Travel Back in Time to Manitowoc

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc’s history is intertwined with trade and shipbuilding. Take a look at the city’s downtown over the decades.

All images are from the Manitowoc Local History Collection of the Manitowoc Public Library.

This hillside view of Manitowoc from the north side is thought to be from 1857 and is the earliest recorded photograph of the city.
This hillside view of Manitowoc from the north side is thought to be from 1857 and is the earliest recorded photograph of the city. Manitowoc Public Library.
North Eighth Street looking south around 1887. Back before the bricks were laid (before paving replaced them in 1936), Eighth Street was a thoroughfare only when weather was kindly.
North Eighth Street looking south around 1887. Back before the bricks were laid (before paving replaced them in 1936), Eighth Street was a thoroughfare only when weather was kindly. Manitowoc Public Library.
"Panoramic view of Manitowoc at Washington & Eighth St.": tinted postcard by Hermann Benke. The view looks west and must have been taken later than 1906 when the new courthouse was erected.
“Panoramic view of Manitowoc at Washington & Eighth St.“: tinted postcard by Hermann Benke. The view looks west and must have been taken later than 1906 when the new courthouse was erected. Manitowoc Public Library.
Taken from the upstairs of the Mikadow Theater looking east down Washington Street during a parade. Businesses in view include: Borris Furniture, Manitowoc Furniture Company, Siemers Refrigeration & Appliance Co., Elite Beauty Shop, Busse Radio Doctors, Inc, Rahr Malting, and the Manitowoc County Courthouse. Image taken by Francis Kadow. Undated.
Taken from the upstairs of the Mikadow Theater looking east down Washington Street during a parade. Businesses in view include: Borris Furniture, Manitowoc Furniture Company, Siemers Refrigeration & Appliance Co., Elite Beauty Shop, Busse Radio Doctors, Inc, Rahr Malting, and the Manitowoc County Courthouse. Image taken by Francis Kadow. Undated. Manitowoc Public Library.
Miss Annie Graumann dressmaking shop, possibly located at 623 Franklin Street. This was a flourishing trade with 70 dressmakers listed in the 1901 city directory.
Miss Annie Graumann dressmaking shop, possibly located at 623 Franklin Street. This was a flourishing trade with 70 dressmakers listed in the 1901 city directory. Manitowoc Public Library.
South Eighth Street at night looking to the north from just south of Jay Street. Schuette Brothers is on the left and Buerstatte drugstore on the right. ca. 1921-1927.
South Eighth Street at night looking to the north from just south of Jay Street. Schuette Brothers is on the left and Buerstatte drugstore on the right. ca. 1921-1927. Manitowoc Public Library.
Black and white picture postcard showing a view of South 8th Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin as the area appeared during the World War II years.
Black and white picture postcard showing a view of South 8th Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin as the area appeared during the World War II years. Manitowoc Public Library.
"Bird's-Eye View of Manitowoc, Wis." This was probably taken on top of Rahr Malting looking over downtown Manitowoc. You can see Theo. Schmidtman & Sons on the right side which is located on Jay and 7th Streets. The pink building just left of center is Schuette's on Eighth Street. Postcard mailed 1912.
“Bird’s-Eye View of Manitowoc, Wis.” This was probably taken on top of Rahr Malting looking over downtown Manitowoc. You can see Theo. Schmidtman & Sons on the right side which is located on Jay and 7th Streets. The pink building just left of center is Schuette’s on Eighth Street. Postcard mailed 1912. Manitowoc Public Library.
Bird's eye view as work nears completion on the Eighth Street Bridge project. 1995.
Bird’s eye view as work nears completion on the Eighth Street Bridge project. 1995. Manitowoc Public Library.