Title: Milwaukee Harbor Contracts
Inclusive Dates: 1843–1934

Creators:

• Webster, Joseph Dana
• Cram, T. J.
• Low, John
• Waterman, William H.
• Chadwick, Jarius

Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 169

Quantity: 0.3 cubic ft. (1 box)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

Collection contains originals and copies of early contracts regarding Milwaukee harbor construction.

Note:

To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0169

 ↑ Bookmark this ↑

 ↑ Bookmark this ↑

According to the clipping included in the collection, the contracts were discovered in 1934 during the razing of a home at 914 North Eighth Street in Milwaukee. Milton Beatovic, an employee of Van Wrecking Company, found the documents between the ceiling and attic floor of the home. The wrecking company believed the home was the former residence of Lieutenant Joseph Dana Webster.

The collection contains three original contracts from 1843 and 1844 regarding construction materials. The first involves Jarius Chadwick and Captain T.J. Cram, the second is between Lieutenant J. D. Webster and John Low and the third involved again Lieutenant Webster and William H. Waterman. Cram and Webster were engineers representing the United States. Also included are a newspaper clipping and copies of it discussing the contracts and their discovery in 1934 and three library created bibliographic reference cards containing some background information and sources related to the Milwaukee harbor, Lieutenant Webster and Captain Cram likely added at the time of donation.

Folders are arranged in alphabetical and then chronological order.

Milwaukee Harbor Contracts, 1843-1934, Collection 169. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all in accordance with state law. The public may view Local History Manuscript Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

Acquisition Information

Contracts were donated by Harry C. Brockel in September 1972. Materials were accessioned as Local History Manuscripts.

Processing Information

Inventory by Rachel Arndt, 2013. Processed by Casey Lapworth, 2018.

Box   1 Folder   1	Bibliographic references, undated Note: 3 typed note cards referencing publications from the 1960s.
Box   1 Folder   2	Clipping. "Unearth Contracts for City’s First Harbor" from Wisconsin News, 13 April 1934
	Contracts
Box   1 Folder   3	Chadwick, Jarius, [18]43, 1843 Note: Contains transcription, Photostat copy of original and original.
Box   1 Folder   5	Low, John, 1844, 1844 Note: Contains 2 copies of transcription, Photostat copy of original and original.
Box   1 Folder   4	Waterman, William H., 1844, 1844 Note: Contains 2 copies of transcription, Photostat copy of original and original.