The Belgians of Northeast Wisconsin

"The Belgians of Northeast Wisconsin," by Xavier Martin, describes the first ten Belgian families to arrive in Wisconsin in 1853 and settle near Kaukauna (Outagamie County) because of the large population of French-speakers in the Green Bay area. A stream of Belgian immigrants follow them in the next few years and the article goes on to describe how they struggled as a result of not speaking English, from disease, and from a lack of work and therefore the money to buy provisions. They soon began building churches, schools and mills, proving to be an industrious people that can survive even the greatest hardships, including the great Peshtigo Fire that damaged much of their property. Cultural characteristics of the Belgians are sprinkled throughout, including their love of music.