Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Studios was a one time Wisconsin resident. From 1901 to 1906, Carl Laemmle managed the Continental Clothing Company in Oshkosh. While there, he ended up marrying his boss's daughter, Recha Stern. In search of new business opportunities, the couple moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On an investment of $4,000 Laemmle started two nickelodeon movie houses.

In 1909 he started the Independent Moving Pictures Company which would later become, after moving to California, Universal Studios. He kept close ties with his former hometown. In 1912 he made this promotional film for the City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin - a copy of which still exits.

"The film presents a rare and unique glimpse of Oshkosh and its residents." Horse-drawn steam pumpers, Main Street shoppers, private residences, civic buildings, schools and school children, the fire department, horse-drawn fire trucks before cars, and firemen, Daily Northwestern newspaper, Colonial Theater, Paine Lumber employees, and children playing are all captured in time. "These images are even more exceptional because they are not frozen in time, but are in motion."

Laemmle is remembered as an eternal optimist - a kind, avuncular man who once provided a way out for hundreds of Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler's Germany by employing them at his studio (in the midst of the depression!).

Memories from his nephew: [ Ссылка ]

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