Doctors Park is named after Dr. Joseph Schneider who practiced medicine in Milwaukee for 45 years & enjoyed an international reputation as a specialist in ophthalmology & otology. Born in Weigelsdorf, Silesia, Germany in 1845, he came to America in the early 1880s, not intending on relocating, but settled in Milwaukee. Before starting his practice in Milwaukee, Dr. Schneider had practiced for 10 years in Wuerzburg, Germany & attended clinics in Paris, London, & Vienna.
It has been estimated that Dr. Schneider saw no less than 180,000 patients in his 45-year career. He enjoyed an international reputation & clients came to his office on Water Street from throughout the United States & even from as far away as China
He was often described as a man who did not seek fame or fortune for himself, but was dedicated to serving humanity. He possessed a notable attitude for democracy, as it has been documented, that he made no appointments. Rather, his patients all awaited their turn, whether they were rich or poor. One newspaper article published in 1945, related a story revealing that the good doctor was a romantic. He kept the date when he received his first patient - October 12, 1881 - in memory. When he reached the milestone of 50,000 patients, he sent this first patient, a gift of a silver vase. This same article stated that Dr. Schneider treated patients who could pay and those who had no means to do so. Money collected each day went into a wastebasket to be counted at the close of day.
This was the money that bought the land that would become Doctors Park & provided a significant endowment for an eye hospital in Wuerzburg, Germany. This free clinic in Germany, was established to provide eye care for women, as he stated: "the widows & daughters who are left without means of support & who earned their living by doing fine needlework."
He & his wife Louise (Preusser) lived at 311 Knapp Street. This would be 1107 East Knapp today, where the Empire Apartments stand, just west of the Peltz Gallery. The Schneiders summered on their property in Fox Point.
Dr. Schneider was given an honorary degree from Marquette in 1926
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