15 Signs You Grew Up In Milwaukee WI

Growing up in Wisconsin is like no other experience. Mostly because Wisconsin isn’t your ordinary state and Milwaukee isn’t your typical city. Milwaukee is home of the Fonz from Happy Days, the Brewers, and Jeffery Dahmer. Why it isn’t more well known is beyond me. I used to smile every time a Television show or movie took place here in hopes that they would capture the magic of growing up in Milwaukee. Chances are if you’re reading this then you already know what a “special” place it is. These are the 15 signs you grew up in Milwaukee WI!

1. You drink from a ‘Bubbler’ and put coins in a Water Fountain

Kohler, Wisconsin, 1888: Kohler Company patented a machine that allowed water to “bubble out.” It only spurted out about an inch of water, which seems like a pretty boring fountain and that’s why calling it a “bubbler” makes sense.

2. You are an expert on the differences betweem Frozen Custard and Ice Cream

There aren’t too many degrees you can get before your 21 years of age. However, when you grow up in Milwaukee you’ll be happy to school anyone who dares confuses the two. They simply aren’t the same.

3. You go “Up there” or are going “Up to” for a vacation

“Up” is north, east, south, and west. It doesn’t matter if you are going to Door County or to Florida, you are going “Up there”. It’s as if we fail to realize the only thing technically up from Wisconsin is Canada.

4. Going through the “Recombobulation” area makes you smile at the Airport

General Mitchell International Airport is the only airport to have a “recombobulation area” after the security checkpoints. Why? Because it’s not a word. That’s right. Milwaukee is known for the brewers, beer, and the made-up word “recombobulation.”

5. The Milwaukee Brewers are important, but not as important as the Sausage Races

At some point in your youth, you were going to see at least ONE baseball game. But, you really went for the Klement’s sausage races. Nothing is more disappointing than having your favorite sausage lose the race. However, the Brewers probably won after that and order was restored to the world.

6. Summerfest was the only time to see famous people in WI

It seems every band or musician skips shows in Milwaukee to go to Chicago. Why? Who knows. But, you can always depend on the biggest music festival in America to bring the best right to you.

7. No State Fair is complete without a Cream Puff Pavilion

It doesn’t matter if you go or not. It is the mere fact that there is building dedicated to cream puffs.

8. The Art Museum gave you life

Whether it was the beautiful, moving architectural wings or an existential crisis brought on by “Self portrait in Yellow”, there was something always worth seeing.

9. The “Old World Milwaukee” exhibit gave you chills

The exhibit looks like it has been there since the real old world Milwaukee. The creepy old woman in the rocking chair on the way to vintage candy store was always a little sketch.

10. You have become accustomed to the foul smell of yeast

Brewtown wouldn’t be complete without breweries. The awful smell of yeast has permeated within a five-mile radius for decades.

11. Construction. All the time. Everywhere

They’ve been working Capitol since Capitol was named “Capitol.” And, I-43 started construction during the Jurassic age. Are they finished yet? No. Will they be anytime soon? No. Why? Because it’s Milwaukee and there will forever be construction.

12. Burgers and cheese…what else is there?

Arguably, burgers and cheese are by far the two most important food groups. Fruit and veggies have nothing on fresh vanilla frozen custard and a butter burger from Culver’s or a Jumbo burger from Kopp’s. I feel ashamed having to list cheese because it’s a given and a requirement. A natural born Wisconsinite has the instinct to love copious amounts cheese.

13. The struggle of never having snow days

5 feet of snow and 20 below zero is nothing compared to walking home with a 5lb book bag in 5 feet of snow and 20 below zero. By the time you got home, you were drenched with sweat from wearing 2 pairs of regular pants, snow pants, heavy snow boots, and an over-sized down coat that more than likely came from Burlington Coat Factory.

14. Rufus King High. Vs. Everyone else

Rufus King High School is the number one high school in MPS. Everyone knows and accepts it. Yet, King students have gotten quite the reputation for being unnecessarily boogie.

15. There is no beat like the “MPS Beat.”

There have been some real talent and creativity produced in Milwaukee County Public Schools, but nothing is as infamous as someone banging out that all too familiar beat on a desk or a locker and crowd of “AYE! AYE! AYE!” to follow. Even now when you think of it, it takes you right back to middle school.