USA > Wisconsin > Brown County > History of Brown County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume I > Part 44
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OUR WILD BIRDS *
Brown county lies directly in the path of the great bird migrating route which, commencing somewhere in Central America, crosses the Gulf of Mexico, follows the waters of the Mississippi, the Wisconsin, the Fox and our own bay and the great lakes leading to Canada, the ultimate destination for the most northerly birds.
Located as it is with its broad sheet of water, adjacent to marshes and sloughs, and the green wooded shores east and west of the bay, Brown county is the Eldorado for birddom and offers to the student of bird life a rich and attractive
* A paper written by August Buengener, who for years has made a study of this subject.
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field for observation. Out for a cruise any pleasant summer day on our beautiful bay, witness the thousands of gulls, manifold in size and markings, from the small dove-like kind to the large herring gull, the wading birds from the little sand- piper to the tall blue heron, the green heron and sand hill crane, all summer resi- dents here. In fall, stop your boat in the tall rushes in one of the sloughs or in bass channel and wait motionless for a moment, and you will see them come out ; the trim, short tailed rice hen, the little rail, both dark in complexion ; close by a string of grebes or hell divers and a larger flock of poules d'eau ; suddenly rings out a shot near by, and a cloud of black birds comes loudly whirling over the scene like a gust of wind giving the general alarm. Then hear the shouting, scold- ing, and trumpeting from the tall grass and bulrushes and be surprised at their numbers.
The game birds-well, they are in evidence, but you do not easily get within speaking distance of them, especially not in the open season. But get out your field glass and scan the bay's surface. Many times you will see hundreds of ducks strung along on or near sand bars, the much coveted canvasback perhaps in company with the redheads. Then there are the bluebill, widgeon, pin tail, whist- ler, shoveller, sawbill and butterball, mostly non-residents, stopping here a short time in spring and a longer period in fall. The mallard and woodduck and the green and blue wing teal are more or less summer residents here, and with their young broods sometimes give you a moment's welcome surprise when gliding in your canoe through the sloughs.
In early spring, when the bay is hardly free of ice, various kinds of geese and the graceful whistling swans on their journey to their northern breeding grounds often make a stop over here of weeks. Point au Sable offers a good viewpoint, from where you can see hundreds in not too great a distance holding an animated and loud enough conversation distinctly within your hearing.
The smaller game on our marshes and lowlands-jacksnipe, plover, and wood- cock, mostly summer residents here-are usually on the wing before our eye meets them.
The number and species of water birds frequenting this region is much greater than a casual observer has any idea of, and even those who during the hunting season are out early and late in quest of duck, goose or poulle d'eau are puzzled when it comes to name all that bob up here and there.
Land birds also are noticeably better represented here than in most sections, owing, as above stated, to this county's favorable location, but without some painstaking we notice only the few species such as sparrows, robins, martins, blackbirds and crows, while hosts of others are waiting for recognition.
I may here mention a locality favored by many varieties, and that is Dutch- man's creek above the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad bridge, for thrushes, wrens, vireos, warblers, the blackbill cuckoo and the scarlet tanager are found here. In another direction, on our way to Redbanks, taking the lower bay shore road, the surroundings for bird life all along are nearly perfect, and here we meet with almost anything on wings. In a little clump of low trees and brush at White Gables I have counted twenty birds' nests in a radius of fifteen feet. It is here where, besides a full quota of other species, some of the rarer birds, the yellow billed cuckoo, the cerulean warbler and the white eyed vireo, are frequenters if not permanent summer dwellers.
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This much of our wild birds in a general way. Not everybody, except the student and bird lover, cares to go into a detailed description of them, but he who is aiming to make closer acquaintance with them, and who has not the time or occasion for outings in summer and especially in the early spring, can get that pleasurable initial experience of seeing, hearing and identifying his first twenty- five birds by watching his rear yard or garden from a convenient window. Of course you need a bird book, an eye for observing, and just a trifle of patience. In this manner I have identified forty varieties of our common birds in one season within the precinct of my own and two or three adjoining lots which I will name here, viz. :
English Common Sparrow. Chipping Sparrow.
Kingbird. The Least Flycatcher. Crested Flycatcher. American Gold Finch.
Song Sparrow.
White Throated Sparrow.
White Crowned Sparrow.
Baltimore Oriole.
Fox Sparrow.
Ovenbird. American Redstart.
Robin.
Catbird or Northern Mockingbird.
Yellow Summer Warbler.
Wilson or Veery Thrush.
Mourning Warbler.
Brown Thrasher.
Black Throated Blue Warbler.
Cedar Wax Wing.
Black and White Warbler.
Warbling Vireo.
Blue Jay. Crow blackbird or Purple Grackle. Cowbird.
Redeyed Vireo. Chickadee.
Evening Grossbeak.
Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
Nighthawk.
Ruby Throated Green Humming Bird
Chimney Swift.
Slate Colored Junco.
Martin.
Flicker or Yellow Hammer.
Barn Swallow.
Red Headed Wood Pecker.
House Wren.
Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker.
Peewee.
These are of course not nearly all the land birds that frequent the city. Many more might be added by the diligent student, for the maxim of an eminent author- ity, "that section produces the greatest variety of birds which is most examined," also applies here.
Mornings and evenings in March, April and May, watch your lilac and other shrubs and trees for the various little sharp billed warblers and the ruby crested kinglet. They are in the city for a stopover, that is if spring comes in gradually, otherwise you are not sure of many. Pay attention to every call note, ignoring the English Sparrow and the Robin, and your list will grow and with it your interest in the subject of bird life.
BIRDS TILAT WINTER IN THIS COUNTY AND LATITUDE
Northern Shrike or Butcher Bird-arrives here in November and stays until April.
Chickadee-abundant in fall and winter. American Crow.
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HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY
Horned Lark-arrives from the north in flocks in October and returns in March.
Purple Finch-generally in flocks.
Flicker or Yellow Hammer-winter residents, but majority of them come in March.
American Goldfinch-changes his summer color to yellowish white beneath and greenish brown above-his bright yellow and black no longer distinguish him.
Blue Jay.
Junco or Snowbird-changes from gray and slate to light gray, common in winter, forages in flocks, is seen along the roadside.
Kingfisher-except in extreme cold winters.
Nuthatch-white bellied.
Snow Flake or Snow Bunting-a winter visitor.
Cedar Wax Wing-is seen here in winter, wanders about according to food supply.
Hairy Wood Pecker.
Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker-in spring and fall more abundant.
The Evening Grossbeak-interesting winter visitant, always in flocks-body brownish yellow, crown and wings black, beak large, are seen feeding on seeds of the box elder or on dried crabs still on the trees.
Partridge, Grouse, Prairie Chickens, Owls and Hawks remain in winter.
Were I to name the four most desirable and attractive song birds that enliven and adorn our premises and parks, the Bluebird, the Catbird, Baltimore Oriole and the Song Sparrow would likely rank first with most bird lovers and it is with regret that the first named, at one time plentiful almost in our business streets, has retired to more remote haunts to make room for the useless bold sparrow. Then the noble Catbird is not heard as much about the garden as in times past and the causes for this may be the cutting away of protecting shrubs for its nest, which is too easily discovered, and on account of the unpopular name derived from the warning meou it sounds when danger is nigh, this bird undeservedly is often the target of the boys' air gun.
In order to reinstate the Bluebird it has been suggested to fasten permanent and substantial bird boxes up ten to fifteen feet against the back side of the house or barn, the entrance hole about four to five inches from the bottom and to be one and a half inches round without any perch-as this is said to prevent the sparrows from easily getting possession.
Let us banish the air gun and sling shot from April ist to October ist-do away with those cats that have become habitual bird hunters, and last, but not least, reduce the hordes of English Sparrows in every way possible.
TIIE OLD COURT HOUSE
The old court house built on St. John's Square in 1836-8. Moved to corner of Adams and Cass streets about 1844.
"Some time about 1836-8 Green Bay was in need of a place for public meet- ings and a citizens' subscription was raised and a building put up and enclosed but for want of funds was not finished at first. It was used as a carpenter shop in the lower story and later a room was finished in the second story for a school
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HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY
room. It was purchased by the county for a court house and used as such until 1864."-Curtis R. Merrill MS. papers.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
On January 14, 1868, Golden Rule Encampment of Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established, now known as the Green Bay Lodge. Later the property known as the Curtis place on Grignon street was purchased and much enlarged for an old people's and orphan's home. It is the oldest next to the Masons of the many secret and benevolent societies now successfully established in Brown county.
BROWN COUNTY LODGES
The following Secret and Benevolent Societies have lodges in Brown county :
Masonic. 1. O. O. F.
C. S. P. S.
Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
Catholic Order of Foresters.
Women's Catholic Order of Foresters.
Danish Brotherhood.
Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Elks.
Equitable Fraternal Union.
G. A. R.
Knights of Columbus.
Knights of Pythias.
Knights and Ladies of Honor.
Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees.
Loyal Order of Moose.
Modern Brotherhood of America.
Modern Woodmen of America.
Royal Neighbors.
National Fraternal League.
National Protective League.
Royal Arcanum.
Turners. Sons of Veterans.
Ansgar Society.
Brewers Benevolent Society.
Catholic Relief and Beneficiary Association.
Lady Ansgars.
St. Leo's Benevolent Association of the Roman Catholic Priests of the Diocese of Green Bay. Eastern Star. Rebekah. T. O. Howe Women's Relief Corps.
1
ODD FELLOWS' BUILDING, GREEN BAY
ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM
1
ELKS' CLUB HOUSE, GREEN BAY
THE NEV 6 PUBLIC LIEDY
-
ASTOR, CENAX 2M TU DER FOUNDATION".
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HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY
BROWN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
The Brown County Medical Society was organized in 1877 and after some years of fluctuating fortunes was reorganized in 1904.
BROWN COUNTY HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Brown County Horticultural Society and Agricultural Society was organized as the Brown County Agricultural Society in 1856. Holds annual fair at De Pere Driving Park.
NORTHEASTERN POULTRY AND PET STOCK ASSOCIATION
The Northeastern Poultry and Pet Stock Association holds a dog and poultry exhibit annually at Green Bay.
TWO PROMINENT MEN IN BROWN COUNTY POLITICS
Andrew E. Elmore connected with the political life of Brown county for many years was prominent for his long service as a member of the State Board of Charities and Reforms. Mr. Elmore was appointed upon the board's organi- zation in 1871, was made vice-president in 1877 and the following year presi- dent of the organization. He continued an active and valued member until the br ird was dissolved and reorganized in 1905 as the State Board of Control.
Of Thomas R. Hudd as a legislator "Bench and Bar in Wisconsin" says : 'He was an able champion of the principles of the democratic party. As a legislator he was progressive, active and influential ; his sympathies were in favor of liberal laws for the unfortunates and his judgment impelled him to favor liberal measures for the advancement of education.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN BROWN COUNTY
By N. H. Mollen
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI, DEPERE, WIS.
The second oldest church in the city is St. Mary's. In 1869 the Hollanders of Depere voted to form a parish of their own and, accordingly, a suitable build- ing was put up. This was greatly enlarged later on. A school and a priest's house were also built, but it remained for the present rector, Rev. Wm. Van Roosmalen, to improve the property by causing a new parsonage to be built, also an addition to the school.
The congregation, consisting of about three hundred and seventy-five fam- ilies, mostly Hollanders, is one of the most flourishing in the city and, perhaps, in Brown county. When sufficient capital is at hand a modern church building will be erected. Most of the children attend the parish school which is well graded and efficiently taught. Nuns from Milwaukee are in charge, and have nearly three hundred pupils enrolled.
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HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, WEST DEPERE, WIS.
The "Shrine," as it is often called, is one of the most beautifully decorated places of divine worship in Brown county. Much as this adds to its interest, another attraction has brought it still more into prominence. This is St. Jos- eph's Archconfraternity of North America. canonically established by Rev. J F. Durin toward the end of the last century. During the public, solemn novena, held annually in March, hundreds of clients of St. Joseph come here. for nine consecutive days to pray to him. They believe with the poet that prayer is "man's rational prerogative." But the climax is reached on his feast, March 19th, when even standing room is sometimes at a premium, on account of the impressive religious exercises carried out on that day.
The Very Rev. B. H. Pennings, O. Praem .. the pastor of the congregation, has also under his direction a convent of Premonstratensian (Norbertine) Fathers who act as assistants to pastors in the surrounding country whenever needed.
The members of the parish are chiefly French : but there are some of Irish, Ilolland, and German nationality. The parish includes about one hundred and forty families. Sermons alternate between French and English. Plans are in preparation at this writing for a new school building which will cost $10,000.00, and accommodate two hundred children.
ST. BONIFACE'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI, WEST DEPERE, WIS.
In 1883 the Ilollanders of the city found it necessary to form a new parish, owing to the rapid increase in their numbers. Thus St. Boniface's congregation was organized and a church built by these thrifty people, on the west side of the Fox river. Rev. A. M. Smitz, who still acts as their pastor, was appointed to take charge.
The younger members of the parish are practically all Americans, and so speak English. On this account sermons are given in English as well as in Dutch. About two hundred and forty families are registered. Rev. A. M. Smitz is being assisted by Rev. H. De Kort, O. Praem., of St. Norbert's College.
The pride of this parish is its school. Many bright boys and girls have grad- uated from it, and are now successful men and women in the business world. To them "Knowledge is now no more a fountain seal'd." There are over two hundred and fifty pupils in attendance. The teaching is done by five nuns ot the Order of St. Francis.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI, DEPERE, WIS.
That handsome structure, known as St. Francis Xavier's Church, occupies a pleasant and convenient location on the east side of the Fox river. It is but two blocks away from the beautiful and historic river ; while the interurban car passes its doors. The high steeple can be seen from all parts of the city. Fifty- seven and more years ago the Catholics, not only of this parish, but also those living in all Depere and vicinity, were obliged to attend divine services at the old French church in Green Bay. Though "The path of duty leads to
F
ST. NORBERT'S COLLEGE, DE PERE
DE PERE BRIDGE, DAM, AND PAPER MILLS
:
THE NEW TOMI PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LEMIX AND TIDER FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY
happiness," yet this path is not always a pleasant one, and in their case it required many sacrifices. It was then that a rude building was constructed where the present church stands. This was the first church in Depere. Later on three other parishes were formed with centers in the city.
St. Francis Xavier's Congregation is distinctly Irish in nationality, although the French and the Germans are also represented. Among them are included some of the most influential business men in the city. Sermons are preached in English. There are at present about two hundred families listed. With their help the Rev. G. Dillon intends to put up a modern parochial school building. When this is completed the parish will be one of the best in the city. The school is conducted by nuns from Milwaukee. It has an attendance of some eighty- five pupils. The ordinary branches are taught, with the addition of Christian Doctrine.
ST. NORBERT'S COLLEGE, WEST DEPERE, WIS.
At the request of the Most Reverend S. G. Messmer, the Premonstratensian (Norbertine) Fathers came to the Green Bay diocese in the year 1893. On the twenty-eighth of September, 1898, they were publicly installed in their new convent at Depere. The chief object of the Fathers in coming to the United States was to take charge of parishes. They decided, however, to teach a few young men aspiring to the priesthood. These applied for an education in October, 1898. They coveted learning and were willing to climb. Of yearnings like theirs the poet speaks :
"Do you covet learning's prize ? Climb her heights and take it. In ourselves our fortune lies ; Life is what we make it."
This was the origin of St. Norbert's College. The parochial residence was enlarged in 1899 in order to meet the demands of a rapidly increasing number of students. Some five or six boarders were admitted the next year. Soon the available accommodations were overtaxed.
The ninth of May, 1901, is to be set down as a red-letter day in the history of St. Norbert's. A meeting was then called at the newly-established priory. Among those present were Bishop (now Archbishop) Messmer, Vicar General (now Bishop) Fox, some of the leading diocesan clergy, Prior B. H. Pennings, and his Council. The consensus of the prelates and the clergy assembled was: to erect an up-to-date college; to admit both commercial and classical students ; and to strengthen the Faculty by securing expert teachers for the business branches. At this meeting the Fathers of St. Norbert received hearty encour- agement.
In the year 1902 a brick building, 116 fcet by 64 feet, four stories high, was put up at a cost of forty thousand dollars. It was built in a beautiful position on the picturesque banks of the Fox river, at the limits of Depere, away from the smoke and hum of life in a big city. The building is commodious, bright, well ventilated, comfortable, and modern in every respect. From an architec- Vol. I-23
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tural point of view it is one of the finest structures to be found in the vicinity. It is lighted by electricity, heated by steam, and, in a word, nothing has been left undone that might contribute to the convenience of students. In February, 1913, the College narrowly escaped being burned to ashes. The fire was dis- covered in time and was promptly extinguished by the Depere fire departments.
St. Norbert's College is a Catholic boarding school for young men. Its pur- pose is to complete the instruction received in grammar and high schools and to lay a broad foundation for higher education. Within its walls young men are prepared for theological seminaries, for schools of law, medicine, etc., and for commercial careers. To meet these requirements the College presents two courses -- classical and commercial. There is also a preparatory department for students whose mental attainments are not up to the College requirements. St. Norbert's is affiliated with the National Business Colleges Federation. It is also a member of the Wisconsin Association of Commercial Schools. These facts guarantee the higli standard of commercial instruction given here, since only institutions of the first rank are admitted to the federations mentioned. A com- munication from Mr. C. P. Cary, State Superintendent, dated June 25, 1907, stated "that St. Norbert's College has the right to confer suitable degrees and grant diplomas."
Being Catholic in principle as well as in tone, the social atmosphere of this institution is admirably well adapted for the preservation and fostering of the purest morals. Parents want a safe as well as a progressive school. St. Nor- bert's was founded for this very end, and is succeeding beyond expectation in its high mission.
There are, on an average, one hundred students, the majority of whom come from Wisconsin and Michigan. Their intellectual needs are provided for by a corps of eighteen teachers.
The Very Rev. B. H. Pennings, O. Praem., founder of the college, still acts as its President.
The Director, the Rev. J. A. Van Ileertum. O. Praem. has held office since the fall of 1903.
LIST OF CHURCHES OUTSIDE OF GREEN BAY AND DEPERE
Prepared by Rev. Joseph A. Marx.
The Roman Catholic Churches throughout Brown county outside of Green Bay and De Pere are :
Askeaton, Bay Settlement, Duck Creek, Eaton, Flintville (Chase), Glenmore, Denmark (Stark), Holland, Humboldt, Morrison, East Wrightstown, New Franken, Pine Grove, Preble, Pulaski, Krakow, Wrightstown.
Chapels are: St. Vincent's Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Good Shepherd Convent, St. Joseph's Academy, Cathedral school sisters, St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, Bishop's house, Bay settlement Sister's Convent, St. Patrick's School (Sisters), St. Norbert's Priory, De Pere; Pulaski.
INDEX
Adams Street Slough, 85. Agriculture, 331, 332. Agry, David, 99. Algonkins, the, 9. Allouez, Father, 19-21.
Allouez, town of, 313.
André, Father Louis, 21-23.
Anson, Eldred & Company, The, 192.
Aquila, Steamer, 178, 179.
Arndt. Family, 160.
Arndt, John P., 99, 118, 137, 140, 164, 168, 170, 181, 182, 187. Ashwaubenon, 325.
Astor House, 132, 134, 135.
Astor, John Jacob, 73, 79, 81.
Astor, town of, 117, 132.
Atkinson, Gen. Henry, 127. Augé, Etienne, 54.
Badin, Father, 251, 252. Baird, Henry S., 117, 118, 164, 205, 236. Baird, Mrs., her reminiscences, 84, 97, 129, 132. Bank Building, 133. Bank of Wisconsin, 158, 159. Banks, 271-273. Baptists, 260, 261. Baseball team, first, 337, 338. Basketmaking, by Indians, 10.
Bay Settlement, 84. 321. Baye des Puans, 91. Bean, Nicholas G., 98, 99 Beauharnois, his letter to French minister at Paris, 50. Beaumont, Dr. William. 148. Belgian colonists, 205. Bellevue, 312, 313. Biddle, Judge John, 92. Blackhawk, Chief, 127. Blessed Virgin of the Angels, church, 254. Board of Public Works, 175.
Board of Supervisors, 1912-1913, 335, 336. Boardman, Captain Elijah, 143. 144.
Bonduel, Father Florimond, 253. Bowyer, Col. John, 79-84, 92, 93, 115. Boyd. Col. George, 128, 129. Bradley, American, 84. Brady, Gen. Hugh, 141, 142 Brickmaking, 330, 331. Bridges, 332.
Brown county, boundaries of. 1 ; center of, 1 : area of. 1; original limits of, 2; natural resources of, 2; geological history of, 3-5; early inhabitants of, 7; no resident priest from 1728 to 1825, 85; organized, 91; its first civil appointments, 91; first term of court in, 95; location of county seat dis- puted, 97; judges of court of, 103; first
regular school organized in, 118; from 1816 to 1824, 137; complaints of inhabitants of, 154: advantages of, as place of residence, 154; seat of justice of, 163; in 1840, 165; county seat changed to Green Bay, 167; waterways of, 173: lumbering in, 181, 193; in 1870, 191; in 1860, 1861, 195, 196; during Civil war, 195-227; towns of, 297-325; bar of. 333: lodges of, 349. Brown County Guards, 202.
Brown County Horticultural Society and Agricultural Society, 351.
Brown County Medical Society, 351.
Brown County Rifles, 202.
Brown County Woman's Building, 266, 267. Brown, Major Gen. Jacob, Brown county named in his honor, 2, 91.
Brunette, Dominique, 75.
Bryant, Col. G. E., 225, 226.
Buckman, village of, 317.
Bulger, Capt., 76, 79.
Burkard Brothers, 319. 320.
Cadle, Rev. Richard F .. 128.
Carron, half-breed interpreter, 71.
Carron, Monsieur, 118.
Carver, Jonathan, 69, 75.
Cass, Lewis, 91, 94.
Catholic Churches in Brown County, 351.
Census, the government in 1850, 182.
Chakauchakama, Menominee king, 82.
Chambers, Col., 83, 84, 138.
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