Civic & Government
Dublin Core
Title
Civic & Government
Subject
Civic Government
On January 9, 1896 the citizens of Waukesha read the results of a special election in the newspapers: their village officially became a city. As some at the time said, “the biggest village in the country became the newest little city.” High on the list of reasons that village leaders brought the issue to a vote was access to state funds for road paving improvements.
Since incorporation as a city, there have been 31 mayors, several hundred city alderpersons, and thousands of professional staff.
The city government is charged with overseeing a number of vital services. The scope and number of the services have changed, grown, and increased since 1896. The 1899 city directory listed 10 major employees: Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Comptroller, Engineer, Attorney, Chief of Police, Chief of Fire Dept., Assessor, Heath Commissioner, and City Physician. In addition, standing committees and commissions helped regulate the city government. A visit to the city website, waukesha-wi.gov, shows the tremendous growth of the city of Waukesha since 1896.
The city government also reflects the social, economic, and cultural issues of the time. Racial discrimination, gender equality, equal rights, accommodations for those with disabilities, and environmental issues, are just a few of the issues the city has taken on.
The Common Council remains the heart of city government. Citizens have the right to voice concerns to a duly-elected alderperson. This basic principle has not changed. And despite the challenges faced by all of us, the city of Waukesha remains a vibrant and exciting place to live. There is no other place like Waukesha.
On January 9, 1896 the citizens of Waukesha read the results of a special election in the newspapers: their village officially became a city. As some at the time said, “the biggest village in the country became the newest little city.” High on the list of reasons that village leaders brought the issue to a vote was access to state funds for road paving improvements.
Since incorporation as a city, there have been 31 mayors, several hundred city alderpersons, and thousands of professional staff.
The city government is charged with overseeing a number of vital services. The scope and number of the services have changed, grown, and increased since 1896. The 1899 city directory listed 10 major employees: Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Comptroller, Engineer, Attorney, Chief of Police, Chief of Fire Dept., Assessor, Heath Commissioner, and City Physician. In addition, standing committees and commissions helped regulate the city government. A visit to the city website, waukesha-wi.gov, shows the tremendous growth of the city of Waukesha since 1896.
The city government also reflects the social, economic, and cultural issues of the time. Racial discrimination, gender equality, equal rights, accommodations for those with disabilities, and environmental issues, are just a few of the issues the city has taken on.
The Common Council remains the heart of city government. Citizens have the right to voice concerns to a duly-elected alderperson. This basic principle has not changed. And despite the challenges faced by all of us, the city of Waukesha remains a vibrant and exciting place to live. There is no other place like Waukesha.
Collection Items
Public Health Signs
Although the state and county boards of health have jurisdiction during health emergencies, it falls to local officials to enforce rules and regulations.
During the 1920’s, outbreaks of various communicable diseases, such as measles, resulted in…
During the 1920’s, outbreaks of various communicable diseases, such as measles, resulted in…
City seal, leaded glass window
This stained glass window with the City of Waukesha seal was created by craftsman Robert Uchner for the Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1984. Several identical windows are installed in the springhouse located in the Waukesha State Bank parking…
Speed Limit Sign
As automobiles became more affordable and necessary, controlling traffic became a concern for local police. Automobiles could reach dangerous speeds on crowded city streets, navigating around pedestrians and horse traffic. Road signs, such as this…
Cane
Each of these walking canes belonged to an influential Waukeshonian, who share a legacy: Morris Cutler and John Buchner. Walking canes were both practical and fashionable accessories. These seem to reflect their owners: Cutler’s rough hewn and…
Postal Badge
Edward Boehmke is seen here alongside the hat badge and a button from his Postal Unform. Boehmke worked as a mail carrier for 24 years, retiring in 1941. His time as a mail carrier was only interrupted by his service in World War I.
In 1913 the…
In 1913 the…
Prairie Home Cemetery Plat Map & Transit
The transit is a high-precision instrument used by surveyors for laying out straight and curved lines on the ground. Although unnoticed by the public, the streets are mathematically laid out around reverse and compound curves with the use of the…
Fire Department jack and hose clamp
The hose clamp tool was purchased by the Waukesha Fire Department for use with its first motorized fire truck, a 1915 Sterling. It was patented by the Peter Pirsch & Sons Co. of Kenosha on September 5, 1905. It was used to clamp off a hose line in…
Waukesha Civic Theater T-shirt
The Waukesha Civic Theatre (WCT) has a long and colorful history. Irvin Ware contacted local actors including Harold Brierton, Bill Broomall, Mickey Elger, and Conne Smith. When a board of directors was formed in the summer of 1957, the Waukesha…
Waukesha North State Football t-shirt
Waukesha public and private high schools have experienced outstanding success in sports competitions. Boys and girls teams have participated in an astounding number of state championships. Each championship was celebrated in different ways through…