In the late 1800s, the area was developed by immigrant Poles, who became the dominant population for over 100 years. A survey nearly a half century later revealed that people of 110 national backgrounds now live on the Old South Side.

Remains of earliest German settlements in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- German place names in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- Remains of German commerce in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- Remains of German institutions in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- Remains of German ways of life in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- German footprints on the physical terrain in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- Efforts to remove German footprints in Milwaukee neighborhoods -- Restoring Milwaukee's German essence.

Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods is the most comprehensive account of grassroots Milwaukee ever published. Based on the popular series of posters published by the City of Milwaukee in the 1980s, the book features both historical chronicles and contemporary portraits of 37 neighborhoods that emerged before World War II, an ensemble that defines the city of Milwaukee. Richly illustrated, engagingly written and organized for maximum ease of use, the book is a fine-grained introduction to the community.

Not to be confused with Milwaukee's "South Side," the City of South Milwaukee is in fact a separate and independent community, with a rich and colorful history all its own. It is this spirit of self-sufficiency that has long been a hallmark of South Milwaukee, going back to 1835 when the area was first settled and continuing through the city's remarkable transformation from a small rural settlement to a bustling industrial suburb. Since 1892, the city has been home to Bucyrus International, one of the world's leading manufacturers of heavy excavation equipment. Bucyrus provided employment to South Milwaukee citizens, allowing the city to grow and add more businesses and city services, and to feel an even more confident sense of independence.

"Discover the challenges faced by civil rights groups in their fight for open housing and better working conditions for Milwaukee's minority community"--

From City Hall to the Pabst Theater, reminders of the past are part of the fabric of Milwaukee. Yet many historic treasures have been lost to time. An overgrown stretch of the Milwaukee River was once a famous beer garden. Blocks of homes and apartments replaced the Wonderland Amusement Park. A quiet bike path now stretches where some of fastest trains in the world previously thundered. Today's Estabrook Park was a vast mining operation, and Marquette University covers the old fairgrounds where Abraham Lincoln spoke. Author Carl Swanson recounts these stories and other tales of bygone days.