Originally called Winnebago Rapids, Neenah - named by Governor James Doty using the Indian word for “water”- was incorporated as a village in 1856. The village grew rapidly due to its proximity to the Fox River and Lake Winnebago, which made it an ideal place of industry. It became a city in 1873. Soon, mills, churches, and schools were built. Notably, Kimberly-Clark Corporation was formed in 1872, which played a large role in the development of Neenah both economically and population-wise. Organizations were constantly being formed to create a stronger sense of community. Other landmarks, such as Kimberly High School (now the Neenah Joint School District Administration building) and the original Theda Clark Memorial Hospital were built in 1906 and 1909, respectively.
With the 1910's and the outbreak of World War I, Neenah, like many other American towns of the time, put an emphasis on patriotic pride. Wartime also saw a creation of notable products, such as Kleenex, being thought of and produced by Kimberly-Clark. In the 1920s, Doty Park, automobile dealerships, and female voters (thanks to the 19th Amendment) emerged. With the Great Depression, some of Neenah's businesses and citizens struggled, but some distinguished citizens invested money into the community. Despite the hardships of the time, Neenah High School grew, as well as Riverside Park's layout and Washington Park. About 1,700 men from Neenah were drafted into service during the Second World War, in which Neenah saw yet another surge in patriotism. Activities such as rationing, Red Cross drives, and war loans became commonplace in Neenah. Throughout the 40's and 50's, economic growth and new developments in the community continued.
Neenah's history relies heavily on its location, which promoted the creation of industry, and the notable citizens who have contributed to the community. The citizens retain their small town values despite the vast amount of progress that has taken place. Neenah today continues to make economic and social advances. According to the 2010 census, Neenah has 25,501 people, and will only gain more satisfied citizens in the years to come. Looking back, our community has accomplished a great deal and there is no telling what will be achieved in the future.
Shattuck, S.F. A History of Neenah. The State: A History of Neenah. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.NHHistSFS>.
"American FactFinder - Community Facts." American FactFinder - Community Facts. Web. 27 May 2014. <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml>.
With the 1910's and the outbreak of World War I, Neenah, like many other American towns of the time, put an emphasis on patriotic pride. Wartime also saw a creation of notable products, such as Kleenex, being thought of and produced by Kimberly-Clark. In the 1920s, Doty Park, automobile dealerships, and female voters (thanks to the 19th Amendment) emerged. With the Great Depression, some of Neenah's businesses and citizens struggled, but some distinguished citizens invested money into the community. Despite the hardships of the time, Neenah High School grew, as well as Riverside Park's layout and Washington Park. About 1,700 men from Neenah were drafted into service during the Second World War, in which Neenah saw yet another surge in patriotism. Activities such as rationing, Red Cross drives, and war loans became commonplace in Neenah. Throughout the 40's and 50's, economic growth and new developments in the community continued.
Neenah's history relies heavily on its location, which promoted the creation of industry, and the notable citizens who have contributed to the community. The citizens retain their small town values despite the vast amount of progress that has taken place. Neenah today continues to make economic and social advances. According to the 2010 census, Neenah has 25,501 people, and will only gain more satisfied citizens in the years to come. Looking back, our community has accomplished a great deal and there is no telling what will be achieved in the future.
Shattuck, S.F. A History of Neenah. The State: A History of Neenah. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.NHHistSFS>.
"American FactFinder - Community Facts." American FactFinder - Community Facts. Web. 27 May 2014. <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml>.