Collection of images taken by Dennis Wierzba, comprised mostly of negatives (666 nitrate
negatives and 165 safety film negatives), as well as 37 prints that were made after the
collection was donated. While most of the images in the collection are undated, the majority
of the images appear to document life in Milwaukee in the 1940s, particularly on the city's
south side. Many images focus on family and life events, including anniversaries,
confirmations, funerals, holidays, parties, and weddings. Other images in the collection
focus on Pulaski High School, especially sporting events. The collection also includes
images of parades and religious processions that took place in downtown Milwaukee or on
Milwaukee's south side. Images of local businesses, including the Cavalla Tobacco Company,
where Wierzba worked as a salesman, are included in the collection. Images of Evergreen
Camp, Boerner Botanical Gardens, and the construction of the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The
Domes) are also found in the collection. Wedding images are particularly numerous;
researchers interested in studying church interiors are encouraged to view the wedding
photographs.
