University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Janik, Arthur S., 1904-1967.

Papers, 1932-1956.

Milwaukee Small Collection 107 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 28

.2 cubic ft. (1 folder) + 1 microfilm reel (35 mm)

ABSTRACT: Milwaukee Micro Collection 28 contains microfilmed scrapbook, photographs, and a few miscellaneous items collected by Arthur S. Janik concerning his activities with the Wisconsin Tavernkeepers Association and the South Side Business Men's Club, both in Milwaukee; his two taverns, Balcony Inn and Club Rogers; and his political ambitions. From 1931 to 1937 Janik and his wife, Cecile, operated the Balcony Inn (Lincoln Avenue and 33rd); in 1941 they opened the Club Rogers on Forest Home Avenue, which they ran until 1950 when it was sold. In 1937 Janik was elected president of the Wisconsin Tavernkeepers Association, one of four such groups in Milwaukee, and the following year he became president of the business Men's Club. Janik also served as 11th Ward Democratic Party committeeman. The collection consists of his scrapbook of newspaper clippings, (1937-1956), mostly in English, Regarding Janik's activities, Milwaukee taverns, liquor distribution, and items of interest to tavern owners, such as proposed early closing legislation, and competition from retail grocers. Also included in the scrapbook are scattered correspondence, a few checks and receipts, miscellaneous convention programs and membership cards, and Janik's political nomination papers.

Milwaukee Small Collection 107 contains photographs and miscellaneous papers. The photographs generally show Janik, his wife, and friends, usually in his tavern, although there are a few family and fishing vacation photos. Many of the customers in the photos are identified, and the event and date are often given. Noteworthy among the images is a 1932 photograph of Janik's tavern showing customers drinking "moonshine" during Prohibition and a photo of the 1941 grand opening of the Club Rogers. The miscellaneous papers include a ribbon from the Tavern League of Wisconsin, a 1946 program from the Lions Club annual convention, 1944 financial records from Janik's tavern, a 1938 letter from the South Side Business Men's Club, and death information on some of the Janik family members.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Janik, Arthur S., 1904-1967. Papers, 1932-1956. Milwaukee Small Collection 107 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 28. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. Golda Meir Library. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTIONS:

Southside Business Men's Club (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1937-1980. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 40 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 26)

ACQUISITION: Presented by Cecile Janik of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1980 (accession number M81-18).

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

Balcony Inn (Tavern : Milwaukee, Wis.).
Business records--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Club Rogers (Tavern : Milwaukee, Wis.).
Hotelkeepers--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Hotels, taverns, etc.--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.
Prohibition--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
South Side Business Men's Club (Milwaukee, Wis.).
Wisconsin Tavern Keepers Association.