Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
July 1940. "Manitowoc, Wisconsin." Hub of the fly-net industry. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size.
I used to have a Fly Net as a wall hanging back in the old hippie days. But then my wife wanted us to "class up" and got rid of it when I wasn't lookin'.
Women!
Gamble's used to be a chain of department stores or hardware stores, can't remember which. I do remember going to them with my Grandparents when I was young though.
[You remember correctly. And the wagon says "Gamble's Flash." - Dave]
I've only been to Manitowoc once, but part of it has the feel of America in the 1950s. Lots of old brick buildings, a fair amount of industry yet. Active shipyard, lots of steel bridges. And a coal fired ferry going across Lake Michigan from Manitowoc. This building seems typical of what is in that city today yet.
I was born and raised in Manitowoc. Population around 30,000. My whole family is still there. Yes, Manitowoc is known for their ice machines, cranes and Burger Boats. I'll have to find out where this building is. Many of the oldies still remain.
How "Little Rascals" can you get? That's no Radio Flyer. I can only make what I believe says "Nash"? Someone with zoom powers help me here, please.
["Gamble's Flash." - Dave]
Those basement windows tell a story of a once much lower street elevation before the paving. Apparently the effects of the automobile encroached on this business physically as well as economically.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin is were Manitowoc ice machines are currently made. Our office got ours from them. There are still things made here in the USA.
[Indeed, the U.S. of A is still the largest producer of manufactured goods on Planet Earth. - Dave]
I wonder if the Arrow Co. gave 'em much competition. Also, do you think they offered Wingtip Horseshoes?
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5