 
great love romance "Othello". Although Shakespeare is the main subject of 
study, there is a paper read by one of the members at each meeting and the 
member is allowed to choose her own subject. Miss Jennie Barnes had the paper 
today and her subject was "Byron". It was a well written paper and treated 
of the life and characteristics of the great poet.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Jan. 27, 1899


Rahr Guards	
The Rahr Guards at a meeting last night appointed a committee to rent new 
quarters. They have an offer from the Schreihart Brewing Co. which will no 
doubt be accepted.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Jan. 27, 1899


Epworth League
The Epworth League will hold a "Spider Web" social at the home of Miss 
Lillian Clark on North Eighth street to-morrow evening. An enjoyable time 
is promised and everybody is cordially invited to attend.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 2, 1899

	
Rahr Guards	
WILL YOU BE THERE? Rahr Guards to Hold Their Annual Mask Ball Tomorrow Evening. 
The mask ball to be given by the Rahr Guards at Turner Hall to-morrow evening 
promises to surpass anything of the kind ever given in the city. The committee 
on arrangements have left no detail unattended to and present indications point 
to a large attendance. The hall is to be decorated and every effort will be made 
to give those who attend an evening of genuine pleasure. Beilings orchestra is to 
furnish the music and four prizes are to the hung up for the different costumes. 
The admission has been placed within reach of all, and if you are looking for a 
good time, don't fail to be present.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 1899


Baensch Guards
MORE BLUE COATS. The Baensch Guards Enlarging Their Membership. There was 
a meeting of the Baensch Guards at Turner hall last evening. E.J. Onstad 
made application for membership which was referred to the membership 
committee. Four new members were taken in. The remainder of the time was 
devoted to drilling.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 1899


Humane Society	
Attendance at the Meeting of Humane Society Very Light.The annual meeting 
of the Humane society held at the city hall last evening was not largely 
attended. The slim crowd present indicates a lack of interest in the good 
work being accomplished by the organization and it is to be regretted. The 
report of the secretary shows some sixty members on the roll and the 
treasurer reported a cash balance of $80 in the treasury. The officer of 
the society reported that during the past year he had assisted in the 
prosecution of three cases, looked after fifteen cases of cruelty to animals 
and two of cruelty to children. A motion to have the dues of the members paid 
voluntarily instead of b??ing a collector was carried unanimously. Hereafter 
member may pay their dues at C. Lie?enow & Son's store on the North side or 
at F.C. Buerstatte's store on the South side. The meeting then adjourned 
subject to the call of the secretary. New officers were not elected owing 
to the small attendance.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 11, 1899


Baensch Guards	
E.J. O?sted and Jas. Hempton were admitted to the ranks of the Banesch 
guards last evening and the oath of allegiance will be administered at 
the next regular meeting. The drill last night was well attended and much 
interest was manifested by the members of the company.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 17, 1899


Rahr Guards	
The Rahr Guards have purchased a new carpet for their club rooms.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 16, 1899


Lake Shore Mandolin/Guitar Club
Lake Shore Mandolin and Guitar Club A Thing of the Past. The Lake Shore 
Mandolin and Guitar Club, an organization which has been a credit to the 
city for more than two years past, is no more. The club disbanded Monday 
evening, March 20, and the affairs were all settled up at that time. The 
club was organized in 1897 and was compose of fourteen members. In a short 
time it held rank with the leading musical organizations of the city and 
their service was in demand at parties and private gatherings of all kinds. 
During the past few weeks interest has flagged and it was thought best to 
disband. Manitowoc will not be without a mandolin club however. An 
organization was perfected Wednesday evening, and the National Mandolin 
club will hereafter take the place of the Lake Shore club. The new club 
is comporised of Ed. Juul Jr., John Wagner, Al Hintz, and Gus. Heise, and 
are open for all engagements. Their prices are reasonable and they will at 
all times endeavor to furnish first class music for social gatherings.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Apr. 7, 1899


Press club
At a meeting of the newspaper men held last night at the office of Judge 
Baensch, steps were taken for the formation of a Press Club. Every newspaper 
published in the city was represented and the club now has fifteen members. 
The primary object of the organization is to promote sociability among the 
members and to develope a more fraternal feeling. United in this way the 
press of the city will be better able to entertain visitors and be of more 
influence in looking after the best interest of the city. Judge Baensch was 
chosen president and K.L. Zander secretary until such time as a constitution 
shall be adopted. A committee consisting of John Nagel, E.H. Wade and 
A.C. Schmidt, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. The club 
will meet again next Thursday evening at the office of Judge Baensch.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, May 5, 1899


Freier Saengerbund
At a special meeting of the Freier Saengerbund held Wednesday evening the 
following delegates were elected to attend the Ost Wisconsin Sangerfest: 
W. Christiansen, H. Schmitz, R. Groll, E. Stock; A. Simmet.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Apr. 29, 1899


[1911]


DRAMATIC INCIDENT IN WAR DAY TALK
Judge Anderson Stirs His Audience With Sight of Battle Scarred Flag
INTERESTING STORY OF CITY IN WAR TIME
Dramatic incident marked the paper on "Manitowoc in Civil War Days" presented 
before the County Historical society at one of the most successful meetings the 
society has held at the library Monday night. Judge Anderson exhibited to the 
meeting the battle scarred and tattered flag which was carried in the war by 
Co. A. Fifth Wisconsin, the first company to be sent from Manitowoc county for 
service in the Union army. Faded and marked by evidences of usage, with patches 
to cover the holes which had been made by bullets and shots which had torn it, 
the flag stirred the audience to enthusiasm and was greeted by a burst of patriot 
applause that made the room ring. An interesting history attaches to the flag which 
has been in the possession of Judge Anderson since 1876. The flag was presented to 
Co. A. by ladies of the village, before the company departed for the front, Mrs. 
Collins, wife of the president of the village heading the delegation which presented 
the flag to the company while it was at drill at what is now Union Park on the North 
Side. The company, after receiving the regimental colors when it entered service, 
was unable to carry the flag in action, and it was wrapped about the body of one of 
the officers who led the company to a charge. While on one of its campaigns, Co. A. 
lost the flag to the Confederates, the flag being taken from the body of the officer 
wearing it when he was wounded in the field. A year later Pennsylvania troops 
recaptured the flag in an engagement with the "Rebs" and at the close of the war the 
flag was taken to Philadelphia where it was retained until 1876 when it was forwarded 
to Judge Anderson in this city. The flag bore the inscription "Manitowoc County Guard" 
which made its return possible. Judge Anderson recited these facts in inspiring manner 
and the audience was held by a strong interest. Opening with a review of the conditions 
in the village at the time of the war, the paper proved a most interesting one, and the 
audience of fifty who attended, the largest the society has entertained at its meetings 
gave the closest attention. The war spirit was aroused here by news of the firing of 
the Fort Sumter in April 17, 1862. With no railway lines, no telegraph and the only 
means of communication the stage and Goodrich boats, war news was slow in reaching the 
village but when the message was received, a mass meeting was hastily called at the old 
court house and the same night there was organized the first company, Co. A. The 
company was organized upon motion of the late P.P. Smith, with Temple Clark as captain. 
The company left for the front and a Sunday, being transported on the steamer Comet. 
Co. A. represented the flower of the young manhood of Manitowoc when it departed for 
the front, the average age of the company being 24 years there being but four married 
men in the command said the speaker. Of the 104 men who made up the company, only 
thirty-six returned after the war and today there are but two survivors in this city. 
Judge Anderson and Frank Stirn. There are several others in the county however. 
Manitowoc county responded to the call to arms for the war with a total of 73 more men 
that its quot. With a total of 3987 voters in the county. Manitowoc's enlistment for 
the war was 2467, a record equaled by but few counties maintained Judge Anderson who 
in this connection paid a full measure of honor to the women who remained at home and 
whose sacrifice and work made possible the great showing of the county. Of the six 
first companies the county sent to the front 72 men were killed in action. David 
Woodcock was the first member of Co. A to meet his death on the field, being killed 
at Williamsburg in which three others lost their lives. Promotion was won by many 
local soldiers the county being credited with one major general, Edward Solumbu. 
Twenty two won the title of captain, two of brigadier general, one adjutant general 
one lieutenant colonel and three quartermasters said Judge Anderson, who gave the 
names of the men. Speaking for an hour and a half, Judge Anderson had the undivided 
attention of his audience throughout in concluding Mr. Anderson referred to the old 
saying "History repeats itself" but voiced the hope that centuries might pass before 
another struggle such as the civil war should devastate our now united country. 
Judge Anderson's talk was delivered in a sincere, impressive manner that made it 
the more attractive and the attendance of many civil war veterans added to interest 
the occasion. Following Judge Anderson's talk there was informal discussion of the 
subject and several civil war veterans spoke. Carl G. Schmidt recalled that while 
the Ninth Wisconsin of which he was a member was camped in Kansas the soldiers 
unearthed an old print shop and set to work about to get out a paper which they 
called "The German Warrior." Mr. Schmidt was the editor and as paper was a scarcity i
n that day and especially in that vicinity, tissue paper was used for printing and 
it was necessary to place the paper and a suggestion was offered that it be framed 
and presented to the public library. Dr. Louis Falge presided and introduced Judge 
Anderson. There was an audience of forty to fifty present. The next meeting of the 
society will be held March 24 and at that time the principal paper will be on 
"The History of Medicine and the Medical Profession in Manitowoc County." One of the 
interesting features of Judge Anderson's paper was his reference to rebel sympathizers 
throughout the North and his statement that a branch of the organization which was 
known as Knights of the Golden Circle, existed in Manitowoc county during war days 
and Judge Anderson said the names of members of the organization were a part of the 
government's secret records at Washington. Judge Anderson is in possession of some 
of the names but he said that children and grandchildren of these men were present 
residents of the city and it would be unfair to them to make public the names. The 
speaker declared that so prominent was the local branch that Confederate spies came 
here to confer with its members. The organization was maintained throughout the war 
and its existence in many sections of the North was a constant menace to the federal 
troops. There was another organization known as the Union League which, however, was 
loyal to the federal government and which devoted its efforts chiefly to guarding 
the community against the Knights of the Golden Circle and aiding the Union troops. 
Henry Sibree was prominent as a leader of this society. Upon Judge Anderson's return 
from the war in 1864 he was attached to the provo marshal's staff under Capt. Guylers 
and later Capt. Borcherdt and was engaged in running down deserters and in other work 
for the Union. Judge Anderson told several dramatic incidents of his career while 
serving in that capacity, of the capture of a camp of five deserters in the 
Cooperstown woods an later in a mill at Meeme, where the men were manufacturing 
shingles from timber stolen from government lands. Judge Anderson said these latter 
facts were not included in the public records at Madison and Washington but are 
nevertheless interesting and his audience was attentive throughout. The Union League 
of which Judge Anderson spoke, is still extant in organization bearing that name in 
New York, the society being the outgrowth of the civil war.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, February 14, 1911  P. 1



[1915]


HENRY SCHMIDT AGAIN HEADS WALKER POST
Veterans Of War In Annual Election of Officers
Henry Schmidt was reelected as commander of H.M. Walker post, G.A.R., 
in the election of officers for the year held in the new quarter of 
the post at the courthouse yesterday. The other officers are; Sr. 
Vice Commander: August Wilkowsky. Jr. Vice Commander, Henry Scherer. 
Adjutent, F.C. Buerstatte. Surgeon, Aug. Dueno. Chaplain, J.S. 
Anderson. Quartermaster, Frank Stirn. Officer at Day. R.C. Berndt. 
Officer at Guard, August Meyer. Delegates in state encampment August 
Wilkowsky, Henry Scherer, alternates, Nic Schauss and August Meyer.
Manitowoc Daily Herald | Wednesday, December 08, 1915 | Page 8


[1916]


TWO RESIGN FROM CO. FAIR COMMITTEE
C.E. Brady and Albert Schuette Give Business Reasons
Two members of the committee of ten in charge of the county fair 
have resigned, Charles Brady and Albert Schuette having tendered 
their resignation because of business. President Frazier of the 
Citizen's association, has named Arthur J. Wyseman to succeed Mr. 
Brady, but no appointment has yet been made of a successor to Mr. 
Schuette.
The association committee, which is headed by John Kellner as 
president may continue with but nine members this year it is said. 
The committee has retained the same membership since its organization, 
practically, and has been in charge of the fair for four years.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, February 23, 1916 P.8


CO. H., WITH 66 OF 68 MEN PASSES SATISFACTORY 
INSPECTION BY CAPT. RICHARDSON
Company H passed a satisfactory inspection last night when 
Capt. Richardson, a former Wisconsin man attached to the war 
department, put the company through the paces. Sixty-six of 
sixty-eight men of the command reported for inspection, two 
being absent from the city.
The company made an excellent showing and officers are 
confident that the command will gain in rank the coming year. 
Capt. Abel was in command and put the company through close 

order, extended and signal work. The guns and equipment of 
the company were in excellent shape.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, February 24, 1916 P.8


Now Two Rivers is organizing a drum corps. Manitowoc leads, others follow.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, March 8, 1916 P.3


The Lakeside Country club opened for the year at the club house last night. 
Quite a number of new members joined this year.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, May 31, 1916 P.2