Hidden History of Milwaukee

Hidden History

by Robert Tanzilo

Join OnMilwaukee.com's Bobby Tanzilo for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Milwaukee's incredible past.
Sail out to the Breakwater Lighthouse, scramble up the wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum and dig up the city's roots on the corner of Water Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Seize the chance to do a little urban spelunking and explore basilicas, burial grounds and breweries. Ring the bell in the city hall tower, and take a turn around the secret indoor track at a Montessori school. No space is off limits in these untold stories of the Cream City's most familiar places and celebrated landmarks.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2014

Reviews

[Patricia]

A very enjoyable guide to some of Milwaukee's history as told through its architecture. Of particular interest to me was chapter 30 about the Rare Books Room at the Central Library. I am quoted multiple times on pages 160 through 166 because of an interview I had with the author during the time I was Rare Books Librarian. This book is another valuable contribution to the preservation of Milwaukee's stories.

[Tim Kretschmann]

Not as much the history of Milwaukee as a tour of the architectural delights of the city. It emphasizes the architects and buildings themselves, using the history only as a context for their construction. A decent, episodic read. I advise not to try to read it right through as it might become tedious. Best as a "side" book.

[Don Robins]

I Love History!

In touring some of Milwaukee's great buildings and then writing about what he saw, this author takes the reader on a brief but pointed history of the city I have come to love. I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Abby Stopka]

I grew up in Milwaukee for a good chunk of my life. And there is a lot of hidden history here that I didn't even know but it kept me riveted and I finished this quite quickly it was a 4 hour audio read. Audio read.

[Tom]

A lot of fun information but the book definitely left me a tad disappointed with just the two to three black and white pictures for each building which leaves a lot to the imagination.

[Kimberly Purcell]

If you like history, secrets, and/or Milwaukee, you'll enjoy this book. My only complaint is that I wish there were more pictures and a map of where each of the highlighted structures is.

[Daniela]

This is a great book for locals, as it is very detailed. I just wish it had more pictures. At least pictures of what the building or landmark looks like for a more complete reading experience.

[Emily]

Great history on lots of old buildings in Milwaukee. Does feel bittersweet to read this 10 years after publication and knowing that many of the restoration efforts described never came to be.

[Robert]

A few glaring errors, but still an interesting read