(Image from the City of Appleton)
Appleton leaders are naming 21 alleys after historic figures in the city.
The Appleton Historical Society helped put the list together. Many of the alleys are in the downtown area, but they’re spread around the city.
List of alley names
Alley #1: Koester Alley
The Koester family manufactured and sold ginger ale and all kinds of soft drinks in proximity to Alley #1 from 1912-1960. (203 East McKinley Street)
Alley #2: “Fischer Alley”
In 1858, Anton Fischer opened Fischer Brewery in Outagamie County (Appleton’s First Brewery) – now known as Between the Locks Building. Alley #2 is in proximity to the Between the Locks Building.
Alley #3: “Morgan Alley”
Carrie Morgan came to Appleton with her family in 1867 and attended the old First Ward and Second District High Schools. In 1894, she was elected Superintendent of Schools in Appleton and held this position for 30 years. She remained employed by the district for many years following. Her contributions to the district include: formation of a kindergarten program, the construction of three junior high schools, and a school for deaf and handicap students.
Alley #4: “Harp Alley”
Named for Tom Harp who was a long-time employee of the City of Appleton from 1961-1996, including many years as the City Engineer.
Alley #5 Name: “Oak Alley” – This name is reserved for Alley #5, but it does not take effect until South Oak Street is vacated.
Named for the tree. Area is known as Colony Oaks.
Alley #6: “Ferber Alley”
Edna Ferber was one of Appleton’s most famous citizens, winning a Pulitzer Prize for her novel, So Big in 1924. She graduated from Ryan High School and began her writing career in 1904 as a reporter for the Appleton Daily Crescent.
Alley #7: “Rork Alley”
Named for early pioneer Joseph Rork, who arrived in 1851. He set up one of the first dairy farms.
Alley #8: “Artis Alley”
Named for Horace and Bercina Artis; he served in the Civil War in the 31st regiment of United States Colored Troops and in the Appleton G.A.R. Geo. Eggleston Post. (History Museum at the Castle has a good biography on him. He was part of Stones of Hope.)
Alley #9: “Gilmore Alley”
Named for James Gilmore, Mayor of Appleton in 1866. (Lost his street name in the realignment and was renamed to Winnebago Street)
Alley #10: “Buck Alley”
Named for Julius S. and Elsie Buck, early settlers; he served as City Clerk and Lawrence University Trustee. Elsie Street is named for his wife and daughter. (This is next to Elsie Street, seems appropriate.)
Alley #11: “Allen Alley”
This name is reserved for Alley #11, but it does not take effect until South Allen Street is vacated.
Named for Capt. C. R. Allen, an engineer employed by the U.S. government in Appleton’s pioneer days.
Alley #12: “Murch Alley”
Named for Bela and Sarah Murch, the first farmers to settle in what is now Appleton.
Alley #13: “Kreiss Alley”
Named for George and Mary Kreiss; he was an Appleton Alderman and Fire Chief as well as a State Assemblyman and Senator.
Alley #14: “Marston Alley”
Named for the Marston family; including George and Lucretia and son Captain Joseph Marston, who served as part of the Iron Brigade in the Civil War.
Alley #15: “Kimball Alley”
This name is reserved for Alley #15, but it does not take effect until East Kimball Street is entirely vacated.
Named for Eliza Kimball Smith. Her husband, Reeder Smith was an agent of Amos Lawrence and a founder of Lawrence University. (These two are the principal Founders of Appleton.)
Alley #16: “DeForest Alley”
Named for a son of Welcome Hyde. DeForest was renamed to Spring Street.
Alley #17: “Hyde Alley”
Named for Welcome Hyde, a land surveyor and lumberman.
Alley #18: “Fisk Alley”
Likely named for the Fisk family, which was involved in the lumber business. It was renamed to Franklin Street.
Alley #19: “West Johnston Street”
Named for John F. Johnston who was the first postmaster and very early pioneer. His home and boarding house were located where East Johnston Street intersects with North Durkee Street. Alley 19 is in line with West and East Johnston Streets. Alley 19 will be a continuation of West Johnston Street.
Alley #20: “Adkins Alley”
Named for Charles G. Adkins, a merchant who came to Appleton in 1853. Washington Street was called Adkins Street before 1925.
Alley #21: “West Johnston Street”
Named for John F. Johnston who was the first postmaster and very early pioneer. His home and boarding house were located where East Johnston Street intersects with North Durkee Street. Alley 21 is in line with West and East Johnston Street. Alley 21 will be a continuation of West Johnston Street.
