Appleton, Wisconsin, is a city where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Sharing its origins with Lawrence University, Appleton’s growth and development have been deeply interconnected with the university since both were established. This relationship, founded in the early years of the city, continues to thrive today, reflecting the strong community spirit that defines Appleton.

Early Beginnings and Founding

The first settlers in Appleton were fur traders looking to do business with the Fox River Valley Indians. Among them was Hippolyte Grignon, who built the White Heron in 1835. This structure served as both his family home and a vital trading post and inn. The financial backing of Amos Lawrence led to the chartering of the Lawrence Institute in 1847. Samuel Appleton’s generous donation of $10,000 to the college library earned him the honor of having the community named after him.

Appleton was incorporated as a village in 1853, with John F. Johnston serving as its first village president. In 1857, it was incorporated as a city, with Amos Storey becoming its first mayor. Over the years, 36 individuals have served as the city’s chief elected official. Among them, John Goodland, Jr. had the longest tenure, serving 18 years, while Dorothy Johnson, Appleton’s first female mayor, was elected in 1980 and served for 12 years. The current mayor, Jake Woodford, continues to build on their legacy.

Education: A Cornerstone of Appleton

Education has always been a priority in Appleton. Daniel Huntley taught the first free public school class in 1850. The St. Mary Catholic Church opened the first parochial school in 1864. The first four-year high school began operating in 1876 in the Hercules School, and kindergarten was introduced in Lincoln School in 1898. Today, the city boasts 24 public and 13 parochial schools, reflecting its ongoing commitment to education.

Lawrence University, with its 84-acre campus, 32 buildings, 1,500 students from 45 states and 40 countries, and a faculty of 167, is a cornerstone of the city. The university enriches the community with a continuous array of music, drama, and sports activities.

Vocational Education and Economic Growth

Appleton has a long-standing commitment to vocational education. The Vocational School was established in 1912, and by 1917, it had the first facility in the United States built exclusively for this purpose. The creation of Fox Valley Technical College in 1965 marked the expansion of local vocational, technical, and adult education programs.

The city’s economic prosperity has been significantly influenced by its thriving business sector, particularly the paper industry. The establishment of the first paper mill in 1853 set the stage for Appleton’s development. In 1882, the Vulcan Street Hydroelectric Central Station began operation, marking one of the earliest uses of hydropower to generate electricity commercially.

In August 1886, Appleton made history again with the operation of a commercially successful electric streetcar company. By 1912, electric lights had replaced gas lamps on College Avenue, showcasing the city’s progressive attitude.

Technological Advancements and Retail Growth

Appleton also played a pioneering role in the telecommunications industry. In 1877, Alfred Galpin built his own telephone, connecting his bank and residence. This local innovation eventually led to the establishment of the Wisconsin Telephone Company in 1881.

Retail trade has been another pillar of Appleton’s progress. College Avenue has long been the hub of local commerce, with businesses actively participating in downtown redevelopment efforts. The opening of the Paper Valley Hotel in 1982 and The Avenue shopping complex in 1987 are key milestones in the city’s commercial history.

Media and Cultural Development

Since its inception as the Appleton Crescent in 1853, now known as the Appleton Post Crescent, the local newspaper has been a vital source of news, covering the political, educational, and industrial developments in the community.

Central to Appleton’s cultural growth has been the public library service. From its humble beginnings in a reading room above a grocery store, the Appleton Public Library has grown into a vital community hub. Located at 225 North Oneida Street, the library offers a vast collection of 360,000 volumes, free computer access, notary services, meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi. Its website provides remote access to a digital branch, including research databases and digital downloads, further extending its reach.

Preserving History

The Outagamie County Historical Society plays a crucial role in preserving Appleton’s history. Its museum houses artifacts from famous native sons like escape artist Harry Houdini and author Edna Ferber. The museum highlights Appleton’s heritage as a progressive, industrious community within Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley.

A Bright Future

The residents of Appleton are proud of their city’s rich past and vibrant present. Their confidence in the future and dedication to continuous improvement is evident in every aspect of the community. Appleton is a city that honors its history while embracing progress, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.