Collage of classic Milwaukee characters blows up on social media

There’s a picture popping up throughout social media this week that contains a slew of Milwaukee’s most recognizable unofficial mascots.

TV lawyer David Gruber, the late Frank “Pepperoni Cannoli” Pecoraro, John Hamann aka “The Milverine”, superfan Mike “Freeway” McCarter, the late year-round sunbather and nudist Dick Bacon, and Brother Ron and his Spiritual Automobile are repesented on this epic Brew Metropolis collage.

The storied “Purple Home” is within the background.

Shane Bakken created the picture through Google photos and Photoshop and is shocked by the sturdy response.

“I noticed somebody posted an image of Milverine strolling down the sidewalk as Brother Ron’s notorious automotive was parked on the street. Folks saved making feedback about how superior it was, however could be even higher if so-and-so was in it too,” says Bakken. “Everybody had their very own concept about which Milwaukee icon/landmark ought to be in it.  I believed, ‘Properly, I could make all of them be in a single.’”

Bakken, a structural ironworker and photographer who additionally freelances in digital advertising and promoting, had made related “film model” posters / composites previously. 

“I discovered the photographs on Google that I needed to make use of and made the collage,” says Bakken.

Did he seize the essence of quirky Milwaukee figures – or is there nonetheless another person you’d prefer to see included? Bob Uecker? The late Polaroid artist Bob Watt? Anchorman Mike Gousha? The late Marco from the BBC? Can anybody consider a girl who may match into this group? Mama Calderone? The late Mary Nohl of The Witches Home? 

Bakken has no intention of promoting this mash-up of eye-catching Milwaukeeans, however is glad his creation made an impression on so many individuals.

“I actually thought it could carry again some recollections for folks, and a few laughs. I had no concept it could have this sort of response,” says Bakken.

Andy Tarnoff contributed to this story.