John Gurda Books

Milwaukee's identity is intricately linked to its waterways, including Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic rivers. The city's development relied heavily on these water sources, shaping its transportation, industry, and recreational activities. The transformation of wetlands into a thriving metropolis in the 1850s highlights water's pivotal role in Milwaukee's history and daily life, making it a fundamental aspect of the community's evolution.

Renowned historian John Gurda chronicles the rich history of Wisconsin's largest city, highlighting its evolution from a major wheat shipper to the nation's beer capital and a hub of municipal Socialism. The narrative emphasizes Milwaukee's development as a livable metropolis while addressing the social and economic challenges it faces. This fourth edition includes an updated text and a new chapter that brings the city's story into the present, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding Milwaukee's unique identity and history.

The book offers a vibrant exploration of Milwaukee through a collection of stories highlighting its people, events, and landmarks. Drawing from historian John Gurda's popular columns, it transports readers to the city's early days with fur trappers and traders, tracing its evolution into a significant port and industrial hub. The narratives capture the essence of Milwaukee's neighborhoods, political shifts, and cultural moments, including lively festivals and labor struggles, showcasing the rich tapestry of this unique American community.

John Gurda’s South Side Milwaukee family loved potluck dinners. “From the Jell-O salads at the start of the line through the hot dishes in the middle and on to the pumpkin bars at the end, the food was always hearty, abundant, and certifiably homemade,” he writes. Drawing from Gurda’s long-running Sunday Milwaukee Journal Sentinel column, Brewtown Tales was prepared in the spirit of those fondly remembered meals. The main dish is Milwaukee history, served in a multitude of ways. You will find in these pages the biography of a bridge, a requiem for a union, tales of two shipwrecks, a frank take on segregation, and memories of the summer of ’68, among many other things. There are also side dishes that convey the distinctive flavors of Wisconsin and a few more exotic places, from Vilas County to Vietnam. Brewtown Tales will satisfy your hunger, introduce you to new and unexpected tastes, and whet your appetite for more homemade history.

Focusing on grassroots Milwaukee, this book offers an in-depth exploration of 37 neighborhoods established before World War II. It combines historical narratives with contemporary insights, showcasing the unique character of each area. Richly illustrated and engagingly written, it serves as a comprehensive guide to the city's diverse communities, making it accessible for readers interested in Milwaukee's local history and cultural landscape.