With this year being the 75th anniversary I thought it might be interesting as well as fun to look back at Greendale’s beginnings from the viewpoint of its own residents and local news stories of the day. Every Thursday through the end of the year, I will be posting humorous, relevant or just interesting stories from Greendale’s original newspapers.
The following selected stories are copied exactly as they were originally written (including some misspellings) unless otherwise noted. Some may be shortened with “…”. They will be in bold and italicized type.
Also, just a reminder - Greendale first opened to residents on May 1, 1938
Find out what's happening in Greendalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
GREENDALE REVIEW – Wednesday, May 15, 1940
New Picnic Area Ready by May 15
Find out what's happening in Greendalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sodding Nearly Done on New South Diamond
A new picnic area to be known as “Picnic Woods” will be in readiness by May 15th, according to Walter E. Kroening, village engineer. It is located southwest of the intersection of Broad street and Southway and will be accessible by a roadway leading from Broad way.
A convenient parking area immediately adjacent to Picnic Woods is planned. Mr. Kroening stated that this was the first step in establishing the new recreational area, which it is hoped will ultimately include a lake, shelter house, floodlighted ball diamond and other facilities.
The future program will also include construction of outdoor ovens in Picnic Woods. All organized picnics will be held in these woods from now on. School woods is to be reconditioned to its natural state and will not be used for organized picnic purposes.
The new baseball diamond in the recreational area south of Southway is being leveled in preparation for sodding. Weather permitting, sodding operations ought to be completed within a few days, according to Walter E. Kroening, village engineer.
Two additional soft ball diamonds located southwest of the intersection of Broad and Catalpa streets will be seeded this week. No play at any of the three locations can be permitted until the grass and sod are in proper condition. Permission for the use of any of these diamonds will be issued by Mr. Murcaugh, director of recreation.
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Sixteen Cases Involve Lost and Found Articles; Cats Cause Complaints
Activities in the Department showed some increase during the month, there being a total of forty-five cases handled compared to thirty-five the previous month. The fact that sixteen of the cases involved lost and found property makes it evident that the citizens of the Village are more and more recognizing the service facilities of the Police Department and taking advantage of such services.
Other matters handled included nine dog cases, resulting in three dogs being sent to the Humane Society; five traffic cases and five cases of disturbance of the peace. Cats seemed to be making an appearance in the community with the result that three complaints were received and three cats were turned over to the Humane Society.
The demand for the assistance of the Department in giving drivers license examinations resulted in a total of thirteen examinations during the month.
In connection with the Department’s Safety Campaign, three talks on Public Safety were given by members of the Department to classes in the Greendale school.
Four fires were reported by the Fire Department in April, three of these were grass fires and the fourth a chimney fire on Highway 36. The Department has completed its fire prevention inspection of the business and rural areas and have found conditions in general quite satisfactory.
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GOVERNOR HEIL’S CAR IS SEEN IN VILLAGE
From a usually competent source, the Review learned that Governor Heil had been seen in Greendale last Sunday. No official confirmation could be had, but identification was positive because of the unique license of his car, **1**. Probably even the governor feels the need of the relaxation that the beauty of Greendale scenery can provide.
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April Brings Out Total of 15,306 in All Activities
Attendance for the month of April in all recreational activities is reported as totaling 15,306.
One of the most popular activities of the Department has proved to be the Children’s Art Classes. The success of these classes has been so outstanding that plans are being considered for a similar program for adults during the next winter season.
Mr. Murdaugh reports that the Mid-West National Recreation Association Convention which he attended as Greendale’s representative was a very worthwhile meeting and that much was derived for the benefit of the Greendale program.
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Lighted Tennis Courts Are Now Available
The Greendale Tennis courts are now lighted and available for night play. There will be no charge during the day, but during the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. there will be a 25c fee. Courts close at 5 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations for the courts can be made for one hour starting on the hour and ending on the hour. Courts must be reserved for players in their own names.
Players must wear rubber soled shoes without heels and at least shirts and shorts.
Reservations may be made by Greendale residents 24 hours in advance and charges for lighted court reservations are payable at the time of reservation. Non-residents have no reservation privileges.
Complete information regarding tennis court rules, regulations, charges and reservations will be posted on the bulletin board at the courts.
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HORSESHOE COURTS TO BE COMPLETED SOON
The horseshoe courts just being completed are in the area south of the tennis courts. There are six senior size regulation courts and two junior size courts which will be ready for use within a week. Horseshoes can be obtained from the tennis court supervisor. For the present no charge will be made for horseshoe facilities, but players are responsible for the equipment.
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GREENDALE REVIEW – Wednesday, May 29, 1940
School Picnic June 10
Annual Affair Soon
The annual school picnic sponsored by the Mothers Club will be held Monday afternoon, June 10, on the school grounds. Games are scheduled to begin at 3:30. The children will be dismissed early to go home for a short rest. Supper hour will be 5:30, each family providing its own picnic basket. At 6:30 will come the sing in the square in front of the school. In case of rain the picnic will be postponed to the following day at the same time.
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Next week – School Plants Tree in Memory Grove.
Thanks to the Greendale Historical Society, for which I am a member, for providing the original newspapers.
Next week will be the last Greendale Review Newspaper - Revisited.
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Also, please check out my new Greendale history book:
'Greendale, Wisconsin - Then and Now'
See some of it here:
Contact me if you are interested in purchasing one or more copies. They will make great Christmas gifts!
Thanks,
Steve Peters