The Historic Third Ward neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places as Milwaukee’s oldest center of commerce and warehousing. Designed by local well known architects, the neighborhood’s buildings have a visual continuity that creates a unique urban expression. The Third Ward continues to move toward a sophisticated contemporary emphasis, with an influx of residential loft living spaces.
Discover the urban romance of the Historic Third Ward as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra League hosts Sharp Flats. This tour of seven living spaces from Historic Third Ward to Brewers Hill will take place from Sept. 19 through Oct. 5. Pre-sale tickets are $17, or $20 the day of show, available at 144 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee. (414) 291-6010.

Labor Day is an annual tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York in 1882 by the Central Labor Union. The two photos show workers in Waukesha from years gone by including employees working the line at the Waukesha Silurian Spring Company in 1925 and one of seven Waukesha foundries.

Photos like this one, as well as presentations, a folk art and heritage crafts sale and character actor demonstrations, will provide a glimpse of the joys and hardships encountered by the early settlers as the communities of Mequon and Thiensville celebrate their heritage. The second annual Historic Days will take place Sat. and Sun., Sept. 13 and 14 at the Logemann Community Center, 6100 W. Mequon Rd. in Mequon. For information call (262) 242-7471.