[1847]


First Bridge of County Completed April 5, 1847
The first bridge in the county was completed and accepted on April 5, 1847. It was
erected by Thomas Cunningham and Ira Clark over the Manitowoc River at Rapids.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 15


[1853]

	
The Harbor.-
The Contractors are receiving stones and timber for the Harbor. If our 
Harbor Superintendent was ready to assume his duties, the construction 
of the South Pier would probably be commenced immediately. If this is 
not speedily done the South winds will produce an accumulation of sand 
on the bar, causing a heavy expense in dredging, which night now be 
avoided.
Manitowoc County Herald, July 30, 1853


[1854]

	
We have been requested to suggest to the Board of County Supervisors that 
an appropriation for a bridge across the Little Manitowoc on the road to 
Two Rivers, would have a tendency to advance the interest of the county. 
We should do injustice to our own feelings if we were to let the occasion 
pass without urging the matter upon the favorable consideration of the 
Board. The necessity of a good road between Two Rivers and Manitowoc, is 
too plainly evident to need a word of comment, and when we consider that 
only two miles of the road needs repairing, it seems as though a work of 
so much importance ought not to be delayed. But it is a well known fact 
that a bridge suitable for all the purposes of this road will cost a large 
sum of money, and the town of Manitowoc will be unable to build the same 
and repair the road without aid. Considerable money has already been 
judiciously expended on the road, but there are still portions of it that 
are almost impassible, and we are almost entirely cut off from communication 
with our thriving neighbor, resulting in the detriment of the whole county. 
Will the gentlemen of the board please examine?
Manitowoc Tribune, May 6, 1854


[1855]

	
Taken from a meeting of the Board of Supervisors-
Bill of J.E. Platt for $300 for building bridge across Manitowoc River at 
Maple Grove accepted and ordered paid.
Manitowoc Tribune, June 14, 1855


The proprietor of the North Pier makes his best bow to the public and calls 
attention to the fact that his is now ready to receive consignments and 
attend to any business which may be entrusted to him. It is a sufficient 
commentary upon the increase of business in Manitowoc, that one pier was 
found entirely insufficient for the wants of the community, and we have 
reason to believe that the capacity of those we now have will have to be 
increased at an early day. The length of the new pier is 950 ft. and it 
will doubtless prove a great convenience to the people of the Northside. 
Boats make calls at Manitowoc every day and the increase of business in 
the Mercantile line will justify wholesale dealers and manufacturers in 
sending large commission Invoices to this point. Strangers who visit 
Manitowoc are surprised at the number of Stores, and are still more 
surprised when they learn that all of them are doing a good business and 
that failures are exceedingly rare, in fact almost unknown.
Manitowoc Tribune, June 21, 1855


New Pier At Manitowoc-K.K. Jones has just built a fine substantial pier 
at Manitowoc. It is 950 feet long 50 wide, and its cost is $6,000. We saw 
it a day or two since, and it would be hard to beat it. It was pretty well 
covered with freight, lumber and fired wood-the last two articles awaiting 
shipment. This pier was commenced the 15th of April last, and it is nearly 
completed. That is the way, however, that K.K. drives everything he takes 
hold of. He is chock full of energy and go-ahead-a perfect Napoleon in his 
line. We commend him and his new pier to the captains of our lake craft and 
to all bussiness men having freight to forward to that point.-Chc. Press.
Manitowoc Tribune, Aug. 9, 1855


[1859]


MANITOWOC LIGHT-HOUSE-
Notice to Mariners.-The Light-House Board gives notice that on 
and after the 15th of October, there will be displayed at Manitowoc 
a Fifth Order Lens Light, fixed and varied by white flashes, which 
will occur at intervals of every two minutes. In an ordinary 
atmosphere the light can be seen at a distance of eleven miles.
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, Oct. 14, 1859 P.3

	
OUR LIGHT HOUSE. The workmen are busily employed in re-constructing the Light 
House at this point, and from the rapid progress they have made so far, we have 
no doubt that the "regular light" will be made to shine in a short time.
Unknown Manitowoc newspaper, Aug. 19, 1859


OUR LIGHT HOUSE.-Government is fitting up our Light House in good style, and 
improving the grounds adjoining. When the work is completed, we can show as 
good a light and as neat a Keeper's residence as any town along shore. 
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, September 23, 1859 P.3


A Substantial Bridge.-
The towns of Mishicott and Kossuth are erecting a fine and substantial bridge 
over the Nashota river, about eight miles from here, on the town line road. 
Mr. Joseph Rankin is superintending its construction.
Manitowoc Pilot, Sept. 23, 1859


Improvements To Our Light-House.- 
We have heretofore noticed the repairs which Government was making to the 
Light-House at this place, and to the improvement of the premises adjoining. 
All this work is now nearly completed, and the manner in which it has been 
done reflects great credit upon Mr. Sederle, the Agent of the Light-House 
Department. The Tribune furnishes us with the following particulars: 
"The old tower being too small at the top for the new lamp and fixtures, was 
torn down some ten feet and suitably rebuilt, one foot highter than before. 
It is now thirty-one feet high, and the focal place of the light is sixty six 
feet above the lake level. The light is a lens light, fixed and varied by white 
flashes, which occur at intervals of two minutes. It will be exhibited on and 
after the 15th inst. The old abiding place of the keeper, is converted into an 
airy, pleasant dwelling. The lot has been graded and terraced, and the whole 
surrounded by a wall of mason-work 280 feet in length. The area of the terraces 
is about 600 square yards, which were sodded by Mr. Chas. Baumgarten of this 
village. The cost of the new lamp and fixings is $700, and the expense of other 
improvement is $1000.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Oct. 14, 1859


[1860]


When Judge Larrabee was elected to Congress he made huge promises of aid 
to our Harbor and River Improvements, &c. (Etc.) He is keeping his promises 
by voting persistently for Boenek for Speaker, the man whose strongest 
characteristic, politically, is his inflexible opposition to Harbor and 
River Improvements. The people will so know how to appreciate the positon 
of Democratic politicians upon this important question.
The Daily Tribune, Jan. 3, 1860


[1871]


The work on the harbor is being pushed rapidly. There is already 400 feet 
of piles driven on the north pier. The work of filling in with stone will 
soon commence. Mr. Geo. Cooper has the contract. We are looking for another 
steam pile driver, which will be here at an early day. We are looking 
forward hopefully to the completion of the harbor, and are willing to do 
our share towards getting the L.S.R.R. here as we want a slice of the 
benefits derived from it.
Manitowoc Tribune, Aug. 12, 1871


[1872]


Mr. L. Soulerin, formerly chief engineer of the Manitowoc, Appleton 
& New London railway, but now contractor for the iron work off the 
new bridge at Manitowoc, was in the village last Thursday.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, May 21, 1872 pg. 3


Work has already commenced on the new iron bridge across the river at Main street, in the city of Manitowoc, the piles for the center pier being nearly all driven.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, May 21, 1872 pg. 3


A portion of Cooper & Jones' dam at Neshoto, was carried away, last Saturday evening, caused by a flow of water from the big dam, situated some 25 or 30 miles up the river, which had been drawn off for the purpose of log running. The damage sustained is not very great. They have a large force at work carting gravel, and expect to have it fully repaired in a day or two.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, May 28, 1872 pg. 3


We have selected from the list of contracts for harbor improvements to be let on the 5th of next month, as published in the Milwaukee Sentinel, the two having reference to Two Rivers and our neighbors at Ahnepee. Twenty-five thousand dollars has been appropriated by congress to be expended at each of the above places this season. Contractors will please govern themselves accordingly.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, July 9, 1872 pg. 3
*****
PROPOSALS FOR WORKS OF HARBOR IMPROVEMENT
U.S. ENGINEER'S OFFICE, 625 Wabash Ave., Chicago, July 1, 1872
Sealed proposals, in duplicate, will be received at this office until 12 M. on Monday, the 5th day of August, 1872, for works of harbor improvement on Lakes Superior and Michigan, as follows:
TWO RIVERS HARBOR.
Work to be pier extension, consisting of the construction of five hundred (500) feet, more or less, of pile pier, composed of piles, timber, iron bolts, stone and slabs.
The following is an approximate estimate of materials required:
Six thousand eight hundred and eighty-five (6,885) lin. feet, twelve by twelve (12x12) inch pine timber.
Sixteen thousand (16,000) ft. B.M. oak timber.
Twenty-two thousand seven hundred and fifty (22,750) lin. feet piles.
Twelve thousand six hundred and forty-seven (12,547)(sic) lbs. one and one-eighth (1 1-8) inch square iron drift bolts.
Seven thousand two hundred and ten (7,210) lbs. screw bolts and washers.
Two hundred and thirty-four (234) cords of stone.
Two hundred and eighty-on (281) cords of slabs.
AHNEPEE HARBOR.
1st. Pier extension, consisting of the construction of two hundred (200) feet, more or less, of pile pier, twenty (20) feed wide, composed of piles, timber, iron bolts, stone and slab. The following is an approximate estimate of materials required:
Three thousand two hundred and forty one (3,241) lin. feet, twelve by twelve inch, pine timber.
Five thousand sixty-six (5,066) B.M. oak timber.
Eleven thousand two hundred and fifty (11,250) lin. feet piles, thirty, (30) feet long.
five thousand and fifty-nine (5,059) lbs. one and one eight (1 108) inch square, iron drift bolts.
Three thousand six hundred and eighteen (3,618) lbs. screws bolts and washers.
One hundred and fifty-six (156) cords of stone.
three hundred and twenty-five (325) cords of slabs.
2d. Dredging about thirty-five thousand (35,000) yards of sand and gravel in channel.
Separate proposals will be received for the pier work and dredging.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, July 9, 1872 pg. 3
*****
Thos. Windiate for Sheboygan, and Hon. Joseph Ranking for Two Rivers, were the successful bidders, the 5th, for harbor contracts. We are not informed who secured the Ahnepee job. It is expected that work will commence at Two Rivers about the 1st of September, and that it will be pushed forward with all possible speed for the remainder of this season. The amount appropriated is $25,000, of which $23,000 is to be applied to pier extension. If this can all be worked this season, we shall expect, after high water in the spring, a good tea foot channel without dredging. Work was commenced, last year, the 2d of August, and though delayed somewhat—waiting for material—832 feet of piers were nearly completed. This year the material is nearly all on the ground, and though a month late, it is believed that by the middle of December the present appropriation can all be worked out. This will be a grand thing for Two Rivers, and "beginning of the end" to the old-fashioned and unreliable bridge piers, upon which they have heretofore had to depend. Push ahead with the work, Mr. contractor, and we of Two Rivers will aid you all we can.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, August 13, 1872 pg. 3


We desire to call the attention of contractors to the notice of supervisors, in another column, calling for proposals to rebuild bridge at Two Rivers. This is a desirable job, as the contractor will have no trouble in obtaining the material, which together with the money to pay for the work when completed, is now on hand. Prepare your bids, gentlemen! The 29th, the day for letting the contract, is close at hand.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, June 25, 1872 pg. 3


The Pilot says that the superstructure of the new bridge at Main street is now completed and ready for the bridge proper. The work seems to be well and solidly built, and bids fair to last for ages. The iron for the bridge is expected there daily.—
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, July 30, 1872 pg. 3


The Tribune says that the north harbor pier is now being finished by building up the cribs that were sunk last year in line with the rest of the pier, and the south pier will be taken in hand as soon as the other is completed. the dredge is kept busy deepening the channel.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, July 30, 1872 pg. 3


The new Monroe street bridge is rapidly nearing completion, and it is expected will be ready for travel by the last of this or fore part of next week.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, August 6, 1872 pg. 3


HARBOR WORK.—It will be gratifying intelligence to the people of Two Rivers to know that Mr. Badger, who did the work on harbor improvement at Two Rivers last season, will continue it this season; arrangements having been made with Hon. Joseph Rankin, the successful bidder at the recent letting in Chicago. We do not mean that there was any objection whatever to contractor, or that he would not in any event have done all in his power to rush the work, but that the Two Riverites know that this arrangement with Mr. Badger will secure the desired result.
The Chronicle, Two Rivers, Wis., Tuesday, August 13, 1872 pg. 3


[1875]

	
Repairs on Cooper & Jones pier are nearly completed.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), May 11, 1875


The bridge located one-half mile below the Gibson Mills, in the town of Gibson, 
has been torn down. It was built only last summer, but so imperfectly was it 
constructed that it was necessary to rebuild it.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), June 1, 1875


[1881]


Fog Signal.
We are informed by Mr. Anderson, lighthouse keeper, that the machinery for a 
"Fog Signal" is to be sent here within a few days and will be at once erected 
and put in working order.
Manitowoc Tribune, March 31, 1881 P. 1


Eighth street bridge has recived new and substantial side-walks.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 8, 1881 P. 1


Two Rivers news:
The city authorities are making arrangements for the building of a new bridge 
over the east river to supersede the old one, which has of late, by reason of 
having been built for a number of years, become so used up in a number of places, 
as to make the crossing of it by teams no longer safe. The work of pile driving 
for the new structure will be done by Simeno & LeClaire, and will be commenced 
as soon as the river freezes sufficient to permit travel on the ice.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, December 13, 1881 P. 4


[1882]


NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that bids will be received for contracts to build 
three bridges, as follows:
One at the Branch.
One near Silver Lak, on the Calumet road.
One near Roebke's Mill, on Green Bay road.
Bids must be separate for each bridge, and accompanied by bonds, as follows; 
$500 for the Branch bridge; $100 for each of the others.
Specifications may be examined at the office of
Fred Ostenfeldt,
White's Block, Manitowoc.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 10, 1882 P. 1


Bridge Builders.
The contract for the building of the bridge at the Branch was let to Mr. Christ Vogt, 
of Two Rivers, for $2,460.
The other two, one near Silver Lake on the Calument (sic) road, and the one near 
Roepke's Mill, on the Green Bay road were let to Diet. Roepke for $522.
Both these gentleman will perform their duties faithfully and to the entire satisfaction of all.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 7, 1882 P. 1


Two Rivers news:
The work of repairing Walnut street bridge in this city was begun on Monday 
morning last by Messrs. Simono and LeClaire, to whom the job has been let. 
Should the weather continue in the state that it is at present, considerable 
difficulty will be experienced by travelers who may be obliged to cross the 
river. Already it is unsafe to cross on the ice with a team and much of 
crossing is now done over the bridge about three miles up the river near the 
trannery (sic) of the Wis. Leather Co.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 14, 1882 P. 4


Branch Brevities:
Christian Vogt has contracted with John Gunderson for the timber to be used in the construction of the new bridge at this place. The timber is to be brought from Reedsville.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, March 7, 1882 P. 4


A new and improved light has recently been placed in the north point light house. Anton Gokie, of the Tannery, was during the past week appointed to assist keeper Danielson in tending to the light house.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, March 21, 1882 P. 4


[1883]

	
Branch Brevities:
Work on the bridge is at last commenced here at Branch and under the 
management of Mr. Hubbard we think the work will be pushed right ahead.
Lakeshore Times, Sep. 18, 1883


Branch Brevities:
Mr. A. Johnson took the job clearing the rubbish away from the ruins of 
the old bridge and considers the job so good a one that he is a going to 
give the folks a picnic on Sunday next at his park at the Branch.
Lakeshore Times, Sep. 18, 1883


[1884]


The west side of the new iron bridge on Washington street has just 
received an iron railing similar to that on the East side of the bridge, 
which greatly improves the looks of the bridge. The work was done by 
George Preston and bears evidence of his skill and taste.-Two Rivers Chronicle.
Lake Shore Times, Nov. 18, 1884


[1885]


The light house has been moved out to the end of the harbor 
cribs which were sunk this spring, and the raised plank walk 
is being extended out to it. Messrs. Truman & Cooper have 
pushed this harbor work this summer with energy and will soon 
have all done that is planned for this season.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, July 21, 1885 P.3

	
Two Rivers:	
A new iron swing bridge is to be constructed on Monroe street. When completed 
it is expected to be one of the best iron swing bridges in this county. A 
pretty high tax will undoubtedly be levied upon the tax payers this year, in 
consequence of the several new improvments recently made in this city.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Aug. 4, 1885


Two Rivers news: 
Five bridge builders and contractors were in town last Friday 
soliciting the contract for the construction of the new iron 
swing bridge. The lowest responsible bidder was Keepers & Rundell, 
of Milwaukee who was awarded the contract at a cost of $6,142.50. 
work on the new bridge will soon begin.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1885 P.3


Two Rivers news: 
The bridge builders begun work on the new iron bridge yesterday morning.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 6, 1885 P.1


Two Rivers news: 
The tug A.W. Lawrence, Capt. Harrington, brought a second load of 
stone for the new iron bridge last Sunday evening. Work on the new 
bridge is progressing finely.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 13, 1885 P.2


Two Rivers news: 
The stone work on the new iron bridge was completed last 
Wednesday. The superstructure is now in process of erection.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 27, 1885 P.3


Two Rivers news:
The work of putting up the iron work on the new iron bridge is being pushed 
quite vigorously.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 24, 1885 P. 3


Two Rivers news:
The new iron bridge is nearing completion.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, December 1, 1885 P. 5


NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS.
Notice is hereby given, that the undersigned, the Board of Supervisors 
of the town of Manitowoc Rapids will from this date up to the hour of 
2 o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday December 22nd. A.D. 1885, receive 
bids for the construction of an iron bridge across the Manitowoc River 
just East of the village of Manitowoc Rapids according to the plans and 
specifications now on file in the town clerk's office in said town.
The board reserve the right to reject any and all bids. The terms of the 
contract for building such bridge will be made known at that time or at 
any time previously on application to the chairman of this board. Bids 
may be filed with B. Roemer, town clerk, P.O. address Manitowoc Rapids 
Manitowoc Co. Wis.
Dated, December 5, 1885.
R. Klingholz, Chr.
David Sheldon, Martin Schmidt Supervisors.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, December 8, 1885 P. 4


Rapids news:
The talk is now that the people of The (sic) Rapids are to 
have a wooden bridge.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, December 29, 1885 P.3


[1886]


The committee appointed by the City Council at their last meeting to 
take steps toward securing the erection of a breakwater at the mouth 
of our harbor are pushing the matter quietly, systematically and with 
energy. Vessel owners and captains are taking great interest in the 
project.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 19, 1886 P.3


There is likely to be more trouble with the bridges in the town 
of Rapids this spring. There are several ice gorges formed in the 
river which have formed regular dams and have already accumulated 
a large quantity of water; one especially below Pierce's mill has 
become so large that it has flooded the whole flat and raised the 
water higher then the level of the mill dam above it. What is 
likely to happen when the ice melts and lets this water through 
with a rush can easily be guessed. We are informed there are still 
other gorges formed below this one. Old settlers along the river 
say such a state of affairs has never existed before.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 26, 1886 P.3


OUR HARBOR.
Petitions for the construction of a breakwater near the mouth of the 
harbor to prevent heavy seas from washing into the river have been very 
generally signed by vessel owners and shippers along the lake.
The owners of large steamboat lines and barge shippers of Milwaukee and 
Chicago are heartily in favor of the project and assure the committee 
that they will do all in their power to make it a success. The memorials 
to Congress will be forwarded to Washington sometime during the present 
week.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 26, 1886 P.3

 
Assurances have been received from Senator Sawyer and several of 
the members of Congress from this state that the project to erect 
a break water meets their approval and they will do all in their 
power to push the matter.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 2, 1886 P.3


[1887]


A signal lamp appeared on Main street bridge on Tuesday night for the 
first time. Love stricken maidens need not mistake it for a new star.
Manitowoc Pilot, Thursday, October 27, 1887 P. 3


[1891]


A petition is being circulated in the city asking Congressman Brickner to 
take steps to secure a steam fog whistle on the north harbor pier in this city. 
There is much need of something of that kind as the bell in use at present 
cannot be heard at a sufficient distance to be of material assistance to 
lake craft seeking the harbor, in a fog.
Manitowoc Pilot, Thursday, January 22, 1891 P. 3


[1903]


The bridge tenders are cutting the ice about Eighth street bridge. It is strong enough 
to hold the men while they perfrom (sic) the work.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1903 P. 1


[1916]


A resolution directing the city clerk to notify the Soo line to 
make repairs to its docks to prevent filling in of the river, was 
adopted by the council Wednesday night. Alderman Smuggler of the 
harbor committee fathered the measure.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Friday, February 25, 1916 P. 3


Now that both Eighth street and Tenth street bridges have been temporarily 
bolstered up again, local vehicle drivers have nothing to worry them 
excepting the "hump the bumps" and "leap the gaps" of North Eighth street.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, May 25, 1916 P.3

	
Suit has been filed by S. Zendella, a bridge contractor, aaginst(sic) 
the county of Manitowoc and town of Centerville for collection of $900 
for a bridge built in Centerville. The bridge is known as the Freis 
bridge and it is said has sunk about thirteen inches at one end and 
the county and town declined to pay until repairs were made. A 
settlement may be made, it is said.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, April 20, 1916 P.3


Tenth street bridge tenders pulled a new one this morning when they opened 
the draw between seven and eight o'clock for minor repairs, causing 
workingmen and other to sprint four blocks out of their way to make their 
eight o'clock appointments. When will Manitowoc have "bridge hours" as 
other cities do?
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, June 1, 1916 P.3


[1936]

	
First Bridge of County Completed April 5, 1847
The first bridge in the county was completed and accepted on April 5, 1847. It was
erected by Thomas Cunningham and Ira Clark over the Manitowoc River at Rapids.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 15