Growing Up on Military Road Where History Met Hometown Memories

Long before it became one of Fond du Lac's busiest streets, Military Road was one of the oldest and most historically significant roads in Wisconsin. Its origins date back to the territorial days of the 1830s, when the U.S. Army constructed a network of roads connecting military forts across the frontier. What began as a military route would eventually become home to generations of Fond du Lac families, each adding their own stories to its rich history.

For me, Military Road wasn't just a road—it was home. I still remember walking to school each morning, passing Everix Bakery. The sweet aroma of fresh bread and warm donuts drifted through the neighborhood, making it impossible not to smile. Whether it was a donut for the family, a fresh loaf of bread, or one of their famous Brown-Eyed Susan cakes, Everix was more than just a bakery—it was part of our daily routine.

If my mom realized she had forgotten something for dinner or needed a few household essentials, she'd simply send us down the street to Walgreens or Kohl's Grocery Store. It was a different time.

Summer meant freedom. We'd hop on our bikes in the morning and spend the day at Taylor Park, swimming, playing games, and staying out until the streetlights came on—just bicycles, friends, and endless adventures. When winter rolled around, our bikes were traded for ice skates. Franklin Park became the neighborhood gathering place as families spent evenings skating together on the outdoor rink, warming up afterward with rosy cheeks and stories from the ice.

Friday nights had other traditions. There was nothing quite like heading to Oscar's for a fish fry.

One of the greatest joys of growing up on Military Road was being just minutes from Downtown Fond du Lac. We could ride our bikes or walk to Main Street to catch a movie, grab a bag of candy from Caramel Crisp, stroll through the excitement of Sidewalk Days, and enjoy all the charm our beautiful downtown had to offer.

Today, many of those places have changed. Everix Bakery is gone, the neighborhood has evolved, and new businesses and organizations have taken root. Yet every time I drive down Military Road, those memories come rushing back.

Military Road has always been more than a street. It has been a place where history was made, my childhood was lived, and generations of Fond du Lac families created memories that still bring a smile today.

Some roads simply take you somewhere. Military Road takes me back home.