John McGivern's Main Streets

John McGivern’s Main Streets

explores the towns, cities, and neighborhoods shaped by the people who live and work there. John McGivern brings attention to local businesses, community institutions, traditions, and gathering places, building a clear picture of what gives each community its distinct identity.

Through specific stories and everyday voices, the series shows how people, history, and place come together along a community’s main streets.

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is home to historic lakeside architecture, including a distinctive residence that has served as both a private home and a Masonic lodge. Along Oconomowoc's historic lake walk, John McGivern visits Joe and Catherine Brisk, who transformed the former Masonic hall back into a family home. The restoration involved redesigning the layout across all four floors of the building, which features ten fireplaces. The Brisk family also shares their home with the community through Christmas on the Isthmus, a neighborhood tradition featuring decorated homes and free visits with Santa. One year, more than 500 children visited Santa on the family's porch. From an augmented reality lake tour that connects the present with the past to a historic home that continues to bring neighbors together, Oconomowoc's architecture tells a story of preservation and community. Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is home to historic lakeside architecture, including a distinctive residence that has served as both a private home and a Masonic lodge.

Along Oconomowoc's historic lake walk, John McGivern visits Joe and Catherine Brisk, who transformed the former Masonic hall back into a family home. The restoration involved redesigning the layout across all four floors of the building, which features ten fireplaces.

The Brisk family also shares their home with the community through Christmas on the Isthmus, a neighborhood tradition featuring decorated homes and free visits with Santa. One year, more than 500 children visited Santa on the family's porch.

From an augmented reality lake tour that connects the present with the past to a historic home that continues to bring neighbors together, Oconomowoc's architecture tells a story of preservation and community.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LmthMnVwa2tBY1pB

Oconomowoc, WI | A Historic Home with a Remarkable Past | John McGivern's Main Streets

John McGivern's Main Streets October 29, 2026 8:25 am

Pickleball, outdoor hill activities, and more—all in one place! Nathan Stappenbeck shares the plans behind a new recreation destination designed to bring indoor and outdoor activities together. John McGivern gets the details on the project, what's being developed, and when the different spaces are expected to open. Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

Pickleball, outdoor hill activities, and more—all in one place!

Nathan Stappenbeck shares the plans behind a new recreation destination designed to bring indoor and outdoor activities together.

John McGivern gets the details on the project, what's being developed, and when the different spaces are expected to open.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LldLaXIwLXdLMV9j

The Social Project in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. | John McGivern's Main Streets Shorts

John McGivern's Main Streets October 28, 2026 8:38 am

So much has changed since John was last in in 2013. In fact, in this video the area where John talks with Bob Duffy, the Oconomowoc Director of Economic Development & Tourism, was just a thought. Now look how far it has come! Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/XcgQyOgXPGA?si=aQ9qCjW90UilMH83 Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

So much has changed since John was last in in 2013. In fact, in this video the area where John talks with Bob Duffy, the Oconomowoc Director of Economic Development & Tourism, was just a thought.

Now look how far it has come!

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/XcgQyOgXPGA?si=aQ9qCjW90UilMH83

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3Lmx2Rkp6b0tKVlFF

Oconomowoc Has Been Busy! | John McGivern's Main Streets Shorts #explorelocal #lake #oconomowoc

John McGivern's Main Streets October 26, 2026 9:00 am

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is a growing Lake Country community with deep roots, historic architecture, a revitalized downtown, and a strong connection to its lakes. Located between Milwaukee and Madison, Oconomowoc has evolved from a summer retreat for wealthy families into a community known for its lakefront activities, local businesses, arts, and baseball. John McGivern and Emmy Fink explore the history of Pabst Farms, the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society Museum, and the city's connection to the 1939 world premiere of The Wizard of Oz. The episode also highlights the craftsmanship of Opal Gesner, the restoration of a historic lakeside home, the Lake Country DockHounds, and Wingers, a fourth-generation family bar. From the Oconomowoc Arts Center to new development at the former Olympia Ski Hill, Oconomowoc's past and present reveal a community continuing to grow while preserving its local character. #Oconomowoc #Wisconsin #LakeCountry #JohnMcGivern #MainStreets Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories 0:00 Welcome to Oconomowoc 1:02 Growth and development 2:16 Renaissance and recreation 4:02 Legacy of Pabst Farms 5:19 New social projects 7:37 The Arts Center 8:41 Iconic lake homes 11:27 Historical Society museum 13:06 Wizard of Oz connection 14:12 Stained glass artistry 17:08 A historic bar visit 18:25 Baseball and community 20:35 Winger's Tap legacy

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is a growing Lake Country community with deep roots, historic architecture, a revitalized downtown, and a strong connection to its lakes.

Located between Milwaukee and Madison, Oconomowoc has evolved from a summer retreat for wealthy families into a community known for its lakefront activities, local businesses, arts, and baseball. John McGivern and Emmy Fink explore the history of Pabst Farms, the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society Museum, and the city's connection to the 1939 world premiere of The Wizard of Oz.

The episode also highlights the craftsmanship of Opal Gesner, the restoration of a historic lakeside home, the Lake Country DockHounds, and Wingers, a fourth-generation family bar. From the Oconomowoc Arts Center to new development at the former Olympia Ski Hill, Oconomowoc's past and present reveal a community continuing to grow while preserving its local character.

#Oconomowoc #Wisconsin #LakeCountry #JohnMcGivern #MainStreets

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

0:00 Welcome to Oconomowoc
1:02 Growth and development
2:16 Renaissance and recreation
4:02 Legacy of Pabst Farms
5:19 New social projects
7:37 The Arts Center
8:41 Iconic lake homes
11:27 Historical Society museum
13:06 Wizard of Oz connection
14:12 Stained glass artistry
17:08 A historic bar visit
18:25 Baseball and community
20:35 Winger's Tap legacy

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LlhjZ1F5T2dYUEdB

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin | John McGivern's Main Streets

John McGivern's Main Streets October 22, 2026 4:00 pm

Tune in to YouTube on your TV, phone, or laptop! Starting at 5 PM tonight, catch John McGivern's Main Streets Shorts as John and Emmy explore the charming lakeside town of Oconomowoc. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you! 🎉🌊 https://youtu.be/XcgQyOgXPGA

Tune in to YouTube on your TV, phone, or laptop! Starting at 5 PM tonight, catch John McGivern's Main Streets Shorts as John and Emmy explore the charming lakeside town of Oconomowoc. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you! 🎉🌊
https://youtu.be/XcgQyOgXPGA

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LnNVZnV2cGMweGow

Oconomowoc Full Episode Airs Tonight on YouTube

John McGivern's Main Streets October 22, 2026 7:50 am

We're BACK! 🎉 Get ready for the first "Main Streets Shorts" of fall. The full episode drops on YouTube this Thursday night! 🍂📺 Thanks Oconomowoc for letting us explore your city!

We're BACK! 🎉 Get ready for the first "Main Streets Shorts" of fall. The full episode drops on YouTube this Thursday night! 🍂📺

Thanks Oconomowoc for letting us explore your city!

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LkNYMDl5TlB4M0dz

Main Streets Shorts: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Preview

John McGivern's Main Streets October 20, 2026 1:17 pm

If it looks like you are going back in time, you're not wrong. The buildings along Galena, Illinois main street are the same buildings that stood when President Ulysses S. Grant resided in the town. Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/dRR9ML3VxwY Hear more behind the scenes stories on the podcast https://youtu.be/9yCKMYalLg0 Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

If it looks like you are going back in time, you're not wrong. The buildings along Galena, Illinois main street are the same buildings that stood when President Ulysses S. Grant resided in the town.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/dRR9ML3VxwY

Hear more behind the scenes stories on the podcast https://youtu.be/9yCKMYalLg0

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LkpkM2RqSjd3VkZJ

Go back in time in Galena, Illinois | John McGivern's Main Streets

John McGivern's Main Streets August 17, 2026 11:00 pm

Kalamazoo, Michigan has worn a few surprising titles over the years. Once known as the Celery Capital of the World and later a national leader in paper production, the Michigan city also became home to the country’s first downtown pedestrian mall. Locals simply call it K-zoo—and yes, the kazoo jokes are unavoidable. Stay Connected Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV We Want to Hear from You! What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! Discover More Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories. #JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

Kalamazoo, Michigan has worn a few surprising titles over the years. Once known as the Celery Capital of the World and later a national leader in paper production, the Michigan city also became home to the country’s first downtown pedestrian mall. Locals simply call it K-zoo—and yes, the kazoo jokes are unavoidable.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MainStreetsTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetsTV
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MainStreetsTV

We Want to Hear from You!
What was your favorite spot from this episode? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover More
Check out our playlist for more amazing Main Streets stories.

#JohnMcGivernsMainStreets #ExploreLocal #MidwestStories

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3Lldjb29SandBUnpr

Kalamazoo, Michigan: From Celery Capital to Mall City

John McGivern's Main Streets August 12, 2026 11:00 pm

Once powered by the 1800s lumber boom, Stillwater, Minnesota, is now known for its lively riverfront, historic Main Street, and more than 100 shops and restaurants. Just outside the Twin Cities, this St. Croix River town still has plenty of buzz—just without the lumber mills. Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/2m9UkiRjSsg --- MainStreets.TV @mainstreetstv on social

Once powered by the 1800s lumber boom, Stillwater, Minnesota, is now known for its lively riverfront, historic Main Street, and more than 100 shops and restaurants. Just outside the Twin Cities, this St. Croix River town still has plenty of buzz—just without the lumber mills.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/2m9UkiRjSsg

---
MainStreets.TV
@mainstreetstv on social

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YouTube Video VVVHOG9rUkV3dGlwRWljdzQ5QkNyS1p3LjRYUzc1Rkt1Qktz

Stillwater, Minnesota: From Lumber Boom to Main Street Buzz

John McGivern's Main Streets August 10, 2026 4:10 pm

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