Life Magazine posed the question “Is Madison Wisconsin the best place in America to live?
What a fascinating retro snapshot during the early post war era. Madison was still rebounding after a challenging national period of fear, shortages and separations. No doubt there was a desire return to a new and improved normalcy.
The article’s premise was supported by a story highlighting scenic beauty, nice homes, good job opportunities, first-rate education and plenty of cultural activities. Many beautiful outdoor scenes are captured on a sunny spring or summer day. There is no evidence of the inevitable need to bundle up against the wintry elements that turn the city into a full four season experience.
The article includes idyllic photo of a lounging mother watching her children on a see-saw along the lakeshore with a Capitol view. Older men sit nearby and play euchre. Carefree children swim, fish, collect butterflies and play ball. In addition to good weather, a certain affluence and ease of life is portrayed.
Madison has been featured repeatedly over the years in national publications. Our stunning isthmus geography coupled with a world class university do tend to attract a well educated and discerning ethos. Host of the state capitol, we receive attention and some resources not found in the rest of the state.
The cover scene is of a beautiful young mother holding her cherubic, giggling son aloft. This literally is a child of the baby boomer generation. An unintended nod to Madison’s exceptionalism, the woman - Jeanne Parr - became one of the first female news correspondents for CBS.
“It has all sports at its back door.”
The Life article was clearly enamored by the availability and access to outdoor activities. “the Madison businessman is never more than seven blocks from excellent boating, fishing and swimming facilities.”
It is nostalgic to think of natural beauty with lakes unsullied enough to support healthy swimming and fishing. A photo caption did note “pollution threatens some of the lakes because of sewage effluence”.
“Madison’s virtues are impressive, but they do not make it a utopia. It still has problems and faults that other cities have solved successfully.”
Traffic was a concern in 1948. There is mention of traffic congestion around the isthmus and downtown business district. Seven railroad tracks crossed the isthmus. There was discussion of moving tracks and whether underpasses and relocation made sense.
Cut to the recent announcement that Madison is going to be featured by National Geographic as one of the “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027.” The City today reflects many more global influences. The university including the hospitals have expanded. Our larger and more diverse population reflects the pulse and activity that make the city desirable.
The Overture Center, Monona Terrace, and plethora of high rise apartment buildings have changed the skyline. Events like the Ironman triathlon and World Dairy Expo attract global visitors.
While the farmers market is a weekend draw for downtown, the central business district is largely a thing of the past. Huge growth in the surrounding suburbs affected housing and school enrollments. Change is inevitable but Madison is still a good place to live! -- Nancy Zellmer
Explore Madison in amuz.
