Edwin Bedell left Manitowoc on Thursday, August 19, 1897, on the steamship “J.W. Moore” for Buffalo. He was traveling with 100 others as part of an encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R). As they arrived in Buffalo, Edwin went on an excursion to Niagara Falls on August 21 and by the time he and his acquaintance returned, it was late. Edwin was making his way to his sleeping quarters, missed his footing and fell through the hatchway, and was instantly killed. His body reached Manitowoc the following week and was received by the local G.A.R. post.

The Green Bay Road bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It is of statewide significance in engineering as one of the oldest remaining Pratt truss bridges from the pre-1890 period still on its original site in Wisconsin.

As the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic spreads and impacts lives, behavior and livelihoods around the world, readers may not realize it is not the first time a deadly disease has affected local residents.

In the History of Manitowoc County, published in 1912, local historian Dr. Louis Falge chronicles two disastrous cholera epidemics in 1850 and 1854 which affected the lives of early settlers.

The head chief of most of the mixed bands in our area was Waumegesako, or the “Wampum”.   He was most commonly known as Chief Mexico.  According to records, he was born in 1789 and was “a man of fine physique, erect, over 6 feet in height, very dignified and courteous in his demeanor, possessing considerable strength of character, and more than ordinary intelligence.  In his dress he was plain and unassuming, indulging in none of the fineries and tinsel so common among Indians of both sexes.”

The cornerstone for the current Manitowoc County Courthouse was laid on Saturday, September 30, 1905. The cost of the new courthouse was not supposed to exceed $100,000 but the final price tag came to about $233,000.  After committee and construction issues of its own, the courthouse was formally opened with impressive ceremonies on November 12, 1907.  During the dedication of the new courthouse, Wittmann wrote “Anent the dedication of the new palatial residence of the county government, today, let us give a parting thought to the old structure which for half a century served the purpose and which, in that time, was the scene of many a stirring incident in matters political and the tragical sides of human life and strife.”