On this date the first Masonic meeting in Milwaukee was held in the Cottage, known later as the Harriman House. The forty or fifty Masons living in Milwaukee at the time petitioned the national organization for a lodge of "Free and Accepted Masons" to be organized in their city. Lemuel B. Hull, who died shortly thereafter, was appointed the first lodge master. The charter for the Milwaukee Lodge was signed on January 17, 1844. Other prominent charter members included A.D. Smith, Walter W. Kellogg, Dwight F. Lawton, T.F. Wainwright, and Charles S. Hurley. [Source: History of Milwaukee, Vol. II, pg. 280]
1852 - Mound Cemetery Dedicated
On this date Mound Cemetery in Racine was formally dedicated. The cemetery contains 14 Native American burial mounds as well as monuments to veterans of the Revolutionary War, Civil War and Spanish-American War. [Source: Racine History]
1861 - Founder of UW Agronomy School Born
On this date Ranson A. Moore, founder of UW Agronomy, was born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. Although he was raised on a farm, he suffered an accident that prevented him from farming as an adult. Moore became a teacher and advanced to become the director of Short Courses for Young Farmers at the University of Wisconsin. Moore experimented with different species of grain, corn, and barley, and introduced new products that were successful in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. His work helped farmers in Wisconsin to sell their crops and seeds across the nation. Moore was also active in founding the Four-H Club, inspiring young farmers in Wisconsin to use science to better their yield. [Source: Badger Saints and Sinners by Fred L. Holmes]
1864 - (Civil War) Fifth day at Cold Harbor, Virginia
From May 31-June 12, 1864, more than 160,000 men clashed at Cold Harbor, Virginia, during the Wilderness Campaign. The 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 36th Wisconsin Infantry regiments took part. By June 5, each side was getting weary. "I can not tell you how tedious and trying this campaign has become," wrote Rufus Dawes, colonel of the 6th Wisconsin Infantry, to his wife. "Thirty days of toil, danger and bloodshed [since the Wilderness Campaign began], and we can see yet small prospect of an end to it... Our casualties in the regiment now amount to one hundred and seventy men killed and wounded."
1883 - Horlick's Malted Milk Patented
On this date William Horlick patented the first powdered milk in the world. He named his new product, intended to be used as a health food for infants, "Malted Milk." Horlick's product went on to be used as a staple in fountain drinks as well as survival provisions. Malted milk was even included in explorations undertaken by Robert Peary, Roald Amundsen and Richard Byrd. [Source: Racine History]
1906 - Kissel Motor Car Company Acquires Charter
On this date Kissel Motor Car Company acquired its state charter. The company eventually became internationally known for its custom-built cars reaching its peak in the 1920s. The company is best known for its production of the Kissel Kar. Kissel produced trucks for the army during World War I, but car production ceased during the Depression. [Source: History Just Ahead: A Guide to Wisconsin's Historical Markers edited by Sarah Davis McBride]
An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded.
Reload🗙
