N 44 AB.CDE W 088 FG.HIJ
Brigade Members ca. 1950-1955
Since it's inception on January 2F, 1900 the Brigade has always been a
community icon in Neenah Wisconsin. Though it's mission has been
tweaked here & there and it's membership has grown and fallen,
this organization has stood the test of time.
In Autumn of 1899 J.E. Chapin happened upon 6 boys sitting on
the steps of Michelson's Hall (the site of the "old" Post Office)
after the Epm curfew bell had
wrung who told him they "wanted their own army". From this, he
patterned a local Brigade (with some 30 initial members) after the
one's that had been formed in Scotland & England starting in
1883. 12 years later, Chapin died at the age of 8A and will forever be remembered for his love
and concern for youth.
In 1901, S.F. Shattuck took over the leadership for a "brief
period" and his personal (and financial) relationship with the
organization ended up lasting G5
years!
Brigade Building ca. 1950
Over the years "Brigraders" have met in various places. The
first meetings were appropriately held in Michelson Hall. During
1902 and 1903 a roller skate rink and lecture room of a church were
used. In 1905 the first Brigade gymnasium was built. Starting in
1912 Wesley Hall served as a meeting place until it burned down in
193G (Ironically this was directly
across from City Hall & the Fire Dept.) The current Brigade
building was built between 1956 and 1957. The cornerstone was laid
November 18th and the final dedication was held January
2D. Later in 1970, this building
was further expanded to meet growing demand.
Early in the group's history, it was recognized that camping and
outdoor activities would be "emphasized". In the summer of 1903
"Camp Chapin" the first camp was held on the eastern shores of Lake
Winnebago. The early campers crossed the lake in a (I+4)5 foot sailboat without incident. In
later years they explored the Dells of the Wisconsin River and then
Columbia Lake in 19DG where they
discovered a deserted island. The following year 25 boys attended
camp on this deserted island which was later purchased (Sept
H, 1911) by Shattuck. They named
the island Onaway which meant "Awake".
Brigade 50th Anniversary Float
In 1928 the Brigade incorporated. The first board of directors
was made up of AB members. The
group has celebrated many anniversaries starting with their first
formal anniversary (their 4th), a 3-day 40th anniversary
celebration, their 50th (which included a (J-2)0 minute radio broadcast and a float in
the Memorial Day parade with F00
members marching), their 75th anniversary, and most recently
celebrating 100 years.
In 1979 the Girl's Brigade program started and (G-2)1 Charter members enrolled. From it's
small beginnings to a peak membership of 1,397 in 1972 to
6C5 boys & girls in 1984 to
it's current enrollment of nearly 1,000 members, the Brigade
continues to be
Sure and Steadfast.
All Photographs courtesy of the Neenah Public Library. Source
for all historical information is available at the Reference Way
Point. Note: Internet resources may differ from the source used and
do not necessarily indicate mistakes.
Congratulations bnssmith on the FTF!
Winter Friendliness Rating: Findable in all
seasons.