Curtis Reed, often referred to as the Father of Menasha, arrived from Vermont in June 1848 with dreams of harnessing the water power. He created the first building, built the first dam, and was instrumental in having the village chosen as the site of the government canal, which opened Menasha for commerce and industry. In platting the village, Reed included a town square similar to those in his native New England, and it became the center of public activities and events. Reed was active in local affairs, serving as the first village president, as alderman, and as postmaster. He was one of the organizers of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. At the age of 75, he was elected Menasha's mayor and filled the office with dignity for two terms. Much of the early development of the city can be attributed to the efforts of Curtis Reed.