When I was younger, I had a strange difficulty reading aloud. Being called on in class was my greatest fear, and it greatly affected my in class participation. When my parents caught word of this, they intervened immediately. I was sat down and handed what I presumed to be any ordinary book. Little did I know, this publication would do so much more than help me read out-loud. My parents chose Images of America-Wauwatosa, published by the Wauwatosa Historical Society. Every single day of my summer, I was sat down, and forced to read a few pages. Day by day, I was becoming better at reading to others. More importantly, my learning went beyond my narration abilities. I was beginning to make connections throughout my community, and began understanding the significance of the surroundings in my home town. 

From the Little Red Store to my neighbors houses, I have recognized landmarks all over Tosa from the book. I even worked in the old Pabst saloon, now known as Ristorante Bartolottas. Even today, I find myself picturing the old town photos, and how our whole city has evolved to what it is today. 

To me, “All History is Local” means that citizens may need to look to the past to create a sense of place. I feel as if understanding the history of where you live is what truly adds the final layer of what makes something feel like a community. Learning about old legislations, historic buildings, previous ways of life, and everything in between have really differentiated Wauwatosa from any other place on Earth, and made me be proud to call this place my home.