1930, Chapman Memorial Library, Milwaukee-Downer College, Appleton, Wisconsin

[LIB11224] - Milwaukee-Downer College was a pioneering women's college in the Midwest, with roots dating back to the 1850s. It was formed in 1895 with the consolidation of two women's colleges: Milwaukee College and Downer College of Fox Lake, Wis. Milwaukee College had been founded in 1851 as the "Milwaukee Normal Institute and High School," with the guidance of Catharine Beecher, a leading proponent of women's education. Wisconsin Female College was founded in Fox Lake in 1855; its name was changed to Downer College in 1889 in honor of trustee and benefactor Judge Jason Downer. [Website]

Repro Library, Appleton, Wisconsin

Public Library, Appleton, Wisconsin, c1905 Vintage by markomundo

Library, Appleton, Wisconsin Coffee Mug

Public Library, Appleton, Wisconsin, c1905 Vintage by markomundo
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Public Library, Appleton, WI

[LIB0822]

The City of Appleton constructed its first municipal building at 121 S. Oneida Street for a total of $25,000. The building, dedicated March 28, 1900, housed the Library on the main floor and City Hall on the second. In 1939, the city offices moved out, giving the Library much-needed space. Eventually, after the State condemned part of the building, an extensive remodeling project was undertaken in 1954. [Thanks to the APL, www.apl.org]