Appleton Public Library

As you drive around the city, do you ever wonder what the story behind the street name is? While some street names are obvious (named after a type of tree or after a U.S. President) others are more uniquely Appleton.

Today we explore the naming of Union Street. Unlike many of the streets featured in this series, which were named for specific individuals or families, Union Street reflects an important chapter in the development of Appleton itself.

What is now the City of Appleton began as three separate unincorporated villages along the Fox River: Grand Chute, Appleton, and Lawesburg (sometimes spelled Lawesburgh).

The westernmost settlement, Grand Chute, was established in 1849. Originally known as the Village of Martin, it was founded by investors and early pioneers Morgan L. Martin, Theodore Conkey, and Abraham B. Bowen, who purchased land just east of present-day Pierce Park. After the plat was officially recorded, the community’s name was changed to Grand Chute.

The central settlement was Appleton, named in honor of Sarah Appleton Lawrence, wife of Amos Adams Lawrence. Amos Lawrence was the principal financial supporter of Lawrence Institute, which later became Lawrence University.

To the east was Lawesburg, platted by George W. Lawe, a prominent Wisconsin pioneer and territorial judge who owned extensive land in the area. Many streets in what was once Lawesburg still reflect the names of members of the Lawe family. John Street honors George’s father, John Lawe; Rankin Street commemorates his mother, Sophia Theresa Rankin Lawe; Catherine Street was named for his wife, Catherine Meade Lawe; and Lawe Street preserves the family surname, just to name a few!

As the three villages began to grow over the years, there was a push to combine them into one community. Thus, in early 1853, the village of Appleton was officially incorporated. The original village boundaries became the new ward boundaries. Former Lawesburg became Appleton’s First Ward, the original Appleton plat became the Second Ward, and the former Village of Grand Chute became the Third Ward. The Town of Grand Chute continued to exist outside the new village limits and remained largely farmland during this period.

Eventually, South Division Street was renamed Union Street to commemorate the union of the three original villages into a single community. While South Division received a new name, North Division Street retained its original designation—a reminder of the boundaries that once separated Appleton’s founding settlements.

Keep an eye out for future stories behind the street names coming up!

Attention Libby users! With our system update, many users are being asked to login back in to Libby. By default, your PIN is your six-digit date of birth in MMDDYY format (just the last two digits of the year). If you're still having issues accessing your account, please call us at 920-832-6173.

Our new Pages to Projector Book Club is for fans of books and movies. Share excitement for both books and movies as we discuss a book to movie adaptation. Unlike a traditional book club, it’s okay if you’ve only seen the movie. Each meeting takes place on the last Tuesday of every month. This month we'll be talking about The Hobbit! Join us in the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund Unconference Room Tuesday, August 25 at 6 pm.

Join Julie Artus, RN, Senior Transition Specialist and owner of Serenity Gardens Assisted Living, on Thursday, August 20 at 10 am for an educational program on how older adults can reduce fall risks at home and stay independent longer.

Need some help finding a new favorite author? Can’t figure out the next book to put at the top of your to-be-read pile? We have a group of dedicated staff who can help you, our Book Matchmakers! Simply fill out a short form on our website and one our our matchmakers will email you a personalized list of recommendations.

https://loom.ly/QHTrSxs

Summer may be winding down—but who says you can’t squeeze in one more road trip?

Join us on Wednesday, August 19 at 6 pm as nationally syndicated travel journalist and broadcaster Bill Clevlen takes you on a presidential road trip across America—no driving required! Hear fascinating stories and highlights from his latest book Presidential Road Trips: 100 Places to Explore & Experience the History of American Presidents.

From the rooms where presidents were born to the homes they lived in as adults, you’ll journey through history with stops like George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Jimmy Carter’s childhood bedroom, the home library where James Madison first envisioned the U.S. Constitution, and many more.

Learn more here: https://loom.ly/goldv6o

Have you visited the Thomas P. Fanning Teen Area lately? There is something extra special on display. 👀 This spring, Photo Opp hosted a photography workshop helping 4-H youth create and print images for the 2026 4-H County Fair Photography contest. We partnered with Photo Opp and 4-H to showcase the talented work of these participants. Take a break from your day and come visit the Teen Area today. Which one is your favorite image? Let us know! 📸

Planning for life after high school can be stressful. Dual credit, youth apprenticeship, Early College Credit, Start College Now. What does this all mean and how can these get you on the path towards success in school, life, and beyond? Find out Tuesday, September 22 at 4:30 pm as we partner with Appleton Area School District, Fox Valley Technical College, and more to learn about the incredible resources and opportunities available to you at no cost. You'll leave informed, confident, and empowered! Teens and their families are highly encouraged to attend. Visit the link below for more details.

https://loom.ly/IKDaRjc

Our Summer Library Program may be coming to an end soon, but we still have time for a staff recommendation from Tori, one of our Adult Services & Engagement Librarians.

"Sarah Beth Durst finds a way to remind me that world around us is magical and that I can and should enjoy the magical moments. The Faraway Inn was perfect, truly. I loved everything about it. I wish I could read it again for the first time!"

Join us for Cafe Sketch with Artist-in-Residence Cat Tervo on Saturday, August 15 at 10 am! We'll take an art field trip to a cafe, art museum, or other downtown location where there are people to be drawn. Cat will demonstrate drawing from observation in the wild using gesture drawing.