By early 1945, America was weary from the devastation and death caused by World War II. Amidst this strain, a heartwarming story emerged from Milwaukee that captured the nation’s attention. A bridge operator on the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge discovered that a duck had nested on the bridge pilings and was caring for her eggs. This duck, later known as “Gertie the Duck,” became a symbol of hope and resilience.

The Milwaukee Journal began publishing daily columns about Gertie, and soon, national newspapers followed suit, captivating readers with the tale of the incubating eggs. The public eagerly awaited updates on Gertie and her eventual brood: Black Bill, Dee Dee, Freddie, Millie, and Pee Wee. The Boy Scouts formed a Gertie Patrol to protect the nest, and a Wisconsin Humane Society officer was stationed to monitor the eggs as they hatched. The story gained such popularity that it was featured in Life Magazine that summer, and even a London newspaper placed it on its front page. It’s estimated that over two million people visited Milwaukee to see Gertie and her ducklings in 1945.

Following their time on the bridge, the ducklings were cared for in a climate-controlled window display at the nearby Gimbel’s department store. Eventually, they were released into a park on Lake Michigan. Gertie’s story was immortalized in 1959 with the publication of a children’s book, “Gertie the Duck,” by Nick Georgiady and Louis Romano.

Gertie the Duck provided a beacon of hope during a tumultuous period in American history. Today, her legacy is commemorated with a statue on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, between Water Street and Plankinton Avenue. Along the Milwaukee RiverWalk, visitors can also find statues of Gertie’s five feathered friends, celebrating this touching story of resilience and community spirit.

For more Stories From The 78, follow @tombarnas78 on Instagram and @storiesfromthe78 on TikTok.