Free: 1916 Popcorn Wagon
By Tricia McCarter-Joseph | Online Only | Jan. 15, 2010
Milwaukee's Downer Avenue Popcorn Wagon before its removal in 2007
Credit: Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission
Milwaukee native Thomas Herman remembers riding his bike with his friends in the 1960s to the Popcorn Wagon on Downer Avenue. Open since 1916, the wagon was a fixture of the East Side neighborhood, a place where locals could buy popcorn for a nickel and candy for a penny.
"It was the fun place for all the youngsters," says Herman, now 60. "There was this potpourri of delights with different types of popcorn to choose from."
But three years ago, the Milwaukee Preservation Commission approved the removal the metal-and-wood wagon to make way for a new parking garage, planning to reinstall it at a later date. However, according to Milwaukee Magazine this month, the popcorn wagon's owner, restaurant owner Michael Eitel, doesn't have immediate plans to return it to Downer Avenue.
"It would be nearly impossible to bring the wagon up to health code and would involve a major investment," Eitel told Milwaukee Magazine. "I am happy to give it away to anyone who will take it off my hands."
Over the last few years local residents and city officials have battled redevelopment in the North Downer Avenue Commercial District, made up of mostly early 20th-century commercial buildings and late-19th-century and early 20th-century residences.
Herman hopes the popcorn wagon will return to the neighborhood, despite its changes. "I would like to see it back on a street in a neighborhood where many people can buy penny candy," Herman says. "There aren't many popcorn stands left. It's a wonderful piece of Americana."
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Comments
Submitted by killer at: February 24, 2010
looking for a popcorn wagon
Submitted by Lucinda at: January 26, 2010
Please contact me, Marion Ohio is home to the Popcorn Museum, which currently has other historic Popcorn Wagons like the 1916 Wagon featured in the article. These wagons are a great piece of American History. Please contact me, 740 244-9567.
Submitted by Mimi at: January 22, 2010
Being Tom Herman's SISTER, I remember going to this wonderful place in the 1950's--probably the first jaunt our parents allowed us to take out of their sight--we only had to cross three fairly quiet streets! I loved going to The Popcorn Stand, can still smell the cocoanut (a no-no these days) oil, remember the "Dots on Paper, " penny candy, "Whips" licorice, wax lips and whistles and..... Living in Maine I'm not sure I can step forward to retreive and resettle this wonderful slice of Americana and Milwaukee history--but would happily support those who can.
Submitted by Margaret Foster at: January 21, 2010
You can reach Mr. Eitel through his company, Diablos Rojos Restaurant Group, at 414-810-4082.
Submitted by Mark at: January 20, 2010
Can you let me know how I can get in touch with the restaurant owne Michael Eitel? I'm very interested in purchasing his wagon. I can be reached at markfask @ Gmail. Thanks