Why you'd want to live in Appleton

Appleton shares its history with Lawrence University, for the two grew simultaneously. The close relationship established in the early years continues to exist. Fur traders seeking to do business with Fox River Valley Indians were the first settlers in Appleton. Hippolyte Grignon built the White Heron in 1835 to house his family and serve as an inn and trading post. With the financial backing of Amos Lawrence, the Lawrence Institute was chartered in 1847. Samuel Appleton donated $10,000 to the newly founded college library, and in appreciation, his name was given to the community. Appleton was incorporated first as a village in 1853 (John F. Johnston, the first resident, village president) and later as a city in 1857 (Amos Storey, Mayor). Among the 36 individuals who have served as the city's chief elected official, John Goodland, Jr. had the longest tenure, with 18 years in office. Dorothy Johnson, Appleton's first female mayor, was elected in 1980 and served for 12 years. Jake Woodford is the current mayor. Education was, and continues to be, a priority in Appleton. In 1850, Daniel Huntley taught in the first free public school. The St. Mary Catholic Church opened the first parochial school in the community in 1864. The first 4 year high school began operating in 1876 in the Hercules School and Kindergarten was initiated in 1898 in Lincoln School. With population growth came the need for additional facilities. Today there are 24 public and 13 parochial schools. Lawrence University's 84 acre campus, with 32 instructional, recreational and administrative buildings, 1500 students drawn from 45 states and 40 foreign countries, and a faculty of 167 men and women, lies east of the city's attractive, lively downtown. Students and faculty members supply the community with an endless array of music, drama and sports activities. via appleton.org