Following a short presentation about a book I had recently written, stories that occurred in the early part of the 20th century, many in the audience asked what life was like living in Oshkosh during this time. I managed to answer a few, but only partially, and was disappointed I was unable to provide a clearer picture of our city's past.I knew I needed to find out more about our earlier years so I, once again, explored books and articles to help me understand more of our past. I e...

The book, I believe, helps us to understand and appreciate our city's past. The first and perhaps most important of the 24 stories is of the wood and lumber industry located along the Fox River, Lake Winnebago and nearby waterways. This industry would become the primary force for the growth and development of our city.Also featured is our German heritage, Prohibition, racial segregation, the economic depression of the 1930s, World War II and a variety of other events and movements ...