Home to gearheads, metalheads and cheeseheads, Wisconsin's rich history has deep roots here in Milwaukee.  Many of the great breweries that put Wisconsin on the map operated out of Milwaukee.  Milwaukee became great in the 1800's and continued to flourish for over a century at a level seldom seen in this nation's history. The Milwaukee of the 1930's, 1940's and the 1950's led the nation in industry.  I am always amazed at the old buildings that go un-noticed in Milwaukee.  Many of the countries top masons and stone workers assembled beautiful, ornate buildings that have endured the test of time.  The Milwaukee Railroad was just a part of the HUB that was Milwaukee.  The rail yard was/is huge and is now the source of much, new prime real estate for some cutting edge developers.

Many great icons of the 1940's & 1950's still exist in the Milwaukee area.   Leon's Custard on 27th (Southside) founded in 1947, still stands today and is home of its much coveted custard. It was the model for "Big Al's" in the TV show Happy Days.  Gilles (pronounced "Gillies") is the great old Frozen Custard drive in that was founded in 1938 and remains as another of the great drive up style diners. I am proud to say that  my Great Grandfather (Pa Palo) owned Palomar's Roller Skating Rink in the 40's. It won much national recognition and remains in memory, a cornerstone of the city of Milwaukee for several generations.

The winds of change blew in through the 70's and 80's and Milwaukee seemed to hold fast to the days of yore.  It wasn't until the latter 90's when a real change started to become visible in the cityscape.  We hold fast to our pride and to the days of old.  I think that is what I love the most about Wisconsin in general.  It is an "old world" state.  It held on a lot tighter to the old.  We are often mocked for it, but it is that simplicity that gives Wisconsin its true character.  We are very much in touch with our roots and the generations of immigrant workers that elevated us to such richness of character. If you never put together the concept and popularity of the beer "Old Milwaukee" it revolves around Milwaukee in the days of Yore. 

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BOTH LAVERNE & SHIRLEY AND HAPPY DAYS DEPICTED LIFE  IN MILWAUKEE AND PAINTED LIFE HERE IN THE 50's & 60's IN A VERY REALISTIC LIGHT. THE TIMES WERE SIMPLE, THE PEOPLE WERE WORKING CLASS, AND FUN ABOUNDED. IT WAS A WHOLESOME PLACE TO BE.

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HERE IS TOM BARRETT, Mayor of Milwaukee. (left) I know nothing of his politics, but he throws like a girl!

Kidding Tom!

Below are some shots of our proud Veteran's at the Veteran's Day Parade on November 5th in Milwaukee. Thank you for your service and pride. 

MANY PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO HEAR OF ALL THE BIG NAME CORPORATIONS BASED IN MILWAUKEE.  IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A BOOMING TOWN, BUT ONCE DRIVEN BY BEER IT NOW SETS THE STAGE FOR THRIVING PRODUCTIVITY ACROSS THE BOARD. 

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE CORPORATIONS THAT CALL MILWAUKEE & ITs SUBURBS "HOME"

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Wayne Campbell: So, do you come to Milwaukee often?
Alice Cooper: Well, I'm a regular visitor here, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers began visiting here in the late 16th century.
Pete: Hey, isn't "Milwaukee" an Indian name?
Alice Cooper: Yes, Pete, it is. In fact, it was originally an Algonquin term meaning "the good land."
Wayne Campbell: I was not aware of that.
Alice Cooper: I think one of the most interesting things about Milwaukee is that it's the only American city to elect three Socialist mayors.
Wayne Campbell: [to the camera] Does this guy know how to party or what?