August Strehlow Papers, 1915-1965


Summary Information
Title: August Strehlow Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1915-1965

Creator:
  • Strehlow, August
Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 368

Quantity: 0.8 cubic ft. (2 boxes)

Repository:
Archival Location:
Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:
August Strehlow held various elected positions in Wisconsin politics. Included are personal papers mainly related to a 1929 trip to Europe with Milwaukee Mayor Daniel Hoan.

Note:

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Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0368
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Biography/History

August Strehlow (31 January 1867 - 23 December 1943) was born in Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland) and came to Milwaukee with his parents at age 14. He was educated in the Milwaukee Public Schools and became a house painter and hardwood finisher in 1903. He became a contractor and stayed in the business until 1928. Strehlow, a Socialist, first unsuccessfully ran for public office in the state assembly in 1902. He ran again in 1904 and was elected. After serving one term in the state assembly, he ran for city alderman for the 20th ward in 1906 and was re-elected each term until 1916. Although he did not run that term, his successor resigned after only a few months and Strehlow returned to the office. He was again re-elected in 1920, 1924, 1932 and 1936. The 20th ward was one of the state’s largest districts and was eventually divided into three wards, the 20th, 26th and 9th. The first public natatorium and first playground in the city were built in his district.

Strehlow married his wife, Helen (17 January 1870 – 22 March 1948), a native Milwaukeean, on 8 June 1889; they were married for over 50 years. They had two sons, George and August, and a daughter, Helen.

Scope and Content Note

The papers consist of personal records of August Strehlow. Most are related to a 1929 trip to Europe that included Mayor Daniel Hoan. The trip was to christen a new steamship, the “Milwaukee”. Also included are newspaper clippings, city commendations, a travel diary, correspondence, photographs and a photobook, a map, and some miscellaneous ephemera.

Arrangement of the Materials

The subjects are arranged alphabetically and then chronologically within each folder.

Preferred Citation

Strehlow, August, Papers, 1915-1965, Collection 368. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Related Material in the Milwaukee Public Library

Administrative/Restriction Information
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

Donated by Bernice Sherbert, August Strehlow’s granddaughter in 1996. The materials were accessioned as Local History Manuscripts.


Processing Information

Inventory and updates by Kadie Seitz, Fieldworker, 2014. Processed by Casey Lapworth, 2019.


Contents List
Box   1
Folder   1
Anniversaries - wedding, circa 1939
Box   1
Folder   2
Anniversaries - work, 1934, 1940
Box   1
Folder   3
Correspondence, 1928-1929, 1939
Box   1
Folder   4
Death - funeral, 1943
Box   1
Folder   5
Death - memorials, 1943-1944
Box   1
Folder   6
Death – newspaper clippings, 1943
Box   1
Folder   7
Event attendance, 1915-1921
Box   1
Folder   8
European Trip, 1929
Box   1
Folder   9
European Trip - Photographs, 1929
Box   1
Folder   10
Map - Montreal Harbor, 1924
Box   1
Folder   11
“Milwaukee”, Hamburg American steamship - christening, 1929
Box   2
Folder  
“Milwaukee”, Hamburg American steamship - photobook, 1929
Box   1
Folder   12
Miscellaneous, circa 1928
Box   1
Folder   13
Newspaper clippings, 1929-1965
Box   1
Folder   14
Photographs, circa 1890s-1939, undated
Box   1
Folder   15
Photographs – Milwaukee Post Office construction, undated