Box 6, Folder 5: Lapham Park

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county. This book is now rare and commands a great price by collectors. Dr. Lapham was a firm believer in museums as educational institutions, and as early as 1859 had made a valuable archaeological collection, which he deposited in the museum of the Wisconsin University, where it remained until destroyed by the burning of Science Hall in 1884. Dr. Lapham was spirited and always stood ready to do what he could for the advancement of the commonwealth and the enlightenment of its people. With the hope of interesting the citizens of Milwaukee in the resources of the state, he gave a series of lectures on Wisconsin during the years 1851 and 1852. His lectures on the antiquities of the state, especially those delivered to the Young Men's Association, have been repeatedly referred to in scientific articles the world over. A reference to the files of the Sentinel, during the summer of 1852, under the heading "Rambles in the Interior" by Dr. Lapham, will disclose much interesting information. What may well be regarded as the crowning accomplishment of Dr. Lapham's life may be found in the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, entitled "Lapham's Antiquities of Wisconsin", published in 1854. The systematic exploration of the ancient remains of Wisconsin was undertaken and accomplished to a remarkable degree by him on behalf of the American Antiquarian Society, for which he received no other compensation than the scientific enjoyment which the prosecution of the work itself afforded him. The cost of printing this valuable record was assumed by the Smithsonian Institution. The work has proven of great value as an accurate and faithful record of the interesting earthworks of this state, which are so rapidly being obliterated by the march of improvement. This book is among the most sought after of all the Smithsonian publi

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cations, and has not only made its author a leading authority on Archaeology, but the state of Wisconsin famous the world over for its emblematic mounds. The Wisconsin Archaeological Society, with its 500 members, is attempting to carry on the work of research so well started by Dr. Lapham. His theories and conclusions, although in advance of his time, have become most generally accepted. In 1855 he published a Geological Map of Wisconsin. From 1873 to 1875 he acted as chief geologist of this state. At the time of death, Sept. 14th, 1876, Dr. Lapham was preparing two sets of models for exhibition at Philadelphia, one showing the topography and other characteristics of the state, among which were the forests, streams, clearings, roads, cultivated portions and residences. On the other, the mounds were represented in relief on a table, 4 ft. wide and 10 ft. in length. These were subsequently completed by his son, and one set placed in the Smithsonian Institute, a second in the Public Museum at Milwaukee and a third in the Museum of the Wisconsin Historical Society at Madison. Members of the various Wisconsin scientific and historical societies, as well as the friends of education, most generally feel that the name of Dr. Lapham should be perpetuated in a manner that would come to the notice of every Milwaukee youth, that he might profit by the example set by this wonderful man. By incessant work he become one of the greatest American scientists of his time and his accomplishments deserve recognition. A more fitting tribute could not be paid to his memory than to call Schlitz Park, when acquired by the city, LAPHAM PARK. This name would be especially appropriate as the park itself is a natural mound, lying almost within the midst of a splendid group of earthworks discovered and surveyed by Lapham in 1836, but since destroyed. Name it LAPHAM PARK and please the greatest number.

The children in costume.

Folk-dance frolic Playground Hall near Walnut St. entrance Lapham Park Wed - 4 P.M. Sept 14th To meet school teachers and Principles of neighborhood.

[Left Page, Newspaper Clippings] First Milwaukee Play Festival Fold Dances By Milwaukee Children [illustration] Part of the Audience [illustration] Ox Dance

[Right Page, Newspaper Clippings] [illustration] Waiting for the Signal [illustration] [illustration] Round & Round the Village

[Left Page, Newspaper Clippings] [illustration] Highland Fling [illustration] Weaving Dance [illustration] A General View

[Right Page, Newspaper Clipping, Milwaukee Free Press, Sunday Morning, February 12, 1911, "After the Dancing Class at the Lapham Park Playground"]