Historic Brady Street has long been an ethnically diverse community near downtown Milwaukee and easy walking distance to the shore of lake Michigan.

First named in 1840, Brady Street is an architectural tapestry of buildings mostly constructed between 1860 and 1930, creating a distinctive neighborhood that was home to early Polish, German and Irish immigrants. In the 1930's it became more predominantly Italian; some of the businesses still bear the names of these pioneering Italian families today.

In the 1960s, Brady Street became Milwaukee's very own "Haight-Ashbury" complete with flower children, peace and love, underground political publications and the infamous hippiefest known as Brady Street Days.

Today it is still known for its diversity with a unique mix of specialty retail shops, ethnic cuisine, cool coffee shops, chic salons and a vibrant nightlife.

Learn More About Brady Street's History

Please consider joining the Brady Street Area Association.  Your inexpensive
membership will include a monthly newsletter which features a local history
column.  Here is just a taste of this months topic.

Riot and Reconciliation

A preview of this month’s Brady Street Newsletter history article

by Frank Alioto

A few Dozen Brady Street area Polish immigrants founded St. Hedwig’s church in 1871.  The ensuing years brought rapid growth to the parish and the neighborhood.  But the parish experienced its share of growing pains.  A split developed between two factions.  On one side was a desire to cling to their Polish traditions and heritage.  On the opposing side, were people who had a strong desire to assimilate into American culture in order to more fully enjoy their new freedoms and opportunities.

This divisive issue, and others, came to a head on Sept. 21, 1885.  Pastor John Rodowicz hired an organist and music teacher named Kowalski (first name unknown) who did not speak English. His hiring was supported by the traditionalists but highly contested by the opposing faction.  They found Kowalski a poor choice given their desire for their children to learn English as soon as possible. 

An actual riot ensued.  By Sept. 22, scores were injured, several arrests were made and significant damage was done to the rectory.  The Archbishop closed the church as a punishment. 

Learn the details of these events in the July Brady Street News, found in many local shops but available if you join the Brady St. Area Association. (274-2553)   

HISTORY OF BRADY STREET ARCHIVES