Sauk County Historical Society Newsletters 2009 - 2013

Society Receives the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds

By Beverly Vaillancourt

Tucked away among the trees that line Birchwood Road neTucked away among the trees that line Birchwood Road near Highway H in the Town of delton, and hiding under the winter’s soft blanket of snow are 1000-year-old garden beds, one of Sauk county’s best-kept historical secrets. At one time almost 200-acres of garden beds were home to a thriving Native American culture, with trails leading from the garden beds to places far into what today is Wisconsin. corn, a companion plant of perhaps beans, and squash or pumpkins once flourished on these raised beds that long ago were constructed and managed by the toil of many. The building of county Highway H destroyed a large portion of this incredible cultural resource, but not all. The Sauk county Historical Society was made aware of the garden beds just last summer, and knew immediately that they must – somehow – be preserved.

Though the Huburt creek Garden Beds were a new discovery for the Society, they had been studied extensively by dr. William Gartner, of the university of Wisconsin - Madison, as the topic of his dissertation in the early 1990s. According to dr. Gartner’s study, the Hulburt creek fields are the oldest radiocarbon dated ridged fields in the upper Midwest or Western Great Lakes regions (ca 1000 Ad). At that time they also were placed on the National Register of Historic Places, after which they waited patiently to be rediscovered.

For years the land that carries the garden beds has been privately owned, and fortunately undeveloped. In late October 2008, landowner Bill Pierce offered to donate the garden bed land to the Sauk county Historical Society, setting into motion a flurry of activity. First the garden beds had to be located. Much to our surprise, two additional sections were discovered. Then the land had

to be surveyed and a new parcel created, which subsequently needed approval by the Town of delton and Sauk county. On december 30 the deed to the land holding three intact sections of the Hulburt creek Garden Beds was transferred from Bill and Phyllis Pierce to the Sauk county Historical Society. efforts to attach an archeological covenant to the deed to protect the land as an archeological site in perpetuity are in motion. Long-range plans are for the land to become an educational site for area schools, the university of Wisconsin, and of course, the public at large.

Special thanks are extended to the Ho-chunk Nation, Tom Gavin, Bill Wenzel of Orion Land Surveyors, LLc, Rob Roth of General engineering, the Town of delton Board of Supervisors, Rob Nurre, William Gartner, Beverly Vaillancourt and of course especially to Bill and Phyllis Pierce, whose generosity made this preservation effort possible.

Society President, Paul Wolter, left, receives the Garden Beds deed from Bill Pierce. Orris Smith, SCHS Executive Director, right, looks on.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WeLL, for better or for worse, 2008 is a year that will stand out in history. Notwithstanding the national and international scene, the year 2008 in Sauk county was one that will be talked about for years to come just for local events such as the record winter and the June flooding. The Society’s 103rd year was marked by numerous activities, acquisitions and achievements. The Society’s Man Mound commemoration event last summer was the highlight of the year that brought together the right people to not only commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Man Mound but also to discuss another historic property that should be saved, the Hulburt creek Garden Beds in the Town of delton. Relatively unknown and now exceedingly rare these ancient agricultural areas are some of the best remaining in the upper Midwest. After dr. William Gartner spoke about the garden beds at the Society’s annual meeting and banquet in October a course was pursued to see if some of these lands might be donated to the Society for preservation. Society Board Member Beverly Vaillancourt was in charge of the process and saw it through to completion a mere two months later. The acquisition of these lands is a fitting tribute to the people who worked very hard 100 years ago to save the Man Mound. The donation of this property by the Pierce’s is one that will reap benefits to untold future generations. I would like to thank everyone who gave of their time and resources to make this land transfer possible in near record time and I would like to especially thank the Pierce’s for making the donation. Their generosity will hopefully be celebrated 100 years from now when a future generation looks back to when the property was acquired and preserved and hopefully 2108 will be a lot less historic in the weather department.

History Center

Donors (since last newsletter)

Helen SaLoutos (Second century Sponsor)

If you are interested in making a gift to toward this important project, please contact the Society at (608) 356-1001.

New Book!

www.saukcountyhistory.org

THe Old Franklin Township Historical Society through the assistance of a grant from the Sauk county Arts and culture committee would like to announce their book titled “May 21st 1918 cyclone – A Path of destruction.” The book covers the cyclone from its start in the state of Iowa to its end near Poynette in columbia county, Wis., where it hit the encampment of the 161st Artillery of 3,000 men on route to Sparta, Wis. Featured in the book is the damage in Lone Rock where much of the town was destroyed, destruction around and in the village of Plain where St. Luke’s catholic church was destroyed and the destructive path across Sauk county. The book of over 300 pages contains a large number of postcards and photos submitted from the local area, as well as recollections of people who lived through the cyclone. We would like to thank the local communities for submitting all their photos and memories. Watch the Home News for listing of hours at the Old Franklin Town Hall in the Village of Plain when the book will be available for purchase. copies are also available for purchase at $30 plus shipping and handling $5.00 through members of the Old Franklin Township Historical Society, 915 Wachter Avenue, P.O. Box 218, Plain, WI 53577

Website Wanderings

By Bill Schuette, Webmaster

IF, per chance, you missed our great Victorian christmas Open house, you can still enjoy some of the beautiful decorations. Just visit our Web site, and click on “The Holidays 2008”.

Our special emphasis this year will be “Sauk county at War”. As a preview of some of the interesting documents and photographs that are archived at the ScHS, I have added a special section to our Web site. Included are letters home from civil War and WWI soldiers, the Mexican conflict of 1914, and the history of Sauk county’s preparation and involvement in WWII, including information on the prisoner of war camp in Reedsburg. The Red Arrow division is highlighted as it was activated for the Berlin crisis in 1961. There is also information on the Viet Nam War and desert Storm. If any of our members would like to share photos and stories on the Iraq War, I would be happy to consider their inclusion on the site. Just click on “Sauk county at War”. Please visit our Web site at www.saukcountyhistory.org. New additions are being added and updated frequently.

Record Crowd Attends Open House

THe holiday spirit hit an all time high at the Van Orden mansion this season. A record crowd of over 900 people attended the Society’s ninth annual Victorian christmas Open House on december 13 which featured designer trees, carriage rides, live music and holiday refreshments. The thirty percent rise in attendance from the previous year was due in part to the favorable weather but also to the ever increasing awareness of the event which was even picked up in Milwaukee papers. The “Woolworth Room” created by david Saloutos was also a big draw and will remain up at the museum through January. The Society would like to thank everyone who has made this event another wonderful success including our tree decorators, musicians, raffle donors, cookie donors, event volunteers, staff, and you, the public for attending.

Old Sauk Trails • Jan./Feb. 2009

The Sauk county Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The historic 1889 Keysar home in Prairie du Sac was recreated in gingerbread this year with the assistance of Society volunteers, Cate Gasser, Baraboo High School’s Food Service Teacher, and Kay Salecker. A special thanks also goes to Clausen’s European Bakery of Middleton for donating the gingerbread dough.

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Indian Mounds in Sauk County by kenneth I. Lange

THe recent 100th anniversary of the commemoration of Man Mound Park has prompted me to review my notes on Indian mounds in Sauk county, especially those from the years 1971-1974 when I field checked the old surveys (for example cole 1922 and Stout 1906) to see what mounds remained. I summarized my findings, with a two page map, in my county history (Lange 1976). I thought that it might be of interest to share some of my recollections and other information which I didn't mention in my history.

The first significant surveys of local mounds were those by William H. canfield (1819-1913), Sauk county’s pioneering historian, and Increase A. Lapham (18111875). Lapham attained prominence in a number of fields; he was Wisconsin's pioneering naturalist.

The greatest concentration of mounds in Sauk county was in the area where Baraboo is now located; in fact Baraboo once was called “Mound city.” This appellation today would elicit only quizzical stares. Here are comparable numbers of mounds for then (the early surveys) and now (my field surveys) for 16 of Sauk county’s 22 townships (I have no definite information for the remaining 6 townships): Baraboo - 230 and 25; Greenfield - 54 and 14; Fairfield - 82 and 7; Sumpter86 and 1; Merrimac - 142 and 12; Prairie du Sac - 69 and 15; Woodland - 2 and 0; LaValle - 20 and 1; dellona - approximately 30 and 0; delton - 87 and 9; excelsiorapproximately 30 and 0; Reedsburg - approximately 17 and 6; Ironton - 2? and apparently 0; Franklin - several and 0; Troy - approximately 45 and 5; and Spring Green - 52 and 9. For the 100 or so mounds still in existance, merely 3-4 per cent of the original number is in decent shape. Again and again in my notes I find the distressing

annotation, “destroyed” or “no trace” or “couldn’t find them.” It becomes almost a litany, so that the annotation, “still there,” is like a breath of fresh air.

Most mounds were and are on private property, but without exception I was granted permission to enter private land, in fact sometimes the landowner joined me in the search. These were the extremes: one landowner saying, “All that information is in the courthouse,” and another landowner as an old man showing me mounds while informing me that as a child he accompanied his father when he showed Arlow B. Stout the mounds on the property.

So when I review my field surveys of over 30 years ago, what comes to mind? Sadness mainly, coupled with the thought that it was inevitable. The following rather casual note appeared in the Baraboo Republic for 4 October 1876: “We are informed that Mr. Hugh edwards, living near Butterfield’s Bridge [by the Lower Narrows along SH33], recently plowed down an ancient mound in which he found the remains of a number of human beings.” As Oswald Ragatz, an early settler in Honey creek Township, remarked, “I suppose we should not have destroyed them. But they were then regarded merely as obstacles to cultivation, and everybody plowed them down.”

If you’d like to see mounds, stop at the Nature center in devil’s Lake State Park and pick up a copy of the Indian Mounds Nature Tour, visit the kingsley Bend Mound Group along the west side of uS16 south of Wisconsin dells, or stop at the Man Mound, on Man Mound Rd., east of Baraboo. And for detailed information on mounds, see the book, Indian Mounds of Wisconsin (Birmingham and eisenberg, 2000).

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Located at The Baraboo National Bank

109 Third Avenue Baraboo, WI 53913 608.356.7449

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2009 Historical Theme –Sauk County At War

By Sue Teska, curator

SAuk cOuNTy can claim a connection to most of the major conflicts or wars that our country has been involved in. From the graves of Revolutionary War and Napoleonic War veterans to the men and women currently serving in the war in Iraq, Sauk county has seen its share of hardship and national pride during times of conflict.

This year, the Sauk county Historical Society is presenting Sauk county at War. Through expanded exhibits, added exhibits and public programs, we hope to present an intimate look at how war has affected the county and its citizens, both on the frontlines and on the home front. We will also be looking at conflicts that are uniquely local. Such conflicts as the Saw Log War in Reedsburg, the Temperance wars in the county and the Battle of Wisconsin Heights were conflicts that while local, had an impact on the development of our county.

To kick off this year’s theme we are presenting our first in a series of winter lectures on the topic of Sauk county at War on January 23, 2009 at the Baraboo Public Library. This lecture will be presented by the Society President

Sauk County Historical Society Receives Kohler Foundation Gift

THe Sauk county Historical Society has received a $1000 gift from the kohler Foundation, Inc. in support of the Society’s Man Mound Stewardship Project. The dollars were awarded “to gather published and unpublished writings, surveys and photographs” surrounding Man Mound. Information gained from the study of existing documents will help the Society determine the scope and direction of its archeological study of Man Mound, and assist the Society in its efforts to preserve this unique Native American effigy mound located at Man Mound Park in Greenfield Township. The Sauk county Historical Society very much appreciates the generosity of the kohler Foundation.

Paul Wolter and will discuss the anti-German sentiment and book burning that occurred in Sauk county during WWI. This will be followed up by a lecture on the Saw Log Wars at the Reedsburg Public Library on February 26, 2009. Both presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free to the public. We hope to see you this winter as you explore how past conflicts have shaped our county and history.

The Society’s award-winning float for the 2009 Holly Jolly Light Parade in downtown Baraboo featured a German Christmas theme to fit the overall parade them of Christmas Around the World. The float featured a revolving German Christmas pyramid in the center along with a wooden rocking horse, half-timbered house and nutcracker, courtesy of Cellox, Inc. in Reedsburg. A special thanks goes to Senger Lumber for float building and storage facilities and for transportation.

Coming Events

January 23, 6:30 P.M. Winter Lecture: Baraboo Library, Sauk county At War, by Paul Wolter. Topic: Anti German sentiment and book burning during WWI.

February 26, 6:30 P.M. Winter Lecture: Reedsburg Library, Sawlog War, by Peter Shrake. Highlighting the competition between Reedsburg and Baraboo.

April 7, Canfield Day

June 2, Society Summer Picnic

June, Baraboo Cemetery Tour

or more information, see: www.saukcountyhistory.org

September 2007

December 2008

We hope to see you soon for all your home furnishing needs!

Stop in or call us at 356-9555

The front entry at the Sauk County History Center has been restored with installation of a new front door, side windows and trim replicating the original design for the building. New capstones have been replicated for the two wing walls on either side of the stairs and will be installed in the spring. Work will now be concentrated on the interior. Funds are needed to install heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment so that other interior work can proceed. To find out more or to make a donation please contact the Society at 608-3561001.

January/February 2009

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

New & Renewed Members

THank you To THESE mEmbErS WHo HavE rEnEWED SinCE our laST nEWSlETTEr

BeNeFAcTOR

eleanor Wright, Anacortes, WA

PATRON

Joan Litscher, Baraboo, WI

SPONSOR

Paul and Janet Fritsch, Baraboo, WI

Pete and darcy Filus, Baraboo, WI

Tana Holmblad, Merrimac, WI

Francis and Joan costerisan, Hendersonville, Nc

Bev and Robert Vaillancourt, LaValle, WI

Patricia Baade, Baraboo, WI

FRIeNd

John and Jean Alt, Baraboo, WI

Gene & karen Filus, Baraboo, WI

Mike and Sandi Holt, Baraboo, WI

Andrea and James Lombard, Baraboo, WI

Wayne and Marty Johansen, Baraboo, WI

derek and katie cowan, Baraboo, WI

carol Fleishauer, Baraboo, WI

FAMILy

david and Nijole etzwiler, Baraboo, WI

david and Jeanne Fuhs, Baraboo, WI

erick, Audrey and Steven Messner, Baraboo, WI

Lawrence and Shirley kowalke, Fort Myers, FL

William and Jean Brew, Wisconsin dells, WI

Bill and deb Johnsen, Baraboo, WI

Jim and Nancy Higgins, Baraboo, WI

dean and Marian Burmester, LaValle, WI

Jerald and Zita Schultz, Baraboo, WI

Mike and Angie Haller, Baraboo, WI

Phillip & Lynda White, Wis dells, WI

Bill and Laurie dummer, Baraboo, WI chuck and Norma Sophie, Baraboo, WI carl and Rita Stoikes, Prairie du Sac, WI

INdIVIduAL

Willliam Ardnt, Lexington, ky

Barbara Larsen, Sister Bay, WI

Miriam Thompson, Baraboo, WI

Paul young, Baraboo, WI

Bob kieffer Jr, Baraboo, WI

Theodore M Shepard, Spokane Valley, WA

kathryn Schauf, Baraboo, WI

dale Jaedike, North Freedom, WI

Mike Wolcott, Hartland, WI

Nancy kreier, Portage, WI

Sandra L cunningham, Reedsburg, WI

Trudy danley, Farmington, MI

Jewel Osborne, Baraboo, WI

John Reardon, Naperville, IL

Rosann Madden, Baraboo, WI

Jill S Bobholz, Baraboo, WI

kathryn d Johnson, Austin, TX

Jim Adams, Baraboo, WI

Ron Birdd, Reedsburg, WI

Matt Hart, Gurnee, IL

Holly Heintz, St Petersburg, FL

david and carolyn dallmann, Baraboo, WI

Jan Filip, Baraboo, WI

Brenda W Rotzoll, Baraboo, WI

William Canfield Day April 7, 2009

THE ninth annual William H. Canfield Day will be held on April 7, 2009, and will mark the 190th birthday of Sauk County’s first historian. The meeting and celebration will take place at the Sauk County Historical Museum at 7 p.m. Mr. Canfield will make an appearance this year and will speak on the topic of Sauk County during the Civil War. Sauk County sent 1,646 men to fight in the Civil War and 285 of them died of wounds received in battle or from disease. Sauk County soldiers served in all campaigns of the war including Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Atlanta.

Lecture Series Continues

THE Sauk County Historical Society is continuing its yearlong exhibit on Sauk County at War. In conjunction with this exhibit, we are presenting additional lectures that are free to the public.

The March 26th lecture will highlight the Impact of Badger Ordinance on the Community, and will be presented by Michael Goc, veteran print and radio journalist and author of over 70 books on Wisconsin history.

On April 25th the topic will be Brothers at War, that will reveal the true story of two brothers, one who fought for the Allies, the other for the Axis during WWII. The presenter will be Devin Draeger, who recently returned from deployment in Iraq.

Our June 25th lecture will be on the Last Flight of the Passenger Pigeon: insights into a Bird and Its Extinction. The skies of Sauk County were once blackened with these birds as they flocked by the millions, destroying farmer’s crops. The presenter will be Mr. Kelly Bleich, environmental historian, artist and author.

During the evening the Society will present its annual William H. Canfield History Award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Society members are asked to nominate a local historian for the award by filling out the nomination form inside this issue (page 7). The deadline for nominations is April 1. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: Erhart Mueller, Kenneth Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, and Joe Ward. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

Coming Events

March 26, 2009, 6:30 p.m. Lecture at Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Michael Goc will speak on the “Impact of Badger Ordnance on the Community.”

April 7, 7:00 p.m. Canfield Day, at the Sauk County Historical Museum.

April 25, 6:30 p.m. at Sauk County Historical Museum. Devin Draeger will speak on “Brothers at War.”

June 2, Sauk County Historical Society

Summer Picnic

June 25, 6:30 p.m. at Sauk County Historical Museum. Mr. Kelly Bleich will speak on the “Last Flight of the Passenger Pigeon.”

June 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Baraboo Walnut Hill Cemetery Tour. Re-enactors will portray some of the notable individuals buried at the various sites, and provide visitors with interesting details of that person’s life.

History in a Drum Beat

By Curator, Sue Teska

THE last two months have brought about tremendous change in the museum. Many of the exhibits have been reworked and artifacts that had previously been in storage are now on exhibit. Cases have been rearranged and new labels added.

One of my favorite artifacts on display is the Civil War snare drum of Charles Junge. Inside, it is believed to have the signatures of his fellow soldiers. One soldier, Reedsburg resident Frank Pettis, like Junge, was a young Civil War musician who enlisted in the Union Army at the age of eleven as a drummer boy. He began military service at the age of twelve, serving from February 22, 1862, to August 9, 1865.

Musicians signaled the soldiers what to do during their day, from waking up in the morning to going to bed at night. During battle the sounds from their instruments told the soldiers when to march, when to shoot, and when to retreat. Musicians were expected to carry the wounded off the battlefield.

Pettis was present for every battle his unit was engaged in, from Suffolk, Virginia, and New Bern, North Carolina, to the sieges of Richmond and Petersburg. After the war, Pettis returned to Reedsburg and helped in his father’s tailor shop. When he was 20, he became a miller.

Pettis was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and the Reedsburg Drum Corps until his death on August 15, 1918. At his funeral the Reedsburg Drum Corps, with muffled drums, preceded the hearse to Greenwood Cemetery where he was buried.

If you want to learn more fascinating stories about famous local residents, stop by for a visit. You may be surprised at what we have!

Belle Case La Follette’s Birthday Celebration April

21, 2009

ON April 21 at 6:30, the Sauk County Historical Society is hosting a celebration for Belle Case La Follette’s 150th birthday.

That evening the Society will host a celebration at the museum with speakers, refreshments and picture postcards hand stamped with a postal cancellation honoring Belle.

Belle Case La

Follette was born on a farm in Juneau County in 1859 and raised in Baraboo. She was a teacher in Spring Green and Baraboo before marrying her college classmate Robert La Follette. An outstanding speech writer and public speaker in college, she used those talents to fight for social change.

Belle’s accomplishments are impressive, even more so when considered against the role of women at the time. She was the first woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School; the first in her family to attend college in a time when women were not often finishing high school; a lecturer on women’s issues and politics; a political advisor to her husband and her two sons who were US Senators and Wisconsin Governors; a woman’s suffragist; and co-founder of the Women’s Peace party which grew into the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom - an organization still active in peace initiatives around the world today.

We hope you join us on April 21 and hear how Belle’s impact has affected political issues still with us today.

Man Mound

By Rob Nurre

FOR the past several months the Man Mound has lain under a blanket of snow as it has for some 1,000 winters since this magnificent, and mysterious, earthwork was first created. Although hundreds of interested supporters helped mark the centennial of Man Mound’s preservation this past August, few have visited the park this winter and it is mostly seen by people driving by on Man Mound Road.

While things may have been quiet at Man Mound Park, there is still work to be done to meet the commitment to preserve this important archeological and cultural site. Recently the Sauk County Historical Society received a grant from the Kohler Foundation to help fund needed historical research to aid in developing a plan for archeological research and future management of the site. The current project will gather all the known maps, photographs and written descriptions of the Man Mound. This resource will be used in making decisions about what future archeological research may be needed to better understand the Man Mound. It will also provide information for use in signs and brochures to interpret the site for visitors.

The Sauk County Historical Society’s new Man Mound Committee is currently being organized. It will include representatives from the three organizations that first preserved the Man Mound a century ago: the Sauk County Historical Society, the Wisconsin Archeological Society and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-

Wisconsin; to these groups will be added representatives of other interested groups including the Ho-Chunk Nation, the State Archeologist’s Office, the UW- Baraboo, the Sauk County Parks Department, local government and neighbors. An additional group of interested individuals and supporters will also be formed to assist in the on-going management of the Man Mound Park. Among the initial plans for the coming year are a detailed topographic survey of the mound and an interpretive panel explaining the on-going research and preservation efforts.

Just as 2008 marked the centennial of the preservation of the Man Mound, 2009, also holds an important anniversary. July 23rd, 2009, will mark the 150th anniversary of William H. Canfield’s original survey of the Man Mound that made it known to the modern world. A commemoration of that event is being planned for Saturday, July 25th, 2009, at Man Mound Park.

Society Receives Bequests

THE Sauk County Historical Society has recently received bequests from the estates of two former members, Wayne Hatz and Robert Johnson. Hatz was born in the Sauk Prairie area and was active in several local historical societies including the Badger History Group and the Sauk County Historical Society. Johnson was born in Baraboo and enjoyed many hobbies including making fretwork clocks. Through the thoughtful planning of these two members the Society can continue its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Board of Directors has decided to use the funds to further renovations of the interior at the Sauk County History Center

Please consider adding the Sauk County Historical

Society to your estate plans as well. The Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so there may be important tax benefits (consult your financial advisor).

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2009

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Rob Nurre portrays early surveyor Wm. Canfield, shown here at last summer’s Man Mound celebration.

Executive Director’s Report by

LOTS and lots of coins made up the museum’s bank deposit this week, all donated by two busloads of SaukPrairie second-graders. The students were clearly proud to deposit weighty envelopes into a basket we hastily rounded up. Our three-person museum staff thanked them all, and then led the group outside the building for the start of the day’s education session.

The youngsters rotated through chilly sessions of historic greats like “Fox and Goose”, “Graces”, and “Simon Says”, games that are fun without any of today’s electronic parts. We’ve been consistently successful at getting kids to enjoy their visit by starting with these activities that allow them to release lots of energy. Those chosen as a “fox” chased the “geese” around paths we shoveled on the yard, and sticks launched hoops all around our front porch. Eventually, “Simon” said to stop jumping up and down and proceed inside the museum for a special tour.

Great manners were on display for the hours the group visited. It is often amazing what good questions the young learners come up with. Through our preparations and their inquisitive minds, they all soaked up plenty of knowledge while at the museum. Without fail, every question followed a raised hand and the patience to be called upon first. That is a tour guide’s dream, and was very impressive.

Favorite exhibit pieces included the kitchen stove, wash boards, silver fox pelts, Civil War guns, taxidermy animals, and the toy drawer of course. New versions of the old “Jacob’s Ladder”, a chalk slate, cord-propelled wooden top, and ball and jacks fill the drawer and are available daily for our younger visitors to experience. Parents and grandparents are sometimes found on the floor showing kids their slightly rusty skills.

Orris Smith

When asked what their favorite part of the tour was, “everything” was the most popular answer. That’s great, because maybe that means the kids will look forward to learning about history in years to come. That’s part of our mission, as evidenced by our staff visits to classrooms with our fourth grade “Sauk County Investigators” and other educational presentations.

Lots of learning takes place at the Sauk County Historical Society every day, and this was no exception. I learned there were no bills and no quarters in any of those money envelopes, which varied from 23 cents to $1.61. I learned that 89 cents often equals 3 dimes, 9 nickels, and 14 pennies. I was reminded that kids can be really caring when given the chance by wonderful teachers.

Years ago, American school children donated pennies to pay for the 89-foot pedestal base for the Statue of Liberty. The youth of today certainly continue to show that same spirit of generosity.

From investing for today to retirement planning for tomorrow, it’s important to make the most of your earnings

Please contact me today for a complimentary consultation

Brett Topham, CFP® Financial Planner

Located at The Baraboo National Bank

109 Third Avenue Baraboo, WI 53913 608.356.7449

You first.

Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other financial institution insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal

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       

  

 

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. If you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the Sauk County Historical Society by designating number 700500.

Raymond James Financial Services

Protect Your Family Treasures

by Mary Farrell Stieve

GRANDMOTHER’S wedding dress is in a bag under the bed. Dad’s yearbooks are in a box in the attic. Mom’s carnival glass dishes are in the basement. What should you do to protect them?

Objects that tell a family’s story are treasures each generation passes to the next. But this generation’s guardians have to be sure and preserve those treasures for the next and that isn’t always easy. There are people who spend years becoming experts on the preservation and restoration of those bits and pieces of our everyday lives. But there are things you and I can do to keep our treasures safe.

“Judge storage by your own comfort,” advise Jane and Richard Long in Caring for Your Family Treasures Try to keep your heirlooms in a moderate and stable environment. Temperatures near 70 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity near 50 percent. Avoid areas of your house where temperature and humidity will rise and fall, such as outside walls, unheated basements and attics, and rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or kitchens.

Light and dust will slowly destroy, so preserve our heirlooms in layers. Proper matting, frames and UV filter glass will keep photos, art and paper goods safe. Objects should be stored in chemically stable boxes under dust covers. Protect objects displayed on wooden shelves with a barrier between the object and shelf. The most stable shelving for storage is metal with a baked on finish–great for a storage area but probably not attractive enough for most homes. Display items away from direct sunlight and bright lights. A glass fronted cabinet, with acid free paper shelf liners, on an inside wall not directly facing windows is the perfect display storage option. Since this combination of features is not often possible, try getting as many of the features as you can, being most careful of harsh light and dust.

Check on your items regularly. Try to take a look at everything at least twice a year–winter and summer are good times. Check for moisture and light damage, pests, wear and tear. At the first sign of damage take action using the gentlest method possible. Always start with a gentle brushing using a soft brush. Beyond that, get some professional advice. There are a lot of folk remedies around but many do long term damage.

One good source for professional advice is the National Park Service museum handbook which is on the Internet and in your historical society office. We have other books in our resource library awarded us from the Institute of Museums and Library Services in the museum book grant we received last year. Members are always welcome to come in and look through the books for preservation tips.

Every resource will tell you the most important repair you make is one that is reversible and leaves no residue. Remedies we believed were best in the past have proven to be damaging as they age. Think about the tape we used to mend torn pages. It’s now yellow, brittle and has stained thousands of papers. The best practices we are using now may prove to be harmful in the future so try to avoid anything that cannot be easily undone.

Be sure to document your treasures. Keep inventories, take photographs, write down the stories that make the item important, make copies when you can. These records preserve the current condition and the valuable information for the future. Copies are also good choices for display, keeping the original protected from light and exposure. Copies also make it possible to share your family treasures with others and that is the best way to ensure they are as valuable to future generations as they are to you.

History Center Donors (since

last newsletter)

Harvey & Carol Myers, Second Century Sponsor

Helen SaLoutos, Second Century Sponsor

Pedro Kuczynski & Nancy Lange, Pillar of Progress Owner

Gene & Mona Larsen, Claude & Stark Associate

Richard & Jane Dana, History Center Benefactor

If you are interested in making a gift to toward this important project, please contact the Society at (608) 356-1001.

Hulburt Creek Garden Beds Update

WINTER is a great time for clearing trees. Workers from the Ho-Chunk Nation and Society volunteer Rob Nurre have been hard at work doing just that at the newly acquired Hulburt Creek Garden Beds land. Lacking the toil of many for hundreds of years, this ancient agricultural site quietly became populated by a variety of trees. The canopy of oaks in particular helped to preserve the garden beds, protecting them from pounding rains that would have eroded the site. With efforts now placed on restoring the garden beds, much of the undergrowth and some of the trees must be removed. Expert opinion is being sought on how best to maintain the six-acre wooded site, while gradually exposing the garden beds for study and restoration.

The Sauk County Historical Society is spearheading a committee that includes individuals representing the Society, the Ho-Chunk Nation, the University of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Historical Society to explore long-range preservation and educational plans for the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds. Informational signage, parking for visitors to the site, an eventual walking path, and site studies are topics that have been brought to the discussion table. Additionally, the committee would like to see the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds become a focus of school Earth Day projects, blending an environmental workday with an historical perspective for Earth Day students. Eventually, the committee hopes to use

the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds as a field site for visiting schools to deepen students’ understanding of the importance and history of Native American cultures in Sauk County.

The Sauk County Historical Society is appreciative of the generosity of Bill and Phyllis Pierce for donating the land that holds the garden beds to the Society. The public is invited to the garden beds on May 23, 2009, for a joint Wisconsin Historic Society – Sauk County Historical Society commemoration of this significant cultural resource.

William H. Canfield History Award Nomination

Deadline: April 1, 2009. Submit to: Sauk County Historical Society PO Box 651 Baraboo, WI 53913

SubMiTTer’S NAMe ________________________________________________________________ Telephone # ______________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NoMiNee’S NAMe _________________________________________________________________ Telephone # _____________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, please complete the following paragraph in 500 words or less: I nominate________, who, like William H. Canfield, shows a passion for local history as shown by his/her…

Amos Kingsley, Larry Waube, and Rob Nurre clearing brush

March/April 2009

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

New & renewed Members

THANk you To THeSe MeMberS wHo HAve reNewed SiNCe our lAST NewSleTTer

COLE CLUB

Village of Lake Delton, WI

PATRON

Mona and Gene Larsen, Baraboo, WI

Dr Ethan Carlson & Kari Edwards, Baraboo, WI

John and Judy Bennin, Baraboo, WI

Town of Delton, Sauk County

SPONSOR

William & Marian Schreiber, Baraboo, WI

Steve & Eleanor Chiquoine, Reedsburg, WI

Elizabeth Dutton, Boalsburg, PA

Tom Kriegl, Baraboo, WI

Bart & Char Olson, Merrimac, WI

Bill and Alice Schellenberger, Baraboo, WI

William Schuette, Reedsburg, WI

Joe and LouAnn Ward, Baraboo, WI

Merlin & Jenele Zitzner, Baraboo, WI

Brett Topham, Baraboo, WI

Gene and Jane Suchomel, Reedsburg, WI

John and Donna Taapken, North Freedom, WI

George and Kyoko Archibald, Baraboo, WI

Gene and Karen Putz, Gorham, ME

Russell and Pearl Douglas, LaValle, WI

JeromeMorrow, Baraboo, WI

FRIEND

Sue Greene Banaszak, Milwaukee, WI

James Delacour, Tacoma, WA

David Kuter, Madison, WI

Charles & Jeanne Marking, Baraboo, WI

Herb Messer, Baraboo, WI

Paul & Aural Umhoefer, Baraboo, WI

Burt Wright, Los Angeles, CA

Susan Burton Williams, Waukesha, WI

Wayne and Geraldine Wolter, Wisconsin Dells, WI

David and Charlotte Taylor, Baraboo, WI

Karen and Howard Diehl, Sauk City, WI

David SaLoutos, Baraboo, WI

Judy Ashford, Merrimac, WI

Guy & Mary Porth, Reedsburg, WI

Marie Kolberg, Madison, WI

Denise and Dave Statz, Baraboo, WI

Jerry Hohl, Baraboo, WI

FAMILY

Lawrence A & Patricia Bitterman, Batavia, IL

Bob and Carolyn Doepke, Baraboo, WI

Lyle & Marge Getschman, Baraboo, WI

David & Elsie Gilmore, Baraboo, WI

Buddy and,Sue Gogue, Baraboo, WI

Richard and,Linda Jenks, Baraboo, WI

Walter &,Debra Klaetsch, North Freedom, WI

Allan & Nancy Schmid, Baraboo, WI

Jerry and La,Donna Lindquist, Verona, WI

Ralph &,Carol Zahnow, Middleton, WI

Mary and Millie Canepa, Baraboo, WI

Rich and JJ Calton, Cheyenne, WY

Beverly and Pat Cabbage, Spokane, WA

Brenda and Ron Gurgel, Baraboo, WI

Peter and Elise Etzweiler, Baraboo, WI

Don and Verna Shook, Baraboo, WI

John McKnight, Evanston, IL

Wayne and Janice Pivotto, Montello, WI

Bill and Amy Schertz, Baraboo, WI

Dennis and Christina Bergmann, McFarland, WI

Travis & Kristina Zick, Baraboo, WI

Chris Boes, Rochester, MN

INDIVIDUAL

Betty Marquardt, Baraboo, WI

John Fletcher, Baraboo, WI

Mary Hein, Baraboo, WI

Joyce Karg, Baraboo, WI

Henrietta Marini, Baraboo, WI

Paula Rice, Muskegon, MI

Catherine Rinkob, Hayward, WI

Barbara Vester, San Leandro, CA

Rick Eilertson, Baraboo, WI

Kathy LaMasney, Baraboo, WI

Sandy Kjernes, Edgerton, WI

Lola Huber, North Freedom, WI

Fred Marini, Melrose, WI

William Roberts, Lake Delton, WI

Gladys Marini, Baraboo, WI

Janet Bjornsen, Baraboo, WI

Beatrice Blau, Sun Prairie, WI

Steve Gall, Madison, WI

Joice Meyer, Reedsburg, WI

Rex A Getschman, Baraboo, WI

Susan E Telkamp, Ivanhoe, MN

TomNelson, Vancouver, WA

William Johnson, Dallas, TX

Beverly Wilcox, Libertyville, IL

Barbara Wolfe, Waunakee, WI

Corinne Rasmussen, Cable, WI

Joann Burke, Baraboo, WI

Patricia Michals, Baraboo, WI

Allen Schroeder, Loganville, WI

Jean M Wendt, Baraboo, WI

Joseph Screnock, Baraboo, WI

Sheila Anderson, SaukCity, WI

Jim Slattery, Mazomanie, WI

Ron Koffernus, Baraboo, WI

Charles Hatfield, LaFarge, WI

Hulburt Creek Garden Beds Event Saturday, May 23rd

The first public event at the Sauk County historical Society’s newest property, the hulburt Creek Garden Beds, will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009. The event will begin with a short program to recognize the people who have helped in the recent efforts to preserve the site, talks about the significance of the property and the plans for the on-going restoration of the site. After the program, archeologists from the ho-Chunk Nation, the State historical Society and the University of Wisconsin – Madison will lead walking tours of the site. There will also be exhibits on pre-historic agriculture and gardening. This event is a highlight of the Wisconsin historical Society’s Archeology Month held each year in May.

The hulburt Creek Garden Beds is a relic of a large agricultural area that existed approximately 1,000 years ago about two miles west of what is now Wisconsin Dells. This type of agriculture consists of raised planting surfaces surrounded by narrow channels. These structures were used to enhance soil fertility, control moisture and improve

By Rob Nurre

cultivation conditions. Although once commonly found throughout the state, the hulburt Creek Garden Beds are considered to be the best preserved example of raised bed agriculture remaining.

Since this property was donated to the Sauk County historical Society in December 2008 by Bill and Phyllis Pierce, volunteers and workers from the ho-Chunk Nation have cleared trees from approximately one-half acre. Additional assistance at the site is being provided by students from Reedsburg high School and from the Black River Falls schools. Now this area of garden beds can be easily seen and the appropriate management of the land can be determined.

everyone is welcome to join in learning about this fascinating Native American agricultural site and participate in its dedication on May 23rd. The Garden Beds are located at the corner of County highway h and Birchwood Road, approximately two miles west of Wisconsin Dells.

Below: The Garden Beds in March after removal of trees and brush.

Annual Picnic, June 2, 2009

The Society’s Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 6 p.m. at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. A delicious picnic meal will be catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg and a program will be given by Mr. Lynn hanson. hanson will talk about the life of early pioneer Wallace Rowan who was one of the first settlers in the Baraboo Valley. Rowan first came to the Baraboo Valley in the fall of 1839 along with the colorful character Abe Wood. The two were looking for possible locations for a dam and waterpower. Rowan and Wood built the first dam on the Baraboo River and Wood also built the first permanent settler’s house in Baraboo. The site is now in Ochsner Park and was marked by the Society in the 1920s. The Rowans also lived in the area near the upper “oxbow” in the Baraboo River. Wallace Rowan died in late 1845 or early 1846 and was one of the first pioneers buried in the area. Plan on attending the Founders’ Day Picnic to learn more about the early history of the area and about the pioneers who settled here at the very site where all the action took place. Watch for a separate mailing with reservation details for the picnic.

Metal Detecting

A letter recently received by the SChS from Larry V. Garvin, executive Director of the ho-Chunk Nation, concerns the use of metal detectors on public lands. The concern is that efforts are in place to weaken this policy. The Society is being asked by the Nation to assist in preventing this from happening and to ensure that existing laws protecting Native American artifacts are not changed and that these archaeological resources are not gathered by treasure hunters and sold. Current DNR policy limits metal detector use on DNR lands, except to recover personal items. Special interest groups have expressed opposition to this limited policy as an infringement to their ability to observe recreational rights to metal detect on state lands. Should you wish to become a part of this advocacy, you are asked to contact your local state legislator, a list of whom may be found on our web site at saukcountyhistory.org. To read the entire letter from Mr. Garvin, also check our web site.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

AS another planting season is upon us the sun shines undiluted once again on a tiny portion of the hulburt Creek Garden Beds as it did about 1,000 years ago. Work has begun this past winter and early spring to clear the trees from the site and expose the garden beds once again. While the trees help some in preventing erosion from driving rains, they are also a hazard if they blow over and tear up large sections with their roots. Our work at the garden beds is reminiscent of the work that was done to clear the Man Mound Park of its overgrowth a little over 100 year ago. It seems the Society’s work has come full circle as we take on this new property and preserve this key piece of history for future generations.

I would like to thank all the volunteers and the ho-Chunk Nation for helping to begin this work. I also would like to thank Rob Nurre for his tireless efforts and countless volunteer hours of advocacy and tree clearing in moving this project forward. I hope you can make it to our initial dedication of the site on May 23 as we celebrate historic Preservation and Archaeology Month along with the Wisconsin historical Society and the ho-Chunk Nation. As gardens are now more in vogue than ever we can learn something from those who farmed this land before us.

The Society is also growing in other ways. Our new fourth grade education program has been a resounding hit with students who are eager to learn more about local history. The history Trailer is also currently being outfitted to get local history out to people beginning this summer, at community events and later to the schools. Interactive displays will help people engage with history in new ways. All of this is possible with the support of our generous and faithful members and volunteers. From those who provide financial support to those who help us cut down trees to those who help us file newspaper clippings, every bit helps to further our mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history.

Belle’s Birthday draws large crowd

BeLLe Case La Follette, while said to be shy, often entertained large crowds in her home, so she would have felt at home and perhaps slightly embarrassed by the enthusiasm her recent birthday celebration generated. On Tuesday, April 21, Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson told Belle’s story to 90 people who crowded into the Van Orden home. People were seated in the living room, foyer, dining room and front parlor. The evening events included unveiling of a postcard featuring Belle, designed by Juliana Clausen, and a hand stamp cancellation commemorating her birthday, designed by Rochelle Robkin. Society members Gail Lamberty and Tom and Sue holmes handled the introduction of speakers and guests.

Belle Case grew up in Baraboo on a farm on the corner of Lynn and Moore Streets - where the Flambeau Technology Center building now stands. At 16 she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and after graduation taught at both Spring Green and Baraboo schools.

She married Robert La Follette on New Year’s eve, December 31, 1881, and went on to lead a very public life as wife of “Fighting Bob” La Follette, who rose from Dane County District Attorney to United States Senator and presidential candidate. The La Follettes were both leaders in liberal progressive politics, and as the first woman to

By Mary Farrell Stieve

graduate from the UW law school, her legal training, outstanding public speaking skill, and organizational abilities kept the progressive political agenda in the public consciousness and on the political stage. In addition to partnering with her husband in progressive politics, Belle worked for women’s suffrage, peace initiatives, and improved education for all children.

The idea of celebrating a Sauk County native who gained fame beyond our borders has been a favorite subject of local authors Dr. Bob Dewel and Joe Ward. Dr. Dewel wrote an article on Belle for the Baraboo newspaper, and Joe Ward is helping staffer Mary Farrell Stieve compile a list of Sauk County residents who made names for themselves outside the county. If you have someone you believe should be on our list, let Mary know.

As part of our yearlong theme, Sauk County at War, Devin Draeger presented the April lecture on the equipment carried by American and German soldiers during World War Two. Dressed as a German soldier, Draeger explained the differences and similarities between items such as weapons, field packs, helmets, shoes, and uniforms used by the Allies and the Axis.

Draeger is in the National Guard and has recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. He is also a WWII and Civil War reenactor, and has had a lifelong interest in military conflict.

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2009

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Chief Justice Abrahamson and Bronson LaFallette, grandson of Belle and Bob

Verlyn Mueller Receives Canfield Award

The 2009 William h. Canfield history Award was given to Verlyn Mueller on April 7 during the Sauk County historical Society’s annual Canfield celebration. Mueller was chosen for his long lasting commitment to historical research, and in particular one who displays the same passion for history as Canfield, an early chronicler of Sauk County history.

Verlyn is a lifelong resident of the Sauk Prairie area. For many years, he has been an active member of the Sauk Prairie historical Society, but he may be best known for his dedication to the history of the Badger Ordnance Works. he has been instrumental in collecting documents, photos, artifacts and other material related to the history of the plant and the prairie. In 1998 he helped establish the Badger history Group, and currently serves as its first elected president. he singlehandedly set up and furnished the archive and office at the plant, and is continuing to photographically document the plant grounds and buildings prior to demolition. Verlyn is currently involved in the strategic planning process for BhG and author of long- and short-range work and action plans, including the planning of a historical museum dedicated to the history of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant.

Verlyn Mueller, left, receives Canfield Award from Society President, Paul Wolter

From investing for today to retirement planning for tomorrow, it’s important to make the most of your earnings

Please contact me today for a complimentary consultation

Brett Topham, CFP® Financial Planner

Located at The Baraboo National Bank

109 Third Avenue Baraboo, WI 53913 608.356.7449

You first.

Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other financial institution insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal

#4718 m

       

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 

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. If you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the Sauk County historical Society by designating number 700500.

Raymond James Financial Services

Sunday in the Cemetery

DOeS Baraboo boast an outdoor work of art by an artist who also has work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Is there a fugitive slave buried in Baraboo? Does the roof of the Ringling mausoleum really weigh twelve tons? Come find out. On June 28, 2009 the Society will host Sunday in the Cemetery – A Living history Tour at Walnut hill Cemetery in Baraboo. The event will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. Groups will be guided to thirteen grave sites in the cemetery where costumed interpreters will describe the lives of some of Baraboo’s former inhabitants. early settlers, famous people, and extraordinary citizens from ages gone by will come to life and talk about their lives and times. From the Ringling mausoleums to works of art the cemetery has a rich history of grave markers that will also be highlighted. The event is being sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Rago-Baldwin Funeral home of Baraboo. Tickets are $8 per person and will be on sale in June. For more information call the Society at 608-356-1001.

History Center Update

WITh spring now upon us the grass has come up nicely in the lawn of the history center, thanks to careful planting last fall. The new capstones for the wing walls on either side of the front steps have arrived and will be installed soon. Selective interior demolition work and cleaning will continue this spring as well. When the acquisition of the building was considered in 2004 - 2005 it was thought that the second floor would be used mainly for storage. Now, with more staff and volunteers, it has become clear that part of the second floor should be used for office and workspace. To help with the planning for this and the interior as a whole, architects Jan Aslaksen and Dave Cameron of Reedsburg, have been engaged to help design the space for maximum efficiency, allow for maximum accessibility, and maintain the integrity of the building. Aslaksen and Cameron will also help with plans to complete the interior in phases as funds are obtained. If you are interested in helping with the project please contact the museum. Several work days will be planned throughout the year.

June Lecture

The passenger pigeon was once the most abundant bird in North America, with a population estimated at over 3 billion birds. At one time, early settlers report, the skies would be blackened by flocks of passenger pigeons. They astounded people with their habit of migrating and nesting in huge flocks. The whirr from their wings would deafen spectators and blot out the sun. When roosting, their huge numbers could break limbs from trees, and their cooing was heard for miles. Farmers loathed them as they consumed great quantities of their grain crops. They were shot, packed in barrels and shipped out east for food. In 1871, an estimated 125 million passenger pigeons - probably the last big flock in America - chose to nest in Wisconsin. The pigeons covered Adams County, and parts of Sauk, Columbia and Juneau counties. By 1900, no passenger pigeons existed in the wild, and soon after that, those in zoos also died. The Society has one of the few surviving mounted examples of this once pervasive bird. You are invited to learn more about this extinct fowl, and how it became so, during our June 25th lecture at the museum at 6:30 p.m. The lecture is free.

Victory Garden—a New Society Project

DURING WWII, posters such as this were part of a campaign to encourage the planting and use of homegrown produce. Because of rationing, commercially produced foods were in short supply, so the Victory Garden or War Garden became an important source of food on the home front. At its peak, nearly 20 million gardens were being kept by citizens, and around 40 percent of all vegetables produced in the U.S. came from Victory Gardens. By the end of the war, the Department of Agriculture estimated total home front production of over one million tons of vegetables valued at 85 million dollars.

As part of the Sauk County historical Society’s theme for 2009, “Sauk County at War”, we have planted a Victory Garden on the Van Orden estate grounds. It will be utilized as a teaching tool for visitors and school groups.

Our garden will be planted exclusively with heritage or heirloom seeds. An heirloom plant is open-pollinated that retains its characteristics when replanted from parent seeds. These types of seeds were in common use before the mid-twentieth century. Today, most commercial crops are grown in large plots. To maximize consistency, few varieties of any one crop are grown. The plants are genetically created to withstand long trips to supermarkets, to resist drought, frost and pesticides. Unfortunately, nutrition, flavor and variety are secondary concerns. heirloom fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, retain much of their original flavor and nutrition.

Feel free to inspect the fruits and vegetables of our efforts. Stop by the museum and watch us grow.

SCI – Sauk County Investigators

Curator, Sue Teska

WhAT are you doing this spring? I’m going back to school as a teacher! Last year the Sauk County historical Society received a county grant to develop a fourth grade program to meet the State Department of Public Instruction’s local history requirement. Our program, SCI – Sauk County Investigators, a not so subtle takeoff of the popular television show CSI – Crime Scene Investigator, draws the parallel between how police detectives solve mysteries and how history detectives (or historians) solve history mysteries. The students are introduced to the idea that, like police detectives, historians use sources or evidence and eyewitness accounts to solve mysteries. They then practice what they have learned using artifacts, photographs, maps, and letters to solve mysteries about some of Sauk County’s more notable citizens.

I am continually amazed at the observations the children make and the ideas that they come up with. Several times, I have wondered about who is smarter, a curator or a fourth grader!

The response to the program has been overwhelming and I am currently scheduled to present the program 25 times this spring in LaValle, Reedsburg, Baraboo and Sauk City. At the end, all students will be certified as a history Detective.

So, if you happen to have a historical mystery on your hands, call me. I will give you the number of a local fourth grader who would be happy to help you!

Curator Teska speaks to 4th graders at Baraboo’s East School

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members

THANk yoU To THESE MEMBERS WHo HAVE RENEWED SINCE oUR LAST NEWSLETTER

PATRON

Dr. Robert Dewel, Baraboo, WI

SPONSOR

Karl and Melanie Burgi, Baraboo, WI

Ralph and Pam Krainik, Baraboo, WI

Donna Lange, Reedsburg, WI

Ken & esther Lange, Baraboo, WI

helen SaLoutos, Baraboo, WI

Robert & Louise Yeck, Silver Springs, MD

William and Corinne Beard, Baraboo, WI

Gary Kowalke, Baraboo, WI

Ron and Lynda Barganz, Baraboo, WI

eric Lewison, Baraboo, WI

FRIeND

Dan & Sandy edwards, Baraboo, WI

Neil & Lucille Thompson, Baraboo, WI

Audrey Wendt, Baraboo, WI

hackett Family Reunion, Appleton, WI

Bernard & Roberta hotzel, Baraboo, WI

Marnie Krainik, Waukesha, WI

Lawrence and Catherine Senger, Baraboo, WI

Dean and Judy Brice, Baraboo, WI

Ronald Schultz, Fletcher, NC

Ken and Rhonda Frank, Mazomanie, WI

FAMILY

Ken & Mary Grant, Baraboo, WI

Charles & Donna Green, Baraboo, WI

Linda and Doug Luther, Greenwood Village, CO

Marvin and Barbara Juliar, evanston, IL

Jim & Marilyn Karch, Baraboo, WI

Arthur & Frances Koenig, Madison, WI

Peter & June Sturgis, Baraboo, WI

Terry and Patricia Turnquist, Baraboo, WI

Patricia Gottschall Schuknecht, Lodi, WI

Al and Lola DuBois, Palm harbor, FL

Jerry & ellen Dargel, Baraboo, WI

Mike and Mary Schell, Baraboo, WI

Robert and Joyce Breen, hartford, WI

Walter and Yvonne Smith, Baraboo, WI

Pat, Kim, Makenna & Adam Wilson, huntington, IN

Gaylon, Shirley and emma Steinhorst, Baraboo, WI

Robert and Marcella Schultz, Waukesha, WI

eric & Ginny Lewison, Baraboo, WI

Dick and Mary Krueger Family, Baraboo, WI

Joe and Bev Dietenberger, North Freedom, WI

eBSCO Industries, Birmingham, AL

Wayne and Kendra Lypska, Baraboo, WI

Terrence and Barbara McCormick, Baraboo, WI

Roy Schroeder, Loganville, WI

Barbara & Richard Fish, LaValle, WI

Cy & Mary Dickson, Reedsburg, WI

Terry & Barbi Wex, Reedsburg, WI

INDIVIDUAL

Audrey Belter, Florence, AZ

Donald, Cole, DeForest, WI

Margo Gallus, Merrimac, WI

Sandra Stiemke, Loganville, WI

Jim honer, Madison, WI

Phyllis h. Stanton, Baraboo, WI

Jill Fyall Livesey, Saline, MI

Luanne Krohn, Reedsburg, WI

Diana hofman, Murrieta, CA

Rosann Madden, Baraboo, WI

Max L. Carpenter, Indianapolis, IN

Lindy Larsen, Baraboo, WI

Wava J. Vertein, North Freedom, WI

Betty J. Cook, Clarksville, TN

Sandy Kaufmann, Madison, WI

Jill Adami, Lodi, WI

Jonelle Przybylski, Plover, WI

Dale Loomis, Baraboo, WI

Melody D. O’Connor, Rocklin, CA

Pamela Domeier, Lenexa, KS

Patricia Gibbons, Sparta, WI

Janet Klipp, Reedsburg, WI

Craig Karr, Merrimac, WI

Jim and Myrna Weickgenant, Baraboo, WI

Larry Bakke, Fr., Baraboo, WI

Tom hayes, Baraboo, WI

Sue Moran, Reedsburg, WI

Gerry Chasteen, LaValle, WI

Russell & Anita hantzsch, hales Corners, WI

Arleen hambach, Aurora, IL

History Center Update

The installation of the capstones on the front step wing walls of the history Center marks the near completion of Phase 1 of the renovations. The capstones were made of poured concrete with an aggregate finish that included crushed marble chips. Phase 1 of the renovations included exterior stabilization of the building, including a new roof, new windows, restored grade, waterproofed foundation, restored front door and steps, landscaping, and sidewalks. Phases 2-4 will concentrate on the interior of the building with floors being completed one at a time. Floor plans for Phases 2-4 of the history Center renovation have been completed by Cameron Aslaksen Architects of Reedsburg. With an expanded use plan for the second floor it has been determined that a second exit from the top floor will not be necessary due to limited occupancy. This will save thousands of dollars in renovation costs and keep the historic look of the building intact. With firm plans in place, final interior demolition can take place as new heating and ventilation systems are designed for the building. Interior perspective drawings and construction documents are being completed by the architects and will be used in fund-raising efforts to complete the interior of the building. To view complete

blueprints, visit our Web site and click on the history Center photo, www.saukcountyhistory.org.

Below: A masonry specialist from Statz Restoration completed the installation of the new capstones on the wing walls of the front entry to the History Center.

Out and About

The Society will be exhibiting at the Summer Art Classic on the Square in Baraboo on Saturday, August 8, and at the Badger Steam and Gas Show August 21-23 at its show grounds. The Society’s history on Wheels Trailer will be present along with new exhibits, including the “mini mansion,” a doll house-size version of the Van Orden mansion mounted on rolling cabinets filled with drawers for junior historians to explore. If you would like to help staff our booths and exhibits please contact the museum staff at 608-356-1001 to sign up for a shift or two.

Shelving Donated

The Society would like to thank Chuck hall of Sauk City for a donation of shelving. The shelving will be used at the Sauk County historical Museum for the storage of artifacts and archival material.

Director’s Report

By Orris Smith

IN conversations with a number of county business people these last few months, it is clear how much the Van Orden Mansion provides an integral part of the Sauk County historical Society image. We’ve operated out of the beautiful and historic house for 70 years, and it continues to impress visitors.

Guests are reminded that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The 1903 architecture provides many delights such as intricate wood craftsmanship created without the tools of today. The parlor, library, two pantries, and the kitchen artifacts intrigue others. And in the last years, the house has increasingly pleased youngsters, whether coming in the family car or the community school bus.

When entering the museum, children are provided with an age-appropriate scavenger hunt, containing either pictures of artifacts to find or fill-in-the-blank questions to be answered. The exercise finds them entering each room with high expectations of finding items they now want to see. Also available are laminated questions on a small table, with answers on the reverse side. Then there is the toy discovery drawer, a part of the “Growing Up in Sauk County” exhibit, which provides new versions of old toys like Jacob’s Ladder or a wooden top with cord. These favorites of the past still entertain the young visitors, as all children want to take their turns trying them. For youth groups with prior reservations, outside games start the visit: Potato sack races, three-legged races, “Graces” using sticks and hoops, and “Simon Says”. The children already love their visit to the Sauk County historical Museum, and they don’t even know the surprises awaiting them inside.

Parents appreciate the observation that the world didn’t always have Playstation 2, X-Box, electricity, or plastic—gasp. The toys of the time were the entertainment. The lesson teaches that the best times of life—also known as history—won’t be recalled as time spent in front of some video screen, but rather memories shared with family and friends.

The west side of the Van Orden mansion is being painted and repaired this summer by Warren Terry and Paul Wolter. Never an easy job, one of the hardest parts is getting to the top of the building. Scaffolding has been donated for the project by Society member Dave Kehoe and LaMasney Construction.

When a Bird Becomes Extinct Twice

By Curator, Sue Teska

Kelly D. Bleich spoke to 28 people at the Society’s June lecture on the extinction of the passenger pigeon. Mr. Bleich is an environmental speaker, historian, artist, musician, author, and educator. Also seen in the photo, is a reproduction of a print by Owen Gromme, donated to the Society by Bud Gussell.

Volunteers Needed

The Sauk County historical Society is currently looking for some good men and women museum enthusiasts who want to experience history first hand! We are looking for volunteers to help us in a variety of areas including the archives, collections, special events, educational programs, gardens, and beyond.

If there is something you like to do and you have an extra hour or more a week, please stop by or call the museum. We would love to discuss volunteer possibilities with you. Call us at 356-1001.

DID you ever think that a bird could become extinct twice? Well, those who attended last month’s lecture series presented by Kelly D. Bleich, learned that it can. But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.

The passenger pigeon was once so abundant that in 1813, James Audubon wrote about a flock of pigeons so large that it “darkened the sun and their wings sounded like thunder.” Audubon estimated that the flock consisted of over a billion birds. In 1871 the remaining 135 million passenger pigeons in the United States chose to nest in Wisconsin. Their nesting area covered 850 square miles and included the counties of Sauk, Juneau, and Adams. There are accounts of tree limbs breaking under the weight of the many nests the pigeons built in the trees.

While the passenger pigeon was hunted for food by early settlers and the Native Americans for centuries, its population began to seriously decline after 1871. Pigeons were slaughtered by the millions for food and sport. In 1899, the last wild passenger pigeon was shot near Babcock, Wisconsin by a hunting guide. On September 1, 1914, Martha, the last remaining passenger pigeon on earth, died at the Cincinnati Zoo.

But how does a passenger pigeon become extinct twice? This spring, we found out that our passenger pigeon (affectionately named Sparky) is one of only 65 known stuffed examples. Of the billions of birds that once flew the skies, only 65 examples of this magnificent and fascinating bird remain. We are truly fortunate in Sauk County to have such a rare example. So, if you have never seen a passenger pigeon before, stop by the museum and see Sparky.

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2009

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Sunday in the Cemetery Successful

The Society’s first ever living history cemetery tour was a success on all accounts. With a welcome break from the previous week’s oppressive heat, 173 people attended the tour and were guided around the cemetery to thirteen notable graves of some of Baraboo’s founders, pioneers, settlers, and notable figures. Stories about these folks came to life through the dramatic presentations. From a fugitive slave and from a survivor of the Andersonville Civil War Prison Camp, tour guests heard about the fascinating lives of Baraboo’s former inhabitants. While most actors were wholly unrelated to their characters one most definitely was related. Lucas Schuyler Van Orden IV of Iowa City spent the afternoon playing the part of his great grandfather, Jacob Van Orden, lending a personal touch to the story of one of Baraboo’s leading citizens. Several dozen people were involved in putting the event together and the Society would like to thank everyone. Thanks, also, to our sponsors, Thrivent Financial, that gave a matching grant and to the Rago-Baldwin Funeral home of Baraboo. If you were unable to attend you can see pictures of the actors and synopses of their stories on the Society’s website. (www.saukcountyhistory.org)

A DVD of the performances has been created and is available for purchase. A booklet containing the scripts of the actors will also be available. Contact the Society for more information.

Lucas Schuyler Van Orden IV stands at the family headstone at Walnut Hill Cemetery where he portrayed his great grandfather during the Society’s Sunday in the Cemetery event.

From investing for today to retirement planning for tomorrow, it’s important to make the most of your earnings

Please contact me today for a complimentary consultation

Brett Topham, CFP® Financial Planner

Located at The Baraboo National Bank

109 Third Avenue Baraboo, WI 53913 608.356.7449

You first.

Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other financial institution insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal

#4718 m

       

  

 

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. If you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the Sauk County historical Society by designating number 700500.

Raymond James Financial Services

What’s Being Researched in the Archives of SCHS?

By Mary Farrell Stieve

eVeRy day hands us a new puzzle at the museum. Researchers are looking for answers to the most intriguing questions. This spring we had a question about the Windy City Ski Club out of Chicago, a group of skiers who came to ski at Devils Lake in the 1950’s. When the question first came in we had nothing in our files about the group. It took several phone calls and some digging, but the archives now has the by-laws, one year’s member list, a photo of the group, and soon, hopefully, some information on the hill they skied. Last fall a woman called who had grown up in evanston, Illinois, but remembered coming to Baraboo to attend summer stock theater productions. Did we have information on where that theater was and what it was called? With those vague clues I was able to discover the wonderful story of the Green Ram Theater, and while I have no original materials to add to my files, I do have written personal memories of several people in the area who were involved in the theater, and those are now part of our archives.

I wish every request was fulfilled but we are still working on some that may never have answers. Does anyone know what was in the building that is now Quindt’s Towne Lounge in Baraboo? What was the brick building with the arched windows across from the Community

Center in Rock Springs? Where exactly was the Westville Church in Fairfield Township? Where did early pioneers David Reed and eben Peck end up when they left here to head west? The most often asked question is “Do you know anything about my house?”

The answers to all these questions are somewhere; finding them is the challenge. Many of the answers are outside the museum, in your closets, your file, and your memories. Finding the right source, asking the right questions, and getting the facts straight and on paper are part of the challenge and the excitement of being the archivist. Gathering information that may not seem important today can answer a question for someone in the future, and we are grateful to all of you who are organizing your papers, writing down your memories, answering my questions, and labeling your photos. The history that brings people through our doors isn’t headline news and is seldom a search for the one great moment in time. The history that people come to us to find is in the communities, the times, and the places that shaped their lives. These everyday stories give our histories color and depth. They help to answer the “why” questions we need to answer to make our “when and where” answers more satisfying.

The Society’s victory garden, maintained by Bill Schuette and Sue Teska, has grown substantially, as seen in the photo. Lettuce and collard greens from the garden have been donated to the Baraboo Food Pantry during the past month. Stop by and watch us grow.

Paul Wolter, Mona Larsen and Bill Schuette took the Society’s History Trailer and miniature mansion to the 4th of July Witwen parade.”

Hulburt Creek Garden Beds Dedication

By Beverly Vaillancourt

ON rare occasions, an opportunity arises to preserve something so unique that it almost defies explanation. That opportunity presented itself when Bill and Phyllis Pierce offered to donate land containing 1000-year-old agricultural beds––garden beds that once were part of a Native American culture that thrived in Sauk County––to the Sauk County historical Society. That transfer of ownership occurred last December. Working in concert with the ho-Chunk Nation, the Wisconsin historical Society, and Dr. William Gartner of the University of Wisconsin, efforts began immediately to best preserve land where corn and squash were once grown using a raised bed technique. Trees were removed while the ground was still frozen. Then, this past May, students from Reedsburg Area high School, Sacred heart School in Reedsburg, and from Black River Falls came together for a work/education day.

hours of planning and on-site work culminated in a dedication ceremony held last May 23rd when the Wisconsin historical Society highlighted the garden beds as its May archeological month event. Members of the ho-Chunk Nation, Wisconsin historical Society staff, the Sauk County historical Society, county officials, and the general public came together to honor the culture and the work of those who toiled hundreds of years ago. An informational sign signifying the importance of the hulburt Creek Garden Beds has been erected on the garden bed site.

The Sauk County historical Society would like to thank Bill and Phyllis Pierce for their generous donation of land, the ho-Chunk Nation for its guidance and support, and the Wisconsin historical Society, the Town of Delton, and the Sauk County Arts and Culture Committee. Please stop by the garden beds as you drive to or from Wisconsin Dells on County h. It is in every way a work in progress, with plans for it to become an educational site ––including restoration of part of the damaged area of the garden beds as well as informational signage. Donations to help this project can be made to the Sauk County historical Society.

Local historian, Lynn Hanson of Poynette, spoke at the Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic at Ochsner Park. Hanson spoke about his research investigating early settler and entrepreneur Wallace Rowan who built the first dam on the Baraboo River with Abe Wood in 1839. Wood’s cabin was the first permanent settler dwelling in Baraboo and stood where this marker was placed in Ochsner Park in the 1920s by the Society.

July/August 2009

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReQUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members

THANk yOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE RENEWED SiNCE OUR lAST NEWSlETTER

BeNeFACTOR

John & elizabeth Davenport, Minnetonka, MN

PATRON

Jerry and Patricia Bullard, Reedsburg, WI

SPONSOR

Alan Scoles, Witchita, KS

Paul Wolter, Baraboo, WI

Betty Thiessen, Baraboo, WI

Roger & Melissa Schnitzler, Wis Dells, WI

FRIeND

Albert & Nita Dippel, Baraboo, WI

Karin Train Lanphear, Florence, AZ

Mark & Jo ellen Waddell, Baraboo, WI

Joe Van Berkel and Linda Foster, Baraboo, WI

Dean & Jean Friday, Austin, TX

Gilbert, Gail and Thomas Bird, Baraboo, WI

Charles and Kathleen LaCombe, Baraboo, WI

Sondra e Carlson, Clifton Park, Ny

FAMILy

Susan Bock, Cincinnati, Oh

Ron & Janet Brandt, elgin, IL

Robert & Patti Brown, Merrimac, WI

Keri Olson & Larry McCoy, Baraboo, WI

Scott and Rachel Larson, Baraboo, WI

Albert and Allegra Zick, North Freedom, WI

Bryan and Mary Reeve, Spring Green, WI

Leo and Joyce Bronkalla, Baraboo, WI

Charles and Roberta Mayer, Lyndon Station, WI

Chris, Maureen & Jennifer Bosshard, Lake Delton, WI

Gordon and Janice Caflisch, Baraboo, WI

Mark, Sharyl, Monica & Jacquiline Reitz, Baraboo, WI

Frank and Marianna Weinhold, Madison, WI

James and Susan Bottoms, Reedsburg, WI

Fred and Betty Terbilcox, Waunakee, WI

INDIVIDUAL

Marjorie Cutting, Baraboo, WI

Craig A Caflisch, Baraboo, WI

Mary hein, Baraboo, WI

Barb Naidl, Baraboo, WI

helen Stieve, Prairie du Sac, WI

Kathryn A Steckelberg, Arlington, VA

Michael D. May, Madison, WI

James Dennis hanger, Reedsburg, WI

Ronald Bauer, Reedsburg, WI

William Brahney, Auburn, Ny

Sandra Maul, Billings, MT

Inger Clemens, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Jeffrey Zuzunaga, Baraboo, WI

Jerome Thiessen, Baraboo, WI

Gay Kaney, Baraboo, WI

Carole Paquette, Baraboo, WI

Reggie effinger, West Allis, WI

Barb Stone, Baraboo, WI

Mary Van Allen, Green Bay, WI

Larry Kenyon, Sunnyvail, CA

Diana L Neff, Longmont, CO

Victoria M Olson, Baraboo, WI

Nancy hunka, Melbourne, FL

Donna Rygiewicz, Madison, WI

Kevin Moll, Baraboo, WI

Business Memberships

PATRON

holiday Wholesale, Wisconsin Dells

Gavin Brothers, Reedsburg

Friede Brothers Construction, Reedsburg

SPONSOR

Bank of Prairie du Sac

History Center

Donors (since last newsletter)

Helen Saloutos—Second Century Sponsor

If you are interested in making a gift toward this important project, please contact the Society at (608) 356-1001.

Man Mound Featured on National Park Service Website

What do the Portland, a steamship shipwrecked after leaving port in Boston in 1898, Camp Nelson, the Civil War soldier’s home in Kentucky, and Man Mound, an earthen effigy mound found in the town of Greenfield, Sauk County, Wisconsin, have in common? all are featured as significant archeological properties and worthy of listing on the National Register of historic Places. You can read about the preservation efforts of Man Mound and other featured historical places across the county on the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/ nr.feature/archeology/index.htm.

Man Mound was purchased by the Sauk County historical Society in 1907 with the help of the Wisconsin archeological Society and the Wisconsin Federated

Women’s Clubs. One year later a park was established to allow public access to the only preserved man-shaped effigy mound in the Midwest. In June 2008, a 100-year rededication of Man Mound Park was held at the park, located on Man Mound Road in the town of Greenfield, northeast of Baraboo. the event was marked by proclamations from the Sauk County Board of Supervisors and from Governor Doyle’s office declaring that day Man Mound Day. additionally, the significance of the day was read into both the United States house of Representatives Congressional Record and the United States Senate Congressional Record. It was a great day for Man Mound, for the stewardship efforts of the Sauk County historical Society, and for the historic preservation efforts of Sauk County in general.

One year later, in July 2009, the Sauk County historical Society teamed with the Wisconsin historical Society to submit an application for Man Mound to be re-listed on both the Wisconsin Register of historic Places and the National Register of historic Places. Bev Vaillancourt, board member of the Sauk County historical Society, represented the Society in Madison at the application’s hearing. the application was well received by the Wisconsin Board of historic Preservation, and its application was forwarded to the National Park Service by the Wisconsin historical Society with a request that Man Mound also be considered for National historic Landmark status. Should this designation occur, it would, indeed, be a great moment for Man Mound.

Rob Nuree, portrays Wm Canfield, who first surveyed Man Mound in 1859.

Holiday Events Need Your Help

PLaNS have already begun for the holiday events to be held at the Sauk County historical Museum starting with a Victorian Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 12. Due to increasing costs an entrance fee for this event will be charged this year, and some new attractions will be added. If you would like to help staff the Victorian Christmas Celebration it’s never too early to call the museum and express your interest. the Sauk County historical Society will also be hosting a float in the holly Jolly Light Parade in downtown Baraboo on November 21. If you would like to help assemble this year’s float please contact the museum at 608-356-1001.

Dressing

the House

for Christmas; Victorian and Edwardian Christmas Decorations

thE Sauk County historical Society will be offering a pre-Christmas workshop this year conducted by Roger hanko from amber Moon in Baraboo. Featured will be insights into Victorian and Edwardian Christmas traditions and decorations along with some secrets for Christmas decorations for your own home.

Workshop participants will be able to make their own traditional Victorian Christmas ornament to take home with them. they will also receive handouts with further decorating ideas and directions for making other ornaments.

this workshop will be held at the Sauk County historical Society Museum on tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the cost is $15 per person or $12 per person for historical society members. Space is limited, so please call early to reserve a spot. a minimum of 10 people is needed in order for the workshop to be held.

SCHS Board Elects New Member

WhILE many people may have seen him play Sauk County’s most famous historian, William Canfield, at various SChS functions, Rob Nurre is in fact a real historian, and now Nurre will be helping to chart the course of the Sauk County historical Society. Nuree will be filling out the board vacancy created when Sue teska became curator. Nurre has been instrumental in the acquisition and maintenance of the hulburt Creek Garden Beds, has led the way in the exploration and future reconstruction of the Man Mound, and has assisted in evaluating the Yellow thunder memorial site. While often traveling doing presentations across the country as the “Surley Surveyor” Nurre is currently working on an educational project for the Lewis and Clark Foundation. the SChS Board and its members welcome Nurre and know that he will be a valuable asset to the board of directors.

the museum is located at 531 Fourth avenue, Baraboo. For more information you may call (608) 3561001.

Local Author Publishes New Volumes

FaMOUS people, notorious events, celebrations and tragedies, from 1839 to the present, come to life thanks to the new three-volume set of Dr. Robert Dewel’s 372 articles that appeared in the Baraboo Sun and the Baraboo News-Republic from 1997 through 2008. Local author and historian Dewel has dedicated hundreds of hours this past winter putting order to the stories and indexing the volumes. additional pictures have been provided by the author and the Sauk County historical Society.

Dr. Dewel can now look forward to his books being referenced at county libraries, the University of Wisconsin’s Baraboo/Sauk County campus, Baraboo high School, the Sauk County historical Society, and eventually at the new research facility in the Sauk County history Center on Baraboo’s Second avenue, a project near and dear to his heart.

Virtual Exhibit on Web

CURatOR, Sue teska, and Bill Schuette have been working on putting some of our Sauk County in the War exhibit on line. Photos of many of the exhibits, along with descriptions, have been added to our Web site. Please visit our site at www.saukcountyhistory.org and click on “Virtual Online Exhibit”. It’s a work in progress, so check back often.

“there was no intention of publishing the articles in history books,” Dewel writes. “Only recently was their potential realized, and the Sauk County historical Society encouraged their republication in chronological form.” Since Dewel resides in Baraboo, where he was a dentist for many years, the county seat is an understandable setting for most of his stories.

Considerable thanks belong to the UW Extension arts and Culture Committee of Sauk County for its grant support, as well as to numerous other local historians— past and present—for their assistance. Questions on the book’s availability and purchase may be addressed to the Sauk County historical Society, 531 Fourth avenue in Baraboo, or by calling 356-1001 tuesday through Saturday afternoons.

Today is History Tomorrow

By Curator, Sue teska

What exactly is an artifact? Is it great-grandmother’s wedding dress in the attic? Is the fifty year old rocking chair in the basement? Is it that Styrofoam cup you threw out yesterday? actually, all of these things are artifacts. the Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines artifact as something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend or individual.

all too often, however, we only see an artifact as something that was used before our time. Many of us, myself included, think why would anyone find this interesting? Unfortunately, this leads to a loss of our own material culture. While a Styrofoam cup may not seem interesting or important to us today, to a population 100 years from now it could be quite fascinating.

Why am I bringing this up? Several volunteers and I have spent the last several months organizing the collections here at the museum. While we have a long way to go, one thing has become apparent; we do not have a very strong collection of 20th century or early 21st century artifacts. today is the time to save our material culture while we still know how or when an object was used. the Sauk County historical Society’s collection policy states that… the museum’s primary collecting objective is to document the history of Sauk County, Wisconsin… Since today will be history tomorrow, what do you think is significant from the last 60 years?

If you have any significant artifacts from a major Sauk County event or from a well known Sauk County person and need a new home for them, please consider giving them to the SChS. also, look here each newsletter for a list of a few objects we feel would help round out our collections.

I hope that we can all leave a lasting legacy for future generations telling them exactly who we were as a new century dawned.

helen SaLoutos

Second Century Sponsor.

From investing for today to retirement planning for tomorrow, it’s important to make the most of your earnings

Please contact me today for a complimentary consultation

Brett Topham, CFP® Financial Planner

Located at The Baraboo National Bank

109 Third Avenue Baraboo, WI 53913 608.356.7449

You first.

Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other financial institution insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal

#4718 m

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  

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We Care Program

the Sauk County historical Society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. If you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the Sauk County historical Society by designating number 700500.

Raymond James Financial Services

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

It’S an odd thing when September feels more like July than July did. We seem to have racked up quite a few records in the past few years--coldest July, snowiest winter, and who can forget the record flooding? all in all the Sauk County historical Society got out and about quite a bit this summer, not only at our usual events like Old Fashioned Day and the Badger Steam and Gas Show, but also at some new events like the Summer art Classic. the history on Wheels trailer came in very handy at all these events and has been fully carpeted inside so that it can be turned into a mobile museum when it is unloaded. the model of the Van Orden Mansion also has been very popular and now sits atop a bank of twelve drawers, each filled with different hands-on exhibits. thanks to the Sauk County UW Extension arts and Culture Committee for their support of that project as well as for funding two new pop-up exhibit tents that will help protect everything when used outdoors. thanks, too, to all those volunteers who helped staff our booth and exhibits. a special bonus this year is the fact that we have gained quite a few new members. We look forward to next year’s exhibiting season and hope to expand our activities with all of our new mobile exhibits and displays.

Tour of Historic Haunts –

October 24th

IS there a cat cemetery in Baraboo? Were the remains of a prehistoric wooly mammoth really dug up in Baraboo? these questions and others will be answered on the Sauk County historical Society’s fourth annual tour of historic haunts to be held on Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m. the tour will feature the “under the hill” region of Baraboo which lies along Water Street between Broadway and Rosaline Streets. the tours will start at the new Riverwalk Park gazebo near the corner of Broadway and Water Street. Groups will be lead along the riverwalk, down Water Street, and listen to stories from Baraboo’s past. this area was once the darker side of town and has more than a few haunting stories. the tour will also make a few indoor stops in the Ringlingville area. tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased the night of the tour. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Parking will be available along Water Street and at the Napa auto Parts store. For more information check out the events link at our website www.saukcountyhistory.org

Annual Meeting –October 20th

thE Sauk County historical Society will hold its annual banquet and business meeting on tuesday, October 20 at 6 p.m. at the Clarion hotel in West Baraboo. a delicious dinner will be served buffet style at 6 p.m. and the annual business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Master Gardner, Jody Scott, who will give a presentation on heirloom gardening. a separate flyer and reservation form will be mailed to members. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

Mark Tully talks about the form Christian Science building on a previous Haunted Walk.

“Garrisonville.”

Excerpts from a paper read before the Sauk County Historical Society in May, 1905.

By E.D. Jackson, Minneapolis, Minn.

thE founders of Baraboo were not ordinary people. For the most part they were remarkable for personality and capacity. Not all were shining examples to be followed, but they have left a lasting impress on the community.

But not all were men; the women also were represented, and as usual, kept well up to the front of the process. On these, none were more conspicuous than Widow Garrison, as she was usually called. She appeared early on the scene of activity attending the planting of Baraboo more than half a century since. It was not in her nature to share with others in the upbuilding of a town; she must have one of her own. So on the Baraboo river just above the great gorge or narrows of the Greenfield bluffs, wonderful in beauty and picturesqueness, this bold adventuress selected the now deserted site of Garrisonville which was to rival if not entirely overshadow Baraboo itself. But Baraboo had a water power, which in those ante-railroad days doubtless determined along with lake Diabolis, its location. Our heroine must not be outdone; she must have a water power for Garrisonville. It is doubtful if she possessed any resources at all except her personality which long proved sufficient. a familiar acquaintance with quite all the prominent men of those territorial days was hers, and she never failed to exploit the possibilities of her foster child on the river.

She was able to enlist sufficient capital to construct a dam there right in the face of no natural adaptation, and even in spite of there being much more eligible places near at hand; but of course unfortunately, not on the site of Garrisonville. a saw mill was soon in operation sawing oak logs of large dimensions cut from the surrounding hillsides by the pioneers of those days. to hear the music of the saw converting these logs into planks relieved the lonliness (sic) of the valley round about and even encouraged the early settlers in the hope that perchance they were on the outskirts of a soon to be city. In this they were further beguiled like those who had faith to furnish the money by the appearance of a little cluster of cottages at the dam, to be the nucleus of this dream city.

But like all other efforts contrary to the natural fitness of things, this enterprise was doomed to failure. No sufficient power to run the mill was ever developed

and could not be from lack of fall. that was the turning point in the affair. Gradually activities slackened. the dam needed repairs which could not be met by the necessary funds from former dupes. Finally the mill stopped, even while many denizens of the forest lay prostrate in the yard, and finally were consumed by the tooth of time instead of the ringing saw that had before glided so keenly through their companions.

Slowly, but surely, the fate of Garrisonville drew near. Decay attacked the mill. the dam went also, piece by piece, until there was nothing to vex the smooth flow of the stream. and with all these changes in material things, age had drawn its fire quenching mantle over the spirits of our heroine. the sparkle had forsaken her eye, and beauty had vanished even as the fabric she had woven on the river.

I saw her often in the later days when almost seventy years had done their work. She was then the wife of an Englishman of towering proportions; a veritable country squire, but a scholar, and aside from an irritable temper and unbounded firmness, a gentleman in every respect. She found it the proper thing to use endearing expressions to the lordly doctor, which he seemed to take in good part and as sincere. I have learned that both died not many years ago in Chicago, that great and heartless city, literally of starvation.

As autumn approaches and the days grow shorter, it’s time to reap the fruits of our labors. The Society’s Victory Garden has produced a bountiful harvest of squash, tomatoes, onions, and carrots. Much of this produce has been donated to area food pantries.

September/October 2009

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

REtURN SERVICE REQUEStED

New & Renewed Members

THank yOu TO THeSe memberS wHO Have renewed Since Our laST newSleTTer

BENEFaCtOR

Virginia Metcalf and Mary Yeakel, Wisconsin Dells, WI

PatRON

David and Sherry Baldwin, Baraboo, WI

SPONSOR

John & Rikki McNabb, Baraboo, WI

Kenneth & Virginia Whitcomb, honolulu, hI

Jerry and Nel Corton, Baraboo, WI

august and Beverly Pieper, Madison, WI

Robert and Diana hrabovsky, Wichita Falls, tX

Bev Simonds, Baraboo, WI

Linda and Ed Benoway, Lutz, FL

FRIEND

Jerry and Jeanette Jessop, LaValle, WI

Bryant hazard, Baraboo, WI

Gloria Weth, Rotunda West, FL

Natalie Bussan and Chad hendee, Baraboo, WI

anne and Jeff Smith, Baraboo, WI

James McBride, Santa Fe, NM

Darrell & Mary Klingenmeyer, Baraboo, WI

FaMILY

Ben and Fran Conway, Loves Park, IL

James & Marsha Davis, Reedsburg, WI

Glenn & Marilyn Quale, Baraboo, WI

Paul & Nichelle Martin, Baraboo, WI

Mike and Peg Martiny, Princeville, IL

Bob and Vi tully, Baraboo, WI

Jan and Landon Risteen, Chicago, IL

Marv & Kathy Ruhland, Cross Plains, WI

harold and Sharon Steiger, Beach Park, IL

Dianne & Charles thompson, Wis Dells, WI

Sergei and Elena Smirenski, Baraboo, WI

Louis and Sarah Solone, Reedsburg, WI

Robert and Cathi Predl, hickory hills, IL

Gary and Sherry Rose, Reedsburg, WI

Keri Brown-Schmidtke and tom Luther, Baraboo, WI

INDIVIDUaL

Ruth, Pischke, Baraboo, WI

Louise Rich, Baraboo, WI

Vera Scoles, Baraboo, WI

Jean Smith, Baraboo, WI

Gene Setwyn, Reedsburg, WI

Vera Dwars, Baraboo, WI

Dick Nold, Oronoco, MN

Susan Bingler, Jeffersonton, Va

Joan M Ryan, Lodi, WI

Deb twigg, Waverly, NY

Carol Pickart, Vinton, Ia

Delores Fargen, Redding, Ca

Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Ut

Mary Koski, Baraboo, WI

Linda Schneller, Prairie du Sac, WI

Steve Koenig, Loganville, WI

John Maloney, Bridgewater, NJ

Blaine hedberg, Reedsburg, WI

Ed Springer, Madison, WI

Mary Orlowski, Lake Delton, WI

William hutchins, Wis Dells, WI

Pat Liston, Baraboo, WI

Ronald Stephen, Poynette, WI

Kathy Spencer, Baraboo, WI

Julie Johnson, Reedsburg, WI

Linda M Rinella, Glenview, IL

Lloyd Feltz, Sugar Grove, IL

Charmaine Eichmann, Baraboo, WI

Bill Banbury, Lake Mills, WI

Susan harris, Denver, CO

Betty Philbrook, Pearland, tX

Business Memberships

INDIVIDUaL

Jeff Janek, Jeff Janek agency, Baraboo, WI

Victorian Christmas Celebration

December 12, 2009

The tenth annual Victorian Christmas will be hosted by the Sauk County historical Society on Saturday, December 12th from 12–7 p.m. Twelve decorated Christmas trees, live music and holiday goodies will once again fill the Van Orden mansion at 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. The trees will be decorated by designers, florists, businesses and volunteers, including The Flower Shop of Spring Green; Bekah Kate’s; Amber Moon and the Village Booksmith of Baraboo; Ron Birdd of Reedsburg; and Lindy Larsen, Bev Dietenberger, and Dave Saloutos of Baraboo. One room will be completely transformed into a 1930s Christmas by Saloutos and will even include a special tribute to Ralphie and his Red Ryder bb gun. Inside the mansion, guests will enjoy holiday goodies at the bountiful dessert table. This year’s showcase centerpiece will be a gingerbread replica of the beautiful 1900 Charles Ringling mansion of Baraboo. The gingerbread mansion is being crafted by Society volunteers with the help of Susan holding at the Little French Bakery. Live music will enhance the open house as area musicians perform a variety of Christmas music in various formats from choral selections to string, brass, and wind ensembles throughout the day. As an added feature this year, good old Saint Nick will be on hand for pictures during the afternoon.

The Victorian Christmas at the Sauk County historical Society has become an annual tradition for many people in the area. Due to the rising costs of hosting the event, an admission of $5 per person will be charged this year. Members will be admitted for $3 and children under 12 will be admitted free. everyone is invited to this very special Sauk County holiday tradition.

History Center Update

PLANS are being completed for heating, cooling and electrical systems for the Sauk County history Center. These designs will complete the construction drawings that will then be submitted for state approval. A second capital campaign will begin in early 2010 to move the building along to completion. Inside work this fall has included demolition of some walls that needed to be removed for handicapped accessibility and the new use of the building. Outside, a new flagpole that was contributed by anonymous donors has been dedicated to Sauk County veterans and all those who have fought for our freedom.

Annual Meeting Held October 20

The annual banquet and membership meeting for the Sauk County historical Society was held on October 20th at the Clarion hotel in Baraboo. Fifty-eight members and guests attended the banquet which was followed by the annual business meeting. President Paul Wolter opened the meeting that included a pictorial year-in-review covering SChS events and outreach. An election for board members was also held with the three year terms of Paul Wolter, Natalie Bussan, Joan Fordham and John Geoghegan having expired. Wolter, Bussan and Fordham were re-elected to the board with Geoghegan deciding to step down after over thirty years on the board. Dave Saloutos accepted nomination from the floor and was unanimously elected to replace Geoghegan. The evening was concluded with a lecture on heirloom gardening and Victory Gardens by master gardener Jody Scott of Merrimac.

At the October SChS board meeting which followed the annual banquet, the following officers were elected: Paul Wolter, president, Natalie Bussan, vice-president, Mark Graupman, treasurer and Bill Schuette, secretary.

A Note of Appreciation

Year End Giving

AS the year 2009 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County historical Society. Donations can be designated for special projects like the history Center renovations, maintenance of the Van Orden mansion or given towards general operations. Without the generous support of our members the SChS would not be able to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Society is supported by general memberships, bequests, donations, memorials and even gifts of stock.

On behalf of the members of the SChS, I would like to thank our dedicated and valuable newsletter proofreaders who six times a year, review, critique and correct the “misteaks” made by our submitters. Before the newsletter is sent to you, our members, the raw articles are reviewed by our proofreaders and any corrections made. After we receive the first proof back from Mark Tully of Banana Boat Productions, it is again sent around for a review before the final approval for printing is made.

Our proofreading staff consists of: Paul Wolter, Society President; Landon Risteen, retired editor-andchief of Scott Foresman publishing company; Beverly Vaillancourt, board member, and writer of school textbooks; Sue Teska, Society Curator; Mary FarrellStieve, Society Staff Assistant; Bill Schuette, board member and newsletter editor.

Board member and volunteer, Bev Vaillancourt, helps remove an interior wall at the Sauk County History Center.

The Civil War Diary of Alfred Welch

By Curator, Sue Teska

The Sauk County historical Society holds many treasures, both big and small. Sometimes, the small artifacts have big stories to tell.

One day last spring, in a box in our archival storage area, I found a rather ugly little book. I was looking for a diary or letter to use in our fourth grade school presentation and initially rejected the book. After an hour of looking and not finding what I really wanted, I went back to the book and realized it was exactly what I had been looking for. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this book held a unique story.

Upon closer inspection, the ugly book turned out to be the diary of Pvt. Alfred Welch of Company F, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. In it, Pvt. Welch recorded his daily activities from January 1865 to April 1865. The pages of this one book changed some of my perceptions about the Civil War and told the story of one individual’s front row seat to history.

Pvt. Welch was stationed in Brashear City, Louisiana. Today, Brashear City is called Morgan City and is approximately 87 miles southwest of New Orleans. Pvt. Welch writes about endless picket duty and guarding boats on Lake Palourde and Flat Lake near Brashear City. But he also writes about the letters he received, going to New Orleans on a pass to get his photograph taken, and the packages sent from home which included among other things towels, thread, gloves, cake and my favorite, five pounds of butter!

The last entry in Pvt. Welch’s diary is dated April 4, 1865. Five days later, Pvt. Welch was killed in the Battle of Blakely in Blakely, Alabama. What makes Pvt. Welch’s death all the more poignant is that the Battle of Blakely occurred at 5:30 p.m. on April 9, 1865. That was 2 1/2 hours after the Civil War officially ended. Lee had surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon. however, due the difficulties of communication at the time, word never reached the frontlines until after the Battle of Blakely was fought. This battle was the last major battle fought during the Civil War.

I can only presume that Pvt. Welch was buried in the mass grave that was dug on the battlefield. But, because of one little book that has survived for over 140 years, neither Pvt. Welch nor his story have been lost to history.

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2009

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

County Histories Available Online

The Wisconsin historical Society now has searchable county histories on its website including several works written on Sauk County. The manuscripts for Sauk County that have been scanned and are now completely searchable include The history of Sauk County, published in 1880, A Standard history of Sauk County, published in 1918, several works by William h. Canfield, two county directories from the 1890s and other works. You can find the information by going to the website for the Wisconsin historical Society at www.wisconsinhistory.org and clicking on the ‘Research’ link at the top of the page and then clicking on ‘Wisconsin County histories’ and searching for Sauk County.

Jim Hess, left, and Gary Hess, presented a fascinating talk on barrel making to a crowd of 24 people during our final lecture for this year. In 1904, Frank J. Hess was persuaded to come to Madison and start a cooperage business. His grandsons, Jim and Gary, also worked in the business until it closed in 1966. It was the largest independent cooperage in Wisconsin, making and repairing white oak barrels for beer, wine and whisky makers throughout Wisconsin, including for beer makers in Baraboo.

helen SaLoutos

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We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. If you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the Sauk County historical Society by designating number 700500.

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President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WhILe preparing for the SChS annual banquet and business meeting that was held on October 20, the staff sent me the running list of volunteers that have helped the SChS over the past year. I was pleasantly surprised to see a list of over 140 names from all walks of life, ages and interests. The list included actors, guides, researchers, handymen, gardeners, collections specialists, board members, letter writers, envelope stuffers, speakers, hosts and hostesses, decorators and waitresses. All of these people have helped the SChS through a year that has had many bright spots but has also seen some difficulties. We have reached out to more schools, events and municipalities than ever before but our bottom line has also felt the sting of the recession just like everyone else. One extremely encouraging development this year has been a dramatic 33% increase in membership support. The SChS can now boast over 600 members from across the country. On behalf of the Society I would like to personally thank all of you for your support. It is truly humbling to think that you care enough about our mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history and that you would continue your support even through hard financial times. I would also like to thank John Geoghegan, who recently retired, for his long standing service on the board of directors. John has served for over thirty years and will be greatly missed. As we enter our 104th year we will continue to look for new ways to fulfill our mission, engage our members and volunteers and help those that care about Sauk County to “let the past enrich their present.”

Society Receives Memorial

The Sauk County historical Society has received a memorial gift in honor of Neil Thompson who passed away this fall. Baraboo residents, Neil, and his wife Lucille Thompson, have long been supporters and members of the Society. The Society wishes to gratefully acknowledge the memorial gift made in Neil’s honor.

Tour of Haunts Explores “Under the Hill”

The fourth annual Tour of historic haunts was held in Baraboo on October 24 and explored the “under the hill” region there. The area along Water Street was the site of some of the first industry in Baraboo and eventually was home to the Ringling Brothers’ circus winter quarters. Over 190 people participated in the tour, coming from as far away as the Madison area to be guided to twelve locations where costumed actors told stories of past Baraboo inhabitants. George Brown, the true founder of Baraboo, was on hand to tell of the wooly mammoth skeleton that was dug up along the river in 1847, and George hull came back to Baraboo to tell of his time here and the planning of the greatest hoax of the 19th century, the Cardiff Giant, which was almost “discovered” in Baraboo. The SChS would like to thank the dozens of people who helped make the night a success, including our guides, actors, and organizers. Special thanks also go to Gary Bowers of the Gem City Saloon, Parker Brothers Used Appliances, Napa Auto Parts, the City of Baraboo Parks and Recreation Department, and to Circus World Museum for their assistance. Those who missed the tour can catch up on it at the SChS website – www. saukcountyhistory.org A tour is already being planned for Baraboo’s haunted south side for 2010.

Jed Crouse portrayed George Hull, “discoverer” of the Cardiff Giant.

SCHS Board Elects New Member

AT the annual membership meeting in October, David SaLoutos was elected to the SChS Board of Directors to fill the seat long held by John Geoghegan, who has stepped down from the board after over 30 years of service.

David SaLoutos is perhaps best known for his role as the singing ringmaster during Circus World’s summer performance season. however Dave is also Performance Director, responsible for all live programming at the historic site, and in recent years has also taken on much of the marketing. “The circus has a colorful and important history. I’m proud of the role I play in preserving that heritage,” said Dave.

David graduated from U.W. Madison in 1980 with a degree in Film & Television history, taught classes at a private arts school, worked in the hollywood film & television industry, operated several rental properties around the state, and oversaw the construction of 30 single family homes and one huge hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1986, David was hired to assist Circus World in the production of The Great Circus Parade. Serving as Assistant Parade Director, Associate Parade Director and Parade Director, his role has included all phases of logistical planning for the Great Circus Train, the Festival Showgrounds as well as shared responsibilities for the Parade itself.

Halloween at the Museum

Mary Farrel-Stieve

WITh a little trickery we treated over 50 guests at the museum on halloween evening. As they came to the door, little trick-or-treaters were invited inside the museum for treats and a quick tour before they went on their way. About a third of our young visitors had been here with school groups and they proudly gave guided tours to their siblings and parents.

The uniforms and guns delighted the boys and many of the moms were excited to see the exhibit on christening gowns. We had interesting discussions on mound groups, high wheeled bicycles and whether or not a portrait in the grand stairwell was a woman or a man. The best comment of the evening was between a father and son new to Baraboo. The young boy told his father that of all the houses they had seen so far he liked this one best and could they move in here?

Several years ago, a large tree was removed from the west side of the Van Orden mansion, leaving a huge stump in its place. With the help of an anonymous donor, Gregerson Tree Service was contracted to remove the last vestige of that tree. Photo by Miles Statz.

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members

THANk YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAvE RENEWED SiNCE OUR lAST NEWSlETTER

VAN ORDeN CIRCLe

Nancy Lange & Pedro Kuczynski, Reedsburg, WI

SPONSOR

Dave & Diane Pietenpol, Green Bay, WI

Robert & Rosa Fleming, Baraboo, WI

John & Ann Burton, Baraboo, WI

Joan Fordham, Baraboo, WI

Gene & Jane Suchomel, Reedsburg, WI

Clyde & Carolyn Moon, Baraboo, WI

David & Marcia Swanson, Baraboo, WI

FRIeND

Ray & hazel Bayley, Madison, WI

Gene & Karen Filus, Baraboo, WI

harvey & Carol Myers, Reedsburg, WI

Alice Popp, Baraboo, WI

Fred & Anita Dahlinger, Baraboo, WI

Virgil, Cheryl & Vi erlandson, hagerstown, MD

Garry & Gale Bahe, Merrimac, WI

Dennis & Kathleen Thurow, Baraboo, WI

Maxine Triff, Madison, WI

FAMILY

ethan & Mae -Sallee Beals, Shoreline, WA

harland & Darleen Bechmann, Baraboo, WI

helfried Moh & Nancy Jo Dillman, Baraboo, WI

Jerry & Alice Kindschi, Prairie du Sac, WI

Bernard & Diana Long, Waunakee, WI

Craig & Mim Olsen, Baraboo, WI

harland & Patricia Steinhorst, LaValle, WI

John & Tonia Young, Baraboo, WI

Ron & Lynn Trok, Cable, WI

Andre & Aimee Krainik, Appleton, WI

harold & Sharon Steiger, Beach Park, IL

Bea & Roman Statz, Baraboo, WI

Jim & Gladys Getschman, Baraboo, WI

John McKnight, evanston, IL

Ben & Joan hilmer, Roscoe, IL

Tom & Sue holmes, Baraboo, WI

David Apker, Oconomowoc, WI

Neal & Donna Meier, Baraboo, WI

Dick & Carol Davis, Baraboo, WI

John & Susan K Meyer, Oshkosh, WI

Dave & Anne hutchens, Baraboo, WI

Cheryl Schwarzenbart, Reedsburg, WI

INDIVIDUAL

Dolores Ribbke Barker, holmen, WI

William J Cronon, Madison, WI

Sylvia epstein, Middleton, WI

Nancy Gomez, Del Rio, TX

Janet Keylock, Baraboo, WI

Ruth Topham, Baraboo, WI

Marlene Meyer, Prairie du Sac, WI

Patrick Dewall, Appleton, WI

Janet Dewall, Appleton, WI

Phyllis Miller, Reedsburg, WI

Sarah Poker, Apple Valley, MN

Nancy M Prine, Madison, WI

Deanna Schulz, Baraboo, WI

Janet Pearson, Baraboo, WI

Pam elsing, Poynette, WI

Connie Blau, Waunakee, WI

Peter W Premo, Baraboo, WI

Robert J Mitchell, Milwaukee, WI

Kay Oppliger, Oshtemo, MI

Bob Foote, Baraboo, WI

Joan Kaul, Baraboo, WI

Art Foulke, Manitowish Waters, WI

Pat quinn, Little Falls, MN

Judith Schroeder, elgin, IL

Sam Jenswold, Fox Lake, WI

Brenda W Rotzoll, Baraboo, WI

David L Guell, Oregon, WI

Carolyn Wafle Guenther, La honda, CA

Jennifer Porwit, Saint Paul, MN

Barbara Steinhorst, Reedsburg, WI

Joyce J Bishop, Ottumwa, IA

Barbara Sceales heywood, Madison, WI

Jan effinger Kosek, Manitowoc, WI

Jeanette Beard, Milton, WI

Will You be Mine?

Valentine’s Day brings out the sweet sentiments in even the most pragmatic people. this especially seemed so in the delicately scalloped series of valentines sent to Ruth Radloff in the early 1900s and donated to us by laDell thies schimniok.

the collection of six valentines from schoolmates includes a pop-up card and a card with a heart on a ribbon, and each one features rosy-cheeked children enjoying their own valentine cards. these delicate little valentines will join our greeting card collection. We have a nice selection of holiday cards for celebrations throughout the year. the postcards, greeting cards and tags span much of the 1900s. these recent additions to the collection feature sweet verses including “in Cupid’s thrall! Mercy Me! am i in love?” “Do tell Me What’s the Matter. every time i look at You My Heart Goes Pitter-Patter.”

the sentimental verses and intricate edgings of these valentines have made them one of our favorite exhibits in the past. stop by and take a look at our tribute to Cupid’s wiles and i’m sure one of these little greetings will make your heart go pitter-patter too.

By Mary Farrell stieve

These Valentine’s along with other greeting cards from the Society’s collections will be on display at the “For the Love of Chocolate” event on Sunday, January 24th at the museum.

For the Love of Chocolate

if you love chocolate like you love local history then your chance to combine the two will be possible Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 1-4 p.m. at the sauk County Historical society Museum located in the Van Orden Mansion at 531 Fourth avenue in Baraboo. Join other chocolate enthusiasts at the mansion and indulge in chocolate samples from seven area restaurants and chocolatiers including the Garden Party Café, the treat suite, the Barn Restaurant and Pizza Hut among others. Chocolate in all forms including candies, desserts and even a chocolate fountain will indulge even the sweetest tooth. this pre-Valentine’s Day event will help you find some of the best chocolate around. antique and vintage Valentine’s cards and greeting cards will also be on display at the museum. this fundraiser will help to support the museum throughout the year. advanced tickets are required and are available at the museum or at the Chambers in Baraboo, Reedsburg and Prairie du sac as well as Vodak tV. tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for society members) and children aged 5 – 12 are $5. Children four and under are free. For more information contact the society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Old Cistern Discovered at Van Orden Mansion

WHile doing some landscaping work on the west side of the Van Orden mansion in november a forgotten cistern was discovered containing a treasure trove of artifacts from the Van Orden family. the cistern was covered with a three foot square, four inch thick block of stone which was assumed to be concrete until it was lifted. Under the slab a three foot shaft leads down to a cylindrical cistern about seven feet in diameter.

it was determined that the cistern was used as a repository for Van Orden family garbage at some point after it was no longer needed as a cistern. as the cistern was located next to what had once been the carriage house it is likely that it served to supply the horses with water. a 4 inch pipe, about 2 feet down in the shaft runs towards the barn and was probably connected to a downspout from its roof. another cistern on the east side of the house with a metal cover was filled in years ago and would have supplied the house with soft water. the house already had city-supplied water but soft water was often used for washing and other purposes.

after initial photographs of the cistern were taken the contents were slowly brought to the surface. the cistern contained a surprisingly diverse collection of glass, metal, wood and even leather objects. scores of bottles of every size from one inch to twenty inches in height have been discovered, some with paper labels still attached. While most of the tin cans have rusted beyond recognition there apparently has not been standing water in the entire cistern since it was abandoned.

One question about the artifacts was answered by the items that were found, namely what period the artifacts were from. two automobile license plates were found, one with a “W15” on it indicating it was from 1915. later a small scrap of a grocery receipt was found with 1916 written on it indicating that the items were deposited shortly before World War i it is most likely that the cistern was filled to the top before it was covered by the large stone. Over the years the metal items rusted from the high humidity and collapsed creating room at the top of the debris.

Other surprising items included over a dozen light bulbs from the period, a plaster dog statue, two toy guns and a bicycle lamp. embossed glass bottles display the names of early businesses in Baraboo like Fisher Bros.

Drugs, J.B. Donovan Druggists, and effinger Brewery. Other bottles held products familiar to most of us like Hires improved Root Beer, Hamm’s Beer, listerine, and Bromo seltzer.

While the society has a small collection of Van Orden related artifacts, the items inside the cistern not only provide a snapshot of life in the Van Orden household, but also a snapshot of Baraboo after the turn of the 20th century. By studying the artifacts from the cistern we will get a better idea of what the Van Orden’s ate and drank and what kinds of everyday items were inside their home. each bottle, can, toy and scrap of paper create not only a better understanding of this family, but also a better understanding of what goods were available in Baraboo in the early 20th century.

Artifacts Retrieved from the Cistern

Secrets of the Cistern

—FRee LeCTuRe—

tHe sauk County Historical society will present a special lecture on thursday, January 28, 2010, at 7 p.m about what has been found so far in the recently discovered cistern located next to the Van Orden mansion. the cistern has revealed many surprises and we invite you to spend an evening with us learning about and examining these finds. the lecture will be held at the Van Orden Mansion at 531 Fourth avenue in Baraboo. the lecture is free to the public and is being sponsored through the generosity of Holiday Wholesale, inc. of Wisconsin Dells.

(608)

www.saukcountyhistory.org

President’s Report

it’s hard to believe that the first decade of the new millennium is almost over. i say “almost over” because i am one of those sticklers that holds the line that the new millennium did not start until the year 2000 was completed thereby making the new millennium in its 10th year this year. Whatever the case it’s seems like just yesterday we were all worried about Y2K and inevitable computer troubles. Fortunately nothing happened and it is all now a part of history. Which brings up another point, and that is that historical societies are a growth industry. there will always be more history to collect, preserve and share. sauk County has a great historical society and one that we can all be proud of. We are approximately the fourth oldest local historical society in the state with 104 years under our belt. With that prestige though comes a lot of years’ worth of collecting. the Van Orden mansion has been a great home for the society since it was purchased in 1938, but now it is literally full to the rafters and now one of our largest artifacts. several years ago the Board of Directors saw the need for another building to house some of the society’s collections and the sauk County History Center project was born. this unique building, itself a major piece of sauk County history, will be the future repository of the society’s extensive archival holdings and will become a local history research center and education facility. Much has been done to the outside of the building and now that plans are completed for the inside of the building it is time to bring this important project to completion. i am pleased to report that the City of Baraboo has agreed to provide $8,500 to the project from the alma Waite Fund. this support will help us as we start interior renovations. i hope you will consider giving to this worthwhile project. More information will be sent to our membership and the public as soon as we work towards completing this project.

Post Script

in the last newsletter Curator, sue teska, wrote about the Civil War diary of alfred Welch. she would like to thank Guy Porth for finding Pvt. Welch’s grave and emailing that information to us.

Pvt. alfred Welch is buried in plot 129 of the Mobile national Cemetery located in Mobile, alabama.

Unique Gi s & Home Decor

History Center to Receive Alma Waite Funds

the City of Baraboo has approved a grant from the alma Waite Fund of $8,500 for renovation work at the sauk County History Center. this important gift honors the legacy of alma lux Waite who died in 1981 and left a substantial gift to the city to be used for worthwhile projects. During her lifetime, Waite was a supporter of local history with gifts to the Circus World Museum library and the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. the society would like to thank the Common Council of the City of Baraboo for the grant which will help bring this worthwhile project to completion. the sauk County Historical society is the only historical society in the city and serves as repository for many important artifacts and archival pieces from the city’s past.

Victorian Christmas

neaRlY 500 people attended the society’s tenth annual Victorian Christmas. the twelve decorated Christmas trees featured a wide variety of themes. the society would like to thank all of those who decorated trees including Roger Hanko of amber Moon, Bekah stehling of Bekah Kate’s, and annie Randall of the Village Booksmith, all of Baraboo, the Flower shop of spring Green, Jean Brew of Brew’s landing in the Dells, Bev Dietenberger of north Freedom, ellen lee, Dave saloutos and lindy larsen of Baraboo, and Ron Birdd of Reedsburg. a special thank you goes to Dave saloutos who once again pulled out all of the stops creating an entire room with a 1930s theme. Music was provided throughout the day by over forty musicians, all coordinated by Mona larsen. Hundreds of cookies were donated for the holiday dessert table which was graced with a gingerbread house replica of the Charles Ringling Mansion. the replica was made by society volunteers with the help of the little French Bakery of rural north Freedom. the society would like to thank everyone who made this event a success, especially our staff and volunteers who took up positions around the house throughout the day making everything run smoothly.

The Frank J. Hess and Sons White Oak Beer Barrel

By sue teska, Curator

a barrel can hold many things; wine, beer, whiskey or even oil, to mention a few. a barrel can also hold history. twenty-five visitors and i learned just how much history one barrel can hold during our October 29, 2009 lecture at the museum about the Frank J. Hess and sons Cooperage which was located in Madison, Wisconsin. Gary and Jim Hess, Frank J. Hess’s grandsons gave us an in-depth look at the cooperage business through their grandfather’s business.

the Frank J. Hess and sons Cooperage was Wisconsin’s largest cooperage operating from 1904 – 1966. at the time the cooperage closed in 1966, it was the last operating cooperage in the United states. Frank J. Hess had learned the cooperage business in Bohemia, where he was born in 1870. at the age of 19, he moved to american and began work manufacturing white oak beer kegs for primarily Midwestern breweries.

One of the unexpected stars that evening was a 1/8 beer barrel from our collection, made by the Frank J. Hess and sons Cooperage for the effinger Brewery here in Baraboo. What makes this barrel special is the fact that it looks like it just rolled out of the factory yesterday. the barrel retains all of its original craftsmanship and you can even see the cattails that were put into the barrel seams to prevent leakage. the union stamp of the Frank J. Hess and sons Cooperage is visible on the barrel along with effinger Brewery stamped on the outside. Until this evening, Gary and Jim Hess were unaware that this example of their grandfather’s work even existed.

this one barrel gave all of us a tangible link to not only a long since forgotten industry, but also to one family’s heritage. it was truly moving to see the Hesses discover this link to their family right here at our museum. it’s these discoveries that make my job all the more special.

An old world Christmas was the theme of the SCHS float in Baraboo’s annual Holly Jolly Light Parade held last November. A working glockenspiel, candle-powered revolving Christmas pyramid, giant nutcracker and half-timbered house made up this year’s float which was built by Society volunteers and members of the Baraboo Rotary club. The float won the Judge’s Choice award. A special thanks goes to Senger Lumber of Baraboo for providing the truck, facilities and storage space for float items.

National Guard Assists Restoration efforts at Hulburt Creek Garden Beds

iF you had driven by the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds located at the intersection of County H and Birchwood Road in the town of Delton on november 14, 2009, you might have done a double take. there, hauling logs and clearing brush were 27 soldiers from the Wisconsin national Guard Co G RsP. they were providing much needed help in clearing forest growth off a large part of the garden beds. James Vaillancourt assisted by cutting trees that were quickly gathered up by the soldiers, who stacked logs or sent limbs into a wood chipper provided by the Ho-Chunk nation. also helping were society board members, Bev Vaillancourt and Rob nurre. these 1000 year old agricultural beds were established by native americans who farmed the region. Because the area was covered by a forest canopy after abandonment of the beds long ago, today they remain intact. as recognition of their significance, they are listed on the national Register of Historic Places. the sauk County Historical society plans to restore the garden beds as an educational site focused on native american culture, and in particular on how native americans produced corn and squash in a raised-bed fashion in what today is known as sauk County.

the six acres of land, where the Hulburt Creek garden beds are found, was donated to the sauk County Historical society about a year ago by Bill and Phyllis Pierce.

Watch for this site to grow in interest as work continues on it this winter and into next spring. to learn more about the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds, visit the society website at saukcountyhistory.org.

New Flag Pole Dedicated at History Center

aBOUt 30 people were in attendance on Veteran’s Day, november 11, 2009, to help the sauk County Historical society dedicate its new flagpole at the History Center. society President, Paul Wolter welcomed those present, and thanked the anonymous persons who donated the flagpole, foundation, and erection of the pole. the Baraboo Veteran’s Honor Guard officiated during the flagraising ceremony, after which President Wolter led the group in the Pledge of allegiance. the new flag and pole are a welcomed addition to the History Center site.

History Center Donations (since last newsletter):

Bill schuette – Claude & stark associate

Helen saloutos – second Century sponsor

James Delacour—island Woolen Mill Friend

We Care Program

the sauk County Historical society receives matching gift awards when you participate in “Pierce’s Market Card” program. if you own or get a new “Market Card,” please connect it to the sauk County Historical society by designating number 700500.

January/February 2010

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, Wi 53913

RetURn seRViCe ReqUesteD

New & Renewed Members

THANk YOu TO THeSe MeMBeRS WHO HAVe ReNeWeD SiNCe OuR LAST NeWSLeTTeR

BeneFaCtOR

eleanor Wright, anacortes, Wa

PatROn

Bev and Robert Vaillancourt, laValle, Wi

sPOnsOR

Joan litscher, Baraboo, Wi

tana Holmblad, Merrimac, Wi

Francis and Joan Costerisan, Hendersonville, nC

andrea and James lombard, Baraboo, Wi

Glen and Mary schulz, Baraboo, Wi

FRienD

John and Jean alt, Baraboo, Wi

Mike and sandi Holt, Baraboo, Wi

David and Hilda Kuter, Madison, Wi

William and Jean Brew, Wisconsin Dells, Wi

Dean and Marian Burmester, laValle, Wi

Mike Wolcott, Hartland, Wi

Gary and Pam Cummings, Baraboo, Wi

Carol Fleishauer, Baraboo, Wi

FaMilY

David and nijole etzwiler, Baraboo, Wi

David and Jeanne Fuhs, Baraboo, Wi

erick, audrey and steven Messner, Baraboo, Wi

lawrence and shirley Kowalke, Fort Myers, Fl

Dick and annette Baker, Reedsburg, Wi

Wayne and Geraldine Wolter, Wisconsin Dells, Wi

Bill and Deb Johnsen, Baraboo, Wi

Jim and nancy Higgins, Baraboo, Wi

Jerald and Zita schultz, Baraboo, Wi

Jeanne and James Jessie, norco, Ca

Mike and angie Haller, Baraboo, Wi

Bill and laurie Dummer, Baraboo, Wi

Jan Filip, Reedsburg, Wi

Carl and Rita stoikes, Prairie du sac, Wi

inDiViDUal

eleanor Kuehn Mede, normal, il

Barbara larsen, sister Bay, Wi

Paula Rice, Muskegon, Mi

Miriam thompson, Baraboo, Wi

Paul Young, Baraboo, Wi

Bob Kieffer Jr, Baraboo, Wi

theodore M shepard, spokane Valley, Wa

Kathryn schauf, Baraboo, Wi

Dale Jaedike, north Freedom, Wi

Krisha Miner, Madison, Wi

Bernice Ringelstetter, DeForest, Wi

sandra l Cunningham, Reedsburg, Wi

trudy Danley, Farmington, Mi

Jewel Osborne, Baraboo, Wi

Fran Kelly, Baraboo, Wi

Jill s Bobholz, Baraboo, Wi

Kathryn O’Brien Johnson, austin, tX

Jim adams, Baraboo, Wi

Ron Birdd, Reedsburg, Wi

Matt Hart, Gurnee, il

linda Meadowcroft, Baraboo, Wi

James scherz, Madison, Wi

Jerald schara, Mazomanie, Wi

Marlene Powell, Baraboo, Wi

Kelly Dwyer-Wenzlow, Baraboo, Wi

Jane austen, Baraboo, Wi

Ruth Woods, alexandria, Va

Business Memberships

FRienD

Roger laMasney, laMasney Construction Co, Baraboo, Wi

Martin and Marlene Koenecke, Koenecke Ford-Mercury, Reedsburg, Wi

sPOnsOR

Bart & Char Olson, Bart and Char Olson Foundation, Merrimac, Wi

Patricia Baade, senger lumber inc, Baraboo, Wi

Historic Homes Workshop

Have you ever wondered how old your home is or who built it? every house has a history and finding out the story of your old house may be easier than you think. The Sauk County Historical Society will be hosting a two-session historic homes research workshop to help you learn about the resources available to discover the unique history of your home. The first session will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 7 pm at the Sauk County Historical Museum. Participants will be asked to bring photographs of their home and will learn about its architectural style as a starting point to discovering its age

and history. Participants will then learn about resources available to uncover their home’s past. The second session will be held on Thursday, april 8. Homeowners will be asked to do “homework” between sessions and bring their results to share. additional research options will be discussed and homeowners will be given a research binder to help document their results. The workshop will be limited to ten homes and will cost $35 for members and $50 for non-members. Contact the museum at 356-1001 to register for the historic homes workshop.

Canfield Day, April 6

THe birthday of Sauk County’s first historian will be celebrated on Tuesday, april 6, 2010 at 7 pm at the Sauk County Historical Museum. William Canfield arrived in the Baraboo valley in 1842 with his pregnant wife Cordelia, who gave birth to their first child a few weeks later. The Canfields lived out of their storage crates while a cabin was constructed along the banks of Skillet Creek, near present day Baraboo. Canfield was instrumental in starting the Sauk County Old Settlers association in 1872 to record pioneer stories, and in 1904 the association purchased land near Devils Lake for use as a camping ground. at the age of 85, Canfield constructed a log cabin on the site and a unique tree house that would be used as a library and museum. The tree house was not built in a tree but instead was a two-story structure designed to look like the stump of a giant tree. Perhaps inspired by the giant Sequoias in California, Canfield’s tree house was a labor of love by the octogenarian. The tree house and the Old Settlers grounds at Devils Lake will be the subject of a presentation on Canfield Day.

During the evening the Society will present its annual William H. Canfield History award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Society members are asked to nominate a local historian for the award by filling out

the nomination form below. The deadline for nominations is March 26. Previous recipients of the Canfield award include: erhart Mueller, Kenneth Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Joe Ward and verlyn Mueller. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

William H. Canfield History Award Nomination

Deadline: March 26, 2010. Submit to: Sauk County Historical Society PO Box 651 Baraboo, WI 53913

Submitter’S NAme ________________________________________________________________ Telephone # ______________________

address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

email address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NomiNee’S NAme _________________________________________________________________ Telephone # _____________________

address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

email address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, please complete the following paragraph in 500 words or less: I nominate________, who, like William H. Canfield, shows a passion for local history as shown by his/her…

Dinner in History

IT is not everyday that one can celebrate a 150th anniversary with the help of over 400 pieces of china, crystal and flatware. This year, Baraboo’s House of Seven Gables is celebrating its sesquicentennial and you can help mark the occasion. Built in 1860 for Baraboo banker Terrel Thomas and his wife Sarah, Seven Gables, at 215 Sixth St., is one of the finest examples of the carpenter Gothic Revival style in the state. In fact, the house will be featured in an upcoming Wisconsin Historical Society book on twenty significant historic Wisconsin homes. Seven Gable’s current owners, Ralph and Pam Krainik, have owned the house since 1966 and have lovingly restored it and filled it with antique furniture. On Saturday, May 22 the Krainiks will be hosting a victorian Dinner in the dining room of the home and invite you to join them. a ten course gourmet dinner will be prepared by the House of embers of Lake Delton and served by costumed maids. Pre-dinner music will be provided by Tootie and the Bowfish, Baraboo’s string and flute quartet. Seats for the dinner are limited to ten and will be available for $195 per person. The event is a fundraiser for the Sauk County Historical Society. Reservations can be made by calling the museum at 356-1001. You are invited to attend this once in a lifetime dinner celebration.

President’s report

By Paul Wolter

I’M always intrigued and inspired when I read the list of new and renewed members on the back of one of our newsletters. It’s always interesting to me to see the wide range of places where our members live, proving that an appreciation of Sauk County’s history is not limited to those that live here. It would be interesting to know how many people have lived or worked in Sauk County at one time or another. I’m sure the number would be in the hundreds of thousands if not higher. add to this their descendants and the number gets much bigger. Perhaps the historical “DNa” of Sauk County is in millions of people one way or another.

Stories of living and working here are passed down, become part of a family’s history and shape who we are today. I think of my own grandmother who was seemingly the most frail and petite woman and yet worked at the Badger Ordnance Works long before my time. How many people across the country had a relative who worked at the plant, traveled with Ringling Brothers Circus or was a pioneer settler of Sauk County? even before all of that, how many of us can claim the DNa of someone who worked here one thousand years ago on an effigy mound or raised a garden bed? While the Sauk County Historical Society can’t answer all those questions we can strive to collect, preserve and share as much Sauk County history as we can. Your support, no matter where you live or what your connection to the area, helps us do just that. It’s something we’ve been doing since 1905 and will keep doing. I want to thank all members for their ongoing support and ask that if you know people who might like to be members please let them know about the Society and its work. a great way to do that is to direct them to our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org I would encourage all of our members to take a look at the site and see virtual exhibits, resource materials and news of upcoming and past events.

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2010

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

the Sauk County Historical Society and museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

2010 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes

THe Society will once again host the Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, June 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. Six historic homes in Baraboo will be open to tour. Watch for more details in the May newsletter. If you own an historic home and would like to be considered for the tour, please contact the Society. also, if you would like to help with the tour by staffing one of the houses or serving on the organizing committee please let us know.

Historic Preservation Photo Contest

MaY will again mark the annual celebration of Historic Preservation Month throughout the United States with numerous events around the country that acknowledge the importance of historic preservation.

Sauk County, with its rich and varied history is replete with examples of a wide variety of architecture in both rural and incorporated areas. a photography contest will provide the vehicle for county residents to explore the historic heritage of the county by capturing the historic essence through the art of photography. The photo contest is sponsored by the Sauk County University of Wisconsin extension Office - arts and Culture Committee, a part of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, and overseen by the Sauk County Historical Society.

To be eligible, photos must be taken in Sauk County, with a subject of historic, architectural or archeological interest and printed on photographic paper, 5x7 inches in size. entries will be evaluated based on historic significance, artistic merit, and technical merit.

entry forms can be downloaded from the Sauk County Historical Society website at: www.saukcountyhistory.org or obtained by calling the Historical Society at 608-356-1001.

For consideration, photographs are due at the Sauk County Historical Society address by May 8, 2010. Prizes will be awarded for the best photos as follows: First Prize $100, Second Prize $75, Third Prize $50

Thursday,

Tuesday,

Thursday,

Founders’

June 1

Reedsburg Log village

tour of Historic Homes

Saturday, June 19, 10:00 – 4:00

$12 in advance, $15 day of tour

Lake States railway Historical Assoc.

LaKe States 3rd annual rail history banquet and history program will be held May 2, 2010, at the Baraboo arts Banquet Hall, 323 Water St., Baraboo, WI. 10:30 – 4:00. Featured will be exhibits and a tour of the new Phase II archives. For details and reservations, call (608) 3565555, or Dick Goddard, President, (608) 356-3331

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of the of dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

the Johnson Clock

By Sue Teska, Curator

eveRY artifact we acquire is unique with its own story to tell. One example is the large fretwork clock made and owned by the late Robert Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was a lifelong Sauk County resident. He and his wife Ruth farmed land located along the Baraboo River east of Glenview until 1986 when they moved to a home in West Baraboo. Mr. Johnson was also an accomplished organist and pianist, photographer, oil painter, gardener and woodworker. as a woodworker, he took a special interest in ornamental fretwork. Over his lifetime, Mr. Johnson built over 50 lace-like fretwork clocks.

The craftsmanship and detail in Mr. Johnson’s clocks are obvious. But what is not obvious is each clock’s tie to Sauk County. almost all the wood in these clocks came from Mr. Johnson’s land. He cut maple, oak, basswood and cedar trees on his land, sawed the wood and planed it down before cutting out the fretwork details to make each clock. These clocks are truly “made in Sauk County.”

Curator, Sue Teska, and Society President, Paul Wolter, addressed an attentive audience of 40 people, during a fascinating talk on some of the artifacts which were recently found in an abandoned and newly discovered cistern next to the Van Orden mansion. Most of the artifacts were from the early part of the 20th century, and included medicine and cooking oil bottles, a license plate dated 1915, and a small plaster dog. These and many other items are currently on display at the museum.

birth and marriage indexes at SCHS

By Mary Farrell Stieve

LIFe has gotten easier for genealogists researching Sauk County vital Records. volunteers have indexed Sauk County’s marriage and birth records.

The marriage records were accomplished through a Wisconsin Historical Society project. Judy vezzetti compiled the indexes using marriage records kept by the state. Then local volunteers compared them with records in our courthouse. Blaine Hedberg, Sue Johnson, Neah Lohr and Kathy Waddell proofed the Sauk County records. The resulting index is available online at the Wisconsin Historical Society and in book form in the Sauk County Historical Society. The first half of the SCHS book is arranged alphabetically by the grooms’ last names and the second half alphabetically by the brides’ last names. The index contains information about parents, birthplace, date of the marriage contract, and the volume and page number of the original document. This book has become an invaluable resource for us and we are grateful to all who made it possible.

Mike vanBlaricom of Prescott, arizona was frustrated by the inaccuracies in Sauk County’s birth records. So he set out to create a better system. after years of detailed work, Mike has a searchable database of Sauk County birth records.

His very detailed records are available to the computer savvy on his website http://myweb.cableone.net/ vanblar/ . The files must be downloaded and sorted and he gives you directions on his site.

at SCHS we have downloaded these files, sorted them by children’s names and printed them into a document you can page through. Mike’s dedication has created a research aid that is easy to use and very complete. Stop in and look at the marriage and birth indexes SCHS has added to their research library. We also continue to index and catalog our own local history papers to provide you with better access to the local history your membership supports.

Chocolate tasting

vaLeNTINe’S Day came a little early this year to the Sauk County Historical Society. On January 24, the Society hosted its For the Love of Chocolate event featuring antique greeting cards and chocolates from seven area chocolatiers. Many people turned out to sample all the delicious chocolate creations while leisurely viewing the Society’s museum exhibits. On special display were historic greeting cards from valentine’s Day, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The Society would like to thank the following chocolatiers for donating their time and chocolate for this tasty event: The Barn Restaurant, Mama Mia, Wally’s House of Embers, The Garden Party, The Treat Suite, Pierce’s Supermarket and Pizza Hut. We would also like to thank Minuteman Press for donating printing and paper, and all the society volunteers who helped make this event a success.

Committee Members Needed

Would you like to become more involved in the activities of your Sauk County Historical Society?

Recently, the board of directors has reorganized its committee structure and we are asking for volunteers to participate in guiding the direction of the Society. Committees usually meet once a month at the museum for a couple of hours. The following committees are open for your consideration: Membership, Finance, Public Relations & Marketing, Museum, education, events, Fundraising, Facilities, and archeological Sites. If you would like more information as to the duties of any of these committees, please contact us at the museum: 356-1001, or email: history@saukcountyhistory.org.

History Center Donations

(since last newsletter):

Pedro and Nancy Kuczynski – Pillars of Progress Owner

City of Baraboo – History Center Benefactor

Richard and Jane Dana – History Center Benefactor

Helen Saloutos – Claude & Starck associate

March/april 2010 the Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRvICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members

tHANk You to tHeSe memberS WHo HAve reNeWeD SiNCe our LASt NeWSLetter

PaTRON

Mona & Gene Larsen, Baraboo, WI

John & Judy Bennin, Baraboo, WI

Town Chairperson, Town of Delton, Sauk County, WI

SPONSOR

Steve & eleanor Chiquoine, Reedsburg, WI

William & Gretchen Dresen, Baraboo, WI

Joe & Lou ann Ward, Baraboo, WI

Merlin & Jenele Zitzner, Baraboo, WI

Mike & Sue Johnson, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Gene & Karen Putz, Gorham, ME

Jerome Morrow, Baraboo, WI

verlyn Mueller, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gail M Kline, Baraboo, WI

FRIeND

Bernadette Bittner, Reedsburg, WI

John & Jane Geoghagen, Baraboo, WI

Charles & Jeanne Marking, Baraboo, WI

Herb Messer, Baraboo, WI

Burt Wright, Los angeles, Ca

Susan Burton Williams, Waukesha, WI

Paul & Judy Washam, Baraboo, WI

Karen & Howard Diehl, Sauk City, WI

Wayne & Marty Johansen, Baraboo, WI

Guy & Mary Porth, Reedsburg, WI

Marie Kolberg, Madison, WI

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Dave & Denise Statz, Baraboo, WI

Janet & Thomas Sutter, appleton, WI

FaMILY

Bob & Carolyn Doepke, Baraboo, WI

Lyle & Marge Getschman, Baraboo, WI

David & Elsie Gilmore, Baraboo, WI

Walter & Debra Klaetsch, North Freedom, WI

Pat Weiland & vicki Brunsell, Baraboo, WI

Harold & audrey Hein, Baraboo, WI

Jerry & LaDonna Lindquist, verona, WI

Ralph & Carol Zahnow, Middleton, WI

Cyril & Mary Dickeman, Reedsburg, WI

Brenda & Ron Gurgel, Baraboo, WI

Don & verna Shook, Baraboo, WI

John McKnight, evanston, IL

Wayne & Janice Pivotto, Montello, WI

Bill & amy Schertz, Baraboo, WI

Barbara & Ron Wolfe, Waunakee, WI

Charles & Mary Warn, Reedsburg, WI

Chuck & Norma Sophie, Baraboo, WI

Travis & Kristina Zick, Baraboo, WI

Cassandra Lytle & Jerry Kaun, Baraboo, WI

INDIvIDUaL

John Fletcher, Baraboo, WI

Dick Goddard, North Freedom, WI

Joyce Karg, Baraboo, WI

Kay Prosser, Baraboo, WI

Kathy LaMasney, Baraboo, WI

Sandy Kjernes, edgerton, WI

Lola Huber, North Freedom, WI

Fred Marini, Melrose, WI

Janet Bjornsen, Baraboo, WI

Beatrice Blau, Sun Prairie, WI

Steve Gall, Madison, WI

Luanne Krohn, Reedsburg, WI

John Reardon, Naperville, IL

William Johnson, Dallas, TX

Corinne Rasmussen, Cable, WI

allen Schroeder, Loganville, WI

Jean M Wendt, Baraboo, WI

Joseph Screnock, Baraboo, WI

Charles Hatfield, La Farge, WI

Earl F Olson, Dawson, GA

James Slatterly, Mazomanie, WI

Jennifer Blau, Baraboo, WI

Carl Osman, Baraboo, WI

Diane Barfknecht, Baraboo, WI

Patricia Riedel, Hillpoint, WI

Karen Markowski, Baraboo, WI

Sarah Riedel, Hillpoint, WI

Joann Burke, Baraboo, WI

Tour of Historic Homes June 19

THE 2010 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes will be held on June 19 and will feature six historic homes ranging in style from Queen Anne to Prairie Style. Tour sponsors include major partners Senger Lumber and Johnsen Insurance of Baraboo and partners, Wisconsin River Title Consultants, Spa Serenity, Oak Street Antiques and First Weber Realtors of Baraboo. The six private homes on the tour include the Judevine House on Sixth Street which was built in 1898 in the Queen Anne style, the Roser Home on Third Avenue which was built in 1906 but contains a surprise 1920s interior, the nearby Mould Villa on Second Avenue which was renovated in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the 1930 brick Terbilcox Home on Third Street, the Rinkob House on Ninth Street and the Prairie style Cady Residence on East Street. The tour will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Sauk County Historical Museum and a variety of locations in the county after May 19 including the local Chambers of Commerce in Baraboo,

Staff Changes at SCHS

ANyONE who has come to the museum in the past eight years has most likely been greeted or assisted in research by Mary Farrel-Stieve who has resigned her position as staff assistant to work for the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin research initiative under the direction of the UW-Madison. Mary’s knowledge of the collections and friendly face will be much missed at the museum and the Society wishes her well in her new job.

Folks who have visited the museum in the last couple of months may have had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Gosewehr who has been hired as temporary Executive Director while the board evaluates the Society’s staffing needs. With the staffing changes, new hours have been implemented and the museum will now be open from 12-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Reedsburg and Prairie du Sac, the Bank of Prairie du Sac and in downtown Baraboo at Vodak TV, Corner Drug and the Baraboo National Bank. Tickets for the tour are $12 per person before the day of the tour and $15 on June 19. Don’t miss this biennial event.

Summer Picnic at Log Village

THE Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Reedsburg Pioneer Log Village located three miles east of Reedsburg on Hwy 33. A delicious picnic meal will be catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. A short history of the log village will be presented and then guests will be allowed to tour the grounds, which include eight authentic log buildings from the area set up as homes, a blacksmith shop, church and general store. One of Sauk County’s original one room school houses and four museum buildings complete the complex. A reservation form and informational flyer are included in this newsletter. Plan on attending and enjoy a picnic amidst history.

The historic Roser House on Third Avenue was built in 1906 but has a charming 1920s era interior.

Kathy Gosewehr, Executive Director

SPRING has sprung and the Sauk County Historical Society has some budding issues of its own.

Recent visitors to the museum immediately notice that Mary Farrell-Stieve is no longer holding down the fort. She has a new, challenging, fulltime position with UW Madison. The breadth of Mary’s drop-of-the-hat recollection and telling of Sauk’s historical events and people provided a fascinating flair to museum visitors. Her ‘invitations’ into the past by way of minutia-filled stories reminded me how exciting and personal history can be to each of us. We thank her for her years of devoted service to the Society and wish her well in her future endeavors.

So who am I? Bringing you such news! I’m the new ‘kid’ on the block. My home is in Madison, but my heart has recently settled in Sauk County! A stroke of serendipity brought me to the museum’s door and by my good fortune, you let me in. My ancestors helped settle Ozaukee and Washington counties so I relate well to the struggles and triumphs of those who chose to build their futures in these neck-of-the-woods. I feel right at home.

What have I been doing? Introduced to SCHS Directors and volunteers as well as several community people, I’ve found each friendly and willing to help. Thanks to all who have shared their experience and enthusiasm with me over the last few weeks.

What’s ahead? Curator Sue Teska and I have interesting challenges ahead of us, but also the benefit of a ‘hands-on’ Board of Directors and indispensible volunteers. Newly scheduled museum hours mean we pack in a lot of activity into precious little time. Planning, research, collection retrieval and exhibit design as well as daily ‘business’ tasks are sandwiched between visitors and meetings.

Recent website updates make research requests, memberships and merchandise sales easier through PayPal. Event and exhibit information fosters more visits and interaction. Always a good thing!

Even as membership is growing, we continue to reach out to area residents and businesses. Join us at the Founders’ Day picnic or any other upcoming event. Bring family and friends!

Work continues at the History Center. Funding of its renovation and future operation is at the forefront of the Board’s agenda. Donations to this project now will help us secure matching funds.

Archeological and historic sites have had improvements. They have special significance to Sauk’s past and help us understand the cultural development and community land use of this area. Take a quiet step into these unique regional phenomena.

If you haven’t seen the museum in some time, visit us soon. If you’ve meant to volunteer, but never seemed to get around to it, volunteer today. If you are financially able to assist our programs, please join others in supporting us now. We all benefit through the generosity of our friends. Thank you.

Upcoming Events

May 22 -Planting Garden Beds

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hulburt Creek Garden

Beds. Preparation of recreated garden beds, planting of corn and squash. Come help plant in these beds for the first time in nearly 1000 years! On Hwy H, near Wis. Dells.

June 1 – Founders’ Day Picnic

6 p.m. Reedsburg Pioneer Log Village Public Invited

June 19 – Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes

10 – 4 p.m.

Tickets $12 in advance and $15 the day of tour

July 24 – Old Fashioned Festival

Downtown Baraboo 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Look for the Historical Society exhibit

We would like to thank the Museum at the Portage for their donation of two modern glasstopped display cases. These cases will be a great asset as we create new displays.

Canfield Award Winner Announced Volunteer Spotlight

THE Sauk County Historical Society has many dedicated and talented volunteers who help us every day. In this and upcoming issues of our newsletter, we would like to take the opportunity to spotlight some of the hardworking individuals who give their time and talents to the Society.

Bev Dietenberger has been volunteering at the Society for just over a year now. She is seen regularly around the museum when it is time to change exhibits. Here, in her own words, she talks about why she is a Sauk County Historical Society volunteer.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Sauk County Historical Society? I was looking for a place where I could do some community service and someplace where I could put my skills to use and the Society seemed to fit the bill. It provided me with the creative outlet I was looking for.

What do you do at the Society? I mainly help construct new exhibits, but I have also helped prepare for and staff events along with taking care of the planters in the front of the museum.

How many hours do you generally put in at the Society? I work a variety of hours. Sometimes I am only there for an hour and sometimes I am there all day. It really depends on what I am working on at the time.

Of the many things you have helped the Society with, is there a favorite? I think decorating a Christmas tree for the Victorian Christmas Celebration this past year was one of the things I enjoyed the most.

What do you like best about volunteering at the Society? Getting out and meeting interesting people. I have also become aware of the programs the Society holds and find those interesting.

THE Sauk County Historical Society has awarded Bernadette Bittner of Reedsburg the 2010 William H. Canfield History Award. This annual award is given to a local historian who has contributed to the field of local history with the same passion as Sauk County’s first historian, William H. Canfield. Mrs. Bittner has contributed greatly to the documentation of Sauk County history by participating in the production of several Sauk County historical works including Reedsburg Remembers, Good Old Golden Rule Days, and Ghost Churches of Sauk County among others. One particularly useful project to genealogists searching in Sauk County has been the publication of Sauk County cemetery inscriptions, an eleven volume set, containing tens of thousands of names and dates from tombstones. Mrs. Bittner helped immensely with this project and was also the Sauk County Coordinator of the Wisconsin State Old Cemetery Society and answered many queries from researchers looking for information.

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2010

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum 531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913 Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-4:30pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org www.saukcountyhistory.org

William Canfield

By Sue Teska, Curator

I had the chance to redesign the museum and the exhibits this year after many exhibits were removed to create room for Christmas trees during our annual Victorian Christmas Celebration. It also gave me the chance to dust off and refresh some of the older exhibits. One such exhibit is our exhibit on William Canfield.

William Canfield was a surveyor. He was born in 1819 and when he died in 1913 he was 94 years old. Canfield was born in northern New york but came to the Baraboo area in 1842 with his wife, Cordelia. Like many early settlers, he came here for the chance to buy land at a low price. Canfield first settled along the banks of Skillet Creek surveying his own land and much of Sauk County. In 1844 he was appointed Sauk County’s first official surveyor and by the end of his career had surveyed over 4,000 farms around the area. Lyons, which later became West Baraboo, was laid out by Canfield and the plans for Haraszthy, which later was renamed Sauk City, were approved by him. One of his biggest jobs was making the first detailed map of Sauk County. In addition to surveying, Canfield identified and drew maps of many of the Indian mounds around the county including Man Mound and wrote the area’s first written history, Outline Sketches of Sauk County in 1861. Canfield also founded the Old Settlers’ Association, a club whose members collected the history of the first settlers to this area.

We are lucky to have several of William Canfield’s personal items, including his compass and level used for surveys along with his triangle and T-square that were used to draft maps. A portrait of Canfield at age 17 hangs in this exhibit along with his books and an 1842 certificate appointing William Canfield as an Election Judge. We also display Canfield’s original 1859 map of Sauk County which was the first detailed map of the county. This is just one of many fascinating exhibits in the museum. Come in and see what else we have!

Few things withstand the test of time like a solid relationship. At Raymond James, we take great pride in the fact that the recommendations of our clients are our primary source of new business. It attests to our success in sustaining long-term relationships – ones that not only endure, but also improve with age.

Visit an Archeological Site During Archeology Month

MAy is Archeology Month in Wisconsin! This is a good time to become acquainted with archeological sites throughout Sauk County. Three of these sites - the Man Mound, the yellow Thunder Memorial and the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds - are owned by the Sauk County Historical Society and managed by our Archeological Sites Committee. At all three sites there are changes being made to better preserve and interpret their importance to the history and culture of Sauk County.

Man Mound

The most obvious changes at Man Mound have been allowing the grass on the mound to grow longer than the surrounding park to better delineate the mound, painting the former location of the mound’s legs on Man Mound Road, and marking the location of the mound’s feet. Visitors to the Man Mound Park can now get a better idea of the full extent of this spectacular ancient work of art. The Man Mound is thought to be the only remaining effigy mound in a human form in the country. Man Mound Park is located on Man Mound Road approximately four miles northeast of Baraboo.

Yellow Thunder Memorial

The current yellow Thunder Memorial was created in 1960 as a monument to honor the prominent 1800s Ho-Chunk leader yellow Thunder. This small park was planted with locust and cedar trees, and picnic tables and cooking grills were added, all of which were suitable for a roadside park. In recent years these plantings have become overgrown and there is greater sensitivity to what is an appropriate memorial for this noted Ho-Chunk leader. Together with the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Sauk County Parks Department, the SCHS has developed, and is implementing, a fitting plan for this memorial. Recently, the overgrown trees have been removed. A mound of earth is being raised around three sides of the monument, leaving the original 1909 and the later 1960 inscriptions visible. Much of the quarteracre memorial will be planted to native prairie with burr oaks trees. New interpretive panels will explain yellow Thunder’s history.

The yellow Thunder Memorial is located on the west side of County Road A, just north of Shady Land Road, approximately six miles north of Baraboo.

Hulburt Creek Garden Beds

Located at the corner of County Road H and Birchwood Road, about three miles west of the Wisconsin Dells, the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds site includes about three acres of approximately 1,000 year old Native American raised bed gardens. Much work has been done to remove the forest growth from a part of the garden beds to reveal the garden raised bed structure. A small area of recreated garden beds has been established. This summer heritage varieties of corn and squash will be planted so that visitors will be able to see the type of crops grown by native people.

The Sauk County Historical Society’s Archeological Sites Committee is responsible for the management of these three sites. Anyone who would like to be involved with the research, planning, preservation, management and interpretation of these sites is welcome to join the committee, or to help out in any way they are interested. Please contact Rob Nurre, the committee’s chairman, at 608-356-1001 or history@saukcountyhistory.org to learn more about how you can assist with these projects.

History Center Moves into Phase 2

The History Center renovation project is moving into Phase 2 as interior design plans have received state approval. The renovation project has been designed with four phases, and Phase 1, exterior restoration of the building, is virtually completed. Bids are being sought to begin framing and electrical work on the main entry level floor and the top floor of the building. These spaces will contain the archives storage spaces, reading room, offices and support spaces for the research center. An additional $350,000 is needed to complete the project. Members will be receiving information on the Halls of History Campaign soon as the Society moves forward with this important project. Our state approved plans are valid for one year. Should the project not be completed within that time, the Society will need to apply for an extension from the state. If you would like to donate funds to this project, or help with interior demolition and clean up please contact the Society at 608-356-1001. Thank you!

History Center Donations

(since last newsletter):

Gene and Mona Larsen – Claude & Starck Associate

Helen Saloutos – Claude & Starck Associate

How Does Our Garden Grow?

ONCE again the Society will be planting a garden next to the Van Orden mansion. While the garden size remains the same, we are expanding our crops. Last year we emphasized the Victory Garden to coincide with our theme of Sauk County at War. This year, we are emphasizing our theme of At Home in Sauk County. One the best ways to do this is through the Square Foot Gardening method made popular by Mel Bartholomew in 1981.

Thanks to volunteers Bob Doepke and Shirley Mordini for their expert help in planning the garden space and to Renewal Unlimited youth Garden for their generous donation of plants and seeds.

Curator, Sue Teska, inspects a feather hat, once owned by actress Agnes Moorehead, who spent part of her childhood in Reedsburg. Moorhead is best known for her roll as Endora in the TV series Bewitched.

Heads Up!

The History Of Hats at The Sauk County Historical Society

THE Sauk County Historical Society has brought out some of its best hats for men and women from the Society’s extensive collection. A new exhibit at the museum showcases hats and bonnets dating from the early 19th century to the mid-20th, including largebrimmed “Titanic” style hats to more modern crocheted hats. Among hats showcased are a fancy bonnet from the 1820s, a mourning bonnet from the 1870s, and WWI German Pickelhauben.

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of the of dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

The Sauk County Historical Society

New & Renewed Members for March and April

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE RENEWED SiNCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER

INDIVIDUAL

Amend, Peggy

Becraft, Jauna

Belter, Audrey

Booth, Rae Marilyn

Burton, Michelle

Christin, Barbara

Cole, Donald

Cook, Betty

Domeier, Pamela

Fathauer, Susan

Fogerty, Sally

Foreman, Lois

Foulke, Art

Goeden, Jeanette

Gosewehr, Kathy

Greimel, Mark

Guenther, Carolyn

Hambach, Arleen

Harvey, Barbara

Hofmann, Donna

Holding, Susan

Holzhueter, Jack

Honer, Jim

Hulterstrum, Carol

Kaufmann, Sandy

Kidder, William

Klipp, Janet

Krause, Gary

Kriegl, Sylvia

Kuizawinski, John

Larsen, Lindy

Leeming, Nancy

Loomis, Dale

McArthur, Joan

McCarthy, Tom Meyer, Joice

Murray, JoAnne

Peck, Bill

Pennow, Anne

Rohde, Marilyn

Schreiber Jr, Bill

Simons, Neal

Smith, Jean

Stiemke, Sandra

Telkamp, Susan

Thompson, Lucille

Vertein, Wava

Vester, Barbara

Weiss, Karin Schuette

FAMILy

Bitterman, Lawrence A. & Patricia Breen, Robert & Joyce

Canepa, Mary

Casey, Dave &Barb Brown

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen

DuBois, Al & Lola

Gosewehr, Gene & Dulcea

Green, Charles & Donna

Hanskett, Paula

Hofman, Diana

Jaeger, Marcus

Jenks, Richard & Linda

Karch, Jim & Marilyn

Kenyon, Larry

Lewison, Eric & Ginny

Luther, Linda & Doug

Montgomery, Elizabeth

Nolden, Timothy & Katherine

Peck, William Sally

Pointon, Phillip & Alonna

Rochacewicz, Fred

Rubel, Aliceson & Hal

Rundio, Steve & Libby

Schell, Mike & Mary

Schroeder, Roy & Judy

Schultz , Robert & Marcella

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & Emma

Sturgis, Peter & June

Terbilcox , Frank & Colleen

Topham, Brett & Susan

Turnquist, Terry & Patricia

FRIEND

Ashford, Judy

Bakke,Fr Larry

Brice, Dean & Judy

Edwards, Dan & Sandy

Hohl, Jerry

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta

Koenig, Arthur & Frances

Krainik, Mamie

Schultz, Ronald

Senger, Lawrence & Catherine

Spees, Shirley

Taylor, David & Charlotte

Umhoefer, Paul & Aural

Weitzel, Ken

Wendt, Audrey

SPONSOR

Archibald, George & Kyoko

Barganz, Ron & Lynda

Beard, William & Corinne

Burgi, Karl & Melanie

Dutton, Elizabeth

Hrabovsky, Robert & Diana

Krainik, Ralph & Pam

Lange, Ken & Esther

Regan, Jim & Barb

SaLoutos, Helen

Schellenberger, Bill & Alice

Schreiber, William & Marian

Taapken, John & Donna

Wolter, Paul

yeck, Robert & Louise

PATRON

Dewel, Dr. Robert

GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Village of Lake Delton-H.E. Cole Club

Town of LaValle-Family

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS

Lamasney Construction-Patron

Farber Funeral Home-Patron

Terrytown Plumbing-Sponsor

Don Rick Insurance-Sponsor

Allen County Library-Family

History Center Phase 2 Interior Renovation Begun $35,000 Challenge Grant Offered

Renovation of the interior of the historic island Woolen Mill office building for use as the Sauk County Historical Society’s History Center has begun with the installation of framing on the first and second floors of the building. Huinker Construction of Baraboo was retained to do the carpentry work which is now completed. electrical work will soon begin with new service to the building and installation of wiring on the first and second floors. the next step will be the installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Funds are needed to finish the project. two anonymous Society members have offered a $35,000 challenge grant to help reach the goal of $353,500 needed to complete the project. the value of all donations through the end of 2010, up to $35,000, will be doubled with funds from this generous challenge grant. When completed, the History Center will house all of the archival material that the Society has collected in the past 105 years, the largest collection of such material related to Sauk County. the history center will also function as exhibit space, research space, meeting space and office space. this will allow the van orden Mansion to be used as a house museum and exhibit space and reduce the wear and tear on the historic building which is now the Society’s largest artifact. Members are encouraged to donate to this legacy project

and help the Society pass along Sauk County’s unique history to future generations while also letting it enrich our lives today. For more information on the project visit the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org and watch a video about what has already been accomplished on the project.

Interior framing has been completed on the first and second floors of the history center. The next phase of the interior renovation will be the installation of electrical wiring. Funds are currently needed for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems which will ensure the proper climate for the archival material which will be stored in the building. The first floor space shown here will be exhibit and meeting space and a reading room.

Operational Changes at SCHS

aFteR an extensive evaluation of Society operations the board of directors has decided to implement changes to the staffing structure of the Society to better reflect and address the current needs of the Society and the realities of available funding. three part-time positions, including a museum keeper, bookkeeper and collections and programs manager, are being created. the museum will continue to be open Wednesday through Saturday from 12-4 p.m. and will be staffed by the museum keeper and volunteers. applications will be taken for this position through august 2. information about this position is available on the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org. the board of directors would like to thank interim executive Director, Kathy Gosewehr, for working with the Society through this time of transition.

Morris Hotel Talk in Lake Delton

a presentation on Lou Ringling and the Morris Hotel she built at Mirror Lake will be given on thursday, august 12, at 7 p.m. at the Kay Mackesey administration Building located at 50 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South in Lake Delton. Society president, Paul Wolter, will show pictures and talk about the life and times of Lou Ringling, the wife of al. Ringling, along with the hotel built in response to her famous husband’s lavish theatre in Baraboo. Come learn about the enigmatic past of Lou Ringling and her marriage to the eldest circus showman and the $100,000 cash advance which helped her return to her childhood past where she had grown up in a hotel in iowa.

Upcoming Events

July 24

Old Fashioned Festival

SCHS Board Changes

three board seats are currently open as Mark Graupman, Joan Fordham and Bob Brown have each resigned from the board over the past six months. the Society would like to thank each of them for their many years of service. Graupman served as treasurer for the past several years. Fordham also helped out with financial and personnel matters. Brown has served on the board for over 20 years overseeing facilities projects such as roof repair at the van orden mansion. Dedicated individuals like these have helped the Society remain strong and active. two of the vacant seats will be filled by appointment by the board at its July meeting. one board position, as well as the treasurer’s position currently remains open. if you would like to serve on the board or know of a good candidate for treasurer please contact Board President, Paul Wolter, at 608-432-1979. the SCHS Board of Directors meets on the third Monday of each month at 5 p.m.

Downtown Baraboo 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Look for the Historical Society displays

July 31

History Center Work Day

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cleaning and light demolition work.

August 12

Lecture: Lou Ringling and the Morris Hotel

7 p.m. Kay Mackesey, Lake Delton administration Building

August 20-22

Badger Steam and Gas Show

Badger Steam and Gas Show Grounds, Reedsburg. Look for the Historical Society displays

October 23

Tour of Historic Haunts

Baraboo’s Haunted South Side.

Sauk County Investigators (SCI)

The following essay was written by a student in Mrs. King’s fourth grade class in the Ironton- La Valle Elementary School. The assignment was to write an essay describing a memorable event during their year. Raegen choose to write about the Sauk County Investigators (or SCI) program that SCHS Curator Sue Teska and volunteer Sue Johnson presented during a four week period in May. Students learned about a different primary historical source each week for four weeks and then got to practice what they learned in hands-on activities at the end of each class period. The sources they learned about include artifacts, photographs, maps, diaries, journals and letters. The program teaches local history while also meeting state standards for history. To date, the SCI program has been presented to over 450 Sauk County fourth grade students in five different school districts.

Have you ever got to investigate a mystery? i have, because Sue teska, who is a Sauk County investigator came in to our classroom every thursday for 4 weeks to teach us what they do and how they do it.

the first week she taught their sources. Sue said that they are a lot like police detectives.

the second week Sue brought in some pictures that we were supposed to figure out the person’s life. We got to look at the black and white pictures with a magnifying glass. it was magnificent.

the third week we learned how to solve a mystery with a map. it was awesome. i didn’t know you could even do that. the maps were just paper, but one was laminated. it was fun but hard.

the last week Sue brought in a journal of a man who was in the Civil War. Do you know what is creepy? the last day he wrote in it we think he died. When we looked and felt the journal it looked smaller than the journals now. the handwriting was very small. the paper was soft but tough like a poster board.

We got a badge and certificate.

i wish it lasted longer than four weeks. i think i am very lucky.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

in the recent newsletter of the Wisconsin Historical Society i came across the phrase, “Without heritage, every generation starts over.” i was struck by the simplicity and depth of the anonymous statement. there are many reasons to be involved with history but perhaps one of the most important is passing it along as carefully as possible to future generations. throughout its 105 years the Sauk County Historical Society has worked to be a safe haven, research center and dispensary for Sauk County history. this has been carried out by the dedicated work of individuals including countless volunteers, board members, employees and through the support of members, businesses and governmental bodies. through the years many people have served on the board of directors for the Society, some for years or even decades, giving continuity and a memory to the organization. i would like to thank Mark Graupman, Joan Fordham and Bob Brown for their years of service and dedication to the Society. Mark and Joan resigned earlier this year and Bob more recently. they are missed on the board and candidates are now being sought to fill their vacant seats. the Society has also been furthered tremendously by its employees. in the past ten years the Society has seen tremendous growth in the number of members, support and activity. Changes have taken place recently in regards to the Society’s operations, and more changes are on the way. i am grateful for the continued support of our members, governmental agencies and businesses, and the dedicated work of the board, as the Society moves forward and continues its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. through the input of many individuals working towards a common cause the heritage of Sauk County will be preserved so that future generations do not have to start over.

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2010

the Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum 531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913 open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Volunteer Spotlight

in this issue of our newsletter, we spotlight volunteer Sue Johnson, who has been volunteering at the Society for five years now. She previously taught elementary school for 35 years and is also a retired First Sergeant from the 115 Fighter Wing unit of the air national Guard based in Madison.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Sauk County Historical Society? i enjoy history and genealogy very much and believed the Sauk County Historical Society was a good fit.

What do you do at the Society? i have transcribed papers and journals, created an index for one of the holdings, cataloged files, scanned and copied articles, done some research, and presented SCi (Sauk County investigators) units for a couple of Sauk County classrooms.

How many hours do you generally put in at the Society? i work Wednesday and thursday afternoons there, plus additional hours at home scanning and

typing. i work maybe 15 – 20 hours per week depending on projects available at the time.

Of the many things you have helped the Society with, is there a favorite? transcription.

What do you like best about volunteering at the Society? Learning something new each time i’m there.

Assisting Sue Teska, retired teacher and SCHS Volunteer Sue Johnson helped teach the SCI program to fourth grade students at the Ironton – LaValle Elementary and Lake Delton Elementary Schools this year.

The shot heard ‘round the Sauk Prairie! And a great sound it was, as it reverberated off the hills and wafted across the Wisconsin River. The occasion was a gathering of Civil War re-enactors as the Sauk City Historic Preservation Committee hosted the city’s seventh annual Civil War Weekend in June, drawing about 100 re-enactors and volunteers from around the state. Here, an artillery group demonstrates the proper firing of a cannon, such as would have been used during the war.

Tour of Historic Homes a Success

over 400 people enjoyed the 2010 Baraboo tour of Historic Homes on June 19. the fundraiser for the Society was blessed with pleasant weather and a good turn out. the Society would like to thank all of the homeowners who invited us into their homes, the sponsors who underwrote the event and all of the volunteers who helped out.

The historic Roser home was one of six historic Baraboo homes enjoyed on this year’s tour.

Opportunities

tHe Sauk County Historical Society needs your help! the Society currently has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including those listed below.

• Document scanning. the Society is creating a digital archive in order to better teach you all you need to know.

• Accessioning artifacts and archival material all the items in the Society’s collection need to be numbered and described for our records. this opportunity does involve working on your own. You will, however, get to explore our ballroom/storage area!

• Gardening. if you like the great outdoors and like planning and planting, the Society has two gardens that are in desperate need of weeding and thinning.

• Housekeeping. the van orden mansion needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. this would involve dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning glass cases and windows.

• Dishwashing. the cistern on the van orden property has yielded many, many tubs of dirty bottles and dishes. these items need to be washed before they can be accessioned and put into storage. While this opportunity does involve standing, the shiny glass antique bottles at the end can make it all worthwhile!

• Indexing. the Society has many reference books in our archives, but often they do not have an index. We need individuals to go through these books and create an index to make the books easier to use.

• Special Events. if you would be interested in helping out with any of our special events, we are always looking for help staffing a booth or table, or giving a tour. if you enjoy talking to people, this might be the opportunity for you!

• Poster Distribution. the Society occasionally has the need for volunteers to distribute posters and other promotional material around the area.

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Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

Brett N Topham CFP Financial Planner

This year’s Founder’s Day picnic was held at the Reedsburg Area Historical Society’s log village. Here the Teska family learns about blacksmithing from Bob Reed, a RAHS member. After a delicious meal featuring beef and pork, members were encouraged to tour the grounds and learn about life in Sauk County as it was a century and a half ago.

Web Site Update

tHe Society’s Web site is really a popular place. Since it was established in June, 2008, we have had over 17,000 hits. During the month of June alone, there were 1,000 hits, or visitors to our Web site. For those of you who haven’t yet checked it out, here are some of the features included there: information on coming society events, and photos of past events; histories of the vanorden mansion and History Center, along with extensive photos of each; updates on the History Center reconstruction progress and a page where donors may help facilitate that process; Society merchandise you can order on line; and for the researcher, we have names from county probate records, family histories, obituaries, old plat maps, and much more. also on the site are photos from Sauk County historical sites, and images of some of the beautiful natural wonders in the county. there is much, much more to see. Come visit us at www.saukcountyhistory.org.

Did You Know

tHeRe are five Sauk County highways which have unique letter names beyond the usual ones such as Co. a, B, etc. the derivation of the names of County Hwy WD near Wisconsin Dells, and Co. Hwy DL, near Devil’s Lake are named for their locations. Hwy WC, is located by Spring Green, which is near Wilson Creek from whence it takes its name. County Highway PF is named for Prairie and Freedom, two townships which it connects. and finally, Highway CH, near Reedsburg, is simply an abbreviation of County Highway. if you know of any other county highway designations which have a unique provenance, let us know.

We Care Program

the Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of the of dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. to do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

July/August 2010

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.o. Box 651 531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, Wi 53913

RetuRn SeRviCe RequeSteD

New & Renewed Members for May and June

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER

inDiviDuaL

albrecht, Dick – Baraboo, Wi

Baraboo, Jerry – Kirksville, Mo

Blake, amy – Baraboo, Wi

Brillowski Jr., Jerry – Dallas, tX

Brining, Carla – Baraboo, Wi

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo, Wi

Clemens, inger – Wis. Dells, Wi

Delacour, James – tocoma, Wa

ellington, Judy – Baraboo, Wi

Graves, Dale – Waukesha, Wi

Hallanger, Kay -- Baraboo

Hathaway, Kay – Sauk City, Wi

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo, Wi

Klett , Jennifer Rude – nashotah, Wi

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Levenhagen, Linda – Baraboo, Wi

Paquette, Carole -- Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison, Wi

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo, Wi

Stanford, Kent – oconomowoc, Wi

Stehling, Donna-Sauk City

Stone, Barb – Baraboo, Wi

van allen, Mary – Green Bay, Wi

FaMiLY

Bock , Susan – Cincinnati, oH Boes, Chris – Rochester, Mn

Brandt, Ron and Janet – elgin, iL Bronkalla, Leo and Joyce – Baraboo, Wi

Caflisch, Gordon and Janice – Baraboo, Wi

Campbell, John and Susan – Wis. Dells, Wi

Dlugopolski, Susan Clemens, Steven – Wis. Rapids Francois, Wayne and Joan – Baraboo, Wi

Gorak, Dave, Mr.& Mrs. – Lavalle, Wi

Mayer, Charles and Roberta – Lyndon Sta., Wi McCormick, terrence and Barbara – Baraboo, Wi McCoy, Larry & Keri olson – Baraboo, Wi

o’Conneii, Mike, Sharon & Daniel – Baraboo, Wi

terbilcox, Fred and Betty – Waunakee, Wi

Wenzel, Bill, Bev, Lexy – Prairie du Sac, Wi Zick, albert and allegra – n. Freedom, Wi

FRienD

Friday, Dean & Jean – austin, tX Waddell, Mark & Jo ellen – Baraboo, Wi Weinhold, Frank and Marianna – Madison, Wi

SPonSoR

Kriegl, tom – Baraboo, Wi

LaCombe, Charles and Kathleen – Baraboo, Wi

Lange, Donna – Reedsburg, Wi

thiessen, Betty – Baraboo, Wi

PatRon

Bullard, Jerry and Patricia – Reedsburg, Wi

BeneFaCtoR

Davenport, John M & elizabeth – Minnetonka, Mn

BuSineSS MeMBeRSHiPS

Holiday Wholesale – Wis. Dells Gavin Brothers - Reedsburg

Phase 2 Challenge Reaches First Milestone

The Pillars of Progress Phase 2 Challenge Grant has passed its first milestone. The $35,000 challenge put forth by two anonymous Society members has been matched by over $10,000 to date by other members. While there is still a ways to go, the challenge is off to a great start. The remaining $25,000 needs to be raised by the end of the year in order to fully take advantage of this generous offer. These funds will be used to install critical heating, cooling and ventilation equipment in the history center which will help preserve the tens of thousands of archival items that will be housed there. electrical work has begun at the history center with all new wiring for the first and second floors. The next step will be the installation of the heating and cooling systems. Insulation can then be installed and drywall can start going up. If you haven’t done so already, please consider donating to Phase 2 of the Pillars of Progress Campaign so that we can meet and exceed the $35,000 Challenge Grant. Donations can be made on line at the Society’s website (www.saukcountyhistory.org) or by contacting the museum.

At Right: Electricians from Hill’s Wiring of West Baraboo have been busy installing new electrical wiring on the first and second floors of the history center.

Annual Meeting and Banquet – Oct. 26

The Sauk County historical Society will hold its annual banquet and business meeting on Tuesday, October 26 at 6 p.m. at the Baraboo Arts Banquet hall on Water Street. A delicious dinner will be served buffet style at 6 p.m. and the annual business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Guest speaker, Gary Tipler of Madison, will give a

presentation on Will McFetridge, local industrialist and promoter of Devils Lake State Park. A separate flyer and reservation form are included in this newsletter. Please mark your calendars and send in your reservation. The deadline for reservations is October 20th.

Pillars of Progress Phase 2 Donors

CLAuDe & STArk ASSOCIATe

eleanor Cooper Wright

Virgil & edith hartje

ISLAnD WOOLen MILL FrIenD

Marlene Meyer

LASTInG LeGACy PATrOn

Gene & Jan Suchomel

Merlin Zitzner

Bank of Prairie du Sac

hALLS OF hISTOry SuPPOrTer

ronald Bird

herb Messer

robert & rosa Fleming

Lawrence & Catherine Senger

Joseph & Lou Ann Ward

Carol Fleishauer

russell Douglas

John Bennin

SeCOnD CenTury SPOnSOr

Pam krainik / Leah Wolcott Memorial

Joan Litscher / Leah Wolcott Memorial

helen SaLoutos

Olive holmblad

Arthur & Frances koenig

Gib & Gail Bird

Joann Burke

Wayne Wolter

COnTrIBuTOr

ronald Schultz

John & Ann Burton

Paul & Judy Schmidt

Matt hart

russell & Anita hantzsch

John & elizabeth Davenport

ron & Brenda Gurgel

All Phase 1 History Center donors are listed on our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Tour of Historic Haunts

Saturday, October 23

IS Baraboo’s south side haunted? Why did Mrs. Gorman go up in flames on Christmas morning? What spirits prompted Mrs. Brandenburg to leave the south side? These questions and more will be answered during the Society’s fifth annual Tour of historic haunts to be held on Saturday, October 23 at 7 p.m. The tour will feature Baraboo’s south side commercial district along Walnut and Lynn Streets and will include some indoor stops. This once bustling area of Baraboo used to be filled with the sounds of the railroad, hotels and breweries. Find out why things are now eerily more silent.

Tours will start at the Baraboo City Services Building on roundhouse Court just off of Lynn Street. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased the night of the tour. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Parking will be available at the City Services Building.

For more information check out the events link at our website www.saukcountyhistory.org

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Tour of Historic Haunts

Baraboo’s haunted South Side.

Tuesday, October 26, 6 p.m.

Member’s Annual Meeting & Banquet

Baraboo Arts Building

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Victorian Christmas Celebration

At the Van Orden Mansion, Baraboo

Seven Gables in New Book

BArABOO’S house of Seven Gables turns 150 years old this year and is highlighted in a new book entitled “Wisconsin’s Own: Twenty remarkable homes” written by M. Caren Connolly & Louis Wasserman with photographs by Zane Williams and published by the Wisconsin historical Society Press. The book showcases significant examples of a variety of residential architectural styles including the gothic style house of Seven Gables built shortly before the Civil War. The project was funded by the Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville which is committed to preserving Wisconsin’s architectural history. Over 1500 houses were considered for the book which lavishly showcases 20 historic Wisconsin homes and their stories. The pioneering preservation work of Sauk County historical Society members, ralph and Pam krainik, is recounted as they have lovingly restored and furnished one of Wisconsin’s unique historic residences. The book is available at the Wisconsin historical Society’s website at www.wisconsinhistory.org

Society Receives WADA Grant

The Society has been chosen to receive a $1,000 grant from the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association (WADA) for the exterior painting and repair of the Van Orden Mansion. WADA is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the state and has a sixty year history of doing so. The association offers grants to organizations for a variety of projects including historic preservation. The Sauk County historical Society is currently in the middle of the three year project to paint and repair the exterior wooden features of the Van Orden Mansion which has been the home of the Sauk County historical Museum since 1938. The second and third stories of the mansion are nearly completely painted and repaired. Work on the first floor, basement windows and doors will be completed in the summer of 2011. The Society would like to sincerely thank the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association for helping keep the Society’s largest artifact, the Van Orden Mansion, in good repair for future generations.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WITh fall upon us, the highways and byways of Sauk County turn into thoroughfares of glorious color as the trees resign themselves to the coming winter season. I’ve sometimes wondered if the native peoples and settlers of years past found as much pleasure in nature’s big autumnal show as we do or just saw it as the precursor to another long winter. At any rate the leaves indicate that the change of season is upon us. Things have also been changing at the Sauk County historical Society. I am pleased to welcome Todd Liebman and Ann Miller to the Board of Directors. They have already become engaged in helping chart the course of the Society. I am also pleased to welcome two new staff members to the Society, Deb hanchek and Linda Levenhagen. Deb is the Society’s new Bookkeeper and Linda is the new Museum keeper. Both have jumped right into their new roles and have already begun making suggestions and improvements to make sure the Society can effectively fill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. I am also pleased to report that our former curator, Sue Teska, has become our new Collections and Programs Manager. If you’re in Baraboo please stop in at the museum and meet our staff members. now if you’ll indulge me to comment on one more change. I am excited to report that our membership support has once again increased due to more new members this year and the increased support of many current members. I would like to thank each and every member for their support of the Society and its mission.

Victorian Mourning Cards

by Sue Teska

SInCe halloween is just around the corner, I thought I would pull out one of the more holiday appropriate artifacts to write about in this newsletter. The artifacts that really caught my eye were the mourning or funeral cards from our collection.

Mourning or funeral cards were intricately die cut white cards with a black boarder around the outside edges. Black writing announced the deceased’s name, date of death and in some instances the funeral time and place. The embellishment on the cards often depicted Victorian funeral symbolism including weeping willows, urns and angels.

Popular from the mid-19th century to the early20th century, these cards were relatively cheap and were used instead of a printed obituary in the newspaper to announce a person’s death. The cards were distributed among family members, friends, and the surrounding community. Though the use of mourning cards was discontinued by the 1920s, today’s memorial cards evolved from them.

The examples that we have in the Society’s collection are from england and date to the 1850s and 1880s. They are a beautiful and touching reminder of those who lived before us.

In this issue of our newsletter, we would like to spotlight volunteer Carl Osman. Carl has been volunteering at the Society for just over a year now. he came to Wisconsin from Texas where he was a librarian. Carl decided to pursue archival studies and obtained an archival certificate from uW-Milwaukee.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Sauk County Historical Society? I started looking for opportunities to work with archives in Wisconsin, but discovered that openings were limited. I knew there was still a need though and decided to offer my services to the Sauk County historical Society while gaining experience and skills in the field of archival management.

What do you do at the Society? I have cataloged historical Society archival materials, assisted with special events, staffed the museum and helped with research requests. Currently, I am exploring the history of Devil’s Lake and creating a study aide in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the lake area as a state park.

How many hours do you generally put in at the Society? I come into the museum between 10 – 15 hours per week, but hope to do some work at home in the near future.

Of the many things you have helped the Society with, is there a favorite? I am really enjoying my research on Devil’s Lake. It has been very interesting.

What do you like best about volunteering at the Society? The history of the community depends on people who care and who want to be active in the preservation of their past. having the opportunity to work with such people is an honor.

Our society is changing every day. Much of our history will be lost unless people support organizations like the Sauk County historical Society.

Society Welcomes Two New Board Members

Todd Liebman and Ann Miller have been elected to the SChS Board of Directors to fill the seats vacated by Joan Fordham and Mark Graupman respectively.

Todd J. Liebman is the Corporation Counsel for Sauk County, Wisconsin. he holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the university of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and a Juris Doctorate from the university of WisconsinMadison. Todd is a Lieutenant Colonel in the u.S. Army reserve, and has served over twenty-six years in the active Army and Army reserve including with the First Armored Division in Baghdad, Iraq. he is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and many other Army courses. Todd, and his children, Justin, Alyssa and Madelyn, make their home in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Ann Miller has been a resident of Baraboo since 2000 when she moved here to enjoy the beautiful city of Baraboo and its surrounding countryside. She is originally from the city of Chicago but has called Wisconsin her home state since 1972. Ann graduated from the university of Wisconsin-Madison and spent the first six years of her professional life as a French and english teacher. Since then she has been involved in teen pregnancy prevention program administration, grant writing, administration, and evaluation and has worked for small community based organizations, the State of Wisconsin and the u.S. Department of health and human Services. She will serve the Sauk County historical Society in grant writing and funding requests.

Old Sauk Trails • September/October 2010

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

New Photo Web Site

By Bill Schuette

IF it’s true that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” well then I’ve just added over 11 million “words” to our newly created Flickr web account. Flickr is a photo sharing web site on the Internet.

In the past, when anyone wished to research our photo collection, all that was available was a written description of each image. now, in addition to a description, one may see the actual image in high resolution. The 11,000 photos are categorized into sets that include towns and villages of Sauk County, maps, schools, churches, military pictures, circus photos, native Americans, the ringlings, and hundreds of images of area people and families.

I invite you to spend a few minutes--or hours-looking over this extensive collection of vintage photographs of Sauk County, through the photographic lens as our ancestors would have seen it. The new Web site is located at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sauk_county_ historical_society/sets

Or visit our Web site: www.saukcountyhistory.org for a link to Flickr. reproductions of any photo may be ordered by contacting the Society.

New SCHS Staff Members

The Society welcomes two new staff members, Linda Levenhagen and Debbie hanchek.

Linda Levenhagen has been hired as the Museum keeper and has already begun facilitating public access to the museum and providing office and clerical support for Society functions. She also assists researchers with requests for information. Linda was previously employed at Circus World Museum, where she was the Associate Parade Director, Donor relations Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant.

Debbie Hanchek has been engaged as Bookkeeper for the Society, keeping track of day to day operations as well as the Society’s history Center fundraising campaign. Debbie has done bookkeeping for several area businesses and is currently employed by an area church as bookkeeper.

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of the of dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

Over 60 people attended the August lecture on the life and times

Lou Ringling and the Morris Hotel which she built on Mirror Lake. The presentation by Society President Paul Wolter was held at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building in Lake Delton not far from the former site of the hotel. Thanks to Donna Braun, Cathy Sperl and Don Marsich, all of Lake Delton, for the use of their pictures and materials in the talk and the Village of Lake Delton for use of the building.

This covered bridge was located on Hwy 136, north of Van Hise rock near Rock Springs

of

November/December 2010

Victorian Christmas Celebration December 11

The eleventh annual Victorian Christmas will be hosted by the Sauk County historical Society on Saturday, December 11th from 12 - 7 p.m. Twelve decorated Christmas trees, live music and holiday goodies will once again fill the Van Orden mansion at 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. The trees will be decorated by designers, florists, businesses and volunteers including The Flower Shop of Spring Green; Bekah Kate’s, Amber Moon and the Village Booksmith of Baraboo; Alan Boehmer Interior Design of Sauk Prairie; The Little French Bakery and Woofus Pet Spa of North Freedom; and DReAMS, Ann Miller and Dave Saloutos of Baraboo. This year, Saloutos, who has created rooms portraying Christmas from the 1930s to the 1970s, will create an entire room devoted to Christmas during World War II. The room will feature a tribute to Saloutos’ father harry, who spent a Christmas stationed in the Aleutian Islands. In another room of the mansion, a Currier and Ives porcelain Christmas village featuring over 20 buildings will be on display.

Inside the mansion, guests will also enjoy holiday goodies at the bountiful dessert table. This year’s showcase centerpiece will be a gingerbread replica of the Van Orden Mansion itself. The gingerbread mansion is being crafted by Society volunteers with the help of Susan holding at the Little French Bakery. Live music will enhance the open house as area musicians perform a variety of Christmas music in various formats from choral

Year-End Giving

Horse-drawn “jingle bell” rides will return to this year’s Victorian Christmas at the Van Orden Mansion, while inside the museum decorated trees, holiday treats and music will give people the feel of an old fashioned Christmas.

selections to string, brass and wind ensembles throughout the day. Outside, horse-drawn “jingle bell” rides will be given from 1 - 4 p.m.

The Victorian Christmas at the Sauk County historical Society has become an annual tradition for many people in the area. The price for admission is $5 for adults, $3 for SChS members, with children 12 and under admitted free. everyone is invited to this very special Sauk County holiday tradition.

The year 2010 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County historical Society. While our fiscal year ends on August 31, donations are welcomed year-round and can be designated for special projects like the history Center renovations, maintenance of the Van Orden mansion or given towards general operations. Without the generous support of our members the SChS would not be able to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Society is supported by general memberships, bequests, donations, memorials and even gifts of stock.

History Center Update

NeW electrical wiring has been installed on the first and second floors of the building and new electrical service is being added suitable to handle the load of the new heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment that will be installed next. Work on remodeling the bathrooms has also begun to bring them up to code. Fundraising continues as $12,000 has been given toward the $35,000 matching challenge. Please consider making a year end contribution to help us meet this challenge.

Pillars of Progress Phase 2 Donors

Beginning August 1, 2010

CLAUDE & STARK ASSOCIATE $2,500+

eleanor Cooper Wright

Virgil & edith hartje

ISLAND WOOLEN MILL FRIEND $1,000+

Marlene Meyer

LASTING LEGACY PARON $500+

Gene & Jan Suchomel

Merlin & Jenelle Zitzner

Bank of Prairie du Sac

HALLS OF HISTORY SUPPORTER $250+

Lawrence & Catherine Senger

Joseph & LouAnn Ward

Carol Fleishauer

Thank you!

Russell & Pearl Douglas

John & Judy Bennin

Ronald Bird

herb Messer

Robert & Rosa Fleming

Leah Wollcott Memorials

eugene & Marjorie Baraboo

William & Jean Brew

Fred & Betty Terbilcox

Kathryn Steckelberg

helen SaLoutos

SECOND CENTURY SPONSOR $100+

Olive holmblad

Arthur & Frances Koenig

Gib & Gail Bird

Joann Burke

Ann Miller

Ronald G. Schultz

Wayne Wolter

CONTRIBUTING

Paul & Judy Schmidt

Matt hart

Russell & Anita hantzsch

John & elizabeth Davenport

Ron & Brenda Gurgel

John & Ann Burton

Rosann Madden

Jerry & Jeanette Jessup

John & Susan Campbell

The Sauk County historical Society would like to acknowledge the following generous supporters including members (Patron and higher), sponsors, bequests and support for operations for fiscal year September 2009 – August 2010.

h e. COLe CLuB - $5,000+

Sauk County

Village of Lake Delton

VAN ORDeN CIRCLe - $1,000+

Robert Curry

Pedro & Nancy Lange Kuczynski

Walmart - Baraboo

BeNeFACTOR - $500+

Alliant energy Foundation

John & elizabeth Davenport

eleanor Wright

www.saukcountyhistory.org

PATRON – 250+

David & Sherry Baldwin

John & Judy Bennin

Calvin Brey

Jerry & Patricia Bullard

Dr. Robert Dewel

Daniel Farber

Robert Friede

Johnsen Insurance

Mona & Gene Larsen

Gerd & ursula Muellehner

Senger Lumber

Neil Thompson Memorial

Town of Delton

Town of LaValle

Bev Vaillancourt

These names are also displayed at the museum on our honors plaque

SCHS Staff Change

AFTeR serving as curator for almost two years, Sue Teska has resigned her post with the Society to work at the law firm of Cross, Jenks, Mercer and Maffei. During her time with the Society Sue revamped many of the Society’s exhibits and taught the SCI program to fourth graders around the county while also taking care of day-to-day matters at the museum. The Society would like to thank Sue for her time with us and wishes her well in her current job.

The Board of Directors is currently selecting a new Collections and Program Manager to handle curatorial and archival duties at the museum. A half-time position has been created and applicants are being interviewed.

SCHS Board Changes

BOARD member Bev Vaillancourt of LaValle, whose term expired this fall, decided not to seek re-election to the board. Bev served on the SChS Board for several years and helped in many areas including fundraising, history center, education and financial matters. The Society would like to sincerely thank Bev for her involvement over the years. Dedicated individuals like Bev have helped the Society remain strong and active.

At the annual meeting in October Sherman Funmaker of Baraboo was elected to the SChS Board of Directors but due to unforeseen circumstances Funmaker has had to step down from the board of directors.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WhILe I’m no statistician I suspect that the odds of finding a picture of one’s great grandfather in a random box of photographs at the museum when the great grandfather lived 230 miles away are pretty slim. Well that’s what happened to me the other day when I was looking at a box of photographs that had been donated to the Society. While my father’s family is all from Sauk County, my mother’s family originally comes from Minnesota. Oddly enough though, my mother has distant relatives here in Sauk County, and I knew that my great grandfather Paul Rutz had visited Baraboo a time or two, so I was delighted to find a picture of him with his first cousin Albert Bittrich in the box of donated pictures. The two cousins are shown holding a string of fish and some prize fowl they had hunted. They must have been mighty proud of their haul as they are photographed in a studio standing on papers holding their dripping fish. To top it off the picture is a photo postcard so they must have sent it out to prove their “fish tales.” I was delighted with this little find and was reminded of why the Society has so many supporters and volunteers. It is our love of history and especially local history that we can relate to on a day by day basis when we see an old postcard and recognize the scene, or pass by an historic site and know why it is important. Our members and supporters know too that it is important to have a place where local history can be collected and stored for future generations and shared with today’s audiences. Local historical societies serve an important function as the memory of the communities they serve. Those who recognize their importance understand that a community is enriched when it values its heritage and wishes to preserve it for the future. This can really only be accomplished through the efforts of many people. As we conclude our 105th year I would like to thank all of our supporters, members, volunteers and friends who have helped the Sauk County historical Society continue to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history.

Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of Devils Lake State Park. Tourists have been visiting this natural wonder for over 150 years.

Tour of Haunts Explores Baraboo’s South Side

DeSPITe threatening weather forecasts, the fifth annual Tour of historic haunts was held successfully on October 23 and explored the south side of Baraboo. The area along Lynn and Walnut Streets was the site of some of the first settlements in Baraboo and eventually was home to three breweries and an equal number of taverns. Over 209 people attended the event, coming from as far away as the Milwaukee area to explore twelve locations where costumed actors told stories of past Baraboo inhabitants. Stops also included the haunted Old Baraboo Inn and the Circus World Museum library where participants heard about circus tragedies. The SChS would like to thank the dozens of people who helped make the night a success, including our guides and organizers. Special thanks go to our actors and presenters, Caitlin Teska, Kyle Opatik, Pat Lannoye, Mark Tully and Dave Saloutos. The Society would also like to thank the City of Baraboo, Circus World Museum and Servo Instrument Corporation for their assistance. Those who missed the tour can see pictures of the tour at the SChS website – www.saukcountyhistory. org A 2011 Tour of historic haunts is being planned for the Second Avenue area of Baraboo.

Mark Tully of Baraboo portrayed an early French voyageur that endured hardships of near starvation and wild animals to come to the Baraboo area to trade furs.

Unique Gi

522

Volunteer Spotlight

IN this issue, our volunteer spotlight shines on John Bennin. John has been taking care of the Society’s computers for the past several years, and has donated many of the computers currently being used by our staff and other volunteers. he is a retired educational psychologist and worked for many years in the Baraboo School District.

John decided to volunteer at the Sauk County historical Society because, “After 50 years of living in Sauk County, I thought I ought to get more involved in its history, including the more recent part in which I have participated,” noted Bennin. John’s interest is in the railroads which once existed in the area and he has been instrumental in the maintenance, organization and digitalization of its historical records. Bennin concluded, “I like working with the friendly volunteers and staff. It’s a good place to contribute and to learn.”

The members of the Sauk County historical Society would like to thank John Bennin for his many efforts in maintaining our electronic databases and the equipment that has become so necessary to archive our growing collections.

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2010

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Annual Meeting Held October 26

The annual banquet and membership meeting of the Sauk County historical Society was held on October 26th at the Baraboo Arts Banquet hall in Baraboo. Fiftyeight members and guests attended the banquet which was followed by the annual business meeting. President Paul Wolter chaired the meeting that included a pictorial year-in-review covering SChS events and outreach. An election for board members was also held to fill the expiring terms of Bill Schuette, Ken Weitzel, Ann Miller and Bev Vaillancourt. The nominating committee nominated Schuette, Weitzel, Miller and Sherman Funmaker as candidates and the slate was elected unanimously. The evening was concluded with a lecture on William McFetridge, industrialist and promoter of Devils Lake State Park, by Gary Tipler of Madison.

At its November meeting the SChS board elected Paul Wolter President, Natalie Bussan Vice-President and Bill Schuette as Secretary-Treasurer.

Gary Tipler of Madison spoke at the Society’s annual meeting about Island Woolen Mill owner Will McFetridge and his connections to architect Louis Claude and the creation of Devils Lake State Park.

Surfing the SCHS Web Site

By Bill Schuette

hAVe you checked out the Sauk County historical Society’s Web site lately? Over 21,000 visitors already have! Some of our current exhibits are profiled on the site, such as a collection of the kinds of hats local residents wore during the previous century. Also included is a display of childhood toys and a country school classroom from the early 20th century. Want to learn about Sauk County’s participation in the wars of the past 100 years? We have an extensive compilation of stories and photos of those trying times. Also on line are letters written by WWI soldiers to their families and loved ones. each town and village in the county also has its own Web page on our site, with a brief history and vintage photo.

A more extensive collection of over 11,000 images may be found on our Flickr Web site at: www.flickr.com/ photos/sauk_county_historical_society/. Have you ever visited Pewit’s Nest? how about the Ableman Gorge or Skillet Creek Falls in winter? ever hear of the Painted Forest? You can take a photo tour of these, and other little known Sauk County wonders by visiting the site. For the genealogist, we have an extensive list of resource materials, such as probate records, obituaries, newspapers and where they’re located, and copies of antique county maps dating back to the mid-19th century. You may also order Society merchandise, become a member, and request research information, all with the click of a mouse button.

This is only a short list of the vast amount of information that is included in the over 500 pages available on our Web site. New information is being added all the time, so stop by and check us out at: www.saukcountyhistory.org.

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

A Fine New Residence Begun

SuCh was the headline a little over 150 years ago in the Baraboo Republic of August 1860 with the following article:

“According to our ideas of beauty and we think that the public will coincide with us, the new building now being erected by T. Thomas of the Sauk County Bank upon the beautiful knoll about two blocks north east of the Court House will be the most elegant residence in the vicinity. As yet but little of the effect can be gained, as it is but yet just enclosed, but an inspection of the plans has convinced us that the cashier has shown both excellent taste in the general effect and in its interior arrangement and a just appreciation of what constitutes a home. Its fine situation, the winding walks and the numerous shade trees will add greatly to its effect when completed, which we understand will be about November first.”

The house which was finished 150 years ago this month was to become known as the house of Seven Gables. An outstanding example of the carpenter Gothic style, the house has stood since before Abraham Lincoln was elected president and has been preserved and restored for the past 44 years by its current owners Ralph and Pam Krainik. The Society congratulates them on the anniversary of the house and their efforts to preserve it.

(608) 356-1001 7

November/December 2010

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTuRN SeRVICe RequeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for September and October

THANK YOU TO THESE NEW AND RENEWED MEMBERS

INDIVIDuAL

Bahr, Dolores - Prairie du Sac, WI

Beard, Jeanette - Milton, WI

Blalock, Marva - Salt Lake City, uT

Blau, Connie - Waunakee, WI

Dewall, Janet - Appleton, WI

Dewall, Patrick - Appleton, WI

Foote, Bob - Baraboo, WI

Jelinek, Daunene - Baraboo, WI

Kaul, Joan - Baraboo, WI

Keylock, Janet - Baraboo, WI

Kosek, Jan - Manitowoc, WI

Livesey, Jill Fyall - Saline, MI

Madden, Rosann - Baraboo, WI

Marini, Gladys - Baraboo, WI

Miller, Phyllis - Reedsburg, WI

Mitchell, Robert J - Milwaukee, WI

Oppliger, Kay D - Oshtemo, MI

Rich, Louise - Baraboo, WI

Rinella, Linda M - Glenview, IL

Schulz, Deanna - Baraboo, WI

Stocks, Carol - Painesville, Oh

Tipler, Gary - Madison, WI

Triff, Maxine - Madison, WI

FAMILY

Beals, ethan and Mae-Jullee - Shoreline, WA Bechmann, Bud and Darleen - Baraboo, WI Blackburn, Ray and Debbie - Baraboo, WI Bruer, Scott and Nicole - Reedsburg, WI Burgess, George and Joyce - Baraboo, WI Filus, Gene and Karen - Baraboo, WI Kindschi, Jerry and Alice - Prairie du Sac, WI Meyer, John and Susan K - Oshkosh, WI Reeve, Bryan and Mary - Spring Green, WI Steinhorst, harland and Pat - LaValle, WI Stich, Gerald and Carol - Baraboo, WI Young, John A and Tonia - Baraboo, WI

FRIeND

Bahe, Garry and Gale - Merrimac, WI Banaszak, Sue Greene - Milwaukee, WI Bosshard, Chris and Maureen - Lake Delton, WI Dahlinger, Fred and Anita - Baraboo, WI erlandson, Virgil and Cheryl - hagerstown, MD

Jessop, Jerry and Jeanette - LaValle, WI Moon, Clyde and Carolyn - Baraboo, WI SaLoutos, David - Baraboo, WI Weth, Gloria - Rotonda West, FL

SPONSOR

Burton, John and Ann - Baraboo, WI

Fleming, Robert and Rosa - Baraboo, WI

Fordham, Joan - Baraboo, WI

Miller, Ann - Baraboo, WI

Pietenpol, David and Diane - Suamico, WI

Swanson, David and Marcia - Baraboo, WI

The challenge put forth by two Society members who pledged to give $35,000 for the Sauk County history Center if it could be matched was successfully met by the donations of other Society members as 2010 drew to a close. The largest donation towards the challenge was given by classmates of the Baraboo Class of 1944 represented by Robert Curry, the class president. Curry was pleased that the Class of 1944 could help with the completion of this legacy project and encourages other classes to consider giving to the Pillars of Progress Campaign. Over fifty other Society members also helped fulfill the challenge and the money raised will pay for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems on the upper two floors of the building that are currently being renovated. Interior framing and electrical wiring are virtually complete on these two floors and after the hVAC systems are installed the building can be insulated and drywall can go up. While funds are still needed for these steps, the money raised from the challenge will help the project take a huge step forward towards completion. Work will continue through the winter on the interior of the building.

Challenge Met! Society Receives Anonymous $10,000 Donation

Devil’s

Lake State Park Centennial Year

The Board of Directors of the Sauk County historical Society has decided to make the official theme for 2011 the centennial of the establishment of Devil’s Lake State Park. One hundred years ago the State of Wisconsin created what is now its most popular state park with over one million visitors a year. Throughout the year the Society will host events devoted to various Devil’s Lake themes and create an exhibit room dedicated to the lake. In the first of a series of lectures that will highlight Devil’s Lake, Diane Pillsbury, Devil’s Lake Centennial Coordinator, will give a free presentation on Devil’s Lake and upcoming centennial events planned by the park. The presentation will include historic photos and will be held on Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County historical Museum at 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. The 2011 SChS Calendar has also been created with historic photos of the Devil’s Lake area. A limited number of calendars are still available at the museum. Watch the newsletter for additional upcoming events related to Devil’s Lake.

In late 2010 the Society received an unrestricted gift of $10,000 from an anonymous donor. The SChS Board of Directors has decided to put half of the money towards the Pillars of Progress Restoration Campaign for use at the history center and half toward general operations. The Society is grateful to this donor for his or her support of the Society and its mission to collect, preserve, and share Sauk County history. This donor along with over 600 members has helped to keep the Society strong as it embarks on its 106th year of operation.

Cast Iron George Washington

eARLy pioneer homes in America were heated with an open fire in a fireplace. By the mid-18th century, technology had advanced to the point where the well-to-do were heating their homes with cast iron stoves. Large diameter metal pipes channeled the smoke from the stove to a nearby chimney.

To increase the radiant surface of the stove and to channel more heat into the room inventors developed ingenious and artistic methods to increase heat transfer.

In 1843 Alonzo Blanchard of Albany, n y. patented a stove radiator design he called “Washington.” Constructed of cast iron, this hollow enclosure was formed in the image of our first president and stood about 49 inches tall and 15 inches wide.

The statue radiator was placed on top of a small stove and as the stove heated up it also heated the cast iron statue, thereby radiating its heat into the room. The statue also served as a focal point for the room and turned the utilitarian stove into an object of art. Some of these Washington statues were also sold as lawn ornaments.

The cast iron George Washington statue in the Sauk County historical Society’s collection was once used by Colonel Stephen Van Rensselaer Ableman, to heat his home in Rock Springs. Later it was placed on display in front of the Cliff house at Devils Lake where it resided for many years.

Washington is depicted wearing a toga over more traditional colonial era dress to show a connection with ancient republics. The stove would have been sold when the Greek Revival style of architecture was also popular so one could have a “Greek” style George Washington standing in the parlor of one’s Grecian style home.

Pillars of Progress Phase 2 Donors

August 1, 2010 through January 15, 2011 History Center Donations

Pillar of Progress Owner

$25,000+

Bill Schuette

History Center Benefactor

$10,000+ Dr. Robert Dewel

Baraboo Class of 1944

H.E. Cole Club $5,000+

Anonymous

Claude & Stark Associate

$2,500+

eleanor Cooper Wright

Virgil & edith hartje

Island Woolen Mill Friend

$1,000+

Sharon McArthur

Marlene Meyer

Gene & Mona Larsen

Lasting Legacy Patron

$500+

Gene & Jan Suchomel

Merlin & Jenelle Zitzner

Bank of Prairie du Sac

elizabeth A. Dutton

helen Saloutos

Halls of History Supporter

$250+

Lawrence & Catherine Senger

Joseph & LouAnn Ward

Carol Fleishauer

George Washington radiant heater provided warmth during the early 20th century.Once displayed at the Cliff House at Devil’s Lake.

Russell & Pearl Douglas

John & Judy Bennin

Ronald Bird

Robert & Rosa Fleming

Leah Wollcott Memorials

eugene & Marjorie Baraboo

William & Jean Brew

Fred & Betty Terbilcox

Kathryn Steckelberg

herb Messer

Mike and Sue Johnson

Glen and Mary Schulz

Second Century Sponsor

$100+

Olive holmblad

Arthur & Frances Koenig

Gib & Gail Bird

Joann Burke

Ann Miller

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Jim Greenwood

James & Paula Rice

esther Lange

David & nijole etzwiler

Bart & Char Olson Foundation

David & Marcia Swanson

Contributing

Paul & Judy Schmidt

Matt hart

Russell & Anita hantzsch

John & elizabeth Davenport

Ron & Brenda Gurgel

John & Ann Burton

Rosann Madden

Jerry & Jeanette Jessop

John & Susan Campbell

Wis. energy Foundation

David & Marcia Swanson

Ronald G. Schultz

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WhILe the decorations have come down and the holiday season is quickly slipping into the recesses of memory, the Sauk County historical Society has many gifts to be thankful for. The first gift came when classmates of the Baraboo Class of 1944 gave the final donation to match the $35,000 challenge grant issued earlier last year by two Society members. I was pleased to work with class president Robert Curry on finalizing the donation and would like to reiterate his appeal that other classes consider contributing to the Pillars of Progress Campaign. It is fitting that the Sauk County history Center will one day hold all of the Society’s school records. I am grateful to all of our members who contributed to the matching challenge which will allow us to install the heating and air conditioning systems on the upper two floors of the history center.

The second gift of the season came when an anonymous donor made the Society the recipient of a $10,000 unrestricted gift. The board has decided that half of this gift will go towards the history center and the other half will go towards our operational budget which will help us do good things like purchase the history on Wheels trailer which allows us to get historical exhibits out to community events. The generosity of this anonymous donor is sincerely appreciated.

A third gift came when Jim Weickgenant, owner of Weickgenant Accounting, Inc. of Baraboo, agreed to serve as a board member and as our treasurer. Jim’s expertise ensures that the Society’s financial assets will be well looked after. I would like to welcome Jim to the board and I look forward to working with him.

The fourth gift is that of our volunteers who give so much throughout the year but especially at Christmas. From Dave Saloutos who worked countless hours on the Christmas during World War II room to Carl Osman who has worked countless hours throughout the past year gathering information on Devil’s Lake for the state park centennial. Our volunteers are one of our greatest treasures.

I would like to thank all of our volunteers, members, supporters and friends for making 2010 such a great year. Finally I would like to thank our staff members Deb and Linda for their hard work and our newest staff member, Rebecca Dubey, who has become the new Collections and Program Manager. Rebecca brings years of museum experience to the Society and I look forward to working with her.

Society volunteers spent 100 hours working on the SCHS float for Baraboo’s Christmas Light Parade. The float featured giant toys of yesteryear including a giant dollhouse finished identically on two sides. The float won the “Best Use of Lights” award. From left to right, Michael Etzwiler, David and Nijole Etzwiler, Kathy Schauf, Paul Wolter, Mona Larsen and Bill Schuette. Not pictured – Dave and Mike Smith, Josh Blum, Ralph and Pam Krainik and Kay Salecker.

Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2011

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

Sauk County Historical Society Hires new Collections & Programs Manager

The Sauk County historical Society would like to welcome Rebecca DuBey to our staff. She is our new Collections and Programs Manager.

her job is to manage the Society’s archive and artifact collection, to organize ongoing lecture series and adult education programs, assist at public events, maintain existing museum exhibits, and develop new exhibits. Other duties include preparing portions of our collection for a move to the history Center when it’s finished, and training volunteers for collections-related tasks.

Rebecca has worked extensively with museum collection management since earning her Master’s Degree in Museum Science. She has a BA in history, and was a writer/editor during her Internship at the National Archives.

Rebecca has worked at the Monticello historical Society, the Oregon Area historical Society, was an interpreter at Old World Wisconsin, Collections Manager at the University of Mississippi Museums, and worked in the digital lab at the Wisconsin historical Society. She has also worked as a Curator of Museums at Beloit College, and Curator at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, AL.

If you are in the neighborhood, stop by the museum and welcome Rebecca.

FOR this newsletter, we’d like to shine our volunteer spotlight on Bob Doepke.

In 1972 Bob began his love of genealogical research. “Over the years,” he noted, “I wrote hundreds of letters and received a great deal of assistance from kind people from around the U.S. When I retired in 1998, I decided to volunteer at the SChS as a payback for all of the help I had received over the years of my research.” Bob has worked on many different projects over the years. One of which was cataloging the vast number of newspapers in the Society’s collection. Other projects that he has accomplished are indexing the probate records, transcribing Civil War diaries and WWI letters, photocopying the scrapbook collection, and other smaller tasks such as weed eradication on the museum grounds. Bob said doing genealogical research is his primary interest in working at the SChS.

“Genealogy research is rewarding when I am able to find someone’s ancestors for them,” noted Doepke, “I get excited for them, it’s almost like I’m finding one of my own people all over again.

Some of my ancestors arrived in Sauk County before Wisconsin was a state. Being a part of the SChS helps me feel closer to them in a way, because of all the history we have in the museum,” said Bob.

In addition, Doepke noted, “I am presently writing the history of my wife’s Caflisch family name. Recently, I wrote two books: Short Stuff is about my growing up in Milwaukee in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and In A Military Manner—the Adventures of a Little MP, covers the 40 months I was in the U.S. Army.”

Bob has some advice for others considering volunteering: “When I started volunteering, I never realized how rewarding it would become for me. I highly recommend volunteering here as you might discover some of the joy I have experienced.”

Victorian Christmas Survives Blizzard

DeSPITe threatening weather the Victorian Christmas Celebration still delighted hundreds who braved the blowing snow to get to the Van Orden Mansion on December 11. Those who did make it sampled the many kinds of Christmas goodies set out around the gingerbread replica of the Van Orden Mansion and were serenaded with Christmas music played by various local musicians. The twelve Christmas trees were each individually decorated and ranged from a Devil’s Lake-inspired tree to the WWII themed tree in the Christmas-during-WWII room. The Society would like to sincerely thank all of the volunteers involved in hosting the event and the tree decorators, musicians, and bakers who helped make the event a success. The WWII Christmas room will remain up through February and be available to see during normal museum hours: Wednesday - Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

David SaLoutos created this WWII Christmas room in honor of his father, who served during the war.

Society Receives Civil War Sword

The Society has recently received a Civil War Sword which once belonged to First Lieutenant edward Oertel who lived in Prairie du Sac after the war. Oertel was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1849. he joined the 72nd Illinois Infantry Volunteers in Chicago in the summer of 1862 and left behind his wife and four small children. In the spring of 1863 the soldiers of the regiment were involved in the siege of Vicksburg and were some of the first to enter the city. From October of 1863 for the next year the regiment was on provost guard duty at Vicksburg. It was during this time that Oertel was commissioned as a First Lieutenant of Company F in July of 1864. The sword was given to him by his company and his friends. In October of 1864 the 72nd Illinois Infantry Regiment was ordered to nashville but arrived too late to be part of General Sherman’s “March to the Sea”. The Regiment was then ordered to Columbia, Tennessee but soon was forced to retreat and engaged the enemy on the road between Columbia and Franklin, Tennessee. Light earthworks were hastily thrown up at Franklin and the enemy attacked at 4 p.m. on the afternoon of november 30, 1864. The eight hour battle resulted in the loss of 9 out of 16 officers and 152 men who were either killed or severely wounded. Oertel was wounded at Franklin to an unknown extent. he resigned his commission in May of 1865. Oertel found his way to Prairie du Sac after the war where other family members were living. Only a few months after he was reunited with his wife and family one of the Oertel children died. Oertel worked as a blacksmith in the village probably in association with his brother who was a wagon maker. his first wife, Mary, died in 1893, but he married again and lived out the rest of his life in Milwaukee. he died in 1904 and was buried in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery. The sword that First Lieutenant Oertel carried in battle during the Civil War was handed down through the family until it came to Oertel’s great grandson, James Oertel of Alexandria, Virginia. James Oertel and his wife, yolanda, decided to donate the sword to the SChS and were assisted in their efforts by their friend nancy Jemiola. The sword is a remarkable addition to the collections at the Sauk County historical Museum and will be on display with other Civil War items.

Society Welcomes New Board Member

JIM Weickgenant is the owner of Weickgenant Accounting Inc. he purchased the business from his father Peter in 1983 and the business has been serving Baraboo and area clients since 1958. he does personal, corporate & partnership tax returns and business financial statements and payroll. he is married to Myrna Weickgenant who teaches 6th grade at Jack young Middle School. They have two adult boys and two girls as well as a recent first grandchild. They love the outdoors and frequently go camping, hiking, biking & kayaking. They also enjoy singing in the emanuel United Methodist Church choir. Jim is also our new Treasurer.

January/February 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURn SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for November & December

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER. InDIVIDUAL

Adams, James h - Baraboo

Becraft, Kaleb - Baraboo

Bjornsen, Janet - Baraboo

Blau, Beatrice - Sun Prairie

Bobholz, Jill S - Baraboo

Burmester, David - Loganville

Cronon, William J - Madison

Gomez, nancy - Del Rio, TX

hedberg, Blaine - Reedsburg

hipke, Marcia L - Poynette

Kieffer, Jr., Bob - Baraboo

Kingery, Patricia - Baraboo

Kuehn Mede, eleanor - normal, I

Kuntz, Lucille - Baraboo

Larsen, Barbara - Sister Bay

Miller, Barbara - Lutherville, MD

Miller, Peggy - Spooner, WI

Osborne, Jewel - Baraboo

Poker, Sarah - Apple Valley, Mn

Prothero, Betty e - Baraboo

Rice, Paula - Muskegon, MI

Ringelstetter, Bernice - DeForest

Rotzoll, Brenda W - Baraboo

Scherz, James - Madison

Schroeder, Allen - Loganville

Woods, Ruth T - Alexandria, VA

young, Vicki - Baraboo

young, Paul - Baraboo

FAMILy

Baker, Dick and Annette - Reedsburg

Brew, William and Jean - Wisconsin Dells

Burmester, Dean and Marian - LaValle

Dillman, nancy Jo and Fred MohBaraboo

Dummer, Bill and Laurie - Baraboo

etzwiler, David and nijole - Baraboo

Filip, Jan - Reedsburg

Fuhs, David and Jeanne - Baraboo

Getschman, Jim and Gladys - Baraboo

haller, Michael and Angie - Baraboo

higgins, Jim and nancy - Baraboo

Johansen, Wayne and Martha - Baraboo

Kelly, Fran and nick - Baraboo

Kern, Marc and Barbara - Baraboo

Kowalke, Lawrence and Shirley - Fort

Myers, FL

Kunze, Brad and Georgene - Baraboo

Messner, erick and Audrey - Baraboo

Pointon, Steve and Jeanne - Baraboo

Rundio, Michael and Rebecca - Baraboo

Schultz, Jerald and Zita - Baraboo

Teelin, Tim and Amy - Baraboo

Thompson, David and Miriam - Baraboo

Wolfe, Barbara - Waunakee

FRIenD

Birdd, Ron - Reedsburg

Bittner, Clarence and BernadetteReedsburg

Fleishauer, Carol - Baraboo

Gilmore, David and elsie - Baraboo

holt, Mike and Sandi - Baraboo

Johnsen, Bill and Deb - Baraboo

Koenecke, Marty and Marlene - Reedsburg

Marking, Charles and Jeanne - Baraboo

Mohar, Warren - Baraboo

Wolcott, Michael - hartland

SPOnSOR

Barrix, Tom and Roberta - Baraboo

Costerisan, Francis and Joanhendersonville, n

holmblad, Tana - Merrimac

Kieffer, Jim and Shirley - Baraboo

Litscher, Joan - Baraboo

Lombard, Jim and Andrea - Baraboo

Putz, Gene and Karen - Gorham, Me

Schulz, Glen and Mary - Sun City, AZ

Ward, Joe and Lou Ann – Baraboo

Business Memberships

FRIenD

LaMasney Construction Co. – Baraboo

SPOnSOR

Senger Lumber - Baraboo

Cliff House Presentation

While early settlers had enjoyed Devil’s lake for years, it was not until shortly after the Civil War ended that a person could stay at the lake without “roughing it.” Five months after the war ended and the country started to return to normal, two enterprising young men decided to build a modest hotel on the north shore. The effort was an immediate success and led to several expansions. The hotel was eventually called the Cliff house and lives in local legend to this day.

The Cliff house and the resort era at Devil’s lake will be the topic of a presentation given on Thursday, March 24 by Society President, Paul Wolter, in Room B24 of the West Square Building in Baraboo.

Other hotels followed the Cliff house but were never as big. Prominent guests included Mary Todd lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. The hotel also hosted many balls, parties and events such as the 1877 regatta on the lake. The presentation will show historic photos of the Cliff house and its surroundings and look at its construction and amenities. While the hotel operated for just under forty years the presentation will also explain why the hotel eventually had to close and was demolished. Original drawings of the Cliff house by architect louis J. Claude will also be shown along with other Cliff house artifacts. Please join us to help celebrate the history of Devil’s lake as the state park turns 100 this year.

The Cliff House was originally finished in 1866 and was called the Minni-Wauken House. A major expansion in 1873 more than doubled the size of the hotel.

Canfield Day, April 12

The birthday of Sauk County’s first historian will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7 pm at the Sauk County historical Museum. William Canfield arrived in the Baraboo valley in 1842 and was immediately struck by the natural beauty of the area. As a surveyor he saw many of the county’s natural wonders and eventually helped promote the area in his writings. Canfield was deeply affected by the beauty and history of Devil’s lake, writing about it as early as 1870 and again in 1873, when he published, a Guide Book to the Wild and Romantic Scenery in Sauk County, Wisconsin. eventually Canfield purchased several acres of land near the lake for the Old Settler’s Association and spent much time there working on various building projects including his famous tree house. A presentation on Canfield and Devil’s lake will be given detailing Canfield’s writings about the lake.

During the evening the Society will also present its annual William h. Canfield history Award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Society members are asked to nominate a local historian for the award by filling out the nomination form inside this issue. The deadline for nominations is April 1. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: erhart Mueller, Ken lange,

Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Bernadette Bittner, Joe Ward and Verlyn Mueller. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

William H. Canfield History Award Nomination

Deadline: April 1, 2011. Submit to: Sauk County historical Society PO Box 651 Baraboo, Wi 53913

Submitter’S NAme ________________________________________________________________ Telephone # ______________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZiP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NomiNee’S NAme _________________________________________________________________ Telephone # _____________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZiP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, please complete the following paragraph in 500 words or less: i nominate________, who, like William h. Canfield, shows a passion for local history as shown by his/her…

President’s report

By Paul Wolter

i have sometimes quipped that “history” is a growth industry because every day that passes is another day of history to be recorded. While some days may seem more historic than others they all add up to become the course of history. As we all live through the days of the Great Recession or whatever future historians may call this period, i am thankful that the Society has such strong supporters. Our members are some of the best in the world and realize that preserving history at a local level is the foundation for a broader understanding of the world and its history. There is much to be preserved. every week the Society receives donated items that add to our collections. Some items, like a Civil War sword that saw action during the war, were part of our broader national history while others like a 19th century sewing machine that was recently donated were part of domestic local life. While humble in origins even the sewing machine can tell us much about our history from the industrial revolution to women’s history to industrial design and craftsmanship. having a safe repository for these items is what the Sauk County historical Society has been about since 1905, first in the court house and since 1938 in the Van Orden Mansion. Sharing these items has also been a priority since day one. The Society has operated a county historical museum for 105 years but only with the help and support of its members, donors and government supporters that include Sauk County, the Village of lake Delton, the Town of laValle and the Town of Delton. The Society is thankful for the operational support of these governmental bodies. Without them we would not be able to do as much to fulfill our mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. As we continue to renovate the history center to expand our operations, support from all of our members is vital to the continued success of the Society. After all we are a perpetual growth industry.

Upcoming Events

Cliff House Presentation

Thursday, March 24 – 7 p.m.

Room B24 West Square Building, Baraboo

Canfield History Award Nomination Deadline

Friday, April 1

Canfield Day

Tuesday, April 12 – 7 p.m.

Sauk County historical Museum, Baraboo

Historic Preservation Photo Contest Deadline

May 7, 2011

Volunteer Bill

recently

for the security system at the Sauk County History Center. Work continues on the wiring and plumbing in the building and insulation will soon be installed followed by the HVAC systems on the upper two floors.

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2011

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913 Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

Schuette

helped install wiring

Historic Preservation Photo Contest

The month of May will again mark the annual celebration of historic Preservation Month. A photography contest will provide the vehicle for county residents to explore the historic heritage of Sauk County. The photo contest is sponsored by the Sauk County UW-U extension, Arts and Culture Committee, and overseen by the Sauk County historical Society.

Photos must be taken in Sauk County, with a subject of historic, architectural or archeological interest and be printed on photographic paper, 5x7 inches in size. Deadline is May 7. First Prize $100. Second Prize $75.

Third Prize $50

entry forms can be downloaded from the SChS website at: www.saukcountyhistory.org or obtained by calling the historical Society at 608-356-1001. entries may be mailed to P.O. Box 651, Baraboo, Wi 53913, or dropped off at the SChS, 531 4th Ave., Baraboo (WedSat, 12-4 pm).

Historic photos of Reedsburg and Baraboo were shown by Society President, Paul Wolter to residents at the Sauk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg in February. Residents enjoyed the trip down memory lane and had many comments on the photos.

FOR this issue, we’d like to shine our volunteer spotlight on Mona larsen.

Mona joined the board of the Sauk County historical Society in the 1980s. She has served as the Society’s President and is now the Membership Committee chair coordinating membership renewals and thank-you letters. She is also on the Special events Committee that conducts the Cemetery Tour, haunted Tour, Tour of historic homes and the Victorian Christmas Celebration. Mona also helps with SChS displays at the Badger Steam and Gas Show and Old Fashioned Day in Baraboo, the Society’s floats in the Witwen Fourth of July Parade and Baraboo’s Christmas light Parade. She is a dedicated volunteer when we have work days at the Museum and the history Center.

Mona’s favorite areas of interest are the Society’s many textiles and historic architecture. “if there are costumes involved for any of our events, or if volunteers need to be called, that’s where i help”, noted Mona. “My favorite things are scheduling the musicians for the Christmas celebration and playing for and baking for the event.” She is always there to help clean up afterwards too.

“i’ve really enjoyed meeting all of the new people that have passed through the museum and i have made some lasting friendships over the years. if anyone is interested in volunteering, there are a large variety of tasks that can be done at the museum. Just call!”

Sunday in the Cemetery – June 26

The Society will host its second Sunday in the Cemetery – living history Tour on Sunday, June 26th from 2-4 p.m. at the Walnut hill Cemetery in Baraboo. Costumed re-enactors will tell the stories of some of the famous and ordinary people buried in the cemetery from pioneers to the Ringling––stories that bring local history to life. The triumphs and tragedies of lives past can inspire and educate us even today. Mark your calendars for this event as it only comes around every two years! Details will be found in the next newsletter.

The Sauk County Fairground Grandstand Restoration Committee is looking for photos of the grandstand. if you have a photo and would like to share it, please contact us at the museum so that we may copy it. 356-1001.

our board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona larsen – Fairfield Township

Todd liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

Rob Nurre – Columbus

David Saloutos – Baraboo

STAFF

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

Rebecca DuBey, Collections & Programs Manager – Stoughton

linda levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Sewing Machine Recent Gift to Society

While many people today take for granted mass-produced clothing made with the help of machines, it was not that long ago that all sewing was done by hand. early pioneers used a simple needle and thread to mend torn garments and to create clothing for everyday wear. The mechanical sewing machine did not appear on the scene until the latter part of the 19th century.

By the late 1870s, several inventors had produced a machine which was the forerunner of today’s modern sewing machines. The invention of a vibrating shuttle was a quantum leap above anything on the market at the time. This movement represents less mechanical motion, which means less friction and wear, higher maximum speed, and higher reliability.

The White Sewing Machine Company is credited with marketing one of the first of these improved machines. Called the White Vibrating Shuttle machine it sold for $50 to $125 in 1879 ($1,100 to $2,799 in today’s money) depending upon the table or cabinet that it was mounted on.

irene Meinen recently donated an 1888 White Sewing machine to the Society. The machine was originally owned by her grandparents, Bertha & Vincent Schneller who lived in Sauk County. The machine was passed to their son, Myron and his wife, Florence, and then to their daughter, irene Schneller Meinen. The machine is in perfect condition complete with all of its attachments and operator’s manual and served several generations. irene noted that, “This is the machine that i learned to sew on when a young girl in the 1940s.”

Pillars of Progress Donors

Since Our Last Newsletter

History Center Benefactor

Richard and Jane Dana

Claude & Starck Associate helen Saloutos

For a complete list of donors to the Pillars of Progress Campaign please visit: www.saukcountyhistory.org

The quilt in the background was also donated by irene. it was made by her grandmother, Bertha Baumgarth, with the help of her great grandmother, Pauline Baumgarth in 1888. Bertha was 18 at the time and resided with her parents, Agusta and Ferdinand Baumgarth, on their farm in Troy Township.

The sewing machine is currently on display at the museum.

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, Wi 53913

ReTURN SeRViCe ReqUeSTeD

New & renewed members for January & February

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER. iNDiViDUAl

Burke, Joann R - Gray, GA

Gall, Steve - Madison

hart, Matt - Gurnee, il

hatfield, Charles - laFarge

huber, lola M - North Freedom

Jaedike, Dale - North Freedom

Karg, Joyce - Baraboo

Kjernes, Sandy - edgerton

Marini, Fred - Melrose

Meyer, Michael R - Madison

Osman, Carl - Baraboo

Powell, Marlene - Baraboo

Schauf, Kathryn - Baraboo

Screnock, Joseph - Baraboo

Vester, Barbara June - San leandro, CA

FAMilY

Diehl, howard and Karen - Sauk City

Doepke, Robert and Carolyn - Baraboo

Flygt, Rex and Charlene - Baraboo

Getschman, lyle and Marjorie - Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron and Brenda - Baraboo

Jenks, Richard and linda - Baraboo

Kern, Marc and Barbara - Baraboo

Kuter, hilda and David - Madison

lindquist, Jerry and laDonna - Verona

lytle, Cassandra and Kaun, Jerry - Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne and Janice - Montello

Porth, Guy and Mary - Reedsburg

Rasmussen, Bob and Corinne - Cable

Riggen, Ray and Deb - Baraboo

Schnee, Brad and Reilly, Mo - Baraboo

Sophie, Chuck and Norma - West Baraboo

Stoikes, Carl - Prairie du Sac

Zahnow, Ralph and Carol - Middleton

Zick, Travis and Kris - Baraboo

FRieND

Geoghegan, John and Jane - Baraboo

Kolberg, Marie J - Madison

Statz, Dave and Denise - Baraboo

Wendt, Jean M – Baraboo

Williams, Susan Burton - Waukesha

Wright, Burt - los Angeles, CA

SPONSOR

Suchomel, eugene C - Wisconsin Dells

Weickgenant, Jim and Myrna - Baraboo

Zitzner, Merlin and Jenele - Baraboo

PATRON

Bennin, John and Judy - Baraboo

larsen, Gene and Mona - Baraboo

BUSiNeSS MeMBeRShiPS

SPONSOR

Baraboo National Bank – Baraboo

www.saukcountyhistory.org

GOVeRNMeNTAl SUPPORT

h e. COle ClUB

Village of lake Delton

PATRON

Town of Delton Snowbirds:

Please be sure to notify the Sauk County historical Society of your alternate address with active dates so you don’t miss any news from us.

Founders’ Day Picnic – June 7

THe annual SCHS Founders’ Day Picnic will be held Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. To celebrate the centennial of Devil’s Lake State Park, the picnic will be held at the Red Oak Shelter at the south shore of the lake. A delicious picnic dinner of pork and beef sandwiches with all of the fixings will be served by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. The speaker for the evening will be Ken Lange, former Devil’s Lake State Park Naturalist, who will speak on “Devil’s Lake – Hotels to State Park.” After

the presentation Lange will lead a walking tour of the south shore area highlighting historical remains such as the bird mound and location where the Kirkland Resort used to be. Reservations can be made by using the form inside this newsletter and need to be made by June 1. A park sticker will be required for all vehicles. Plan on joining the festivities as Devil’s Lake State Park celebrates its 100th year.

Sunday in the Cemetery – June 26

DO you remember the Juliar Theatre? Do you know who it was named for? How many covered bridges did Sauk County once have? How did a bear get into the Cowles’ cabin to eat the pot of beans? The answers to these questions and many more fascinating stories will come to light this summer when the Sauk County Historical Society will once again host Sunday in the Cemetery – A Living History Tour at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. The event will take place on Sunday, June 26 from 2 – 4 p.m. Tour participants will be guided to the graves of famous and ordinary people and hear their stories from costumed interpreters. All new stories have been discovered for this year’s tour, and even though the people may be gone, sometimes their names or reputations live on long after. From the mausoleum of Henry Ringling to the graves of early pioneers, the experiences of some of those who have gone before us will once again come to life. Tour tickets will be sold the day of the tour at the cemetery and will be $8 per person. This fundraiser for the Society is sponsored by Thrivent Financial, Johnsen’s Insurance of Baraboo, the Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home of Baraboo and the Baraboo National Bank.

The stories of some of Baraboo’s past inhabitants will come to life on June 26th at the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour at Walnut Hill Cemetery

Harrisburg School Deeded

eARLIeR This year the historic Harrisburg School on Hwy B in Troy Township was deeded by the Sauk County Historical Society to the Harrisburg Historical Society which has worked successfully to restore and refurbish the 1892 schoolhouse. While the SCHS has owned the building for several years the HHS was started a few years ago and has made great strides in restoring the school and developing the grounds. Working at first as an affiliate of the SCHS, the HHS has since become its own incorporated non-profit historical society and it was upon this designation that the property was deeded to the new organization. The building has become a cultural center for the area and is the pride of the neighborhood. The SCHS would like to congratulate all those involved on this successful project. Anyone who would like to see the building can stop by beginning Sunday, May 29th, from 1 - 4 p.m., and continuing on the first and third Sundays of the month during the summer.

Carol Anderson, President of the Harrisburg Historical Society, received the deed for the Harrisburg School property from SCHS President Paul Wolter. The building has been restored to reflect its origins as a one room schoolhouse and is one of only four schoolhouses which have been made into museums in Sauk County. There were once over 100 rural schoolhouses in Sauk County many of which have been demolished or used for other purposes such as housing.

Time Capsule Installed at History Center

ONe hundred years from now, a fifth grade class will receive greetings from the 2011 fifth grade class of Baraboo’s Gordon L. Willson School.

The Sauk County Historical Society’s History Center is now the repository of a time capsule stuffed with memorabilia that represents the lifestyle of the early 21st century including the students’ letters.

Twenty-one students recently attended the capsule installation ceremony along with their teachers, Jera Daniels and Gena Ardelt. Society President, Paul Wolter, gave the kids a brief history of the historic Island Woolen Mill building which is in the process of being renovated for use as the new Sauk County History Center.

The class was asked to write letters to students of the 22nd century telling them about their interests and what life is like in the world of an eleven-year-old of today.

One student wondered about time travel, “Do you have teleportation devices? If you do, please come and visit.” Another speculated, “If you’re reading this, it must mean the world hasn’t ended yet.” Still another asked, “Is Baraboo booming with life, or is it just a small town? Is Baraboo even there?” One student noted, “I’m most likely dead right now, if not, I’ll be one-hundred eleven and I’ll

be hobbling around.” The letters were then placed inside the time capsule by each author.

Other items included in the capsule are a film camera, cell phone, AM transistor radio, paper money and coins, a Packer Superbowl T-shirt, TV Guide, menus from various restaurants, photos of Circus World Museum and dozens of other artifacts which represent a glimpse of how we live today. If you imagine what life was like a hundred years ago in 1911, it may give you some idea of how things will have changed a century from today.

eleanor Roosevelt once remarked, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” These students have set some of their dreams to paper, addressed them to the future and stamped them with the hope and exuberance of youth.

Heating, ventilation and cooling systems are being installed at the history center by Statz Mechanical of Reedsburg. Each floor will have its own furnace, air conditioner and humidification system to control the climate for each space and provide for the proper environment for the archival materials which will be housed at the history center.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

Donna Lange of Reedsburg was awarded the 2011 William H. Canfield History Award on April 12 at the Sauk County Historical Museum by Society President, Paul Wolter. Lange is an avid genealogist and has researched families from the Towns of Reedsburg, Westfield and Winfield for over 30 years. With over 54,000 people registered on her computer, Lange is the foremost authority on family history in this area and has helped hundreds of people from across the country with their own family research. Lange, like Canfield, has added immensely to the local history of Sauk County and has generously shared this information with others. The Society would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that Donna Lange has done and congratulate her on receiving the award.

I am very excited about a new program the Society will be starting this summer which will hopefully engage more Sauk County residents with their own local history. The program will be called Town History Nights and will be held at town halls throughout Sauk County. Residents of a particular town will be invited to an evening of learning, sharing and networking. The Society will provide an overview of the history of the town including how it received its name and residents will be encouraged to bring artifacts, documents, pictures and most importantly their memories and family stories. A series of questions and topics will hopefully open the memory banks and a dialogue with local residents who are the best but often untapped source for local history information. The inaugural town for the program will be Honey Creek, a town rich with its own unique heritage. Town residents will also be introduced to more of what the Society does and can offer. I must admit that I would like to take credit for this idea, but actually the idea is being borrowed from our friends at the Adams County Historical Society. They have had good success with this program and it helps a “county” historical society actually get out into the county. I am very excited to find out what the Society will learn and by what we can offer. On another note I am also very excited about progress at the history center. The heating, cooling and ventilation systems for the upper two floors are going in; rough electrical work is nearly complete as is the rough plumbing. The next step will be hanging the drywall which will dramatically change the interior as rooms finally have solid walls. While we still need the funds for this next step it is amazing to see how far we have already come and exciting to think that those town memories that we collect will someday be stored in the history center for future generations.

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Wm Jennings Bryan Visits Van Orden Mansion

MAy 31 will mark the centennial of a visit by famed orator and politician William Jennings Bryan to Baraboo and the Van Orden Mansion. Well recognized in his time, Bryan was as popular as a celebrity and a politician. Born in Salem, Illinois in 1860, Bryan became a dominant force in the Democratic Party and was its presidential candidate three times around the turn of the 20th century. Bryan was perhaps best known as an orator and toured the country giving speeches on various topics he championed. Bryan’s visit to Baraboo was to promote the railroad and the yMCA and to give a speech on the progress of the age. He arrived with a delegation by train around 2 p.m. and was picked up by Mr. Van Orden and his “big automobile”. A stop was made at the high school where Bryan made a brief speech to the faculty and students on the value of education. After touring the city, the party made their way to the Van Orden mansion where Bryan was entertained. Later that evening a banquet was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall downtown where Bryan spoke about the benefits of the yMCA on the lives of young men and the greater community. A speech at the Methodist Church rounded out the evening where over 700 people packed in to hear Bryan speak on “The Signs of the Times”. Bryan expounded on the progress being made around the world especially regarding democratic government, and spoke on domestic affairs, praising the work of Senator LaFollette. Bryan left on the midnight train for St. Paul and though his time in Baraboo was brief it was described as “a flow of eloquence that one does not often hear in Baraboo.”

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

SCHS to Inaugurate Town History Nights at Honey Creek

THe Sauk County Historical Society will co-host a Honey Creek Town History Night with the Honey Creek Town Board in June at the Honey Creek Town Hall, e8712 County Road C (intersection of Denzer Road and County C). The event will be the first in a series of town history nights that the SCHS plans to hold in the coming years throughout Sauk County. The exact date will be published soon on the Society website and published in area newspapers.

The history night, a veritable “show and tell,” will involve members of the SCHS Board and current or former Honey Creek residents sharing historical photos, articles, and artifacts as well as telling stories about the history of Honey Creek. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., but anyone that wishes to bring something large to display should arrive by 6:30 to set it up. Please bring memories, stories, photos and artifacts that you would like to show. SCHS will bring a scanner to copy photos and articles to add to the Sauk County Historical Society’s collection.

SCHS plans to hold two town history nights each year. Such events fulfill the SCHS mission to collect, preserve and share the history of the county.

Devil’s Lake

Centennial Events

May – Dec 31: Devil’s Lake State Park Exhibit Sauk County Historical Museum

May 19th Auto Hike. Tour points of interest by car. Contact Devil’s Lake SP Nature Center for details.

June 25nd: Official Opening Day Celebration –Featuring “dignitaries, speeches,” Details coming.

July 23rd: Costume Dance. Saturday night at the Devil’s Lake Chateau

July 22-23: Buffalo Bill Reenactment at Circus World Museum (Baraboo)

August 28th: Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park’s Ice Cream Social

Volunteer Spotlight

IN this issue of our newsletter, we spotlight volunteers

Shelly Mordini, Paula Maheu, and Cheyenne Gavin. Why did you decide to volunteer at the SCHS?

S.M. When I worked with the Job Training Assistant program in the 1990’s we placed a student at the Historical Society. I saw the volunteer need and incorporated it into my decision.

P.M. I like volunteering because I can learn a new job trade.

C.G. I wanted to help clean the Historical Society [mansion].

What is the area of your interest?

S.M. I supervise students. I also will help to plant the [Society’s] garden with Bob Doepke.

P.M. I work on scanning [newspaper] articles into the computer.

C.G. I clean the upstairs of the Historical Society

What is your favorite thing that you do at the SCHS?

P.M. I love seeing the articles that I am scanning.

C.G. I enjoy looking at the pictures while I am cleaning. What do you like best about volunteering?

S.M. I enjoy the atmosphere of the Society and seeing the garden flourish.

P.M. I enjoy learning new historical facts.

C.G. I enjoy helping people.

Shelly also added that “Paula and Cheyenne are students at Baraboo High School and part of the Transition Plus program that I run for the Baraboo School District.”

Shelly Mordini, Cheyenne Gavin, Paula Maheu

Class of 1944 Adopts Society

MeMBeRS of the Baraboo High School of 1944 have stepped up to the plate to support the history center renovation and the Society. With contributions from fourteen classmates towards the history center renovation the BHS Class of 1944 is close to owning a “Pillar” at the $25,000 category. All Pillar owners will be recognized on the Pillars of Progress plaque which will be displayed at the history center when it opens. While all donations are vital, Pillars help move the renovation progress along in great leaps. The gifts that the members of the Baraboo High School class of 1944 make will have a lasting impact on many generations to come. The Society would like to thank the class members for their generosity and interest. As a side note, many of them may not realize that the high school building they went to school in was designed by the same architects as the Island Woolen Mill office building. Both buildings are still serving the community, one in part thanks to the continued generosity of the Baraboo High School Class of 1944.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Fairfield Township

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

Ann Miller – Baraboo

Rob Nurre – Columbus

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Collections & Programs Manager

– Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Pillars of Progress

Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter.

Claude & Starck Associate

Helen Saloutos

Lasting Legacy Patron

Lou and Agnes Bach – BHS Class of 1944

David and eleanor Voss Rice –BHS Class of 1944

Halls of History Supporter

Alice Hinz – BHS Class of 1944

Charles Sarahan – BHS Class of 1944

William & Gretchen Dresen

Second Century Sponsor

John Lenihan – BHS Class of 1944

Stephen & eleanore Chiquoine

Contributing

Frances Lehnherr Rouse – BHS Class of 1944

Colleen Rooney Lins – BHS Class of 1944

Wallace & Norma Peterson ClavadatscherBHS Class of 1944

Marilyn Reul Nietz – BHS Class of 1944

Dave & Jo Holaday – BHS Class of 1944

Verle Voll Stultz – BHS Class of 1944

Margaret Burkman Wagner –BHS Class of 1944

For a complete list of donors to the Pillars of Progress Campaign please visit: www.saukcountyhistory.org

May/June, 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTuRN SeRVICe RequeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for March & April

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDuAL

Alton, Bonnie – Wisconsin Dells

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Booth, Rae – San Jose, CA

Burton, Michelle – Beloit

Cook, Betty J – Clarksville, TN

Dallman, Virginia – North Freedom

Draper, Margaret – DeForest

Follendorf, Brandon – Baraboo

Gerdman, Lynn – Baraboo

Goddard, Dick – North Freedom

Greimel, Mark – Spring Green

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Hiller, Becca – Clintonville

Honer, Jim – Madison

Hulterstrum, Carol – Baraboo

Kaufmann, Sandy – Madison

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

Kluck, Carol – Medford, NJ

Krause, Gary J – Viroqua

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Larson, Jill M – Baraboo

Linder, Jim – San Jose, CA

Loomis, Dale – Baraboo

McArthur, Joan – Baraboo

McCarthy, Tom – Traverse City, MI

Meadowcroft, Linda – Baraboo

Meinen, Irene – Shoreview, MN

Mordini, Shelley – Baraboo

Mueller, Sue – Baraboo

Murray, Joanne – Baraboo

Nichols, Peggy – New London

Olson, earl F – Dawsonville, GA

Peck, William R, IV – St. Paul, MN

Riedel, Patricia – Hillpoint

Rohde, Marilyn – Baraboo

Rouse, Frances (nee Lehnherr) – So Milwaukee

Sarahan, Charles A – College Park, MD

Schreiber, William, Jr. – Baraboo

Schuknecht, Patricia Gottschall – Lodi

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Smith, Barb – Baraboo

Smith, Jean – Baraboo

Stiemke, Sandra – Sauk City

Stultz, Verle (nee Voll) – Silver Spring, MD

Talg, Beverly (nee Barkenhagen) – LaCrosse

Vertein, Wava J – North Freedom

Weiss, Karin Schuette – Tigard, OR

Worthman, Steven – St. Paul, MN

FAMILy

Bittermann, Lawrence & Patricia – Batavia, IL

Breen, Joyce & Bob – Hartford

Canepa, Mary & Millie – Baraboo

Frank, Ken & Rhonda – Mazomanie

Green, Charles & Donna – Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica – Baraboo

Huebsch, Allen – edgar

Jackson, Gerald & Sandra – Baraboo

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Klaetsch, Walter & Debra – North Freedom

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, CO

Mielke, Dick & Melanie – North Freedom

Nolden, Tim & Kathy – Baraboo

Pointon, Phil & Alonna – Baraboo

Rice, David & eleanor (nee Voss) – Milwaukee

Rochacewicz, Frederick – Baraboo

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Schreiber, William & Marian – Baraboo

Schroeder, Roy & Judy – Loganville

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & emma – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Frank & Colleen – Baraboo

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

FRIeND

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac

Austin, Jim – Oracle, AZ

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Cole, Donald – DeForest

edwards, Dan & Sandy – Baraboo

Hambach, Arleen – Aurora, IL

Hinz, Alice (nee Bisch) – Dubuque, IA

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Koenig, Arthur & Frances – Madison

Krainik, Marnie – Waukesha

Lewison, eric & Ginny – Baraboo

Schultz, Ronald G – Fletcher, NC

Stanley, Robert F – Newton, IA

Thurow, Dennis & Kathleen – Baraboo

umhoefer, Paul & Aural – Baraboo

Vodak, Barbara – Baraboo

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

Wendt, Audrey – Baraboo

Whyte, Robin – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

Beard, William J & Corinne – Baraboo

Brekke, Jay & Lynn – Baraboo

Brozak, Landis & Angela – North Freedom

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & eleanore – Reedsburg

Dargel, Jerry & ellen – Baraboo

Dresen, William & Gretchen – Baraboo

Dutton, elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Johnson, Mike & Sue – Wisconsin Dells

Lange, Ken & esther – Baraboo

Oyan, Don – Sun City, AZ

SaLoutos, Helen – Baraboo

Schellenberger, William & Alice – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Robert & Beverly – LaValle

Wolter, Paul – Baraboo

yeck, Robert & Louise – Silver Spring, MD

PATRON

Dewel, Robert C – Baraboo

Regan, Jim & Barbara – Baraboo

GOVeRNMeNTAL SuPPORT - PATRON

Town of LaValle – LaValle

BUSINESS SPONSOR.:

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

Timme’s Mill Talk – August 11

A presentation on Timme’s Mill and Mirror Lake will be given on Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m. at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building in Lake Delton. Society President Paul Wolter will talk about the creation of Mirror Lake, the dam there and the development of Timme’s Mill which was once a prominent grist mill on the lake. Historic pictures of the lake, dam and mill will be shown and discussed. Other historic sites like the Grotto Bar, which was built in a cave near the dam, will also be shown.

Society Receives WHS-WCLH Grant

The Society’s fourth grade educational program, Sauk County Investigators, or SCI for short, was presented at Lake Delton elementary school in May by retired educator and Society member, Sue Johnson. Also on hand was Becca DuBey, the SCHS Program and Collections manager, to experience and help facilitate the program which teaches students how to use first hand historical documents. The Society would like to sincerely thank Sue Johnson for volunteering her time to teach the program.

THe Society has been awarded a grant of $512 from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Council for Local History which provide annual grants to “support projects and activities that strengthen a local organization’s ability to manage and preserve historical collections.” SCHS Collections and Program Manager, Becca DuBey, applied for the grant to pay for much needed archival supplies including acid free boxes for textiles storage. The granting organizations encourage matching funds to double the grant amount and provide twice the impact. Several Society members have stepped forward to match the grant thus providing over $1,000 to buy archival supplies. As our collections have better storage conditions, the eventual reorganization of the museum’s collections—which will take place when the history center opens—will be smoother and easier on the artifacts.

First TV in Baraboo

By Bill Schuette

THe period after WWII is considered the second birth of television. Families had accumulated money during the war years, and were eager to spend it on homes, cars, and entertainment, which they had been denied during the conflict. Television sets were one of the items on their must-have list.

John Danube was an early retailer of radios in Baraboo, and later, when television came along, he sold the first sets in the area. He initially came to Baraboo to work at the power plant and later worked for Mr. Kieffer, in his electronics store. There was a little cubbyhole upstairs in the store where John repaired radios. He got his training in radio repair through a correspondence course from the National Radio Institute.

In a recent interview Dorothy, John’s wife, recalled that when the first television set--a Fada brand--was displayed in the window of their store, people stood outside and were fascinated by the fact that they could finally put faces to the actors who had entertained them for half a century on the radio. Although, the picture was often snowy, it did not deter the crowd from coming. She said that when the picture faded away, the crowd would leave, only to return later to see if the picture had cleared up. They were probably watching WTMJ, channel 4, Milwaukee, which came on the air on Dec. 3, 1947. Some early television shows were Howdy Doody, Kraft Television Theater, and Kukla, Fran & Ollie.

Dorothy said that her family did not have a TV set in their own home until years later.

“I remember all our tube shelves, all those tubes we used to have, along with condensers and resisters,” recalled Dorothy. She would help out by checking tubes

and doing the bookwork.

John put up a tall antenna on the shop to receive the distant stations located in Milwaukee and Green Bay. One of his employees was Dan Rosenthal, who helped out repairing radios.

Ted, John’s son, noted, “I used to climb towers. When I was 12 or 13, I went up on the Farm Kitchen’s 100 foot aerial. I loved climbing.”

John also had a public address sound system, with a large horn speaker mounted on top of his car. He’d be hired to take it to the county fairs at Mauston and Baraboo, and to other gatherings such as the fisheries on Devils Lake. “I remember that every Friday night before there was a football game [at Baraboo High School], my dad would put up a single speaker on a high school kid’s car, and they’d drive all over town announcing the game at Mary Rountree field, and urging people to come,” said Ted.

John Danube retired in 1975, and he died in 1978.

An exhibit on Devil’s Lake has been installed at the Sauk County Historical Museum highlighting the lake before and after the state park was established one hundred years ago. Pictures, paintings, maps, postcards and drawings of the lake and its environs show how the lake area has changed over the last 160 years. A special part of the exhibit includes reproduction stereopticon cards with viewers that guests can use to see vintage views of the lake and its rock formations in 3-D. The exhibit will be up until November.

Ted Danube (son of Dan and Dorothy), left, and his brother Tom, recently donated the Fada TV set, the first one in Baraboo, to the Sauk County Historical Society

Cemetery Tour Successful

A record crowd of 270 people, from as far away as Milwaukee, attended the “Sunday in the Cemetery –Living History Tour “ at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. The event was presented by the Sauk County Historical Society and sponsored by Thrivent Financial, the RagoBaldwin Funeral Home of Baraboo, Johnsen’s Insurance in Baraboo, and the Baraboo National Bank. The tour featured 11 graves where actors portrayed the lives of the people buried there. From a humble english shoemaker to the grandfather of the Ringling Brothers, stories of Baraboo’s famous and ordinary people came to life in a dramatic way. The one and only repeat from the tour in 2009 was the grave of John Duckins, an African American who escaped slavery in Kentucky and eventually lived and died in Baraboo, and whose gravestone is badly deteriorated. Tour participants were asked to contribute if they wished to help replace the stone and a fund has been set up at the historical society to do so. Anyone wishing to donate can contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 356-1001. The cemetery tour is a fundraiser for the Society and funds collected will help it to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve, and share Sauk County

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

IF you’re a genealogist you might have heard of a website dedicated to “Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness” where you can request a stranger far away to research something for you just about anywhere in the country. Well, there should also be a site dedicated to “Random Acts of Historical Society Kindness.” Recently the Society has been the recipient of some generosity which was not exactly “random” but was unexpected. First when some shingles on the Van Orden Mansion came loose from a wind storm and were found on the lawn, Millen Roofing of Milwaukee, which re-roofed the museum in 1996, came up and replaced them at no charge – now there’s a company that stands behind its work! Second, when a window was found to have been mysteriously broken at the History Center, our Kolbe & Kolbe Window representative, Val Cihaski, procured a replacement sash at no charge, again another company that stands behind its products! Other acts of kindness have included the wonderful flowers that were donated to the museum and later planted by the Sauk

history through outreach programs, research facilities, and the operation of the Sauk County Historical Museum in Baraboo. A DVD and booklet of the tour are now available for $8 each and anyone interested should contact the Society.

County Master Gardeners, yard work done by anonymous volunteers, students taught by a retired teacher, and stories told at a cemetery by actors on a Sunday afternoon to groups lead around by volunteer guides. Of course every week, membership support comes in to the Society which is an ongoing act of kindness and volunteers give countless hours to do everything from research to cleaning. The Society is truly supported by kind and caring individuals, businesses and organizations as we continue our mission to collect, preserve and share the unique history of this great county!

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org www.saukcountyhistory.org

Dale Loomis portrayed Nicholas Juliar at the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Juliar was the maternal grandfather of the Ringling Brothers and their cousins the Gollmars and the Moellers.

The Society’s first Town History Night at the Honey Creek Town Hall in Denzer was a big success on June 17. Over forty people attended the event and heard about the history of the town. They were then invited to share their own stories about historical items they brought and memories of past events. Many items were scanned by Society Secretary Bill Schuette who had his computer and scanner on hand. Sauk County’s twenty-two towns each have a unique history which will each be highlighted as the Society continues the town history night program.

The 1915 headstone of John Duckins, once a fugitive slave from Kentucky, is badly deteriorated and a fund has been established to replace it. To donate please contact the Society.

As part of the year long Devil’s Lake State Park Centennial celebration, invited guests and the public were welcomed to the main event at the lake on June 25th. Speakers included Steve Smelzer, Park Superintendent; Dan Schutte, Parks Bureau Director; Kathy Stepp, DNR Secretary; and Governor Scott Walker. A plaque was unveiled near the North Shore Chateau commemorating the centennial.

Photo Contest Winners

AS part of Historic Preservation month in May, the Sauk County UW extension -Arts & Culture Committee and the Sauk County Historical Society once again held a historic preservation photo contest. Twenty photos were submitted by nine individuals. First prize of $100 went to Andrea Brooks of Hill Point for her photo entitled, “Alone and Forgotten”. Second prize of $75 went to Tammy Leidig of Prairie du Sac for her photo entitled, “Standing Strong”. Third prize of $50 also went to Tammy Leidig for her photo, “Paid Its Dues”. This year’s photo theme was “pictures of historic architectural or archeological interest”. We congratulate the winners of the 2011 photo contest.

All entries will be on display in the West Square Building in Baraboo, near the west entry, and may also be viewed on the Sauk County Historical Society’s web site at: www.saukcountyhistory.org

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

First prize winner, Andrea Brooks.

Master Gardner’s Tend SCHS Flower Beds

MeMBeRS of the Sauk County Master Gardner’s Association (SCMGA) agreed to plant and care for the flower gardens at the Sauk County Historical Museum this summer. The SCMGA is made up of individuals who enjoy the beauty of flower gardening and sharing their talents with others. Headed by Phyllis Both, they are applying their skills to beautify the grounds of the Van Orden Mansion. The purpose of the SCMGA is “exclusively for horticultural education to supplement the effort of the University of Wisconsin extension Program and thereby provide education and information on horticultural and environmental stewardship to the residents of Sauk County.”

The SCHS has also accepted a generous donation of flowers and foliage from John Schwenn, a “garden hobbyist”, as he describes himself. He recently traveled from Walworth to deliver 60 Coleus plants and 190 of Salvia. These flowers have greatly enhanced the appearance of the grounds at the museum. Mr. Schwenn inherited his love of gardening from his grandfather, Henry H. Tinkham, who, at the age of 81, took first prize for his Victory Garden in 1943. He was awarded a $25 war bond for his efforts. Henry lived in Baraboo and John often visited him there. Tinkham Trail in West Baraboo is named after Henry Tinkham.

John Schwenn, left, of Walworth donated more than 200 plants to the Society for use at the Van Orden Mansion. They were planted with the help of Phyllis Both of the Sauk County Master Gardener’s Association.

Volunteers Needed for BS&G Show

The Badger Steam and Gas Show will be held on August 19, 20 and 21st. If you would like to help out at the Society’s exhibit and display area please contact the museum at 608-356-1001.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen, Baraboo

Todd Liebman, Baraboo

Ann Miller, Baraboo

Rob Nurre, Columbus

David Saloutos, Baraboo

Ken Weitzel, Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Collections & Programs Manager

Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

Claude & Starck Associate

Helen Saloutos

Gene and Mona Larsen

Lasting Legacy Patron

David and Denise Statz

Contributing

Landon and Janice Risteen –BHS Class of 1944

Florence HarmelBHS Class of 1944

John and Bernice BergenBHS Class of 1944

David and Marcia Swanson

For a complete list of donors to the Pillars of Progress Campaign please visit: www.saukcountyhistory.org

July/August, 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for May and June

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Baraboo, Jerry – Kirksville, MO

Bayley, Ray – Madison

Beals, Kimberly – Wrentham, MA

Britton, Richard – Brookfield

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Cunningham, Sandra – Reedsburg, WI

Domeier, Pamela – Lenexa, KS

Goeden, Jeanette – Wind Lake

Guell, David L – Oregon

Haskins, William W – Baraboo

Hofmann, Donna – Reedsburg

Hummer, Jody – Santa Monica, CA

Johnson, Kathryn O’Brien – Austin, TX

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kreier, Nancy – Portage

Krueger, Mary L – Baraboo

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Roundy, Lee J – Portage

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Schara, Jerald – Mazomanie

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo

Shepard, Theodore W – Spokane Valley, WA

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Telkamp, Susan e – Ivanhoe, MN

Thiessen, Betty – Baraboo

Thiessen, Jerome L – Baraboo

Ulickey, Darlene – Cordillera, CO

Van Allen, Mary – Bloomington, IL

York, Sue – Baraboo

FAMILY

Bock, Susan J – Carmel, IN

Brandt, Ron & Janet – elgin, IL

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo

Caflisch, Gordon & Janice – Baraboo

Clemens, Inger – Wisconsin Dells

Corton, Jerry & Nel – Baraboo

Cowan, Derek & Katie – Baraboo

Delacour, James – Tacoma, WA

eilertson, Rick & Yenti – Baraboo

Gogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Hein, Harold & Audrey – Baraboo

Jessie, James – Norco, CA

Jorewiez, Wayne & Ada – Baraboo

Juliar, Marvin & Barbara – evanston, IL

Kenyon, Larry – Sunnyvale, CA

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Nashota

Larson, Scott & Rachel – Baraboo

Martiny, Mike & Peg – Princeville, IL

May, David & Kathy – Baraboo

Mayer, Roberta & Charles – Lyndon Station

McCoy, Larry & Keri Olson – Baraboo

Miller, Susan – Baraboo

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Paquette, Pete & Carole – Baraboo

Peck, Thomas C – San Francisco, CA

Popp, Alice – Baraboo

Rubel, Hal & Aliceson – Cary, IL

Schell, Mike & Mary – Baraboo

Schertz, Bill & Amy – Baraboo

Shook, Don & Verna – Baraboo

Statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

Stone, Tim & Kristi DuBois – Baraboo

Sturgis, Peter & June – Baraboo

Turnquist, Terry & Patricia – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – North Freedom

FRIeND

Bakke, Fr. Larry – Baraboo

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Goc, Michael – Friendship

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara – Baraboo

Myers, Harvey & Carol – Reedsburg

Schuebel, Tim & Susan – Baraboo

Waddell, Mark & Joellen – Baraboo

Weinhold, Frank & Mariana - Madison

SPONSOR

Campbell, John & Susan – Wisconsin Dells

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

Kriegl, Thomas – Baraboo

LaCombe, Charles & Kathleen – Baraboo

Scoles, Alan H – Wichita, KS

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – Waunakee

PATRON

Bullard, Jerry & Patricia – Reedsburg

Dresen, William & Gretchen – Baraboo

BeNeFACTOR

Davenport, John & elizabeth – Minnetonka, MN

Wright, eleanor C – Anacortes, WA

BUSINESS SPONSORS

Agri Resources, LLC – Wisconsin Dells

Gavin Bros. Auction & Real estate –Reedsburg

BUSINESS FRIENDS

Bananaboat Advertising Graphics –Baraboo

Holiday Wholesale, Inc. –Wisconsin Dells

Life in the Slow Track:

Three bikes, 1300 miles, One incredible journey!

October 6, 6pm

IN the spring of 1939 the Baraboo high School was abuzz with the rumor that earl Wichern, Ken harvey, and Bob Schult were about to do something kind of crazy: They were going to ride bicycles from Baraboo to New York City to see the World’s Fair. But it wasn’t just a rumor. The boys actually did it and set out on the adventure of a lifetime. More than fifty years later the story was recounted by earl Wichern in his book, “Life in the Slow Track.” Now on the seventy-second anniversary of their return the Society will hold an event to commemorate that amazing trip. earl Wichern will recount parts of

the trip and read selections from his book on Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m. at the Sauk County historical Museum. The event is being co-sponsored by Wildside Adventure Sports of Baraboo. Pictures from the trip will also be shown. Copies of Wichern’s book are available at the museum for those that would like to read the story ahead of time. You will be transported to a simpler time that would soon vanish with the onset of World War II. Three boys became men and a nation soon became a war machine, but for a few brief weeks during the summer of 1939 a crazy dream was realized.

Sauk County Historical Society Annual Banquet & Business Meeting – October 13

The Sauk County historical Society will hold its annual banquet and business meeting on Tuesday, October 13 at 6 p.m. at the Rock Spring Community Center. A delicious dinner by Geffert’s Catering will be served buffet style at 6 p.m., and the annual business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Robert Moore of Verona will be the guest speaker and talk about the CCC camp at Devil’s Lake State Park and

his new book on the subject. Moore is a retired American history teacher and was also an interpretive specialist for the U.S. Forest Service in Arizona. A separate flyer and reservation form are included in this newsletter. Please mark your calendars and send in your reservation. The deadline for reservations is October 6th.

Tour of Historic Haunts

October 22, 7:00pm

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WhAT calamity struck the first Ringling Brothers Circus? What was burned in the streets in 1918? Where did August Ringling Sr. really die? These questions and more will be answered during the Society’s sixth annual Tour of historic haunts to be held on Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. The tour will start this year on the courthouse square where groups will be guided to stops on Second and Third Avenues, Broadway and Oak Street. This area was one of the earliest parts developed after a village was platted in 1847 and originally named “Adams.” Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased the night of the tour. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Parking will be available on the square. For more information check out the events link at our website www. saukcountyhistory.org

Upcoming Events:

Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. Greenfield Town History Night Greenfield Town hall

Oct. 6 - 6 p.m. Life in the Slow Track Sauk County historical Museum

Oct.13 - 6 p.m. Annual Banquet and Business Meeting Rock Springs Community Center

Oct. 16 - 2 p.m. Duckens Stone Dedication Walnut hill Cemetery

Oct. 22 - 7 p.m. Tour of Historic Haunts Courthouse Square

BY the time you read this most of us will have remembered exactly where we were on the 11th of this month ten years ago. It isn’t often that one day’s events can simultaneously sear the memory of millions of people giving them shared remembrances. But from time to time events of a certain magnitude do occur and give everyone that memory that they will have forever. More often than not these events are of a tragic nature, though hopefully, lessons can be learned from them. One of the slogans you may have noticed on the back of this newsletter is “Let the past enrich your present.” While it is just a phrase, there is some real truth to it. We can either let the past affect us in a positive or a negative way. In much the same way we can choose to affect the future in a negative or positive way. The Sauk County historical Society works hard to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve, and share the past for now and for the future. Your support of the Society helps us do just that. Projects like the Sauk County history Center have been designed for growth and for future generations. As time marches on the Society will be ready to play its part in reminding people about the importance of the past from everyday life to those extraordinary days that can shape a nation.

Society President Paul Wolter gave a presentation on Timme’s Mill to a crowd of seventy at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building in Lake Delton in August. The creation of Mirror Lake and the mill were discussed and some attendees also brought pictures and artifacts from the once popular mill.

SCHS curator Becca DuBey recently took several vintage hats culled from the society’s collection for a presentation at St. Claire Meadows Nursing Home in Baraboo. DuBey noted, “They intrigued me because they all had wide brims, high crowns, and unusually large, roomy interiors. They were, in fact, the hats of the Gibson Girl look.” The hats were fashionable between 1900 and 1920. It was a look characterized by curvaceous figures, and the alluring, “come hither” effect of gently gathered hair piled loosely on top of the head, with dainty tendrils escaping around the face. She said, “This style contrasted with previous hair styles, where women pulled the hair back into tight, compact buns, away from their face, giving a rather severe look.” Women, themselves, had undergone a change; it was the Gibson Girl who, challenging the “man’s world,” made her way working outside of the home, and who rallied to win the women’s right to vote. Flappers, with their straight figures and close-fitted, brimless, cloche hats replaced the Gibson girls in the 1920s.

Greenfield to Host Town History Night

The second in a series of ongoing Town history Nights will be held in Greenfield on Tuesday, October 4th at 7 p.m. Former and current residents of Greenfield are encouraged to attend a night of history and sharing at the historic Greenfield town hall on County W. A short presentation on the history of the town will be given followed by an opportunity to share pictures, memorabilia and artifacts related to the town. Residents are encouraged to bring historic material they would like to share. A scanner will be on hand to copy items for the Society’s collections.

Duckens Stone to be Placed

The fund to replace the headstone of a former slave buried in Walnut hill Cemetery in Baraboo has reached its goal and a new stone is being made. John Duckens, who escaped slavery in Kentucky, eventually lived and died in Baraboo in 1894 without any family. In 1915, a stone was placed on his grave by friends who knew him. Nearly one hundred years later the stone has deteriorated and is nearly illegible. The new stone will be placed this fall and a brief commemoration will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 2 p.m. at the Walnut hill Cemetery. Thank you to everyone who contributed to replace the stone.

Old Sauk Trails • September/October 2011

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum 531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Devil’s Lake Centennial—Traveling the South Shore road was much different in 1920, and perhaps more dangerous too.

This year, the SCHS was again invited to create a display in the Women’s Events building during the annual Badger Steam and Gas Show in August. The highlight of the Society exhibits was a display of early 20th Century women’s hats, created by SCHS Curator Becca DuBey. Also displayed was a quilt loaned by Sauk County which highlighted notable women of Sauk County. Thanks to the following people for helping make this event a success: Ralph & Pam Krainik, Bob Doepke, Carl Osman, Steve & Libby Rundio, Gene & Mona Larsen, Earl & Diane Thomas, Jean Smith, Paul Wolter, and Bill Schuette.

Volunteers Needed

SChS Curator Becca DuBey is looking for assistance to help with the duties listed below. If you would like to volunteer to help out, please contact the museum at (608) 356-1001.

Look up and enter names into Past Perfect archival program (1 person)

Responsibilities: Using the early artifact Register, this person will look up the donor in the Past Perfect Museum Software Contacts file, write the contact number down in the register, or, add the name to the Contact file and then record the contact number in the register. A brief training period will be provided.

Skills required:

1. keyboard input skills

2. attention to detail

3. ability to read old writing is helpful

Interleaving scrapbook for Archival Preservation (1 person)

Responsibilities: Removing tape and re-adhering newspaper clippings with archival tapes, then cutting tissue paper and inserting it between leaves of a scrapbook. Training provided, about 30 minutes

Skills required:

1. care in handling delicate newspaper

2. attention to detail

3. interest in preservation techniques

Becca DuBey, SCHS Curator, is shown holding two archivalquality artifact boxes recently purchased with funds awarded to the Society as part of the Mini-Grant program. Each year the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Council for Local History award Mini-Grants to support collections care and management. The SCHS applied for and was awarded a grant for $512.00 with matching funds to be raised by the Society. With the grant money the Society has purchased 25 archival quality textile boxes and 40 artifact boxes which will help protect delicate collections both in storage and during our reorganization when we move into the History Center.

Slumberland Furniture

Furniture that lives the way you do Located on Hwy 12 next to Gander Mountain

We hope to see you soon for all your home furnishing needs!

Stop in or call us at 356-9555

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

History Center Challenge

The journey to renovate the old Island Woolen Mill office building into the Sauk County history Center began over five years ago and has had some interesting twists and turns. One of the most pleasant parts of the journey has been the ongoing support of Society members and friends who realize the importance of this project. This fall we approach the next major step in the completion of the project. Drywall can be installed as the mechanical systems installations are nearing completion. Dave and Denise Statz of Baraboo have offered a challenge grant of

$10,000 to help complete the drywall and painting of the upper two floors. Any donations to the Pillars of Progress Restoration fund by the end of the year will be matched up to the $10,000 challenge amount. This step will be one of the most dramatic of the renovation as rooms will finally take shape. Please consider making a donation and helping the history center complete this next major step. Contact the Society for more information or donate on line at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen, Baraboo

Todd Liebman, Baraboo

Ann Miller, Baraboo

David Saloutos, Baraboo

Ken Weitzel, Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Pillars of Progress Donors

history Center donations since our last newsletter

Claude & Starck Associate

Sharon McArthur

helen Saloutos

Island Woolen Mill Friend

Robert DiRenzo – Class of 1942

Second Century Sponsor

Robert Fleming – Class of 1946

More Baraboo Classes Support History Center

Class members from the Baraboo Classes of 1942 and 1946 have joined the Class of 1944 in supporting the history center renovation through the Pillars of Progress Campaign. Robert DiRenzo, BhS Class of 1942, and Robert Fleming, BhS Class of 1946, have both given on behalf of their respective class. Other class members are encouraged to support this worthwhile project and have their class represented.

For a complete list of donors to the Pillars of Progress Campaign please visit: www.saukcountyhistory.org

September/October, 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for July and August

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Blau, Jennifer – Baraboo

Cimino, Ben – Waunakee

Clark, Megan – LaCrosse

Dwars, Vera – Baraboo

Fisher, Kimberly – Sauk City

Gosewehr, K.e. – Madison

Green, edwin – Baraboo

Gunderson, Sharon – River Falls

haarklau, Kevin – Lodi

harvey, Barbara – Sonora, CA

Keister, Jacqueline – Baraboo

Kidder, Larry – ewing, NJ

Koenig, Steve – Loganville

Koski, Mary – Baraboo

Krohn, Luanne – Reedsburg

Kurzawinski, John – Schererville, IN

LaMasney, Kathy – Baraboo

Ley, Bruce – Baraboo

Markowski, Karen – Baraboo

Meyer, Marlene – Prairie du Sac

Nimmow, Barb – Baraboo

Palm, Mike – Baraboo

Pickart, Carol – Vinton, IA

Prosser, Kay L – Baraboo

Rawson, Timothy – Pigeon Falls

Steckelberg, Kathy – Arlington, VA

Thompson, Lucille – Baraboo

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Waaler, Virginia – Urbana, IL

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

FAMILY

Brining, howard & Carla – Baraboo

Casey, Dave & Barb Brown – LaValle

Dickeman, Cyril & Mary – Reedsburg

DuBois, Al & Lola – Baraboo

Faylona, Marta, Rene & Julie – Baraboo

Gorak, Mr. & Mrs. Dave – LaValle

Graves, Mr. & Mrs. Dale e – Waukesha

hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

herbst, erich & Jean – Baraboo

hrabovsky, Robert & Diana – Wichita Falls, TX

Martin, Paul e & Nichelle – Baraboo

McKnight, John L – evanston, IL

Nash, Jordan & Dido – LaValle

Pleger, Thomas & Teresa – Reedsburg

Schmid, Allan & Nancy – Baraboo

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl – Reedsburg

Shanks, Steve & Kimberly – Portage

Stanford, Kent – Baraboo

Stephen, Ronald & Lyn – Poynette

FRIeND

Alt, John & Jean – Baraboo

Fathauer, Susan – Phoenix, AZ

hohl, Jerry – Baraboo

Steiger, Fred & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Taapken, John & Donna – North Freedom

Taylor, Christine – Lakewood, Oh

SPONSOR

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

Klingenmeyer, Mary – Baraboo

Simonds, Donald & Beverly – Baraboo

Lange, Donna – Reedsburg

Archibald, George & Kyoko – Baraboo

PATRON

Bussan, Natalie & Chad hendee – Baraboo

Muehllehner, Gerd & Ursula – North Freedom

Victorian Christmas Celebration December 10 The Twelve Days of Christmas

THE twelfth annual Victorian Christmas will be hosted by the Sauk County Historical Society on Saturday, December 10th from 12 – 7 p.m. Fresh Christmas trees, live music and holiday goodies will once again fill the Van Orden mansion at 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. Each of the twelve Christmas trees in the mansion will be decorated as one of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”. The trees will be decorated by designers, businesses and volunteers, including Bekah Kate’s, Amber Moon, the Village Booksmith, DREAMS, Angela Brozak, Nijole Etzwiler, Lindy Larsen, Bruce Ley, Mel Burgi, Mona Larsen, Diane Thomas and Dave Saloutos of Baraboo. This year Saloutos, who has created rooms portraying Christmas from the 1930s to the 1970s, will create an entire room devoted to Christmas during the 1950s including a “six geese-alaying” tree trimmed with feathers and vintage ’50s ornaments.

Inside the mansion, guests will also enjoy holiday goodies at the bountiful dessert table. This year’s showcase centerpiece will be a gingerbread replica of the historic Abner L. Harris house in Reedsburg. The gingerbread house is being crafted by Society volunteers with the help of Susan Holding at the Little French Bakery. Live music will enhance the open house as area musicians perform a variety of Christmas music in various formats from choral

selections to string, brass and wind ensembles throughout the day. Outside, horse-drawn “jingle bell” rides will be given from 1-4 p.m.

The Victorian Christmas at the Sauk County Historical Society has become an annual tradition for many people in the area. The price for admission is $5 for adults, children 12 and under admitted free, and admission for SCHS members $3. Everyone is invited to this very special Sauk County holiday tradition.

The Twelve Days of Christmas will inspire the Christmas trees and the imagination at this year’s Victorian Christmas at the Van Orden Mansion.

Annual Meeting Held October 13

THE annual banquet and membership meeting of the Sauk County Historical Society was held on October 13th at the Rock Springs Community Center. Fifty members and guests attended the banquet which was followed by the annual business meeting. President Paul Wolter opened the meeting that included a pictorial year in review covering SCHS events and outreach. An election for board members was also held to fill the expiring three-year terms of Mona Larsen, Pam Krainik and Rob Nurre. The nominating committee nominated Pam Krainik, Mona Larsen and Becky Hovde as candidates and the slate was elected unanimously. The evening concluded with a lecture by Robert Moore of Verona about the CCC camp at Devil’s Lake.

At the October SCHS board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers elected were Paul Wolter, President; Natalie Bussan, Vice-President; Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer; and Bill Schuette, Secretary.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

ONE piece of drywall on its own is not a terribly exciting item. It is basically two pieces of thick paper on either side of a core of hardened gypsum powder. Several hundred sheets of 5/8 inch thick drywall however, can be very exciting, especially when they come together to make a big difference. That’s exactly what happened recently when two big trucks loaded with drywall showed up at the Sauk County History Center. Within a matter of two days several hundred pieces of drywall were cut and transformed into ceilings and walls, completely changing the upper two floors of the history center. Rooms have now taken shape. Of course with drywall going up this also means that mechanical systems including wiring, alarm systems, plumbing, data cabling, heating, cooling and ventilation have also been completed. Now, as the drywall is taped, finished and painted, thoughts turn to the next things to be done, including carpet, doors, trim, cabinetry, lighting and furnishings. All of this has been made possible by our generous members and supporters. As we approach Thanksgiving I am truly thankful for the support so many have given towards this project, meeting the recent challenge put forth by the Statzes. All together many individual gifts have come together to make one more exciting step happen. While there is still a ways to go, we have reached a major milestone and the Society can be proud of what has been done so far.

Year End Giving

AS the year 2011 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County Historical Society. While our fiscal year ends on August 31, donations are welcomed year-round and can be designated for special projects like the History Center renovations, maintenance of the Van Orden mansion or given towards general operations. Without the generous support of our members the SCHS would not be able to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Society is supported by general memberships, bequests, donations, memorials and even gifts of stock.

Challenge Met!

Drywall installed at History Center

THE challenge grant put forth by Society members Dave and Denise Statz has been met and exceeded by the generous donations of other Society members. By the time this newsletter reaches you the Sauk County History Center will have been drywalled, textured and painted marking a major milestone in the renovation

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter. Donation levels are cumulative – for a complete listing of donors please visit our website

Pillar of Progress Owner

Bill Schuette

History Center Benefactor

Joan Litscher - Baraboo Class of 1944 (In Memory of Russell and Joan Potratz)

David & Denise Statz

Claude & Starck Associate

Gene & Mona Larsen

Helen SaLoutos

Joseph & Lou Ann Ward

Island Woolen Mill Friend

Jerry & Patricia Bullard

James Delacour

Robert & Rosa Fleming

Glen & Mary Schulz

Roman & Beatrice Statz

Merlin & Jenele Zitzner

Lasting Legacy Patron

Anonymous

Carol Fleishauer

David & Marcia Swanson

Halls of History Supporter

John & Judith Bennin

Gib & Gail Bird

John & Elizabeth Davenport

Russell & Anita Hantzsch

Arthur & Frances Koenig

Ann Miller

David SaLoutos

Charles Sarahan –Baraboo Class of 1944

Robert & Beverly Vaillancourt

Second Century Sponsor

Garry & Gale Bahe

David & Sherry Baldwin, Rago-Baldwin Funeral Services, Inc.

Ron & Janet Brandt

Leo & Joyce Bronkalla

Joann Burke

John & Ann Burton

Dave & Inger Clemens

Donald Cole

Eugene & Karen Filus

James & Gladys Getschman

Lyle & Marjorie Getschman

Kathleen Gosewehr

Jim Greenwood

Bud Gussel, Holiday Wholesale, Inc.

Arleen Hambach

Buddy & Marcy Huffaker

William & Elaine Johnson, Jr.

Marie Kolberg

Susan Miller

Kenneth Nelson

Keri Olson (In memory of Barb Naidl)

Mary Orlowski

Carl Osman

August & Beverly Pieper

Phillip & Alonna Pointon

Alice Popp & Gladys Proctor

Glenn & Marilyn QualeBaraboo Class of 1945

Maureen Reilly

James & Paula Rice

Linda Michaud Rinella

Frederick Rochacewicz

Charles & Norma Sophie

Barbara Vodak

Jean Wendt

Robert & Louise Yeck

Ralph & Carol Zahnow

Contributing

Robert & Dolores Bahr

Gerald & Ellen Dargel

Margaret Draper

David & Elsie Gilmore

Matt Hart

Daunene Jelinek

Paul & Nichelle Martin

Warren & Linda Mohar

Marc & Bridget Seals

Gloria Weth

Karen Zimmerman

Forty people attended a Greenfield Town History Night in early October. The event was the second in a series of town history nights that the Society plans on conducting throughout the county. Town residents learn about the history of their town and are invited to share memories and items of interest.

New Board Member Welcomed

THE Sauk County Historical Society would like to welcome our newest board member, Becky PenberthyHovde. Becky is originally from the Dodgeville area. She noted that, “I grew up with history all around me and many older relatives to share their stories. I am presently the family historian and story keeper as well.” Her day job is project assistant with the Wisconsin Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Program and her fun jobs are scrapbooking, history, reading and being grandma to 4 kids. Becky fell in love with the log church at the Pioneer Log Village near Reedsburg. She and her husband Jim were married in a church very similar near Dodgeville thirteen years ago. This led to a place on the board of directors at the Reedsburg Area Historical Society where she writes grants and does event planning for the Log Village. Becky said that, “The Village has become my ‘spa’ over this past year, and I always feel recharged when I am there, cleaning and planning and just enjoying the atmosphere and artifacts.” She said that the next challenge at the Village is to raise funds to install running water and to bring the restrooms from the 1700s to the twenty-first century.

A crowd of ninety people packed the Van Orden mansion for a presentation October 6 by Earl Wichern describing his 1939 bicycle trip to New York City with his friends Ken Harvey and Bob Schult. Wichern wrote a book about the experience titled, “Life in the Slow Track”. He has formally gifted the publishing rights to the book to the Sauk County Historical Society. Earl was presented with a vintage 1939 World’s Fair pennant, and the evening was rounded out with a musical presentation by Craig Bruesewitz who had written a song about the 1939 adventure.

Unique Gi

Duckens Tombstone

Dedicated

JOHN Duckens, a one-time slave from Kentucky, lived in Baraboo during the latter part of the 19th Century, where he died in 1894. His memory was honored recently with the replacement of the deteriorated gravestone that marks his final resting place in Walnut Hill Cemetery. Sauk County Historical Society President Paul Wolter welcomed 33 people to the ceremony and explained why the old, unreadable stone needed to be replaced. He noted that SCHS members saw that the marker was almost illegible during last summer’s Cemetery Tour. A fund was started and sufficient funds were quickly gathered to replace the marker. Bill Harris, portraying John Duckens, spoke of the life and times of the former slave who had to sell his property near Mauston to exempt himself from the Civil War draft after being denied entrance into the Union Army because of his race. Harris then removed the shroud covering the new stone, as Wolter read John Duckens’ obituary. Harris closed the ceremony by leading those present in a brief prayer.

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913 Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

100-year Old Barn gets New Home

THIS octagon barn, located in Honey Creek Township, is being dismantled and will soon find a new home in Texas. Owner Palma Walker sold the barn recently, and Craig Roost, a timber frame carpenter, has been deconstructing the building. The addition on the left was added in 1923 for hay storage. Found inscribed under one of the roof boards was the name, Ed Zick, who with his crew, built around 50 barns in the area. Earlier this fall, a videographer and producer for Public Broadcasting, was at the farm to document the history of the 85-foot wide barn and its owners. The program will be seen on PBS next summer. Until 1977 the barn was used for milk-

ing. Eighty-five percent of the barn will be salvaged, and shipped to Texas on flatbeds, to ultimately become an addition to a late 1700s Spanish American home. Roost, using mostly a crowbar and hammer, has been working on the barn since mid-September and the roof will be removed using a large crane sometime in November. It’s fortunate that this one small part of Sauk County’s history will live on and begin a new life, albeit, in another part of the country. Its ultimate fate could have been much worse. As milk producers consolidate, more and more old barns are being abandoned and crumbling to dust. This unique structure, fortunately, will not meet that ultimate fate.

Indian-Pioneer Day at Sauk Prairie

THE annual Indian-Pioneer Day was held at Sauk Prairie recently. Area fourth graders were conducted on tours of historic locations in the Sauk Prairie area, with reenactors describing their part in the community’s early history. Shown here, Jim and Bettie Reis describe Native American life and culture. Other historic presentations included topics on the Civil War, early printing, a Magic Lantern show, railroad history, blacksmithing, and a collection of privy (outhouse) related books and artifacts. Historic locations open for tours were the Prairie House, built in 1851, the old railway depot, the Tripp Museum, Bonham Theater, and the Sauk City and Prairie du Sac libraries.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Own a Piece of Reedsburg History

THE Reedsburg Public Library is offering a once-in-alifetime opportunity to purchase a piece of Reedsburg’s historic past. For the first time ever, bound volumes of Reedsburg newspapers (1872-1987) will be available to purchase. These bound newspapers are duplicate copies of the Reedsburg Free Press, Reedsburg Times and Reedsburg Times Press and the library no longer has room to store them. The Friends of the Reedsburg Library Group decided to use them as a fundraiser rather than recycling the newspapers. Find out what happened the year you were born or on your anniversary. Antique paper and vintage ads are great for art and craft projects. Take a walk down memory lane—all reasons to invest in one of these rare volumes.

Newspaper volumes will be available Saturday, December 3rd from 9 am -1 pm in the Library’s Community Room. The suggested donation per volume is $25. Proceeds benefit the Library’s Collection. For more information you can contact the library at 768-7323, visit the library online at www.reedsburglibrary.org or stop in at 370 Vine St. Reedsburg to see a sample volume.

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

November/December, 2011

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New & Renewed Members for September and October

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Bingler, Susan – Jeffersonton, VA

Boxhorn, Dorothy A – Mukwonago

Christin, Barbara – Washington Grove, MD

DeWall, Janet – Appleton

DeWall, Pat – Appleton

Douglas, Pearl – LaValle

Foster, Christina – Baraboo

Griffith, Robert – Baraboo

Hellrood, Kathy – Waukesha

Hutchins, William – Wisconsin Dells

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Kriegl, Sylvia – Baraboo

Leeming, Nancy – Ithaca, NY

Marini, Gladys – Baraboo

Michaud Rinella, Linda – Glenview, IL

Miller, Phyllis – Reedsburg

Oppliger, Kay D – Oshtemo, MI

Orlowski, Mary – Lake Delton

Pearson, Janet – Baraboo

Ryan, Joan – Lodi

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Scoles, Vera – Baraboo

Setwyn, Eugene – Reedsburg

Tiffany, Joe – LaCrosse

Twigg, Deb – Waverly, NY

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn – La Honda, CA

FAMILY

Beals, Ethan & Mae-Sallee – Shoreline, WA

Bechmann, Harland & Darleen – Baraboo

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Blackburn, Ray & Debbie – Baraboo

Bowen, Bill & Ann – Madison

Bruer, Scott & Nicole – Reedsburg

Conway, Ben & Fran – Loves Park, IL

Davis, James & Marsha – Reedsburg

Filus, Gene & Karen – Baraboo

Gogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Greenwood, Jim – Baraboo

Hilmer, Ben & Joan – Roscoe, IL

Kindschi, Jerry & Alice – Prairie du Sac

Larson, Elizabeth – Shelby Township, MI

Liebman, Todd – Baraboo

Long, Bernard & Diana – Waunakee

Meyer, John & Sue – Oshkosh

Mitchell, Robert J – Hales Corners

Olson, Bart & Char – Merrimac

Quale, Glenn & Marilyn – Baraboo

Reitz, Mary, Sharyl & Jacqueline – Baraboo

Robkin, Gene & Rochelle – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Harland & Pat – Citrus Springs, FL

Topham, Brett & Susan – Baraboo

Tully, Bob & Vi – Baraboo

Young, John A & Tonia – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bahe, Gary & Gale – Merrimac

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita – Baraboo

Eichmann, Charmaine – Baraboo

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Hackett Family Reunion (J. Bruegger) – Janesville

Jelinek, Daunene – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

SaLoutos, David C – Baraboo

Strasser, Clara M – Dover, PA

SPONSOR

Fleming, Robert & Rosa – Baraboo

Miller, Ann – Baraboo

Pieper, August & Beverly – Madison

Pietenpol, David & Diane – Suamico

Schuette, Bill – Reedsburg

Smith, Jeff & Anne – Baraboo

Thompson, Chuck & Dianne – Wisconsin Dells

Whitcomb, Kenneth – Honolulu, HI

Business Memberships

PATRON

Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home – Baraboo

Do you enjoy getting the Newsletter and being kept up-to-date on what’s happening? Then please don’t let your membership lapse and risk losing out on this important information. We value your support!

Woolen Mill Photo Surfaces

FoR the past several years as the Island Woolen Mill office Building has been renovated for use as the Sauk County history Center, many have wondered what the interior originally looked like. We now know. This photo of the interior of the building was recently brought to the Society for scanning. The photo shows the first floor reception area looking southeast around 1919, shortly after the building opened. William McFetridge, one of the owners of the mill at the time, was involved in every detail of making the office building a pleasant and artistic space. The paint treatment on the walls, terrazzo floors, lavish use of woodwork and the use of classical art copies show the level of refinement achieved. When the Society acquired the building no trace of the detail in this photo was left, due to the ravages of time. This space will now be the reading room at the history center.

Society Receives Anonymous $10,000 Donation

The Society received an unrestricted gift of $10,000 from an anonymous donor in December of 2011. The SChS Board of Directors has decided to put half of the money towards the Pillars of Progress Restoration Campaign for use at the history center and half toward general operations. The Society is grateful to this donor for their support of the Society and its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. This donor along with over 600 members has helped to keep the Society strong as it embarks on its 107th year of operation.

Thank You!!

Photo courtesy of Lyle opperman

Victorian Christmas Delights Hundreds

The Society’s twelfth annual Victorian Christmas Celebration enjoyed fair weather as over four hundred guests toured the Van orden Mansion on December 10. outside, the carriage rides were back this year and a 12 foot tree sat on top of the front porch roof. Inside, fifteen trees were decorated to the twelve days of Christmas--––from a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming. The gingerbread centerpiece on the dining room table was a replica of the historic Abner L. harris house in Reedsburg and was made at the Little French Bakery by Susan holding and Society volunteers. Live music throughout the day was played by area musicians as guests enjoyed homemade holiday treats. Upstairs, Dave Saloutos’ 1950s Christmas room had two trees, a traditional 1950s tree and a “six geese-a-laying” tree complete with feathers and pink bubble lights. The Society would like to sincerely thank all of the volunteers involved in hosting the event, and the tree decorators, musicians and bakers who helped make the event a success.

Dave Saloutos captured the spirit of a 1950s Christmas this year complete with a working 1950s Philco television set. The 1960s will be Saloutos’ theme next year. Society members are asked to dig out photos from the era and share them by scanning them or sending them in for scanning. history@ saukcountyhistory.org

The Society’s prize winning entry into the 2011 Baraboo Christmas Light Parade entitled “Home of the holidays” included a giant dollhouse complete with yard, ice skating rink and gazebo. Special thanks goes to Senger Lumber of Baraboo for providing a truck, construction work space and storage space for the float.

The historic Abner L. Harris house in Reedsburg was recreated this year in gingerbread. The “real” house was constructed around 1874 in the rare French Second Empire style and is now owned by Dr. Robert and Barb Mortimore.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

oNCe again the holiday season has come and gone at the Sauk County historical Society. This winter’s exceedingly mild weather brought good crowds to Society events in December and made for easy take down in January. The end of the year also brought a very generous gift to the society of $10,000 from an anonymous donor. This gift, along with all of the support for the history center and general operations this year, has made for another very productive year at the Society. With the dry wall up and painted at the history center the new facility is really taking shape. While there is a ways to go––including doors, carpeting, light fixtures and cabinetry--––we have definitely come a long way. As more historic items are donated to the Society weekly, the new history center is more important than ever. I would like to personally thank everyone who has contributed to this project whether that is in-kind donations, time or money. As work is done at the building and especially when historic photos of the building emerge I am reminded of all the people that once worked at the Island Woolen Mill, including the hundreds of women. While only the office building is left, the mill complex was once humming with activity day and night as the largest woolen mill west of Philadelphia, and women played a big role in its success.

As we embark on our theme for 2012 of historic Sauk County Women we will be looking at famous women from the County as well as the many women who changed it. From the women who fought the 1854 Whiskey War to the thousands of women who worked at the Badger ordnance Works, women have shaped the world we live in today. I know I look forward to learning more about them and I hope you do too.

Society Receives $2,500 from Alma Waite Fund

The City of Baraboo’s Alma Waite Fund is providing $2,500 toward the renovations at the Sauk County history Center. The money will be used to help carpet the archives room on the second floor. This is the second gift from the fund that the Society has received toward the project. The Society would like to thank the City of Baraboo for its support.

Pillars of Progress Donors History Center donations

since our last newsletter

(November 5, 2011 – January 9, 2012)

Claude & Starck Associate

helen SaLoutos

Island Woolen Mill Friend

James Delacour

Charles Sarahan – Class of 1944

Lasting Legacy Patron

Ursula Muehllehner

Halls of History Supporter

Wisconsin energy Foundation

Ron Birdd

Judy Lewis – Class of 1961

Second Century Sponsor

Francis & Joan Costerisan, Jr.

Dan & Sandra edwards – Class of 1945

esther Lange

Bart & Char olson

elizabeth Dutton

Teeth by Rebecca DuBey, SChS Curator

I am spending a lot of time looking through the collections and collection records during my first year at the Society. We have an amazing collection of things donated since 1905, and I never know what I will find. one particularly shiny object that caught my eye turned out to be a blood-letting lance. I put that away. By this stage in my career, I am familiar with many objects, and I’m not often surprised by what I find. Well, imagine my surprise when I opened a drawer to find a beautiful set of teeth set upright in paraffin wax inside a curved, aluminum moat. The teeth were not quite so perfect, I discovered as I examined the object. While they were set perfectly straight and well spaced, each was filled with some improvement, beautifully executed, but filled, with a variety of metals. There were two such objects, the upper and lower jaw, each with the teeth of one side of a human mouth. While I marveled at the quality of the metal work, I was in for an even bigger surprise once I read the paper tag affixed to each set.

each tooth had been carved by hand from deer antler to meet exact measurements of human teeth. each curve, every facet and miniscule detail, had been reproduced here before me, each tooth different from its neighbor, and each representing a corresponding tooth in shape, size, and position. The tag explained it as sample dental restorations of gold and silver as of 1939. hand made, by Bob Dewel, then a student of dentistry. When I spoke with Bob about them, he just laughed. But how, I wanted to know, does one even begin to replicate a tooth?

And then, to drill through it, how does one hold it steady without a jaw to hold it? he just laughed, his life having moved on since dental school.

I cataloged artifacts numbered 2010.111 point one and point two, the dental restorations. Although Bob had moved on with a life full of experiences since making this set, this one aspect, demonstrating such skill, patience, and hard work, remains here for us to admire, in case any body wants to. It made me happy to enter his work into our collection.

Enduring Spirit –Historic Women of Sauk County

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Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2012

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913 open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

The 2012 theme for programming this year at the Sauk County historical Society will be historic Sauk County women. The lives of famous and work a day women will be presented in a variety of lectures given throughout the year. From Lou Ringling to Dolly Spencer, Sauk County’s first female sheriff, the Society will showcase well known Sauk County women and others that aren’t so well known. The effect of women on shaping our world will also be explored from the pioneer settler to the ammunition plant worker. The first of a series of lectures will be held Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Van orden Mansion with a look at the life of emma Walsh of Baraboo, Wisconsin’s “hostess with the mostess.” Ms. Walsh was the hostess of the Wisconsin Building at both the 1901 World’s Fair in Buffalo and the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Walsh was said to have been “endowed by nature with more than one mortal’s share of grace, magnetism, tact and geniality.” Come learn about this unique Sauk County woman who was Wisconsin’s face to the world for tens of thousands of fair goers.

For the reduced price of $4 at the museum

2012 SCHS Calendars highlighting historic Sauk County women are still available.

Hostess with the Mostess – Emma Walsh

WhAT do a Venetian style palazzo and a congenial Baraboo woman have in common? They were both in Buffalo in 1901 for the World’s Fair of course! Believe it or not the State of Wisconsin constructed a Venetian style palazzo as it’s entry into the Pan-American exposition in Buffalo, New York. The building was designed by Milwaukee architects, Ferry and Clas, and was hosted by Mrs. emma Walsh of Baraboo. Mrs. Walsh was so successful there that she was asked to be hostess at the next World’s Fair – St. Louis 1904. And you guessed it, the Wisconsin building was again designed by Ferry and Clas. one circular describing the Wisconsin building at St. Louis had the following to say about Mrs. Walsh: “Mrs. Walsh, the hostess, has won golden opportunities for her charming and gracious hospitality. It is not too much praise to say that she is one of the most popular hostesses at the World’s Fair, and there are many who declare that she is the most popular, without exception. She has always a smile and a warm handclasp for the visitor, whatever the state. No one who visits the cozy Wisconsin building goes away without the feeling that he has been perfectly at home. The lady from Baraboo makes all feel at home.” Being hostess was hard work however and some times took its toll on Mrs. Walsh. Learn more about Mrs. Walsh and the World’s Fairs at a lecture to be given Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Van Orden Mansion, 531 Fourth Avenue. (and find out what’s its connection to the World’s Fairs is too)

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

The Wisconsin Building at the 1904 World’s Fair at St. Louis was designed by Milwaukee architects Ferry and Clas and hosted by Mrs. Emma Walsh of Baraboo.

Kitchen” with the caption: “Women’s expected roles in the 1800s were largely domestic, tending homes, families and farms.”

This photo of the “new” Baraboo Post Office was taken in 1905, shortly after construction was completed on the $39,200 building. Today, it is the Baraboo School District Administration building.

January/February 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.o. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for September and October

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Adams, James – Baraboo

Amundson, Jim – Madison

Anderson, Carol – Spring Green

Bahr, Dolores – Prairie du Sac

Beard, Jeanette – Milton

Bobholz, Jill Sneed – Baraboo

Catterson, Ryan M – Sauk City

Cook, Shari – Sauk City

Dwyer-Wenzlow, Kelly – Baraboo

Fisher, John F – Cross Plains

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Fritts, Jim – highland Park, IL

Gomez, Nancy – Del Rio, TX

herrick, James M - Madison

Johnson, Jr, William P – Dallas, TX

Kieffer, Jr, Bob – Baraboo

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Kowalski, Karen – Greenfield

Kuehn-Mede, eleanor – Normal, IL

Kuntz, Lucille L – Baraboo

Larsen, Barbara – Sister Bay

Madden, Rosann – Baraboo

McCauley, Natalie – hillpoint

McGee, Tim – Sauk City

Michals, Patricia M – Baraboo

Poker, Sarah – Apple Valley, MN

Prothero, Betty – Baraboo

Reardon, John – Naperville, IL

Rich, Louise M – Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice – De Forest

Schneller, Linda – Prairie du Sac

Sieger, Alan – owatonna, MN

Stehling, Donna – Sauk City

Vander Meer, James – Madison Woods, Ruth T – Alexandria, VA

Young, Paul S – Baraboo

FAMILY

Anderson, Keith & Virginia – Baraboo

Baker, Dick & Annette – Reedsburg

Baumgarten, David & Carol – North Freedom

Cook, Frank & Liz – Baraboo

Dummer, Bill & Laurie – Baraboo

Dyar, Thomas – Reedsburg

etzwiler, David & Nijole – Baraboo

Filip, Jan – Reedsburg

Fuhs, David & Jeanne – Baraboo

Getschman, James & Gladys – Baraboo

haller, Mike & Angie – Baraboo

henry, Art & Barbara – Baraboo

higgins, James & Nancy – Baraboo

Johnson, Robert & Julie – Reedsburg

Kelly, Nick & Fran – Baraboo

Kingery, Vernon & Patricia – Baraboo

Kolb, Tom & Linda – Baraboo

Kowalke, Lawrence – Fort Myers, FL

Moh, helfried & Dillman, Nancy Jo – Baraboo

Molkentin, III, Ray & Markel – Baraboo

Reeve, Bryan & Mary – Spring Green

Ruhland, Marv & Kathy – Cross Plains

Schultz, Jerald & Zita – Baraboo

Smirenski, Sergei & elena – Baraboo

Spencer, Bob & Kathy – Baraboo

Thompson, David & Miriam – Baraboo

Walker, Bruce & Palma – Prairie du Sac

Waterman, Turk & Judy – Baraboo

FRIeND

Birdd, Ronald – Reedsburg

erlandson, Virgil & Cheryl – hagerstown, MD

Fleishauer, Carol – Baraboo

holt, Mike & Sandy – Baraboo

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette – LaValle

Johansen, Wayne & Martha – Baraboo

Pointon, Steven – Baraboo

Taylor, David & Charlotte – Baraboo

Thomas, earl & Diane – Baraboo

White, Tom & Carolyne – Baraboo

SPoNSoR

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley – Baraboo

Litscher, Joan – Baraboo

Rotzoll, Brenda Warner – Baraboo

Schulz, Glen & Mary – Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia – Baraboo

BUSINeSS MeMBeRShIPS

FRIeND

LaMasney Construction, Baraboo

Mrs. Canfield Day April 10, 2012

IN keeping with the SCHS 2012 theme of historic Sauk County women, Canfield Day will honor Mrs.William H. Canfield this year. The wife of Sauk County’s first historian was born Cordelia A. Long in Massachusetts in 1823. She came to Sauk County in 1842 with her husband when they settled on Skillet Creek. Cordelia Canfield was only 19 when they arrived and endured all of the hardships of pioneer life, learning quickly how to adapt to her new surroundings in the wilderness. Cordelia Canfield was a wonderful wife, mother of five and companion for 52 years and saw the Baraboo valley develop from wilderness to the advent of the electric light bulb. Learn more about this amazing woman on Canfield Day, Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County Historical Museum. During the evening the Society will also present its annual William H. Canfield History Award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Society members are asked to nominate a local historian for the award by filling out the nomi nation form inside this issue. The deadline for nomina tions is April 1. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: Erhart Mueller, Ken Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Bernadette Bittner, Joe Ward, Verlyn Mueller and Donna Lange. Cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Opperman

A day at the beach in Sauk City around 1915. Ladies bathing “costumes” came in two separate pieces before 1910, a tunic top and long bathing knickers. Matching stockings covered the legs. Most of the body, from neck to toe, was covered with waterabsorbent materials like wool. These uncomfortable suits became very heavy when wet. By 1915, these young ladies cast off the stockings, and dared to bare their legs.

Sauk City Library Photo Collection

William H. Canfield History Award Nomination

Deadline: April 1, 2012. Submit to: Sauk County Historical Society PO Box 651 Baraboo, WI 53913

SubMiTTer’S NAMe ________________________________________________________________ Telephone # ______________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NoMiNee’S NAMe _________________________________________________________________ Telephone # _____________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, please complete the following paragraph in 500 words or less: I nominate________, who, like William H. Canfield, shows a passion for local history as shown by his/her…

Dolly Spencer –Sheriff

When her husband, Mike Spencer, could not legally run again for Sauk County Sheriff, Dolly Spencer threw her hat in the ring and was elected as Sauk County’s first female sheriff. Both Mike and Dolly made sure voters knew that Mike would continue his duties while Dolly held the title. The time was the 1960s when county government was smaller and a bit more relaxed, but things would become very tense in August of 1961 when County Traffic Officer James Jantz was shot dead and Police Chief Bob Kohl was wounded in Lake Delton by three men pulled over in their car. The ensuing “Man Hunt of ‘61” was just one of the episodes that Sheriff Dolly Spencer experienced while living in Sauk County’s old red brick castle-looking jail. More of Dolly’s life will be told about by her children Diane and Terry at a presentation on May 10, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County Historical Museum.

President’s report

By Paul Wolter

THERE are usually state of the union and state of the state addresses at the beginning of each year, so I thought I would give a state of local history address. I would like to report that local history is alive and well in Sauk County. All across Sauk County good people are working to keep local history relevant and accessible. Recently I have had the pleasure of working professionally at the Tripp Memorial Museum in Prairie du Sac where lots of renovations have been taking place to make room for the Bradford Bison exhibit and to restore the main hall to its original appearance. Under the capable leadership of Jody Kapp, Director of Development and Jack Berndt, Museum Manager, the Tripp Museum will have the feel of a grand 100 year old building with state of the art technology such as LED lighting and a Smart Board for interactive teaching. At the Reedsburg Area Historical Society good things are happening too. Current president Barb Steinhorst and Becky Hovde, who also serves on our board of directors, have reinvigorated the organization with new events and new exhibits at the pioneer log village. From the Harrisburg Historical Society to the Old Franklin Township Historical Society in Plain, many good people are making sure that local history is recorded, preserved and shared with others. There are nearly 400 local historical societies in the state and Sauk County has nine alone. There is much to do but there are people doing much. Your support of the Sauk County Historical Society and other local historical societies makes sure that the state of local history remains strong.

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Work of Wisconsin Women in the Civil War

excerpts from a paper read before the Sauk County Historical Society at the spring picnic, 1919. Author Mrs. L.H. Palmer

WHEN the shot was fired that was heard around the world, the North awoke to the fact that civil war was inevitable. From a peaceful, industrial community, Wisconsin quickly became a hive of military activity. When Governor Randall made a stirring appeal to Wisconsin women to aid in every possible manner in caring for the soldiers not only of Wisconsin, but the boys of other states as well, they entered heart and soul into the work.

Patriotic meetings were held in school houses, town halls or any hall large enough to accommodate a crowd.

When President Lincoln, April 1861, issued his first call for troops, not only did the men respond, but the women of every community in Wisconsin rallied to the call for organized relief work for the soldiers. While Companies were being formed and sent to the front, the women put forth every effort to provide the soldiers with everything possible for their comfort.

The women of Wisconsin began meeting at homes to make garments for the soldiers. In a few months these meetings developed into Aid Societies, with officers, rules, a regular scheme of work, and committees appointed to have charge of the various divisions of the work. Old clothing was made over or mended; new material was purchased with money subscribed or procured by giving entertainments, the most popular being tableaus by local talent.

There was no absorbent cotton or gauze in those days and thousands of bandages were made by tearing old sheets into strips and rolling into hard round rolls. Lint was provided by scraping old linen with a dull knife until it became a fluffy mass and all ravelings were saved to be used as absorbents

Comfort bags containing pins, needles, buttons, thread and yarn, were made by the thousand, and as proof of the appreciation of the soldiers, one Aid Society received five hundred letters of thanks.

Vegetables of all kinds were generously contributed. Many tons of cabbages were made into sauerkraut. Pickles were given in large quantities. Raw potatoes were pared,

sliced, and packed in kegs and barrels and covered with hot spiced vinegar. A barrel was sent from Baraboo at one shipment. Horseradish was dug, grated, and bottled. Stories without number could be written of the courage, tenderness, keen judgment and self-sacrifice of hundreds of loyal Wisconsin women, but in closing I wish to make special mention of an organization which grew out of the great need of associated relief in thousands of soldiers’ homes where wives, mothers and little children were left destitute. This brave hard working organization of women did not relax their vigilance at the close of the war, but have continued their active ministration among the sick and needy and today the old veterans of the Civil War, pay grateful tribute to the noble work of the Women’s Relief Corp.

Photo from the Civil War reenactment at Sauk City in 2011

Pillars of Progress Donors History Center donations since our last newsletter

(From January 10 – February 29, 2012)

Claude & Starck Associate City of Baraboo

Richard & Jane Dana

Helen SaLoutos

History

Virgil & Edith Hartje

For the reduced price of $4 at the museum 2012 SCHS Calendars highlighting historic Sauk County women are still available.

Slumberland Furniture

Furniture that lives the way you do Located on Hwy 12 next to Gander Mountain

We hope to see you soon for all your home furnishing needs! Stop in or call us at 356-9555

The main gallery at the Tripp Museum is being restored. Crown molding which was hidden for over 50 years above a dropped ceiling has been exposed. Reproduction pendant lights and new LED track lighting will highlight architectural features as well as new exhibits. The large diorama of Jonathan Carver meeting the Sauk Indians, at right, used to be at the Sauk County Historical Museum. The diorama was given to the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society a dozen years ago and will remain in the newly refurbished gallery space along with new exhibits.

Tripp Memorial Museum renovations

THE Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society owns and operates several buildings in the Sauk Prairie area. Main headquarters and exhibits are at the Tripp Memorial Museum which is housed in the J. S. Tripp Memorial building, built in 1912 as the village hall and library. The building was a gift from Mr. Tripp whose name might be familiar to those who attended UW-Madison where Tripp’s name also appears on a few buildings. The Tripp building in Prairie du Sac is now home to the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society which has been renovating the main gallery space to make way for the installation of the Bradford Bison exhibit. Several years ago a 5,000 year old bison skull was

found along the banks of the Wisconsin River near Prairie du Sac by Joshua Bradford and the find will soon be on display at the Tripp Museum. The main gallery which was once the library has been refurbished to look much as it did in 1912. A suspended acoustical tile ceiling has been removed and reproduction pendant lights have been installed. New LED track lighting has also been installed along with new wood blinds, new carpet and new cabinetry. A grand opening is scheduled for June 29 – July 1 when the Bradford Bison along with other new exhibits will be on display in the newly restored gallery space.

upcoming events

April 1

Wm. H. Canfield Award Nomination deadline

April 10, 7 p.m.

Canfield Day celebrating Mrs. Canfield

Sauk County Historical Museum

May 10, 7 p.m.

Sheriff Dolly Spencer Presentation

Sauk County Historical Museum

our board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

March/April 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REqUESTED

New & renewed Members for January and February

THANK You To THeSe MeMberS WHo HAVe JoiNeD or reNeWeD SiNCe our LAST NeWSLeTTer

INDIVIDUAL

Bjornsen, Janet – Baraboo

Burke, Joann – Gray, GA

Cronon, William J – Madison

Gall, Stephen J – Madison

Haeger, Michael – Baraboo

Hart, Matt – Gurnee, IL

Hatfield, Charles – LaFarge

Jaeger, Marcus – Bartlett, IL

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Keylock, Janet – Baraboo

Kjernes, Sandy – Edgerton

Livesey, Jill Fyall – Saline, MI

Lytle, Cassandra – Baraboo

Marini, Fred – Melrose

Osborn, Jewel – Baraboo

Rice, David – Milwaukee

Schauf, Kathryn – Baraboo

Schroeder, Allen – Loganville

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Sperl, Cathy – Lake Delton

Steinhorst, Barb – Reedsburg

FAMILY

Burmester, Dean & Marian – LaValle

Diehl, Howard & Karen – Sauk City

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Getschman, Lyle & Marjorie – Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda – Baraboo

Jenks, Richard & Linda – Baraboo

Karr, Craig & Deborah – Merrimac

Kunze, Brad & Georgene – Baraboo

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna – Verona

Marking, Charles & Jeanne – Baraboo

Mohar, Warren & Linda – Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice – Montello

Porth, Guy & Mary – Reedsburg

Rasmussen, Bob & Corrine – Cable

Van Berkel, Joe & Foster, Linda – Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris J – Baraboo

Wolfe, Barbara – Waunakee

Zick, Travis & Kristina – Baraboo

FRIEND

Geoghegan, John & Jane – Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie – Baraboo

Hipke, Jack – Poynette

Kolberg, Marie J – Madison

Sophie, Chuck & Norma – West Baraboo

Washam, Paul & Judy – Baraboo

Wendt, Jean – Baraboo

Wright, Burt – Los Angeles, CA

SPONSOR

Archibald, George & Kyoko – Baraboo

Costerisan, Francis & Joan – Henderson, NC

Holmblad, Tana – Merrimac

Kriegel, Thomas – Baraboo

Lombard, Jim & Andrea – Baraboo

Sauey, Craig & Bonnie – Baraboo

Zitzner, Merlin & Jenele – Baraboo

PATRON

Bennin, John & Judy – Baraboo

Delton, Town of – Lake Delton

Larsen, Gene & Mona – Baraboo

LaValle, Town of – LaValle

Weickgenant, Jim & Myrna – Baraboo

Founders’ Day Picnic – June 7

THE SCHS annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center in Baraboo. Delicious picnic fare will be served by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. Michael Goc will be the guest speaker and will give a presentation on “Women at Badger”, highlighting the roles of several women at the army ammunition plant during World War II. Goc is a renowned local history author and owns New Past Press in Adams, Wisconsin. Goc also writes a history blog for Portal Wisconsin and has been a consultant on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Hometown series on PBS. Goc also volunteers with the Badger History Group, the Adams County Historical Society, and the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. Guests are encouraged to come

early or stay late to tour the history center and see the progress that has been made. A flyer on the picnic and a reservation form can be found inside this newsletter. The deadline for reservations is May 31.

Below: Catherine Hangar, the first “Dipperette” at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, was just one of the thousands of women that worked at the plant and helped the U.S. win World War II.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Opperman

Schuette Receives Canfield Award

THE 2012 William H. Canfield History Award was recently given to William C. Schuette of Loganville by the Sauk County Historical Society. The award, which is given out annually, honors a local historian who has worked with the same passion as Sauk County’s first historian, William Canfield. Settling on Skillet Creek in 1842 with his wife, Cordelia, William Canfield was among the first pioneers in Sauk County and began recording its history almost immediately. Canfield’s work as a surveyor took him to every corner of the county where he met its inhabitants and started recording their stories. His work is the cornerstone of Sauk County history to this day. Local historian, William Schuette exemplifies the same enthusiasm for history as Canfield and has contributed to local history in many ways. Schuette has been on the board of the Sauk County Historical Society for over 35 years and is indispensable to its operation. Schuette has scanned over 30,000 historic photos of Sauk County and made many of them available online. He has also been an integral part of several local history publications including “Reedsburg Remembers”, “Loganville – Our Heritage”, and “Good Old Golden Rule Days.” Schuette is also the current and long-standing secretary of the SCHS and manages its website and newsletter. Schuette was given the Canfield Award recently at the Society’s annual William H. Canfield Day which this year highlighted Mrs. Canfield in honor of the Society’s year-long theme of historic Sauk County women. Cordelia Canfield settled in the wilderness with her husband at the age of 19 and had her first child just a few weeks after they arrived.

Historic Preservation Photo Contest

THE month of May will again mark the annual celebration of Historic Preservation Month.

This photography contest will provide the vehicle for county residents to explore the historic heritage of Sauk County. The photo contest is sponsored by the Sauk County University of Wisconsin Extension Office - Arts and Culture Committee, and overseen by the Sauk County Historical Society. Photos must be taken in Sauk County, with a subject of historic, architectural or archeological interest and be printed on photographic paper, 5x7 inches

in size. Limit three photos per person. Deadline is June 1, 2012.

First Prize $100. Second Prize $75. Third Prize $50.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the SCHS website at: www.saukcountyhistory.org or obtained by calling the Historical Society at 608-356-1001.

Entries may be mailed to P.O. Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913, or dropped off at the SCHS, 531 4th Ave., Baraboo (Wed-Sat, 12-4 pm).

History Center Phase 2 Nearing Completion

THE history center reached another milestone recently with the installation of carpeting in the second floor archives room and the installation of light fixtures. Refurbished wood trim has also been installed on original second floor doorways. The end of Phase 2, the renovation of the first and second floors, is in sight, which means that the Society could move some operations out of the Van Orden Mansion this year. The list of items to be finished includes carpeting for the rest of the building, new doors and trim, cabinetry and metal railings. An additional $60,000 is needed to finish the first and second floors. Society members and the public will be able to see the progress at this year’s annual picnic on June 7 which will be held at the history center. Those who remember the picnic at the history center in 2008 will see a dramatic difference in the building.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

IT was with great pleasure that I presented the 2012 William H. Canfield History Award to Bill Schuette at this year’s Canfield Day in April. Bill has been one of the pillars of the Sauk County Historical Society for over 30 years and certainly has the same passion for local history that Canfield did. Bill has been the Secretary of the Society for more years than anyone can remember and takes impeccable minutes. Bill also manages this newsletter, our website and all incoming picture requests. On top of all of those duties Bill also volunteers to mow the lawn at both the Van Orden Mansion and the History Center. He is also the chair of the Society’s Museum – Education Committee and the Public Relations – Marketing Committee. In his spare time, Bill also helps out on the history center renovations, new exhibits and maintenance. Oh yeah, and did I mention that Bill has scanned over 30,000 historic photos from around the county many of which are available online? As you may have guessed Bill is no stranger to local history. He has helped create several publications including “Loganville –Our Heritage”, “Reedsburg Remembers” and “Good Old Golden Rule Days.” I have been privileged to work with Bill on many projects and he is always ready to lend a hand and do things with excellence. Our society would truly not be the same without him. So, if you see Bill please let him know how much we appreciate him.

Is This Your Last Newsletter?

Carpeting was recently installed in the archives storage room on the second floor of the history center. This room is virtually complete and shelving will be installed soon.

Have you received a membership renewal request recently? We don’t want to lose you; and we hope you don’t want to miss any of our upcoming events. Please remember to renew. We truly appreciate your support.

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

The first floor reading room of the history center is taking shape with the installation of light fixtures which are original to the building and lettering on the focal wall where rotating displays will be exhibited.

Mary Joyce: Alaskan Frontier Woman

MARy Joyce was a rugged frontier woman, who lived during the last century, and who blazed the path for others of her gender. She moved to Alaska during its territorial days, where she owned and operated a lodge in the vast wilderness, became the first radio operator in the territory, flew her own bush plane, and mushed dogs over vast distances. Joyce was born on a farm near Baraboo around 1899. She attended nursing school in Chicago, and ventured out to Hollywood, CA, in 1928. There she was hired by a wealthy couple as a private nurse for their adult son, Leigh Hackley Smith, who suffered from post-WWI health issues. The couple bought Twin Glacier Camp in Alaska and put their son in charge. He and Mary operated the camp, training huskies as freight animals and for their guests’ entertainment. Upon Leigh’s death in 1934, the property was deeded to Mary.

The camp consisted of 14 buildings, 15 sled dogs and three head of cattle. Joyce turned the camp into a tourist destination which could accommodate 30 guests.

In 1936, Joyce was invited to participate in the Fairbanks Ice Carnival, one event consisting of a dogsled trek of 1,000 miles from Juneau to Fairbanks. Her guide, Chocak and his sons, and 5 huskies, began the perilous journey and soon arrived at the nearly frozen Taku River. She wrote in her journal: “Chocak Lagoose scolded his sons and made them put boughs over holes so I could not see the water underneath while crossing. ‘White Lady plenty scared.’ Crossed on my hands and knees and dogs followed like soldiers. Crossed upper Taku and another place over rapids on huge cakes of ice three feet apart helped by sweepers and snags. Put chain on Tip (lead dog) and each dog fell into water, pulled them out on another cake of ice. In places, just room for sled on ice cakes with water leaping over and gurgling underneath.”

During the final 300 miles, there were no shelters, no places to rest or to get supplies. The temperature dropped to -60F, as they forged through blizzards and deep snow. Realizing she could not make it to the carnival in time, she decided to take a plane and return for her dogs later.

Upon her arrival in Fairbanks, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner noted:

“Bronzed by the blazing spring sun reflected from measureless realms of snow, tanned by winds and weathers of all sorts, yet with light heart and buoyant step, Mary Joyce, courageous 37-year-old musher, made her

triumphant entry into Fairbanks completing a journey of some 1,000 miles by dog team and hanging up a record seldom if ever before reached in a woman’s world of achievement.”

Afterwards, Mary continued her adventures by becoming one of the first female Alaskan pilots, an airline stewardess, hauled radio equipment by dog team for the Navy during WWII, returned to nursing and purchased and ran several bars.

Mary Joyce died, never having married, in her beloved Alaska in 1976.

Pillars of Progress

(March 1 – April 30, 2012)

Claude & Starck Associate Helen SaLoutos

Madame Washington

“PRINCESS” was born in 1810, the daughter of Ho Chunk Chief, White Crow, and later became the wife of Chief yellow Thunder. She gathered firewood, brought water from the creek, prepared wild game for meals, tanned hides for clothing, and assisted her husband in caring for the homestead. After the 1928 treaty between the Ho Chunk and the U.S., She traveled with her husband to Washington, D.C. She was greatly impressed with the sights of the capital city, and thereafter insisted that she hereafter be known as “Madame Washington”. During the 1837-1840 forced evacuation of the Ho Chunk to Prairie du Chien, she and yellow Thunder walked back to Fairfield Township and reclaimed their 40 acres of land. She died there in 1868.

SCHS Celebrates Notable Women of Sauk County

WE are celebrating Women of Sauk County throughout 2012, and have prepared an exhibit, titled Enduring Spirit, dedicated to the accomplishments of some of Sauk County’s pioneering women. Their contributions to the betterment of their families and to the communities in which they lived, is a testament to the tenacity and fortitude they brought with them when they settled here during the past century and a half.

The exhibit highlights intricate handwork made by women in the late 19th century. Included are a gorgeous Crazy Quilt, several pictures made entirely from seeds and nuts, and intricate wreaths made from human hair that celebrated a woman’s place in life. Wreaths and other ornamental designs were popular between the Civil War and the 1900’s, and hair was collected from members of a group who wished to remain together in a remembrance. Once collected, the hair was woven, knotted, crocheted, coiled, tatted, and strung over coiled wire forms. Hair from a recently deceased friend was often made into a sprig and placed in the center.

Other representations of women’s daily lives include a hair receiver and curling iron; a small delicate ivory “reminder” in which a woman jotted appointments and other notes with a tiny stylus; three pieces of miniature clothing on tag board forms that most likely were used by traveling seamstresses to illustrate their skill in design and sewing technique, as well as other artifacts. you are welcome to view the exhibit and learn who invented removable collars, a brief history of sewing patterns, and more.

History Detectives

The Sauk County Investigators (SCI) are again on the case. The SCI program was developed several years ago by Sauk County Historical Society staff, to teach fourth graders how to use primary sources while showing that the work of police detectives and historians is not that much different. Along the way, the student History Detectives solve “history mysteries” involving notable Sauk County Individuals. Through the use of vintage photographs, students are taught to determine the who, what, why, when and where the event depicted occurred. This year’s teachers are Myrna Weickgenant, center, who lead students at Pineview Elementary School, Reedsburg, and Jean Brew, who is in charge of the program at Lake Delton Elementary.

Curator, Rebecca DuBey, displays a delicate hand painted china bowl in the new exhibit room filled with women’s handiwork from the late 19th and early 20th century

Would You Like to Become a Member?

Would you Like to Become a Member?

If you would like to become a member of the Sauk County Historical Society, please visit our Web site at: http://www.saukcountyhistory.org/becomeamember.html and fill out the membership form.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

We Care Program

The Sauk County Historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SCHS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SCHS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

May/June 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

New & Renewed Members for March and April

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Adami, Jill – Lodi

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Barrett, Elaine – Madison

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Blau, Beatrice – Sun Prairie

Bolster, Bonnie – Mt. Pleasant

Christensen, Rick – Madison

Cole, Donald L – DeForest

Cook, Betty – Clarksville, TN

Dippel, Albert – Baraboo

Fargen, Delores – Redding, CA

Goddard, Dick – North Freedom

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Honer, Jim – Madison

Jaedike, Dale – North Freedom

Klipp, Janet G – Reedsburg

Kluck, Carol – Medford, NJ

Krause, Gary – Viroqua

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Linder, Jim – San Jose, CA

McArthur, Joan – Holmes Beach, FL

McCarthy, Thomas – Sioux Falls, SD

Meinen, Irene M – Roseville, MN

Mordini, Shelley – Baraboo

Mueller, Sue – Baraboo

Murray, Joanne K – Baraboo

Olson, Earl – Dawsonville, GA

Peck, William R IV – St. Paul, MN

Premo, Pete – Baraboo

Rohde, Marilyn E – Baraboo

Sarahan, Charles A – College Park, MD

Schara, Deanna – Reedsburg

Schreiber, William Jr – Baraboo

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Stiemke, Sandra – Sauk City

Sutter, Thomas – Appleton

Thompson, Lucille – Baraboo

Vertein, Wava J – North Freedom

Weiss, Karin Schuette – Tigard, OR

Williams, Susan Burton – Waukesha

FAMILy

Bittermann, Lawrence & Patricia – Batavia, IL

Dlugopolski, Steve & Susan Clemens –Wisconsin Rapids

EBSCO Industries, Inc. – Birmingham, AL

Green, Charles & Donna – Baraboo

Griffin, Scott, Kori, Adele – Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Hantzsch, Russell & Anita – Hales Corners

Loomis, Dale – Baraboo

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, CO

Mielke, Richard & Melanie – North Freedom

Mossman, Bob & Dolores – Baraboo

Nolden, Tim & Katherine – Baraboo

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Schreiber, William & Marian – Baraboo

Schroeder, Roy & Judy – Loganville

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Selden, Missi – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & Emma – Baraboo

FRIEND

Banaszak, Sue Greene – Milwaukee

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Edwards, Dan & Sandy – Baraboo

Hinz, Alice Cass – Dubuque, IA

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Krainik, Marnie – Baraboo

Lewison, Eric & Ginny – Baraboo

Liston, Pat & Sara – Baraboo

Schreiber, William Jr. – Baraboo

Senger, Lawrence & Catherine – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Thurow, Dennis & Kathleen – Baraboo

Vester, Barbara J – San Leandro, CA

Vodak, Barbara – Baraboo

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

Wendt, Audrey – Baraboo

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

SPONSOR

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

Beard, William & Corinne – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor – Reedsburg

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Baraboo

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Hambach, Arleen – Aurora, IL

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

Mueller, Verlyn – Prairie du Sac

Rice, Paula – North Shores, MI

SaLoutos, Helen – Baraboo

Schultz, Ronald G – Fletcher, NC

Umhoefer, Paul & Aural – Baraboo

yeck, Robert & Louise – Silver Spring, MD

PATRON

Dewel, Robert C – Baraboo

Graupman, Mark & Barb – Reedsburg

Pointon, Phillip & Alonna – Baraboo

Regan, Jim & Barb – Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Kuczynski, Pedro & Lange, Nancy – Miami, FL

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

History Center Receives Major Gifts

The renovations at the Sauk County history Center received a major boost recently when a $20,000 donation was received from a member who wishes to remain anonymous and a $5,000 gift was announced from the estate of the late Pearl Douglas of LaValle. The funds come at a time when Phase 2, the renovation of the first and second floors, is nearing completion. When this phase is completed the Society will be able to move day to day operations from the Van Orden Mansion to the history center. Items that still need to be completed include new doors and trim, carpeting, railings and furnishings.

A total of $30,000 is still needed to finish Phase 2 and open the upper two floors of the history center. Many members have donated to this worthwhile project over the past several years and gotten us to the point we are at today. With a little more help the Society can start a new chapter in the collection, preservation and sharing of Sauk County history. Details on the completion of Phase 2 will be sent to members soon. The Society wishes to thank our anonymous donor and the estate of Pearl Douglas for the generous gifts given towards the history center.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Opperman

Over 100 members and guests attended the Society annual Founders’ Day picnic in early June held on the lawn of the history center. Wisconsin author Michael Goc spoke about women workers at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant during WWII and members also toured the history center to see the extent of renovations.

Photo Contest Winners Announced

AS part of the historic Preservation Month of May, the Sauk County University of Wisconsin extension Office-Arts & Culture Committee, and the Sauk County historical Society are proud to announce the winners of this year’s photo contest. Thirty-three photos were submitted this year. First prize of $100 goes to John Laukant of rural Reedsburg, for his photo entitled, “Church on hwy D” (See photo). Second prize of $75 goes to Diane Thomas of Baraboo, for her photo entitled, “Primetime.” Third prize of $50 goes to Tammy Leidig for her photo, “Waiting on the Wind.” We congratulate the winners of the 2012 photo contest.

All entries will be on display in the West Square Building, near the west entry, and the winning photos may be viewed on the Sauk County historical Society’s Web site at: www.saukcountyhistory.org.

Ringling Hospital – 90th Anniversary

We are looking for photographs of the hospital (interior & exterior) to display during the event. Photos will be scanned and returned to the owner.

We are also looking for artifacts which represented everyday life at the hospital. If you have such items, please contact us for possible display.

If you have interesting stories about the life and times of the hospital, we will be conducting interviews the day of the celebration. If you would like to share those stories to be recorded, please let us know.

WeRe you born in St. Mary’s Ringling hospital in Baraboo? Or did you work there? To help celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the hospital, a celebration is being planned and will be held November 2, 2012.

You may contact the Sauk County historical Society regarding any of the requests listed above. 608-356-1001, Wednesday through Saturday, noon until 4 pm. Or email us at: history@saukcountyhistory.org

Become a Member of the SCHS

We invite you to join the growing number of SChS members who delight in learning more about Sauk County’s extensive and fascinating past. Our members are engaged in Sauk County’s history through a variety of exhibits, programs, and special events, all sharing in the unique tales of the past!

Membership is currently around 600 individuals, couples and families from Sauk County and many states of the Union including Alaska and hawaii.

The society holds an annual summer picnic, a fall banquet & business meeting and a Tour of historic haunts. Other events include a biennial Tour of historic homes in Baraboo and a biennial Living history Cemetery Tour, and during the holidays, the mansion is decorated with over 20 beautiful Christmas trees. An annual Wm Canfield award is given to someone who demonstrates a love of history and its preservation. Workshops and seminars are also occasionally available.

If you or your friends or a family member would like to become a member of the Sauk County historical Society, visit our Web site at: www.saukcountyhistory.org/ membership.html

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

IT has been said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. While this may be one reason to pay attention to history, another reason might be the kindred connection we can get to people’s experiences of the past that help us deal with our own present. The ongoing drought in southern Wisconsin has caused me to remember the drought of 1988 which was the fourteenth driest year at the time since 1840. While this is recent history to some we can draw from historical sources to learn about other times in the past when people have experienced similar circumstances. Recently a researcher from Vermont came to the museum with a letter from 1886 written by Clara Martin of Baraboo. Martin wrote the following excerpt to her brother and sister on August 8: “ ... There is a great deal of sickness here. Due perhaps to the extreme hot weather. We have had no rain to speak of this summer. Only two or three showers since the first of May I think. The grass is all dead in the yards and the corn does not fill at all.” While we certainly have improved the effects of heat on public health, the rest of the excerpt sounds very familiar. This summer will be another one for the record books, but perhaps one of the most comforting things about looking to the past is that we often have the advantage of knowing what the “ending” is. We do know that eventually it rained in 1886 and in 1936 and in 1988, and that helps us have hope that it will rain again in 2012.

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2012

Baraboo High School History Club volunteers, left to right, Oliver Horjus, Erica Hainz and Molly Wight began volunteering at the Van Orden Mansion last October. Most of their work involved consolidating and filing newspaper clippings in the family history files. Molly also assisted with Christmas tree watering, merchandise displays and general cleaning. Hopefully the BHS History Club members will return in the fall. Their work was greatly appreciated.

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Master Gardeners Tend SCHS Flower Beds

MeMBeRS of the Sauk County Master Gardener’s Association (SCMGA) have again been invited to plant and care for flower gardens at the Sauk County historical Society this summer. The SCMGA is made up of individuals who enjoy the beauty of flower gardening and sharing their talents with others. headed by Phyllis Both, they are applying their skills to beautify the grounds of the historical Society headquarters on 4th Avenue.

The purpose of the SCMGA is “exclusively for horticultural education to supplement the effort of the University of Wisconsin - extension Program and thereby provide education and information on horticultural and environmental stewardship to the residents of Sauk County.”

The SChS has also accepted a generous donation of flowers and foliage from John Schwenn, a “garden hobbyist,” as he describes himself. he recently traveled from Walworth to deliver coleus, marigolds and salvia. These flowers will greatly enhance the appearance of the grounds at the Society.

The SCHS would like to thank the Master Gardner’s and Mr. Schwenn for the generous donation of their time and talents.

Historical Society Hosts Sheriff Spencer Memories

It isn’t every day that your mother gets elected Sheriff of Sauk County. That’s what happened to the children of Mike and Dolly Spencer in the 1960s when their father could not run for a third consecutive term as Sauk County’s Sheriff. Although everyone knew that the arrangement would be the same, Dolly Spencer, officially became the Sheriff of Sauk County with husband, Mike, as Undersheriff.

Three of the six children of Mike and Dolly Spencer, (L-R, Terry, Diane, Bob) spoke to a large crowd at the Sauk County historical Society of their experiences during the terms of their parents as sheriffs of Sauk County.

Through the use of family photos and stories of growing up in the old red brick jail, which once stood at the southwest corner of Broadway and Second in Baraboo, they entertained the crowd with reminiscences of some of the things that happened in their youth. Members of the

audience also shared their stories as they recalled their remembrances of the Spencer family. The Man hunt of 1961 which was a tense time in Sauk County was also discussed.

The Sauk County historical Society would like to thank the Spencers for sharing their memories.

Pictured are Dave and Joanne Gorak, and Phyllis Both, kneeling.

Lost Cousins Reunited

LOST cousins were recently reunited as a result of information on our Sauk County historical Society’s Web site.

Margaux McFetridge was able to locate James B. Delacour, a first cousin once removed, that she had never met, when she emailed the SChS regarding a series of photos that Mr. Delacour had donated to the society, and which are on the society’s Flickr Web site. (www.flickr. com/photos/sauk_county_historical_society).

Margaux wrote: “I am the great granddaughter of William h. McFetridge and Blanche Budd McFetridge, granddaughter of their son Britton McFetridge, and I just found the amazing photo collection on your website and Flickr submitted by James B. Delacour. I was wondering if there was a way that you could connect me with him. If you have an email address for him, do you mind sending him my contact info and this request?”

Linda Levenhagen, of our museum staff, forwarded Margaux’s request to Mr. Delacour, and he let us know what happened. “Thank you so much for forwarding the below e-mail to me. My cousin and I are now communicating for the first time. It is great fun!”

We are happy that we were able to help reunite these two long lost families.

Podunk!

By Bill Schuette

YeS, Virginia, there really was a town called Podunk in Sauk County. If you venture north on hwy 23, out of LaValle, you’ll come to Kalepp Road. A short distance down this dead end road, sits a large building, constructed of field stones. It’s a long forgotten potato warehouse—the only structure left in Podunk, and was once used by the Reedsburg hunt Club.

In 1873, when the Chicago and Northwestern railroad came through the area, the location was a stopping point for the trains which picked up farmer’s potatoes and lumber.

The word “Podunk” is generally believed to be a Native American name which means “lowland”. Many communities named Podunk generally exist in swampy, low lying ground, which is also true of Sauk County’s Podunk.

Another derivation of the word may have come from the sound that a mill wheel makes as it turns around: “po-dunk, po-dunk, po-dunk.”

This location is noted on an 1878, map of LaValle Township, and is also found on maps dating up to 1955.

In C.W. Butterfield’s 1880 history of Sauk County, Wisconsin, he writes: “… still another mill is doing a flourishing business at a switch on the railroad, called Podunk, owned by a Milwaukee man. Large quantities of railroad ties, wood and timber are bought here. A store, boarding-house

and blacksmith-shop are in operation at this point.”

h.e. Cole also made note of Podunk, writing in 1912 about place names in Sauk County. [Podunk is located on] “a railroad siding between LaValle and Wonewoc. The farmers in the neighborhood called it Poor Dickie and finally it simmered down to the meaningless word, Podunk. The place is sometimes called Crossman’s Crossing, for a land owner there.”

Today, all that remains of this once thriving little community is the old potato warehouse, (pictured here) constructed of field stones. It’s located next to the bed of the old Chicago & Northwestern railroad tracks, now the 400 trail.

Recent Artifact Donations

• Land atlas and Plat book, 1976 from Betty Trachler

• 6 bottles, Effinger Beer, from Paul Wolter

• Political sign: Recall Walker from Dick Pfaff

• 3 booklets, including one on Baraboo National Bank from Charles Sarahan

• 1 photograph, Island Woolen mill from Kut Hut

• 5 souvenirs, Baraboo from Kathy Waddell

• Research manuscript: Man Mound (on CD) from Sarah Tate

• 2 Books by local authors from Joan Litscher

• School book, arithmetic from Alice Jensen

• 57 Baraboo postcards, calling cards, invitations, tickets

meal tickets, raffle tickets, business envelopes, advertisements, booklets, stationary, product brochures, receipts, warranty deeds (Sauk County), insurance policy 1865, tax receipt 1866, mortgage 1882 from Richard Wilkinson

• Scrapbooks from Doris Litscher Gasser

• Al. Ringling Theater corporate records (approx.. 500 linear feet) from Charles and Mary Clayton-Jones

• Ringling family memorabilia (approx.. 100 cubic feet) from Charles and Mary Clayton-Jones

• Research collection pertaining to the CCC in Devil’s Lake used in book of similar name, 5 linear inches from Robert Moore

• Print of the Courthouse Square, from Betty Trachler

Pillars of Progress

Donors History Center donations since our last newsletter

Halls of History Supporter

Charles Sarahan – hS Class of 1944 $245.

Claude & Starck Associates

helen SaLoutos $300

Pillar of Progress Owner

Anonymous $20,000

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

July/August 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651 531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURN SeRVICe ReqUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for May and June

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Bayley, Ray W G – Madison

Bittner, Bernadette – Reedsburg

Blau, Conrad – Waunakee

Britton, Rick – Brookfield

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Cole, Donald L – DeForest

Danelski, Doris h – eugene, OR

ely, Laura S – St. Paul, MN

huber, Lola M – North Freedom

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kaufmann, Sandy – Madison

Kraemer, Ken – Spring Green

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Nimtz, Bridget – Fishers, IN

O’Brien Johnson, Kathryn – Austin, TX

Osman, Carl – Baraboo

Powell, Marlene – Baraboo

Riccardo, ed – Merrimac

Schultz, Betty L – Baraboo

Smith, Jean – Baraboo

Spees, Shirley – Baraboo

Springer, edward – Madison

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Thiessen, Betty M – Baraboo

Thiessen, Jerome – Baraboo

Zimmerman, Patti – Cascade

FAMILY

Bock, Susan J – Carmel, IN

Brandt, Ronald & Janet – elgin, IL

Cabbage, Patrick & Beverly – Spokane Valley, WA

Cowan, Derek & Katie – Baraboo

Delacour, James – Tacoma, WA

Feltz, Lloyd & Joann – Sugar Grove, IL

Juliar, Marvin & Barbara – evanston, IL

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Olson, Bart & Char – Merrimac

Olson, Keri & Larry McCoy – Baraboo

Paquette, Pete & Carole – Baraboo

Rochacewicz, Frederick – Baraboo

Schell, Mike & Mary – Baraboo

Statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

Turnquist, Terry & Pat – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – North Freedom

FRIeND

Baraboo, Gerald – Kirksville, MO

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo

Clemens, Inger – Wisconsin Dells

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Goc, Michael – Friendship

hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Johnsen, Bill – Baraboo

Kenyon, Larry – Sunnyvale, CA

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Nashotah

Krainik, Andre & Aimee – Appleton

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara – Baraboo

Reilly, Mo & Bradley Schnee – Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Schuebel, Timothy & Susan – Baraboo

Shook, Don & Verna – Baraboo

Stone, Tim & Kristi DuBois – Baraboo

Tully, Mark – Baraboo

Waddell, Mark & Joellen – Baraboo

Wolcott, Michael – hartland

SPONSOR

Brew, Bill & Jean – Wisconsin Dells

Dresen, William & Gretchen – Baraboo

ellis, Brian & Sandy – Baraboo

Johnson, Mike & Sue – Wisconsin Dells

LaCombe, Charles & Kathleen – Baraboo

Putz, Gene & Karen – Gorham, ME

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – Waunakee

Vaillancourt, Robert & Bev – LaValle

Ward, Joe & LouAnn – Baraboo

PATRON

Bullard, Jerry & Patricia – Reedsburg

Davenport, John & elizabeth – Minnetonka, MN

BUSINeSS FRIeND

holiday Wholesale, Inc. – Wisconsin Dells

BUSINeSS SPONSOR

Agri-Resources, LLC – Wisconsin Dells

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

Gavin Bros. – Reedsburg

Senger Lumber – Baraboo

Sauk County Historical Society Annual Banquet and Meeting Friday, November 2

the opening of St. Mary’s Ringling hospital. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with mansion tours, social time, and the sharing of photographs, artifacts and stories. A catered dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the Sauk County historical Society’s annual meeting. At 7 p.m., a special program will be presented on the St. Mary’s Ringling hospital, Manor and Convent, and also on Adella Ringling, an enduring woman of Sauk County, as celebrated by the Sauk County historical Society this year.

When St. Mary’s Ringling hospital opened in the former Alf T. and Adella Ringling mansion on Oak Street in Baraboo in november 1922, it was touted as “the very last word in modern improvements of the kind.” The hospital was opened and operated by the Sisters of St. Mary’s (now the Franciscan Sisters of Mary). Theirs is a unique story of Catholic Sisters, a legendary circus family and a community coming together to create Baraboo’s first official hospital.

The Sauk County historical Society and St. Clare hospital are partnering on Friday evening, november 2, 2012, at the Ringling mansion/Baraboo elks Club on Broadway to commemorate the 90th anniversary of

Guests are invited to bring with them photographs and artifacts about St. Mary’s Ringling hospital, or its later years as St. Mary’s Ringling Manor and St. Mary’s Ringling Convent, to be scanned from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. that evening. Guests will also be encouraged at that time to share their stories about St. Mary’s Ringling for video recording by WRPQ Radio/TV43. Photographs and artifacts may also be taken to the Sauk County historical Society before november 2. All original items will be returned.

Tickets for the november 2nd dinner and celebration are $19 per person. Reservations may be made with the Sauk County historical Society, 531 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913; (608) 356-1001, by October 20. A separate mailer and reservation form will be sent to Society members later in September.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Opperman

Donor Starts Endowment Fund

An endowment fund has been set up for the Sauk County historical Society at the Greater Sauk County Community Foundation through the generosity of a Society member who wishes to remain anonymous. With a gift of $10,000, the Society now has an endowment fund which will be invested along with the other assets of the Greater Sauk County Community Foundation. Interest from the endowment will be given to the Society on a yearly basis and help support the mission of the SChS to collect,

preserve and share Sauk County history. This generous donation is the start of the endowment which can grow through the contributions of other interested members who give to the endowment through the Greater Sauk County Community Foundation. For more information on the foundation visit www.greatersaukcountycf.org. The foundation is a not-for-profit tax-exempt public charity which started in 1998 and is now managed by executive Director Karen Sacia.

Tour of Historic Haunts October 20

WhO murdered Mrs. Gollmar in her own home? Why was the home of the Ringling brothers’ mother robbed after she died? Where was the Baraboo Magnetic Infirmary? These questions and more will be answered during the seventh annual Tour of historic haunts to be held on Saturday, October 20 at 7 p.m. Tours will begin on the courthouse square where groups will be guided up Oak and Ash Streets to several stops. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased the night of the tour. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Parking will be available on the square. For more information on this and other Society events visit our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org and click the Society events link.

Guests at the seventh annual Tour of Haunts in Baraboo will be led to several stops where they will hear stories of Baraboo’s spooky and weird past.

Invitation to Hahn House Celebration

The hahn house in Sauk City will soon be listed on the national and State Registers of historic Places. There will be a dedication ceremony and open house on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from 5 until 7 p.m. There will also be tours of the buildings in the nearby Sauk City historic Park as well as tours of the new Resource Center in the School house.

The Sauk City historic Preservation Committee invites you to come and see the hahn house and join in the celebration.

Reedsburg Native, Opera Star and

Promoter

hOW did a former Reedsburg native become a renowned opera star and promoter?

electa Anette “nettie” Root was born in Point Bluff, Wisconsin, in 1859, and raised in Reedsburg. her life and times are chronicled in an article in the Ramsey County history by Roger Bergerson. his article is titled “how nettie Snyder put the City [of St Paul] on the Musical Map.”

“She showed an interest in the performing arts early on: at the age of ten, she appeared in a school play at Reedsburg town hall and at fifteen directed a children’s concert in La Crosse,” noted the author.

After her first marriage failed, nettie married F.h Snyder in 1889 and shortly thereafter she went to Italy in 1891 to study voice. A newspaper of that era, reported that “[nettie’s] voice was in excellent quality and she sang with a faultlessness managed, with sentiment so exquisite and beautiful.”

nettie was credited as being the “only woman in the country involved in opera management.” As an aggressive concert promoter she revitalized the opera company in St. Louis. She was a friend of the great opera singer, enrico Caruso, and of many other famous performers of the time.

“The characteristic that stands out above all others, however, was her deep desire to develop an appreciation in others for the music she so loved,” concluded the author.

If you would like to read more about the life of nettie Snyder, visit our Web site at: www.saukcountyhistory.org. Click on “Research” then “historic Articles” and follow the links.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

I am very excited about the new endowment fund that has been set up for the Society at the Greater Sauk County Community Foundation through the generosity of a member who wishes to remain anonymous. While the mission of the Society is to collect, preserve and share the past, part of that mission, of course, involves the future. established in 1905 the Sauk County historical Society has been fulfilling its mission for 107 years. With the help of generous people like this donor, the future of the Society is strengthened for future generations. I hope more members will consider giving to this endowment fund and help insure that the Society remains vibrant for another 100 years.

Flag Donation

The Sauk County historical Society was recently the recipient of two U.S. flags through the generosity of the Marine Corps League, which sponsors a program to replace old flags for new. The SChS would like to thank the Marine Corps League, and howard Brining, for this generous donation. The flags are flying at the Sauk County Museum and at the history Center.

We Care Program

The Sauk County historical Society receives a percentage of all of the dollars spent by everyone who has SChS designated on their Pierces Supermarket Reward Card. Pierces is having all their customers renew their cards so now is a good time to designate SChS as the charity receiving your percentage. To do this, use the number 1092 as your charity when you fill out the enrollment.

Old Sauk Trails • September/October 2012

The Sauk County historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Society Receives Ringling Archive

When Al. Ringling signed a check on november 17, 1915 to pay the company that performed at his new theater on opening night he probably had no idea that the check would be around nearly 100 years later. This once mundane piece of paper has survived and is now the cornerstone of a vast archival collection related to the Al. Ringling Theatre. Thanks to the organizational skills of long-time theatre manager Charles Leonard Roser, the business and correspondence papers related to running the theatre from opening night in november of 1915 until 1953 were meticulously organized and saved. The collection now consists of over 70 file drawers full of fascinating documents related to the early motion picture industry, theatre management and the Ringling family.

After the theatre was sold by henry Ringling Jr.,in 1953, the collection moved to his house on eighth Street in Baraboo where it was housed in the basement vault until 2007 when his grandchildren Kate Clayton-Jones and Charles Clayton-Jones loaned the collection to the Society. This summer Kate and Charles donated the collection permanently to the Society. This collection most likely makes the Al. Ringling Theatre the most well documented early motion picture theatre in the country. The collection will be heavily used as the centennial of the theatre approaches in 2015 and will be accessible in the future to theatre and film historians. The Society would like to thank Kate and Charles for donating the collection and insuring that it is preserved for future generations.

Hundreds of thousands of documents comprise the Al. Ringling Theatre archive which was recently donated to the Society by the descendants of Henry Ringling Jr., the last family member to own the theatre. The documents will be useful to local, regional and national historians interested in theatre, the early motion picture industry and the Ringling family.

Redwork Embroidery Presentation –September 20

SOCIeTY member Jean Brew will give a presentation on redwork embroidery on Thursday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County historical Museum, 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. As the name implies, redwork embroidery used only red thread. It came into vogue in the late 1800s and lasted into the 1920s. The embroidery was usually done on common household linens such as coverlets and towels. examples of this needlework and its history will be discussed at the presentation which is open to the public.

Canadian Television Crew Visits Museum

ReCenTLY, a television crew from Vancouver, Canada used the Van Orden Mansion as a backdrop to conduct interviews for a TV documentary series called “Murder She Solved”.

The Web site for the series describes the program: “Murder She Solved takes you into the minds of female criminal investigators as they reveal the untold stories behind the capture of the most notorious killers. Witness their challenges, setbacks and dramatic revelations as they work to solve the most complex homicide cases. Packed with mystery, intrigue and suspense, this gripping new one-hour series pays homage to the impressive work of the female law enforcement officers who bring killers to justice.”

The crew spent an entire day interviewing participants—two of them ladies—who were involved in solving a notorious crime that occurred in Sauk County a number of years ago. At this time we are not at liberty to divulge the specifics, but the program will be shown on the Investigations Discovery channel later this fall.

Recent Acquisitions Received by SCHS

• Dr. Robert Dewel: two prints by Harold E. Hansen, Court house Square, Baraboo, and Devil’s Lake.

• Terrence and Barbara McCormick: a sign announcing a speech by W. e. “Pussyfoot” Johnson. William eugene “Pussyfoot” Johnson (1862- 1945) was an American Prohibition advocate and law enforcement officer. In pursuit of his campaign to outlaw intoxicating beverages, he openly admitted to drinking liquor, bribery and lying. he gained the nickname “Pussyfoot” due to his cat-like stealth in the pursuit of suspects in the Oklahoma Territory

• Mary Fullmar: three volumes of the book “Places and Faces in Marquette County, Wis.”

• Carl Osman: a flag that draped his father’s coffin.

• Donald Cole: the veil to his wife’s wedding dress, already in our collection.

• Jean Brew: a 1923 contract between the Honey Creek School district and Lucy B. Lange. School was to start on either September 3rd or 10th, depending on whether the state decided school would run for 9 months that year. Miss Lange was responsible for teaching, keeping records required by the state, and janitorial work. She was all of 19 years old, and would receive $100.00 a month defined by 20 teaching days.

• Pearl Douglas estate: an adult and a child’s rocking chair, a table, doilies, decorative bowls, hand painted plate, a mantle clock, a sleepy-eye doll, a woman’s’ toilet set and 65 early 78rpm records.

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

Claude & Stark Associates

helen SaLoutos

estate of Pearl A. Douglas

History Center Benefactor

Sauk County History Center has been renovated through the generous of members and businesses. Ongoing gifts are needed to finish the project. If like to give to the Pillars of Progress Campaign please use the form below.

Class of 1944 in memory of classmate, John “Jug” Lenihan

Alice hinze

Pat Kennedy

Joan Litscher

Bob Curry

Name___

Address_____

Pillars of Progress

Restoration Campaign

City________________________ State_________ Zip___

Phone_______

Email__________

I want to support the Sauk County History Center

Renovation at the following level:

 Pillar of Progress Owner $25,000+

 History Center Benefactor $10,000+

 Claude & Stark Associate $2,500+

 Island Woolen Mill Friend $1,000+

 Lasting Legacy Patron $500+

 Halls of History Supporter $250+

 Second Century Sponsor $100+

Return to: Sauk County Historical Society P.O. Box 651 Baraboo, WI 53913

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

September/October 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

ReTURn SeRVICe ReQUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for July and August

InDIVIDUAL

Bednarek, Michael – Wautoma

Denning, nora – Burton, WA

Domeier, Pamela – Lenexa, KS

Durham, Kristy – newport, nC

effinger, Ann – Merrimac

Gosewehr, K e – Madison

harvey, Barbara – Senora, CA

Knappen, nicol – Baraboo

Kurzawinski, John – Schererville, In

Lanphear, Karin Train – Florence, AZ

McDonald, Lynne – Pittsville

Peck, Thomas – San Francisco, CA

Pickart, Carol – Vinton, IA

Risley, Tom – Beach Park, IL

Steckelberg, Kathryn A – Arlington, VA

Stubblefield, elaine S – Reedsburg

Talg, Beverly J – LaCrosse

Whyte, Robin – Baraboo

Wilcox, Beverly – Libertyville, IL

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Blum, Tim & nancy – Baraboo

Brining, howard & Carla – Baraboo

Dickeman, Cyril & Mary – Reedsburg

DuBois, Al & Lola – Baraboo

Faylona, Rene, Marta & Julie – Baraboo

Gorak, David – LaValle

Gosewehr, Gene & Dulcea – Baraboo

hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

herbst, erich & Jean – Baraboo

hofmann, Donna – Reedsburg

Koski, Mary – Baraboo

Martin, Paul & nichelle – Baraboo

Myers, harvey & Carol – Reedsburg

Popp, Alice – Baraboo

Risteen, Landon & Jan – Chicago, IL

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl – Reedsburg

FRIenD

hohl, Jerry – Baraboo

Schellenberger, Bill & Alice – Baraboo

Steiger, Fred & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Weinhold, Frank & Mariana – Madison

SPOnSOR

Burton, John & Ann – Baraboo

Campbell, John & Susan – Wisconsin Dells

hrabovsky, Robert W – Wichita Falls, TX

Jauch, C. Philip – Baraboo

Klingenmeyer, Mary (Mrs. Darrell) – Baraboo

Mcnabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

Schumacher, June e R – Baraboo

Wolter, Paul & Ann – Baraboo

An Edwardian Christmas

December 8

From Mansion to Movie Palace

WHEN King Edward VII assumed the English throne in January of 1901, the Edwardian Era began and the Victorian Era was officially over. While customs didn’t change overnight, the Edwardian Era did usher in new attitudes during an era of great opulence, invention and change in Britain and America. Christmas during the Edwardian Era was an exuberant time with many changes that we still embrace today. While the Christmas tree was well accepted by the 20th century it became widespread during the Edwardian Era. Electric Christmas lights also began to be used, and new toys came on the scene, including the teddy bear, Lincoln logs, the erector set, tiddlywinks, tinker toys, Crayola crayons, Lionel trains and tin wind-up toys. Other cultural additions from the era include Peter Pan which first debuted in 1904 in London, and O’Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” first published in 1909. The spirit and exuberance of an Edwardian Christmas will come to life on Saturday, December 8 from 12-7 p.m. at two Baraboo locations from the Edwardian Era, the Van Orden Mansion and the Al. Ringling Theatre. At the Van Orden Mansion, twelve fresh Christmas trees will be displayed in various rooms, each tree decorated by area designers, businesses and volunteers with “a few of my favorite things.” From “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” to “silver white winters that melt into spring,” each tree will display some element from the beloved song. Dave SaLoutos will once again create an entire Christmas room – this year showcasing Christmas in the 1960s and 1970s. The dining room in the mansion will also be filled with holiday goodies surrounding a gingerbread mansion. Live Christmas music by area musicians throughout the day will enhance the feeling of Christmas past. An exhibit of Edwardian Era toys and

Christmas cards will be on display to bring back the feeling of the era. Outside at the mansion, horse and carriage “jingle bell” rides will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Down the street at the Al. Ringling Theatre the Christmas spirit will also be in full bloom. Over 25 Christmas trees will be on display throughout the theater and Santa Claus will be on hand for photos from 12-2 p.m. Christmas music will fill the theater including Christmas favorites on the mighty Barton organ. A Christmas Movie Trivia Contest will bring back Christmas memories and provide a chance to win fabulous prizes. Popcorn and other holiday treats will be available and Al. Ringling himself will also be on hand to extend holiday greetings at his theatre. Tickets for adults are only $5 for either location and a combo ticket for both the mansion and the theater is $8. Children under 12 are admitted free and members of both organizations receive a discounted admission. Tickets will be available at the door at the Van Orden Mansion at 531 Fourth Avenue or at the Al. Ringling Theatre at 136 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo. We hope you will experience the grandeur of Christmas past at the mansion and the movie palace at An Edwardian Christmas. For more information contact the museum at 608-356-1001 or check out our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Annual Banquet Commemorates Hospital

OVER 200 people attended the Annual SCHS Banquet and Business Meeting that was on Friday, November 2 at the Baraboo Elks’ Club/ Al. Ringling Mansion in Baraboo. The event was held in conjunction with St. Clare Hospital to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the opening of St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital and the start of modern health care in Sauk County. The event began with tours of the Al. Ringling Mansion during the afternoon along with recording sessions for anyone who wanted to share any oral history of the hospital that served the community from 1922 to 1963. A delicious meal was catered by Gefferts Catering of Reedsburg and served with help from staff from the Kalahari Resort in Lake Delton. A short annual business meeting was held for the society during which Paul Wolter, Ann Wolter, Natalie Bussan and Dave Saloutos were all re-elected to the Board of Directors. Dignitaries from St. Clare Hospital and SSM Health Care of St. Louis spoke of the opening of the hospital and its effects that can be felt to the present day. Society President, Paul Wolter, gave the keynote address entitled “A Lasting Legacy, An Enduring Gift” focusing on Della Ringling and the gift of her home for use as a hospital. The roles of Father O’Reilly, the Sisters of St. Mary and the Baraboo community in getting the hospital established were also recounted. The Society would like to thank St. Clare Hospital and staff for their support of the event and for making it a remarkable and memorable evening.

Della Ringling and her brother-in-law Al. Ringling were portrayed at the Al. Ringling Mansion by Kathy Huebing and Bryant Hazard

Sauk County Historical Society Receives Vintage Auto

THROUGH, the generosity of the late Gordon Caflisch Jr. the Sauk County Historical Society recently received a gift of his 1903 Michigan automobile. In a recent ceremony, his wife, Janice, son Gordon III, and daughter Jodie Ramsey presented the Society with the fully restored auto in his memory.

With serial number 52, the auto was originally purchased by Henry Roick, operator of the Baraboo Feed Mill. It was one of the first automobiles in Sauk County.

The 1903 Michigan sported a 3.5 horsepower, one cylinder air-cooled engine, and was chain driven. It was steered by a tiller—a long handled lever––and had two forward speeds, but no reverse. Since it weighs about 475 pounds, the driver needed only to exit the vehicle, lift the front end and turn it around.

In the early 20th century, there were numerous manufacturers of autos who attempted to meet the need of an ever-expanding mobile society. The Michigan sold for $450 ($12,000 today). The average yearly income in 1903 was $702, so it was not a form of transportation for the average man. That need would be fulfilled several years later by Henry Ford.

The auto had been sitting abandoned and in poor condition in a barn, when Roick sold his house to Lawrence Herfort in about 1932. Gordon Caflisch purchased the vehicle at auction in 1987 from the Herfort estate and it was sent to California where its

restoration was completed 5 years later.

Since then, the engine has been further restored by Jerome Thiessen, and it did run several years ago. He noted that the auto could run for 15 miles without a problem. After 4 miles, the driver had to go around in back and oil the cylinder. These early autos were quite temperamental, and were usually only run in daylight.

Paul Wolter, Historical Society President who accepted the car, noted that, “It’s just great that this car is staying in Baraboo where it was originally used.” It is believed that this auto is one of only three Michigans left in existence.

Janice Caflisch noted that the presentation was an emotional experience for her and her family. “Gordon always insisted that the only appropriate place for the car was right here in Baraboo, where it’s always been,” Caflisch noted.

This

1903 Michigan automobile was recently donated to the Sauk County Historical Society, by Janice Caflisch, center. Society President, Paul Wolter on left, and Society Curator, Rebecca DuBey, on right, accept the gift.

Sauk County, Above and Beyond.

WHEN Charles Lindbergh took off for Paris in 1927 to attempt a solo trans-Atlantic crossing by airplane, twentythree year old George Schlieckau remarked, “If Lindy makes it, I’m buying a plane.” Lindy did make it and Schlieckau bought a plane. Schlieckau, a rural Loganville farmer, owned the first airplane in Sauk County and was an accomplished aviator for over 70 years.

The 2013 theme at the Sauk County Historical Society will be “Sauk County, Above and Beyond” and programming throughout the year will take a look at Sauk County’s rich aviation history. A history which includes people like Cecil Hess, a Reedsburg stunt flyer, who bought his first plane in 1928, and thrilled spectators with his daredevil exploits in the air. His plane was named Miss Fortune, because of all the accidents he had. “I cracked up at different times, never had anything but a bloody nose,”

he said. “One time I was barnstorming a church picnic at Bear Valley. I did a power dive and it shook the gas line loose from the carburetor. I had to make a forced landing. The plane turned over on its back and I got just a scratch.”

Other stories will be explored, such as that of Baraboo native, Garvin Kowalke, who piloted a B29, named the City of Baraboo, during WWII, and flew in over Hiroshima after the atomic bomb exploded, to sample the air for radiation.

And there is also Josh Sanford, of Reedsburg, who was the only Native American to fly as a pilot and flight commander with the famous Flying Tigers of WWII. The theme will also focus on topics related to looking down at Sauk County through aerial views, maps and bird’s eye drawings. Watch your newsletter for upcoming stories and event details.

Cecil Hess stands beside “Miss Fortune”.

Join the SCHS Collections Management Team!

BECCA Dubey, the Curator of the SCHS museum, would like to invite you to help work directly, or indirectly, with our artifact collection. If you like to write descriptions, photograph, sew, or have a steady hand and would like to apply ID numbers, we could use your help cataloging museum artifacts. Or, if you prefer assembling and moving metal shelving, moving boxes, and helping our move to the History Center, we could also use your help! Over the next year we would like to build a strong Collections Management Team of volunteers to help manage the many dozens of donations that are received each month. We have many cataloging projects that will improve our ability to make our objects accessible to visitors. Also, the Society will be applying for a grant from the Institute of Museum Library Services for processing, re-housing and digitizing the Al. Ringling Theatre papers. If you are interested in helping to prepare grant applications, Board Member Ann Wolter is looking for volunteers who have strong skills in writing narrative, preparing budgets or coordinating partners to come together to design a quality grant proposal. If you would like to help in any of these roles, please contact Linda or Becca at the museum at 608-356-1001 or at history@ saukcountyhistory.org. No experience is necessary and hours can be flexible.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

CHRISTMAS came early this year at the Sauk County Historical Society. While the Society receives many wonderful and fascinating things throughout the year, a very special donation was made in September by Jan Caflisch and her two children, Jody Caflisch Ramsey and Gordon Caflisch Jr. The gift was a restored 1903 Michigan automobile given in memory of Gordon Caflisch, Jan’s husband. This rare automobile is a real treasure of Sauk County history as it literally was one of the first automobiles purchased in the county. Now almost 110 years later it is still here as a reminder of a period of rapid change in the transportation industry. The Michigan will be a cornerstone of the display space on the ground floor of the history center after that space is renovated. I would like to thank the Caflisch family for their generous donation and for honoring Gordon’s wish that the Michigan remain in Sauk County.

And speaking of Christmas... I have a confession to make. For the past 12 years we’ve been calling our Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion, a Victorian Christmas. Well, this wasn’t actually historically correct, since the mansion was built in 1903 after the Victorian period ended. This period was actually the Edwardian Era named for King Edward VII of England. The name is less well known but has gained more recognition due to TV shows such as Downton Abbey. It was an era of great change and opulence but also an era bookended by World War I. This year we will be renaming our Christmas festivities to more accurately describe the time period of the Van Orden Mansion. We will also be partnering with the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends to promote An Edwardian Christmas – from Mansion to Movie Palace. Members, guests and the public are invited to experience the magic of Christmas past at both locations on Saturday, December 8th from 12-7 p.m. Live music, dozens of Christmas trees, holiday goodies and old fashioned “jingle bell” rides are just some of the elements of this event that will be sure to bring holiday cheer to the whole family. I hope you will join in at both locations and help celebrate Christmas during the Edwardian Era!

Full Service Pharmacy

Gi s for all Occasions

522 Oak Street • (608) 356-8701 ON

Year End Giving

As the year 2012 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County Historical Society. While our fiscal year ends on August 31, donations are welcomed yearround and can be designated for special projects like the History Center renovations, maintenance of the Van Orden mansion or given towards general operations. Without the generous support of our members the SCHS would not be able to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Society is supported by general memberships, bequests, donations, memorials and even gifts of stock.

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

The Sauk County Historical Society and Museum

531 Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651 • Baraboo, WI 53913

Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-4pm year-round

(608) 356.1001

• history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Recent Acquisitions Received by SCHS

• Janice Caflisch: 1903 Michigan automobile, fully restored

• Pearl Douglas Estate Trust: double bed with headboard and footboard, desk, bookcase, dresser with mirror, hall stand with mirror, 2 chairs, settee with pull-out bed, Pembrook table with 5 leaves, 2 tables, phonograph, washstand, games and toys, picture frame, stool

• Iowa County Historical Society: land grant signed by Millard Fillmore, 1850

• David Burmester: Pharmacy Rural Permit, Bermester Grocery, Photograph of farmhouse and barn

• Betty Thomas: tile from the Al Ringling bathroom

• Mike and Karen French: portraits of Jacob Van Orden c. 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Van Orden c. 1856 and of Mrs. French as a young woman, silver butter cooler and service monogrammed “VO”

• Edria Hallbach, The National Farm Journal magazine, 1932

• Tom and Evelyn Weier, dog tag, Baraboo, 1898

• Nick Kelly, 9 panel display of political events between 2011 and 2012, Baraboo and Sauk County

• Christina Hammer, script of the play “The Golden Violin,” by Marcus Bach, 1924 who was quite famous as a Religious scholar and playwright

• April Wilson, Baraboo High School yearbook from 1899 which includes a photograph of Lucas Schyler Van Orden

• Pawlish family, slides of North Freedom, Westfield Methodist Church and family

• Steve Jopp, large photograph of a farm including the farm house

• Arleen Hambach, diaries, letters, and postcards, a narrative and vital papers written by her mother between 1938 and 1950 of her life in Baraboo while working for the WPA

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

Contributing

Pat Lenihan Kennedy in memory of John Lenihan

Second Century Sponsor

Arline Lenihan

Island Woolen Mill Friend

Carol Fleishauer

Claude & Stark Associates

Gene & Mona Larsen

History Center Benefactor

Robert Curry - Class of 1944 - In honor of John “Jug” Lenihan

Joan Litscher - Class of 1944 - In honor of John “Jug” Lenihan

Pillar of Progress Owner

Robert C. Dewel

William C. Schuette

Total contributions since the last newsletter: $12,650.00

Sauk County Historical Society

Fiscal Year Ending August 31, 2012 Financial Report

November/December 2012

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New & Renewed Members for July and August

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Austin, Jim – Oracle, AZ

Bechmann, Darleen – Baraboo

Bednarek, Michael – Wautoma

Bingler, Susan – Jeffersonton, VA

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Burton, Michelle – Beloit

Dallmann, Virginia – North Freedom

Dewall, Janet – Appleton

Dewall, Patrick – Appleton

Donohue, Cheryl Zimmerly –Janesville

Dwars, Vera – Baraboo

Guenther, Carolyn Wafle –LaHonda, CA

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn – Wisconsin Dells

Knutson, Joyce – Rock Springs

Kriegl, Sylvia M – Baraboo

Maniaci, Patricia – Madison

Meyer, Marlene Kindschi –Prairie du Sac

Miller, Phyllis – Reedsburg

Nimmow, Barb – Baraboo

Nurre, Rob – Baraboo

O’Neil, John – Prairie du Sac

Oppliger, Kay Davis – Oshtemo, MI

Orlowski, Mary – Lake Delton

Prosser, Kay – Baraboo

Roberts, William – Lake Delton

Scoles, Vera – Baraboo

Setwyn, Eugene – Reedsburg

Stubblefield, Elaine – Reedsburg

Twigg, Deb – Waverly, NY

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

FAMILY

Breen, Bob & Joyce – Hartford, WI

Bruer, Scott & Nicole – Reedsburg

Davis, James & Marsha – Reedsburg

Dickeman, Cyril & Mary – Reedsburg

DiRenzo, Robert – Neenah

Filus, Gene & Karen – Baraboo

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica –Baraboo

Hilmer, Ben & Joan – Roscoe, IL

Kindschi, Jerry & Alice –Prairie du Sac

Long, Bernard & Diana – Waunakee

Lumsden, Bill & Joy – Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue – Oshkosh

Peterson, Waldo & Ann – Madison

Quale, Glenn & Marilyn – Baraboo

Robkin, Gene & Rochelle – Baraboo

Schmid, Allan & Nancy – Baraboo

Schroder, Don & Nancy –Rhinelander

Steinhorst, Harland & Pat –Citrus Springs, FL

Stephen, Ron & Lyn – Poynette

Stoikes, Carl & Rita – Prairie du Sac

Sturgis, Peter & June – Baraboo

Teelin, Tim & Amy – Baraboo

Topham, Brett & Susan – Baraboo

Young, John A & Tonia – Baraboo

FRIEND

Alt, John & Jean – Baraboo

Bahe, Garry & Gale – Merrimac

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Jelinek, Daunene – Baraboo

Krainik, Andre – Appleton

Mitchell, Robert J –Hales Corners, WI

Reitz, Mark & Sharyl – Baraboo

Rinella, Linda Michaud –Glenview, IL

SaLoutos, David – Baraboo

Schwartz, Lester & Bonnie –Kimberton, PA

Shortreed, Ben – Baraboo

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Tully, Bob & Vi – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Lange, Donna – Reedsburg

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

Pieper, August & Beverley – Madison

Schumacher, June E R – Baraboo

Simonds, Donald & Beverly –Baraboo

Thompson, Dianne – Wisconsin Dells

Whitcomb, Kenneth & Virginia –Honolulu, HI

PATRON

Fleming, Robert & Rosa – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

The Baraboo National Bank –Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home –Baraboo

Cecil Hess Early Pioneer Aviator

CECIL Hess’s interest in flying began in 1912 at the age of 11, after seeing a French plane at the Richland County Fair. Ten years later he pursued his interest by studying mechanics at the Sweeney Auto and Aviation School in Kansas City, Missouri. Later, with the assistance of George Schlieckau, who had several vintage planes, he learned to fly. Cecil then purchased his own plane in 1928 at a cost of $2,500. Accompanied by a Mr. Griffin, an army pilot, they flew it from Wausau to Reedsburg. The 80 acre Siemandel farm on South Dewey was rented where Cecil built a hanger; soon after the land was purchased by the city for what is now the Reedsburg Airport.

Cecil’s plane, a Waco GXE10, had a cruising speed of 97 miles per hour and could be fitted with runners or pontoons for landing on ice or water. Cecil gave rides to any adventurous person willing to pay a penny a pound (up to $2.50) or as much as $10, depending upon the crowd.

Cecil Hess was one of the early barnstorming stunt flyers, performing at many southwestern Wisconsin fairs. They were described as “seat of the

By Monica Liegel

pants” flyers. Cecil said that he never flew with a parachute and didn‘t need a compass. “The whip stall was the biggest thrill I got out of flying,” he was quoted as saying, “You almost make the plane stand on its tail and drop down. Then you turn on the power and up she goes.”

Hess had lived in Reedsburg since 1920 and operated a machine shop where he repaired anything mechanical, automotive and aeronautical. He needed this skill because there were mishaps with the plane from time to time.

“I cracked up at different times, never had anything but a bloody nose,” he said. “One time I was barnstorming a church picnic at Bear Valley. I did a power dive and it shook the gas line loose from the carburetor. I had to make a forced landing. The plane turned over on its back and I got just a scratch.”

During an air show at Reedsburg in 1930, Cecil took up an aviator named Mae Rox, also known as Peaches LaMar, who parachuted off the wing of his plane. The story of her tragic descent will appear in a future newsletter. (Story continued next page…)

Due to these and other incidents of misfortune that Hess had with the plane, Roland Cushman, local sign painter/artist, in a playful twist on words, lettered the name Miss Fortune on Cecil’s plane.

Ray Palmer, a good friend, helped Hess maintain the plane. In a recent interview, Palmer recalled those days.

“One day Cecil called me up and told me to stop out.” The plane had been in storage for several years by then.

“Ray, I want you to help me again. In a couple of weeks I’m going to own Miss Fortune 50 years and I’m going to fly it,” said Hess.

The valves were stuck, the carburetor was corroded, and the radiator leaked, said Palmer, but after working on it for two weeks, they got the engine running again.

“We hauled everything out to the airport, put the wings and rudder back on, tightened up the struts and checked everything out. The morning that he’d owned it 50 years, he flew it.”

After circling Reedsburg he returned and landed safely. The engine wasn’t pulling just right so they worked on it some more. On the next test flight, Palmer recounted what happened.

“We got her fired up and she was runnin’ nice. He gave her the fuel and she started to roll and everything was going fine. Well, we were down beyond that cement block hanger and all at once she turned to the left. And right up that hill we went, through the brush. Oh, the brush flew! She was startin’ to lift off. We were doin’ pretty good, but thank God there was a big locust tree there. That got us — we stopped!

“We went through the top of the tree and came down on the wheels on the other side. Of course, the prop was a little bit shorter than when it was made.”

Hess last flew Miss Fortune in 1978 at the age of 77.

Antique plane hobbyists wanted the plane but Cecil wouldn‘t sell until after the 1978 Old Settler’s picnic. He had vowed to fly Miss Fortune one last time in honor of the meeting. He didn‘t get it running for the meeting in February, but he finally did fly her the following July.

The Waco GXE10 has been carefully restored and resides at the Public Field in Shelbyville, IL.

Cecil Hess passed away in 1979.

History Center Phase 2 Nears Completion

Museum to Close February 20 through April 20

WITH carpet going down, the last light fixtures going up and doorknobs being installed, Phase 2 of the history center renovation is nearing an end, which will allow for the offices and archives of the Society to be moved out of the Van Orden mansion in late February. The Sauk County Historical Museum will close down on February 20 to allow for the move of the SCHS archives and offices to the history center. Operations will begin again at both facilities on or before April 20. Please watch our website for updates and for days when volunteers will be needed to help move materials.

Terry Frosch, from McGann Furniture, recently installed the carpet on the main floor of the History Center.

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

CONTRIBUTING

Matt Hart

Barbara Wolfe

John & Susan Campbell

Bill & Dolores Mossman

SECOND CENTURY SPONSOR

Fran & Joan Costerisan

Bernard & Diana Long

LaMasney Construction

Michael Ableman

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Marie Kolberg

James & Gladys Getschman

Inger Clemens

Karen Zimmerman

Jerry & Ellen Dargel

Michael Goc

HALLS OF HISTORY SUPPORTER

Michael & Susan Johnson

Joann Burke

Russell & Anita Hantzsch

Phil Pointon

Ronald Birdd

Phil Jauch

David SaLoutos

Al & Jean Wendt-Schroeder

Jim & Paula Rice

LASTING LEGACY PATRON

Ursula Muehllehner

Charles Sarahan

Forrest Hartmann

Colleen Terbilcox

Eleanor Cooper Wright

ISLAND WOOLEN MILL FRIEND

Merlin Zitzner

CLAUDE & STARCK ASSOCIATES

Helen SaLoutos, Joseph & Lou Ann Ward

HISTORY CENTER BENEFACTOR

Robert Curry

Joan Litscher

PILLAR OF PROGRESS OWNER

Bill Schuette

BHS Class of 1944

Class of 1944 Becomes Pillar Owner

THE Sauk County Historical Society would like to thank members of the Baraboo High School Class of 1944 for their generous gift to the Pillars of Progress Campaign for the development of the Sauk County History Center. Having donated a gift of more than $25,000, the class is now in our Pilllar Owner category. Those who have given to SCHS from the Class of 1944 include:

Jim Austin

Lou and Agnes Bach

John and Bernice Bartholomew Bergen

Wallace and Norma Peterson Clavadatscher

Robert Curry

Florence Harmel in memory of Duane

Alice Bisch Hinz

Dave and Jo Holaday

Pat Lenihan Kennedy

John and Arline Lenihan

Colleen Rooney Lins

Joan Schult Litscher

Marilyn Reul Nietz

Donald Oyan

David and Eleanor Voss Rice

Landon and Jan Risteen

Frances Lehnherr Rouse

Robert Stanley

Charles Sarahan

Verle Voll Stultz

Beverly Barkenhagen Talg

Marge Burkman Wagner

Canfield Day, Tuesday, April 9

A Personal Recollection of William Harvey Canfield: Through A

Child’s

Eyes

NOT every county in Wisconsin is lucky enough to have had a historian on the ground since virtually day one—and a passionate and gifted historian at that. Sauk County was set apart in 1840 to become a county of the Wisconsin Territory, and only two years later William H. Canfield arrived in the Baraboo Valley, destined to become its first historian. Like many of us today, he was struck by the beauty of Sauk County but knew that its history was changing fast and that it needed to be recorded.

William Canfield was born on April 9, 1819 and died one hundred years ago this year. On the occasion of Canfield’s 194th birthday we will celebrate this dedicated man and his contributions to Sauk County history. A presentation will be delivered by Alison Armstrong Fanara, a distant relative of Mr. Canfield, who will share

By Alison Armstrong Fanara

her grandfather’s recollections of Canfield and share a page torn from one of his journals that was given to her grandfather.

Also that evening the Society will present its annual William H. Canfield History Award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Do you know a local historian that has contributed to our understanding of our great county that you can nominate? The deadline for nominations is March 24th. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: Erhart Mueller, Ken Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Bernadette Bittner, Joe Ward, Bill Schuette and Verlyn Mueller. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

William H. Canfield History Award Nomination

Deadline: March 24, 2013 Submit to: Sauk County Historical Society PO Box 651 Baraboo, WI 53913

On a separate piece of paper, please complete the following paragraph in 500 words or less: I nominate________, who, like William H. Canfield, shows a passion for local history as shown by his/her…

New Book Traces 90-Year Local Health Care History

WHAT do a circus family, a Catholic order of Sisters, a civil rights pioneer and a notorious criminal have in common? All are featured in a new book recently published by St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.

Healing Presence: A History of Caring chronicles three health care facilities in Baraboo over a 90-year period: St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital/Manor/Convent; St. Clare Hospital; and Jefferson Meadows Care Center/ St. Clare Meadows Care Center, and the human stories that bring the history of those facilities to life.

The first 2,500 books will be given away throughout 2013 at various events and venues in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the opening of St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital, which was observed in November 2012, St. Clare Hospital’s 50th anniversary in June 2013 and St. Clare Meadows Care Center’s 40th anniversary in December 2013. Free copies are available at the SCHS museum.

Got Memories? SCHS to host Town History Night at LaValle

THE Sauk County Historical Society will co-host a Town of LaValle History Day with the LaValle Town Board on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 2- 4 p.m. at the LaValle Town Hall located at 314 Hwy 33/58.The history day, a veritable “show and tell,” will involve members of the SCHS Board and current or former LaValle residents sharing historical photos, articles, and artifacts as well as telling stories about the history of the town. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Anyone that wishes to bring something large to display should arrive by 1:30 for it to be set up. Please bring your memories, stories, photos and artifacts that you would like to show. SCHS will bring a scanner to scan photos and articles to add to the Sauk County Historical Museum.

Writing Your Memoir; From Concept to Publication

EVERYONE has unique experiences and stories to tell, and in this course, local author and graphic designer Mark Tully will guide you through the steps of writing and publishing your own life story. Discussion will include: why you should write your memoir, your intended audience, writing styles and stylistic approaches, fundamentals of storytelling, exercises to get your creative juices flowing, basic document layout, document formatting and word processing software options, and options for small-run publishing of your completed memoir!

The course will be held Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm March 6-May 1 (no class March 20). Instructor: Mark Tully author of more than 12 titles of historical nonfiction. UW-Baraboo Sauk County Library Lab. Fee $99

To register, call Cindy McVenes at the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County campus: 608-355-5220.

Above and Beyond on SCHS Web Site

AS mentioned in our last newsletter, more information regarding our theme for 2013 is located on our Web site, www.saukcountyhistory.org/home.html.

Included are aerial photos of most of the villages, towns and cities in Sauk County. Also the exciting stories of some of Sauk County’s earliest flyers, their planes and experiences are chronicled.

Learn which one of the pioneers of aviation said, “The aeroplane will be a great factor in ascertaining the enemy’s position [during a war], for they have already taken pictures of forts and panoramas that have stretched beneath them as they have sped on their way. They also could drop bombs, and destroy whole armies, but I hardly think that would be permitted by the powers as it is against the rules that now obtain in civilized warfare.” More information and stories will be included on the Web site as they are obtained by us.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

THE holidays are a receding memory now but they were once again extra special for many people due to all of the effort that many volunteers put in at the museum for our newly christened Edwardian Christmas Celebration. I was so happy with our large turnout for the event. It certainly helps make all of the hard work worth it. I would like to thank the myriad of volunteers who did everything from baking cookies, playing music to decorating trees. The trees were wonderful again this year and exceptionally creative.

Now thoughts turn toward coming events in the new year. The biggest news is that we will be moving SCHS operations to the history center this winter and starting the biggest change in Society operations since we moved into the Van Orden mansion in 1938. I am very excited about the wonderful changes this will bring about. Most importantly everyone will get some breathing room. The history center renovation has been quite a journey and all members should be proud of what we have accomplished together. I am so proud that we were able to save the historic woolen mill office building and use it to expand our operations. The fact that it was originally designed by a Sauk County architect is further icing on the cake. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped work on the building and especially Dave Statz for his unfaltering and untiring commitment to the project. Dave has helped manage the project, contributed to it, and worked on it doing everything from restoring the terrazzo floors to painting the stairwell. I will never forget the day Dave power washed the interior of the stairwell from top to bottom in his raingear—a thankless job.

When we complete the move to the first and second floors of the history center, the offices, archives, and research space will be moved out of the Van Orden mansion which will then be solely used as a museum and event space. The holidays at the Van Orden mansion will be even better next year when the research space is moved out of the living room. At the new history center researchers will enjoy an up-to-date building and our staff and volunteers will have room to spread out and work on projects. More work remains to be done, like renovating the ground floor at the history center and shuffling collections around but we will soon be able to enjoy this major milestone.

January/February 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New & Renewed Members for November and December

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Amundson, James – Madison

Anderson, Carol – Spring Green

Bahr, Dolores – Prairie du Sac

Beard, Jeanette – Milton

Bobholz, Jill Sneed – Baraboo

Dallmann, David or Carolyn –Baraboo

Dwyer, Kelly – Baraboo

Eichmann, Charmaine – Baraboo

Farrell-Stieve, Mary – Baraboo

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Haarklau, Kevin – Lodi

Herrick, James – Madison

Hutchins, William – Wisconsin Dells

Jensen, Neil – Baraboo

Kieffer, Robert A, Jr. – Baraboo

Kuntz, Lucille L – Baraboo

Larsen, Barbara – Sister Bay

Ley, Bruce – Baraboo

Madden, Rosann – Baraboo

Marini, Gladys – Baraboo

Michals, Patricia M – Baraboo

Nagel, Ron – Verona

Phoenix, Caroline – Baraboo

Prothero, Betty – Baraboo

Reardon, John or Donna –Naperville, IL

Ringelstetter, Bernice – DeForest

Rotzoll, Brenda – Baraboo

Schmidtke, Fred – Baraboo

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Topham, Dirk – Vernon Hills, IL

Topham, Ruth – Baraboo

Young, Paul S – Baraboo

FAMILY

Baker, Dick & Annette – Reedsburg

Conlon, Jen & Mike – Park Ridge, IL

Conway, Ben & Fran – Loves Park, IL

Dillman, Nancy Jo & Moh, Helfried –Baraboo

Dummer, Bill & Laurie – Baraboo

Fisher, John F & LornaLee –Cross Plains

Fritts, James & Martha –Highland Park, IL

Fuhs, David & Jeanne – Baraboo

Genovese, Tom & Doris – Baraboo

Getschman, James & Gladys –Baraboo

Haller, Mike & Angie – Baraboo

Henry, Art & Barbara – Baraboo

Higgins, James & Nancy – Baraboo

Kolb, Tom & Linda – Baraboo

Kunze, Brad & Georgene – Baraboo

Mede, Gary & Kuehn-Mede, Eleanor – Normal, IL

Messner, Erick, Audrey & Steven –Baraboo

Mohar, Warren & Linda – Baraboo

Molkentin, Ray, Markel & Martin –Baraboo

Nieuwenhuis, Cliff, Deb & Kip –Baraboo

Otto, Tom & Darlene – Baraboo

Reeve, Bryan & Mary – Spring Green

Ruhland, Marv & Kathy –Cross Plains

Schertz, Bill & Amy – Baraboo

Schultz, Jerald & Zita – Baraboo

Smirenski, Sergei & Elena – Baraboo

Solone, Louis & Sarah – Reedsburg

Taylor, Dave & Charlotte – Baraboo

Thompson, David & Miriam –Baraboo

Walker, Bruce & Palma –Prairie du Sac

FRIEND

Birdd, Ron – Reedsburg

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita – Baraboo

Erlandson, Virgil & Cheryl –Hagerstown, MD

Holt, Mike & Sandi – Baraboo

Johansen, Wayne & Martha –Baraboo

Kowalke, Lawrence & Shirley –Fort Myers, FL

McKnight, John L – Evanston, IL

Strasser, Clara – Dover, PA

Weth, Gloria – Rotonda West, FL

White, Tom & Carolyne – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley – Baraboo

Litscher, Joan – Baraboo

Lombard, Jim & Andrea – Baraboo

Pietenpol, David & Diane – Suamico

Schulz, Glen & Mary – Baraboo

Smith, Jeff & Anne – Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia – Baraboo

Waterman, Turk & Judy – Baraboo

BUSINESS FRIEND

LaMasney Construction – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Bart & Char Olson Foundation –Merrimac

History Center Dedication, May 18

SATURDAY, May 18 will be an historic day for history as the Sauk County Historical Society will dedicate the new Sauk County History Center. After years of planning, fundraising and renovating the upper two floors of the historic Island Woolen Mill office building have been transformed with the completion of Phase 2 of the three phase project. In February the Sauk County Historical Museum closed for a few months and the removal of research materials from the Van Orden mansion has begun. By May the move will be complete and all research related materials will be in its new home at the history center, thus

allowing the Van Orden mansion to function solely as a museum. This important transformation for the Society has been brought about by the generous support of our members, businesses, the City of Baraboo and the Sauk County Board of Supervisors. Dedication Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 18 will begin at 2 p.m. with a short program after which guests will be allowed to tour the building. We hope that you will be able to take part in this momentous occasion as we formally dedicate the building for service as the new Sauk County History Center.

Canfield Day, Tuesday, April 9 A Personal Recollection of William Harvey Canfield: Through A Child’s Eyes

By Alison Armstrong Fanara

NOT every county in Wisconsin is lucky enough to have had a historian on the ground since virtually day one—and a passionate and gifted historian at that. Sauk County was set apart in 1840 to become a county of the Wisconsin Territory, and only two years later William H. Canfield arrived in the Baraboo Valley, destined to become its first historian. Like many of us today, he was struck by the beauty of Sauk County but knew that its history was changing fast and that it needed to be recorded.

William Canfield was born on April 9, 1819 and died one hundred years ago this year. On the occasion of Canfield’s 194th birthday we will celebrate this dedicated man and his contributions to Sauk County history. A presentation will be delivered by Alison Armstrong

Ringling Airport

DURING the advent of those “daring young men and their flying machines” in the early 1900s, it’s obvious that adventurous youth would be interested in associating themselves with the excitement of this new mode of travel. Pictured is a rather detailed replica of an early biplane, “piloted” by, we assume, its constructor. The airplane is located on the front lawn of the Charles Ringling home (the yellow house) on 8th Street. Close inspection reveals a young man seated in the cockpit— it’s inventor, perhaps. We have no further information about the plane or its builder. Should any of our readers be able to add additional information about this daring young man, please contact the museum at 608-356-1001.

Fanara,a distant relative of Mr. Canfield, who will share her grandfather’s recollections of Canfield and share a page torn from one of his journals that was given to her grandfather. Canfield Day will take place on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Van Orden Mansion in Baraboo. Also that evening the Society will present its annual William H. Canfield History Award to honor the work of a present day local historian who displays the same passion for history as Canfield. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: Erhart Mueller, Ken Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Bernadette Bittner, Joe Ward, Bill Schuette and Verlyn Mueller. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend.

Summer Picnic June 6

MARK your calendars for a special SCHS Founders’ Day Picnic on Thursday, June 6 to be held at the hangar of Bill Johnsen at the Baraboo-Dells Airport. Tom Thomas, who serves on the board of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, will be the guest speaker and will speak about Reedsburg resident and Native American, Josh Sanford, who was a distinguished pilot and commander in the famous Flying Tigers during WWII. A delicious picnic buffet will be served by Geffert’s Catering. More details and a reservation sheet will be included in the May newsletter.

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

PILLAR OF PROGRESS OWNER

Sharon McArthur

HISTORY CENTER BENEFACTOR

Richard & Jane Dana

CLAUDE & STARCK ASSOCIATES

Karl & Melanie Burgi

ISLAND WOOLEN MILL FRIEND

Charles Sarahan – Class of 1944

Paul Young

LASTING LEGACY PATRON

Elizabeth Dutton

David & Marcia Swanson

HALLS OF HISTORY SUPPORTER

WANTED

THE Society is in need of five legal size filing cabinets to house the Sauk County Probate Collection. If you know of gently used or new filing cabinets please contact the museum so we can check them out. The file cabinets must be for legal sized files and should match. 608-3561001 or www.saukcountyhistory.org

Museum Docents Needed

Volunteers are needed to greet guests at the Van Orden Mansion when the museum re-opens on Friday, April 26th. The museum will be open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to four p.m. and volunteers will be needed to serve as docents. There is no need to memorize anything or guide guests through the entire building. If you would like to help please contact Linda at the history center by calling 608-356-1001 or by email: history@ saukcountyhistory.org

Larry McCoy & Keri Olson

Wisconsin Energy Foundation – matching grant

Beverly Vaillancourt

SECOND CENTURY SPONSOR

Albert & Allegra Zick

Virgil Erlandson

Rosann Madden

Chuck & Norma Sophie

June Schumacher

CONTRIBUTING

Theodore Shepard

Total contributions since the last newsletter

$2,81.15

Parachute Jump Ends in Tragedy

AIRPLANES were still relatively unique during the late 1920s and a person jumping out of one was even more unusual. Therefore when a flying circus was hired to entertain the Reedsburg community for the 4 of July celebration in 1930, one of the prime attractions was a parachute jump. The Mid West Airways troop, from Rockford, IL, put on stunt flying demonstrations for thousands of awe struck spectators below — the largest crowd to attend such activities in anyone‘s memory.

During the second day of the celebration, the climax of the show was to be a parachute jump by Evelyn Holman. After circling the field for several minutes, the plane—flown by local aviator, Cecil Hess—suddenly landed. Holman got out, handed her ‘chute to l9 year old Mae Rox, whose professional name was Peaches LaMar, and said, “You take my place, I’m scared.” Miss Rox had jumped the day before, but strapped on the equipment anyway and was soon on her way to 1,500 feet. The crowd buzzed with excitement as the plane again circled the field.

“There she goes.” shouted a spectator as Rox appeared below the plane. An article in the 1930 Times-Press picks up the story:

“Down, down she fell and then silence settled over the crowd as realization seemed to come to everyone at once that something was wrong. Down, straight down, seemingly without a struggle fell Miss Rox and vanished behind a

fringe of trees beyond the cornfield, into the marshland southwest of the airport.

“A woman shrieked. The silence became a bedlam of screams and shouts. The crowd broke across the airport with a rush, but police were first and barred the way.

“As the pilot circled over the spot, flying circus personnel leaped into their cars and headed to the site of the tragedy. The pilot returned to the airfield, almost cracking up the ship, and joined the race to the girl. She was found buried 18 inches in the soft soil.

“Her parachute was determined to be in good working order upon examination. Miss Rox has been jumping for the flying circus since August [for 11 months] and had made over 100 jumps previously. It was speculated that she had fainted upon exiting the airplane, failed to pull her ripcord and never knew what happened.”

Two and one half tons of steel shelving was loaded into the history center in February with the help of Paul Wolter, David Etzwiler, Paul Young, Dave Statz, Carl Osman and Dave Saloutos (crouching). The shelving is one of the final steps in setting up the history center to hold all of the Society’s archival and reference collections.

Google Earth – Bird’s Eye View

HOW would you like to see what any location on Earth looks like from above? From the Space Station’s view high above the Earth, to several hundred feet above your house, you may zoom in as though you were a traveler from space. A computer program called Google Earth will allow you to do just that….and it’s FREE! Just go to the Google Earth Web site, download the free program and begin an exciting adventure of exploration.

If you wish, you may also print out any image on the screen.

Images of almost any location on earth may be accessed by simply typing in an address and the program

will rapidly zoom you from a vantage point high above the earth, to your selected location. Images of major cities are most recent and detailed; smaller villages and rural areas are not as detailed, but nonetheless legible. Baraboo, for instance, was photographed in 2012; other areas are from a few years previous.

Also available, for those who are interested, is Google Mars.

The Free Google Earth program is located at: http:// www.google.com/earth/index.html.

The Sauk County courthouse is located at the bottom in this photo, and the Ringling Theatre is at the top, with the round roof.

IT is interesting to note that Sauk county cigar factories, for the most part one-man institutions with possibly an apprentice or a helper or two, turned out 724,700 cigars in the year 1902, and that the two Baraboo breweries, Ferdinand Effinger and the Ruhland Brewing Co., manufactured 9,005 barrels of beer for the fiscal year 1902 to 1903, and the Sauk City Brewery and the Reedsburg Brewery added 6,504 more.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

I am happy to report that the piano “has left the building”, which means that the move has commenced into the history center! The piano I reference is a late 1890s Tryber upright grand that was donated to the Society a few years ago by Alan and Tammie Huerth of Sauk City. The piano was destined for the Van Orden mansion to be placed in the corner of the living room where the Van Ordens had a piano. At the time of donation though the piano had to be stored at the history center until the file cabinets in the living room of the Van Orden mansion could be moved out of the way. Well the file cabinets and the piano have made the switch and thus the move has begun. There are still lots of archival materials to be moved to the History Center. SCHS staff has also moved their offices to the History Center. New tables and chairs for the Dewel reading room and meeting rooms have also arrived. If you would like to help out moving things or setting things up please contact the Society and we will let you know of upcoming moving days and projects. It’s hard for me to believe the day has finally come that we are opening the history center but every time I walk into the living room of the Van Orden mansion now with a beautiful piano in the corner instead of filing cabinets, I know that the day has arrived. I hope you will consider joining the Society on May 18 to formally dedicate the building. If you haven’t seen it lately I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Museum keeper, Linda Levenhagen, is busy these days settling into the new space at the history center and working with volunteers to move and organize archival collections.

Joyce Schmdt

March/April 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New & Renewed Members for January and February

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Blau, Jennifer – Baraboo

Burke, Joann – Gray, GA

Caflisch, Jan – Baraboo

Christin, Barbara – Washington Grove, MD

Cook, Shari – Sauk City

Cronen, William J – Madison

Cunningham, Sandy – Reedsburg

Diehl, Karen – Sauk City

Gall, Steve – Madison

Hart, Matt – Gurnee, IL

Hatfield, Charles – La Farge

Jaeger, Marcas C – Bartlett, IL

Kaney, Jerald – Milwaukee

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Keylock, Janet – Baraboo

Kjernes, Sandy – Edgerton

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Larson, Jill M – Baraboo

Marini, Fred – Melrose

McCauley, Natalie – Hillpoint

McGee, Tim – Sauk City

Meiller, Clydella – Baraboo

Rich, Louisa – Baraboo

Schell, Dennis – Indianapolis, IN

Schneller, Linda – Prairie du Sac

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Stehling, Donna – Sauk City

Stombaugh, Thomas – Sioux Falls, SD

Wright, Teresa – Kodak, IN

FAMILY

Burmester, Dean & Marian – LaValle

Etzwiler, David & Nijole – Baraboo

Filip, Donald & Janet – Reedsburg

Flygt, Thomas & Charlene – Baraboo

Getschman, Lyle & Marge – Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda – Baraboo

Jessie, James & Jeanne – Norco, CA

Kuter, David & Hilda – Madison

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna – Verona

Marking, Charles & Jeanne – Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice – Montello

Porth, Guy & Mary – Reedsburg

Thomas, Earl & Diane – Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris – Baraboo

Williams, Nicole – Reedsburg

Wolfe, Ron & Barbara – Waunakee

Zick, Travis & Kristina – Baraboo

FRIEND

Fanara, Catherine – Madison

Geoghegan, John – Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie – Baraboo

Hipke, Jack & Marcia – Poynette

Holmblad, Tana – Merrimac

Kolberg, Marie J – Madison

Sophie, Chuck & Norma – W Baraboo

Wright, Burt – Los Angeles, CA

SPONSOR

Costerisan, Francis & Joan – Hendersonville, NC

Wright, Eleanor – Anacortes, WA

Zitzner, Merlin & Jenele – Baraboo

PATRON

Bennin, John & Judy – Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona – Baraboo

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT PATRON

Town of Delton

Town of LaValle

Founders’ Day Picnic – June 6

THE SCHS annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at the Baraboo-Dells Airport. Society member Bill Johnsen will host the Society at his hangar. Delicious picnic fare will be served by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. Tom Thomas, a board member of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, will be the guest speaker and will give a presentation on one-time Reedsburg resident Josh Sanford.

Joshua (Josh) Sanford was the only Native American to fly as a pilot and flight commander with the famous Flying Tigers of World War II. This aviation group was so named because of the tiger shark jaws painted on the noses of their aircraft. Josh, otherwise known as “Chief” was a descendent of Chief Decorah of the Ho-Chunk people. Sanford enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January of 1942. At that time, the United States was involved in the Indo-China war and Captain Sanford was sent there to serve his country and China. The Japanese, with a superb air fleet, had been easily attacking the Burma Road, lifeline of China, Rangoon, and the seaport of Burma. Colonel Claire L. Chennault, a staunch friend of free China and the best tactician of military aviation in the Pacific, was

assigned the task of leading the Flying Tigers to defend Indo-China.

As a member of the 75th Fighter Squadron of the 14th Air Force, Captain Sanford flew 102 combat missions, had 7 enemy kills and numerous possible hits. He was shot down or ditched 12 times. For meritorious service, he received 10 medals, including the Purple Heart twice, and other honorable citations.

After the war the Sanford family lived in Hillsboro for approximately 8 years. In his honor, the community named its airport The Captain Joshua Sanford Airport. Later after moving to Reedsburg, Sanford was manager of the Reedsburg Airport from 1956 until August of 1958.

Sanford died at the early age of 43 in 1962. War injuries were a contributing factor. His wife, Rose, said, “Josh didn’t like to talk about his war experiences and chose never to shoot a gun again. He had seen too much killing.”

A flyer on the picnic and a reservation form can be found inside this newsletter. The deadline for reservations is May 31. Parking at the picnic will be right in front of the hangar – follow the signs after entering the airport.

A Sauk County Flying Legend

GEoRGE Schlieckau, born in 1904, was the oldest aviator to regularly use the Reedsburg airport. George’s name has been linked to the Reedsburg port ever since he soloed Cecil Hess there in 1928. He himself had soloed just the year before when he was 23 years old.

Schlieckau owned the first airplane in Sank County and owned eight different planes during his lifetime.

George had many flying stories to recount when interviewed in 1997 for Reedsburg Remembers 150 Years. This one he tells often. After he first received his license, his parents wanted to go to Kansas to a wedding so George took them to the train station. The next morning he secretly left by plane for the same Kansas town. His plane had no brakes or compass; he had very little experience.

George will never forget the landing — in a Kansas wheat field. From the air the wheat looked to be six inches tall; it turned out to be three feet. The plane was about to nose over, but he applied more gas which brought the tail back down.

After staying with relatives for five days, George had to find a way out of that field. Cousins and neighbors helped get the plane to the road. There were highline wires on either side, but he managed to take off with a yard on each side to spare. He noted that, “It was a damn foolish thing to do.”

Although George never knew Charles Lindbergh personally, he was his inspiration. “Lindbergh would fly around the country to give demonstrations,” said Schlieckau. “I took them all in. I told my brother that

if Lindbergh made it over to Paris [in 1927], I was going to buy my own plane. Four days after he flew to Paris,” recalled Schlieckau, “I purchased an airplane. It was a World War I primary trainer—a Curtis biplane with an ox-5 engine.”

George had the plane but now he had to go to Illinois for flying lessons.

Schlieckau recalled, in a 1991 Baraboo News Republic article that, “The first time I took the plane up by myself, I knew I would be having trouble with the gliding before the landing. If I went too fast, I overshot the landing field and if I came in too slow, I’d drop before the field.

“When I tried to come in to land on my first flight, I hit the ground before the landing field,” he said. “I bounced so hard that I went up 12 feet and cleared the trees and fence to get to the landing field. My instructor was in the field waving for me to go up again and circle around before landing. I forgot for a minute why he was there and waved back to him!

I did go up again,” said George, “I managed to land fine on the second try, although, I almost went through the hangar at the other end of the field.”

After three days of instruction during a week of fog and rain, and three and one half hours of flying time, he took the plane home to show it off to his friends and neighbors. “It was a pretty exciting time on the telephone lines,” he said, as neighbors passed along the sights they had seen. By his second flight at home, he was already giving rides. “Practically everyone around this area had a ride,” said Schlieckau.

George continued flying until his death in 1999.

George Schlieckau, first Sauk County aviator, gives rides in his Curtis biplane

Baseball Presentation – July 16th

SAUK County, like the state of Wisconsin, has a strong baseball history. Baseball in Sauk County dates back to the 1860s when the sport was starting to evolve. As the game progressed, like the rest of the United States, racial prejudices erupted in American society. In the late 1880s, African Americans were banned from professional baseball, which lasted until Jackie Robinson reintegrated the game in 1947.

African Americans searched for ways to continue playing baseball competitively, the most successful was through barnstorming. The Barnstorming Era is the years that segregation in baseball existed (1880-1950). As African Americans traveled across the United States, teams such as the Piney Woods Giant Collegians, Van Dyke Colored House of David and the Palmer House All Stars made their way to Sauk County to play against the locals.

Matt Carter, Executive Director of the Dunn County Historical Society, will be coming to Baraboo to give a presentation on the various teams that played in Sauk County during the Barnstorming Era. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 16th at 7 p.m. at the new Sauk County History Center. Admission is free and the presentation is open to the public.

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

PILLAR oF PRoGRESS oWNER

RC Dewel

ISLAND WooLEN MILL FRIEND

Andrew & Judy Waterman

LASTING LEGACY PATRoN

John Schwenn

HALLS oF HISToRY SUPPoRTER

John & Ann Burton

SECoND CENTURY SPoNSoR

Clara Strasser

Total contributions since the last newsletter = $6,650.00

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Recent donations

• Jerry and Pat Jertberg of Yorba Linda, CA, sent us a beautiful autograph album containing autographs and verses directed to Hattie Bell Clemons between 1882 and 1889.

• SCHS volunteer, Mary Orlowski, also volunteers at the Habitat ReStore where a bottle from Effinger Brewery turned up. Mary brought it to us on behalf of ReStore and we gladly accepted the donation. The amber bottle is larger than a regular bottle.

• Jeff Seering donated an archive collection pertaining to the 1962 Manhunt and Trial includes photos, papers, and documents, letters to his father, James Seering, (who was the D.A.), a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and newspapers.

We are pleased to announce that through the generous donation of four computers from John Bennin, we now have a functional Artifact Processing Lab, located on the second floor of the History Center. The lab has ample workspace for volunteers to catalog and mark artifacts and archival records. We opened the lab with the services of Christine Klamer, a student at UW Baraboo, who is cataloging part of the Al. Ringling Theater collection as part of a class project which will involve five other students and their professor, Mike Jacobs. If you are interested in learning how to help catalog or mark artifacts, please contact Becca at curator@saukcountyhistory.org.

We are also about to get a Photography Lab up and running, through the generous donation of a professional light stand and the photography skills of Brian Ellis.

Paul Wolter, left, was presented with the 2013 William H. Canfield History Award by Society Secretary Bill Schuette recently. Wolter has been the president of the SCHS for the past 13 years, and on the board for 17 years. Over the past several years, Wolter has spearheaded the work of converting the historic Island Woolen Mill Office Building into the Sauk County History Center. Wolter has written many scripts for the Society’s Living History Cemetery Tours and for the Tours of Historic Haunts. The research and writing for the Society’s Tour of Historic Homes has also been done by Wolter

Other projects have included the Society’s yearly theme calendars, light parade floats, numerous Christmas trees and decorated rooms and he did much of the research and writing for the “Images of Baraboo” publication several years ago.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

History Center Dedication – May 18

THE Sauk County History Center will be dedicated on May 18. After years of planning, fundraising and renovating, the upper two floors of the historic Island Woolen Mill office building have been transformed with the completion of Phase 2 of the three phase project. This important transformation for the Society has been brought about by the generous support of our members, busi-

nesses, the City of Baraboo and the Sauk County Board of Supervisors. Dedication Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 18 will begin at 2 p.m. with a short program after which guests will be welcome to tour the building. We hope that you will be able to take part in this momentous occasion as we formally dedicate the building for service as the new Sauk County History Center.

Volunteers Needed

A few more volunteers are still needed to help staff the Van orden Mansion on Friday and Saturday afternoons. If you would like to greet museum visitors one afternoon a month please contact Linda by calling 608-356-1001 or emailing – history@ saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

(Above) The Island Woolen Mill as it looked around 1980. The Sauk County Historical Society acquired the deed for the property in 2006. (Top) the newly restored and renovated Sauk County History Center.

The

Got Memories?

IN our continuing quest to visit each Sauk County township, in March we spent a few hours at the LaValle Town Hall. Rebecca DuBey (SCHS Curator), and Bill Schuette (member board of directors), presented a brief history of the township and surrounding area, via a slide show. Hosted by Beverly Vaillancourt, about 60 interested people brought memories and memorabilia to share with their friends and neighbors. Spread around the walls of the hall, were historic photos of the LaValle area, which were recently procured through a grant from the Sauk County Arts and Culture Committee.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

Joyce Schmidt

HISToRY has often been disparaged as a lot of dates, people and events that may not seem important or relevant to our lives today. Every once in a while though, something comes along that can inspire the imagination and make history come alive. During our Canfield Day in April, that “something” was presented to the Society by Allison Fanara of Madison. After giving a fascinating presentation on William Canfield and her grandfather’s recollections of him, Fanara donated a piece of one of Canfield’s journal pages from 117 years ago that was given to her grandfather. The journal page is a fascinating and tantalizing glimpse at Canfield’s journals which were written during the majority of his adult life. I used the word tantalizing because unfortunately the whereabouts of the rest of Canfield’s journals remains unknown, at least to us at the Sauk County Historical Society. If found, the Canfield journals would be a priceless look at many aspects of Sauk County history. Fanara also gave the society a picture of Canfield that we have not seen before. I would like to thank Allison for her generous donations which included her grandfather’s first hand recollections of Canfield. These stories were passed on to her; and one hundred years after Canfield died, they were passed on to us. If you would like to see the partial journal page check it out on the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org.

We would like to thank Monica Liegel for contributing to the articles on pages 1 and 2.

Carl Osman Passes

THE society has lost a dedicated volunteer who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Carl osman passed away a few weeks ago. He was a frequent visitor to the museum, and then to the History Center, doing research on various projects and helping with the move to our new facility. Carl was a friend to us all. He will be missed.

May/June 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.o. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REqUESTED

New & Renewed Members for March & April

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIVIDUAL

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Blau, Beatrice – Sun Prairie

Carroll, Ian – Baraboo

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Haskins, William – Baraboo

Honer, Jim – Madison

Kutzbach, John – Madison

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

McArthur, Joan – Baraboo

McCarthy, Thomas D – Sioux Falls, SD

Mirror Lake Assoc – Lake Delton

olson, Earl F – Dawsonville, GA

Peck, William R, III – St. Paul, MN

Sarahan, Charles A – College Park, MD

Schreiber, William, Jr. – Baraboo

Schuette, Bill – Reedsburg

Shepard, Theodore W – Spokane Valley, WA

Smith, Dan – Baraboo

Stiemke, Sandra – Sauk City

Van Allen, Mary – Bloomington, IL

Vertein, Wava – North Freedom

Williams, Susan Burton – Waukesha

FAMILY

Allen County Public Library – Fort Wayne, IN

Anderson, Clifford & Susan – Baraboo

Bittermann, Lawrence – Wheaton, IL

Dlugopolski, Steven & Susan Clemens –Wisconsin Rapids

Flygt, Thomas Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Frank, Ken & Rhonda – Mazomanie

Graves, Dale E – Waukesha

Green, Charles & Donna – Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Liebman, Todd – Baraboo

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, Co

May, David & Kathy – Baraboo

Nolden, Timothy & Katherine – Baraboo

Rasmussen, Bob & Corinne – Cable

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Schreiber, William & Marian – Baraboo

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Spencer, Robert & Kathy – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & Emma – Baraboo

Vester, Barbara – San Leandro, CA

FRIEND

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Edwards, Dan & Sandy – Baraboo

Fanara, Catherine – Madison

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Krainik, Marnie – Baraboo

Rice, Eleanor V – Milwaukee

Rohde, Marilyn E – Baraboo

Schroeder, Al & Jean Wendt – Baraboo

Senger, Catherine – Baraboo

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

Wendt, Audrey – Baraboo

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

Yeck, Robert & Louise – Silver Springs, MD

SPoNSoR

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

Beard, Bill & Corinne – Baraboo

Bussan, Natalie – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor – Reedsburg

Costerisan, Francis & Joan – Hendersonville, NC

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Reedsburg

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA\

Hambach, Arleen – Belvidere, IL

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

Regan, Jim & Barb – Baraboo

Rice, Paula – Norton Shores, MI

SaLoutos, Helen – Baraboo

Schultz, Ronald – Fletcher, NC

Umhoefer, Aural – Baraboo

PATRoN

Dewell, Robert C – Baraboo

Graupman, Mark & Barb – Reedsburg

BENEFACToR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPoNSoR

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

African American Baseball in Sauk County – Presentation July 16th

SAUK County, like the state of Wisconsin, has a strong baseball history. Baseball in Sauk County dates back to the 1860s when the sport was starting to evolve. As the game progressed, racial prejudices erupted in American society. In the late 1880s, African Americans were banned from professional baseball, which lasted until Jackie Robinson reintegrated the game in 1947.

African Americans searched for ways to continue playing baseball competitively, the most successful was through barnstorming. The Barnstorming Era is the years that segregation in baseball existed (1880-1950). Sauk County saw a great deal of barnstorming African American teams come through the area throughout the 20th century. With a close proximity to Chicago, the hub of black baseball, teams often stopped on their way through the state of Wisconsin. As African Americans traveled across the United States, teams

such as the Piney Woods Giant Collegians, Van Dyke Colored House of David and the Palmer House All Stars made their way to Sauk County to play against the locals.

Matt Carter, Executive Director of the Dunn County Historical Society, will be coming to Baraboo to give a presentation on the various teams that played in Sauk County during the Barnstorming Era. “Baseball provides the most ideal way to study American history,” noted Carter.” It encompasses all aspects of our nation’s history; from segregation to reintegration.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 16th 2013 at 7 p.m. at the new Sauk County History Center, 900 2nd Ave, Baraboo. Admission is free, and the presentation is open to the public.

More than 100 people attended the dedication of the Sauk County History Center on May 18. Favorable weather allowed the presentation to be made in front of the building, after which visitors toured the inside of the new facility and enjoyed refreshments. Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm, Sauk County Board Chair Marty Krueger, Sauk County Arts and Culture Committee Chair Judy Ashford and McFetridge descendant James Delacour all made remarks along with Society President Paul Wolter. The history of the woolen mill, the restoration and renovation of the building and its future were presented.

Master Gardeners Tend SCHS Flower Beds

MEMBERS of the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association (SCMGA) have again been invited to plant and care for flower gardens at the Sauk County Historical Society this summer. The SCMGA is made up of individuals who enjoy the beauty of flower gardening and sharing their talents with others. Headed by Phyllis Both, they are applying their skills to beautify the grounds of Historical Society headquarters on 4th Ave.

The SCHS has also accepted a generous donation of flowers and foliage from Society member, John Schwenn, a “garden hobbyist”, as he describes himself. He recently traveled from Walworth to deliver Giant Red

Salvia,Yellow Marigolds, and Sun Coleus. These flowers will greatly enhance the appearance of the grounds at the Society mansion.

The SCHS would like to thank the Master Gardeners and Mr. Schwenn for the generous donation of their time and talents.

Pictured are L-R: Phyllis Both, John Schwenn and Gladys Proctor.

The SCHS annual Founders’ Day Picnic was held in early June at the hangar of Bill and Deb Johnsen at the Baraboo-Dells Airport. Over 80 people enjoyed delicious food catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg and then heard about World War II pilot Josh Sanford who flew with the famous Flying Tigers. Tom Thomas of Madison, a board member of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, made the presentation telling about Sanford’s life and service in the military. The Society would like to thank the Johnsens for the use of the hangar which made for a fitting and comfortable spot for the annual Society picnic.

The Manhunt of ’61 Presentation

August 22

IT was about 2 o’clock in the morning on an August weekday of 1961 when Lake Delton Policeman Bob Kohl and Sauk County Traffic Officer Jimmy Jantz pulled over an Oldsmobile with stolen Illinois plates. The pair had staked out the car and followed it after if pulled out of the Ishnala restaurant parking lot. The trio of men inside had aroused suspicion for the past several days living it up at the Dell View Motel and reportedly lighting cigars with $20 bills. The traffic stop soon proved deadly as the men gunned the two officers down, killing one of them, and sped away. What ensued was the biggest manhunt in state history led by de facto sheriff Mike Spencer, husband of Sauk County’s official sheriff Dolly Spencer. A presentation on the Manhunt of ’61 will be given Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building located at 50 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South in Lake Delton. Television footage from the manhunt will be shown along with artifacts including part of the bullet riddled Oldsmobile. Find out how the story ended and how life in Sauk County changed.

Pillars of Progress Donors

History Center donations since our last newsletter

PILLAR OF PROGRESS OWNER

RC Dewel

Joan Litscher – Class of 1944

ISLAND WOOLEN MILL FRIEND

Ursula Muehllehner

Total contributions since the last newsletter = $550.00

New Look for Flickr Site!

IF you haven’t visited our photo sharing Flickr Website recently, you may be in for a surprise. The Flickr people have redesigned the site, including that of the SCHS, and it is now much easier to navigate and view the over 14,000 images of Sauk County from our photo collection. Pictures dating back to the mid and late 19th century up through the 20th century are easily accessible on these Web pages. So, if you have a few spare hours, you may wish to browse these historic images from our area’s past. Go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sauk_county_ historical_society/

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Becky Hovde – Baraboo

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Ann Miller – Baraboo

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Mike Spencer, left, Prisoner Nutley, center, Don Mattie, right

Recent donations

• Catherine Fanara concluded her talk about her Great, great, great Uncle, William Canfield by donating the photograph of him drawing water from a well that sparked her interest in him, and in genealogical research, along with a page from his diary that had been passed down through her family;

• Bill Schuette donated a gyroscope, blank postcards, a Texas Instruments TI-1500 electronic calculator with instructions on back, jacks (game), picture postcards of Sauk County Health Care Center, Reedsburg, Mid Continent Railway steam engine crossing Seeley Creek, Viking Village Shopping Center, Reedsburg, “Greetings from Reedsburg” and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Loganville, photographed by Bill Schuette;

• Eugene Denman donated a diploma/ teaching certificate from the Sauk County Training School awarded to Mabel Schneider in 1915;

• Mary Van Allen donated a large can labeled “Baraboo Best Shortening, Baraboo Foods, Co.” and a lace bedspread that belonged to Mary Rudy Hutter;

• Sauk County Atlas; Plat book, merchants’ and man-

ufacturer’s guide; 1921 received from Virgil Hartje;

• Souvenir album, Devil’s Lake State park, was received anonymously through the mail

• Close to 300 family photographs from the Baker, Baron, Bartlett, Baurngardner, Broockman, Cline, Clough, Corneil, Cushman, Dawson, Day, Dowling, Hathaway, Hiney, Hoxie, Huntley, Lemons, Loomis, Mason, Norris, Payne, Reusch, Richards, Sealove, Smith, Thomas, Thomson/Huff, Werla, Williams, and Wright families with some papers, an Autograph Album, Genevieve Bartlett, 1885-1909; 4 penmanship workbooks, belonging to Marguerite Bartlett; and 2 Diaries kept by Jennie Bartlett, 1930 -33, and 1934-37.

Writing descriptions for photographs is fun and an easy way to learn the techniques used in cataloging artifacts. If you would like to learn how, please contact Becca DuBey, Curator, at curator@saukcountyhistory.org. We have plenty to choose from and a newly outfitted lab ready and waiting for your volunteer contributions. No previous experience necessary!

As part of the Historic Preservation month of May, the Sauk County University of Wisconsin Extension Office-Arts & Culture Committee and the Sauk County Historical Society are proud to announce the winners of this year’s photo contest. Twenty-seven photos were submitted. First prize of $100 goes to Morgan McArthur of New Berlin, WI, for his photo entitled, “Storm Door,” depicted here. Second prize of $75 goes to Nathan Anderson of Minnetonka, MN, for “Historic Harrisburg One-Room School.” Third prize of $50 goes to Heather Wedekind of Baraboo, WI for “Old Baraboo Train Depot.” Entries are on display in the West Square building near the West entry, and also on our Web site.

North Freedom Native is WWII B29 Pilot

GARVIN Kowalke was born in 1922, and raised on a rural North Freedom farm. When WWII broke out, he recalled in a 2005 interview, “I had a real desire to be a pilot. Planes were flying over from the Dells, they came over the farm, and I just loved airplanes. For some reason, I said, I think I’ll go and be a pilot.”

He was sent to California to train as a P38 crew chief mechanic, but his real love was flying. He signed up to become a pilot, and went to Randolph Air Force base in Texas to learn the trade. After graduation as an instructor pilot, he went on to teach other pilots in advanced aviation.

During that tenure, he attended an air show at Randolph and noted that, “I went back there and looked at all the airplanes and there she sat! They had a B29, and that was the most beautiful piece of machinery that I had ever seen, well, almost. I went through it and said, ‘This is it, I want to be a B29 pilot, I want to fly this girl.’”

He was sent to Roswell, NM for combat aircraft training in a B29. Garvin said that, “The B29 was one of the most beautiful airplanes I have ever flown. It was brand new, just came out of the factory. It was firm; it was solid and just as stable as your kitchen table.”

In early1944, Kowalke was assigned to a B29 crew which was training in atomic weapons delivery systems. “We’d spend our weekends in the hangar going over a training session with the atomic bomb itself,” he said. “They had the models there and we’d go through everything about it, its mounting, and the delivery system, how it’s all wired, everything.” Up until that time, Kowalke had never flown a combat mission. But that

was about to change.

He was subsequently assigned to firebombing missions over Japan. “We took off from Guam and hit targets in Japan, all the way from Nagasaki clean up to Hokkaido,” said Kowalke. It was good training for the strategic mission that he would later command.

On one particular mission over Japan, his B29 was damaged and one engine was shut down. Shortly after that, a second engine failed. Garvin prepared the crew for ditching in the ocean. “I alerted the crew that we’re going to have to ditch this bugger,” he said. Fortunately, everyone survived with the exception of one crew member.

Kowalke was then assigned as Commander of another B29, and he named it “The City of Baraboo”, and that was painted on the nose of the airplane. He flew 10 missions in this plane, and noted, “Two of those support missions were for the Hiroshima bombing, when I flew the weather reconnaissance the day before to” [answer the question], “Is it storming over Hiroshima?”

“The day after [the atomic bomb was dropped], we got a radiologist and got all the radiation detection equipment and hung it from the airplane, we looked like a porcupine, then we took off and went right over Hiroshima, changed altitude and made sure that the levels were there, if it was necessary to put anybody in there, so they would know what was going on. I took pictures of the bombing drop, of the damage and all that. My main comment on that was that we hit a couple of targets in Japan, we were close to 90% of destroying the whole city.”

After the war, Kowalke enlisted in the reserves. He was called up again during the Korean War and flew jet aircraft. Then the Viet Nam War came along, and he signed up for that too, and spent a year flying observation planes.

Garvin passed away in Baraboo, in 2011 at the age of 90.

This is only a short excerpt from the interview with Garvin Kowalke. To learn more about the missions that he flew, and the exciting adventures that he experienced, go to our web site: www.saukcountyhistory.org.

The

Editor:

In Memoriam

LANDON H. RISTEEN, a society member, died on April 30, 2013 at his home in Chicago. He was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1927. Risteen moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1930, and called Baraboo home until he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a teaching degree in 1950. Risteen’s teaching plans were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War. After he returned to civilian life in 1952, Risteen taught high school English in Stoughton, Wisconsin. These years turned out to be the springboard for his entry into the educational publishing business with Scott, Foresman & Co., a career he continued for 35 years, He worked his way up through both sales and editorial divisions of the company and counted as the highlight of his career his years as Editor-in-Chief during the 1970s when the company was America’s largest school-book publisher. During the past several years, Landon has been a great help in proof reading our newsletters. His learned grammatical, punctuation and sentence structural suggestions have benefited us immensely in making our newsletter a more professional publication.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

THE May 18 dedication of the history center was a day I will not forget. Scores of people turned out to see the new facility and learn about its past, present and future. I would like to thank Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm, County Board Chair Marty Krueger and Sauk County Arts and Culture Committee Chair Judy Ashford for their remarks and help in dedicating the new building. I would also like to thank James Delacour for his remarks and for making the journey from the west coast along with his sister. Mr. Delacour is the grandson of William McFetridge who, along with his brother E. P. McFetridge, once owned and operated the Island Woolen Mill. It was neat to have two descendants at the event. This reminded me once again that there really are descendants out there of many of the old Sauk County names that many of us are familiar with. Though they may not live in or near Sauk County anymore, their ties remain strong. This is the case with many of our members who live out of the area or out of state. I am always interested to read the residence locations of our members on the back of our newsletters. Our supporters range from Washington to Maryland. There are deep roots in Sauk County but there are also broad branches that reach across the country and indeed around the world. This was especially true during the two World Wars. This year, as we focus on “Sauk County – Above and Beyond” with an emphasis on Sauk County aviators, we are learning more about Sauk County’s involvement in world affairs. The story of Garvin Kowalke in this newsletter serves as a reminder that World War II took Sauk County residents to the ends of the earth and that their stories came back with them. Stories like this are archived at the Sauk County Historical Society for future generations. With the opening of the new history center, we are in a good position to collect even more. Your support helps us do that and has helped us open this new facility. On behalf of future generations, I thank you.

Joyce Schmidt

Greater Sauk County Executive Director Karen Sacia congratulates Sauk County Historical Society President Paul Wolter on the newly established Sauk County Historical Society Endowment Fund funded by an anonymous donor.

July/August 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REqUESTED

New & Renewed Members for May & June

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER. INDIVIDUAL

Armstrong, Myrna L – Marble Falls, TX

Bayley, Ray W G – Madison

Blau, Connie – Waunakee

Bolster, Bonnie – Mt. Pleasant

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Cole, Donald L – DeForest

Griffith, Bob – Baraboo

Hasheider, Philip – Sauk City

Hovde, Becky – Baraboo

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kaufmann, Sandy – Madison

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

Kornuth, Theresa – Catawba

Kraemer, Ken – Irvine, CA

Leeming, Nancy – Ithaca, NY

Livesey, Jill Fyall – Saline, MI

Mead, Marilyn – Machesney Park, IL

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Smith, Jean – Baraboo

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Templin, Faye M – Baraboo

Thiessen, Betty M – Baraboo

Thiessen, Jerome L – Baraboo

Tully, Mark – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Danielle – Baraboo

FAMILY

Bellis, Mary – Baraboo

Bock, Susan – Carmel, IN

Boes, Chris – Rochester, MN

Brandt, Ronald & Janet – Elgin, IL

Clemens, Inger – Wisconsin Dells

Cowan, Derek & Katherine – Baraboo

Feltz, Lloyd & Joann – Sugar Grove, IL

Juliar, Marvin & Barbara – Evanston, IL

McCoy, Larry & Olson, Keri– Baraboo

Mjelke, Richard & Melanie – N. Freedom

Mossman, Bill & Dolores – Baraboo

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Paquette, Peter & Carole – Baraboo

Schell, Michael & Mary – Baraboo

Statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – N. Freedom

FRIEND

Banaszak, Sue Greene – Milwaukee

Bosshard, Chris, Maureen & Jennifer –

Lake Delton

Bronkalla, Leo – Baraboo

DeLacour, James – Tacoma, WA

Ely, Laura S – W.St.Paul, MN

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Goc, Michael & Weade, Barbara – Friendship

Hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Johnson, Susan – Wisconsin Dells

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara – Baraboo

Pointon, Phil & Alonna – Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Thurow, Dennis & M. Kathleen – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Ellis, Brian & Sandy – Baraboo

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Jauch, C. Philip – Baraboo

Putz, Gene & Karen – Gorham, ME

Stone, Tim & DuBois, Kristi – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Robert & Beverly – LaValle

Ward, Joe & Lou Ann – Baraboo

PATRON

Bullard, Jerry & Patricia – Reedsburg

BENEFACTOR

Davenport, John M & Elizabeth –Minnetonka, MN

Weickgenant, Jim & Myrna – Baraboo

BUSINESS FRIEND

Holiday Wholesale, Inc. – Wisconsin Dells

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Agri-Resources, LLC – Wisconsin Dells

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

Gavin Bros. Auctioneers & Real Estate – Reedsburg

MBE Wealth Management – Baraboo

Annual Banquet & Meeting –October 24

THE Annual Banquet and Meeting of the Society will be held on Thursday, October 24 at the Baraboo Arts Banquet Center at 323 Water Street. A delicious fall meal will be catered by Gefferts Catering followed by a short business meeting. Keynote speaker for the evening will be Michael Goc who is the author/editor of over 90 books on Wisconsin history, eight of which have received awards of merit from the Wisconsin Historical Society. Three of those winners are Many A Fine Harvest; Powder, People and Place, Badger Ordnance and the Sauk Prairie; and Forward in Flight, The History of Aviation in Wisconsin.

Goc is the vice-president and chair of the induction committee of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. His subject for the Sauk County Historical Society Banquet will be “1911, Wisconsin’s First Great Year of Flight.” Although the Wright Brothers made

their storied flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, an airplane was a rare sight anywhere in the United States until 1911. Wisconsin had seen only two airplane flights until 1911, when the first generation of exhibition pilots toured the state. Baraboo was one of about a dozen places in Wisconsin to host an airplane flight that year. Goc will tell the story of that flight and relate its significance to the ongoing history of aviation in our state and the United States.

Reservations for the banquet can be made .by using the form on the insert in this newsletter. Deadline for reservations is October 17th. We hope you will join us as we celebrate aviation in Sauk County and our theme of Sauk County – Above and Beyond.

Ringling Mansion Tours – October 12

THE Charles and Edith Ringling Mansion at 201 Eighth Street in Baraboo was opened for tours on Baraboo’s Circus Celebration Day in July and will be open again on Saturday, October 12. Commonly referred to as the “yellow” Ringling mansion the home was constructed in 1900 for Charles and Edith Ringling and their two children. The Ringlings built additions to the house and expanded the estate to include a two-story carriage house, small barn and a cottage for Mrs. Ringling’s mother. Later the

estate was sold to Henry Ringling whose descendants still retain ownership. Tours of the mansion will be held again on Saturday, October 12 from 10 to 1 p.m. on the half hour. The one hour guided tours will include the main floors of the house and the billiard room on the third floor. Reservations are encouraged and tickets are $20 per person. Call the society at 608-356-1001 to reserve a tour time.

Edwardian Christmas Celebration - Dec. 14 Adopt a Window (Shade)

MARK your calendars now for the Society’s annual Christmas extravaganza, the Edwardian Christmas Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 12 - 7 p.m. The Van Orden Mansion will once again be filled with over a dozen fresh Christmas trees each decorated to the lyrics of a beloved Christmas song. Live music will fill the living room which is now more spacious with the removal of the archival and office furniture to the history center. Christmas baked goods will fill the dining room table and horse drawn rides will take place outside.

IF there is one thing the history center isn’t lacking, it’s windows. The building was designed with over 40 large windows to allow for natural light. While indirect light is nice, direct sunlight often is not, especially for artifacts. New pleated window shades have been picked out for the history center windows which will allow for filtered light when necessary. The cost of each window shade with installation is $175. If you would like to sponsor a window or windows please consider making a donation and help us put the finishing touches on the history center.

Artifacts Recently Donated to SCHS

• Photograph and document of William Canfield, Catherine A. Fanara

• 1 can: Baraboo Best Shortening, Baraboo Foods, Co., Mary Van Allen

• Sauk County Atlas; Plat book, merchants’ and manufacturer’s guide; 1921, Virgil and Edith Hartje

• Souvenir album, Devil’s Lake State park,

• 208 extended family photographs, Genevieve Lemons

• 2) furs and one matching hat belonging to Agnes Moorehead, Lisa McClyman

• 10) postcards, Baraboo landmarks, Mickey Thill

• Photo Albums, Baraboo High School yearbooks, Sauk County Business Directory, St. Mary’s Ringling hospital staff photograph, 1938, 12) Baraboo High Light newsletters 1946-7, Kenzelman family Photograph, Nita Dippel

• Scrapbook of Baraboo Servicemen,WW II, Robert Curry

• Fortnightly Literary Club papers, Aural Umhoefer

• Pamphlets relating to Durwood’s Glenn, Dee Williams

• Letters, telegrams, photographs, service records and Presidential recognition of Otto Baumgarten, Fay Baumgarten

• Plaques and remembrance card commemorating Rt. Rev. Mosgr. E. C. O’Reilly, Demi Sprecher

• Diplomas awarded William Radtke, 1920 and Arthur Kunzelman, 1924, William Haskins

• Sale and stud service posters, Sauk County Atlas, 1922, Francis Costerisan

• General Land Office Warrant no. 28168; James Hamilton, Milwaukee Public Library

• Baby buggy, c. 1926 and Montgomery Ward & Co. “Airline” style radio, c. 1939, Nancy DuPont and Robert Garske

• Postcard: Swanson’s Downtown Motor Court, Cathy Simplot

• Towels either made, or printed, by McArthur Towel Co., Sharon McArthur

• Bobbins and shuttles from wool textile manufacturing, Sharon McArthur

• Postcards with photographs of airplanes, Jean and William Brew

• Book: Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club 50 Year History, Barbara Young

• WW II Army footlocker belonging to W.Y. Frenze of Baraboo, Wi, his son, Robert Frenz

• Business cards and key fob; Frank Scherschel Camera Shop, Baraboo, Dic

History RestorationCenter

Donations

June 26, 2013 – August 30, 2013

PILLAR OF PROGRESS OWNER

Joan Litscher – Class of 1944

SECOND CENTURY SPONSOR

Marc Seals

Shirley Spees

Total Contributions since last newsletter = $200.00

SCHS Board Changes

BECKY Hovde of Baraboo has resigned from her position on the SCHS Board of Directors. The board has elected Lise Meyer-Kobussen of Sauk City to her position for the remainder of the term. Hovde has worked with local historical societies in the area for many years but has had to step down due to work conflicts. Meyer-Kobussen is familiar with the workings of the SCHS Board as her father, Paul Meyer, was a director for many years in the 1970s through the 1990s. Meyer-Kobussen is married to Dan Kobussen and the couple is the third-generation owner of the Meyer Insurance Agency in Sauk City.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, Vice President – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

Ann Wolter – Baraboo

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

The first public lecture at the new History Center was given on July 16th by Matt Carter, Executive Director of the Dunn County Historical Society. Carter spoke about African American baseball during the barn storming era and the teams that once visited the county and played exhibition games or against local teams.

An eight-stall roundhouse with sixty-foot turntable was built in 1871 for the division headquarters of the C&NW at Baraboo. In the next several years, the building was substantially enlarged with 20 more stalls and a 225 x 80 ft. shop, including a blacksmith shop with ten fires, boiler and engine room, machine shop and storerooms.

Nels Nelson Barnstorming Aviator Thrills

Baraboo

NELS J. Nelson was an early aviation pioneer who barnstormed the Midwest at county fairs. Only 24 when he performed at the Sauk County fair in 1911, he was one of the youngest in the field to exhibit these daring flying skills.

Nelson was a Swedish immigrant from Connecticut, and an auto mechanic. He began building his own biplane, with a wingspan of 33 feet, at the age of 22.

The Baraboo Republic reported that Nelson, “…is in Baraboo to give an exhibition of the world’s most modern mechanical contrivance, the aeroplane, which spells the ultimate word of modern progress and ingenuity.”

It had only been five years since the Wright Brothers flew the first airplane, and already, the skies were filled with exhibitionists thrilling the public in their magnificent flying machines.

Nelson was quoted as saying that, “Most people believe that the aeroplane will never become practical and that it will always retain its old name, as being the sport of kings, but to my earnest belief, I think that within a few years, the aeroplane, which now holds the world spellbound, will become just as practical and used as much as the automobiles of today, if not more.”

When asked of what use the heavier than air machines would be in war, Nelson said, “The aeroplane will be a great factor in ascertaining the enemies position, for they have already taken pictures of forts and panoramas that have stretched beneath them, as they have sped on their way. They also could drop bombs, and destroy

whole armies, but I hardly think that would be permitted by the powers as it is against the rules that now obtain in civilized warfare.”

Nelson lived until 1964 and saw many of his predictions come true.

Manhunt Lecture Draws Full House

THE presentation on the Manhunt of 1961 was attended by a standing room only crowd at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building in Lake Delton in August. Many attendees remembered the events of the August night 53 years ago when three Chicago men gunned down Officer James Jantz and nearly killed Officer Bob Kohl in Lake Delton. After the gun battle the trio headed north of the Dells with police in high-speed pursuit. Two of the fugitives eventually hid out in the woods north of the Dells leading to the state’s largest manhunt which lasted for a week before both men were found. The Society would like to thank Lake Delton for use of the building for the lecture. The story of the man hunt is best recounted in Marshall Cook’s book entitled “The Great Wisconsin Manhunt of 1961” which is available on our website or at the Sauk County History Center.

Old Sauk Trails • Sept/Oct 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society publishes Old Sauk Trails six times each year.

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Bananaboat Ad/Grfx

Joyce Schmidt

Early Surveyors in Sauk County

By H.E. French, City Engineer June 16, 1928

THE irregularity of alignment and changes of grade are very apparent along these highways due to the topography of the country which demand these sudden changes mentioned to satisfy certain limitations in grade and alignment for convenient travel. In those days from the lack of the present highways, the county surveyors were not warranted in going out on a job unless there were several jobs in the community to compensate for the time and difficulty in going to and from the work and the records show that the surveyors served at least a month in certain territories before returning to their homes. One record mentions an amusing incident where a deputy county surveyor was sent out on one of these jobs and became intoxicated and it required the real county surveyor to take another set of instruments to go out and locate the deputy. This story might apply to the incident that Mr. Van Orden relates about Mr. Canfield, if one could conceive of him rambling through the woods with his instrument on his shoulder in an intoxicated condition. While Mr. Van Orden was clerking in the express office soon after he came to Baraboo, a shipment of Canfield’s instruments arrived in the office from some point in the county. A day or so later a farmer drove in with his rig, requesting from Mr. Van Orden, “Where is that damn compass that Canfield got lost with, out west of here?” One who understands the function of the compass will appreciate the situation.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

I admitted to the crowd that attended the Manhunt lecture in Lake Delton in August that I would rather talk about 1861 than 1961 for the simple reason that no one living has a first-hand memory of 1861. The risk of getting something wrong is greater when talking about events that people remember. But 1961 is now as much a part of history as the Civil War era, and the events of the August night in ’61 that lead to the manhunt were a watershed moment in Sauk County history. Mayberry vanished when three criminals from Chicago shot and killed Sauk County Officer James Jantz and wounded Lake Delton Officer Bob Kohl. The chase and manhunt that ensued gripped Sauk County and surrounding areas for days before the fugitives were caught. The efforts of de facto Sheriff Mike Spencer in setting up dozens of road blocks and searches are still legendary as is his shot at the fugitives’ stolen car that ended the high speed chase. Although the events were a bit before my time, they were remembered by many in the crowd including a few people who helped in the manhunt. Other memories centered on the tension that filled many households for days as road blocks, searches and even the sound of a helicopter overhead meant that the cop killers had not been caught and could be hiding anywhere. Television news footage from the era also brought a unique glimpse into the events of the time. It turned out to be a rewarding experience to give a lecture on a topic where the audience members could add their first-hand memories. Perhaps I won’t be so apprehensive next time to talk about a topic from the latter half of the 20th century.

In Memoriam

DAUNENE JELINEK passed away in August, at the age of 93. Daunene lived in a renovated rural schoolhouse next to the Man Mound Park, and was the parks honorary custodian since 1968. She loved to speak to visitors about the history of the Man Mound. The family requests that memorial donations in honor of Daunene be made to the Man Mound Fund and sent to the Sauk County Historical Society.

September/October 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REqUESTED

New & Renewed Members for July & August

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER. INDIVIDUAL

Adami, Jill – Lodi

Burmester, David – Reedsburg

Dickeman, Cyril & Mary – Reedsburg

Domeier, Pamela – Lenexa, KS

Dupont, Nancy – Oregon

Friesen, Mary – Baraboo

Harvey, Barbara – Sonora, CA

Huber, Lola M – North Freedom

Jesse, Ralph – Lodi

Johnson, Kathryn O’Brien – Austin, TX

Kraemer, Ken – Irvine, CA

Landers, John – Bethesda, MD

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Miller, Sandra – Cary, IL

Pickart, Carol – Vinton, IA

Schultz, Betty – Baraboo

Shipman, Linda – Encinitas, CA

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Springer, Edward – Madison

Steckelberg, Kathryn – Arlington, VA

Tewalt, Cindy – Eau Claire

Wilcox, Beverly – Libertyville, IL

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Blum, Tim & Nancy – Baraboo

Britton, Jr, Richard & Barbara – Brookfield

Denning, Peter & Nora – Burton, WA

Faylona, Rene, Marta & Julie – Baraboo

Gorak, Dave – LaValle

Gosewehr, K E – Madison

Hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

Herbst, Erich & Jean – Baraboo

Hrabovsky, Robert & Diana – Wichita Falls, TX

Kenyon, Larry & Patti – Sunnyvale, CA

Martin, Paul E & Nichelle – Baraboo

Olson, Dean & Michelle – WI Dells

Peck, Thomas – San Francisco, CA

Rochacewicz, Frederick – Baraboo

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl – Reedsburg

Small, Don & Mary – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Dustin – Baraboo

Woodbury, Harry & Agnes – Baraboo

Wozniak, Mark & Bridget – North Freedom

FRIEND

Bosshard, Chris, Maureen & Jennifer –Lake Delton

Hohl, Jerry – Baraboo

Johnsen, Bill & Deb – Baraboo

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Nashotah

Lanphear, Karin Train – Florence, AZ

Popp, Alice – Baraboo

Steiger, Fred & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Weinhold, Frank & Mariana – Madison

Wolcott, Michael – Hartland

SPONSOR

Dresen, William & Gretchen – Baraboo

Jauch, C. Philip – Baraboo

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

Schumacher, June – Baraboo

Shook, Don – Baraboo

An Edwardian Christmas

December 14, 12-7pm

THe spirit and exuberance of “an edwardian Christmas” will come to life once again on Saturday, December 14, at two Baraboo locations from the edwardian era, the van Orden Mansion and the al. ringling Theatre. at the 1903 van Orden Mansion, twelve fresh Christmas trees will be displayed in various rooms each one decorated to the theme of a beloved Christmas song by area designers, businesses and volunteers. Songs of the Christmas season, from secular to sacred, will inspire the tree decorations from “We Three Kings” to “Winter Wonderland” to the “Grinch.” Dave Saloutos will once again create an entire Christmas room – this year showcasing a Christmas at Woolworth’s. The dining room in the mansion will be filled with holiday goodies, and live Christmas music by area musicians throughout the day will enhance the feeling of Christmas past. Outside at the mansion, horse and carriage “jingle bell” rides will be given from 1-4 p.m. Down the street at the 1915 al. ringling Theatre the Christmas spirit will also be in full bloom. Over 25 Christmas trees will be on display throughout the theatre and Santa Claus will be on hand for photos from 12-2 p.m. On the big screen, edwardian-era Christmas shorts will be shown on the hour and Christmas music from the mighty Barton organ will fill the theatre on the half hour.

The Christmas shorts, most of which were produced at Thomas edison’s studios, include a collection of archival rarities such as the 1910 version of Dicken’s immortal A Christmas Carol, a heartwarming 1909 melodrama by D.W. Griffith, A Trap For Santa, as well as the first screen version of Clement Moore’s 1822 poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. Popcorn treats will be on hand to complete the theatre experience.

The Sauk County Historical Society and the al. ringling Theatre Friends invite you to experience “an edwardian Christmas” on Saturday, December 14 from 12–7 p.m. (with the theatre closing at 6 p.m.) Tickets for adults are only $5 for either location and a combo ticket for both the mansion and the theatre is $8. Children under 12 are admitted free and members of both organizations receive a discounted admission. Tickets will be available at the door at the van Orden Mansion at 531 Fourth avenue or at the al. ringling Theatre at 136 Fourth avenue in Baraboo. We hope you will join us for the grandeur of Christmas past at the mansion and the movie palace. For more information contact the museum at 608-356-1001 or check out our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

History Center Shades Year End Giving

Several donations have been received towards the new window shades needed at the Sauk County History Center. Funds for 17 of the 41 shades needed have been received. each window shade (which is bigger than your front door) costs only $175 with installation. Please consider a donation to purchase a window shade or shades to help us put the finishing touch on Phase 2 of the History Center.

aS the year 2013 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County Historical Society. While our fiscal year ends on august 31, donations are welcomed yearround and can be designated for special projects like the window shades at the History Center, maintenance of the van Orden mansion or given towards general operations. Without the generous support of our members the SCHS would not be able to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. The Society is supported by general memberships, bequests, donations, memorials and even gifts of stock.

Artifacts Recently Donated to SCHS

• 41 photographic prints, Devil’s Lake CCC campJackie Krokson

• 5 large prints including Knights of Columbus in dress uniform (?), luella and Clarence Fisher, ada McQuade and absalom Benoit – Diane rundle

• A World War I Greatcoat - Robert Frenz

• 6 photographic prints of Devil’s Lake by Bert DeKoeyer, 1905; 3 postcards, 1 newspaper clipping re: Devil’s lake, 1928. a collection of 10 miniature prints of Devil’s lake, H.H. Bennett photographer, ca.1903 in mailer - Oregon area Historical Society

• 1 copper (tempered) spear point, found on Frank Caflisch farm ca. 1900, Town of Fairfield; 1 bottle, altpeter and Son Ginger ale, Baraboo, green glass with intact cap - Janice Caflisch

• Memorabilia from the Baraboo High School class of 1948 reunion including photographs, reprinted yearbook with class member updates and historical sketches of growing up in Baraboo – Sharon Mcarthur

• 1 pamphlet: Kilbourn and the Dells of Wisconsin; Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, c. 1900Dick Hess

History RestorationCenter

Donations

September 1 – November 8, 2013

PIllar OF PrOGreSS OWNer

anonymous

Bill Schuette

HallS OF HISTOrY SUPPOrTer

Chuck & Norma Sophie

SeCOND CeNTUrY SPONSOr

Dan & Sandra edwards

In memory of Glenn Quale

Class of 1945

Total Contributions since last newsletter = $3,050.00

The SCHS cream puff booth at the Baraboo Fair on the Square in October was well received and Society volunteers sold over 300 luscious puffs. Four new members also joined the Society with the tantalizing offer of free cream puffs with a new membership. Cream puffs were also ordered ahead of the sale and amounted to another 200 puffs sold. The Society’s first foray into food sales was successful and other ideas are being developed for future events.

Annual Meeting Held

Over 75 people attended the annual SCHS Banquet and Business Meeting which was held on Thursday, October 24 at the Baraboo arts Center. after a delicious meal was catered by Gefferts Catering of reedsburg, the annual business meeting was held for the society which included the Treasurer’s report for the year and the year in review. The Board terms of Directors Todd liebmann, Bill

Schuette, Jim Weickgenant and Ken Weitzel were expired and liebmann, Schuette, Weitzel and Mark Graupman were elected to the Board of Directors. Wisconsin author, Michael Goc gave the keynote address entitled “1911 –Wisconsin’s First Great Year of Flight” which expounded on early Wisconsin aviators and the first time that an airplane came to Sauk County.

Baraboo’s House of Seven Gables now appears on the cover of the December issue of Old House Journal. The nationally distributed magazine is beloved by old house aficionados for its how-to info and its showcase of restored historic homes. Seven Gables certainly fits the bill and is highlighted in a multi-page spread along with its owners, Ralph and Pam Krainik. The Society would like to congratulate the Krainiks on their hard work and dedication which landed them the distinction of being nationally recognized for their restoration of this Sauk County gem.

In order for a Boy Scout to earn a Merit Badge in Genealogy, he must, among other things, visit a genealogy resource center to learn how to use historic records to research a family history. Baraboo Troop 401 recently visited the History Center where Bob Doepke (seated), the society’s primary research volunteer, explained to the scouts how to go about searching for one’s history.

Left to right are, Rob Fullmer (Scoutmaster), Nick Freed, Austin Jordan, Pat Freed, Linus Andrew, Chandler Dance, and Kent Dance.

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

aS our 109th year of operation draws to an end, we have much to be thankful for at the Sauk County Historical Society, not the least of which is our wonderful members. Your faithful support allowed us to open and expand our operations into the new Sauk County History Center which has received rave reviews and has offered our volunteers and staff an up-to-date place in which to work. and speaking of our staff and volunteers, we are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people that help keep things running smoothly and efficiently (We are of course, always looking for more volunteers in many different areas.) We are also very thankful for support from a variety of other sources including county and local governments, donations and from our investments, the latter made possible by very generous far-sighted donors over the years. as one of the oldest local historical societies in the state, (number four or five out of over 400 now) we can be proud of our role in saving and sharing the history of this great county. as we remember the past, we truly do enrich the present; and saving the past is done not only for ourselves but for future generations. The fourth graders of today that experience the SCI educational program will be the board members, volunteers and supporters of the Sauk County Historical Society of tomorrow. Thanks to your support and with the help of our staff and volunteers, we can reach the future generations and ensure that Sauk County’s great history will always be remembered.

John Danube was an early retailer of radios in Baraboo. His shop was located at 115 4th Street from 1944 until 1951, after which he moved across the square to 4th Avenue. The time after WWII is considered the second birth of television—the medium had been showcased about a decade before that, but was abandoned during the conflict. Families had accumulated money during the war years, and were eager to spend it on homes, cars, and entertainment, which they had been denied. Television sets were one of the items on a must-have list. John Danube retired from the business in 1977. This holiday photo was taken in 1954. Photo courtesy of Dorothy Danube.

Reedsburg’s Liquid Runway

a unique feature of the reedsburg airport was a water runway, installed in the 1960s by N.e. Isaacson, who used it to land pontoon planes. He built recreational artificial lakes—lake redstone is one example—and needed the facility when his planes flew in from northern lakes projects. after he left reedsburg, the long waterway was abandoned and eventually it was filled in. — Photo courtesy of N.e. Isaacson

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Natalie Bussan, vice President – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, recording Secretary – reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona larsen – Baraboo

Todd liebman – Baraboo

lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

ann Wolter – Baraboo

STaFF

rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

linda levenhagen, Office & research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

November/December 2013

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

reTUrN ServICe reQUeSTeD

New & Renewed Members for July & August

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED OR RENEWED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER.

INDIvIDUal

austin, Jim – Oracle, aZ

Bechmann, Darleen – Baraboo

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Burton, Michelle – Chicago, Il

Cleveland, eileen – Baraboo

DeWall, Janet – appleton

Durany, laurie – Baraboo

Dwars, vera – Baraboo

eschenbach, ann – Seattle, Wa

Ferber, James & Connie – Wauwatosa

Fitzgerald, Priscilla – Baraboo

Green, edwin – Baraboo

Hutchins, William – Wisconsin Dells

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Kelly, Nick – Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn – Wisconsin Dells

Knutson, Joyce – rock Springs

leeming, Nancy l – Ithaca, NY

Maniaci, Pat – Madison

Meyer, Marlene Kindschi – Prairie du Sac

Mitchell, Bobbie – Baraboo

Nimmow, Barb – Baraboo

O’Donnell, Scott – Baraboo

Oppliger, Kay Davis – Oshtemo, MI

Orlowski, Mary – lake Delton

Pearson, Janet – Baraboo

Plautz, Michael – Baraboo

randall, annie – Baraboo

Schauf, Kathryn – Baraboo

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Scoles, vera – Baraboo

Setwyn, eugene – reedsburg

Stackhouse, Charlene – Woodway, Wa

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn – la Honda, Ca

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

FaMIlY

Berndt, Jack – Prairie du Sac

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Blackburn, ray & Debbie – Baraboo

Breen, Bob & Joyce – Hartford

Brining, Howard & Carla – Baraboo

Bruer, Scott & Nicole – reedsburg

Casey, David & Barbara Brown – lavalle

DeWall, Patrick & lisa – appleton

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Frenz, robert – Crystal lake, Il

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Hilmer, Ben & Joan – roscoe, Il

Jenks, richard & linda – Baraboo

Karr, Craig & Debby – Merrimac

Kindschi, Jerry & alice – Prairie du Sac

Kriegl, Sylvia – Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue – Oshkosh

Peterson, Waldo & ann – Madison

Pleger, Thomas & Teresa – reedsburg

Quale, Marilyn – Baraboo

robkin, Gene & rochelle – Baraboo

Schroder, Don & Nancy – rhinelander

Steinhorst, Harland & Pat – lavalle

Stephen, ron & lyn – Poynette

Tully, Bob & vi – Baraboo

Young, John & Tonia M – Baraboo

FrIeND

Bittner, Bernadette – reedsburg

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Davis, James & Marsha – reedsburg

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette – lavalle

Krainik, andre & aimee – appleton

lumsden, Bill & Joy – Baraboo

Mitchell, robert J – Hales Corners

Poster, Fr. Jay – Baraboo

reitz, Mark & Sharyl – Baraboo

rinella, linda Michaud – Glenview, Il

Teelin, Tim & amy – Baraboo

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Washam, Paul & Judy – Baraboo

Whyte, robin – Baraboo

SPONSOr

Burton, John & ann – Baraboo

Direnzo, robert C & Cheryl – Neenah

Fleishauer, Carol – Baraboo

Fleming, robert & rosa – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

Pieper, august & Beverley – Madison

Scoles, alan H – Wichita, KS

Simonds, Donald & Beverly – Baraboo

Taapken, John & Donna – North Freedom

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – Waunakee

Thompson, Dianne – Wisconsin Dells

Whitcomb, Kenneth & virginia – Honolulu, HI

Wolter, Paul & ann – Baraboo

BUSINeSS SPONSOr

Baraboo National Bank - Baraboo

Senger lumber – Baraboo