Cream City Stories

Continue learning about the impact Milwaukeeans had on aviation. In this month's episode, host Sean Regan will share the story of Captain Lance P. Sijan, a Milwaukee native whose heroism left a lasting legacy in the United States.

In this episode, host Sean Regan explores the life and legacy of General William "Billy" Mitchell. Learn more about his family, early life in Milwaukee and impact on aviation history.

For those not familiar with panorama paintings,  they were a revolutionary nineteenth century form of mass entertainment that was a precursor to modern cinema.. Typically, they were massive and immersive 360 degree circular paintings that transported viewers to travel to distant lands or experience major historical events. 

Now, what do panorama paintings of the late 19th century have to do with Milwaukee???  Well, it turns out that startingin the 1880’s, Milwaukee was a major center for panorama painting in the United States. Learn more about the two major companies, the works they created and even one you can still see today.

In Part II, host Sean Regan shares locations and installations where you can see Cyril Colnik's work in person including a collection of his papers and drawings. He also dives into some of the preservation work at the end of Colnik's life that helped to save many pieces from changing styles and tastes.

This two-part series can give anyone a great appreciation for this important artisan's work in Milwaukee.

In Part I, host Sean Regan explores Cyril Colnik, an Austrian immigrant who arguably became Milwaukee’s greatest craftsman. For over 50 years,  he provided our city with extraordinarily artistic metalwork that earned him the title:  “The Tiffany of Wrought Iron.” The episode covers more about his biography and methods. In Part II, we'll explore where you can see his work in person!

In the second part of this two-part episode, host Sean Regan will share more stories of car manufacturing companies in Milwaukee including Lafayette, Seaman, Sternberg and more!

Did you realize that for much of the 20th century, there were entire vehicles or car parts that were built in Milwaukee? In this two-part episode, Sean Regan will explore Milwaukee's role in the automobile industry of the 20th Century and the transition to a more car-centric society.  In part one, learn more about Seaman, Nash and AMC.

In this episode, host Sean Regan explores the history of redlining, segregation, racism in the mortgage and lending industry and the efforts of African Americans in Milwaukee to fight these discriminatory practices. Learn more about important Milwaukee residents who marched, advocated and fought to live in a more equitable city.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Just Action by Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein

"When Pretty Soon Runs Out" documentary on PBS

Mapping Racism and Resistance, UW-Milwaukee

Prejudice in Places, Dane County, WI

In this episode, learn more about the history and development of Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum. Founded in 1850, this restful place was designed for both the living and the dead, embracing the ideals of the garden cemetery design. Hear more about the grounds, the residents and some of the monuments and symbols still visible today.

In this episode, explore the history of Lakeshore State Park including the surprising source for materials, important details about water management and some of the potential for future infrastructure within the park.