On the 16th of April in 1908, Frank and Sophie Zielinski entered into an agreement to purchase the property at 631 Fifth Street in Menasha for the sum of $200 from Henry and Elizabeth Nottling. Prior to this, Frank and Sophie and their five children were sharing a home with the Frank Brodzinski family (Sophie's brother), at Third and Green Bay. Sophie had given birth to eight children by this time, but three had passed away young. The Brodzinski's had six children at this time! No doubt, that home had grown a bit cramped! On the lot at 631 Fifth Street, Frank and Sophie would build a home to accommodate their entire family, which would grow by one in the next year. This house they built stands sturdily to this day.

On June 17, 1924, Lawrence Zielinski purchased the lot at 635 Fifth Street from his parents, who resided at 631 Fifth Street, for $300. Lawrence was already engaged to be married to Lena - that marriage would take place on August 24, 1924. He contracted with a builder named Frank Ezdepski, and for $4200, this house was built on the lot and completed before the wedding. Lena lived in this house from the date of their wedding until her death on May 31, 1992.

Photo gallery of 631 and 635 5th Street