Title: Miller Park Crane Collapse Photographs
Inclusive Dates: 1999

Creator:

• Thraen, John A.

Call Number: Milwaukee Historic Photo Collection 41

Quantity: 0.2 cubic ft. (1 box)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

This collection contains six photographs documenting the collapse of “Big Blue”, the large crane involved in the construction of Miller Park. The crane collapsed in July of 1999, killing three construction workers.

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-mhpc0041

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Miller Park is the baseball stadium located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and where the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball play. Construction on the ballpark started in November of 1996. It was completed and opened in 2001. During construction, the Lampson Transi-Lift crane (nicknamed “Big Blue”) that was lifting a 400-ton roof section into place collapsed on 14 July 1999, killing three construction workers.

The six photos in this collection were taken on a time lapse camera at the precise time that “Big Blue” collapsed. The event itself lasted only a few seconds and the photos capture precisely what happened during those few seconds. The photos are 8” x 10” and in full color.

Materials are arranged chronologically in the order in which the photos were taken.

Miller Park Crane Collapse Photographs, 1999, Collection 41. Milwaukee Historic Photo Archives, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Color copies of the photos in this collection are available in the Historic Photo Collection (MHPC-6) under Business & Industries – Miller Park – Crane Collapse (B&I. MILLERPARK.CRANECOLLAPSE.POST1960.001-006)

• Historic Photo Collection. Milwaukee Historic Photo Collection 6.

• Milwaukee Brewers and Braves Collection. Local History Manuscript Collection 186.

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 collections from the Milwaukee Historic Photo Archives 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). The photos in this collection may not be reproduced for any reason without permission from the creator's next of kin.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by John Thraen in March 2002. Materials were accessioned as a Historic Photo Collection.

Processing Information

Processed by Brian Williams-Van Klooster, Photo Librarian, 2006. The photos were originally added to MHPC-6 but were removed to become its own collection. Additional processing by Rose Fortier, Historic Photo Librarian, 2009.