I collect Waukesha souvenir china and Waukesha stereoviews. These items help tell the story of Waukesha, the Spring City. Waukesha was once noted for its many mineral springs, bottling plants and breweries.

I have written several books about the history of Waukesha, including “The Great Waukesha Springs Era,” published in 2003 and a revised edition, published in 2014. I also wrote “From Prairieville to Waukesha,” which is a compilation of history columns published in the Waukesha Freeman. Some of my newspaper columns have been published as books, including “What’s Shaking at the Attic,” the story of a popular gathering place for Waukesha teens; “The Motor Works: A Waukesha Institution,” and “Wisconsin Centrifugal: An Amazing Story.” Email John