Milwaukee: A City Built on Water | Program |

[Original Airdate: April 22, 2015]

Historian John Gurda explores how the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan spurred Milwaukee's growth. The settlers used rivers and Lake Michigan to transport grain, lumber, leather and beer, but water was just as important for play as it was for work. Gurda explains how the Milwaukee River became a destination for fun. Learn how the lower Milwaukee River was eventually reduced to an open sewer by 1900, with Lake Michigan suffering similar indignities. Only in recent decades have the currents turned for the better. From the Milwaukee River Greenway to the reborn Menomonee Valley to the cultural theme park on our downtown lakefront, the patterns of the past are being reversed, providing cause for celebration as well as concern.

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[MrSimmies]

Many thanks to John Gurda for all he has done to inform us about the history and making of our historic city!

[Redlioness-gpci]

Loved MILWAUKEE back in late 68. I still remember my teacher Miss
The massive glass botanical dome situated inside this massive park.
The deep snows in the winter...
The great big lake, we used to go to every summer and the barbecues already fixed down next to the tables and benches.
I'm guessing things have changed there too over the decades.
Family ended up moving back in the UK after a few years spent in that city, against my will of course, but I still carry the best memories of those days.
Thanks for the history lesson of MILWAUKEE.

[Erikthetravelguy]

I really enjoyed this video. Milwaukee is such an "under the radar" destination. Thanks for showing it off and detailing it's unique history!

[RondaOptional]

Funny, its almost like YouTube knew I was feeling homesick for my beloved Milwaukee. Thank you, it brings me joy to see home the good and the bad!

[allexx]

My daddy worked for Schlitz. You know they allowed the workers to drink all the beer they wanted back on the job before the 1980's. I can't imagine being stoned drunk and working with machinery. There were a few that got hurt, but I never heard much about it.

[jonnyjetstreamer]

My great great grandfather built a sawmill on the Milwaukee river in the 1850’s in a little town called Ebleville named after him. The town is now called New Fane.

[kilpatrickkirksimmons]

Solid documentary, actually learned a thing or two. No such thing as useless knowledge, so long as it's nonfiction.

[starcrossedsaint]

2:07 I adore that swing bridge, how wonderful to see John Gurda paddling by it

[delmorerealty]

This is a good video. I have have been gone 50 plus years but love Milwaukee. Thank you John Gurda.

[thomerwald]

Great work, John and Claudia.  You've added a great work that defines who we are as a city.  Thanks.

[agentfungus]

Excellent program! Mr. Gurda nails it, as usual.

[ronaldschwigel]

1-29-2021- YOU DID A BEUTIFUL JOB ON THIS MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY . I WAS BORN IN MILWAUKEE STILL LIVE HERE JACKSON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD SAYS HELLO AND GOD BLESS YOU JOHN. AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT WORK BRINGING HISTORY HOME TO US TO ENJOY.

[jeffmrochinski]

Gurda's work is a Milwaukee treasure. Thank you for all you do.

[joewiltjer]

Well done documentary. Glad the environmental damage of the past is being corrected- we can't under state how important restoring streamflow and habitat is to our environment with environmental corridors through the region. If we are to thrive into the future, resiliency is necessary.

[shaiajean]

Excellent video. Wonderful old photos and video, and surprising revelations, even for a lifelong resident.

[khunopie]

Good old Milwaukee. Tastes as great as its name.

[JimboPS]

As MUHS boys in the short-lived period when the drinking age was 18, we would drive from school and make "pilgrimages to Pigsville" to have a beer or two -- where there was certainly more than one tavern open (in those days, early 70s). Great video, and I never knew it was there until someone took me there.

[berber]

several times this art of work brought tears to my eyes

[osculant]

Awesome, loved Making of Milwaukee and this is just as fascinating.

[milmexth]

I wasn't born in Milwaukee,
35th Clybourn
62-76
The Army sent me to a little island called ENWETAK
Korea
Frankfurt
Wiesbaden
Berlin, Oklahoma Kansas
Central America.
I live in Monterey California.
Whenever someone asks "where you from "
I'm from Milwaukee.