Modern nostalgia sounds a bit like a consignment store in Portland. But, in fact, it's a name of women's boutique in New York City. By my cobbled-together definition, though, it kind of screams "Milwaukee."
Think about it. We love our nostalgia here in Milwaukee. Architecture, beer, brats, storied names like Pabst, Usinger and Schlitz, the Fonz, old school logos of the Brewers and Bucks, Al McGuire, drive-ins, the MECCA and more. The list could go on and go.
There's nothing wrong with nostalgic emotions. They help keep us real, and give us something every city wants – to be "authentic."
Someone once told me that they loved Milwaukee's "lack of pretense." I think this comes from our love of the past. Yet, in the past 10-15 years we've moved on to places rooted in our past but planted in the future: urban farming, freshwater innovations, technology, modern design, "flying" buildings, smart Downtown development and newer, more green projects and promotions.
Yes, Milwaukee's grown up a lot in past few decades. But, she remains planted in her past. I like this, and now I think I have a name for it. Modern nostalgia.
Keep it up, Milwaukee. It's working.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
