Indian Hill

As we move into the cooler and darker days of the year, I wouldn’t be a good neighbor if I didn’t remind you to turn your clocks back one hour and your porch light on for added security. Another beautiful Wisconsin summer has come and gone. I find myself digging through my drawers for warm clothes and wondering: Why do I live here? All joking aside, the Midwest has grown on me, but the highlight of residing in a colder climate is the snow days. Yes, I said it. Nothing is more glorious than waking up to the news declaring school is closed due to inclement weather. To double-stuff that goodness, we live next to the steepest natural incline in the City of Milwaukee, according to a lifetime Milwaukeean and former neighbor who will remain anonymous because she broke the law (read on for more). I couldn’t verify the information about our favorite sledding hill, but I also can’t find anything to prove she was mistaken, so I’ll take it as the truth. 

Sledding Indian Hill is considered a right of passage for every Valley Resident. Before barriers were installed at the bottom of the hill, if you weren’t careful you could end up in someone’s backyard or worse, the river!! Yes, we are talking before the levee was built. Most sledders were intelligent enough to bail before they reached N 41st and Clybourn. Many a sled has vanished in the Menomonee never to be recovered.

Also, believe it or not, accidents happened; big ones, small ones, the ER was busy on snow days and parents were stressed. One family of eight who will remain anonymous decided to board a shiny new toboggan together for the ride of a lifetime down Indian Hill. The snow-craft fell apart mid-flight and a piece of it lodged into the rear-end of one family member and it had to be surgically removed. 

To my surprise, I learned from a young neighbor the sledding hill is open year-round, even without snow. Find yourself a good-sized piece of cardboard and climb aboard. It is said that the ride is better than the Giant Slide at State Fair. 

If you plan to sled the hill for the first time this year, it’s recommended you start at the middle and work your way up as you grow braver. Big kids or adults, feel free to start at the top, but be prepared for anything. Remember, adult diapers exist for more reasons than incontinence. They provide extra padding. If you see steam rising from my behind as I run home, and it happens to be snowy outside, don’t ask and I won’t tell.  

The friend who gave me the 4-11 on the steepest incline fact confessed that in the 80’s, she and her boyfriend (they’re still together to this day) test drove their 4-wheel drive Ford Bronco up the hill on a really snowy, slippery day. Not trying to encourage anyone to try this, but it sounds like fun. 

Do you have any stories about Indian Hill? Please share them with us. Also, we are looking for stories for next month’s newsletter which will feature Christmas traditions and legends of Valley Park. Email your stories to valleyparkca@gmail.com. Thank you!

Announcements:

Let’s Light Up the Valley!

Please join your neighbors in lighting up the Valley for the holiday season. Marquette High School has graciously offered the help of their students to put up decorations this coming weekend, November 9th and 10th from 12 pm-3:00 pm. We are accepting donations to help those who may not have outdoor lights or decorations but wish to join in this effort. Functioning festival lights, extension cords, and decor would be greatly appreciated. Please call Yvonne at 414-342-5661 or Kristin at 414-688-5878 for more information. 

Christmas Train!

The Christmas Train will be coming through the Valley on Sunday, December 8th on its way to Wauwatosa. Arrival time in Tosa is 4:15-4:45 pm. The train can be spotted chugging by from Valley Park, Bluemound Bridge, or underneath the Bluemound Bridge. Find a spot at 4 pm just in case the train is running early and enjoy!

Santa Cycle Rampage 2024 – Milwaukee

Every year, my family and I are surprised to see a plethora of bike riding Santas gathering at the Valley Inn. I was sharp enough this year to finally investigate their antics and found out when we can expect them this year, and they are taking registrations for Santas and elves to join in on the fun on December 7, 2024, 9 am-11 am. Register early. All proceeds donated to youth education programs in Milwaukee. 

Free Toys for Christmas

Toy Shop Registration For Those Who Need It: Monday, Nov. 4th – Wednesday Dec. 4th

Sacred Heart Croatian Christkindl Market

December 15, 2024
10:30 AM – 4 PM 

Experience the charm of a traditional European Christmas market – indoors! Shop for unique last-minute gifts, enjoy hot mulled wine, and treat yourself to delicious Croatian Donut Holes (and so much more). Don’t forget to pick up your pre-ordered Sarma! Bring your friends and family for a festive celebration you won’t want to miss! 917 N 49TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53208 Sacred Heart Croatian Parish christkindlmarket. +

Sarma Sale

917 N 49_^TH St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 
Sacred Heart Croatian Parish’

christkindlmarket

PREORDERS ONLY

PICKUP:
December 15th | 10:30 am – 4 pm
917 N 49TH ST MILWAUKEE, WI 53208

Order by December 1

$3 – PIECE

ORDER NOW
Call: 414.774.9418
Order Online: tinyurl.com/4ed2zwmv
Email: sh.croatian@yahoo.com

District Three Meeting

Join Captain Bratchett on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 5:30pm in learning about the crime statistics for District 3. Meet some of your neighbors, business owners and organizations to learn about new safety topics each month. The Community Liason Officer and Community Partnership officers will be available for any other questions. 

2333 N 49th St
Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: 414-935-7234
E-mail: mpd3@milwaukee.gov
Community Liaison Phone: 414-935-7733

Alert A Neighbor Program

We are organizing efforts to implement this program in Valley Park. Please let us know if we can count on your participation. Email us today: ValleyParkca@gmail.com

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Valley Park Levee and Floodwall Open House!

The Valley Park Levee and Floodwall – Reduces the risk of flooding for over 130 properties in the Valley Park and Piggsville neighborhoods.

Learn about the Valley Park Levee and upcoming work to protect YOUR property.

Wednesday, November 20th
6:00-7:30 PM (6:30 PM – presentation)
Marquette University High School – Cafeteria
3401 W. Wisconsin Ave.

NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE OPEN HOUSE?

MMSD will post a recording of the presentation and the link to the survey following the open house at mmsd.com/valley-park

LEARN ABOUT

The history of flooding in the neighborhood and the building of the levee and floodwall.

The importance of the levee and its role in reducing the flood risk for your property and neighborhood.

Needed levee work to protect your property and meet FEMA standards.

Opportunities for additional trees to be planted near Valley Park.

A survey to share your preferences for new tree locations.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON NOVEMBER 20th!

West Clybourn St. when the Menomonee River overflowed its banks in 1997 after a major flood before the construction of the levee and floodwall.