These street signs can be found in the old community of Custerdale. Custerdale was developed in 1943 to provide housing for the defense workers of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, as well as other industries in the area. The significance of these street signs are twofold: although updated these signs still stand in the community that has changed a great deal since World War II, but also, they represent many of the 28 submarines that the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company constructed from 1940-1945. The USS Rasher was constructed in 1942 and ultimately sank 18 ships in the Pacific.
Pictured above is the present day Burger Boat Company, it started out as a small company producing wooden ships in the late 1800s and now today produces yachts for the rich all around the world. Although, not on as large of a scale as the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, Burger Boat participated in the war effort as well building wooden subchasers, minesweepers, rescue tugs, and crash boats. Most of the industry that was around during World War II is now gone, but Burger Boat remains brining its history with it.
Pictured above is what remains the Mirro Aluminum Company. Its roots in the community go back to the late 1800s with its main production during World War II; developing aluminum cookware, airplane parts, gasoline tans, and aluminum canteens used by the allied forces. This company was once one of the largest employers and highest producing in the area and today it sits in ruins, rotting away with asbestos awaiting demolition.
Looking back through history it is easy to see the significance of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company and how it sparked community development, but besides the history the Manitowoc Maritime Museum provides there are no other remnants of the once prosperous company. The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company altered the way people perceived the small town, many people underestimated the company’s capabilities when it came to ship repair and building. But throughout the years they created a name for themselves that would ultimately alter their company and their history forever. With the creation of this great company came the creation of the great community of Manitowoc.
On a recent trip to Manitowoc I noticed as I was driving down 16th street that as I came to the Manitowoc River peninsula that there were “NO TRESPASSING” signs at the entrance. This disappointing trip led me to wonder what if someone were to have a hankering to study the history of the company and wanted to visit the site they would not be able to, it just sits there, closed off, holding its history with it. This specific place in Manitowoc is what brought great prosperity to the city and to close it off to the public does not seem like the best use of such a historic place.
Based on the Manitowoc Maritime Museum and the other various references to the city’s history it seems odd that the peninsula would be inaccessible. While looking through first hand accounts and stories of people who lived in the city during its war production years a sense of pride carried strong throughout their accounts. People not only took pride in the company, but also in the homes and the community that was developed for the defense workers. A prevalent aspect of Manitowoc’s war time industry history is the community of Custerdale, a federal housing project that created 650 homes in the area. Today, much of the community still stands; some houses have been well maintained, while others have fallen on the wayside. But, nonetheless, the community is out in the open and available to the people of Manitowoc to visit. It is difficult to figure out why some aspects of the community’s history is out in the open while others are kept behind no trespassing signs. There is a company that occupies part of the peninsula, but there is still a large part of it open and it is a shame to not be able to see where a big part of Manitowoc’s history took place.
The main idea that can be learned from this is that history must be put out in the open for everyone to enjoy, otherwise it is forgotten. To be able to see the harbor where they side launched 28 submarines and countless other ships throughout its 66 years of business would truly be a sight to see. The museum does a great job at emulating the company’s history, but experiencing the place first hand can really give someone a newfound respect and understanding of its history.
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