Sauk County Historical Society Newsletters 2014 - 2018

It’s a bird! It’s a plane…

WELL actually it will be bird’s-eye maps and aerial photographs from a plane. These are just two of the topics that will be part of the 2014 SCHS theme which is part two of Sauk County – Above and Beyond. This year we will focus on Sauk County as seen from the air, and even space, both in reality and virtual reality. The first item to be covered will be bird’s-eye maps of Sauk County communities. Other topics throughout the year will include early Sauk County maps, plat maps, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, aerial views and satellite imagery.

Eight bird’s-eye maps were created for Sauk

County communities in the 1870s and 1880s including Baraboo, Reedsburg, Sauk City, Prairie du Sac and Spring Green. Some communities had two bird’seye maps created several years apart which makes for interesting comparisons and a snapshot of a community’s growth during the late 19th century. The maps are often very accurate and are useful as research tools. More about these maps can be found in an article inside this newsletter. Upcoming programs this year will be held in each community shown in a bird’s-eye map to allow local residents to see what their community once looked like and how it has changed.

This small section of the 1874 bird’s-eye map of Reedsburg shows a train at the original depot. The railroad had arrived only two years earlier and was important to the city’s growth. The accuracy of the bird’s-eye map can be checked by comparing it to the picture of the depot. The artist recorded such details as the round window in the gable of the depot.

Sauk County Archaeology Lecture

THE Society’s first public program of the year will be presented by Seth Taft on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Sauk County History Center in Baraboo. Seth Taft is a research archaeologist at the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology at the University of WisconsinBaraboo/Sauk County. Taft conducts archaeological investigations ranging from excavations to archival and background literature research for construction projects that may impact archaeological resources. His emphasis

of study is on lithic (geology) analysis, with regional focus on the Fox River in central Wisconsin.

Taft will discuss the time periods seen in Wisconsin ranging from the state’s earliest settlers (known as the Paleo-Indian Tradition) up to European contact (commonly referred to as the Oneota Tradition). Moreover, local archaeological sites within, as well as near, the Sauk County area will be discussed along with artifacts showing how society became more complex over time.

Native American settlement in 1889 near Reedsburg, along the Baraboo River in Babb’s Woods.

Artifacts Recently Donated to SCHS

• Hand-colored photograph of the Butterfield Bridge, by Miss Ada Bakin, donated by Mona Larsen

• Souvenir copy of 1937 Min-Ne-Wau-Kan yearbook; photograph of Baraboo High School class of 1937, donated by Robert Church

• Papers, including promissory notes, checks, conditional sales contracts, tax receipts, chattel mortgage, land contracts, satisfaction of mortgages, and offer to purchase land concerning the Danse farm and Peck Poultry farm, donated by Carl Alexander

• 1910 Directory of Public Officers, Sauk County, Wisconsin, donated by the Ken Nelson family

• 2 spice jars, donated by Mona Larsen

• 2 scrapbooks and an advertisement; newspaper section “Chas H. Stupfell Picture News,” which includes an advertisement for Sinclair Oil Company, printed in 1934, donated by Michael and Barbara Terry

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

A belated Happy New Year as we embark on the Society’s 110th year of operation. I am very excited about this year’s theme which will encompass maps, aerial views and bird’s-eye maps - which are one of my favorite ways that communities were depicted in the 19th century. These amazing works of art are valuable research tools and snapshots of a community’s growth. As pieces of “virtual reality” from the era, it is important to remember that the bird’s-eye maps were drawn on the ground without the aid of even a hot air balloon, let alone an airplane. It is fascinating to look at these detailed drawings and see what buildings still remain and how much has changed. This year for the first time we will be assembling and displaying all known bird’s-eye maps of Sauk County. These will be on display at the Sauk County Historical Museum in an enlarged format and also at the History Center at normal size. As we move through the year, other ways our county and communities have been depicted will also provide different ways to see how things have changed. From early surveyors’ notes and maps to aerial photographs and even Google Earth, the views from “Above and Beyond” can provide us with much historical information. I hope you will take part in the Society’s programs this year and get some new “lofty” perspectives on the county.

The Sauk County History Center was turned into a giant advent calendar display over the month of December with Victorian clipart images appearing in the windows each day. Minuteman Press of Baraboo provided the full color images at cost as a partner in the project.

In A Bird’s Eye

By Bill Schuette

OUR first foray into the cartographic field will cover Bird’s-Eye maps, also known as panoramic, aero views, and perspective maps. The first of these types of maps were created in Europe during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, and were usually drawn to be included in atlases or geography books. In the United States, panoramic maps first appeared before the Civil War, however many depicted the cities at street level, and streets were not named and were often times indistinct. After the war, the maps became more detailed and included smaller towns and villages.

These Bird’s-Eye maps were created before the perspective afforded by the advent of aviation. The artist relied solely on artistic skill and an attention to detail in recreating the elements that went into their production. The city maps are shown from an oblique angle and at an elevation of 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Early maps were not always drawn to scale, and some artists used the same general layout for all their maps. To prepare for map production, the artist meticulously walked each street and alley, recording the location of each building, tree and factory, and any other distinct feature deemed interesting. These maps were not photograph reproductions, but with the improvement of printing, they were lithograph-like color posters, which were often quite expensive to purchase.

Initially, the maps were commissioned by real estate agents, chambers of commerce, and city fathers to depict the merits of their fair cities and to encourage commercial and economic growth. Included on the maps were railroad stations with speeding trains and harbors crowded with ships. Carriages are seen to clog the streets and smoke belches from industrial factories—all intended to address the civic pride of the residents and merchants and to showcase the advantages of relocating to their home town.

Further advances in the printing industry made these maps more readily available to the general public at a reasonable price. Many Victorian home owners were proud to point out their residences on a colorful reproduction map which hung in their parlor. For an extra fee, the artist would include an image of a patron’s home on the edge of the print.

With the advent of aerial photography, Bird’s-Eye maps faded into history, barely surviving into the early twentieth century.

The Sauk County Historical Society has in its col-

lection, Bird’s-Eye maps of Baraboo, Reedsburg, Sauk City and Prairie du Sac all of which will soon adorn the walls of the new History Center. These maps were originally produced as 18 by 24 inch posters. As part of this year’s Above and Beyond display, we will be showcasing larger copies of these fascinating maps which will be on display at the Museum beginning in May when it reopens for the summer. Stop by and see if you can locate your house.

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

The Edwardian Christmas season at the Van Orden Mansion was well attended this year as over 700 people came through the doors during various events in December. Once again the creativity and talent of many volunteers was on display in various rooms including the front parlor where Mona Marks and Barb Smith created an enchanting display inspired by “Jingle Bells.” The scene included an authentic “one horse open sleigh” which was on loan from Harold Burdick of Baraboo. The Society would like to thank all of the volunteer decorators, musicians, bakers and others who helped make this year’s holiday season special.

In Memoriam History Center Restoration

FORMER SCHS Board Member and President KEN NELSON passed away in November at the age of 83. Born in Waupaca, Nelson attended UW Madison earning an undergraduate degree in science and two master’s degrees in agricultural economics and soils. Nelson also served in the Wisconsin National Guard. After moving to Baraboo he was a Sauk County agricultural agent and a professor at the UW-Madison Extension. In the 1950s Nelson was instrumental in the construction of a two-year UW campus in Baraboo. Nelson served in many organizations including the Sauk County Historical Society. We are grateful for the many memorial donations to the Society made in Ken’s honor.

Donations

November 9, 2013 – January 14, 2014

History Center Benefactor

Richard & Jane Dana

Window Shade Donations

Sharon McArthur

Bill Schuette

Chuck & Norma Sophie

Robert Curry

Joan Litscher

Timothy Stone

Tom & Linda Kolb

Total Contributions since last newsletter = $5,375.00

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

Fourth Ave. • PO Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

REEDSBURG was just a small village situated on the muddy banks of the Baraboo River in 1848. Not all of the early settlers were lucky enough to have mates. One particularly unfortunate lass counted herself among this group of lonely hearts. Her story is recounted in “The American Sketchbook—A history of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, 1875.”

She was an “old maid,” and as the story begins, we learn that she was not blessed with abundant beauty, and was therefore overlooked by the eligible gentlemen of the day. So she decided to resort to a devious strategy in hopes of snagging a suitable beau.

A dance was being held in Reedsburg and almost everyone from the community would be in attendance. However, our unfortunate maid had no invitation, but she devised a plan that might snag her a date for the evening. A young man by the name of Sprague was one of her boarders, but his intentions were to accompany another young lady to the evening’s festivities. “Upon the night in question,” notes the author, “he went to the stable to harness a horse, and when he brought the animal to the place where the sleigh was, he found the seat occupied by this same old maid!”

He was at a loss and couldn’t decide what to do. “He was too much of a gentleman to order her out and did not want to take her with him. There seemed to be no help for the latter course, and he was obliged to submit.” It was not a happy evening for him, and to add insult to injury, he did not dance a single dance with her.

Inadequate postnatal care frequently resulted in the death of pioneer mothers shortly after childbirth, and that is apparently what happened to one family living on the prairie near Reedsburg around 1848.

Marriages were oftentimes a matter of convenience in those days, and one unfortunate settler had recently lost his wife in childbirth.

“The old chap was possessor of about a dozen children,” the author noted, “the younger being a babe two or three months old. There was trouble at the shanty. Somebody must take care of the children; and who besides a wife would do such a task? Emergencies however demanded immediate action…”

His search began in the surrounding countryside. He was looking for a good woman who could “enjoy with him the comforts of his shanty, and the possession of a dozen youngsters.”

By Bill Schuette

He stopped at each neighboring house with the question, “Is there any wimming here as wants to git married?” The response from within was not always comforting, for in one or two places he was answered by the sudden appearance of a broomstick.

Soon he had exhausted all the homesteads on the prairie and headed for Reedsburg. There, someone remembered the old maid and suggested he seek her out. As the narrator of our story continues, “He did not have to journey further. A match was immediately made, the marriage taking place scarcely a week later.

The farmer brought his blushing bride home with him and…..on the bed was a row of babies. A further observation was noted that, “the old maid is said to have made a first-rate wife and mother; her devotion to the children was great, and when people spoke of it, her reply was, ‘I can’t help but love the little darlings for I love their dear father so much.”

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our members, volunteers and staff.

January/February 2014

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

Bahr, Dolores - Prairie du Sac

Beard, Jeanette - Milton

Bingler, Susan - Jeffersonton, VA

Dallmann, Virginia - North Freedom

Day, Peter - Madison

Eichmann, Charmaine - Baraboo

Fletcher, John - Baraboo

Haarklau, Kevin - Lodi

Herrick, James M - Madison

Hofmann, Donna - Reedsburg

Johnson, Sue - Wisconsin Dells

Kieffer, Bob Jr - Baraboo

Krohn, Luanne - Reedsburg

Kuntz, Lucille L - Baraboo

Larsen, Barbara - Sister Bay

Madden, Rosann - Baraboo

Marini, Gladys - Baraboo

Meadowcroft, Linda - Baraboo

Michals, Patricia M - Baraboo

Miller, Phyllis - Reedsburg

Prothero, Betty E - Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice - DeForest

Ryan, Joan - Lodi

Schmidtke, Fred - Baraboo

Soerfass, Suzanne - Hillpoint

Twigg, Deb - Waverly, NY

Young, Paul - Baraboo

FAMILY

Conway, Ben & Fran - Loves Park, IL

Dillman, Nancy Jo & Helfried Moh - Baraboo

Finney, Patricia - Baraboo

Fritts, James & Martha - Highland Park, IL

Fuhs, David & Jeanne - Baraboo

Getschman, James & Gladys - Baraboo

Haller, Mike & Angie - Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica - Baraboo

Higgins, James & Nancy - Baraboo

Johnson, Robert & Julie - Reedsburg

Kolb, Thomas & Linda - Baraboo

Kowalke, Laurence & Shirley - Ft Meyers, FL

Kuehn-Mede, Gary & Eleanor - Normal, IL

Liston, Pat & Sara - Baraboo

Long, Bernie & Diana - Waunakee

Messner, Erick & Audrey - Baraboo

Mohar, Warren & Linda - Baraboo

Nieuwenhuis, Cliff, Deb & Kip - Baraboo

Ruhland, Marv & Kathy - Cross Plains

Schultz, Jerald & Zita - Baraboo

Smirenski, Sergei & Elena - Baraboo

Solone, Louis & Sarah - Reedsburg

Sturgis, Peter & June - Baraboo

Taylor, David & Charlotte - Baraboo

Zolper, Michael - Baraboo

FRIEND

Alt, John & Jean - Baraboo

Bahe, Garry & Gale - Merrimac

Bauer, Debra & Pete Premo - Baraboo

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita - Baraboo

Dallmann, David & Carolyn - Baraboo

Dummer, Bill & Laurie - Baraboo

Holt, Mike & Sandi - Baraboo

Johansen, Wayne & Martha - Baraboo

Otto, Tom & Darlene - Baraboo

Rotzoll, Brenda Warner - Baraboo

White, Tom & Carolyne - Baraboo

SPONSOR

Archibald, George - Baraboo

Birdd, Ron - Reedsburg

Brew, William & Jean - Wisconsin Dells

Fleishauer, Carol - Baraboo

LaComber, Charles & Kathleen - Baraboo

Litscher, Joan - Baraboo

Lombard, Jim & Andrea - Baraboo

Pietenpol, David & Diane - Suamico

SaLoutos, David - Baraboo

Smith, Jeff & Anne - Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia - Baraboo

Waterman, Turk & Judy - Baraboo

PATRON

Muehllehner, Ursula - Wayne, PA

BUSINESS FRIEND

LaMasney Construction Co., Inc. - Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Bart & Char Olson Foundation - Merrima

Mr. Canfield’s Map

WHEN William and Cordelia Canfield arrived in the Baraboo River valley in 1842, they followed trails made by Native Americans and animals. There were no maps to follow, only the verbal directions given to them by the few people who had come here before them. A comprehensive map of all of Sauk County would not be printed for another 17 years and it would be William Canfield himself who would make it. The map Canfield produced in 1859 was a tour de force of its day including not only the locations of communities and landowners but also geological and natural features. The margins around the map were filled with lithographs of important places and businesses in Sauk County from Sauk County’s first brick courthouse to depictions of effigy mounds. Mr. Canfield’s 1859 map will be explored during a presentation on Canfield Day which will take place on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center 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, Donna Lange, Bill Schuette, Paul Wolter and Verlyn Mueller.

Sauk County Archeology Talk

SETH Taft will lead off the Society’s spring lecture series on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center, 900 2nd Avenue in Baraboo. The public is invited to attend.

Seth Taft is a research archaeologist at the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology at the University of WisconsinBaraboo/Sauk County. Seth conducts archaeological investigations ranging from excavations to archival and background literature research for construction projects that may impact archaeological resources. His emphasis of study is on lithic (geology) analysis, with regional focus on the Fox River in central Wisconsin.

Seth will discuss the time periods seen in Wisconsin ranging from the state’s earliest settlers (known as the Paleoindian Tradition) up to European contact (commonly referred to as the Oneota Tradition). Moreover, local archaeological sites within, as well as near the Sauk County area, will be addressed. Artifacts will be on display showing society becoming more complex over time. Seth will also have on display a 5,000 year old mammoth tooth. Learn more about the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds, Man Mound and other Sauk County historic sites.

Seth Taft, holding a mammoth skull fragment, during an archaeological dig in Iowa last summer.

We Care Program

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

Tour of Historic Homes –

June 21

THE Society will once again host a Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, June 21 from 10 am to 4 pm. Several historic homes will be showcased from a charming brick cottage to an architect-designed Colonial Revival style house. Volunteers are needed to staff the houses for a three hour shift and volunteers will receive a ticket to see the rest of the homes. If you would like to help, please contact Linda at the Sauk County History Center at 608-356-1001.

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

President’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WELL, it has been a winter for the history books! I have been hearing reports of frost down to record depths and months with more below zero hours than above! Anyone who has proclaimed in recent years that “we don’t have winters like we used to” might now think that that isn’t such a bad thing. But spring is just around the corner (at least officially) and thoughts turn to spring and summer activities. We will be hosting an archeology talk in March with Seth Taft, and Canfield Day is fast approaching on April 8. I am happy to report that the Society will once again host a Tour of Historic Homes in Baraboo in June. While the tour has had a bit of a hiatus in recent years, it’s back and will be just as fun as ever with a “new” crop of old homes to visit. Other activities this summer will include our annual Founders’ Day Picnic and a vintage baseball experience in Reedsburg. We will also host an exhibit at the Badger Steam and Gas Show. Stay tuned to your upcoming newsletters for more details. Don’t worry, you can read them while you are outside enjoying warmer temperatures.

Before the Sauk County Historical Society moved its museum to the Van Orden mansion in 1938, it was located in the basement of the old courthouse.

The Soap Boiling

Written for the Sauk County Historical Society by N. G. Abbott, Eureka Springs, Arkansas April 4, 1918

SEVERAL important events were of yearly occurrence during the spring months on our old farm. Among them were soap boiling, candle dipping, ham smoking and house cleaning. These are not named in the order of their occurrence, but according to their importance.

The first big thaw that filled the pond holes and furnished plenty of water, marked the opening of the campaign, soap boiling taking the lead. The first thing necessary to the making of soap was the leach. This was a rather large V shaped box set in a shallow inclined trough to conduct the lye to the vessel set to catch it. The box was supported by a frame of posts set in the ground and thus maintained in an upright position. In “setting up” the leach, a little straw had been placed in the bottom, upon which the ashes had been dumped from time to time as the stoves were cleaned. When filled and the “sign was right” for soap boiling, the leach was “wet down.” A small depression was made in the top of the ashes, and a dipper of hot water was poured therein. This was repeated at frequent intervals until the leach “started” to run lye. Then cold water was used, the lye meanwhile boiling collected in a big caldron kettle.

After the leach had been “run off,” came the allimportant day on which soap boiling was to take place. It is safe to say that nobody laid abed that morning, except father. There was a fire to build under the big kettle, the soap tub and soap grease to bring forth, breakfast hustled out of the way, and all things gotten in shape for what was to follow. The soap grease, like the ashes, was the accumulation of months and was a compound that nowadays would be consigned to earth in short order for sanitary reasons, but as “familiarity breeds contempt,” it was thought to be O.K. and possibly was no worse than some of the cholera hog fat used nowadays in soap making.

When the lye in the kettle had come to a boil, a sufficient quantity of grease was added, meanwhile taking great pains that it did not “boil over”. The boiling process continued until the grease was “eaten up” by the lye, and a small portion “tried” in a saucer with a spoon, showed a jelly-like substance when it was considered done.

The soap was invariably kept in a soft wood fish keg, as an oak tub would soon be destroyed by its strength. The close of the day brought my mother a supply of soap to last a year for all purposes.

Baraboo

Newspapers

Birth, death, and marriage announcements from the Baraboo News Republic, Baraboo Daily News, and the Baraboo Evening News are indexed. This is a work in progress funded by grants from the Sauk County Arts, Humanities, and Historic Preservation Committee and from Baraboo Public Library’s endowment fund interest. The dates covered are as follows: 1850-1900, 1901-1911, 1913, 1931-1950, 1985, 1992-1994. For information on obtaining paper copies of obituaries, see the Baraboo Public Library’s Obituary Request Procedure (PDF).

Reedsburg Newspapers

Birth, obituary and marriage announcements from the Reedsburg Herald (1856-1858) Reedsburg Times (1898-1939), Reedsburg Free Press (18601861,1872-1939), Reedsburg Report(1995-1999), Reedsburg Independent (1999-present) and the Reedsburg Times Press (1939-present) are indexed. Also we have indexed some newspapers from surrounding area: Rock Springs Townsmen (1949-1950), LaValle Advertiser (1939), LaValle Weekly (1940-1941), LaValle Sentry (1949-1950). The Reedsburg Public Library is still working on completing the indexing.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

(Another chapter in this year’s “Sauk County, Above and Beyond” theme)

THE existence of Sanborn Fire Insurance maps is not widely known by the general public, but they contain a wealth of information about the cities and towns depicted in them.

After the Civil War, as Americans expanded westward and reconstruction of the South commenced, it became vital for insurance companies to determine the feasibility of insuring new construction.

In 1867, Daniel Sanborn, a surveyor from Massachusetts, founded the Sanborn Map Company. The mission of the company was to survey the municipalities where insurance companies wished to insure properties. The data provided by the maps would indicate whether a building was insurable and if it met the liability standards put forth in a policy.

Sanborn maps are highly detailed large-scale lithographed street plans with a scale of 50 feet to one inch. They are color-keyed and bound in volumes 20 by 25 inches. These bound volumes contain an index of streets and addresses, the names of schools, churches, and businesses. Each page depicts an area covering six to eight blocks. Details including outlines of buildings, the location of doors and windows, sidewalk and street widths, fire walls, cisterns, and natural features such as rivers, creeks, and other water sources which could be utilized in a fire emergency, were depicted on the colorful maps. The composition of roofs, floors, and structural materials are included on the drawings. Fire departments are noted, as well as the location of fire hydrants. Gas and water mains are also detailed. Also included is the population, economy and the prevailing wind direction.

Sanborn maps were created for approximately 12,000 towns and cities in the U.S. from 1867 to 2007. These cartographic maps are unparalleled in depicting the layout of cities, and are an invaluable resource for genealogists, historic preservation, and urban planning, among other things.

To map the thousands of cities and towns and determine their fire liability, the Sanborn Company sent out legions of survey teams to record in minute detail each community they visited. They would note any potential fire hazards which might deter agents from selling a policy to a vulnerable establishment. Things such as the presence of a blacksmith shop, a bakery with large ovens, and the

location of kerosene storage areas were mapped. Often times a city was mapped and re-mapped every six to ten years making comparisons of the same structure or block possible. New buildings, additions and changes can be seen by comparing various years. While early maps only covered business and industrial districts, later maps covered residential districts as well. For those with an old house recorded on the maps, information such as the time frame of additions, outbuildings and neighboring houses can be obtained.

The Wisconsin Historical Society has many of the Sanborn maps produced for Wisconsin communities and is currently digitizing their collection. Maps currently available on the WHS website (www.wisconsinhistory.org) include Ableman (Rock Springs) 1912 and Baraboo 1885, 1892, 1898, 1904, 1913. Maps for Reedsburg, Prairie du Sac, Sauk City and Spring Green will be added this year.

Volunteers Needed

VOLUNTEERS are needed to greet visitors to the Sauk County Historical Museum at the Van Orden Mansion this summer. The museum will be open May through October, noon until 4 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays. More volunteers will mean more flex¬ibility in scheduling.

ROLE OF DOCENT - VOLUNTEER

• Greet guests

• Introduce house & give them a self-guiding handout

• Give tours to groups

• Keep house neat and clean

• Guard artifacts

• Watch house for repairs needed, preventive measures that could preserve house

• Sell merchandise

• Track information on daily tally sheet

• Inform staff of low merchandise inventory

A detailed Docent Manual has been prepared for your use when on duty at the Museum. Contact Linda at the History Center at 608-356-1001.

Depicted on this Sanborn Fire Insurance map from 1927 is the site of the Island Woolen Mill complex. The office building is now the Sauk County History Center.

March/April 2014

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

Behnke, James H - Reedsburg

Burke, Joann - Gray, GA

Cook, Betty - Clarksville, TN

Cook, Shari - Sauk City

Cronon, William J - Madison

Cunningham, Sandy - Reedsburg

Gall, Steve - Prairie du Sac

Goddard, Dick - North Freedom

Granroth, Sandra - Madison

Hart, Matt - Baraboo

Hatfield, Charles - La Farge

Jaeger, Marcus - Bartlett, IL

Jensen, Neil T - Baraboo

Johnson, William P, Jr. - Dallas, TX

Karg, Joyce V - Baraboo

Kjernes, Sandy - Edgerton

Konkle, Connie - Sauk City

Krbecek, June - Merrimac

Marini, Fred - Melrose

McGee, Tim - Sauk City

Meinen, Irene - St. Paul, MN

Pansegro, William A - Reedsburg

Prosser, Kay - Baraboo

Rech, Susan Barnett - Portland, OR

Schneller, Linda - Prairie du Sac

Siebecker, Judith - New Meadows, ID

Smith, Barb - Baraboo

Stanley, Frederick - Northfield, MN

Stehling, Donna - Sauk City

FAMILY

Baker, Dick & Annette - Reedsburg

Burmester, Dean & Marian - LaValle

Etzwiler, David & Nijole - Baraboo

Filip, Donald & Janet - Reedsburg

Filus, Gene & Karen - Baraboo

Fisher, John & Lorna Lee - Cross Plains

Getschman, Lyle & Marge - Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda - Baraboo

Hrabovsky, Robert & Diana - Wichita Falls, TX

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna - Verona

Loomis, Dale & Terry - Baraboo

Molkentin, Ray & Markel - Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice - Montello

Porth, Guy & Mary - Reedsburg

Reeve, Bryan & Mary - Spring Green

Schertz, William & Amy - Baraboo

Thompson, David & Miriam - Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris - Baraboo

Wolfe, Barbara - Waunakee

Zick, Travis & Kristina - Baraboo

FRIEND

Erlandson, Virgil - Hagerstown, MD

Genovese, Thomas & Doris - Baraboo

Geoghegan, John D - Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie - Baraboo

Holmblad, Tana - Merrimac

Kolberg, Marie J - Madison

Marking, Charles & Jeanne - Baraboo

Meiller, Clydella - Baraboo

Schuebel, T J & Susan - Baraboo

Waddell, JoEllen - Baraboo

Weth, Gloria - Rotonda West, FL

Wright, Burt - Los Angeles, CA

SPONSOR

Holzem, Bob & Gayla - Baraboo

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley - Baraboo

Kriegl, Thomas - Baraboo

Lange, Donna - Reedsburg

Sauey, Craig & Bonnie - Baraboo

Schulz, Glen & Mary - Baraboo

Schwartz, Lester - Kimberton, PA

Sophie, Chuck & Norma - Baraboo

Zitzner, Merlin & Jenele - Baraboo

PATRON

Bennin, John - Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona - Baraboo

Tour of Historic Homes – June 21

ONE of the Society’s most popular events is back after a hiatus of several years. A tour of historic homes in Baraboo will once again be held on Saturday, June 21 from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour will feature six homes in Baraboo, most of which have never been open to the public before.

This year’s tour will include the Langer residence on Ninth Avenue, which was built in 1933 and designed by architect Frank Riley of Madison. Riley was a well-known regional architect who designed the Governor’s Mansion as well as the Madison Club. His Colonial Revival design for Harold and Katherine Langer includes many unique features, which will be available to see on the day of the tour. A brick cottage on Sixth Street, two Queen Anne style houses and a Prairie School-influenced foursquare house will also be open for tours in the City of Baraboo. This year will also include a rural Colonial Revival-style farmhouse

in the Town of Fairfield, which also boasts a Victorianstyle potting shed. The Van Orden Mansion will be open on the day of the tour featuring the dining room set up for an Edwardian dinner.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased starting June 1 at the Sauk County History Center, the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce and downtown at the Corner Drug. Tickets will be $12 per person in advance and $15 on the day of the tour. Volunteers to staff the houses and monitor guests are still needed to serve two-hour shifts. A free ticket to see the other homes on the tour will be given to all house volunteers. To sign up please contact Linda at the Sauk County History Center at 608-356-1001.

The tour is sponsored this year by the generous support of Senger Lumber and Johnsen Insurance of Baraboo.

The Langer Residence built in 1933 and designed by renowned architect Frank Riley will be showcased during the upcoming Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, June 21.

A Trip to the Tripp –Founders’ Day Picnic

WHEN the Sauk County Historical Society was founded in 1905 one of the first activities held by the Society was an annual “pilgrimage.” Group field trips were held to promote interest in historic sites such as the ghost village of Newport. In 1906 the first pilgrimage was made to Prairie du Sac. The group tour included stopping at private homes to view historic collections including the home of Edward Ochsner to view his taxidermy collection. The group ate lunch at a park in Prairie du Sac and visited the Wisconsin Heights battlefield in the afternoon. In similar fashion, the Society’s annual Founders’ Day picnic this year will be held in the Sauk Prairie area on Tuesday, June 3 starting at 6 p.m. The picnic will be held at historic Park Hall in Sauk City located at 307 Polk Street followed by a trip to the Tripp Museum in Prairie du Sac. Park Hall is the beautifully preserved meeting building constructed by the German Free Thinkers in 1884 and designed by aspiring architect Alfred Clas. After a delicious meal served by Geffert’s Catering, members and guests will make their way to the Tripp Museum (across from the Blue Spoon Café) and explore the newly renovated and reinterpreted museum. Through the hard work of the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society, the Tripp has been entirely transformed into a beautifully restored space with engaging exhibits including the 5,000 year old Bradford bison skull which was found along the banks of the Wisconsin River several years ago. Also on display is Edward Ochsner’s mounted bird collection, some of which Society members saw 109 years ago. Plan on joining fellow members and guests and a “pilgrimage” to Sauk Prairie for good food and interesting history. A reservation form is included in this newsletter. Reservations are required by May 28.

Ross Curry receives Wm H. Canfield Award

ROSS Curry of Lake Delton was selected as the 2014 recipient of the William H. Canfield History Award bestowed by the Sauk County Historical Society to honor the work of local historians. Like Canfield, Curry also has a passion for local history and has written ten publications on history and genealogy focusing on the Dells-Delton area. Curry has deep roots in Sauk County with ancestors arriving only a few years after Canfield. After schooling in Kilbourn and Madison College, Curry eventually landed a job at the Wisconsin Dells Events where he worked for 40 years. During his time at the newspaper, he began researching and writing local history stories which were eventually published and are now a resource for the history of the Dells-Delton area and beyond. Curry was honored during Canfield Day on April 8 at the new Sauk County History Center in Baraboo, with 60 persons present. Society president, Paul Wolter, gave a presentation on Canfield’s 1859 map of Sauk County.

Ross Curry, left, receives the Canfield Award from Society President, Paul Wolter.

Plat Maps

THE Land Ordinance Act of 1785 devised the rectangular system of dividing the western lands into grid-shaped townships and sections. This land was then sold by the U.S. government providing much needed revenue for the new nation.

A plat map is a rendering of county, city, town and village land which is drawn to scale, and shows the divisions of that land. It can show city divisions by blocks, streets and alleys, and include individual lots. Each division is given a number, thereby making it easier to identify a specific portion of land. After a surveyor plats a new section of ground, in order for it to become a legal description, it must be filed with a local governing body, after which a public works department, zoning board, or urban planning commission must approve the plan.

William H. Canfield did much of that work in early Sauk County. His 1859 hand drawn map—the oldest that we have in our collection—is the result of that work. An inscription on the map notes, “From Government Surveys [and] over 1,000 county surveys and three months traveling over the entire county to obtain topography. Compiled by Wm H. Canfield, Surveyor and Civil Engineer.”

Early plat maps were mostly monochrome, and included such additional information as the location of Native American mounds, public buildings, schools, churches, along with waterways, and roads. They also included the names of the land owners. Most 19th century maps were large four foot square renderings designed to be hung on a wall. During the early part of the 20th century, cartographers began publishing the maps in book form.

By 1896, the individual counties were being colored, making it easier to identify boundaries. The Society

History Center Restoration Donations

January 15 – April 25, 2014

Pillar of Progress Owner – Class of 1944

In Memory of Gertrude Accola

Contributing

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hipke

This segment of a township map indicates it is section eleven, with the section divided into quarters. Land owners and their acreage are also listed. On this Woodland Township map segment, John Brockman is found in section 11, SW quarter, and he owns 160 acres of land.

also has this map in its collection.

Besides the above mentioned plat maps, the SCHS has in its collection, maps from the years: 1861, 1872, 1877, 1878, 1893, 1896, 1906, 1915, 1922, and many more up to the present date.

All the 19th century maps and early 20th century maps have been scanned and digitalized and are available to be viewed in that format at the History Center. They may also be viewed on our Flickr Web site: www.flickr. com/photos/sauk_county_historical_society/.

Mission of Gratitude— A Local WWII Hero Remembered

THE Myasis Dragon, a B-17G bomber, began its run over Merseburg, Germany, flying into heavy flack as it approached the designated target. The bomb bay doors were opened and Myasis Dragon was ready to drop its ordnance upon command. A multitude of fires and explosions were visible below as each plane made its run.

Thirty nine crews were dispatched to hit the Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant, an eight hour round trip from England. It was not a favorite target of combat crews because of the heavy artillery positioned around the plant. “Anti-aircraft fire was very intense and accurate—probably the most ever encountered by 303rd BG(H) crewmen,” noted a post flight briefing.

Twenty-six year old Sergeant Harry R. Sansum, a native of Baraboo, WI, was a waist gunner on the Myasis Dragon. As the plane leveled off over the target, the crew could see anti-aircraft tracer fire coming at them from the ground below. As they closed in on the plant, the first of three shells hit the Myasis Dragon’s number three engine blowing it apart. The second hit just below the radio compartment as T/Sgt. Girman, the radio operator and gunner, loosened his flak jacket and clipped on one of his parachute rings. The last burst entered the open bomb bay door and exploded between two bomb racks. The plane was immediately engulfed in flames, disintegrating as it peeled off and went into a vertical dive. T/Sgt. Girman later described seeing the aircraft melting before his eyes.

As the Myasis Dragon descended to its inevitable fate, T/Sgt. Girman, and Sgt. Reid Bishop fell through the

By Bill Schuette

air entangled in a large section of aircraft debris. In a written report, they later recounted what happened during that fateful descent:

“One piece of the falling wreckage included the ball turret with Sgt. Reid Bishop inside. T/Sgt. Girman was unconscious. His foot was caught in the runner of the ball turret gunner’s hatch trapping Sgt. Bishop inside. Soon, however, T/Sgt. Girman fell free and Sgt. Bishop was able to open his hatch, grab his parachute, connect it and free himself from the wreckage. T/Sgt. Girman regained consciousness as he hit denser air, and remembers seeing Sgt. Bishop’s chute open at almost the same time as his, maybe 1,500 feet above ground.”

They both landed near Torgau, about 30 miles east of Leipzig and were immediately captured and sent to a German prisoner of war camp for nine months.

After his repatriation at war’s end, Sgt. Bishop reported having seen the body of Harry R. Sansum lying on the ground near where he (Bishop) had landed. Sansum was not wearing a parachute. The other six airmen on the plane also perished. The date was August 24, 1944.

Fast forward seventy years to March, 2014. The Sauk County Historical Society received an e-mail from Martin Maijntz a resident of the Netherlands. He wrote that he is a member of the Fields of Honor database, a Dutch non-profit organization. Their objective is to research each serviceman buried there and give a face and history to the names of those who perished in combat in a distant land.

Fortresses Under Fire by Keith Ferris, depicting the 70th Mission of Thunderbird - 15 August 1944. Flown by the 2Lt Jack R. Hillary Crew

Martin wrote, “My grandparents from my father’s side adopted Harry’s grave at Margraten War Cemetery many many years ago. When my grandfather died in 1962, my father resumed his responsibilities in taking care of Harry’s grave. When my father, an ex-marine, died in 2009 I adopted Harry’s grave and I’m now taking care of it.”

As part of his dedication to that mission, Maijntz has been researching the history of Sgt. Sansum. His search eventually led him to contact the Sauk County Historical Society, Baraboo, WI, for more information.

Linda Levenhagen, Office and Research Manager, and Bob Doepke, research volunteer, began searching the Society’s archives for any information on Sgt. Sansum. They were able to locate 1944 newspaper items which chronicled the death and obituary of Sgt. Sansum. After finding the names of his siblings, a search of city directories and the marriage records at the Register of Deeds office revealed two great-nieces who had continued to reside in Baraboo. They were then fortunate enough to find a living relative, Patti Kay Beach, one of the great-nieces. Mrs. Beach is now in direct contact with Mr. Maijntz.

Mr. Maijntz concludes his letter with, “All in all, we feel it is the least we can do for these heroes, who gave their lives to liberate our country!”

War Stories Wanted

Dear Veterans,

My name is John Geoghegan; I was born in Baraboo in 1922. I remember the day very well; the sun was shining. My mother was crying. But seriously, as a fellow veteran and member of the Sauk County Historical Society (SCHS), I want to talk to you about sharing your military stories with the future generations by writing them down and sending them to the SCHS. The Society would like to receive stories like yours and mine to have a file of them for future reference. We want the stories of all veterans, but especially WWII and Korean veterans, many of whom are leaving us at an accelerated pace, and we want your story while you are still here. And by the way, if you are a relative or friend who has knowledge of someone who was in a war and passed away, we encourage you to bring their stories in as well. I’ve submitted my story, and once SCHS has finished with it, you’ll be able to read it in an upcoming newsletter, and on our Web site! Send them to SCHS, Military Stories, PO Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913.

For a more detailed account of this story with additional photos, visit our Web site at www.saukcountyhistory.org

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

This photo taken 16 July 1944, depicts Sgt. Reid Bishop (front, 1st on left), Sgt Harry R. Sansum (front, 3rd from left), and Sgt. Eugene E. Girman (front, 4th from left). Photo courtesy of www.303rdBG.com.

Baluster

noun: a short pillar or column, typically decorative in design, in a series supporting a rail or coping.

NOW that you know what a baluster is, the Society needs your help in buying some to replace the railings on the porch roofs of the Van Orden mansion. As you can see by the photo the decorative railings have deteriorated and need to be replaced. While the harsh elements have taken a toll on the existing wood railings the new railings will be made of composite materials that are impervious to rot but look exactly like wood products. The Society is initiating a “Buy a Baluster” campaign to replace the railings. Each baluster costs $35 to replace and 100 balusters are needed. Members are encouraged to buy one or more balusters to help replace the railings. To “buy” one or more balusters please send a donation to the SCHS at PO Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913.

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.

Society President, Paul Wolter, center, accepts the Dr. Al Dippel award from past presidents of the Baraboo Kiwanis, Brandon Wegner, left, and Jane Franzen. Wolter has been president of the Sauk County Historical Society since 2000 and a member of the board since 1996. This yearly award is given by the Kiwanis to an unsung community volunteer. Paul has donated countless hours of his time and talents to improving and transforming the society into the viable organization that it is today and he recently led the renovation of the Island Woolen mill office, now the Sauk County History Center research facility. This award is well deserved.

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 30, 2014. 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 History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Baraboo (Wed-Sat, 12-4 pm).

May/June 2014

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New & Renewed Members for March & April

INDIVIDUAL

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

Alcamo, Janet - Fountain City

Amend, Peggy - Pardeeville

Barfknecht, Diane - Baraboo

Belter, Audrey - Florence, AZ

Clavadatscher, Norma - Sauk City

Farrell-Stieve, Mary - Baraboo

Forseth, Gary - Wausau

Hallanger, Kay - Baraboo

Henthorne, Mark - Kendall

Honer, James A - Madison

Kaney, Jerald - Milwaukee

Karki, Bettie - Baraboo

Knappen, Nicol, Jr. - Baraboo

Kutzbach, John - Madison

LaMasney, Kathleen - Baraboo

Larsen, Lindy - Baraboo

Ley, Bruce R - Baraboo

McArthur, Joan D - Holmes Beach, FL

McCarthy, Thomas D - Sioux Falls, SD

Mirror Lake Assn. - Lake Delton

Peck, William, IV - Saint Paul, MN

Poretti, Gaylene - Minneapolis, MN

Rich, Louise - Baraboo

Sarahan, Charles A - College Park, MD

Schluter, Charles - Madison

Screnock, Joseph - Baraboo

Spees, Shirley - Baraboo

Stiemke, Sandra - Sauk City

Vertein, Wava J - North Freedom

FAMILY

Allen County Public Library - Fort Wayne, IN

Anderson, Cliff & Susan - Baraboo

Bittermann, Larry & Pat - Wheaton, IL

Graves, Mr. & Mrs. Dale E - Waukesha

Green, Charles & Donna - Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula - Baraboo

Hantzsch, Russell & Anita - Hales Corners

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna - Verona

Luther, Doug & Linda - Greenwood Village, CO

May, Kathy - Baraboo

Pointon, Phillip & Alonna - Baraboo

Rasmussen, Robert & Corinne - Cable

Reeve, Bryan & Mary - Spring Green

Rundio, Steve & Libby - Baraboo

Schreiber, William, Jr. & Marian - Baraboo

Schroeder, Roy & Judy - Loganville

Schultz, Robert & Marcella - Waukesha

Scott, Mike & Jody - Merrimac

Shepard, Theodore W - Spokane Valley, WA

Smith, Dan & Sheila - Baraboo

Smith, Walt & Yvonne - Baraboo

Spencer, Robert & Kathy - Baraboo

Steinhorst, Gaylen & Shirley - Baraboo

Thomas, Earl & Diane - Baraboo

FRIEND

Brice, Dean & Judy - Baraboo

Edwards, Dan & Sandy - Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene - Baraboo

Hinz, Alice Cass - Dubuque, IA

Karch, Jim & Marilyn - Baraboo

Krainik, Marnie - Madison

Larson, Scott & Rachel - Baraboo

Rice, Eleanor - Milwaukee

Senger, Catherine - Baraboo

Vester, Barbara J - San Leandro, CA

Weitzel, Ken - Spring Green

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine - Wisconsin Dells

Yeck, Dr. Robert & Louise - Silver Spring, MD

SPONSOR

Ashford, Judy - Merrimac

Barganz, Ron & Lynda - Baraboo

Beard, William J & Corinne - Baraboo

Campbell, John & Susan - Wisconsin Dells

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor - Reedsburg

Costerisan, Francis J, Jr. - Hendersonville, NC

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen - Reedsburg

Dewel, Dr. Robert - Baraboo

DiRenzo, Robert D - Neenah

Dutton, Elizabeth - Boalsburg, PA

Holmes, Gary & Holding, Susan - North Freedom

Lange, Kenneth & Esther - Baraboo

Rice, Paula - Norton Shores, MI

SaLoutos, Helen - Baraboo

Schroeder, Al & Wendt, Jean - Baraboo

Schultz, Ronald G. - Fletcher, NC

Umhoefer, Aural - Baraboo

PATRON

Hambach, Arleen - Belvidere, IL

Regan, Jim & Barb - Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie - Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Terrytown Plumbing - Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Town of LaValle – LaValle

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 13, 2014

From Mansion to Movie Palace

THE spirit and exuberance of An Edwardian Christmas will come to life once again on Saturday, December 13 at two Baraboo locations from the Edwardian Era, the Van Orden Mansion and the Al. Ringling Theatre. At the 1904 Van Orden Mansion, twelve fresh Christmas trees will be decorated by area designers, businesses and volunteers. This year’s theme of Christmas literature will inspire the decorations of each tree. From the Biblical Christmas story to J. R. R. Tolkien’s, Letters from Father Christmas and from Elf on the Shelf to the Nutcracker each tree will showcase a beloved piece of Christmas literature. Dave SaLoutos will create an entire Christmas room – this year showcasing a 1930s era Christmas complete with homage to the now classic film, A Christmas Story, which was adapted from Jean Shepard’s book In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash. The dining room in the Mansion will be filled with holiday goodies and live Christmas music by area musicians including string, brass and choral groups throughout the day will enhance the feeling of Christmas past. Outside at the Mansion, horse and carriage “jingle bell” rides will be given from 2-6 p.m.

Down the street at the 1915 Al. Ringling Theatre

the Christmas spirit will also be in full bloom. Over 20 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 13 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 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 during An Edwardian Christmas. For more information contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 608-356-1001 or check out www.saukcountyhistory.org

President’s Report

Paul Wolter

I Recently saw a sight which I am not sure anyone has seen since perhaps 1904. That was the sight of the first floor of the Van Orden Mansion devoid of furniture looking as if the place had not been moved into yet or had been vacated and was now for sale. Of course the last time the Mansion was for sale was in 1938, but I’m not sure if it was offered publicly then, or if the deal for the Society to purchase it was negotiated privately. At any rate, even then the house was still full of furniture, some of which was left with the house when Florence Van Orden sold the house for pennies on the dollar to the Society. This fall all of the furniture was moved to make way for the refinishing of the oak flooring, a job which has never been undertaken until now. Now the floors look good as new and are ready for the next 100 years.

As the Society works to restore the Van Orden Mansion and return it to its Edwardian era roots, the refurbished flooring is now the foundation for continued work towards that end. I would like to thank the volunteers, especially Paul Young, Ann Wolter and Bill Schuette, who helped move all of the furniture out of the way including the radiators (currently non-functional but historically important). On the exterior of the Mansion an equally impressive sight is to be seen on top of the porch roofs. New railings have been installed to replicate the original railings from 1904. These replace railings made in the 1990s which did not hold up well to harsh weather. The new railings were made entirely from rotproof materials which can be painted like wood but do not have the potential for decay.

As our Christmas events approach, the Mansion is looking better than it has for a long time and will be a festive place for people to experience the splendor of Christmas past.

Year-End Giving

AS the year 2014 comes to a close in just a few short weeks, please consider giving a year-end gift to the Sauk County Historical Society. Donations are welcomed year-round and can be designated for general operations or for special projects. 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.

Garland Parlor Stove Comes Home

AFTER traveling over 5,000 miles, the parlor stove of Henry and Annie Burmester from Reedsburg, has returned to Sauk County. Long-time member Barbara Vester of San Leandro, California and grand niece of the Burmesters donated the stove to the Society this fall after graciously paying for it to be crated and shipped to the History Center. Vester acquired the stove many years ago from her cousin in Florida who had moved the stove from Wisconsin to the sunshine state. The Art Garland stove was manufactured around the turn of the 20th century and features an exuberant design. The stove features nickel plating and isinglass windows. Vester remembers her father, Herbert Hinrichs, talking about having hot cocoa around the stove while visiting the Burmesters. The stove is being set up at the History Center where it can be seen in all of its glory.

Annual Meeting Held

OVER 75 people attended the annual SCHS Banquet and Business Meeting which was held on Thursday, October 30 at the Baraboo Arts Center. After a delicious meal catered by Geffert Catering of Reedsburg, the annual business meeting was held for the Society which included the Treasurer’s Report for the year and a presentation by retired teacher and volunteer Myrna Weickgenant on the Society’s fourth grade education program known as SCI –Sauk County Investigators. The Board terms of Directors Pam Krainik, Mona Larsen and Lise Meyer-Kobussen were expired, and they were all re-elected to the Board of

Directors. Society President Paul Wolter gave the keynote address entitled “Dateline: Baraboo 1889” which took members and guests on a trip around the 1889 bird’s eye map of Baraboo. The presentation highlighted Baraboo landmarks from the past using historic photos and comparing them to the bird’s eye drawing. The presentation is available online through a link from the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org Members were encouraged to invite friends to the annual banquet and several guests attended the meeting.

Society Receives Grant for SCI Program

ON November 5th the Society received a $1,000 grant from the Baraboo Wal-Mart in support of the Society’s Sauk County Investigators program. SCI is a take on the popular CSI television series. It is a fourth grade local history program that SCHS volunteers Jean Brew and Myrna Weickgenant teach in Sauk County schools. In the 2-module series, about 350 students each year are introduced to the profession of the historian by comparing the role of a “history detective” to an investigative

police detective. Students practice research and analytical methods through an activity that spotlights significant players and places in Sauk County history. SCI addresses three Wisconsin educational standards for grade 4, including being able to identify and describe important events and famous people in Wisconsin and United States history. The grant will be used for SCI materials.

An Edwardian Celebration

IN 2015, the Van Orden Mansion will celebrate its 111th birthday. The stylish and beautiful home of Jacob and Martha Van Orden was completed in 1904, just after the end of the Victorian era and midway through the reign of King Edward VII in the United Kingdom. Edward, the son of Queen Victoria, began his reign after the death of his mother in 1901. The Edwardian era lasted until 1910 upon the death of Edward, but is frequently extended beyond Edward’s death up until WWI.

The Edwardian period, which also opened the 20th century, saw numerous technical and social advances in all fields of endeavor. Female servants still provided services to families who could afford them. Domestic staff was provided with food, clothing, housing, and a small wage. However, fewer young ladies entered the domestic trade during this period, as they were finding better paying employment elsewhere.

Edison’s phonograph was a popular form of entertainment, and electricity began to supplant the smoky flickering gas lights of the previous era.

The Van Orden Mansion was on the cutting edge of technology when it was built. It boasted speaking tubes between various rooms, and an electric call system that signaled when the maid was wanted by the master or mistress. It had both gas and electrical supplies, one of

the few residences to boast such modern conveniences at the time. Indoor plumbing was installed in the Mansion when many still made the long trip to the outhouse. The telephone became a necessity in many homes, and the automobile was seen on streets in both large and small communities.

It was during this time in history that Jacob Van Orden decided to replace the clapboard house that had been his home since 1879, with a modern residence that would befit the chief financial officer of the Bank of Baraboo (Baraboo National Bank today).

Work began in 1902, and was finished in March of 1904. Only one photo of the construction of the house is currently held by the Society and it depicts three carpenters taking a break on the main staircase.

The Van Orden Mansion has been the headquarters of the Sauk County Historical Society since 1938, when it was purchased by the Society for $9,000 (one thousand dollars less than it had cost to build the home 35 years before) .

The Society has chosen the Edwardian era as its 2015 theme. A new display at the Mansion will highlight objects from the Edwardian period and the maid’s room on the second floor will be set up for the first time in over 75 years to show the life of a domestic servant.

Pillars of Progress Phase III Improvements Underway

The railings on the porch roofs at the Van Orden Mansion have recently been replaced after their 19-year-old predecessors succumbed to the elements. The new railings have been made from modern composite materials and are completely rot resistant but still paintable. Joe Huinker and Jim Beth of Huinker Construction in Baraboo did a masterful job in constructing and installing the railings. Inside the Mansion, Tim Kobernick of M-T Enterprize, Mazomanie, led an equally masterful team in refinishing all of the wood flooring on the first floor, a job which had never been done in 110 years. Both projects are a part of Phase III of the Pillars of Progress Campaign which will

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2014

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

Van Orden Mansion open to 12-4 p.m. Friday & Saturday History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

accomplish improvements such as these at the Van Orden Mansion and renovation of the ground floor of the Sauk County History Center.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, Vice President – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

(608) 356-1001

Joyce Schmidt

Recent Donations

• Theodore Vail Medal (certificate), given to the telephone operators on duty during a fire that filled their area with thick, black smoke; photographs - from Harland and Patricia Steinhorst

• Printing plate with a detailed map of Sauk County - from Bill Schuette

• Photograph of the car owned by John and Caroline Bunn of Baraboo - from the Goodhue County Historical Society

• Photograph of Baraboo River dam and bridge; photograph of the Board of Directors, Baraboo Federal Savings & Loan - from Sharon McArthur

• Family Register, John Marshall Family, 1808-1864 - from Sue Johnson

• Book, The History of Norris/New Buffalo/Newport/Mirror Lake/Delton/ Lake Delton - from Paul and Ann Wolter

• Art Garland Parlor stove - from Barbara Vester

• Film and CD of Reedsburg Woolen Mill Fire, April 9, 1968 - from Nancy McDonough

• Book: Rev. Father Eugene Kiernan (1881-1972); Family History: The Murray Family, Bear Valley, Sauk County WI; postcards and greeting cards - from Jim Honer

• Two books of original writing, observations, and interviews, 2013 and 2014 - from the author, Doris Litscher

• Print of the New Fairfield Town Hall, c. 2002; Postcards: New Fairfield Town Hall Open House, 2002, Al. Ringling Theatre interior, Barb-b-Que Restaurant, greeting card sent by E.B and Alice Trimpey; Brochures: World’s Fair, Chicago, Il, 1934, Hunters’ Guide and Rules, 1945-6, The Helping Hand, The Art Collection of the Baraboo National Bank, Official Softball Rules; Greeting Card: State Capital Tree, planted by Dale Sorg - from Joan Litscher

• Book: Hey, It’s Dad, by Landen Risteen, (BHS ‘44); 2 Scrapbooks, WW II, John “Jug” Lenihan (BHS ‘44); Letters from Charles A. Sarahan (BHS ‘44) - from Joan Litscher

• Photographs of Arleen Parks Watkins, c. 1943 taken on Sauk County Courthouse steps - from Arleen Hambach

• Hand-written note from Ida Ringling to Elizabeth Curryfrom Robert Curry

• Sports uniform, worn by Henry Schultz c. 1912-1920’sfrom Betty Lee Schultz

• Book: Lake Redstone, the First Fifty Years - from Jan and Don Haasl

• Map of Sauk County, 1877 - from Mike Irwin

• Handmade Wedding Dress, c. 1901, belonging to her grandmother, Ella Leubke - from Linda Lewis

• Book: Building Early Wisconsin Community, The 150-year Story of Mills on the Honey Creek - from the author, Philip Hasheider

• Wedding dress and veil purchased at Francine’s in Baraboo in 1948 and worn by Lucille and daughter, Beth Kuntzfrom Lucille Kuntz

This Badger History Group Request

IT is the homeliest of structures, probably the least attractive building constructed at Badger. It possesses none of the architectural peculiarities required for propellant production, has no distinctive design flourishes. It’s just a windowless cement block rectangle laid on a concrete slab and sheathed with aluminum siding. But it’s home. Building 207 has housed the office and archives of Badger History Group for several years.

Archivist Verlyn Mueller has created an exhibit area that summarizes the history of the property and has served as the centerpiece of what has been a visitor center in fact if not in name.

All that is about to come to an end unless we who care about collecting, preserving and sharing the story of the Badger property act to prevent it.

So the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has offered BHG a deal and issued a challenge. WDNR will provide a limited amount of funding to upgrade 207. BHG is expected to raise $35,000 to complete the work.

After the upgrade is completed WDNR will lease 207 to BHG with BHG agreeing to pay the cost of operating the building, roughly $500 a month.

To learn more about this project and to help with a donation, visit the BHG Web site at: http://www.badgerordnancehistory.org/

November/December 2014

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

Bechmann, Darleen - Baraboo

Blaker, Richard - Southport, CT

Burton, Michelle - Milwaukee

Dewall, Janet - Appleton

Hutchins, William - Wisconsin Dells

Johnson, Fran - Baraboo

Kaney, Jerald - Milwaukee

Kaul, Joan - Baraboo

Kelly, Nick - Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn - Wisconsin Dells

Knutson, Joyce - Rock Springs

Maniaci, Patricia - Madison

Murray, Joanne - Baraboo

Nimmow, Barbara - Baraboo

Oppliger, Kay Davis - Oshtemo, MI

Orlowski, Mary - Lake Delton

Pearson, Janet - Baraboo

Quale, Marilyn - Baraboo

Scoles, Vera - Baraboo

Setwyn, Eugene - Reedsburg

Stevenson, Lisa - Layton, UT

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn - LaHonda, CA

FAMILY

Bird, Gib & Gail - Baraboo

Blackburn, Ray & Debbie - Baraboo

Borleske, Vincent - Madison

Brining, Howard & Carla - Baraboo

Dewall, Patrick & Lisa - Appleton

Dippel, Albert R - Baraboo

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn - Baraboo

Frenz, Robert W - Crystal Lake, IL

Gogue, Sue & Buddy - Baraboo

Grant, Ken & Mary - Baraboo

Heiser, Wayne - Winsted, MN

Hilmer, Ben & Joan - Roscoe, IL

Jenks, Dick & Linda - Baraboo

Jessie, James & Jeanne - Norco, CA

Karr, Craig & Debby - Merrimac

Kindschi, Jerry & Alice - Prairie du Sac

Madland, Thomas P & Nancy J - Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue - Oshkosh

O’Donnell, Scott - Baraboo

Schreiber, William & Marian - Baraboo

Schroder, Donald & Nancy - Rhinelander

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl - Reedsburg

Steinhorst, Harland & Pat - LaValle

Stephen, Ron-Lyn - Baraboo

Sturgis, Peter & June - Baraboo

Young, John A & Tonia M - Baraboo

FRIEND

Bahe, Garry & Gale - Merrimac

Beckwith, Kandie - Baraboo

Bittner, Bernadette - Reedsburg

Boxhorn, Dorothy - Mukwonago

Cummings, Gary & Pam - Baraboo

Davis, James & Marsha - Reedsburg

Fordham, Joan - Baraboo

Krainik, Andre & Aimee - Appleton

Kriegl, Sylvia - Baraboo

Liebman, Todd - Baraboo

Mitchell, Robert J - Hales Corners

Randall, Annie - Baraboo

Triff, Maxine - Madison

Tully, Bob & Vi - Baraboo

Zimmerman, Karen - Baraboo

SPONSOR

Ankenbrandt, Toni - Baraboo

Fleming, Robert & Rosa - Baraboo

Pieper, August & Beverley - Madison

Poster, Jay - Madison

Robkin, Gene & Rochelle - Baraboo

Scoles, Alan H - Wichita, KS

Simonds, Donald & Beverly - Baraboo

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty - Waunakee

Thompson, Dianne - Wisconsin Dells

PATRON

Baldwin, David & Sherry - Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Weickgenant, Jim & Myrna - Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Meyer Insurance - Sauk City

Senger Lumber - Baraboo

The Baraboo National Bank - Baraboo

Senator Tammy Baldwin Donates Doll to SCHS

On a recent visit to the Sauk County History Center, Senator Tammy Baldwin indicated that she would like to donate a doll to the Society. The doll originally belonged to her great-great-grandmother, Ann Tyler, who once lived in Sauk County. She also provided a photo of Ann holding the doll around 1895. Our curator, Becca DuBey picked the doll up last month from Tammy’s office in Madison. It will be on display at our museum in the spring.

The doll, named Alice, is 22 inches high. It’s bisque with composite body and appendages and was made in Germany after 1891 when the United States instigated a marking system to indicate where dolls were made. What is so interesting is that the knees, hips, arms, wrists, and head beautifully mimic human movement. The eyes close when laid down, then magically open when she is placed upright. She was truly a treasure for a young girl.

Tammy Baldwin and the doll, Alice.

Ann Taylor, Tammy Baldwin’s great-great grandmother and Alice, ca. 1895.

Paul Wolter

I was reminded recently of what a great group of volunteers are at the heart of it all. The occasion was the removal of all things Christmas at the Van Orden mansion after another memorable holiday season. Over 15 people showed up to help take things down and clean up the mansion. This showing was only the tail end of all of the hundreds of volunteer hours that make up the creation and execution of an Edwardian Christmas at the Society. From decorators, to bakers, to musicians, to volunteer staff the list of volunteers easily tops 100. The efforts are rewarded with the attendance of nearly 1,000 people who make a visit to the museum a part of their holiday festivities. I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way. Your donation of time, talent and treasure is very much appreciated and the aggregate total is so much more than the parts. The collective effort is what puts the “society” in historical society. As we start our 111th year we have much to look forward to. The history center continues to develop and be discovered as the Van Orden mansion is refurbished and reorganized. new programming this year will bring to light more stories from the past and enlighten many. The restoration of one of the county’s finest architectural treasures, the Al. Ringling Theatre, during its centennial year will once again take us back 100 years to the end of the Edwardian Era. Watch for programming which highlights this gem. At the mansion, we will also be showcasing the Edwardian Era and life 100 years ago with a special exhibit which will open this spring. Related to that, the maid’s room at the mansion was set up again; and for the first time in over 75 years, one can get a glimpse of what life was like for a domestic servant of the era. I hope you will take advantage of what your Society offers this year and that you will consider how you can help us preserve and share the past. Your support is very much appreciated.

Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2015

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 Van Orden Mansion open to 12-4 p.m. Friday & Saturday History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Lake Redstone, The First Fifty Years

Written by the Lake Redstone Property Owners’ Association, 2014

BEAUTIFUl Cobleigh Valley was nearly inaccessible for centuries before Baraboo resident Paul Wegner donated 65 acres for development of a small lake and park. A year later, in 1963, the project caught the eye of developer n. E. Isaacson, and soon a bustling community formed around a lake replaced the Cobleigh Valley. lake Redstone, The First Fifty Years documents the geology and early history of the valley, and the vision and development of the lake. It is laced with memories of landowners, and describes the Project District, the Property Owners’ Association, and current life on the lake. The 120-page hardcover book is beautifully illustrated. Because it has a limited printing, it is housed in our Rare Book and Manuscript Collection, available for research by special request. The book was donated by Jan and Don Haasl.

Jan and Don Haasl, members of the eight-person team that wrote the book, Lake Redstone...The First 50 Years, presented a copy of the book to Rebecca DuBey, center, at the Sauk County Historical Society recently. This year is the 50th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the lake. The book features numerous photos of the lake and life on the lake. It includes information on the geology of the area, the early history of LaValle, Ike Isaacson and the development of the lake, a timeline of events, memories and stories of members past and present and information about the two lake organizations: the Lake Redstone Property Owners’ Association and the Lake Redstone Protection District.

The tree stands are put away, the lights have been wrapped up and all the work that goes into creating an Edwardian Christmas at the Van Orden Mansion is now behind us. Nearly 1,000 people visited the mansion over the holiday season, from private parties to the Edwardian Christmas Celebration. The mansion was transformed with the theme of Christmas literature inspiring the decorators of over a dozen trees. The bakers and musicians did their parts to add to the sounds and tastes of a traditional Christmas. Everything ran smoothly with the help of more volunteers during the events. The Society would like to thank all those who helped make the events successful.

Kraemer in Amerika

If you’d like to see a copy of Kraemer in Amerika, there is a list of libraries and archives which have received a book donation: https://sites.google. com/site/auswanderer20/Home/books/kraemer-inamerika. Kraemer in Amerika is now available at CreateSpace.com.

The 330-page book (8 ½” x 11” soft cover) is extensively indexed by last name, place, and occupation, and is

sourced in detail. Because the book is in full color, it is priced steep at $75. A black and white version is also available for $35. To order, go to https://www. createspace.com/4638000 and click “Add to Cart.” Follow the prompts to the check out. You will need to set up an account. After your order is placed, CreateSpace will send the book to you within a few days.

A Maid In Waiting

A first step has been taken to reclaim the Van Orden mansion as a House Museum. Since 1938 when the home was purchased by the Society, it has been used for a headquarters, artifact storage and display, research facility and lecture hall. It has been a longtime dream to convert the various rooms to the way they once looked when the house was built during the Edwardian Era in 1903.

We now have the first vestige of that conversion. A second floor room—formerly used as an office—has been repurposed as the maid’s room and it now looks as it would have appeared when the Van Orden family first built the house. From the Society’s various artifacts, we have culled items, which would have been familiar to the maid who served the family during the early part of the last century.

Items such as the bed, a sewing machine, washstand, steamer trunk, and a few other period items, repopulate the room.

Many upper class homes of the Edwardian Era employed servants—particularly maids—to do the mundane jobs required to keep the household running

smoothly. A maid would be responsible for preparing and serving meals, doing the laundry and assuring that all the rooms were kept neat and tidy.

A 1908 Guide for Edwardian Servants notes several important requirements of a servant: “A waitress (maid) needs to be quick and light of foot; thus youth and a trim figure, not too large, are the first requisites in one who wishes to make a success of the calling. It is needless to add that a quiet, unobtrusive manner is absolutely essential. A waitress needs to possess a mind unwearied by detail and a willingness to cultivate nice ways of doing work.”

Attention to duty and appearance were paramount. “Her first duty in regard to everything she touches is to ‘keep it straight.’ On all occasions she is to be neatly dressed and manicured, calm and unruffled; no matter how many duties claim her attention at one and the same time, she needs to be absolutely deliberate, self-poised, and unhurried.”

In addition, personal hygiene was also an important factor. “The daily bath and immaculate undergarments are

The recently restored Maid’s Room at the Van Orden mansion.

at the foundation of these moralities. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and opportunity for cleanliness should be freely given and freely accepted.”

The Van Orden family, at one time, employed two female servants. Customarily, one would be responsible for the dining room and pantry; the other would take care of washing the clothes, table linen and bedding.

The maid’s room was located on the second floor; however, her restroom was in the basement, along with the laundry room. She was not allowed to use the family bathroom, even though it was just across the hall from her bedroom. A back stairway led to the basement and to the kitchen so she would not be seen in the main part of the house.

Should the Van Ordens require assistance, there were five pushbuttons located throughout the house, which sounded a bell in the maid’s room.

The mansion has a butler’s pantry—where the tableware was kept, and a cook’s pantry—where the food was stored. It is unlikely, however, that the family ever had a butler.

Song of Place: A Natural History of the Baraboo Hills

Lillian Lange, right, at Van Orden mansion. Lillian was born in 1893 and died in 1982, age 89.

THIS new book by biologist and former Devil’s lake State Park naturalist, Ken lange, highlights the natural history of the Baraboo Hills and should be a must read for all outdoor enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the 1.8 billion years of history of the area. Ken has had a long career in the Sauk County area as a naturalist and has firsthand knowledge of the plants, birds and animals which inhabit the surrounding hills. The book also highlights the human element in those who have trod the hills and valleys, investigating the biodiversity, glacial and geological history of this unique area. The book is available at the Sauk County Historical Society History Center.

Joyce Schmidt

Recent Donations

• Baraboo High School Marching Band Uniform - from Nick Kelly

• Programs: Al. Ringling Theater 25th Anniversary, Sauk County Courthouse rededication, 1963, and Baraboo Daily news Reprint featuring the Opening of the Al. Ringling Theater - from Dan and Sandy Edwards

• 8 Reedsburg Telephone Directories - from Bernadette Bittner

• George McArthur & Sons sewing kit - donor unknown

• Proceedings, 2012 and 2013 - from Sauk County Board of Supervisors

• Book: That’s the Way the Sun Rose, stories by lola O’ Brien Huber, and a photograph of West School, Baraboo, after the fire - from Joan litscher

• 2 books: “Ready” History of the 505th Parachute Infantry and Descending from the Clouds - from Dolores Krueger

• 1890 German Bisque doll, a photograph of Anna Tyler holding the doll, taken around 1900 by Arthur Johnson, a Baraboo photographer, and various doll clothing - from Tammy Baldwin

• Sign: “Baraboo,” possibly from the railroad depot - from Barb lange

• Book, Roll Out the Barrels, - from the author, Gary Hess

• 2 First Presbyterian Church Directories, 1974 and 1986 –from Bob Doepke

• Loaned to copy, 500 Postcards - from John McNabb

• Article, “Cecil’s Misfortune,” on CD - from Henrietta lowery

• Rocking chair, made by R. L. Bohn around 1870 in Sauk County, photograph of Belle Cushman Bohn in her chair, a corn husk doll in miniature chair - from Barbara larsen

• Archive collection of research materials, photographs, and notes used for newspaper articles and books, The Best of Bob, 8 linear feet - from Robert Dewel

• DVD: Man Mound Day, 2014 - from Bill Schuette

• Sauk County Postcards, Baraboo, Marie Settleigrin and other students in schoolhouse desks and interior of the Peck and Herforth - from Carl Alexander

Phase III History Center Restoration Donations

October – December, 2014

David Saloutos

Robert & Beverly Vaillancourt

Joe & lou Ann Ward

Roman & Bea Statz

Russell & Anita Hantzsch

Baraboo 1889

Birds Eye Map Presentation

SOCIETY President, Paul Wolter, will give an encore presentation of his talk on the 1889 bird’s eye map of Baraboo on Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center, 900 Second Ave. in Baraboo. It was originally presented at the Society’s annual meeting in november. The presentation takes a tour of the detailed 1889 map and highlights landmarks depicted, some of which still exist and some of which have been lost to history. Historic photographs are shown and compared with the map to show its accuracy. The talk at the history center will be open to the public at no charge.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, Vice President – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

linda levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

January/February 2015

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

Bahr, Dolores - Prairie du Sac

Bayley, Ray W.G. - Madison

Beard, Jeanette - Milton

Bingler, Susan - Jeffersonton, VA

Bobholz, Jill - Baraboo

Brice, Jim - Baraboo

Conlon, Jen - Park Widge, Il

Eichmann, Charmaine - Baraboo

Fletcher, John - Baraboo

Herrick, James M - Madison

Hume, nancy - Baraboo

Jackson, Jim - Madison

Kennedy, Patricia - Elroy

Kieffer, Bob, Jr - Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn - Wisconsin Dells

Kuntz, lucille l - Baraboo

lindner, Greg - Oxford

Michals, Patricia M - Baraboo

Prothero, Betty - Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice - DeForest

Ryan, Joan - lodi

Schauf, Kathryn A - Baraboo

Schmidtke, Fred - Baraboo

Schmidtke, Fred - Baraboo

Schuette, Bill - Reedsburg

Stolte, Dan & Shari - loganville

Twigg, Deb - Waverly, nY

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn - laHonda, CA

Wagner, Thomas - Eau Claire

Weber, Cindy - Baraboo

Witt, Kathy - Dana Point, CA

FAMIlY

Apple, Jerry - Dousman

Banbury, Robert & Melissa - Reedsburg

Bruer, Scott & nicole - Reedsburg

Conway, Ben & Fran - loves Park, Il

Dillman, nancy - Baraboo

Fritts, James & Martha - Highland Park

Gasser, Brent & Cate - Baraboo

Getschman, James & Gladys - Baraboo

Goc, Michael - Friendship

Haller, Mike & Angie - Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica - Baraboo

Higgins, Jim & nancy - Baraboo

Kolb, Thomas & linda - Baraboo

long, Bernie & Diana - Waunakee

Mede, Eleanor & Gary - normal, Il

Messner, Erick, Audrey, Steven - Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue - Oshkosh

Mohar, Warren & linda - Baraboo

nieuwenhuis, Cliff, Deb & Kip - Baraboo

Ohler, Sandra - laValle

Plautz, Michael - Baraboo

Ruhland, Marv & Kathy - Cross Plains

Schultz, Jerald & Zita - Baraboo

Smirenski, Sergei & Elena - Baraboo

Taylor, Dave & Charlotte - Baraboo

FRIEnD

Birdd, Ron - Reedsburg

Dallmann, David & Carolyn - Baraboo

Dummer, Jill & laurie - Baraboo

Finney, Patricia & St. John, Michael - Baraboo

Holt, Mike & Sandi - Baraboo

Johansen, Wayne & Martha - Baraboo

Kuter, David - Madison

Premo, Peter & Debra Bauer - Baraboo

Rohde, Marilyn E - Baraboo

SPOnSOR

Brew, William & Jean - Wisconsin Dells

Dewel, Robert - Baraboo

Fleishauer, Carol - Baraboo

Hart, Matt - Baraboo

Holmblad, Tana - Merrimac

Klingenmeyer, Mary - Baraboo

litscher, Joan - Baraboo

lombard, James & Andrea - Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn - Baraboo

Pietenpol, David & Diane - Suamico

Rotzoll, Brenda - Baraboo

Schulz, Glen & Mary - Baraboo

Schwartz, lester - Kimberton, PA

Smith, Jeff & Anne - Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia - Baraboo

PATROn

Bennin, John - Baraboo

Wolter, Paul & Ann - Baraboo

BEnEFACTOR

Wright, Eleanor C - Anacortes, WA

BUSInESS SPOnSOR

Holiday Wholesale - Wisconsin Dells

laMasney Construction Co. - Baraboo

Canfield Day – April 9 The Mills of Honey Creek

IN early November 1845, a group of six men including Wm. Canfield set out from the Sauk Prairie area to explore the interior of the county “to ascertain whether the land was fit for settlement and cultivation.” Popular rumor was that the interior of the county was “one complete mass of rocky bluffs, wholly and entirely unfit for cultivation.” Besides Canfield, the group included Count Haraszthy and Edmond Rendtorff from Sauk City, the colorful Abe Wood -- the first permanent settler in the Baraboo valley, Thomas Remington of the Baraboo valley, and County Commissioner Levi Moore. The Count’s mare, a shot gun, two rifles and a bird dog completed the outfit along with a week’s worth of provisions. The adventure started out all right but soon turned serious when the provisions ran out; and despite the teeming fauna, no wildlife could be successfully bagged for dinner. After about two days of nothing to eat, the party nearly shot and ate the dog; but finally Capt. Moore shot a yearling buck and the party was saved. After returning to the Sauk Prairie, a mass meeting was called to report the findings of the expedition. It was disclosed that the interior was “not only fit for cultivation, but would make a fine agricultural district,” although there was some doubt that the Honey Creek area would ever be settled.

Well, the Honey Creek area was settled and soon became an industrious part of the county. Eventually twelve flour and grist mills dotted the Honey Creek Valley. These mills, and the lives of 75 men and women who struggled against long odds to carve out a place in the area, are discussed in a new book by Phil Hasheider, local author and history enthusiast. Hasheider will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 William Canfield Day at the Sauk County History Center on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. He will share highlights from his book, Building Early Wisconsin Community: The 150-Year History of Mills on the Honey Creek. Few histories have so thoroughly told the story of rural mills, their owners and the impact on

local communities. Copies of the book will be available. 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. Previous recipients of the Canfield Award include: Erhart Mueller, Ken Lange, Phyllis Dearborn, Dr. Bob Dewel, Carol Sorg, Mark Tully, Bernadette Bittner, Joe Ward, Donna Lange, Bill Schuette, Paul Wolter, Ross Curry and Verlyn Mueller. Birthday cake and refreshments will round out the evening. The public is invited to attend this free presentation.

President’s Report

Paul Wolter

IT seems like just yesterday that the Society was celebrating its centennial, at least to me anyway. A tent was erected on the north lawn of the Charles Ringling estate; and after the board of directors met in a nearby house where the first Society meeting was held, a picnic was served and ceremonies were observed. Well, that was going on ten years ago now as the Society finishes up its 110th year. As time marches on, what seems like “just yesterday” is usually farther back than we think. It is hard for me to believe some days that the history center has now been open two years. I still am amazed at the outpouring of time, talent and treasure of so many supporters that made the project a reality. It has truly changed how the Society can fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County History. Two floors of the history center are now devoted to the “collecting and preserving” portion of that mission (with some sharing thrown in through research) but more can be “shared” when the ground floor of the history center is renovated for use as exhibit space.

I would like to thank everyone who has given so far to Phase 3 of the Pillars of Progress Campaign which will ultimately finish the history center and provide for some improvements at the Van Orden mansion. While we have a ways to go, we are off to a good start. Some improvements have already happened at the mansion and were noticeable at Christmas time, like refinished floors and new porch roof railings.

While we can’t stop the march of time, we can try to leave things better for those who come after us. One way we do this is by making the institutions that we belong to better and sustainable. If you are a member of the Sauk County Historical Society, your support is doing just that; and that is something you can feel good about.

We are on Facebook

Be sure to visit our Facebook page. Go to Facebook, then do a search for Sauk County Historical Society. We have over 330 members with new visitors being added every day. Recent posts have included photos of the Devils-Bar-B-Que, 1910 Sauk City Bridge, Mac’s Queens female baseball team, 1920s Sauk City street scene, and many other interesting area photos with visitor comments. Anyone may post photos and comments.

Donations, JanuaryFebruary, 2015

• Pin-backed buttons expressing opinions, political choice, and Sauk County events, donated by Judy Bennin

• Spool Island Woolen Mill red-dyed wool yarn, donated by JoAnn Lane

• Print of the Al. Ringling Theater interior, donated by Janice Parrish

• 4) Nurses dress uniforms, 2) pair stockings, and a photograph of Emma Heyer wearing her uniform when a nurse with the Ringling Hospital, donated by Florence (Jen) Jagow

• Black Athletic Sweater labeled “BV” in black letters outlined with red; a Basketball Jersey Uniform from Baraboo High School, c. 1921, and a set of unattached letters from Baraboo High School, red “BV” outlined in black, donated by Don Haugh

Museum Keeper Wanted

THE Society is looking for a part-time museum keeper who will operate the Sauk County Historical Museum at the Van Orden Mansions on Friday and Saturday afternoons from May to October. Duties will include opening and closing the museum, greeting visitors and handling merchandise sales. For more information contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or history@saukcountyhistory. org

Lake Redstone Book Help Needed

LAKE Redstone near the village of La Valle turned 50 last year. Don Grossnickle is in the process of chronicling the history of the creation of the lake, and is asking for help from the public. The result will be a book centering on the land owners who vacated the Cobleigh Valley to facilitate the lake construction. Stories of the area, and photos would be welcomed. The deadline is the end of March. Please contact the author via email at buildingredstone@aol.com.

Phase III History Center Restoration Donations

History Center Benefactor

Richard & Jane Dana

The Baraboo National Bank

Claude & Starck Associate

Gene & Mona Larsen

Joe & LouAnn Ward

Island Woolen Mill Friend

Carol Fleishauer

Ursula Muehllehner

Charles Sarahan

Roman & Bea Statz

Colleen Terbilcox

Andrew & Judy Waterman

Merlin & Janele Zitzner

Lasting Legacy Patron

C. Philip Jauch

Phil & Alonna Pointon

David SaLoutos

Halls of History Supporter

Joann Burke

Russell & Anita Hantzsch

Al Schroeder & Jean Wendt

Senger Lumber

Robert & Beverly Vaillancourt

Karen Zimmerman

Second Century Sponsor

Stephen & Eleanor Chiquoine

Dan & Sandra Edwards

Lyle & Marge Getschman

Jerry & Jeanette Jessop

William Johnson

LaMasney Construction

Jay Poster

Craig & Bonnie Sauey

Roger & Melissa Schnitzler

Aural Umhoefer Total Phase III Donations & Pledge Receipts

of March 4, 2015

$7,310.00

Sunday in the Cemetery –June 28th

THE Society will host its third Sunday in the Cemetery –Living History Tour on Sunday, June 28th at 2 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, bringing local history to life. This 2015 tour will feature circus-related people to help celebrate the centennial of the Al. Ringling Theatre. 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 few years! Details will be found in upcoming newsletters. If you would like to help with the tour as an actor or guide, please contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or history@saukcountyhistory. org

Looking for the SCRAPs of Prehistory: The Sauk County Regional Archaeology Program’s 2014 Field Research

IN 2014, the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology continued its Sauk County Regional Archaeology Program (SCRAP) by sponsoring an archaeological field school that focused on research at area archaeological sites. Sites where fieldwork was conducted included the Council House Mounds, the Greenfield Man Mound, the Clark Rockshelter and the Aldo Leopold Shack Sandblow. Investigations revealed

new information for all of these archaeological sites. This presentation, by George Christiansen of the UW-Baraboo, will provide a brief summary of the work that was done and future directions for the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology and the SCRAP. This free lecture will be held at the History Center in Baraboo, 900 2nd Ave., Thursday, April 16 at 7 pm.

Jane Struthers Van Orden came to Baraboo from Neosho, WI with her son Jacob after her husband had died and her son had spent several years studying at Ripon College. She lived with Jacob and his new wife, Martha, in the original Van Orden house which sat on the same site as current Van Orden mansion. In 1897 she built a cottage next door when her grandchildren, Lucas Schuyler and Mary Louis were teenagers. Shown here is Jane Van Orden at Christmas, 1909, in the cottage next to the mansion on Fourth Ave. It was a typical upper class Edwardian home of the era.

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2015

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

Van Orden Mansion open to 12-4 p.m. Friday & Saturday History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, Vice President – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Let it Snow

SOME of you may remember the winters before the mid20th Century and how intense they seemed to be. The snow came for days at a time without relief, and piled up foot upon foot. Snow plows were hard pressed to clear it all away and many rural communities were snowbound for days.

Even earlier, around the 1920s, there were few snowplows in Sauk County and much of the plowing was done with scoop shovels and manual labor. Farmers had to get their milk to market or it would spoil. The only way was for neighbor to help neighbor to clear the roads so the trucks could get to the creamery.

On February 22, 1922 (2-2-22), one of the worst ice storms to ever hit the area, caused tremendous damage throughout all of Sauk County. Loganville was in the dark for over a week because the newly installed power lines from Reedsburg were all down. The wires were broken in so many places, that they could not be reused on the main line. The broken wire was salvaged, spliced together and used to reconnect many of the outly-

ing farms. Al Burmester, a Loganville storekeeper, recalled that, “When the lights were turned back on, it was like the sun comin’ over the hill!”

Bill Thies, who lived just north of Loganville, recalled that the night of the storm, he could hear the trees in the woods popping and cracking as their branches became coated with the heavy ice. The next morning the countryside was a sight to behold, he said. The landscape was glazed with a glistening sheet of ice. Trees were bent low with their heavy burden and countless scores of limbs would never rise again.

AT RIGHT: 1922 ice storm, Ash & 8th Streets, Baraboo, Charles Ringling home on right.

A four horsepower snowplow in Reedsburg during a 1915 snowfall, piloted by Mr. Suszycki.

March/April 2015

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for January and February

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

INDIVIDUAL

Baker, Annette - Reedsburg

Brice, Jim - Baraboo

Cleveland, Eileen - Baraboo

Cook, Betty - Clarksville, TN

Cronen, William J - Madison

Cunningham, Sandy - Reedsburg

Diehl, Karen J - Sauk City

Furmidge, Julie - Pasadena, CA

Hart, John - Sauk City

Haskins, William W - Baraboo

Jaeger, Marcus - Bartlett, Il

Kjernes, Sandy - Edgerton

Larsen, Barbara - Sister Bay

Marini, Fred - Melrose

Marini, Gladys - Baraboo

Martin, Joan - Reedsburg

Orlowski, Mary - Lake Delton

Pansegro, William H - Reedsburg

Schneller, Linda - Prairie du Sac

Weston, Marshall - Aurora, CO

FAMILY

Behnke, James - Reedsburg

Burmester, Dean & Marian - LaValle

Filip, Don & Janet - Reedsburg

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Fisher, John & Lorna Lee - Cross Plains

Gall, Steve - Prairie du Sac

Getschman, Lyle & Marge - Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda - Baraboo

Hays, Mark & Beth - Reedsburg

Houzner, Kathy - Portage

Hrabovsky, Robert & Diana - Wichita Falls

McKnight, John - Evanston, IL

Messner, Erick, Audrey & Steven - Baraboo

Otto, Tom & Darlene - Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice - Montello

Porth, Guy & Mary - Reedsburg

Thompson, David & Miriam - Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris - Baraboo

Zick, Travis & Kristina - Baraboo

FRIEND

Burke, Joann - Gray, GA

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita - Baraboo

Erlandson, Virgil - Hagerstown, MD

Geoghegan, John D - Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie - Baraboo

Hipke, Jack & Marcia - Poynette

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette - LaValle

Kolberg, Marie J - Madison

Marking, Charles & Jeanne - Baraboo

Peterson, Waldo & Ann - Madison

Rice, Eleanor - Milwaukee

Schuebel, Tim & Susan - Baraboo

Waddell, JoEllen - Baraboo

Washam, Paul & Judy - Baraboo

Weth, Gloria - Rotonda West, FL

Wolcott, Mike - Hartland

Wright, Burt - Los Angeles, CA

SPONSOR

Alt, John & Jean - Baraboo

Holzem, Bob & Gayla - Baraboo

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley - Baraboo

Meiller, Clydella - Baraboo

School, Dan & Anna-Marie - Baraboo

Schwartz, Lester - Kimberton, PA

Sophie, Chuck & Norma - Baraboo Strasser, Clara M - Dover, PA

Taapken, John & Donna - N. Freedom

Vodak, Barbara - Baraboo

Wolfe, Barbara - Waunakee

Zitzner, Merlin & Jenele - Baraboo

Sunday in the Cemetery –Living History Tour June

28, 2015

Many fascinating stories will once again come to light at the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour hosted by the Society on June 28th at 2 pm at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. The tour will celebrate the centennial year of the Al. Ringling Theatre by focusing on people related to, or who worked for, the Ringling family. Tour participants will be guided through the cemetery to the graves of famous and ordinary people and hear the stories from costumed interpreters. From Al. and Lou Ringling’s mausoleum to the pauper’s section of the cemetery, the tales of 10 people will come to life as new

facts have been discovered for this year’s tour. Tickets will be sold the day of the tour at the cemetery and will be $10 per person. Don’t miss this historical event and fundraiser for the Society, which only comes along every few years.

Summer Picnic – June 11

The Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. at the Red Oak Shelter at the south shore of Devil’s 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 about his latest book, Song of Place: A Natural History of the Baraboo Hills. This new book highlights the natural history of the Baraboo Hills and the 1.8 billion years of history of the area. Ken has had a long career in the Sauk County area as a naturalist and has firsthand knowledge of the plants, birds and animals that inhabit the surrounding hills. The book also highlights the human element in those who have trod the hills and valleys, investigating the biodiversity, glacial and geological history of this unique area. Reservations can be made by using the form inside this newsletter, and the registration deadline is June 4.

President’s Report

Paul Wolter

“MANY hands make for light work” is an old adage that came true a few weeks ago when a dozen or so people convened on a Saturday morning at the Sauk County Historical Museum to help move almost a ton of metal shelving parts from the basement of the Van Orden mansion up three floors to the ballroom. The volunteers included five Baraboo high school students and one graduate who helped dramatically lower the median age of the work party. Using the bucket brigade method, over 300 pieces of shelving parts were moved in a little over an hour to the ballroom. The metal shelving will dramatically overhaul the storage potential in that space. I would like to thank everyone who helped make a daunting task quite do-able. I would also like to thank the volunteers that stayed for the rest of the day to help clean the museum and get it ready for opening. More than 25 volunteers will soon help the Society tell the stories of ten people at the Sunday in the Cemetery –Living History Tour on June 28th. From actors to guides

to ticket sellers this event and its volunteers will once again bring Walnut Hill Cemetery to life as we hear about the lives of famous and ordinary people.

Every week volunteers at the history center help do everything from fulfill research requests to mow the lawn to rehouse archival materials. Every month the volunteer board of directors meets to guide the Society, plan outreach and look over financial affairs. Each year volunteers help with events, teach local history in schools and much, much more.

From preservation to education, volunteers help the Society fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. They are as important to our operation as any building, event or program. Whether daily, monthly or yearly if you volunteer at the Society, I hope you feel good about your part in preserving our heritage for future generations and also sharing it with the public today.

In April, Professor George Christiansen from the UW Baraboo/Sauk County presented a talk on the 2014 field research done by the Sauk County Regional Archaeology Program. Sponsored by the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology, the archaeological field school focused on research at local archaeological sites including the Council House Mounds area in Baraboo, the Greenfield Man Mound, the Clark Rockshelter and the Aldo Leopold Shack Sandblow. Investigations revealed new information for all of these archaeological sites.

Dinner Service Needed

The dining room at the Van Orden mansion is in need of a dinner service for 8 to adorn the dining room table similar to what is depicted here. If you have any china, silverware or glassware that is from the early 1900s that you are no longer using and would like to donate, please contact us at 608-356-1001 or history@saukcountyhistory.org

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2015

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

Van Orden Mansion open to 12-4 p.m. Friday & Saturday History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Early Movie Projector on Display

Thomas Edison received a patent in 1897 for the kinetoscope, the forerunner of the motion-picture film projector. Edison and his assistant W.K.L. Dickson had begun work on the project in hopes of boosting sales of the phonograph, which Edison had invented in1877, by enlivening sound recordings with moving pictures. Unable to synchronize the two media, he introduced the kinetoscope, a device for viewing moving pictures without sound.

When Edison invented the moving picture machine, he was offered a chance to patent the motion picture

process in Great Britain for a very small amount of money, around $300. But he turned it down, because he said no one would sit in a dark room to watch pictures move on a screen. He thought the ultimate use of his kinetoscope would be in penny arcades, where men could deposit a penny, and watch Little Egypt doing her dance – or some such thing.

But he decided to take the insides of a kinetoscope, and mount it on an oak board. And on the back of the board he placed a lantern-slide projector. It provided a light source for the kinetoscope and was also used to project slides on the screen. This was the first movie projector manufactured in the U.S. to show professional movies—there had been some ‘toys’ before. A projector identical to this was used at the Koser and Bial Music Hall in New York City to project the first motion pictures ever seen in the U.S. by a theater audience.

A restored version of this 1903 kinetoscope owned by the Ringling family will be on display this summer in the newly created Edwardian Room at the museum.

Civil War: Life on the Home Front

REEDSBURG Area Historical Society Pioneer Log Village & Historical Timekeepers Present A Civil War reenactment event

June 6 & 7, 2015 - 10 am- 4 pm

Saturday: Fashion Show at 1:00, Cannon Demonstration, Quilting Bee, Food

Sunday: Church Service at 10:00, Strawberry Social at 1:00, Food

Admission: $5

At The Pioneer Log Village 3 miles east of Reedsburg on Hwy 23/33 (E7882 State Hwy 23/33, Reedsburg)

2015 Canfield Award Winners from Sauk Prairie

Sauk County Historical Society President, Paul Wolter, right, congratulates this year’s Canfield Award winners, Jody Kapp and Jack Berndt of the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society. Kapp is the Director of Development and Berndt is the Museum Manager of the SPAHS. Together the pair has completely transformed the Tripp Heritage Museum in Prairie du Sac in both

physical form and programming which resulted in the return of a 5,000-year-old bison skull to the area. Kapp and Berndt have worked tirelessly to reinvigorate the organization, receiving multiple grants and donations to bring the museum up-to-date, add new and innovative programming and create a social media presence that now has over 1,000 followers.

Joyce Schmidt

Recent Donations

• Playing cards marked “Viking Village,” Reedsburg; Book: 150 Intriguing Investigations; Interesting Facts and Stories About Wisconsin and Its People; coin counter, Reedsburg Bank - received from Bill Schuette

• A collection of admission buttons related to Sauk County events, political buttons and circus related buttons and a Circus World key fob - received from Judy Bennin

• A collection of 2008 political flyers, booklets including, Bicentennial in Baraboo, 1976, Wisconsin Dells, The Dells of the Wisconsin River, Old Trails and Duck Tales, Tommy Bartlett’s Water Ski Show from the Seattle World’s Fair, 1965 - received from John Bennin

• 45 rpm records, Tahitian Feast and Fertility Songs, Doug Alii and his Hinanos and Tahitian Feast and Fertility Dances, recorded live at the Tommy Bartlett Water Show, Wisconsin Dells - received from Diane Urban

• Atlas and Plat Book, Sauk County, WI. 1906received from Lise Kobussen

• Photograph, farmhouse in Excelsior, 1870-1915received from Brent Peterson

• Minutes of June 25 Baraboo Ringling Centennial Association, 1994, booklets including, Centennial in Baraboo, 1976, Emanuel Church United Methodist, 1995, 120th anniversary, Circus World Parade, July 5, 1980; greeting card, Sauk County Courthouse, Baraboo, ration token and stamps, tickets, free admission tickets to Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth - received from John and Judy Bennin

Phase III History Center Restoration Donations

Island Woolen Mill Friend

Karl & Melanie Burgi

Second Century Sponsor

David & Marcia Swanson

Total Phase III Donations & Pledge Receiptsas of May 1, 2015, $6,710.

Our Board and Staff

Paul Wolter, Society President – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, Vice President – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Treasurer – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

Todd Liebman – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David Saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Stoughton

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

May/June 2015

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for March and April

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

INDIVIDUAL

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Bahr, Dolores – Prairie du Sac

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Farrell-Stieve, Mary – Portage

Foy, Cynthia – Killeen, TX

Franzen, Barbara – Hudson

Goddard, Dick – North Freedom

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Honer, Jim – Madison

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Knappen, Nicol – Baraboo

Lawrence, Brenda – Waller, TX

Ley, Bruce – Baraboo

Martin, Joan – Reedsburg

May, Kathy – Baraboo

McArthur, Joan – Holmes Beach, FL

McCarthy, Tom – Sioux Falls, SD

McCauley, Natalie – Hillpoint

Poretti, Gaylene – Minneapolis, MN

Rich, Louise – Baraboo

Riedel, Sarah – Reedsburg

Schluter, Charles – Madison

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Spees, Shirley – Baraboo

Stiemke, Sandra – Sauk City

VanAllen, Mary – Bloomington, IL

FAMILY

Anderson, Cliff & Susan – Baraboo

Behnke, James – Reedsburg

Berndt, Jack & Jody Kapp – Prairie du Sac

Casey, Dave & Barb Brown – LaValle

Clavadatscher, Wally & Norma – Sauk City

Ferber, James & Connie – Wauwatosa

Gosewehr, Kathy – Madison

Graves, Dale E & Mrs. – Waukesha

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Jessie, James & Jeanne – Norco, CA

Johnson, Robert & Julie – Reedsburg

Kuhl, William & Diana – Baraboo

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna – Verona

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, CO

Schroeder, Roy & Judy – Loganville

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Smith, Walt & Yvonne – Baraboo

Spencer, Robert & Kathy – Baraboo

Thomas, Earl & Diane – Baraboo

Zick, Travis & Kristina – Baraboo

FRIEND

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Christin, Barbara – Washington Grove, MD

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Reedsburg

Edwards, Dan & Sandy – Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Genovese, Thomas & Doris – Baraboo

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Krainik, Marnie – Madison

Lumsden, Bill & Joy – Baraboo

Vester, Barbara – San Leandro, CA

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

Williams, Rodney – Texarkana, TX

Yeck, Robert & Louise – Silver Springs, MD

SPONSOR

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac, WI

Beard, William & Corinne – Baraboo

Campbell, John & Susan – Wisconsin Dells

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor – Reedsburg

Costerisan, Jr., Francis & Joan – Hendersonville, NC

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Hambach, Arleen – Belvidere, IL

Holmes, Gary & Susan Holding – North Freedom

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

Pointon, Phil & Alonna – Baraboo

Regan, Jim & Barb – Baraboo

Rice, Paula – Norton Shores, MI

SaLoutos, David – Baraboo

Sarahan, Charles – College Park, MD

Schultz, Ronald – Fletcher, NC

Waterman, Turk & Judy - Baraboo

Wendt, Jean & Al Schroeder – Baraboo

Whitcomb, Kenneth – Honolulu, HI

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Don Larson Superstore – Baraboo

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Town of LaValle – LaValle

Sunday in the Cemetery Tour a Success

Despite the threat of rain that fortunately didn’t materialize, the society’s third sunday in the Cemetery –Living History tour was a success thanks to the hard work of dozens of volunteers. Over 175 guests took the tour which visited nine grave sites at Walnut Hill Cemetery where costumed interpreters portrayed ordinary and famous former citizens of Baraboo. the tour was designed to help celebrate the centennial of the Al. Ringling theatre this year by showcasing the Ringling family and people who were related to, or worked for, the Ringlings. Al. and Lou Ringling were represented at their mausoleum as was Henry Ringling Jr. at the other Ringling mausoleum. Other stops included cousins of the Ringlings and circus employees.

One unique stop was Cynthia Roberts Owens who was portrayed by her own great granddaughter edith Hilliard who now lives in Madison. Owens grew up in the Cheyenne Valley area of Vernon County where her grandfather Mycajah Revels—with ties to the Cherokee Nation—was an early pioneer. she later lived in Baraboo after marrying Nathaniel Owens. the couple had twelve children including Hilliard’s grandmother. Hilliard met other descendants of Mycajah Revels who visited the cemetery for the tour. she was unaware of her deep roots on her grandmother’s side until research brought them to light for the tour. Hilliard was approached about being in the cemetery tour after a chance encounter with former sCHs Curator Nijole etzwiler three years ago at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

the society would like to thank everyone involved with the tour especially the actors who brought former Baraboo citizens back to life. Actors included Alex petrulis, edith Hilliard, paul and Annie Wolter, peter Wolter, Mark Londo, sharon McArthur, Marc seals, tom

Madland and Gilbert Bird. thanks also goes to Walnut Hill Cemetery and the UW Baraboo/sauk County Drama Department and Baraboo theatre Guild for the use of costumes.

Edith Hilliard portrays her great grandmother, Cynthia Owen.

President’s Report

paul Wolter

HOstiNG an outdoor event is not a task to be taken lightly. While the recent cemetery tour came off quite well thanks to the hard work of dozens of volunteer guides, actors and staff, the threat of rain almost postponed the event entirely. Fortunately, despite the radar map which constantly showed rain heading towards Baraboo on the day of the tour, the downpour never materialized and the overcast sky actually made for a more comfortable tour. Yours truly took on the task of portraying Al. Ringling along with my wife, Ann, who played Lou Ringling, (Being married made for convenient practice times.) standing on the steps of their mausoleum i could look out across much of the original section of Walnut Hill Cemetery and see other actors ready to bring other former Baraboo residents to life. soon after everyone was in place, volunteer guides began bringing groups of people around to each actor to hear stories of the famous and the ordinary. the stop before the Al. and Lou Ringling mausoleum was that of the grave of Cynthia Roberts Owens. through a unique turn of events, this part was played by edith Hilliard who is the great granddaughter of Owens. About three years ago Hilliard became aware of the tour after meeting former sCHs Curator Nijole etzwiler at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. After learning that etzwiler lived in Baraboo, Hilliard informed her that she had ancestors that once lived there. soon after, family photos and documents were shared with the society in preparation for a narrative for this year’s cemetery tour. through further research into the Owens and Roberts families, it was discovered that Cynthia Roberts Owens came from a well-documented family of early African-American pioneers that settled in Vernon County in the 1850s before settling in Baraboo. the family had come from indiana and has deep roots in North Carolina where Hilliard’s five times great grandfather fought with the colonial militia in the Revolutionary War. Hilliard’s ancestors also include several soldiers who fought on the Union side during the Civil War, including a great great uncle who is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery. All of this was new to Hilliard who had little information about her great grandmother’s family. During the cemetery tour Hilliard also met distant cousins with Vernon County roots that she had not known before and learned about upcoming family reunions where she can meet scores more.

i would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success. For the 175 people who attended, the cemetery tour was hopefully an entertaining and educational experience. One thing is for sure, for one person and her family the tour became a personal connection to a storied and uniquely American family history.

The Founders’ Day Picnic was held at Devil’s Lake State Park on June 11th to highlight the latest book of former park naturalist Ken Lange. After a delicious picnic meal catered by Gefferts Catering, Lange spoke about his latest work, Song of Place – A Natural History of the Baraboo Hills. The book covers the geological history of the hills as well as the flora and fauna of the area.

Man Mound Day 2015

ONe of the earliest projects of the new sauk County Historical society during the first decade of the 1900s was to purchase the Man Mound for preservation. this was done with the Wisconsin Archeological society and the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs. In 1908 the Man Mound was among the very first Native American effigy mounds to be preserved. For more than a century the sCHs has been involved with the ongoing care for the Man Mound. the sauk County parks Department has been primarily responsible for the basic maintenance of the Man Mound park for about fifty years, with volunteer efforts helping to enhance the park.

since the 2008 celebration to mark the centennial of the Man Mound’s preservation, nearly yearly events have been held at the park to highlight the importance of this ancient work of art. this year’s Man Mound Day is scheduled for saturday, August 1 from 10 am to 4 pm. there will be exhibits from various organizations involved with effigy mound preservation and research including the Center for Wisconsin Archeology from UW-Baraboo, the state Archeologist’s Office and the sauk County Historical society.

Historic Baseball to be played at Webb Park

On Saturday, August 15, the Dunn County Historical Society Menomonie Blue Caps, along with four other teams, will host the second Reedsburg Vintage Base Ball Festival. The games begin at 8:30 a.m. and last throughout the day. The event will be held at Webb Park in Reedsburg. Last year’s event attracted over 400 spectators. The games will be played using 1860s rules, and players will be outfitted in vintage uniforms.

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2015

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

Van Orden Mansion open to 12-4 p.m. Friday & saturday History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Surveyor, Wm Canfield, portrayed by Rob Nurre, may again show up to tell the story of the Man Mound

Sauk County’s Ancient Past Revealed

and you might be talking about the Ho Chunk, but it would be a distant relationship.”

the earliest ancestors of these people probably arrived in Wisconsin around 12,000 years ago, and would have been using thrusting spears and spear throwers to hunt game. the artifact that Virginia discovered could have originally been the tip of a dart used in a spear thrower. However, Christiansen postulated that due to its rounded tip, it may have been used as a knife. Often, when spear points became damaged or broken, they were reworked and repurposed for other uses.

FiVe millennia ago, on a tall ridge in Freedom township, a Native American flint knapper sat cross-legged, holding a stone which he was striking with the nub of a deer antler. As he hit the rock at just the right angle, thin chips split from the mother stone and landed on the ground around him. After much work, he completed the task, and displayed the artifact to his companions—a perfect spear point.

Fast forward 5,000 years to that same hilltop, and George Christiansen’s class of students from the UW Baraboo/sauk County are marking meter square outlines on the ground. Carefully removing the topsoil, they begin to clear, slowly and meticulously, successive layers of dirt. thin flakes of stone are sifted from the tailings on a screened shaker device. suddenly, one of the students, Virginia Fetzer, spies a small, gray protruding object embedded in the side of the pit. With her workmate, Ashley Hennen, they carefully brush the surrounding soil aside revealing the true nature of their find. Another stone point has been unearthed. they are the first humans in 5 millennia to see and touch this rare artifact which had been created so long ago.

Haley Kempf, Virginia Fetzer, and Ashley Hennen were spending six weeks this summer, learning about the science of archaeology. their field work introduced them to the thrill of discovery as these historic artifacts came to light. they also learned how to catalogue and chart their location in the pit. Also assisting in the dig, were Harley soerfass, project Assistant, and volunteer scott Weisman, a former 2014 student.

Christiansen spoke of those who might have lived there: “this was a long, long time ago,” he said, “and presumably, you would have some ancestral people here

Christiansen said that the stone point would have been attached to, “…what would look like a very long arrow, with a fairly wide diameter, and they’d use a spear thrower, which kind of looks like a crochet hook. they’d hold one end, put the end of the spear where the hook is, and you’d cast it like you’re casting a fly rod. Later on, starting about 1,300 years ago, is when the bow and arrow became more commonly used here.”

Large animals, such as mastodons and mammoths were long gone when these people lived in sauk County, however they would have had numerous white-tailed deer and maybe even elk to hunt.

And why did these early settlers place their camp so high on the hill? Christiansen speculated that, “it’s up out of the flood plain bottoms, so the bugs aren’t quite as bad. You have the resources of the [nearby] intermittent stream [and] there was kind of a flooded lowland down there, a portion of a tamarac swamp. so ecologically speaking, this is a great place to live. You’ve got great visibility, aquatic resources, and you’re in an upland area. Who wouldn’t want to live here?”

This stone knife point was discovered by Christiansen’s Archaeology class.

An eagle’s eye view of the dig site in Freedom Township.

Recently, several students from the Ho Chunk Youth Services Summer School program visited the Hulburt Creek Garden Beds near Lake Delton. The program is led by Annette Aeschbach. The Garden Beds were established 1,000 years ago by Native Americans who grew corn, beans and squash. These beds are the best example of such features in the mid-west. The Sauk County Historical Society acquired the land in 2008, and is the caretaker of the beds.

Master Gardeners

The Master Gardeners have again worked their magic to help beautify the front of the Museum. And the magic doesn’t stop after planting; volunteers also make sure that the flower beds are kept weeded and watered. The Society thanks them for their dedication in beautifying the Van Orden Mansion. Back: Dave Gorak, Gladys Proctor, John Schwenn (donated the plants), Joanne Gorak. Front: Jan Hanson, Pam Putman, Barbara Sullivan.

Recent Donations

• Bristle brush marked Julius Hoppe, clothier, tailor and furnisher Baraboo, from John Fletcher

• WACS uniform jacket; notebooks; honorable discharge, Richard Lusby, Navy; photograph: Navy graduation; Newspaper clippings; aluminum wallet; ID and Dog tags; insignia patches, Navy Torpedo; cardboard signal for practicing; from Mary Lusby

• Letters, from Chester and Harry (Francis) Thompson to Birdie Dambeck, WW ii, from Janice Caflisch

• 11 photographs of donor’s family, from Clyde and Carolyn Moon

• Book: Baraboo Bear Tales; Cole, H. E.; 1915, from Gail Gollmar phillips

• Books by Ken Lange: A Naturalist’s Place; Song of Place, Breeding Birds of the Baraboo Hills, Wisconsin, from Ken & esther Lange

• Lava Soap box; 2 Effinger Brewery note holders; brown wool child’s mittens; Fob, Eulberg Drug Store, Plain; 5 maps from Ardell Bergin

• Book: Wisconsin; Looking Back 50 Years; Yearbook: Minnewaukan, 1939 ; Mink stole; from Toni Ankenbrandt

• Program: 75th Anniversary, the Al Ringling Theatre, autographed by Gaylord Carter; Postcard: Al. Ringling Theatre Interior; business card, Dick Goddard, Operations Manager, Al. Ringling theatre, from Dick Goddard

• Handmade quilt top, 1898, made by Geneva Thomas Bridgford from sue Moran

Our Board and Staff

paul Wolter, society president – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, Vice president – Baraboo

Mark Graupman, treasurer – Baraboo

Bill schuette, Recording secretary – Reedsburg

pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

todd Liebman – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – sauk City

David saloutos – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – spring Green

stAFF

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

• 1982 Baraboo Centennial artifacts, from Roger Dippel

• Memorabilia from conference in Commemoration of Lincoln’s Assassination (1865-2015), from John and Judy Bennin

• Mug, Baraboo Federal Savings; badge, Concerts on the Square ‘06 Booster; Post card with Donovan’s pharmacy, Baraboo, from Donald Cole

• 2 WW II scrapbooks and diary of Lester Remhof, from Maryanne Lee

• China table setting for eight people from Judith Gregor

Pillars of Progress – Phase III

tHe society’s campaign to complete the renovation of the ground floor of the History Center and restoration at the Van Orden Mansion continues only with the help of generous donors. to make a donation please fill out and send in the form below or use the society website. www.saukcountyhistory.org – click on Pillars of Progress.

July/August 2015

The Sauk County Historical Society

p.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RetURN seRViCe ReqUesteD

Membership Activity for May and June

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

iiNDiViDUAL

Armstrong, Myrna L – Marble Falls, tX

Baumgarten, Carol L – North Freedom

Blau, Beatrice – sun prairie

Blau, Connie – Waunakee

Bolster, Bonnie – Mt. pleasant

Breunig, Marjean – LaCrosse

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Day, J peter – Madison

Dickeman, Mary – Reedsburg

Gregor, Judith – Baraboo

Jaedike, Dale – North Freedom

Johnson, susan – Reedsburg

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kaufmann, sandy – Madison

Konkle, Connie – sauk City

Kraemer, Ken – irvine, CA

Kutzbach, John – Madison

McGee, tim – sauk City

peck, William R, iV – Washington, DC

Raether, Rebecca – Madison

shepard, theodore – spokane Valley, WA

sperl, Cathy – Lake Delton

stehling, Donna – sauk City

stoikes, Carl – prairie du sac

thiessen, Betty – Baraboo

thiessen, Jerome – Baraboo

topham, Ruth – Baraboo

Williams, Bonnie – Rockford, iL

Williams, susan Burton – Waukesha

Young, paul – Baraboo

FAMiLY

Bellis, Mary – Baraboo

Bock, susan J – Carmel, iN Brandt, Ronald & Janet – elgin, iL Feltz, Lloyd & Joann – sugar Grove, iL Friesen, James & Mary – Baraboo

Hineman, Kathryn – Reedsburg

McCoy, Larry & Olson, Keri – Baraboo

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

paquette, peter & Carole – Baraboo phelps, Larry & Jan – Rock springs

Rasmussen, R.L. & Corinne – Cable

Rundio, steve & Libby – Baraboo

schell, Michael & Mary – Baraboo

schellenberger, Bill & Alice – Baraboo solone, Lou & sarah – Reedsburg

steinhorst, Gaylon, shirley & emma – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – North Freedom

FRieND

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo Cole, Donald – DeForest ely, Laura s – W. st. paul, MN

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo Hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

Krainik, Ralph & pam – Baraboo McCormick, terrence & Barb – Baraboo

Mossman, Bill & Dolores – Baraboo

schnee, Brad – Baraboo

siebecker, Judy – McCall, iD

thurow, Dennis & Kathleen – Baraboo

Wendt, Audrey – Baraboo

spONsOR

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

etzwiler, David & Nijole – Baraboo

Hotzel, Bernie & Roberta – Baraboo

LaCombe, Charles & Kathleen – Baraboo

Rinella, Linda Michaud – Glenview, iL

schell, Dennis – indianapolis, iN

schnitzler, Roger & Melissa – Wi Dells

statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

stone, tim & DuBois, Kristi – Baraboo

terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Umhoefer, Aural – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Robert & Beverly – LaValle

Ward, Joe & LouAnn – Baraboo

Weinhold, Frank & Mariana – Madison

pAtRON

Ballard, Jerry & patricia – Reedsburg

Graupman, Mark & Barb – Reedsburg

Muehllehner, Gerd & Ursula – Wayne, pA

BeNeFACtOR

Davenport, John & elizabeth – Minnetonka, MN

BUsiNess pAtRON

Don-Rick insurance – Baraboo

straight Forward – sauk City

Society Hires Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Sauk County historical Society is pleased to announce the hiring of former Board President Paul Wolter as the SChS executive Director. The SChS history Center, which opened in 2013, has increased the Society’s public presence, a wonderful and celebrated result; but with the new awareness has come more demand for services. This and the overall growth of the Society in the last several years led to the decision that a full time executive Director was once again needed to oversee existing services and future growth.

Wolter has served on the Board of Directors since 1996 and has been president of the Society since 2000. Most notable of Wolter’s contributions to SChS has been overseeing the successful fundraising of more than $500,000 and renovation of the beautiful Sauk County history Center. During the past 19 years he has also volunteered in roles as varied as clean-up crew to event coordinator to building construction to volunteer executive director. In this latter role, he has performed administrative tasks such as staff oversight, budgeting, program planning and outreach with the help of board members, other volunteers and existing staff. however, the daily workload has reached the point of being too much for the volunteer level.

The SChS Board is excited to have Wolter on staff full-time with the experience that he brings to the position. A number of generous SChS members have funded the first several months of the executive Director position, and raising funds to secure the position will be critical to the success of this transition. Consequently, Wolter’s job description will be heavily devoted to creating and implementing a fundraising strategy to increase support for the Society and garner new members.

This important and needed step forward brings

potential for future growth through expanded school outreach, more adult programming and the campaign to renovate the ground floor of the history Center and turn it into exhibit space. On a larger scale, the Society expects to further develop a county-wide presence and to implement long-term strategic planning for the sustained growth of SChS for future generations.

Any questions or comments about this change can be submitted to either Wolter or the new SChS Board President Todd Liebman by emailing the society at history@saukcountyhistory.org.

TWO new directors have been elected to the SChS Board.

New Board Members SCHS President Resigns to become Executive Director

S T eve Arg O has been at Baraboo high School since 2001 teaching American history and government. he also teaches a college class (Comparative Politics) through UW-Whitewater. Steve has a B.A. in history from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and an M.A. in Security Studies from g eorgetown University in Washington, D.C. he is happily married to Kari Nelson, and is a proud dad to Solveig (Norwegian for “sunny path”) Argo. his current passion is building a national memorial in Baraboo to the Tuscania disaster of WWI. In his free time he enjoys baking, biographies and watching reruns of The West Wing. Steve also enjoys time spent with his friends and church family as well as volunteering at the Baraboo Food Pantry.

PAUL WOLTer, Sauk County historical Society board member for the past 19 years, and president for 15 years, resigned from the board at the August meeting to become executive Director of the SChS. his extensive knowledge and skill in architecture and building renovation has been a tremendous asset to the Society. he also led us through the acquisition and renovation of the history Center. Without his talents, this reconstruction would have cost the Society substantially more. As executive Director, Paul will continue to apply his expertise to make the SChS an even better organization. Part of this mission will be to represent the Society at county and township meetings, seek funding and grants, and coordinate and manage our staff. We extend a heartfelt thank you to him for his dedicated service during the past 19 years, and we look forward to working with him as our new executive Director.

Myr NA We ICK ge NANT graduated from reedsburg high School in 1972 and has been a life-long educator ever since. She earned her BS in education from the University of WisconsinMadison and her MS in education from viterbo University, while contributing to the education field for over 25 years, 14 of those years as a sixth grade teacher in the Baraboo School District. Serving as program facilitator for the Sauk County Investigators for over three years, Myrna educated over 300 students in the reedsburg and Baraboo areas, delivering social studies and language arts curriculum to help her region understand the value of historical and cultural literacy in Sauk County. With a passion for hiking, biking, and the outdoors, Myrna is a certified Master gardener who resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin with her husband Jim and scores of flowers, vegetables, and creatures of the wild.

Additionally, we would like to thank Ann Wolter, who will also be leaving the board, for her dedicated service during the past 5 years. her proficiency in writing and obtaining grants for the Society is greatly appreciated.

Paul and Ann Wolter

New SCHS Staff Member

IF you’ve been in to visit the museum this summer, you most likely have met our new Museum Keeper, Kathleen LaCombe. Kathleen was born, raised and educated in the greater Detroit area. After thirty years as a leather smith, she joined the historic Clothing Department at the henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan where all garments had to be documented as “period correct,” so her interest in history and research was piqued.

She has also worked at a living history site and understands the importance of presenting local history to visitors in the area. While visiting her sister and family in the Baraboo area, she was enchanted by the bluffs, lakes and architecture including downtown Baraboo and its many shops and community activities. Kathy and her husband, Charley, moved to a historic victorian home in Baraboo in 2007.

New SCHS President

TODD LIeBMAN was elected Society President at the September 25th meeting of the Sauk County historical Society Board of Directors, to replace Paul Wolter. Todd has been on our board since 2010, and is also the Sauk County Corporate Councel.

Old Sauk Trails • September/October 2015

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

van Orden Mansion open 12-4 p.m. Friday & Saturday history Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

Paul Wolter, left, and Bill Schuette recently installed a new sign at the History Center created by Brent Hesselberg at The Sign Shop in Baraboo

Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin New Book

by Jody Kapp

rINgeD by bluffs, prairie and the wide, flowing Wisconsin river, the two communities of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac have grown up since the first settler staked claim here in 1838, asserting this colorful, natural landscape as a direct extension of their joint identity. From the freewheeling Agoston haraszthy to the german Freethinkers, farmers, inventors and multiple long-standing family-run businesses, the people of Sauk Prairie work and play with a voracity that can outshine even the coldest of winters. In 1914, the construction of the Prairie du Sac hydroelectric Dam added another natural jewel when it created Lake Wisconsin. everyone from summertime jet skiers to the wintering bald eagles had yet another reason to enjoy the region known for its festival of cow chips. Author Jody Kapp brings these memorable Sauk Prairie people and places to life through images shared from private collections and the digital archives of the Sauk City Library, the Badger history group, and the Sauk Prairie Area historical Society. Kapp is Director of Development for the Society’s J.S. Tripp heritage Museum in Prairie du Sac. The book is available at the Tripp Museum, the Tripp’s online bookstore at: www.saukprairiehistory.org, and the SChS. Cost: $21.99

Local historian, Joe Ward, stands beside a Baraboo timeline display which he recently created. The unique timeline includes photos and brief captions related to Baraboo’s history and is currently on display at the History Center.

SCHS Curator, Becca DuBey, takes a turn handling an atlatl—a device used by Native Americans 3,000 years ago to throw spears. This, and other demonstrations were highlighted at the 2015 Man Mound Day in July.

Executive Director’s Report

By Paul Wolter

AS the Society wraps up its 110th year, it is interesting to reflect on the institution’s history. From its humble beginnings in a basement room in the court house in 1938 the Society moved into the van Orden mansion which remains a crown jewel as the largest “artifact” that the Society owns. In 2013 the Society moved its headquarters to the renovated Island Woolen Mill office building which then became the Sauk County history Center. I think the historical society founders would be pleased to know that the organization they started in 1905 is alive and well and continues to serve the county. It has been a great pleasure to serve on the board of directors for nearly 20 years and help the organization grow. One of the best parts of being involved is all of the people that I have met along the way. As I transition to executive Director, I will be devoting myself whole heartedly to the Society’s mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. I look forward to learning more from our members about why they support the Society and how we can reach out to the public and engage more people, including young people who are literally the future of history. I would like to thank the members who have underwritten the start of this new position. you have provided a springboard to grow the Society and reach new members and supporters. With more than 63,000 people currently in Sauk County and hundreds of thousands more across the country with ties to the same, there are many opportunities for more members. I look forward to working with you to reach them and share the history of Sauk County.

Membership Rate Change

rATeS for Individual and Family Membership levels will be increasing beginning January 1, 2016. The Individual Membership rate will be $25 and the Family Membership rate will be $40. The Society does all that it can to keep membership rates affordable but finds that the adjustment is necessary to keep up with rising costs. Members receive six newsletters throughout the year and discounts on most Society merchandise.

Baraboo Library “Digitizes” Local History

By Robin Whyte

SAUK County has two major local history resources written by Baraboo authors. They are Bob Dewel’s fivevolume anecdotal history of the area, called Sauk County and Baraboo, and Joe Ward’s five-volume Baraboo 18502010: Chronology of the Growth of the Commercial and Retail Districts. Until recently, you had to visit the historical Society or the library to consult one of these limitededition treasures.

however, the Baraboo Public Library recently completed a year-long project “digitizing” the two works, scanning them and saving them electronically. The works are now available on the library’s website, where they have been preserved for the future, are searchable, and are accessible worldwide.

The project was funded with private donations from robert Curry Jr., Bob Dewel, Bryant hazard, Joan Litscher, Bill Schuette, and Joe and Lou Ann Ward. In addition, the project was awarded a $3,830 Arts, humanities, and historic Preservation grant last summer by the Sauk County UW-extension Arts and Culture Committee. The Local history Digital Preservation Project was also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National endowment for the Arts.

The library hosted a “Digitization Celebration” May 26 to mark the completion of the project. The celebration honored the authors, recognized and thanked the donors, and introduced the library digitization team of Nathan rybarczyk and Joan Wheeler. The program also included remarks by special guest Paul Wolter, president of the Sauk County historical Society, and a presentation by rybarczyk on how to access the books online.

The public can view the books at any time from any location by visiting the library’s website at baraboopubliclibrary.org, going to the “resources” tab, and selecting the “Digitized Books from Our Local history Collection” option from the drop-down menu.

The Baraboo Public Library is located at 230 4th Avenue, just west of the square in downtown Baraboo. For more information, call 608-356-6166 or visit www. baraboopubliclibrary.org.

The Sauk County Historical Society

Annual Banquet and Meeting

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Al. Ringling Mansion

623 Broadway, Baraboo

5:30 pm - Cocktail hour

6 pm - Dinner

7 pm - SCHS Business Meeting & Presentation

Menu: Baked Chicken with parsley buttered potatoes, green beans almandine, tossed salad , marinated vegetable salad , rolls & butter, cake

Annual Banquet and Business Meeting Reservation For m – Reservation Deadline Oct. 22

Name(s)_

Phone Number_________________________________________________________________

Number attending___ x $19.50 per person = $____________

Please enclose check or money order and return to: SCHS PO Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913

(608) 356-1001

Putting the “L ake” in Lake Delton

Historic Photos and Presentation

Thursday, October 22, 2015

7 pm

Kay Mackesey Administration Building

50 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South, Lake Delton

Free

Historic Homes of As h Street

Walking Tour

Sunday, October 25, 2015

2 pm

Meet at the corner of Ash and Fourth Streets, Baraboo

Free

SCHS Annual Banquet & Business Meeting

Thursday, October 29, 2015

See reverse or details

EDWARDIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Trees, music, merriment

Saturday, December 12, 2015

12-7 pm

Van Orden Mansion

531 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo

Admission Charged

Spellman Granite Works –Adaptive Re-use

The Spellman granite Works building in Sauk City, which was recently listed on the State and National registers of historic Places, has been renovated for adaptive re-use as the headquarters of Straight Forward of Wisconsin, a rural outsource consulting contact center. The firm began in Sauk City in 2009 and has grown to six locations across Wisconsin with nearly 600 employees. In 2014 the firm purchased the old Spellman building and began extensive renovations to adapt the building for use as offices and a call center. The renovation took advantage of state and federal historic preservation income tax credits which allowed for tax breaks while ensuring that the historic character of the building was retained and restored.

Annual Banquet –

Oct. 29 Secrets of the Al. Ringling Theatre

The Society will hold its annual banquet and business meeting on Thursday, October 29th at 6 p.m. at the historic Al. ringling Mansion in Baraboo. The night will celebrate the centennial of the Al. ringling Theatre which is currently undergoing renovation to restore it to its original 1915 splendor. A presentation on the secrets of the theatre’s history will be given by executive Director Paul Wolter. Ten secrets, legends and mysteries will be explored including items such as the tunnel between Al. ringling’s mansion and the theatre and what the theatre was supposed to look like originally. A delicious fall meal will be catered by geffert’s Catering of reedsburg. A short business meeting will also be part of the evening’s agenda. Members are encouraged to bring friends, and the public is welcome to attend. reservations for the banquet can be made by using the form on the insert in this newsletter. The deadline for reservations is October 22 – please respond promptly to simplify communication with the caterer. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Sauk County history and a great historical society.

Phase III History Center Restoration Donations

History Center Benefactor

Joan Litscher – Class of 1944

The historic Spellman Granite Works building in Sauk City was renovated for use as the headquarters of Straight Forward of Wisconsin. The former granite workshop area of the building has been transformed into a modern office building and call center. The timber-framing that supports the rolling crane that was used to unload granite from railroad cars is still in place, as is the crane. The railroad cars entered the building where the glass doors are visible at the top of the photo.

Joan Litscher – Memorial: hazel Leiser (class of 1944)

Island Woolen Mill Friend

robert Di renzo

Lasting Legacy Patron

John Schwenn

Halls of History Supporter

David & Nijole etzwiler

Total Phase III Donations: $7,160.00

Family History Resources At Baraboo Library

By Robin Whyte

IN addition to the digitized works by Bob Dewel and Joe Ward now available on the Baraboo Public Library website, the library has a number of free resources available to help you trace your family tree or research other local history.

There is a library version of Ancestry.com called Ancestry Library. Patrons can access all of the same census and other records at no charge, provided they are working on a library computer in the library.

Another popular genealogy website called heritageQuest can be used from any location at any time – just find the link on the library website’s home page and then use your library card to sign in.

Baraboo’s newspapers dating back to 1855 can be viewed in the library on microfilm – an excellent resource for finding obituaries. you can make prints from the microfilm for twenty-five cents each. There is a printed index in the library, and also a searchable online index of names that appear in the back issues. The online name index can be accessed from any location, with no library card required. Look for the link to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association on the library website’s home page and choose Baraboo News Republic from the list of newspapers.

Select the resources tab at the top of our website’s home page and then choose genealogy and Local history from the dropdown menu to find links to old Baraboo maps, a site called Interment.net for burial records in Sauk County cemeteries, and, of course, to the Sauk County historical Society’s own website.

Back in the library, we keep copies of old city phone books and directories for you to review here (these items cannot be checked out). The city directories are an annual listing by household with names of occupants, including spouses and children, and their occupations.

you’ll also find Baraboo high School yearbooks dating back to 1921. Just ask at the front desk to view these books. (A number of volumes are missing and donations would be gratefully accepted for the years 1922–1928, 1933–1937, 1979, 1989 and 1996.)

If you’d like help with any of these library resources, please contact library staffers Katie Alexander or Nathan rybarczyk.

The Baraboo Public Library is located at 230 4th Avenue, just west of the square in downtown Baraboo. For more information, call 608-356-6166 or visit www.baraboopubliclibrary.org.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Bill Van Orden, great grandson of Jacob and Martha Van Orden, visited the Van Orden mansion in July. Van Orden had not been back to Baraboo since the 1970s and was curious to see the old ancestral home again. He was impressed with the house and has sent additional information on the family to the Society. – Contributed by David Christ

Recent Donations

• Leather Baraboo post card from Charles Berger

• Four report cards, Spring Green High School, 19411945 from Iowa County historical Society

• Recorded presentation on quarrying at Rock Springs and Devil’s Lake from the William Stoeckmann Collection

• UW Badger 1891 Yearbook with drawings by William henry McFetridge from James Delacour

• Sauk county plat map pages from August and Beverley Pieper

• Postcards and photographs of Baraboo and Devil’s Lake from Donald Cole

• Double Capelet, 1880-1890s from Patsy McCluskey

• Sauk County Directory, 1905

• Opera House Decanter, booklets on “Baraboo’s Twenty One” and Trinity Parish Jubilee, and photographs from Martha Jane habing

• Devil’s Lake VCR tapes from Ken Lange

• Baraboo directories, 1955-60 from the Milwaukee Co. historical Society

• Wedding portrait of Ben and Lydia Hilmer from Benjamin John hilmer

• The Chimes, 1940 yearbook, photograph of Bluff view from Carolyn Mattern

• Book: Looking Back Fifty Years, and photograph of author, Msgr e.C.O. O’reilly from Katherine Shea

Ochsner Family Donation

A donation has been made to the Society from the Ochsner Family Fund at that greater Sauk County Community Foundation. This donor-advised fund was set up by members of the Ochsner family to support charities in the Baraboo and Sauk County area where roots of the Ochsner family run deep. The Society would like to thank the Ochsners for their contribution which honors a legacy of philanthropy in the Ochsner family going back to 1918 when land for Ochsner Park was donated to Baraboo.

• Biography, “The Long, Long Ago” by Anna Dorgan Owens, and notebook from Jim honer

• Book: 500 Days in Rebel Prisons, Fosdick, Charles from Joe Ward

• Booklets and postcards of Circus World Museum and Tommy Bartlett’s Water Ski Show from Diane Urban

• Popcorn popper and sorbet dishes from William Koch

• Donald Simonds work related memorabilia, drawing by Bev Simonds and heavy equipment models from Beverly Simonds

• Books: Wisconsin Kraemers part I and Kraemer in Amerika from author, Ken Kraemer

• Map of Sauk county resorts, stone tools, photographs of the Lakeside Schoolhouse, Theo Weigand and home, Weigand Bay artifacts from Patricia Dolan

• 1982 Baraboo Centennial artifacts, from Roger Dippel

• Memorabilia from conference in Commemoration of Lincoln’s Assassination (1865-2015), from John and Judy Bennin

• Mug, Baraboo Federal Savings; badge, Concerts on the Square ‘06 Booster; Post card with Donovan’s Pharmacy, Baraboo, from Donald Cole

• 2 WW II scrapbooks and diary of Lester Remhof, from Maryanne Lee

• China table setting for eight people from Judith gregor

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Ann Wolter, vice President – Baraboo

Bill Schuette, recording Secretary – reedsburg

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen – Sauk City

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring green STAFF

Paul Wolter, executive Director – Baraboo

rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & research Manager – Baraboo

September/October 2015

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

reTUrN ServICe reQUeSTeD

Membership Activity for July and August

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED, RENEWED OR INCREASED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER INDIvIDUAL

Balestrieri, Judy – S. Milwaukee

Clemens, Inger – Wisconsin Dells

Domeier, Pamela – Lenexa, KS

Dupont, Nancy – Oregon

Fiedler, James – New Berlin

haessly, James P – Sauk City

harvey, Barbara – Sonora, CA

hasheider, Philip – Sauk City

hayes, Dottie – Baraboo

Johnson, Kathryn O’Brien – Austin, TX

Landers, John J – Bethesda, MD

Meisler, Joshua – Fontainebleau, France

Meyer, Joice – reedsburg

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo

Schumacher, June – endeavor

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Smith, Jean – Baraboo

Springer, edward L – Madison

Steckelberg, Kathryn A – Arlington, vA

Steinhorst, Barbara – reedsburg

Stoeckmann, Judith – rock Springs

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Talg, Beverly – LaCrescent, MN

Teske, Samantha – Platteville

Tewalt, Cindy – eau Claire

Tully, Mark – Baraboo

FAMILy

gorak, David A & Joanne J – Lavalle

hause, richard & Kitty – Baraboo

herbst, erich & Jean – Baraboo

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Nashotah

Martin, Paul & Nichelle – Baraboo

McNabb, Christopher & Shawn – Baraboo

Myers, harvey & Carol – reedsburg

rochacewicz, Fred & Leilani – Baraboo

Small, Don & Mary – Baraboo

Woodbury, harry & Agnes – Baraboo

FrIeND

Bosshard, Chris, Maureen & Jennifer – Lake Delton

Delacour, James – Stateline, Nv

Johnsen, Bill & Deb – Baraboo

Pickart, Carol – vinton, IA

Popp, Alice M – Baraboo

rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Steiger, harold & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Steinhorst, Dustin & Chantel Austin – Baraboo

Whyte, robin – Baraboo

Wozniak, Mark & Bridget – North Freedom

Zolper, Michael & Angela – Baraboo

SPONSOr

Faylona, rene, Marta, Julie & Beni – Baraboo

Jauch, C. Philip – Baraboo

Lewison, eric & ginny – Baraboo

Putz, gene – gorham, Me

PATrON

McNabb, John & rikki – Baraboo

An Edwardian Christmas

December 11 & 12 Christmas Around the World

Edwardian Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion will be expanded this year beginning on Friday, december 11 with a wine & appetizer Premier, followed by the Christmas Celebration on Saturday, december 12. Guests at both events will be able to experience Christmas around the world with each of the eleven trees in the mansion decorated to the theme of a different country. England, italy, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, russia, Poland, Brazil, Holland and the US will be represented. Stories of Sauk County immigrants from each country will be placed near each tree.

The premier on december 11 at 7 pm will be an adults-only party featuring light appetizers with international flair and holiday spirits such as traditional European mulled wine, a Christmas beer and wine. Guests will be able to experience the mansion at night with subdued lighting and holiday music including dave SaLoutos at the piano. Tickets for the Edwardian Christmas wine & appetizer Premier are $22 for nonmembers and $20 for members. Tickets will be limited, so please contact the Society to reserve your spot at this new holiday event.

The Society’s exuberant Edwardian Christmas Celebration on Saturday, december 12 from 12-7 pm will include live music throughout the day, holiday treats in the dining room and jingle bell horse-drawn rides from 2 pm until dark. This family-friendly event has delighted thousands of visitors over the years and is sure to do so again, as people experience the sights, sounds and tastes of an old-fashioned Christmas in an Edwardian-era mansion. Tickets for the celebration can be purchased

at the door and will be $7 for non-members and $5 for members, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. The 2015 Edwardian Christmas festivities at the Sauk County Historical Society are being sponsored by Johnson Bank which, along with Johnson insurance, is a part of Johnson Financial Group, a privately held, full service financial services company, based in racine, wi For more information on holiday events at the Van Orden mansion or renting the mansion for your own holiday event please contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website – www.saukcountyhistory.org

Paul wolter

Executive Director’s Report —

aFTEr fifteen years as president of the board and being a volunteer at the Society for more than twenty, it is a little strange to be an employee now, but a wonderful kind of strange. For years, casual acquaintances thought that i worked at the historical society anyway; so now i will no longer need to correct those assumptions. it is also a little strange but wonderful not to run board meetings. i am pleased that the board has elected Todd Liebman to serve as president, and i look forward to working with him as he leads the Society. Over the past several weeks i have been working with several of our board members, volunteers and staff on issues like membership, storage, event planning and educational outreach. we have had over twenty new members join since the beginning of our fiscal year on September 1. Our membership chair, Mona Larsen, and office manager, Linda Levenhagen, have been tracking the reasons why people join so that we can better understand how we are reaching people. Collections storage has taken a huge step forward with the assembly of new shelving in the ballroom of the Van Orden mansion thanks to the help of several dedicated volunteers and our curator, Becca dubey. They have now been meeting on a weekly basis to help with storage issues at both buildings. Volunteers have included Ken Lange, Phil Jauch, Scott weisman, Megan wallen and Bill Schuette. The Christmas season is fast approaching, and the Society’s Edwardian Christmas festivities have been in the planning stages for months. we will be having a special wine & appetizer Premier for our Christmas around the world theme this year. This special event on the Friday night before Saturday’s big celebration will provide a unique opportunity for guests who would like to experience the mansion at night. Lastly, but equally as important, i have been meeting with one of our newest board members and retired teacher, Myrna weickgenant, about educational outreach to school children. Myrna has been teaching our fourth grade history detective program to hundreds of area fourth grade students this fall, along with Jean Brew, and helping develop new ideas for outreach. i look forward to hearing from you as we send out a membership survey early next year which will help guide programming, fund raising and outreach.

Downtown Baraboo placed on National Register

BaraBOO’S historic downtown centered on the court house square received some long overdue recognition earlier this year when the new downtown Baraboo Historic district was created and placed on the national register of Historic Places. The register is the official national list of historic properties in america deemed worthy of preservation and is maintained by the national Park Service in the U.S. department of the interior. The wisconsin Historical Society administers the program within wisconsin. it includes sites, buildings, structures, objects and districts that are significant in national, state or local history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture.

The Baraboo downtown district includes 75 historic buildings that contribute to the overall designation of the district and generally date from the 1870s to the 1920s. The nomination was written by Legacy architecture of Sheboygan and was paid for with money from the Fuldner Heritage Fund, which is administered by the wisconsin Historical Society. The nomination relied heavily on Joe ward’s History of the Commercial & Retail District, which contains the history of every building downtown. with the district listing, contributing buildings that are income producing are now eligible for federal and state income tax credits that provide a substantial incentive for building owners to invest in their buildings while respecting historic features.

The Society would like to congratulate everyone that was involved in making the nomination a success. One of wisconsin’s best small town downtowns is now officially recognized as the historically important place that it is. For 168 years it has been the heart of Baraboo and will continue to be so as long as it is looked after and respected.

Seeking Nominations for Sauk County Notables

FOrMEr Society member Landon risteen grew up in Baraboo, which he called home until he graduated from the University of wisconsin. He went on to serve in the military in Korea, become an English teacher, and eventually settle in Chicago, where he had a career in educational publishing with Scott, Foresman & Co. He died at his home there in 2013.

Mr. risteen did not forget his Baraboo ties. in 2009 he approached the Society about publishing a book of “Sauk County notables.” He envisioned the project as a “who’s who” of Sauk County history. However, other Society commitments prevented the project from going forward at that time.

with permission from the risteen family, the Society is now prepared to move ahead with the project, to include 100 people who have had a significant impact on life in Sauk County.

according to Executive director Paul wolter, “we’re

looking for people who have lived here at some point and who have somehow changed our history and community. Candidates need not have been born or grown up here in Sauk County.” The list will include the living as well as historic figures.

The public is invited to submit suggestions for the list, which the Society plans to publish in 2016. Submissions should include a short biography and statement about why the individual is important to local history. a Society committee will make the final selections. Submissions may be emailed to notables@saukcountyhistory.org or mailed to notables, Sauk County Historical Society, PO Box 651, Baraboo, wi 53913. The deadline for submissions is February 26, 2016.

Questions about the project may be directed to the Society at the address above or by calling 608-356-1001.

A record crowd of 134 people attended the 2015 SCHS Annual Banquet and Meeting on October 29th. The event was held in the Lou Ringling ballroom at the Al. Ringling Mansion. After a delicious fall meal, Society President Todd Liebman conducted the society’s annual membership meeting. A presentation on the Secrets of the Al. Ringling Theatre was given by Society Executive Director Paul Wolter.

Membership Rate Change

raTES for individual and Family Membership levels will be increasing beginning January 1, 2016. The individual Membership rate will be $25 and the Family Membership rate will be $40. The Society does all that it can to keep membership rates affordable but finds that the adjustment is necessary to keep up with rising costs. Members receive six newsletters throughout the year and discounts on select events and most Society merchandise.

Phase III History Center Restoration Donations

Halls of History Supporter

william & Gretchen dresen

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2015

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat. History Center, 900 2nd ave., Open 12-4 p.m. weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Who put the “lake” in Lake Delton was the subject of an SCHS presentation given in October at the Kay Mackesey Administration Building in Lake Delton by Executive Director Paul Wolter. Forty-five people attended the presentation, which detailed the history of the Delton area and the construction of the lake by Chicago developer William J. Newman and construction manager Ralph Hines in 1927. The construction of the lake had a profound impact on the area and still does today. The 2008 draining of the lake was also discussed.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Sauk County Investigations

SCHS Board Member and retired teacher Myrna weickgenant has been busy this fall presenting the Sauk County investigators (SCi) program to almost 300 fourth graders in Sauk County. The program helps teachers meet state standards while also bringing local history to the classroom.

“It fits our 4th grade curriculum perfectly! Students learn about people and places from Sauk County which is so important!” Fourth grade teacher – East School

“The students in my classroom learned a lot of valuable information. The two lessons were well run and engaging.” Fourth grade teacher – Gordon L. willson School

“Dear Mrs. W, Thank you for coming to teach our class… Learning about history was interesting. I never knew that old stuff was fun. My favorite part was when we got pictures of people and solved who they were.”

Tyler – Fourth grade

“Dear Mrs. Weickgenant, Thank you for teaching my class…I am so lucky that you came in, because if you hadn’t come in I wouldn’t know anything about the past. I think I know what one of my jobs are going to be when I grow up. A History Detective is one of my top jobs.”

Kayla – Fourth grade

Year End Giving

aS the year 2015 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 general operations or for special projects like Phase iii of the Pillars of Progress campaign. without the generous support of our members 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.

Recent Acquisitions

• Small wood trunk, from John Schwenn

• Book: Twenty-one years on the farm and Forty-Four Years on the Railroad by Lyle waters, from Mona and Gene Larsen

• Postcards from 1908-1918, and a thermometer with calendar, 1947, west Side dairy, Sauk City, from Marjorie Mcnown Zwickel

• Hair receiver and construction nail puller, from Bill Schuette

• Collection of digital postcards, from Ralph Pierce

• Collection of digital postcards, from Baraboo Public Library

• Postcards with identified people, from Jim Honer

• H. E. Cole Delegate Certificate, and invitation to the Propylaeum association, from Barbara Steinhorst

• Book: Olden Times at the Waterman Hotel, from author, Judy waterman

• 1880’s women’s hat and photograph of Bernard dewey Voiles

• Peterson family history and Van Orden photographs, from Bill Van Orden

• Photographs and wedding anniversary memorabilia of the Haseltine family, from romella r. Hart-O’Keefe

• Book: 100 Years of Boys Basketball, Baraboo, from compiler, denise Statz

• Hand fan from Central Wisconsin Creamery Company, reedsburg, from Bill Schuette

SCHS Board Changes

MarK Graupman and ann wolter resigned from the SCHS Board of directors in October. Graupman has been SCHS treasurer for several years. wolter served on the board for several years as well and worked on fundraising and grant writing. The Society would like to thank them for their years of service. Myrna weickgenant was elected by the board to fill wolter’s vacant seat in October. Jim weickgenant was elected by the board to fill Graupman’s vacated seat in november.

at the 2015 SCHS annual Meeting the seats of dave SaLoutos, Myrna weickgenant, John Mcnabb and Steve argo had expired and the same were re-elected to the board.

at the november meeting of the SCHS Board of directors the following were elected as officers: Todd Liebman, president; Lise Meyer-Kobussen, vice-president; Bill Schuette, secretary; Jim weickgenant, treasurer.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, recording Secretary – reedsburg

Steve argo – wisconsin dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John Mcnabb – Baraboo

david SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken weitzel – Spring Green

STaFF

Paul wolter, Executive director – Baraboo

rebecca duBey, Curator – Baraboo

deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & research Manager – Baraboo

November/December 2015

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, wi 53913

rETUrn SErViCE rEQUESTEd

Membership Activity for September and October

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED, RENEWED OR INCREASED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER indiVidUaL

abel, Marjorie – wakefield, KS

Cady, Linda – Mt. Pleasant, TX

dailey, Paul – Madison

dexheimer, Jim – Madison

dippel, albert r – Baraboo

Effinger, dianne – wisconsin dells

Hatfield, Charles – LaFarge

Hill, Ladonna – Baraboo

Hutchins, william – wisconsin dells

Jensen, neil T – Baraboo

Kaney, Jerald – Milwaukee

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Kaus, donald L – Tomah

Kinnamon, Susan – Portage

Larkin, Susan – Prairie du Sac

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Maniaci, Patricia – Madison

Meiller, Clydella – Baraboo

Oppliger, Kay – Oshtemo, Mi

Orlowski, Mary – Lake delton

Petzke, Earl F – deForest

Powell, Marlene – Baraboo

Quale, Marilyn – Baraboo

radke, Betty rae – Castle rock, wa

Schultz, Sue – Lake delton

Scott, Jim – albert Lea, Mn

Setwyn, Eugene – reedsburg

Tully, Vi – Baraboo

Vertein, wava – north Freedom

Vielhuber, Linda – LaCrosse

FaMiLY

Blackburn, ray & debbie – Baraboo

Brining, Howard & Carla – Baraboo

Burton, Michelle & Mangerson, Matthew – Milwaukee

doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Filus, Gene & Karen – Baraboo

Frenz, robert – Crystal Lake, iL

Gogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Hearley, Julie – Baraboo

Juliar, Marvin & Barbara – Evanston, iL

Kindschi, Jerry & alice – Prairie du Sac

Ochsner, Carl & Vicky – Chico, Ca

robkin, Eugene & rochelle – Baraboo

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl – reedsburg

Screnock, Joe & Evelyn – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Harland & Patricia – Citrus Springs, FL

Stephen, ron-Lyn – Poynette

Sturgis, Peter & June – Baraboo

williams, dale & donna – Baraboo

Young, John & Tonia – Baraboo

FriEnd

Bahe, Garry & Gale – Merrimac

Banaszak, Sue – Milwaukee

Beckwith, Kandie – Baraboo

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Boxhorn, dorothy – Mukwonago

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

davis, James & Marsha – reedsburg

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Gretenhart, Keith & Jan – Prairie du Sac

Hillmer, Ben & Joan – roscoe, iL

Knutson, Joyce – rock Springs

Krainik, andre & aimee – appleton

Larson, Scott & rachel – Baraboo

McPherson, Sue – rockford, iL

Meyer-Kobussen, Lise – Sauk City

Mitchell, robert J – Hales Corners

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

SPOnSOr

Burton, John & ann – Baraboo

Kieffer, Kristy – Baraboo

Pieper, august & Beverley – Madison

Sauey, Craig & Bonnie – Baraboo

Scoles, alan H – wichita, KS

Simonds, Beverly – Baraboo

Slezak, Tom – Hyattsville, Md

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – waunakee

whyte, robin – Baraboo

PaTrOn

Baldwin, david & Sherry – Baraboo

Fleming, robert & rosa – Baraboo

isenberg, ann – Bow, nH

BEnEFaCTOr

weickgenant, Jim & Myrna – Baraboo

BUSinESS PaTrOn

Senger Lumber inc – Baraboo

Reedsburg “101”

WHO was Mr. Reed and why did they name the city after him? Where is the copper of Copper Springs? Who actually won the Saw Log War of 1851? The answers to these questions and many more will be offered at a two-part presentation on early Reedsburg history to be given at the Reedsburg Public Library by the Sauk County Historical Society. If you have ever wondered about the founding of Reedsburg or its earliest history, don’t miss this opportunity to look at some of the earliest maps and pictures of the area and hear about some of the first immigrants to settle in the Reedsburg area. From the hard scrabble con-

ditions of “shanty row,” learn how a prosperous city took hold along the banks of the Baraboo River. Reedsburg “101” – Session 1 will take place on February 18 at 7 pm at the library, followed by Session 2 on March 3 at 7 pm. The two presentations will build on each other but can also be attended individually. There is no charge for the presentations and they are open to anyone who is curious about how Reedsburg got started. For more information contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 608-3561001.

This early engraving of Reedsburg shows a bustling pioneer community. The hard work and effort it took to get the community started will be presented in a two-part series titled Reedsburg “101” at the Reedsburg Public Library. The presentations will be given by the Sauk County Historical Society on February 18 and March 3 at 7 pm and are free and open to the public.

Paul Wolter

Executive Director’s Report —

I was pleasantly surprised recently to add up all of the people who helped make Christmas events at the Van Orden mansion such a marvelous success. The number is over 115 and includes decorators, bakers, musicians and volunteer staff. I was also equally pleased to add up the number of visitors to the museum in December, and this number was over 900. Our theme of Christmas Around the World helped visitors learn about Christmas customs in other countries, especially through the stories collected from present Sauk County residents who grew up in one of the 11 countries represented. I would like to personally thank everyone who was involved. The work continues now that the holidays are over as everything is returned to “normal” at the Van Orden mansion. Our Curator, Becca Dubey, and volunteers will be working on a new exhibit on the Edwardian Era which will highlight the world at the time the Van Orden family lived in the mansion.

Our work with Sauk County students continues as well. The Sauk County Investigators program for fourth graders reaches more classrooms every year thanks to the continued work of Myrna Weickgenant and Jean Brew. Our educational outreach is expanding too. I was pleased to be able to present the early history of Baraboo to three classes at the Baraboo High School in November and I will be helping to judge National History Day projects at the middle school along with board members Pam Krainik and Bill Schuette. An activity book on Sauk County history is also being developed.

I am very pleased to report 19 individuals and families became members in December; and since the start of our fiscal year on September 1, over 40 new members have joined the Society! Many people have also increased their membership level to help support the mission of the Society.

Lastly, this winter and early spring, a number of local history presentations are being offered on a variety of topics. I hope you will be able to take part in some or all of them. If you do not live in the area we will be posting some of them online, so please check our website for more information. www.saukcountyhistory.org

Donations

History Center Phase III

John Schwenn

William & Gretchen Dresen

Bill Schuette

Forrest Hartmann

Karen Zimmerman

Other Donations

Dr. Bob Dewel

Ochsner Family Fund

Reedsburg Area Women’s Club

Linda Levenhagen – Memory of Maurice Moyer

Hackett Family Reunion

Nancy Lange

Pierce’s Community Foundation

Joseph & Lou Ann Ward

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Elizabeth Dutton

Society Receives Good Idea! Grant

THE Society has received, and is grateful for, a $500 grant from Sauk County through the county’s Good Idea! Grant program which is administered by the UW-Extension, Arts and Culture Committee of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors. The grant is for the purchase of used steel shelving which will be set up at the Van Orden mansion and used for artifact storage.

Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2016

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Upcoming Events

February 18, 7 pm

Reedsburg “101”

Early history of Reedsburg – Session 1

Reedsburg Public Library

Community Room Free

February 23, 7 pm

The Art of the A. R. T.

From Florence to France, Artistic inspiration at America’s Prettiest Playhouse

Al. Ringling Theatre Free

February 24, 7 pm

Masters of Grandeur

The early works of architects Rapp & Rapp Al. Ringling Theatre – Free

March 3, 7 pm

Reedsburg “101”

Early history of Reedsburg – Session 2

Reedsburg Public Library

Community Room Free

March 24, 7 pm

From Barbeau to Baraboo

Meet the man behind the name Sauk County History Center Free

President’s Report

–Todd Liebman

AS we begin a New Year, I think back to our annual meeting last October where I was heartened to have the opportunity to meet many of you. It was exhilarating to be with so many people who are dedicated to the work of preserving Sauk County’s history. Paul’s presentation on the Secrets of the Al. Ringling Theater highlighted how lucky we are to have many historic buildings carrying their stories forward and serving as a living, vibrant representation of the history of Sauk County. As we go forward in the New Year, I am excited at the efforts we can make to preserve and highlight the history of Sauk County in so many ways.

Historic structures play a role in weaving our history into our present and support the creation of a sense of place in our communities. With the discussion of economic growth increasingly centering on attracting millennials and place-making, it is obvious that historic buildings and districts play a vital part in supporting the uniqueness in a community that creates that sense of place. We are lucky in Sauk County to have so many unique and attractive communities from Sauk Prairie and Spring Green, to Plain and Reedsburg, and our county seat of Baraboo, whose downtown has been listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Adaptive reuse has a major role to play in preserving historic structures and keeping these communities attractive to young people while preserving history for future generations. In this way, the goals of historic preservation and economic development work hand in glove.

It is my hope that the Society, through its outreach to our schools, our splendid archives, and our support to the preservation of historic buildings and places, can be a strong partner with our communities in protecting and preserving the history of Sauk County while contributing to the quality of life of our communities.

Slumberland Furniture

Al. Ringling Theatre Restored!

THE Al. Ringling Theatre will open again in late February after a seven-month restoration which has returned America’s Prettiest Playhouse to its original 1915 elegance. The theatre has also been updated with new seating, air conditioning, new electrical wiring and more bathrooms.

To help celebrate, the Sauk County Historical Society in conjunction with the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends will be presenting two lectures at the theatre on February 23rd and 24th at 7 pm both days. The first presentation, the Art of the A.R.T., will look at the inspiration for the architectural design and the artwork of the theatre which ranged from Florence to France and

includes the hand-painted murals, plaster reliefs and the European-based design for the theatre. The following night the early works of theatre architects George and Cornelius Rapp will be presented. While these two brothers went on to design over 300 theatres in the United States, they were still getting started when Al. Ringling’s theatre was being designed. Learn about the theatres that came before the “Al.” and how Al. Ringling’s bottomless checkbook allowed the Rapp Brothers to design a theatre that would ultimately take their careers to new heights. The presentations are free and open to the public.

Dustless Vacuum Cleaner

WHO hasn’t been visited by an aggressive vacuum cleaner salesman, guaranteeing that his wonder machine was the best on the market? Many an Edwardian housewife probably experienced similar visits from similar salesmen of their day.

However, early 1900s’ vacuum cleaners required a little more effort to operate than today’s electric marvels. The Sauk County Historical Society has in its collection, an example of such a cleaner. It resembles a canister with long protruding handles on each side, and a pipe with a wide brush on the bottom. To operate the contraption, the lady of the household would pump the two handles back and forth to operate a bellows which would create a vacuum in the canister, thereby causing dirt to be sucked inside. It was advertised as “cleaning without sweeping, raising no dust, no electricity required,” and it was something that a “child or delicate woman” could easily operate.

Previously, only the rich could afford a mechanical vacuum cleaner, but a machine, such as the one in our collection, was available to the average housewife, “rich or poor, village, city or country.” It was advertised at the affordable price of only $8.50. Ads for the vacuum cleaner also declared, “Order now, you won’t regret it. Not sold in stores!”

A Pioneer Journey

WISCONSIN had just become a new state when sevenyear-old R.T. Warner headed to the “far west” from New England in 1849, with his parents and two siblings. Upon arrival in the “beautiful Baraboo valley” he noted the sight was a “wonder and an inspiration.”

The family’s journey first took them to Milwaukee, and from there Warner describes their trip to Sauk County. “From Milwaukee to Baraboo we journeyed in a freighter’s heavy lumber wagon, my father mother and 3 children. Our trunks and family belongings, with ourselves, made a heavy load, and our progress through the wilderness was necessarily very slow. We plodded slowly along, bumping over corduroy roads and occasionally dropping into mud holes that seemed to be bottomless.”

One night, they stayed in the log cabin of a settler near Sun Prairie. There, they encountered friends from their home town of Plymouth, Connecticut. They had arrived in the “western wild” the year previous. “I was happy in finding here my ‘chum’ H. Turner, a ‘kid’ at my own age who had been a play mate in my old home.”

R.T. was impressed with the countryside which lay

before him: “It was to me a grand sight to look over the vast expanse of rolling prairie; as I had never seen anything more grand than the little rock hills of New England.”

The next day, the family moved on and arrived bright and early at Lodi, crossing the Wisconsin River at Matt’s Ferry (today Merrimac). Night had fallen by then, but they journeyed onward towards their destination of Adams (now Baraboo). “The children were put to bed in blankets spread in the bottom of the wagon, but we did not sleep much, as we were bumping over the rocky road over the Baraboo bluffs.” Sometime before midnight, they arrived at the home of their uncle, Albert G. Tuttle, where they were all soon, “abed and asleep.”

They awoke to a new life, in a new land. A land which others had settled not so long ago, and a land which would see the influx of other settlers; first a trickle and then a continuing stream of pioneers who were looking for a better life, an economic future, and yes, some came for the adventure as well. They found it all in the rolling hills and beautiful valleys of Sauk County.

Christmas activities during December at the Van Orden Mansion were attended by nearly 1,000 people who enjoyed the mansion in all of its holiday splendor. Eleven trees were each decorated to the theme of a different country, including one in the front parlor where Sweden was represented with authentic decorations. The Society would like to extend its gratitude to over 115 people who helped make the Christmas season so special. From musicians to decorators to bakers and volunteer staff, the memories will last a long time.

he Sauk County Historical Society provided an exhibit for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Al. Ringling Theatre back in November. The display contained original documents including the check that Al. Ringling signed on opening night to pay for the first performance, as well as a program from the evening. The usher’s uniform given to Al.’s nephew, Henry Ringling Jr. so that he could “play” usher was also on display along with many other items including the original ticket box from the theatre and a picture of Al. Ringling.

Recent Acquisitions

• Color slides taken in area schools in the mid to late 1960s, from Mona and Gene Larsen

• Class of ‘65 50th Class Reunion, The Memory Book, 2015, from the Class of ‘65

• Book: Fine Japanese Prints, from James DeLacour

• Sauk County Democrat, 1899-1904, from the Jack Russell Library

• Photographs of the Baraboo station and dam at Island Woolen Mill, Common School Diploma awarded Fern Tibbit, 1900, from Wayne and Joan Francois

• Jane Huntley marriage and nursing certification documents, from Sandy Greenwood

• Lake Delton photographs, from Michael Goc

• Book: You Are the Light of the World, 2014, from Doris Litscher Gasser and Joan Litscher

• Photographs of the Gillem farm and Old Newport Hotel, from Wayne Lain

• Photographs including Schwegler and Kelly Cut Stone Contractors, Baraboo Train wreck, threshing with steam tractor, and a Gem City milk bottle, from Nancy Jenewein

• Wool potholders made from Island Woolen Mill fabric, from Betty Lee Schultz

• Gleaner Yearbooks, photograph of Len Kuhman with white stallion at the North Freedom Civil War Monument and other memorabilia, from Carol Baumgarten

• Sauk County family photographs, c. 1880s, from Christy Freriks

• Blueprints from Baraboo Post Office, 1905 and maps, from the Baraboo School District

• Carl Steinhorst naturalization papers, print of Phillip Jakob Baer and letters to Rosela Steinhorst, Ableman, WI, from Jeanne and James Jessie

• Diaries of Bessie Gibbons, 1909-1950, from Jim Marquardt

THE Society was saddened to hear of the news of the passing of Mark Reitz and Jerome Thiessen. Reitz passed away on December 13. He had served on the SCHS Board from 1995-98, and was the attorney for the City of Baraboo for many years. Long-time member Jerome Thiessen passed away on January 8. Thiessen had a passion for automobiles and airplanes, and donated his 1932 Altpeter Soda Pop truck to the Society, which will eventually be on display at the Sauk County History Center.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

January/February 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for November and December

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

INDIVIDUAL

Adami, Jill – Lodi

Alexander, Carl – Baraboo

Beard, Jeanette – Milton

Bednarek, Michael – Wautoma

Bingler, Susan – Jeffersonton, VA

Birdd, Ron – Reedsburg

Blaker, Richard – Southport, CT

Bobholz, Jill S – Baraboo

DeWall, Janet – Appleton

Edwards, Mary – Baraboo

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Gasser, Cate – Baraboo

Getschman, James – Baraboo

Gollmar, Robert – Rochester

Granroth, Sandra – Fitchburg

Griffith, Robert – Baraboo

Haller, Angie – Baraboo

Kennedy, Patricia – Elroy

Kieffer, Bob, Jr. – Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn – WI Dells

Kornuth, Theresa – Catawba

Krohn, Luanne - Reedsburg

Kuntz, Lucille – Baraboo

Lemm, Charlie – Prairie du Sac

McCarthy, Tom – Sioux Falls, SD

Murray, Joanne – Baraboo

Nevers, Elizabeth – Baraboo

Nielsen, Eva – Baraboo

Nimmow, Barbara – Baraboo

Peidelstein, Richard – Baraboo

Phillips, Gail – Portage

Prothero, Betty – Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice – DeForest

Rohde, Marilyn E – Baraboo

Schmidtke, Fred – Baraboo

Schuette, Nancy – Reedsburg

Templin, Faye – Baraboo

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn – LaHonda, CA

Wilcox, Bev – Libertyville, IL

FAMILY

Cady, Carla – Baraboo

Cole, Dave & Bev – Baraboo

Conlon, Jen & Mike – Park Ridge, IL

Cowan, Derek & Katherine – Baraboo

Dillman, Nancy Jo & Moh, Helfried – Baraboo

Dummer, Bill & Laurie – Baraboo

Goc, Michael & Weade, Barbara – Friendship

Greenwood, Jim & Bernadette – Baraboo

Grosz, Bill & Susan – Baraboo

Higgins, James & Nancy – Baraboo

Kolb, Tom & Linda – Baraboo

Kunze, Bradley & Georgene – Baraboo

LaMasney, Roger – Baraboo

Liston, Pat & Sara – Baraboo

Long, Bernard & Diana – Waunakee

Madland, Thomas & Nancy – Baraboo

Meyer, Sue & John – Oshkosh

Nelson, Todd – WI Dells

Rinella, Linda Miehaud – Glenview, IL

Rogers, Don & Jean – Baraboo

Schertz, Bill & Amy – Baraboo

Schultz, Jerald & Zita – Baraboo

Stewart, Bruce – Baraboo

Stewart, Mary Anne – Baraboo

Stolte, Dan & Shari – Loganville

Tacchini, Courtney – WI Dells

FRIEND

Ankenbrandt, Toni – Baraboo

Bart & Char Olson Foundation – Merrimac

Brew, William & Jean – WI Dells

Dallmann, David & Carolyn – Baraboo

Eichmann, Charmaine – Baraboo

Evenson, James & Karen – Baraboo

Holt, Mike & Sandi – Baraboo

Houzner, Kathy – Portage

Johansen, Wayne & Martha – Baraboo

Kriegl, Sylvia – Baraboo

Rago, John & Nancy – Baraboo

Schreiber, Bill, Jr. – Baraboo

Schuette, William – Reedsburg

Smirenski, Sergei & Elena – Baraboo

St. John, Michael & Finney, Patricia – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Fleishauer, Carol – Baraboo

Kuter, David & Hilda – Madison

Litscher, Joan – Baraboo

Lombard, James & Andrea – Baraboo

Mielke, Richard & Melanie – North Freedom

SaLoutos, Helen – Baraboo

Schulz, Glen & Mary – Sun City, AZ

Smith, Jeff & Anne – Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia – Baraboo

Taylor, David & Charlotte – Baraboo

Thompson, Dianne – WI Dells

Vogel, Jack & Debra – Baraboo

Waterman, Turk & Judy – Baraboo

Weiler, Lorin & Dayla – Prairie du Sac

BENEFACTOR

Wright, Eleanor Cooper – Anacortes, WA

BUSINESS PATRON

Baraboo National Bank

Hill’s Wiring – West Baraboo

Hasheider to Receive Canfield Award at Canfield Day – April 7

Sauk Prairie area historian and author Philip Hasheider has been selected to receive the 2016 William H. Canfield History award for his outstanding accomplishments in documenting local history. Hasheider has written over 20 books on agriculture and local history including All Bottled Up – A History of the Sauk Prairie Area Milk Delivery Routes in 2001 and Building Early Wisconsin Community – The 150-Year Story of Mills on the Honey Creek in 2014. Both exhibit Hasheider’s passion for research and documentation – his Honey Creek book alone has over 1,000 footnotes. Hasheider has received the Book of Merit award presented by the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin State Genealogical Society three times, and his writings have received numerous other awards. The William H. Canfield History award is presented 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, Donna Lange, Bill Schuette, Paul Wolter, Ross Curry, Verlyn Mueller, Jody kapp and Jack Berndt. Hasheider will receive the 2016 Canfield a ward at William H. Canfield Day, which will be held on Thursday, april 7 at 7 p.m. at the Tripp Heritage Museum at 565 Water Street in Prairie du Sac. The event will take place in conjunction with the Sauk Prairie area Historical Society which operates the

Tripp Museum. The early life of William Canfield and his wife, Cordelia, will be presented by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter, who will focus on the couple’s journey to the frontier of Sauk County in 1842. Cake and refreshments will round out the evening and the public is invited to attend.Jack Berndt.

Spring Green “101”

On July 20, 1856, farmer John T. Jones of rural southern Sauk County boarded a rail car at Mazomanie and sat beside his new purchase, a brand new J. I. Case threshing machine. Jones accompanied his pride and joy as it passed over the new bridge of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line which crossed the Wisconsin River and headed into Sauk County. The trip from Mazomanie incredibly took only 12 minutes, and Jones had his machine unloaded at his farm. The ride had been a bit of a courtesy. The rail line wasn’t even finished yet; and the train was, in fact, the construction train that was working on the line that would pass through the town of Spring Green and eventually the village of the same name.

Spring Green is one of the most unique and interesting communities in the roster of Sauk County places. One of the few villages that did not grow up around a mill site, the birth of Spring Green is attributed to the railroad; and Spring Green has the honor of being the site of the first railroad connection within the boundaries of Sauk County. The early history of Spring Green will be the subject of a presentation by Sauk County Historical Society Executive Director Paul Wolter on Thursday, april 21 at 7 p.m. at the Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe Street. Topics explored will range from the naming of the community to the village’s early years as a temperance community and much more. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Executive Director’s Report — Paul Wolter

THE old saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” Well, a good thing did come in February when the al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo opened again after being closed for eight months while undergoing an extensive renovation and restoration. The magnificent theatre once again shines like the day it opened, and the Society was happy to be a part of opening festivities by lending artifacts for exhibit like Henry Ringling Jr.’s usher uniform. This magnificent little costume was ordered by al. Ringling the day the theatre opened and must have arrived shortly thereafter so that his nephew could play usher. The custom-ordered cap has the word “PROGRaM” stitched on it, which gives an indication of what little Henry’s job must have been. To cement this theory, Henry very kindly left a handbill from a 1916 silent movie folded up in the back pocket of the pants. The paper program was stuffed inside a ticket envelope with his autograph on it. This piece, along with the other treasures in the al. Ringling Theatre archive that the Society owns, make the al. one of the best, if not the best,

documented early motion picture theaters in the country. Theatre manager, Leonard Roser, just about literally never threw anything away.

While setting up the display for the theatre opening, I wondered if the original ticket box that the theatre still owns from the arcus Ticket Co. was indeed from 1915. a quick look in the meticulously organized records kept by Mr. Roser gave me the answer in a few minutes. not only was a flyer from the arcus Ticket Co. in the files with a picture of the ticket box on it, another file contained the receipt for the order of the $19 display rack. Society volunteers are currently processing this amazing collection which will yield many treasures for local historians, as well as those across the country, interested in the early film industry or other topics such as how a small town theatre did its part during two world wars. I look forward to sharing some of these “good things” with you in the near future and I encourage you to see the theatre if you can. It was truly worth the wait!

The Sauk County Historical Society helped celebrate the completion of the restoration of the Al. Ringling Theatre by presenting two programs during opening week on the art of the theatre and the architects, Rapp & Rapp. Almost 500 people attended the two presentations and were delighted with the newly restored theater, which looks almost exactly like it did in 1915 when it opened.

History Center Donations

History Center Benefactor

Richard & Jane Dana

Phase III

Ronald Schultz

Other Donations

Brett Topham/Johnsen Bank

Elizabeth Dutton

Joe & Lou ann Ward

nancy Lange

Bob Dewel

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Herbert & Marjorie abel – In Memory of Isenberg Brothers

Joan Litscher – In Memory of John M. Sprecher

President’s Report

Todd Liebman

HISTORy has been in the news lately, both locally and statewide. The exciting news in our community is the rededication of the al. Ringling Theatre. Dubbed “america’s Prettiest Playhouse,” the al. has been restored to its original beauty. I had the opportunity to tour the theatre with Executive Director Stephanie Miller-Lamb who was gracious with her hospitality and many insights into the theatre. We are truly fortunate to have this treasure which will continue to be the entertainment center of Baraboo for generations to come.

The Society is privileged to be the repository of the business records of the al. Ringling Theatre from its opening in 1915 until its sale by the Ringling family in 1953. These meticulously maintained records document the film and theater industry, the perspective of a local theater, and may be the most complete records of their kind anywhere. These records, coupled with our fine History Center, help put your Society on the map, so to speak, for important historical research in this area. unfortunately, historical icons are far from secure. Last month, the state legislature stalled an attempt to change the law that would have permitted the destruction of native american effigy mounds. your Society mobilized as part of an effort that was coordinated by native american tribes throughout the state to oppose this legislation.

While that legislation was being considered, Sauk County was coincidentally improving the educational experience at Man Mound County Park, an effigy mound that the Society owns, so that visitors can use their cell phones to hear the history of the Man Mound and its significance. Historic sites like Man Mound, the al. Ringling Theatre, Circus World Museum and our own Van Orden Mansion and History Center not only bring people into contact with our human past, but serve a significant economic development function by bringing tourism to the area.

your Society is working hard to preserve the history of our area in many different ways. So often we hear the expression “If only these walls could talk.” I am sure you agree that if we listen, they most certainly do.

Life on the Shoulders of Earth: The 2015 Sauk County Regional Archaeology Program

In 2015, the Center for Wisconsin archaeology continued its Sauk County Regional archaeology Program (SCRaP) by sponsoring an archaeological field school that focused on research at various sites in the Sauk County area. a presentation on SCRaP’s 2015 work will be given by archaeology Field and Lab Technician, Ms. Harley Sorefass, and will be held Thursday, april 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center, 900 Second avenue in Baraboo. The theme for the presentation will be “Life on the Shoulders of Earth: archaic Hunter-Gatherer Settlement Patterns in the Driftless area of Southwestern Wisconsin.” The presentation will discuss the life of prehistoric hunter-gatherers and their utilization of the Driftless area in southwestern Wisconsin and how the archaeological dig at Maple Ridge, north Freedom Township both applies and adds to this prehistory in present-day Sauk County. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Reedsburg Area Historical Society Receives Award

THE Reedsburg area Historical Society recently received the Pride and Promotion award for 2015 from the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce. From left, Secretary, Sarah Riedel; Vice President, andy Van Sickle, President, Craig Braunschweig and Treasurer, Tammy Werner.

The Maple Ridge dig unearthed many interesting prehistoric artifacts. Harley Sorefass, standing left, and instructor, George Christianson, far right.

Standing room only crowds attended two presentations on early Reedsburg history held in conjunction with the Reedsburg Public Library in late February and early March. The early history of the area was discussed along with the city’s namesake David C. Reed, who ended up living in California.

Photo by Peter Rebhahn, Reedsburg Times-Press

From Barbeau to Baraboo:

Meet the man behind the name

THE origin of the name “Baraboo” has been debated among scholars and historians for more than 100 years. In this interesting talk, author Mark R. Tully will guide us through many of the two dozen or more different theories as to where the name “Baraboo” came from and how numerous different spellings may have evolved into the name that we know today.

This free program will be held Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at the History Center, 900 2nd ave., Baraboo.

Education Corner Sauk County Investigators

SOCIETy volunteers and retired school teachers, Myrna Weickgenant and Jean Brew, have presented the SCI program to over 350 Sauk County fourth graders this school year, marking a new record for the program. Weickgenant, who also serves on the SCHS Board of Directors as the Education Committee Chair, has also been working with Executive Director Paul Wolter to meet with local third grade educators to help meet curriculum needs for local history education.

Upcoming Events

March 24, 7 pm

From Barbeau to Baraboo

Meet the man behind the name Sauk County History Center

Free

April 7

William H. Canfield Day

Canfield’s Trip to Wisconsin 1841-2

7 pm – Tripp Heritage Museum

565 Water St., Prairie du Sac

April 14

Sauk County Archaeology

Harley Sorefass

7 pm – Sauk County History Center

900 Second Ave., Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2016

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat. History Center, 900 2nd ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat

(608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

April 21

Spring Green “101”

7 pm – Spring Green Library

230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green

June 18

Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes

10 am – 4 pm

Tour six historic homes in Baraboo

(608) 356-1001

Stereoscope – Early 3D Pictures

THE Stereoscope, which allows viewers to see photographs in 3D, was invented in the 1850s. It was a popular parlor entertainment up until the 1930s. Pictured here is a Holmes Stereoscope, created and improved by Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1861. It was a more streamlined, handheld and economical viewer than the crude devices that preceded it. The viewer consists of two prismatic lenses mounted in a wooden holder, with a handle below, and a sliding card holder which allows viewers to bring the image into focus. The stereo card consists of two slightly different images of the same subject, which are mounted side by side – one for each eye. The brain then combines them to create a view with natural depth perception. Early stereo cards were created and distributed by the railroads, which encouraged viewers to take the train to see the scenes in person. In the mid-20th century, the Viewmaster created a similar stereo experience primarily for children. Today, kits are available to construct a Holmes Stereoscope to view the many antique stereo cards which still exist. Modern stereo cards can still be created by taking a photo of a scene, then moving the camera several inches laterally

and taking a second photo of the same scene. With the use of a computer program, they can then be combined and printed out in a format resembling the antique cards. The Sauk County Historical Society has examples of the Holmes Stereoscope at the SCHS museum which is open on Friday and Saturday afternoons from May through October. Guests can use the stereoscopes to view historic and modern stereo scope cards from Sauk County.

National History Day at Baraboo Middle School

naTIOnaL History Day (nHD) is a non-profit education organization in College Park, Maryland that offers yearlong academic programs that engage over half a million middle and high-school students annually around the world in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. These research-based projects are then entered into contests at the local and affiliate levels, where the top student projects have the opportunity to advance to a national contest. In addition to facilitating the discovery of the past, nHD also helps students develop the following attributes that are critical for future success: critical thinking and problem-solving skills, research and reading skills, oral and written communication and presentation skills, self-esteem and confidence and a sense of responsibility for, and involvement in, the democratic process. nHD also seeks to improve the quality of history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators. Recently several board members and volunteers of the Sauk County Historical Society assisted in judging entries at Jack young Middle School in Baraboo before students went on to the regional competition.

Slumberland Furniture

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Steve argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John Mcnabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STaFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

kathleen LaCombe, Museum keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Baraboo 8th grade student, Adele Griffin, presented her research talk on “Women Taking a Stand.”

March/april 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETuRn SERVICE REquESTED

Membership Activity for January and February

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

InDIVIDuaL

argo, Steve – Wisconsin Dells

Brice, Jim – Baraboo

Burke, Joann – Gray, Ga

Cook, Betty J – Clarksville, Tn

Cunningham, Sandy – Reedsburg

Diehl, karen – Sauk City

Eilertson, Orwin (Orie) – Merrimac

Foxx, Julie – Reedsburg

Franzen, Barbara – Stoughton

Furmidge, Julie Gay – Pasadena, Ca

Hart, John – Sauk City

Haskins, William W – Baraboo

Honer, James – Madison

Hunt, Russell – Baraboo

kjernes, Sandy – Edgerton

Larsen, Barbara – Sister Bay

Leeming, nancy – Ithaca, ny

Marini, Fred – Melrose

Meinen, Irene – Roseville, Mn

Pansegro, William a – Reedsburg

Pazi Zea, Sharon – Granite Falls, Mn

Schaad, Margaret – Toms River, nJ

Schneller, Linda – Prairie du Sac

Schuette, Mary – Reedsburg

Shrake, Pete – Baraboo

Thompson, Miriam – Baraboo

Weiss, karin Schuette – Tigard, OR

Weston, Marshall – aurora, CO

White, Carolyne – Baraboo

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FaMILy

Burmester, Dean & Marian – LaValle

Fisher, John F & Lorna Lee – Cross Plains

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda – Baraboo

Hart, Matt & Joan – Baraboo

Hrabovsky, Robert & Diana – Wichita Falls, TX

klaetsch, Walter & Debra – north Freedom

nieuwenhuis, Cliff, Deb & kip – Baraboo

Peterson, Waldo & ann – Madison

Porth, Guy & Mary – Reedsburg

Ruhland, Marv & kathy – Cross Plains

Singer, Edward & Christine – Baraboo

Wegner, Brandon & kim – Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris – Baraboo

FRIEnD

Bauer, Debra L & Peter W. Premo – Baraboo

Bittner, Bernadette – Reedsburg

Erlandson, Virgil & Cheryl – Hagerstown, MD

Filip, Donald & Janet – Reedsburg

Geoghegan, John – Baraboo

Getschman, Lyle – Baraboo

kolberg, Marie – Madison

Loomis, Dale – Baraboo

Marking, Charles & Jeanne – Baraboo

Otto, Tom & Darlene – Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice – Montello

Schuebel, TJ & Susan – Baraboo

Taapken, John & Donna – north Freedom

Thomas, Terri – Baraboo

Vodak, Barbara – Baraboo

Wolfe, Ron & Barbara – Waunakee

Wright, Burt – Los angeles, Ca

SPOnSOR

archibald, George & kyoko – Baraboo

Driessen, karyn – San Diego, Ca

kieffer, Jim & Shirley – Baraboo

Liebman, Todd – Baraboo

School, Dan & anna-Marie – Baraboo

Sophie, Charles & norma – W. Baraboo

Zitzner, Merlin & Janele – Baraboo

PaTROn

Bennin, John – Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona – Baraboo

Van ORDEn CIRCLE

Lange, nancy – Miami, FL

BuSInESS SPOnSOR

Cell Plus/u.S. Cellular agent – Baraboo

Minuteman Press – Baraboo

Statz Mechanical – Rock Springs

BuSInESS PaTROn

Baraboo national Bank – Baraboo

Prairie Security Systems, LLC – Prairie du Sac

Summer Picnic – June 16 Celebrating Historic Preservation

THE Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 6 pm at the Straight Forward of Wisconsin corporate headquarters in Sauk City. The call center service provider is located in the historic Spellman Monument Company building at 615 Phillips Boulevard. A delicious picnic dinner of chicken and beef sandwiches with all of the fixings will be served by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. After the meal, a short history of the Spellman Company will be followed by tours of this unique renovated and restored building. The Spellmans began business on the site in 1915, with the first building being an old carriage shop which was moved there from elsewhere in Sauk City for use as a showroom. A large production facility was added as the business grew. The addition was designed with a rail spur that ran right through the building so that granite pieces could be unloaded directly from railcars using an overhead rolling crane. The crane and heavy timber framework to support it are still visible inside the renovated building.

The Spellman Monument Company continued to use the building until 2005 when it moved to a new facility in the Sauk City industrial park. The building was then subdivided and used for a variety of purposes including a flower and gift shop, insurance agency, garden supply and auto detailer. In 2014 the building was purchased and renovated by Straight Forward of Wisconsin. The goal of protecting the past while focusing on the future use of the building was a high priority. Adaptive reuse and restoration of historic features was completed in March of 2015 with the help of historic preservation income tax credits. The building was listed on the National Register last year as one of the latest additions to the register, which was created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The picnic will help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Act. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Sauk County’s unique buildings. Reservations for the picnic can be made by using the form inside this newsletter. The reservation deadline is June 9.

The SCHS summer picnic will be held at Straight Forward of Wisconsin in Sauk City. The company restored and renovated the historic Spellman Monument Company building uncovering many original features including the large opening (the large glass area) where railroad cars used to go through the building to be unloaded.

Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes – June 18th

THE Sauk County Historical Society will host the 2016 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, June 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour will feature five historic homes in Baraboo including the first home ever shown on Baraboo’s south side, the William Clark house. Built in the mid-1880s for railroad engineer William H. Clark, the house is the best example of the French Second Empire style in the city with its steeply pitched mansard roof and fine Victorian era details. The 1894 Watson house on Second Street was also built for a railroad engineer and contains a surprising interior. The house was purchased by cabinetmaker Bert Kramer in 1921 who remodeled the interior of the house in the Craftsman style using quarter-sawn oak with delicate inlaid details. Beamed ceilings, paneled walls and even wooden light fixtures were added by Kramer who did much fine carpentry work around town including the construction of the oak booths that are still in use at the Alpine Café in downtown Baraboo. On Fourth Street, the August Kilian house will be open to tour. The 1894 Queen Anne style house features a grand oak staircase, gorgeous fireplace tile and built-in cabinetry. The tour will also include the Van Sice house on Second Avenue, built in 1876 and

remodeled by the McArthur family in the 1930s with Colonial Revival details inside and cast iron grape vine porch supports outside. Colonial details also abound at the Quale house on Eleventh Street, built for Norman and Margaret Quale and family in the 1920s. The house features a classic center hall design and elegant leaded glass around the front door. The Van Orden Mansion will also be open on the day of the tour featuring the dining room set up for an Edwardian dinner along with other new exhibits. The 2016 tour is sponsored by RE/MAX Grand, the First Weber Foundation, Johnsen Insurance, Senger Lumber, Baraboo National and HausmannJohnson Insurance. Tickets for the tour can be purchased starting June 1 in Baraboo at the Sauk County History Center, the Baraboo Area Visitors Center and downtown at Corner Drug. Tickets will also be available in Reedsburg at the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets can also be purchased on the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org Tickets will be $13 per person in advance and $15 on the day of the tour with a $2 discount for members. For more information contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 608-356-1001

Centennial Anniversary

Upcoming Events

May 15 – The Art of Man Mound

11 am – 3 pm – Man Mound Park

Man Mound Road, Baraboo

May – 19 The Cream of the Crop

Sauk County & the National Register

Hill’s Wiring Inc. started 100 years ago in this building which still stands today in West Baraboo. The firm has seen electrical usage go from the novelty of the single light bulb hung in the middle of the room to the necessity that it is today.

THE Sauk County Historical Society congratulates Hill’s Wiring of West Baraboo on its 100th anniversary this year! The firm was started in 1916 by Max F. Hill and had various business partners before Max’s three sons joined the business after returning from service in World War II. The current name of Hill’s Wiring Inc. was adopted in 1980 when Max’s grandson, Doug Hill incorporated the business with his father, Max Hill Jr. Four years later Jack Vogel joined the firm as an electrician and is now co-owner. The firm has a long and illustrious history working on projects as small as hanging single light bulbs in Sauk County farmhouses in the early years to more recently completing the re-wiring of the Al. Ringling Theatre.

Canfield Award

7 pm – Reedsburg Public Library

370 Vine Street, Reedsburg

May – 26 The Cream of the Crop

Sauk County & the National Register

7 pm – Sauk County History Center

900 Second Avenue, Baraboo

(see article on page 5)

June 16 – Founders’ Day Picnic

6 pm – Straight Forward Inc.

615 Phillips Boulevard, Sauk City

June 18 – Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes

10 am – 4 pm

Tour historic homes in Baraboo

(See article on page 2)

Sauk Prairie area historian and author Philip Hasheider, left, was the recipient of the 2016 William H. Canfield History Award presented by Paul Wolter, Executive Director of the Sauk County Historical Society on April 7. Hasheider was awarded for documenting local history which include All Bottled Up- A History of the Sauk Prairie Area Milk Delivery Routes in 2001 and Building Early Wisconsin Community –The 150 Year Story of Mills on the Honey Creek in 2014. Both exhibit Hasheider’s passion for research and documentation – his Honey Creek book alone has over 1,000 footnotes. The award was given during the William H. Canfield Day festivities put on by the historical society and hosted this year by the Tripp Museum in Prairie du Sac.

Executive Director’s Report -

By Paul Wolter

JUST about every Thursday for the last several months, if you drove by the Van Orden mansion you might have noticed a small handful of cars and trucks parked out front. Inside, a team of dedicated volunteers has been working to set up new shelving in the collections storage areas – better known as the ballroom and the basement. Standardized metal shelving has been set up to replace mismatched wood and plastic shelving that served their purpose but were in need of being replaced. The other day the team reached one of the last rooms in the basement -- the original coal storage room for the mansion. While the coal has been gone for decades along with the two giant boilers that it fed, the basement still contains hints of its original use. Three concrete laundry sinks are still in place in one room as well as a built-in screened cabinet for food storage in another. These little hints bring to mind the era when the house was built during the early 1900s. Known as the Edwardian Era in Britain, here in the US it is sometimes known as the Progressive Era or even the end of Gilded Age. Both of those terms cover longer periods of time than the Edwardian Era though. That period of course was related to the reign of Queen Victoria’s son, Edward VII, who was on the throne from 1901-1910. The era is usually stretched out to end at the beginning of the First World War, which for Britain would be 1914 and for the US 1917. I am very excited about the new exhibit room that is being put together about this era at the museum. I must admit though that I am equally as excited about the work that has gone on behind the scenes with the shelving. These improvements in our collections storage areas have already made it easier to find artifacts and improve our stewardship of them. I would personally like to thank Scott Weisman, Phil Jauch, Ken Lange and Bill Schuette for their hard work and their seemingly endless trips between floors – all four of them -- at the Van Orden Mansion.

Ms. Harley Sorefass, Archaeology Field & Lab Technician at the UW/Baraboo, presented a report on last summer’s archaeological field school conducted at the Man Mound and Maple Ridge in Freedom Township. Numerous artifacts, including arrow and spear points, were unearthed at the Maple Ridge dig. Scientific carbon dating of charcoal discovered on the Ridge was dated to around 1,000 years ago. During her talk, she also included information on Archaic Hunter-Gatherer Settlement Patterns in the Driftless Area of Southwestern WI.

A crowd of 50 people attended the presentation on early Spring Green history given at the Spring Green Community Library. The early history of the era including the shot tower, Helena, Jonesville and the coming of the railroad was discussed, as well as the naming of the town and village. Spring Green’s unique history as the first railroad connection in Sauk County and an early temperance community was also discussed.

The Cream of the Crop

National Register properties in Sauk County

MAY is Historic Preservation Month in Wisconsin and to help celebrate, the Society will host two presentations showcasing some of the properties in Sauk County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently over 58 individual properties or districts in Sauk County are listed. While many people might think that only buildings are listed on the National Register, the register also includes sites of archeological importance such as Man Mound and other significant places or objects. For example, Van Hise Rock in Rock Springs and Steam Locomotive #1385 which is owned Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom are also listed in the register. The presentation will be presented at the Reedsburg Public Library on Thursday, May 19th at 7 pm and again at the Sauk County History Center on Thursday, May 26th at 7 pm.

A new exhibit room at the museum will offer a glimpse of what life was like at the time the Van Orden Mansion was built a little over 100 years ago. Artifacts and photos will include wooden action figures–including Teddy Roosevelt, to an early hand-pumped vacuum cleaner to pictures of the first automobiles in the county. The exhibit will show how inventions that we use today were adopted and standardized during this time. Other important local outcomes of the period will also be showcased, like the creation of Devil’s Lake State Park and the preservation of the Man Mound.

Scott Weisman, left, and Carla Cady are two of the volunteers currently working on the cleaning and rehousing of the Al. Ringling Theatre business papers in the lab at the Sauk County History Center under the direction of curator Becca Dubey. A finding aid for the papers is also being created. Other volunteers include Virginia Fetzer and Kathy Steiner.

Recent Donations

Nancy Lange

Jean Smith (Class of 1945)

Russell Hantzsch/WE Energies Foundation

Michael Ableman

The Art of the Man Mound – May 15

THE Man Mound, along with other effigy mounds, represents one of the very earliest works of art found in Wisconsin. In addition to being burial sites, the effigy mounds are artistic creations of enormous size. They can be described as “monumental scale low-relief earthen sculptures.” An aerial photograph taken just after the vegetation on Man Mound was burned in April, 2014, with William Canfield’s 1859 measurements of the mound overlain in white, is featured on the 2016 Wisconsin Archaeology Month poster from the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Copies of the poster are available at the History Center.)

The Man Mound as a work of art, and as an inspiration for other artworks, will be the focus of an event as part of this year’s Wisconsin Archaeology Month on Sunday May 15 from 11 am to 3 pm at Man Mound Park. Exhibits and informal presentations will include an exhibit of various depictions of the Man Mound beginning in 1859, Baraboo wood carver Homer Daehn at work on a carving of the Man Mound, Wisconsin Historical Society’s archeologist Amy Rosebrough looking at how effigy mounds relate to more recent funerary sculpture found in cemeteries and grave yards, aerial photographs of the Man Mound taken by Bill Schuette, and a look at the proposed designs for the

National Historic Landmark status

LAST November the National Historic Landmarks Committee of the National Park Service Advisory Board approved the nomination of the Man Mound to be designated a National Historic Landmark. The nomination now goes to the full Advisory Board for its action at a meeting in early June, and then on to the Secretary of the Interior for final approval. With this recognition, the Man Mound will be the first effigy mound in Wisconsin to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Man Mound will join the Ringling Circus Winter Quarters (Circus World Museum), the Leopold Shack, and Van Hise Rock as National Historic Landmarks in Sauk County.

Effigy Mounds National Monument “America the Beautiful” series quarter that will be released in early 2017.

Most importantly, the Art of the Man Mound event will be a chance to observe the Man Mound itself as an ancient work of art that graces the landscape here in the midst of the Baraboo Range.

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

Our Board and Staff

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2016

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

May/June 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

P.O. Box 651

531 Fourth Avenue

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for March and April

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED, RENEWED OR INCREASED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER INDIVIDUAL

Alexander, Gaylyn – Baraboo

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Bahr, Dolores E – Prairie du Sac

Baker, Annette – Reedsburg

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Foxx, Julie – Reedsburg

Gall, Steve – Prairie du Sac

Goddard, Dick – North Freedom

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Lenerz, Joan – Prairie du Sac

Lindner, Greg – Oxford

Marini, Gladys – Baraboo

McArthur, Joan – Holmes Beach, FL

Miller, Karin Dittmar – Spring Green

Rice, Eleanor – Milwaukee

Rich, Louise M – Baraboo

Riedel, Sarah – Hillpoint

Schluter, Charles – Madison

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Stiemke, Sandra – Sauk City

Treadwell, Stephen – Wauconda, IL

Weiss, Karin Schuette – Tigard, OR

White, Carolyne – Baraboo

Zea, Sharon Pazi – Granite Falls, MN

FAMILY

Anderson, Cliff & Susan – Baraboo

Berndt, Jack & Kapp, Jody – Prairie du Sac

Clavadatscher, Wally & Norma – Sauk City

Dietz, John & Wessie – Rock Springs

Graves, Mr. & Mrs. Dale E – Waukesha

Gunderson, Dan & Yavonna – Baraboo

Hantzsch, Russell & Anita – Hales Corners

Huffaker, Buddy & Marcy – Baraboo

Lindquist, Jerry & LaDonna – Verona

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, CO

Mede, Gary & Eleanor Kuehn – Normal, IL

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Spencer, Robert & Kathy – Baraboo

FRIEND

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita – Baraboo

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Reedsburg

Erlandson, Virgil & Cheryl – Hagerstown, MD

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Genovese, Thomas & Doris – Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie – Baraboo

Hinz, Alice Cass – Dubuque, IA

Klipp, Keith & Lori – LaValle

Kolberg, Marie – Madison

Krainik, Marnie – Madison

Lumsden, Bill & Joy – Baraboo

O’Donnell, Scott – Baraboo

Stack, Pat & Laura – Baraboo

Thomas, Earl & Diane – Baraboo

Vester, Barbara – San Leandro, CA

Washam, Paul & Judy – Baraboo

Yeck, Robert & Louise – Silver Spring, MD

SPONSOR

Alt, John & Jean – Baraboo

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac

Beard, William & Corinne – Baraboo

Campbell, John & Susan – Wisconsin Dells

Dresen, Bill & Gretchen – Baraboo

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Edwards, Dan & Sandra – Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Holzem, Bob & Gayla – Baraboo

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

Regan, Jim & Barb – Baraboo

Rice, Paula – Norton Shores, MI

School, Dan & Anna-Marie – Baraboo

Smith, Walt & Yvonne – Baraboo

Wendt, Jean & Schroeder, Al – Baraboo

PATRON

Costerisan, Jr, Francis & Joan – Hendersonville, NC

Hambach, Arleen – Belvidere, IL

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Sarahan, Charles – College Park, MD

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Bank of Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin Dells

Kids Junction – Madison

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

Princess Nadonis Shawa Presentation – August 11

A list of the colorful people of Sauk County must include Princess Nadonis Shawa who lived on Mirror Lake when she wasn’t touring the country as an Indian performer and speaker. Born as Rebecca Louise Alston in the African American community in Washington D.C., she later went by the stage name of Princess Nadonis Shawa as a poet and entertainer. In 1920 she bought a log cabin at Fern Dell on Mirror Lake and spent much of the latter part of her life there. Local people still remember her after her death in 1958. The life and times of the princess will be presented by Cathy Sperl on Thursday, August 11 at 7 pm at the Frank Fischer Center in Lake Delton. Sperl is the Treasurer of the Mirror Lake Association and also editor of the association’s newsletter, Reflections from Mirror Lake.

SAVE THE DATES

August 11 – 7 pm Princess Nadonis Shawa presentation – Lake Delton

August 19-21 – Badger Steam & Gas Show

September 11 - 11 am – Bird Mound Dedication Centennial – Devil’s Lake South Shore

Lara Justus, center, an eighth grade student from Baraboo, was selected as a state finalist in the National History Day competition and was invited to compete in College Park, Maryland in June. Her trip was supported in part by the generosity of several SCHS members who recognize the importance of encouraging youth involvement in history. SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter presented a check to Lara, accompanied by teacher Linda Garcia, who heads up the National History Day competition in Baraboo.

(608) 356-1001

A beautiful summer day greeted participants and volunteers for the 2016 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes held on June 18. Five historic homes ranging from 1876 to 1924 were opened for touring along with the Van Orden mansion where guests could see new exhibits displaying curiosities from the Society’s collection as well as the new Edwardian Era exhibit room. Several hundred people participated in the tour, and the Society would like to thank the homeowners and over 60 volunteers for making the tour a success. The Society would also like to thank our 2016 Tour Sponsors, RE/ MAX Grand, the First Weber Foundation, Johnsen Insurance, Senger Lumber, Baraboo National and HausmannJohnson Insurance. Since 1993 over 50 historic Baraboo homes have been showcased on the tours. A Baraboo Holiday Tour of Homes is planned for December 3 and will include indoor tours of four fabulously decorated homes.

The mulberry tree planted on the grounds of the Van Orden mansion in 2004 in memory of William H. Canfield blew down recently. The tree was planted as a sapling started from a shoot that was taken from one of Canfield’s original mulberry trees in West Baraboo. Canfield grew mulberry trees in his 80s to feed silk worms – another one of his many interests and endeavors. A new sapling will be planted from the same tree to honor Sauk County’s first historian.

Recent Donations

Donations from June 7 – July 7, 2016

Nancy Lange

Joe & Lou Ann Ward

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Out & About

SCHS was pleased to have a display at the 2016 Sauk County Dairy Breakfast on June 11. The breakfast was held at the Kinnamon Ridge Dairy, west of Reedsburg. People who stopped by the education tent could see pictures of barn raisings from Sauk County and learn that in 1910 there were more cows in Sauk County than people. The Lake Redstone 50th Anniversary celebration was also the same day, so SCHS was represented there with a display on the Town of LaValle featuring early plat maps of the area.

Top Ten Recent Interesting Donations:

• Cradle with wind-up rocking mechanism, purchased for Laura Marie Fredrick when she was born on April 29, 1915. Laura was born on the family farm in the Maple Hill area of the township of Freedom in Sauk County. Donated by her niece, Diane (Alexander) Pietenpoll.

• Telegram, from McCain, the ADJT. Gen. to Barbara Caflisch re: Vernon Caflisch saved from Tuscania disaster, Feb 9, 1918; donated by Barb Stone.

• Map, Devil’s Lake, 1953. Drawn by James E. Halsted; annotated with animals present, Indian trails, landmarks, old buildings, rock types, and adjacent roads, donated by George Wandry, Jr.

Creamer and sugar dish from the McFettridge House, donated by Rikki McNabb.

• Holton Revelation Trombone made in Elkhorn Wisconsin inscribed “Rupert Werth” and played by him in the Sauk County Band, donated by Mike and James T. Werth.

Dr. Bob Dewel Passes

Dr. Bob Dewel was involved in many organizations in Baraboo including the Sauk County Historical Society and the Al. Ringling Theatre, where he loved to give tours and play the mighty Barton organ.

SCHS benefactor and local-history author Dr. Bob Dewel died on June 21, 2016 at the age of 96. After retiring from his dental practice in 1984, Bob began writing local history articles which were first published in the Baraboo Sun. Later they were picked up by the Baraboo News-Republic; and eventually they numbered more than 500 articles on various local history topics. Dewel later compiled the articles into four volumes which were ultimately digitized by the Baraboo Public Library. Dewel sometimes used his articles to encourage people to give to the community while they were alive, something that he did routinely to charities across Baraboo. Bob believed in the mission and progress of the Sauk County Historical Society and gave generously to SCHS and the history center project. The reading room at the history center is named in honor of Dr. Dewel and his wife, Helen.

Executive Director’s Report -

BARABOO lost one of its biggest fans and boosters in June with the passing of Dr. Bob Dewel. At SCHS we lost a friend and long-time supporter. I didn’t meet Bob until well after he had retired from his career as a dentist. By that time he was already writing local history articles for the newspaper. Through the years Bob wrote about a myriad of subjects that often took us on multi-week journeys of discovery. Bob’s insatiable curiosity led him, and us, to surprises like the fact that several modern day American families have the surname Baraboo and that the name was even used on a steamship in New Zealand and in restaurant names in Florida and Michigan.

Bob was always a little surprised at his popularity and correctly summarized his own success by once writing, “perhaps I presented in a popular fashion a lot of local history that had never before been chronicled.” Indeed he did! He also later wrote. “I feel honored that is has been my lot

By Paul Wolter

to record some of the events in the history of this, my adopted county and my adopted state. Perhaps future historians and genealogists can draw from the material.”Also true! Bob published his articles - over 500 of them- in bound volumes that were scanned by the Baraboo Public Library and are now available world-wide online. As proof of the latter point, I recently had the pleasure of meeting Ueli and Francoise Bachmann from Switzerland and Carl Ochsner from California who were connected after an internet search led Ueli to one of Bob’s articles and brought them all to Baraboo for further research. Even though they were not able to meet Dr. Dewel in person they were pleased to come to Baraboo and see where Henry and Judith (Hottinger) Ochsner retired after building the red brick house that now stands in the middle of Ochsner Park. Stories like this will continue for many years as “future historians and genealogists” draw from the rich legacy that Bob Dewel left behind.

The Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic was held at the corporate offices of Straight Forward of Wisconsin in Sauk City. The company is located in the historic Spellman Monument Company building which was restored and renovated for use as an office building and call center with the help of historic preservation income tax credits. The building is the latest addition to the National Register of Historic Places in Sauk County, and tours of the facility rounded out the evening. The Society would like to thank Straight Forward for hosting the event.

President’s Report

- By Todd Liebman

Historic Preservation in Action

I have two great events to celebrate with you. First, I am pleased to report that the Ruhland House has been conveyed to a new owner who has pledged to restore the home. The Ruhland House was saved by a partnership between the Friends of the Ruhland House, the City of Baraboo, and the Sauk County Historical Society. The Friends mobilized support, the City agreed to support the preservation by conveying the house to the Society, and the Society sought buyers and conveyed the property in a manner that ensures the home’s preservation.

The Ruhland House may have significance in addition to preserving a valuable piece of local history. The Ruhland House, along with proposed city development on the near south side of Baraboo, may be the catalyst that creates a sense of place and improved aesthetics along the river corridor and near south side. The Ruhland House may be a link in a chain that positively impacts the community by creating jobs and supporting economic development.

My second cause for celebration is the 50th Anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Ruhland House will be restored in part through tax credits available because of the Act. According to Preservation 50, Federal historic rehabilitation tax credits have helped create 2.3 million jobs, saved 38,700 historic structures, and attracted $106 billion in private investments. Areas that have benefited from the Act include the French Quarter in New Orleans and Pike Place Market in Seattle. The number of jobs that historic preservation has created in just those areas alone must be tremendous. Here in Sauk County, the Al. Ringing Theatre restoration was made possible in large part due to tax credits, and the Spellman Monument Company building in Sauk City was creatively adapted for use as a modern office building and call center with the help of the tax credit program.

Devil’s Lake Bird Mound Dedication

Centennial September 11

ONE hundred years ago the members of the Sauk County Historical Society and the Wisconsin Archeological Society met at Devil’s Lake to dedicate a plaque which was placed next to the bird mound at the south shore. The bronze plaque states simply that the bird mound was constructed by the prehistoric inhabitants of the area and that it was surveyed by William Canfield in 1875 who found it to be 115 feet tall by 240 feet wide. The two societies will once again meet on Sunday, September 11 to re-dedicate the plaque and commemorate the preservation efforts which started around the turn of the twentieth century when other sites like the Man Mound were purchased for preservation. Mark your calendar to attend the event on September 11 which will begin at 11 am and will include information tables on effigy mound history and culture along with a short presentation.

Kansas and her daughter Karen Thomas of Leavenworth, Kansas on a visit to Baraboo. The two ladies are descendants of William Grubb who owned the house in the 1870s and 1880s. The octagon house was originally constructed in the 1850s at Newport along the Wisconsin River near today’s Lake Delton; but when that community failed, the house was cut into pieces and transported to Baraboo where it was reconstructed in 1863 at the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue and West Street. No picture of the house has been seen at the Society until now although the existence of the house was known from newspaper accounts and birds-eye drawings. The house lasted until around 1918 when it was taken down and the lumber used to construct two Craftsman style houses on the same lots.

A picture of Baraboo’s octagon house was brought in to the history center recently by Arlene Krafft of Lenexa,

History

Treating

Clients

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

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • July/August

2016

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001 7

A

of

Our

the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

July/August 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for May & June

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

INDIVIDUAL

Meiller, Clydella – Baraboo

Blau, Beatrice – Sun Prairie

Stoikes, Carl – Prairie du Sac

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Johnson, William – Dallas, TX

Britton, Richard, Jr. – Brookfield

Van Allen, Mary – Bloomington, IL

May, Kathy – Baraboo

Apple, Jerry – Dousman, WI

Day, J. Peter – Madison

Hill, LaDorna – Baraboo

Williams, Susan Burton – Waukesha

Michals, Patricia – Baraboo

Johnson, Fran – Baraboo

Gosewehr, K. E. – Baraboo

Cronon, William J. – Madison

Farrell-Stieve, Mary – Baraboo

Poretti, Gaylene – Minneapolis, MN

Blau, Conrad – Waunakee

Ritzenthaler, Tom – Arbor Vitae

Haggarty, John – Madison

Brandt, Janet – Elgin, IL

Kraemer, Ken – Irvine, CA

Thiessen, Betty – Baraboo

Gregor, Judith – Baraboo

Tappen, Gail – Madison

Johnson, Sue – Reedsburg

Dickeman, Mary K. – Reedsburg

Gumz, Diane – Portland, OR

Vespia, Mary – Arlington

Baumgarten, Carol – North Freedom

Koenig, Steve – LaValle

Sperl, Cathy – Lake Delton

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Armstrong, Myrna L. – Marble Falls, TX

Kutzbach, John – Madison

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Stehling, Donna – Sauk City

Overlien, Dinah – Baraboo

Ellington, Judy – Baraboo

Dimmick, Jean F. – Baraboo

Spees, Shirley – Baraboo

FAMILY

Walton, James & Ferber, Connie – Wauwatosa

Banbury, Robert – Reedsburg

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Karr, Craig & Debby – Merrimac

Bock, Susan J. – Carmel, IN

Mohar, Warren & Linda – Baraboo

Jenks, Richard & Linda – Baraboo

Braaten, Karsten & Nancy – Sauk Rapids, MN

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Steiner, Mark & Kelly – Reedsburg

Pierce, Stephanie – Baraboo

Reeve, Bryan & Mary – Spring Green

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & Emma – Baraboo

Johnson, Robert & Julie – Reedsburg

Schellenberger, Bill & Alice – Baraboo

Alt, J. Merle & Dorothy – Baraboo

McCoy, Larry & Olson, Keri – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – North Freedom

Schroeder, Roy – Loganville

Feltz, Lloyd & Joann – Sugar Grove, IL

McKnight, John – Evanston, IL

Rasmussen, R. L. & Corinne – Cable

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Thomas, Karen – Leavenworth, KS

Nolden, Tim & Kathy – Baraboo

FRIEND

Mossman, Bill & Dolores – Baraboo

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo

Holmblad, Tana – Merrimac

Ely, Laura S. – Woodbury, MN

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara – Baraboo

Eiler, Mary Ellen – Eugene, OR

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

Hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

Cole, Donald L. – DeForest

Gussel, Bud – Wisconsin Dells

Mering, Doug & Katy – Baraboo

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

SPONSOR

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Poster, Fr. Jay – Madison

Schwartz, Lester – Kimberton, PA

Pietenpol, Dave & Diane – Suamico

Hays, Mark & Beth – Reedsburg

Schell, Dennis – Indianapolis, IN

Kriegl, Thomas – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor – Reedsburg

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Ward, Joe & Lou Ann – Baraboo

Umhoefer, Aural – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Robert & Beverly – LaValle

Etzwiler, David & Nijole – Baraboo

Statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

Stone, Tim & Kristi – Baraboo

Putz, Gene & Karen – Gorham, ME

BENEFACTOR

Davenport, John & Elizabeth – Minnetonka, MN

Pointon, Phillip & Alonna – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Friede & Associates – Reedsburg

Devil’s Lake Bird Mound Marker Centennial Commemoration

Sunday, September 11, 2016

ON Labor Day, September 4, 1916, members of the Sauk County Historical Society and the Wisconsin Archeological Society gathered at the Bird Mound at Devil’s Lake south shore to unveil a brass plaque to mark the spectacular effigy mound. Several individuals from both organizations spoke about the importance of the Bird Mound. The marker, donated by H. E. Cole, long-term leader of the Sauk County Historical Society, was unveiled on the mound and accepted by a member of the State Conservation Commission. Just days over a century later, on Sunday, September 11, 2016, the two organizations will again gather at the Devil’s Lake Bird Mound to note the centennial of the placement of the marker, to learn more about effigy mounds,

and to renew the commitment to their preservation. The Devil’s Lake Bird Mound is one of some three to five thousand effigy mounds that were created by the Native People of what is now southern Wisconsin about one thousand years ago. These effigy mounds were created as burial sites, as cultural landmarks, and are sacred places. During the first half of the 1900s, many markers were placed at effigy and other burial mound sites as part of an effort to make the public aware of the importance of these places. The Devil’s Lake Bird Mound is an outstanding example of ancient artwork, with wings that spread nearly 250 feet. Located in the

(continued on page 2)

state’s most visited park, this mound is very likely seen by more people than any other effigy mound.

The centennial program will start at 11:00 am on Sunday, September 11th beginning with a performance by the Ho-Chunk Thundercloud Singers. This will be followed by speakers from the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Sauk County Historical Society and the Wisconsin Archeological Society. Ken Lange will speak about his own interest in this and other effigy mounds. The program will conclude with a visit from Baraboo’s pioneer antiquarian William H. Canfield, or at least a fair semblance of him, who surveyed the Bird Mound in 1875. For an hour before the program, as well as afterwards, there will be exhibits available from several organizations involved with effigy mound preservation. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after

the program and are reminded that although the event is free and open to everyone, a park admission sticker is required.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

The Society’s float in the Big Top Parade in Baraboo in July honored the heritage of the Gollmar Brothers Circus which started in Baraboo 125 years ago. Inspired by the success of their famous Ringling cousins, the Gollmar brothers eventually operated one of the largest circuses in the United States. The float featured a reproduction of a Gollmar Brothers Circus poster which was generously provided by Circus World Museum

Diving into History Annual Banquet and Meeting –October 13th

THE annual banquet and membership meeting of the Sauk County Historical Society will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 6 pm at the Rock Springs Community Center. A delicious fall meal will be catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg after which the Society will conduct its annual business meeting. The meeting will include election of board members, financial report and the year in review.

The keynote presentation of the evening will be given by Tamara Thomsen and John Janzen on their dives in flooded mining shafts in Sauk County. For the past twelve years, Tamara Thomsen has worked as a Maritime Archaeologist with Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation and Archaeology program. Her research has resulted in the nomination of forty-one Great Lakes shipwrecks to the National Register of Historic Places. For her dedicated work, she has received awards from the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society, and in 2014, she was inducted into the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame.

John Janzen is a rebreather and technical diving instructor who has been diving the Great Lakes for 25 years. He has worked as a diver and videographer for National Geographic, NOAA, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Michigan State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and the History Channel. He works professionally as an engineer where he has contributed to many programs including Cray supercomputers, NASA, Navy Research Laboratory, National Missile Defense, DARPA, and in the field of explosives chemistry.

Thomsen and Janzen are part of a small, loosely organized group of avid certified cave divers that have been working in their free time for the past 20 years to locate remaining submerged passages of Wisconsin’s mining industries. They work with landowners to appreciate and preserve these windows into our past. The mines of the Baraboo

Iron Range were first explored in 2008, starting with the Illinois Mine’s dewatering shaft. It was not until 2014 that the group located and filmed the Freedom Mine, also known as the Captain Roberts’ Mine in La Rue. Video footage from that dive, and from others, will be shown and explained by Thomsen and Janzen making for an incredibly rare and unique look at part of Sauk County’s past. A reservation form for the banquet and meeting can be found on the enclosed flyer. The deadline for reservations is October 6. Don’t miss out on this fascinating evening!

The Captain Roberts’ Mine at La Rue was surveyed by marine archaeologist Tamara Thomsen in 2014. This photograph of Thomsen was taken by diving colleague John Janzen. Thomsen and Janzen will be the keynote speakers at the Society’s annual banquet and membership meeting on October 13th. Photo courtesy of John Janzen.

Executive Director’s Report

THIS fall will be a busy time at the Sauk County Historical Society with our first event of the season commemorating something our counterparts did 100 years ago. After Devil’s Lake State Park was established in 1911, cultural resources inside the park were more carefully noted. In 1916 the Society and its ally the Wisconsin Archeological Society met at the south shore to place a bronze marker at the bird mound describing its features and marking its importance. Members of the two organizations, the Ho-Chunk Nation and the public will once again meet on September 11 to re-dedicate the marker and our commitment to preserving cultural treasures such as the bird mound. Later in the month our “101” history series will begin again with a visit to Spring Green where the early history of the village will be presented in two parts. Rock Springs is next on the syllabus in early October.

- By Paul Wolter

This fascinating village and its first namesake, Colonel Ableman, will be presented at the Rock Springs Library. Our annual banquet and business meeting will also be held in Rock Springs on October 13th and I am very excited to have divers Tamara Thomsen and John Janzen as our guest speakers. They will discuss and show video from their dives into flooded Sauk County iron mines, a true trip into the past complete with pick axes still inside ore carts in timber lined tunnels. The month of October will end with a completely new event for the Society and one created for students. Taking a cue from the Night at the Museum movie series, the Van Orden Mansion will mysteriously come to life on October 29th. Mystery adventure tours will go from basement to ballroom and will meet some rather interesting characters along the way. I hope to see you at some of our fall programming!

Ahuchoga: Blue Wing’s Legacy Community Mural Project

IN 1873 the U.S. Government decreed that all Native Americans were to be relocated to reservations in Nebraska. Armed federal agents arrived in Reedsburg to carry out that order. Ahuchoga (Blue Wing), his family and tribe were among those who were rounded up and taken to the Reedsburg depot. Ahuchoga’s strong friendship with Reedsburg settlers inspired a group of non-Indian citizens to stand down the federal agents at the depot to prevent this “illegal” relocation. To commemorate this act of defiance, the Blue Wing Legacy Project was initiated, lead by the Little Eagle Arts Foundation and Reedsburg Artslink, to produce a commemorative mural which was designed by nationally recognized native artist Wesley May of Red Lake, MN. May invited members of the community to assist in the production and painting of the mural, which will be placed in downtown Reedsburg. Dedication of the mural will be on October 8, at 11 am in Harvest Park. The City of Reedsburg and Ahuchoga descendants will be honored with Ho-Chunk songs and dance at the event.

Upcoming Events -

Sept. 11 – Devil’s Lake Bird Mound Event

10 am – exhibits open

11 am – program – South shore

Devil’s Lake State Park

Sept. 22 - Spring Green “101” & “201”

6 pm (“101” repeat) & 7 pm (“201”) Spring Green Community Library

230 E. Monroe Street, Spring Green

Oct. 6 - Rock Springs “101”

7 pm - Rock Springs Library

101 First Street, Rock Springs

Oct. 13 - Annual Banquet and Meeting

6 pm - Rock Springs Community Center

201 W. Broadway, Rock Springs

Oct. 29 – Night at the Museum

Adventures start every 10 minutes from 6-9 pm with last group finishing at 10 pm Sauk County Historical Museum

531 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo

Save the Dates

Dec. 3 – Baraboo Holiday Tour of Homes

Dec. 9 & 10 –Edwardian Christmas at the Van Orden Mansion

Spring Green 101 and 201, Thursday, September 22

ONE of the few villages that did not grow up around a mill site, the birth of Spring Green is attributed to the railroad, and Spring Green has the honor of being the site of the first railroad connection within the boundaries of Sauk County. The early history of Spring Green will once again be explored on Thursday, September 22 at the Spring Green Community Library at 230 E. Monroe Street. At 6 pm, the original presentation by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter entitled Spring Green “101” will be given for people that missed it the first time, or as a “refresher course” for those who attended in April; and at 7 pm the “201” presentation will continue the story of the early settlement of the village. Historic photos, maps and stories will paint a picture of the origins of the community and the elements that made it grow

Rock Springs “101”, Thursday, October 6

Cathy Sperl of Lake Delton expounded on the life and times of Louise Alston Burleigh, better known as Princess Nadonis Shawa, on August 11. The princess owned a cottage on Mirror Lake for many years and led a colorful life as a self-proclaimed Indian poet and entertainer. Sperl is the treasurer of the Mirror Lake Association and has studied Shawa for years. The presentation was held in Lake Delton at the Frank Fischer Center, the use of which was generously provided by the village.

THE origin of the village of Rock Springs, like many communities, is inextricably linked to geographical features. Located at the confluence of Narrows Creek and the Baraboo River, the settlement sprang up around the mills that harnessed the available water power. The settlement was originally called Ableman after its biggest promoter, Colonel Stephen Van Rensselaer Ableman, an almost larger-than-life figure. The early history of Rock Springs and the area will be part of a presentation on Thursday, October 6 at 7 pm at the Rock Springs Library at 101 First Street given by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter.

Society Receives Grant for Photo Equipment

THE Society recently received a mini-grant from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Council for Local History to help purchase equipment needed to photograph the Society’s collections. The grant award of $662 will be used to buy a new digital camera and portable lights for photographing artifacts. The Society is currently seeking matching funds to complete the amount needed to purchase portable backdrops for photographing larger items such as furniture. Curator Becca Dubey will head up the photography project which will be part of Phase II of the Society’s collection management plan. Phase I has been completed which included recording all accessions (since 1905) in PastPerfect museum software and replacing all collections shelving with adjustable metal shelves.County than people. The Lake Redstone 50th Anniversary celebration was also the same day, so SCHS was represented there with a display on the Town of LaValle featuring early plat maps of the area.

Night at the Museum

A mystery event for kids in grades 3 - 8

THIS October, grab your kids, grandkids or any other of your favorite people in grades 3 – 8 and bring them to the Van Orden Mansion for a night of fun, mystery and intrigue. On October 29, the Society is holding an event designed for children called Night at the Museum based on the movie series in which museum exhibits come to life. At the Sauk County Historical Museum, kids and their accompanying adults will take a 60 minute tour of the mansion, from basement to ballroom, and meet six “statues” of historical figures from 1749 to 1943 which will come alive to share their stories about life in Sauk County. Participants will also work to solve a mystery and will receive hints from the characters along the tour. The adventure will take place in groups of 15 with tours starting every 10 minutes from 6-9 pm and the last tour finishing at 10 pm. The cost is $7 for each participant, child or adult, and includes prizes at the end for all who solve the mystery. SCHS is recruiting sponsorships for Night at the Museum. To date, we are proud to partner with Murphy’s Taxidermy and the Log Cabin Restaurant. If you or a business you know would like to be a sponsor, contact the Society at 608-356-1001.

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

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • September-October

2016

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001 7

September/October 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for July & August

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

INDIVIDUAL

Beeler, Jean – Evansville

Behnke, James – Reedsburg

Bellis, Mary W – Baraboo

Blumenfeld, Phil – Monona

Brinsko, Eleanor – Sun Prairie

Dupont, Nancy – Oregon

Haessly, James P – Sauk City

Hasheider, Philip – Sauk City

Hayes, Dottie – Baraboo

Jaedike, Dale – North Freedom

Ruder, Jim – Verona

Ryan, Joan – Lodi

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo

Shepard, Theodore W – Spokane Valley, WA

Smith, Jean E – Baraboo

Springer, Edward – Madison

Stoeckmann, Judith – Rock Springs

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Wimann, Theresa – Baraboo

Young, Paul – Baraboo

FAMILY

Bradley Family – Stoughton

Christiansen, George – Madison

Clemens, Inger – Wisconsin Dells

Gorak, Dave & Joanne – LaValle

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

Herbst, Erich & Jean – Baraboo

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Nashotah

Martin, Paul E & Nichelle – Baraboo

Myers, Harvey & Carol – Reedsburg

Olsen, Dan & Vicki – Verona

Phelps, Larry & Jan – Rock Springs

Rochacewicz, Frederick – Baraboo

Schell, Michael & Mary – Baraboo

Siebecker, Judy & Barbara – Dousman

Thurow, Dennis & Kathleen – Baraboo

Walters, Mark & Diane – Wauwatosa

Woodbury, Harry & Agnes – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bosshard, Chris, Maureen & Jennifer –Lake Delton

Franzen, Roy & Jane – Baraboo

Hipke, Jack & Marcia – Poynette

Johnsen, Bill & Deb – Baraboo

Popp, Alice E – Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Steiger, Harold & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

Wozniak, Mark & Bridget – North Freedom

SPONSOR

Jauch, Phil – Baraboo

Nelson, Nancy – Baraboo

Schnitzler, Roger & Melissa – Wisconsin Dells

Steensrud, Joyce – Houston, TX

Utzinger, Arnold & Judy – Baraboo

Weinhold, Frank & Mariane – Madison

PATRON

Bullard, Jerry & Patricia – Reedsburg

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Graupman, Mark & Barb – Reedsburg

W. H. CANFIELD ASSOCIATE

Dana, Richard & Jane – Bonita Springs, FL

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Baxter Dental Center – Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

Edwardian Christmas December 9 & 10 A Sauk County Christmas

EDWARDIAN Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion will kick off this year on Friday, December 9 with the Wine & Appetizer Premier, followed by the Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 10. Guests at both events will be able to experience “A Sauk County Christmas” with each of the 11 trees in the mansion decorated to highlight a historical or natural attraction in Sauk County. Devil’s Lake, Mirror Lake, the International Crane Foundation, Mid-Continent Railway Museum, Circus World Museum, the “400” Bike Trail, Tripp Heritage Museum, Reedsburg Pioneer Log Village, the Al. Ringling Theatre, Sauk County Fair and the one-room Harrisburg Schoolhouse will all provide inspiration for this year’s decorators.

The premier on December 9 at 7 pm will be an adults-only party featuring festive appetizers and holiday spirits such as wine, Christmas beer and traditional mulled wine. Guests will be able to experience the mansion at night with subdued lighting and holiday music including Dave SaLoutos at the piano. Tickets for the Edwardian Christmas Wine & Appetizer Premier are $22 for non-members and $20 for members. Tickets will be limited, so please contact the Society to reserve your spot at this unique holiday event.

The Society’s exuberant Edwardian Christmas Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 10 from 12-7 pm will include live music throughout (continued page 2)

Baraboo Holiday Tour of Homes – December 3

GRAND Victorian homes bedecked with garlands, wreaths and trees are often depicted in our favorite Christmas cards. For those who have wished they could climb into the scene, the Baraboo Holiday Tour of Homes is an exciting new event that will provide that opportunity. The tour will offer unique access to four of Baraboo’s finest historic homes decorated for the season and provide a memorable holiday experience. The 1902 Hatch Residence, the 1860 House of Seven Gables, the 1914 Jacobs

Residence and the 1903 Van Orden Mansion will all be open for touring on Saturday, December 3 from 2 to 7 pm. The Queen Anne style Hatch Residence at 405 Second Avenue will feature a foyer and stairwell filled with poplar trees leading to red and green decorated Christmas trees and an authentic German Christmas dining room. The House of Seven Gables at 215 Sixth Street will feature decorations appropriate to the (continued page 2)

Edwardian Christmas

the day, holiday treats in the dining room and jingle bell horse-drawn rides from 2 pm until dark. This family-friendly event has delighted thousands of visitors over the years and is sure to do so again, as people experience the sights, sounds and tastes of an old-fashioned Christmas in an Edwardian-era mansion. Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at the door and will be $7 for non-members and $5 for members, with children ages 12 and under admitted free.

For more information on holiday events at the Van Orden mansion or renting the mansion for your own holiday event please contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website: www.saukcountyhistory.org

Holiday Tour of Homes

1860s complementing the historic architecture and furniture in the nationally-renowned house. At the historic Jacobs Residence at 430 Third Street, greenery in the foyer will lead to a spectacular Christmas tree decorated with hand-blown and painted glass ornaments and an elegant dining room set for a festive holiday meal. The Van Orden mansion at 531 Fourth Avenue will feature 12 fresh Christmas trees decorated to the theme of “A Sauk County Christmas.” The tour is sponsored by Hill’s Wiring, Slumberland Furniture and Bekah Kate’s. Tickets for the tour are $10 in advance and $13 on the day of the tour and are available at the Corner Drug and Bekah Kate’s in Baraboo, Sauk County History Center and Baraboo Area Visitors Center and the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Society Receives Grant from Nelson Family Foundation

THE Society has been awarded a grant of $2,500 from the Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation to support its educational programming. The relatively new foundation partners with local nonprofits to enrich the quality of life through educational and medical advancements, the defense of human rights and the advocacy of animal rights. The educational programs of the Sauk County Historical Society fit one of the foundation’s four goals - “strengthening education in our communities.” The funds from the Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation will be used to help implement

www.saukcountyhistory.org

the SCHS Past to Present Education Program - our year-round series of presentations, school visits, events, workshops, and exhibits. In the Society’s last fiscal year over 3,000 students, adults and senior citizens attended presentations, events or exhibits put on by the Society across the county from Lake Delton to Spring Green and Prairie du Sac to Reedsburg. The Society thanks the foundation for its support of SCHS efforts to bring local history to more of Sauk County than ever before.

Children and adults met six historical “statues” who came to life during the Night at the Museum on October 29th. The guided tours of the Van Orden mansion went from basement to ballroom and led participants on a quest to discover who borrowed the Society’s first artifact from 1905. Each of the statues was sponsored by a unique corresponding business. Fur-trader Francois Barbeau (Mark Tully) was sponsored by Murphy’s Taxidermy, early pioneer Roseline Peck (Bobbie Sessler) by the Log Cabin Restaurant, sawmill-owner David Reed (Gilbert Bird, pictured above) by Glenville Timberwrights, snake charmer Lou Ringling (Stephanie Miller-Lamb) by Circus World, train engineer William Hatch (Peter Wolter) by MidContinent Railway Museum and WWII Badger Ordnance Worker “Patty the Powder Maker” (Mary Hackbarth) was sponsored by McFarlanes’. The Society thanks the sponsors, volunteers, guides and actors who made the event a success. (Photo courtesy of Bill Johnsen.)

President’s Report

I am writing this on a 60 degree November day with the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing through the window, but it is worth remembering that the holidays are just around the corner. If you are like me, the holidays evoke memories of celebrations gone by and people and places that are no longer with us. The holidays themselves are historic remembrances whether, as with Thanksgiving, going back to the earliest interactions between native peoples and the pilgrims, or the religious holidays that remember events that took place thousands of years ago. Holidays in my home always involve some historic items, such as an old Christmas ornament from my childhood or the Gas Company Holiday Cookbook that I think every home in Milwaukee must have had.

Annual Meeting Notes

THE Society’s annual banquet and business meeting was held on October 13th at the Rock Springs Community Center. Eighty five visitors and guests enjoyed a fall meal before the business meeting which was presided over by SCHS vicepresident Lise Meyer-Kobussen of Sauk City. After the minutes of the 2015 annual meeting were read by SCHS secretary Bill Schuette and a financial report given by SCHS treasurer Jim Weickgenant, the expired board seats of Jim Weickgenant, Bill Schuette, Ken Weitzel and Todd Liebman were filled by the nomination of, and re-election of, the same board members. A year-in-review presentation was then given by executive director Paul Wolter followed by the introduction of key-note speakers Tamara Thomsen and John Janzen. Both are highlytrained cave divers who shared their fascinating experiences, pictures and videos from diving in two of the flooded iron mines at La Rue.

At the SCHS board meeting on October 17th the following officers were elected by the board: Todd Liebman, president, Lise Meyer-Kobussen, vice-president, Jim Weickgenant, treasurer, and Bill Schuette, secretary.

– Todd Liebman

I hope that you will enjoy marking your holidays with some of the events at the Van Orden Mansion, or perhaps you will take time to do some historic research at the History Center. Your holidays might also include some celebrations at some of the other historic sites in our communities. This fall marked the formal dedication of the Man Mound as a National Historic Landmark. It is a tremendous testament to the work of the Historical Society in the early part of the last century that led to the protection and preservation of the Man Mound.

I hope that you will make your own joyous history this holiday season as you celebrate with family and friends.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 3 – Baraboo Holiday Tour of Homes

2 - 7 pm

Dec. 9 – Edwardian Christmas

Wine & Appetizer Premier

7 pm

Van Orden Mansion

531 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo

Dec. 10 – Edwardian Christmas Celebration

12 - 7 pm

Van Orden Mansion

531 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo

A presentation entitled “Rock Springs 101” was given by executive director Paul Wolter in October at the Rock Springs library. The presentation is part of a series that explores the origins of Sauk County communities. A similar talk on Spring Green’s origins was given earlier this year at the Spring Green library and re-given in September for those who missed it. This was followed by Spring Green 201 which looked at the early growth of the village.

WCCU Credit Union made a donation of $350 to the Sauk County Historical Society to support its educational programs. The donation comes from the Baraboo, Lake Delton and Reedsburg branches of WCCU Credit Union and will help implement the Society’s popular fourth grade educational program known as Sauk County Investigators or “SCI”. Pictured left to right are Merry Lynn Riek, WCCU Baraboo Branch Manager, Paul Wolter, SCHS Executive Director, Myrna Weickgenant, SCHS Board Member and volunteer educator, and Debbie Smith, WCCU Lake Delton Branch Manager. Not pictured is Mary Schultz, WCCU Reedsburg Branch Manager.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Recent Accessions

• WW I Uniform with campaign hat, helmet, gas mask, first aid kit, flag, and photographs - from Paul Wolter

• 1924 Program for the play “Stop Thief,” presented by Baraboo High School; advertisement for the M. E. Gale Agency Real Estate and Insurance - from Richard Wilkinson

• “Little Chef” early electric toy oven - from Rikki McNabb

• Wood box made from packing crate panels with Baraboo and Milwaukee addresses, c. 1856 - from Ron Wormet

• Drawing, ink on linen, house located at 320 Walnut St. Baraboo from - Nick Kelly

• O. Altpeter and Son White soda, bottle, 24 oz; and can labels from Herfort’s Circus Brand Corn and Peas, Baraboo - from Ralph Pierce

• Papers of: John Hehenberger, ‘49, Bev Hill, ’45, and Glenyce Jean Hill, “41 along with photographs and letter sweaters, Baraboo High School, from - Kandie Beckwith

• 15 volume set, Americanized Encyclopedia Britiannica, 1903 - from Pauline Wiseheart

• Photographs and postcards - from Kathy Waddell, Jerry Kleinert, Ralph Pierce, and Paul Wolter

BHS Class of ’61

Donates to Pillars of Progress

THE Baraboo High School Class of 1961 donated $685 to Phase 3 of the Pillars of Progress Campaign for the Sauk County History Center in September. The funds will be allocated for the renovation of the ground floor of the history center which is slated to become exhibit space. The Society thanks the class for their thoughtful gift.

Donations from August 20 –November 1, 2016

BUSINESS DONATIONS

Badgerland Financial

RECENT DONATIONS

Louis Solone

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Sharon McArthur

Carla Cady

Hackett Family Reunion

Berkley Ins. Co.

Nancy Lange

Joe & Lou Ann Ward

Richard & Shirley Riederer

Anonymous

PILLARS III DONATIONS

BHS Class of 1961

Anonymous

Man Mound Designated National Historic Landmark

THE Man Mound in the Town of Greenfield was recently declared a National Historic Landmark (NHL) by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service along with nine other properties across the country. The designation recognizes Man Mound and the other properties as places that possess exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. The Man Mound is only the 43rd National Historic Landmark designation for the State of Wisconsin and the fourth for Sauk County. The Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Headquarters, the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm and Van Hise

Rock are the other NHL sites in Sauk County. Man Mound is also the only effigy mound designated as a National Historic Landmark in the state. Nationally there are only about 2,500 NHL designations.

The process to get the Man Mound designated as a NHL, has taken many years. Thanks in large part to the efforts of the State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society, especially staff archeologist Dr. Amy Rosebrough, the project has finally seen fruition. The Society heartily thanks Dr. Rosebrough and all of those involved for helping to make the designation a reality.

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

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2016

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001 7

November/December 2016

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for September & October

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

INDIVIDUAL

Kinnamon, Susan – Portage

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Peters, Norma Jean – Reedsburg

O’Neill, James C – Baraboo

Steckelberg, Kathryn A – Arlington, VA

Vielhuber, Linda – La Crosse

Domeier, Pamela – Lenexa, KS

Burtch, Karen K – Hartford

Kaney, Jerald J – Milwaukee

Wiley, Sue – Torrance, CA

Dewall, Patrick – Appleton

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Dexheimer, Jim – Madison

Ebert, John – Watertown

Schmeer, Michael – Milwaukie, OR

Capener, Debby – Portage

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Ley, Bruce R – Baraboo

Setwyn, Eugene – Reedsburg

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Johnson, James – Baraboo

Geisler, Thomas – Cottage Grove, MN

Jessie, Jeanne – Norco, CA

Screnock, Joseph J – Baraboo

Hatfield, Charles – La Farge

Oppliger, Kay Davis – Oshtemo MI

Tully, Vi – Baraboo

Quale, Marilyn – Baraboo

Meadowcroft, Linda – Baraboo

Juliar, Marvin D – Evanston, IL

Vertein, Wava – North Freedom

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Frenz, Bob & Chris – Crystal Lake, IL

Kindschi, Alice – Prairie du Sac

Ochsner, Carl & Vicky – Chico, CA

Stephen, Ron & Lyn – Poynette

Smith, Kim – Baraboo

Filus, Gene & Karen – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Harland & Pat – La Valle

Young, John & Tonia – Baraboo

Sturgis, Peter & June – Baraboo

Koehler, Stuart & Julie Hearley – Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica – Baraboo

Beckwith, Kandie – Baraboo

Clam, Joe & Suzie – Rock Springs

Williams, Dale & Donna – Baraboo

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Rich, Mark & Dorothy – Portage

Bates, Steven R – Odenton, MD

Snyder, Jason & Kristy – Baraboo

Small, Don & Mary – Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue – Oshkosh

Casey, David & Barbara Brown – La Valle

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Schider, Russ & Terri – Baraboo

Blackburn, Ray & Debbie – Baraboo

Ramsey, Steve & Rich Manthe – Baraboo

FRIEND

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Meyer-Kobussen, Lise – Sauk City

Orlowski, Mary – Baraboo

Krainik, Andre & Aimee – Appleton

Christin, Barbara – Washington Grove, MD

Mitchell, Robert – Hales Corners

Hilmer, Ben & Joan – Roscoe, IL

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette – La Valle

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Delacour, James – Stateline, NV

Gogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Waddell, Mark & JoEllen – Baraboo

Peterson, Judith – Baraboo

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

Knutson, Joyce – Rock Springs

Davis, James & Marsha – Reedsburg

SPONSOR

Faylona, Rene, Marta, Julie, Benita – Baraboo

Simonds, Beverly – Baraboo

Burton, John & Ann – Baraboo

Schultz, Ronald – Fletcher, NC

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Thompson, Dianne – Wisconsin Dells

Scoles, Alan H – Wichita, KS

Pieper, August & Beverley – Madison

SaLoutos, David – Baraboo

PATRON

Baldwin, David & Sherry – Baraboo

Fleming, Robert & Rosa – Baraboo

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Weickgenant, Jim & Myrna – Baraboo

McArthur, Sharon – Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Senger Lumber – Baraboo

Canfield’s Map Unlocked

IN 1859, when Sauk County was not yet 20 years old, Sauk County’s first surveyor and historian, William H. Canfield published the first large scale map of Sauk County. The map was printed at 32 x 44 inches and includes the names and locations of rural property owners and industries, points of interest and the topography of the county. The edges of the map show depictions of various communities, buildings and Native American effigy mounds. Until now the names and points of interest on the map have only been found by looking at the map in person or at digitized scans. Given the map’s size, each name is generally only about one quarter of an inch long when looking at the original map. Although the map has been digitized for many years, the names have never been indexed until recently. Thanks to the efforts of SCHS member Ralph Krainik, all of the names and points of interest on the map have been indexed; and Canfield’s 1859 map has now been “unlocked.” While the original estimate of names on the map was perhaps several hundred, it turns out that the map contains the names of over 1700 land owners and 285 points of interest. The new index will be useful to researchers, family genealogists and anyone interested in getting a glimpse of what Sauk County was like shortly before the Civil War. With the help of the index, we now know that the map shows a total of 89 schoolhouses across the county highlighting the commitment to education by the early settlers. The industrial make-up of the county can also be seen with the index. Nearly 30 sawmills are listed showing the great demand for lumber. One lime quarry and seven limekilns are also noted showing the importance of lime which was used for making mortar, plaster and whitewash. Scenic points of interest are also listed with some names that have survived to this day and

some that have changed. Canfield’s map is a tour de force of information, which is now more readily accessible. The index, which is organized by county and town, is available at the SCHS website (www. saukcountyhistory.org) along with links to copies of the map.

This portion of the Town of Bear Creek on Canfield’s 1859 map shows the location of a “Bogus Camp” in Section 33 where early counterfeiters struck their own coins. The camp was later described in the 1880 History of Sauk County as a place where “a gang of outlaws carried on their nefarious work uninterrupted.” The map also shows the names of over 1,700 landowners and 285 points of interest that have been indexed for the first time.

President Lincoln Shot

stands. Dr. Mills remembers that he and Professor Hutchins were standing in the store talking of the president when the news was first told. Many of our citizens hardly took in the situation until the danger was past. Among those who did, consternation gave way to horror. Men meeting on the street clasped hands and gazed at each other in the agony of mute despair, while their tears fell like rain. Old Glory wrapped in crepe hung mournfully at half mast from the liberty pole at the north east corner of the court house park, while church bells tolled dismally. In the midst of our triumph the God of battles had given us over to our foes. Before the north could organize, those southern hordes, fired with hatred and revenge, would be upon us.

THIS is how news of the Assassination reached Baraboo in April of 1865, as told by Miss Eliza Chapman in a 1909 report from the Baraboo News.

“A man from Kilbourn [now Rock Springs] first brought word of the assassination on the afternoon of the 15th and doubtless first told it in Dr. Mills’ drug store, which stood where now the Corner drug store

Recent Accessions:

•• 1927 calendar advertising Rich and Setzer, Auto and Electric Repairing Welding – from Robert Frenz

• Civil war belt with cap pouch, musket cartridge box, three pistol cartridge boxes, frog, bayonet, scabbard, “US” buckle – from Jim Haskins

• Hand-colored portrait of Otto Baumgarten, Jr., in WW II uniform – from Joan Litscher

Print: Frank Lloyd Wright Rendering of the Seth Peterson Cottage at Mirror Lake State Park – from Judy and Arnold Utzinger

• Business card; the Alps Resort, Mr. and Mrs. Obert J. Hatz, 1916-1943 and registration card; The Alps

www.saukcountyhistory.org

“Then came the glad tidings that the plot had partly miscarried. Vice-president Johnson was safe and had taken the oath of office. Secretary Seward was the only member of the cabinet that had suffered and he would live. Again our good old ship of state was safe. But Lincoln, the venerated of every loyal citizen, who ever had malice for none and charity for all, was gone forever from us. Memorial services were held in the court house in his honor, Rev. Warren Cochran being the speaker of the occasion.”

Farm located near Devil’s Lake State Park – from Patrick DeWall

• Papers, including a history, maps, newsletters, and Sales Books from the Sauk County Junior Heifer Project 1963-1971 – from Philip Hasheider

• Booklets: Frank A. Pettis; Reedsburgs Civil War Drummer Boy, and The History of David Caldwell Reed, the Founder of Reedsburg, Wisconsin written by Bill Schuette

• Book: DuBay, Son-In-Law of Oshkosh, by Merton E. Krug, 1946; signed by author along with membership certificates, photographs, and other papers – from Karyn Driessen

Executive Director’s Report -

By Paul Wolter

FOR some people, history may seem to be a world of dry, dusty old books and artifacts that has very little in common with today’s fast-paced digitized world. The truth, however, is that today technology and history go hand in hand. Everyday new historical resources are being added to the online universe, making history more accessible and exciting than ever before. The Sauk County Historical Society has been using technology for decades to help make our collections more accessible as we continue to add resources like the index to the Canfield’s 1859 map of Sauk County to our website. Computer technology is also used to help us catalog our collections, manage our memberships and connect with those around the country who are interested in the unique history of Sauk County. The use of computers however requires periodic updates of both hardware and software. Thanks to volunteers and supporters, our needs have been met over the years as we strive to keep pace with the latest technology. Recently this has included the installation of a new server at the Sauk County History Center. As we continue our mission, technology will continue to be a useful tool to help us collect, preserve and share Sauk County history for future generations. History can also be dynamic in other ways. This past holiday season visitors to the Van Orden Mansion were able to experience living history by taking part in this year’s theme of “A Sauk County Christmas.” Each of the eleven trees in the mansion represented a historical or natural attraction from across the county - from cranes and trains to the circus and lakes. Each tree was beautifully decorated and captured the essence of many of the places that make Sauk County special. I would like to thank the many volunteers who helped make this year’s holiday festivities successful including tree decorators, cookie bakers, musicians, cleaners and volunteer staff.

Upcoming Events

January 31, Rock Springs

7 pm, Rock Springs Library

February 1

“201”

Remembering the Tuscania

5:30 pm, Baraboo Public Library

March 16 , Archibald Barker –Irish Superman

7 pm, Sauk County History Center

Rock Springs “201”

The history of the village of Rock Springs will be explored on Tuesday, January 31 at 7 pm at the Rock Springs Library. The presentation by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter will build on the Rock Springs “101” lecture which was given last October. A brief recap of the “101” lecture on the origins of the community will be given along with a look at some of the earliest pictures of Rock Springs including interior views such as the Otto Meyer saloon shown here.

Otto Meyer Saloon

Letter Reveals Account of Civil War

A glimpse of life on the front lines of the Civil War recently came to light in the form of a letter from a Sauk County resident. Christian Rudolf Caflisch was born in Switzerland in 1842 and was part of a Swiss chain migration to the Town of Honey Creek in Sauk County. On the last day of the year in 1863, he enlisted as a private with Company K, 26th Infantry at Sauk City. Caflisch saw combat action in Georgia, including the siege of Atlanta. Several letters that he wrote survived and are now owned by SCHS member Barb Stone who is a great granddaughter. Another descendant and SCHS member Craig Caflisch had the letters translated from German, giving us a first-hand Civil War account written by a Sauk County soldier. Special thanks to Barb and Craig for sharing!

Southern America, Georgia June 15, 1864

Dear sister and brother-and-law, with God’s blessing I am taking up my pen to let you know how I am faring. I am healthy, thank God, and well. Luckily, I have survived the many battles unscathed so far, but it is certainly a hard thing to march and fight for 6 weeks. You have to wear your uniform day and night, you can’t even take the boots off your feet, this is the worst thing since it has been raining for 14 days, from June 2 to June 14. It’s a bit nicer today, and yesterday was the first nice day, you must imagine that it is no blessing to be in such weather, where you don’t even have shelter. We do have tents made of linen, but in such heavy rain they are not sufficient, and on top of all of this we always have to lie on the ground, you grab some green branches and lie on them, but in storms like this you are always wet. The food is also not the best, some days we suffer hunger, we get nothing but crackers, coffee, and sugar, and sometimes beef, but just the broth, you can’t do anything with it but break your crackers into it, that is all we have to enjoy here, and we also get salted bacon, but not enough. When you get your things, they say it’s for 3 days, but they have to last for 4 days, and it’s easy to eat it all up in 2 days. Then you’re still hungry, it’s such a joy to be a soldier. As far as the war is concerned, we are advancing fairly well on our side in the Cumberland Army. The rebels are constantly retreating. We only

have 25 or 30 miles left until we reach the capitol of Georgia. The city is called Atlanda [sic], when we finally get this city in our hands, then I believe they won’t be able to do much more, if it weren’t for the rain I think Atlanda would already be in our hands, but in such weather both sides have to remain still. We’ve been besieging the city, when our canons can play again then it’ll startup again. It will certainly cost many lives, because the rebels always stand their ground, they won’t give up. Give my regards to Anna, she should write to me soon, even if it’s just a little bit, it still brings me joy. You can also let Anna know that Walter is wounded and Phillip Luzi is dead. Let Fuller know about my circumstances and how I am faring, he should also write me some lines. I hope that this letter reaches all of you in good health, because health is more important than everything else. We still have no payment, I don’t think we’ll get any payment until this battle is over. I will now close with many greetings to you and to all acquaintances and relatives in the hopes of receiving a speedy response. I remain your loyal brother and brother-in-law, Rudolf Caflisch.

Address:

Mr. R. Caf...

Company K. 26th Regiment Wis. V. 3rd Brigade 3rd Division 20th Corps Nashville, Tenness

Caflisch survived the Civil War, married and had 14 children. He died in 1918 and is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Baraboo.

Over 1,000 people attended Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion this past season to experience “A Sauk County Christmas.” Decorators from across Sauk County designed trees to represent natural and historical attractions in Sauk County including the one-room Harrisburg School in the town of Troy.

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

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Jim Weickgenant – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2017

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001 7

January/February 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for November & December

THANK YOU TO THESE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED, RENEWED OR INCREASED SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER INDIVIDUAL

Abel, Margie Isenberg –Wakefield, KS

Alexander, Carl – Baraboo

Apse, Guntis – Baraboo

Beard, Jeanette – Milton

Bingler, Susan – Jeffersonton, VA

Birdd, Ron – Reedsburg

Blaker, Richard – Southport, CT

Bobholz, Jill Sneed – Baraboo

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Burch, Lois – Rock Springs

Considine, Dave – Baraboo

DeWall, Janet – Appleton

Dippel, Albert – Baraboo

Gasser, Brent & Cate – Baraboo

Getschman, James – Baraboo

Haller, Angie – Baraboo

Harvey, Heidi – Baraboo

Herrick, James – Madison

Hettrick, Gail – Madison

Hutchins, Bill – Wisconsin Dells

Kennedy, Patricia – Elroy

Kieffer, Bob, Jr. – Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn – Wis Dells

Kinnamon, Susan – Portage

Kolb, Kathleen – LaValle

Krohn, Luanne – Reedsburg

Kuntz, Lucille L. – Baraboo

McCauley, Natalie – Hillpoint

Murray, Joanne – Baraboo

Phillips, Gail – Portage

Powell, Marlene – Baraboo

Prothero, Betty – Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice – DeForest

Schultz, Susan – Lake Delton

Stanek, Barb – North Freedom

Stanley, Frederick – Northfield, MN

Tacchini, Courtney – Wis Dells

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn - LaHonda, CA

Weber, Cindy – Baraboo

Wilcox, Bev – Libertyville, IL

FAMILY

Brew, William & Jean – Wis Dells

Brining, Howard & Carla – Baraboo

Burger, Fred & Patty – Baraboo

Cowan, Derek & Katie – Baraboo

Dillman, Nancy & Moe, Helfried – Baraboo

Frenz, Bob & Chris – Crystal Lake, IL

Goc, Michael & Weade, Barbara – Friendship

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Greenwood, Jim & Bernadette – Baraboo

Hackbarth, James & Karen – Baraboo

Higgins, Jim & Nancy – Baraboo

Kolb, Tom & Linda – Baraboo

LaBreche, Rauel & Ann – Prairie du Sac

Liston, Pat & Sara – Baraboo

Mielke, Richard & Melanie – North Freedom

Pillsbury, Diane M. – Baraboo

Rogers, Don & Jean – Baraboo

Schertz, William & Amy – Baraboo

Schmiedlin, Robert & Gail – Baraboo

Schultz, Jerald & Zita – Baraboo

Stewart, Bruce & Jennifer – Baraboo

Stewart, Mary Anne – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bahe, Garry & Gale – Merrimac

Dallmann, David & Carolyn – Baraboo

Johansen, Wayne & Martha – Baraboo

Kriegl, Sylvia – Baraboo

Nelson, Todd – Wisconsin Dells

Olson, Bart & Char – Merrimac, WI

Rago, John & Nancy – Baraboo

St. John, Michael & Finney, Patricia – Baraboo

Triff, Maxine – Madison

SPONSOR

Fleishauer, Carol – Baraboo

Isenberg, Ann – Bow, NH

Klingenmeyer, Mary – Baraboo

Litscher, Joan – Baraboo

Lombard, Jim & Andrea – Baraboo

Sauey, Craig & Bonnie – Baraboo

Schulz, Glen & Mary – Sun City, AZ

Slezak, Tom & Noralee – Hyattsville, MD

Sophie, Chuck & Norma – W. Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – Waunakee

Waterman, Judy – Sanibel, FL

PATRON

Vogel, Jack & Debra – Baraboo

Doepke to Receive Canfield Award on Canfield Day- April 6

HISTORIAN and long-time SCHS volunteer Bob Doepke has been selected to receive the 2017 William H. Canfield History Award for his exemplary work in making Sauk County historical resources more accessible and for his assistance to countless researchers from across the country. Doepke began volunteering for SCHS in 1998 after he retired from the Brady Corporation in Milwaukee where he was an artist. Doepke’s work at SCHS has included organizing and cataloging the Society’s massive newspaper collection, indexing over 80 probate volumes and organizing the research resources at

the history center after the move from the Van Orden mansion. Doepke’s interest in his own family genealogy began in 1972; and he has already written and donated five family histories, all with ties to Sauk County. He continues his research and writing to this day; but every week he makes time to help other people who contact the Society for help. Researchers have benefitted from Doepke’s expertise in Sauk County resources, including his development of a “Finding Aid” listing the resources available at the history center. The William H. Canfield History Award is presented 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, Donna Lange, Bill Schuette, Paul Wolter, Ross Curry, Verlyn Mueller, Jody Kapp, Jack Berndt and Phil Hasheider. Doepke will receive the 2017 Canfield Award on William H. Canfield Day which will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center. The night also marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entrance into World War One. A presentation will be given on Canfield’s life which began shortly after the War of 1812 and ended just short of WWI. Cake and refreshments will round out the evening which celebrates the birth of Sauk County’s first historian and celebrates present day people who have his same passion for local history.

Archibald Barker, the Irish Superman March 16, 7 pm

IRISH immigrant Archibald Barker was just 24 when he became the first to raft a load of lumber down the Baraboo River in 1841. The trip was a memorable one. Later in life, Barker recalled seeing what looked like a dam of stones across the river at the lower Baraboo Rapids. The stones turned out to be sturgeons which were powerful enough to knock Barker down when he jumped in to collect three that he had killed with a handspike. This incident was just one of many colorful experiences that the Irishman would have. His time in the Baraboo

Valley was interrupted for nine years when he made his way around the globe chasing gold and seeing his parents in Ireland one last time. In 1854 Barker returned to the Baraboo area and lived to see it transformed from the wilderness he once knew into a bustling city where he retired in one of the grandest houses on the edge of town. The life and times of Archibald Barker – the Irish Superman will be recounted on St. Patrick’s Eve –Thursday, March 16 at 7 pm at the Sauk County History Center.

Irish immigrant Archibald Barker was one of the first settlers in the Baraboo valley and lived to see the area transformed from wilderness to the city of Baraboo. After his many adventures he retired and purchased one of the grandest houses on the edge of town.

Executive Director’s Report

I was reminded recently of the longevity of the Sauk County Historical Society when the Society’s institutional papers were brought up from the basement of the Van Orden mansion for organization before being moved to the history center. Several dozen boxes containing membership, attendance, correspondence and financial records dating back to the Society’s founding in 1905 are being sorted with the help of volunteers. In total the papers tell the story of one the oldest local historical societies in the state of Wisconsin. SCHS was founded as the fourth affiliate of the State Historical Society –there are now over 400. Our venerable past began with a group of citizens concerned about the destruction of Native American effigy mounds and the passing of pioneers and their stories.

Throughout the 112 year history of the Sauk County Historical Society our success has always depended on volunteers. The present is no exception.

- By Paul Wolter

From volunteers that help at yearly events to those that come in weekly to work on projects, the Society is what it is today thanks to the countless hours donated to the cause by our volunteers. This year’s Canfield Award winner Bob Doepke is one of our longest serving volunteers. For nearly 20 years Bob has helped researchers on their quests to find out more about their family history by looking up records and providing assistance with SCHS resources. Bob has also made many SCHS resources more accessible. From cataloging and wrapping scores of newspaper volumes to indexing tens of thousands of pages of probate records, Bob has been an invaluable part of the SCHS mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County History. I hope you will join me in celebrating Bob and his contributions on Canfield Day this year. I think Mr. Canfield would be proud of Bob’s efforts and consider him a fellow local historian worthy of recognition.

Volunteers and staff have been working recently to sort and file hundreds of newspaper clippings into the Society’s family files at two recent filing parties. Shown left to right are Bob Doepke, SCHS Office and Research Manager Linda Levenhagen, Nijole Etzwiler and Joan Kaul. Not pictured are Mary Orlowski, Phil Jauch and Karen Zimmerman. Orlowski comes in weekly to work on filing and helped organize the filing parties.

More Sauk County Resources Now Online

AS the worldwide digital revolution continues more historical resources are added to the internet all the time – and Sauk County is no exception. Recently Sauk County Register of Deeds Brent Bailey announced that his office had completed a project to digitize all Sauk County land records. A monumental task given that there are over 70 index volumes and over 425 land records volumes containing more than 250,000 pages. The grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) index volumes for land records from 1840 to 1986 are now available to view for free at the web address below. Land records after 1986 have a separate online index. If you have ever spent time using the grantor/grantee volumes at the Register of Deeds office you know how cumbersome the 30 pound volumes can be. The new online index will allow researchers to create a list of items to see when they visit, view online or to request copies. To view records online, an account and fee system are explained at the website. Besides making the land records more accessible, this project also helps safeguard and preserve these one-of-a-kind records which, up to this point, have had no duplication. The early land records narrowly escaped being destroyed in the court house fire of 1904. Another digitization project has also been completed recently. Copies of the Baraboo Republic newspaper from 1859 – 1886 are now available online. Thanks to a joint effort between the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC), Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) and Wisconsin Library Services (WiLS) more historical Wisconsin newspapers are being added to the Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers. This online resource is available to Wisconsin residents through Badgerlink at the web address below. The Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers also allows access to 250 Wisconsin newspapers from 2005 to the present, including the Baraboo News Republic. The newspapers can be searched for names and keywords. The historic Baraboo Republic included local news items for neighboring communities that did not have their own paper including Ableman (Rock Springs), Delton, North Freedom and rural areas so this new

www.saukcountyhistory.org

resource opens up a treasure trove of information for researchers. Badgerlink also provides access to another archive called Access Newspaper Archive which has hundreds of historical newspapers available including the earliest Baraboo newspapers covering the period from 1850-1860.

Sauk County Land Records Indexes

www.co.sauk.wi.us/registerofdeeds/ grantorgrantee-index-mid-1800s-late-1986

Badgerlink Online Resources including the Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers and Access Newspaper Archive badgerlink.dpi.wi.gov/resources

Donations

January 7, 2017 – February 24, 2017

MAN MOUND FUND DONATIONS

Hiroshi & Arlene Kanno

Gretchen La Budde

RECENT DONATIONS

EDWARDS MEMORIAL FUND

James & Janis Bohl

Linda Levenhagen

Clifford & Susan Anderson

Colleen Terbilcox

Al Schroeder & Jean Wendt

Sandra Edwards

Charles & Jeanne Marking

John Curschmann

Judith Ellington

A Shivaree Tradition

By Bill Schuette

I’M sure at least some of our readers recall attending a shivaree during the 1930s and ‘40s.

A shivaree or charivari is a French folk custom dating back to the Middle Ages meaning “A noisy mock serenade for newlyweds” and is taken from a Latin word for “headache.” In some mid-western regions it is also called a belling or horning. Traditionally on the wedding night, the newlyweds would be awakened by friends and relatives banging on pots and pans and other metal objects, all of which was designed to created a raucous noise. In some areas, the participants were also dressed in disguise. The custom originated with primitive peoples who would make a loud racket to keep evil spirits away from newlyweds. This custom was popular in the U.S. until WWII, when its practice went out of fashion. Today there seems to be a resurgence of the custom and the practice has changed to include anniversaries as well as weddings.

After a wedding, relatives would gather in the home of the newlyweds to keep them busy while friends and neighbors, secretly and quietly, gathered nearby armed with noise-makers of a diverse variety. At a given signal, the crowd would approach the house and begin hammering on the metal objects; each trying to outdo the other. A cacophony of deafening sound arose across the neighborhood, which, I’m sure, aroused sleepers for miles around.

The late Bob Dewel, former Baraboo dentist, recalled the following a few years ago: “Washboards rubbed with most anything were a good source of sound, as was a tub turned upside down and beaten with sticks.” Other noisemakers utilized were cowbells, large saw blades or any piece of farm machinery that made a loud sound when struck with a hammer.

The din would continue unabated, until the bewildered couple appeared at the door which would only encourage the crowd to redouble their efforts to “wake the dead” with their pounding. Finally, the couple would invite the revelers inside for a repast of sandwiches, cake, and liquid libations. Often times, a game of cards would round out the evening.

Upcoming Events

Archibald Barker –the Irish Superman

Thursday, March 16 , 7 pm

Sauk County History Center

Canfield Day Award Celebration

Thursday, April 6, 7 pm

Sauk County History Center

For more information or to sign up, go here: http://baraboo. uwc.edu/sites/baraboo.uwc.edu/files/imce-uploads/ about/_files/brbfieldschoolflyer2017finalweb.pdf

Recent Accessions:

• 3 Greeting Cards from Dr. Huth; Photograph of Dr. Kelly; Book: The History of Norris, New Buffalos, Mirror Lake, Delton, Delton, and Finally, Lake Delton written by Jan Landrum; Recording: Farm/Art Dtour Soundtrack; Wormfarm Institute – from William Schuette

• Book, Stewards of the Wisconsin II; Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, written by Michael Goc – from The Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

• 2 Stereo Views titled “Vicinity of Mirror Lake, Delton, WI; Congress Hall, Winter” – transferred from the Winona County Historical Society

• Scrip: Ringling Bros. Show; celebrating the 50th anniversary in 1933 – from Harold Heiser

• Report: “Positioning Sauk County For the Future” - from Paul and Ann Wolter

• Game: Baraboo-Opoly, First Edition – from Nancy Schuette

• Handwritten Manuscript: “A Legend of Devil’s Lake Near Baraboo, Wisconsin,” by Mrs. Mary E. Dartt – from Joe and Lou Ann Ward

• Paper Grain Bag from the Loganville Roller Mills J. Baumgartner And Company; Calendar plate, Fisher Bros Heating, Plumbing, Sheet Metal Work, Gas, Oil, Tractors; Reedsburg – from Jeremy Backenberg

• Books: History of 303rd Engineer (C) Battalion, and We Were Children Then essays by Wisconsin writers; photograph of a military unit with

George Gieck – from Richard and Pat Ruppin

• Insurance policies for Mirror Lake Inn, 1927-1932 – from Karen Kimbal

Platter and Green Bay Packers Championship towel – from Sharon McArthur

• Badger Cleaners Clothes Bag – from Tom Caflisch

• Confederate States of America $100 Scrip – from Jim Haskins

• Baraboo-Devil’s Lake Region Visitor’s Guide, pamphlet advertising Hattle’s Cafe, Baraboo; Al. Ringling Theatre Advertisement presenting The Patsy with Marie Dressler and Lawrence Gray; Envelope from Surry Ridge Builders, Baraboo –from George Wandrey, Jr.

• Manuscript: “Memories of Old Lime Ridge,” donor unknown

• Scrapbook: Kuoni-Reuter American Legion Post 167,World War I – from Joan Litscher

• Color Slides of the Steam and Gas Show, MidContinent Railroad Museum, and the Circus Parade in Baraboo – from Dianne Thompson

• Pamphlet: “Centennial First Methodist Church, Baraboo”; photographs of Jessie and Frank Bently and Mr. and Mrs. Franklyn Johnson – from The First United Methodist Church, Baraboo

• File: Westfield Cemetery Civil War Veterans Burials, researched by Virgil O. Matz – from Thomas Broughton

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

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2017

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001 7

Would Like to Be Treated.

March/April 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for January and February

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

INDIVIDUAL

Braunschweig, Craig – Reedsburg

Brice, Jim – Baraboo

Caflisch, Janice – Baraboo

Cook, Betty J – Clarksville, TN

Cunningham, Sandy – Reedsburg

Furmidge, Julie – Pasadena, CA

Gall, Steve – Baraboo

Honer, Jim – Madison

Hunt, Russ – Baraboo

Jaeger, Marcus – Bartlett, IL

Kjernes, Sandy – Edgerton

Larsen, Barbara – Sister Bay

Lemm, Charlie – Prairie du Sac

Marini, Fred – Melrose

McCarthy, Tom – Sioux Falls, SD

Nesthus, Patricia – Baraboo

Nielsen, Eva – Baraboo

Nurre, Rob – Baraboo

Pansegro, William A – Reedsburg

Phillips, Stephanie – Madison

Savard, Robert – Chanhassen, MN

Schmidtke, Fred – Baraboo

Schneller, Linda – Prairie du Sac

Shrake, Pete – Baraboo

Templin, Faye – Baraboo

Thompson, Miriam – Baraboo

Weston, Marshall – Aurora, CO

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Burmester, Dean & Marian – LaValle

Dummer, Bill & Laurie – Baraboo

Feltz, Lloyd & Joann – Sugar Grove, IL

Fisher, John F & Lorna Lee – Cross Plains

Getschman, Lyle & Marge – Baraboo

Grosz, Bill & Susan – Baraboo

Gurgel, Ron & Brenda – Baraboo

Hart, John & Jane – Sauk City

Hart, Matt & Joan – Baraboo

LaMasney, Roger & Pat – Baraboo

Long, Bernard & Diana – Waunakee

Madland, Tom & Nancy – Baraboo

Morrill, Joshua & Stefanie – Spring Green

Singer, Ed & Chris – Baraboo

Wegner, Brandon & Kimberly – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bauer, Debra & Premo, Peter – Baraboo

Bittner, Bernadette M – Reedsburg

Diehl, Karen J – Sauk City

Geoghegan, John D – Baraboo

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette – LaValle

Loomis, Dale – Baraboo

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice – Montello

Porth, Guy – Reedsburg

Sacia, Karen – Baraboo

Schaad, Margaret – Toms River, NJ

Stolte, Dan & Shari – Loganville

Taapken, John & Donna – North Freedom

Vodak, Barbara – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Archibald, George & Kyoko – Baraboo

Driessen, Karyn Krug – San Diego, CA

Evenson, James & Karen – Baraboo

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley – Baraboo

Marking, Charles & Jeanne – Baraboo

Poster, Jay – Madison

Strasser, Clara – Dover, PA

Taylor, David & Charlotte – Baraboo

Whyte, Robin – Baraboo

PATRON

Balch, Jeff & Julie – Prairie du Sac

Bennin, John – Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona - Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Cell Plus II, Inc. – Baraboo

Minuteman Press - Baraboo

Summer Picnic – June 8 Grist, Grotto and Guests

THE Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m. in the covered pavilion at Ralph Hines Park in Lake Delton. A delicious summer picnic meal will be provided by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg. This will be followed by a visit to nearby Timme’s Mill County Park at the Mirror Lake Dam. This historic site once was home to one of the largest and longest lasting grist mills in the county which started in 1860. It was known as Timme’s Mill when it was destroyed by fire in 1957. The mill dam created Mirror Lake which became a tourist destination in the late 1800s. Near the mill was the Grotto Bar which was literally a “hole in the wall” saloon carved into the rocky hillside. The mill site and cave where the saloon was located will both be toured along with a third historic area, the former site of the Morris

Hotel. Opened in 1920, the Morris was built by Lou Ringling, widow of Al. Ringling. The hotel was the largest in the area when it was built and was thoroughly modern. Though it was destroyed by fire in 1932 and never rebuilt, it likely inspired the creation of more resorts in the area.

Ralph Hines Park is located next to the Lake Delton Elementary School on West Delavan Street. (If coming from Baraboo on Hwy 12, turn left onto South Judson Street at Moosejaw Pizza and then turn right on East Delavan and go two blocks.) Reservations for the picnic can be made by using the form inside this newsletter. The reservation deadline is June 1st. The public is invited to attend the picnic and learn about the grist mill, the grotto bar and Lou Ringling’s guests!

The cave where the Grotto Bar was located will be one of the stops on a tour of historic sites at the Mirror Lake dam area as part of the Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic on June 8.

Sunday in the Cemetery –Living History Tour, June 25

MANY fascinating stories will once again come to life at the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour, hosted by the Society on June 25th at 2 pm at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. Tour participants will be guided through the cemetery to hear the stories of ten people of the past from costumed re-enactors. From an Irish immigrant who survived a shipwreck to a young lady whose family plot is

marked by a sculpture created by a famous Italian artist, personal stories of triumph and tragedy will come to life at Walnut Hill. Tour tickets will be sold the day of the tour at the cemetery and will be $10 per person ($2 discount for SCHS members). Don’t miss this historical event and fundraiser for the Society which only comes along every few years.

The life and times of early Irish immigrant Archibald Barker was presented on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day to a full house at the History Center. After originally using the Baraboo area as his home base, Barker circumnavigated the globe chasing gold before getting married, fathering eight children and settling down northwest of Baraboo on Terrytown Road. Barker will be one of the characters brought to life during this year’s Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour at Walnut Hill Cemetery on June 25th.

Executive Director’s Report - By

IT was a pleasure to honor Bob Doepke with this year’s Canfield Award for his dedicated work as a local historian and volunteer for nearly 20 years at SCHS. Bob has been a steady force in indexing records, creating research tools and making resources more accessible all while handling weekly research requests. Bob is not alone in his weekly volunteer work at SCHS. Several volunteers come on a weekly basis to do a variety of tasks working to make the SCHS better and better. Other volunteers help less frequently but with no less enthusiasm or dedication.

More than 25 volunteers will soon help the Society tell the stories of ten people at the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour on June 25th. From actors to guides to ticket sellers, this event and its volunteers will once again bring Walnut Hill Cemetery to life as we hear about the lives of

Bob Doepke was the 2017 William H. Canfield History Award recipient for his outstanding work in local history as an author, researcher and volunteer. Doepke has worked as a volunteer at SCHS for 19 years and has been instrumental in making local history resources more accessible and searchable along with helping countless researchers from across the country with their research requests. Doepke, right, received the award from SCHS Executive Director, Paul Wolter, on April 7 during Canfield Day festivities.

Paul Wolter

famous and ordinary people.

Every week volunteers help the SCHS do everything from fulfilling research requests to cataloging archival materials. Each month the volunteer board of directors meets to guide the Society, plan outreach and look over financial affairs. Each year volunteers help with events, teach local history in schools and much, much more.

From preservation to education, volunteers help the Society fulfill its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. They are as important to our operation as any building, event or program. Whether daily, monthly or yearly, if you volunteer at the Society I hope you feel good about your part in preserving our heritage for future generations and also sharing it with the public today.

Upcoming Events

Facts and Fiction

Prof. George Christiansen

May 16, 7 pm

Sauk County History Center

Annual Summer Picnic & Tour of Timme’s Mill Site

June 8, 6 pm

Ralph Hines Park, Lake Delton

Sunday in the Cemetery

Living History Tour

June 25, 2 pm

Walnut Hill Cemetery

Man Mound National Historic Landmark Gathering

July 29, 11am - 4pm

Man Mound Park

Reedsburg’s Civil War Drummer Boy

YOU’RE an eleven-year-old boy attending school in Reedsburg in 1862. The War of the Rebellion is on the horizon. Fathers, brothers, teachers, sons, are all enthusiastic about enlisting in the Union Army to put down the Rebels. This little war couldn’t last more than a few months, they thought.

Recruitment drives were being held across Sauk County, and young men, and old, were rushing to enlist. One such enlistee who heeded the call was eleven-year-old Frank Pettis of Reedsburg. Along with his teacher, A.P. Ellenwood, and his father, Amos—who enlisted as a fifer—young Frankie went off to war in 1862.

What was it like to be a drummer during the Civil War? What were the battles like for one as young as Frank? Many of these questions are addressed in the new publication, “Frank A. Pettis, Reedsburg’s Civil War Drummer Boy,” researched and published by Bill Schuette.

Learning the drum calls which directed the soldiers during marches, battles and camping, was only one of many things drummer boys were expected to do. They were also expected to tend to the wounded, assist surgeons during

Donations

February 25 –

April 24, 2017

MAN MOUND FUND DONATION

Hiroshi & Arlene Kanno

RECENT DONATIONS

Joseph & Lou Ann Ward

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

Thomas Slezak

Arleen Hambach

operations and deliver messages between their superiors. It wasn’t an easy life, and many lost their lives, even though they were usually kept well behind the lines of battle.

The 40-page booklet is available at the Sauk County Historical Society History Center for $5. It includes stories about some of the battles the 19th fought and 1860s period photos in which they appear.

Facts and Fictions: Effigy Mound Builders and their Cemeteries in Wisconsin

A talk by George Christiansen III, May 16, 2017, at 7 pm at the History Center

EFFIGY mounds (earthen mounds in the recognizable shape of animals) were constructed throughout what is today the southern half of Wisconsin during a relatively short window of time between approximately AD 700 and AD 1000. Because these enigmatic earthworks are so visible, they have been the focus of speculation as well as amateur and professional archaeological investigation for over 150 years. Unfortunately, early misconceptions of what the mounds are, what is inside the mounds and who made them have continued to carry forward into the present, making it difficult for most people to sort out the facts from the fiction.

This talk will address those misconceptions head-on with archaeological evidence and anthropological research in hopes of laying to rest old ideas that are no longer supportable.

George W. Christiansen III is senior lecturer of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Wisconsin – Baraboo/Sauk County and Director of the Center for Wisconsin Archaeology. His research has focused on the pre-European/American peoples of the Upper Great Lakes with a particular emphasis on ceramics and the cultural ramifications of the transition to agriculture.

One of a group of mounds between Baraboo and Devils Lake as it looked in 1919.

Recent Accessions:

• Baraboo, Dells, and Devil’s Lake Region, Cole, H. E. 5th Edition, 1946 - from Steve Hilmer

• Book: Baraboo, Dells, and Devil’s Lake Region, Cole, H. E, 1921 –from Nina Look

• Walnut and upholstery side chairs –from Vi Tully

• Certificate: Ikey Badgers Junior Chapter of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1948 –from Craig Schlender

Gem City Dairy one quart milk bottle –from Jeff Kingston

• Belle Holt Schultz Memorabilia: Sports schedules, programs, Cheerleading Cheers, 192324; Programs: “Nothing But the Truth” Class of 1925, “The Whole Town’s Talking” BHS Senior Class, n.d., “Seven Chances” BHS Senior Class, n.d., Film: “He Who Gets Slapped” starring Lon Chaney, Majestic, 1925, Film: “The Turmoil,” ART, c. 1925, Play: “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath,” ART, 1927; Baraboo High School Newspapers; Graduation invitations, 1918, and 19th Annual Commencement, Sauk County Rural Normal School; Sauk County Schools Annual Reports: 1931, 1935, 1952, 1955 – from Tim Blum

• Documents: Gym Towel Service and Laundry instructions, 3) McArthur Towels including Titletown Towel, Super Bowl, 2011 with Green Bay Packer Logo; BHS Class of 1948 50th Reunion papers – from Sharon McArthur

• Book: The Story of My Dolls, by Alice Trimpey, 1935 – from Dolores Krueger

• Decorative Plate, Devil’s Lake Wisconsin – from Nina Look

• And many other donations too numerous to include here. Thanks to everyone who has donated items to the SCHS.

Three Sauk County historians were recently included on Baraboo’s new downtown mural wall entitled, “People Are the Fabric of Our Community.” Paul Wolter, the late Dr. Bob Dewel and Joe Ward were painted by muralist Kelly Meredith of Butternut, Wisconsin. Baraboo’s mural currently includes 21 people nominated for their contributions to the community and the mural will continue to expand on the side of the former Spurgeon’s department store building. Pictured at the mural unveiling are, left to right, Paul Wolter, his wife Ann Wolter and Sharon McArthur who helped nominate Wolter. All three historians were nominated for their work in preserving Baraboo and Sauk County’s rich heritage.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2017

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

May/June 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for March and April

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

INDIVIDUAL

Amend, Peggy – Pardeeville

Bahr, Dolores – Prairie du Sac

Baker, Annette – Reedsburg

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Blum, Tim – W. Baraboo

Day, J. Peter – Madison

Dickson, Paula – Sauk City

Edwards, Mary – Baraboo

Foxx, Julie – Reedsburg

Franzen, Barb Zamzow – Stoughton

Goddard, Dick – North Freedom

Haggarty, John – Madison

Huber, Lola – Baraboo

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Kaus, Donald – Tomah

Liegel, Monica – Reedsburg

Lindner, Greg – Oxford

Lindquist, LaDonna – Verona

McArthur, Joan – Holmes Beach, FL

Meinen, Irene – St. Paul, MN

Palm, Mike – Baraboo

Rice, Eleanor – Milwaukee

Rich, Louise – Baraboo

Riedel, Sarah – Reedsburg

Rozman, Beth – Baraboo

Schuknecht, Patricia – Lodi

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Sprecher, Dale – Sauk City

Stiemke, Sandy – Sauk City

Weiss, Karin Schuette – Tigard, OR

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Anderson, Cliff & Susan – Baraboo

Berndt, Jack & Kapp, Jody – Prairie du Sac

Clavadatscher, Wally & Norma – Sauk City

Dietz, John & Wessie – Rock Springs

Graves, Dale & Mary – Waukesha

Luther, Doug & Linda – Greenwood Village, CO

Mede, Gary, Kari & Eleanor – Normal, IL

Plautz, Michael – Baraboo

Ruhland, Marv & Kathy – Cross Plains

Schultz, Robert & Marcella – Waukesha

Spencer, Robert & Kathy – Baraboo

Wichern, Earl & Doris – Baraboo

FRIEND

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita – Baraboo

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Reedsburg

Erlandson, Virgil & Cheryl – Hagerstown, MD

Filip, Don & Janet – Reedsburg

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Frank, Ken & Rhonda - Mazomanie

Genovese, Thomas & Doris – Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie – Baraboo

Hinz, Alice Cass – Dubuque, IA

Klipp, Keith & Lori – La Valle

Schuebel, TJ & Susan – Baraboo

Schuette, William – Reedsburg

Vester, Barbara – San Leandro, CA

Wolcott, Charles – Hartland

Wolter, Wayne & Geraldine – Wis Dells

Yeck, Louise – Silver Springs, MD

SPONSOR

Ashford, Judith – Merrimac

Beard, William & Corinne – Baraboo

Campbell, John & Susan – Wisconsin Dells

Dresen, William & Gretchen – Baraboo

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Edwards, Sandra – Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Hambach, Arleen – Belvidere, IL

Hays, Mark & Beth – Reedsburg

Krainik, Marnie – Madison

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

Liebman, Todd – Baraboo

O’Donnell, Scott – Baraboo

Olsen, Sandra – Madison

Rice, Paula – Norton Shores, MI

School, Dan & Anna-Marie – Baraboo

PATRON

Regan, Jim & Barb – Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Sarahan, Charles – College Park, MD

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Bank of Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin Dells

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

BUSINESS BENEFACTOR

Johnson Bank – Madison

Man Mound National Historic Landmark Gathering

Saturday, July 29

SINCE it was first created by the indigenous people of this land some one thousand years ago, the Man Mound has been the site for an untold number of gatherings and ceremonies. The next event to be held at the Man Mound will celebrate its designation by the National Park Service as Wisconsin’s 43rd National Historic Landmark. This federal designation recognizes the special significance of the Man Mound as an important place which portrays and interprets the broad and long history of the land which is now the United States.

The Man Mound National Historic Landmark Gathering will be held on Saturday, July 29 from 10 am to 4 pm and will feature exhibits from organizations involved with the preservation and on-going care of the Man Mound such as the Sauk County Historical Society and the Wisconsin Archeological Society. Exhibits will also focus on the three other National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin related to indigenous peoples - Aztalan, Copper Culture State Park and Silver Mound, as well as the three other National Historic Landmarks in Sauk County including the Aldo Leopold Shack, Van Hise Rock and the Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Quarters. Other exhibitors will include the Ho-Chunk Nation and Effigy Mounds National Monument. During the day there will also be several talks and tours of the Man Mound. At 1:00 pm there will be a formal presentation to mark the new National Historic Landmark designation with speakers from the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Man Mound as surveyed by William H Canfield drawing, 1859

(continued page 2)

National Park Service and the Wisconsin Historical Society. A special part of this presentation will be a performance by a Ho-Chunk Drum Group. This presentation will also include the unveiling of new interpretive panels and the National Historic Landmark plaque. A detailed program for the Gathering will be available on the Sauk County Historical Society website by mid-July. Although the Man Mound is always available for visits throughout the year, the Man Mound National Historic Landmark Gathering will provide a special opportunity to learn about the Man Mound

and other effigy mounds in this area, as well as the National Historic Landmark program. Participants can also engage with people and organizations that are actively involved with caring for the cultural and natural heritage of this land, and to show respect for the Man Mound as a thousand-year-old cultural landmark. The event is being sponsored by the Sauk County UW Extension, Arts & Culture Committee, Sauk County Parks Department, the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Sauk County Historical Society.

IMPORTANT: No parking will be available at Man Mound Park for this event. Parking and shuttle busses will be available at the former Isenberg’s store parking lot near the corner of Highway 33 and County Road T beginning at 10:00 am. and will run all day.

New Baraboo Postcards Book

A fascinating look at Baraboo’s history is now available in the form of a new book from the Sauk County Historical Society and Arcadia Publishing. The book features hundreds of Baraboo postcard images from the private collections of Ralph Pierce and John McNabb, who have each been collecting for over 50 years, and those of the Society. This one-of-a-kind composite of all three collections has created a unique look at Baraboo’s history through postcards. The book is arranged into nine chapters and includes images from the 1860s to the 1960s covering the buildings, places, industries and unique things that make Baraboo special. Postcards from Devil’s Lake and rare circus postcards are also included. The book is available from the Society and various businesses downtown, and it retails for $22 ($20 for SCHS members).

Upcoming Events

Ash Street Walking Tour

Wednesday, July 19, 9:30 – 11:30 am

Starts at Baraboo Civic Center – Room 24

Cost - $5

Walnut Hill Cemetery –Circus Tour

Friday, July 21, 11 am

Free admission

Man Mound NHL Gathering

Saturday, July 29, 10 am – 4 pm

Free admission

The Lost

City of

Newport

Tuesday, August 1, 7 pm

Frank Fischer Center, Lake Delton Free Admission

Badger Steam & Gas Show

August 18, 19 & 20

Executive Director’s Report -

HIGH summer is upon us and your historical society has been hard at work fulfilling its mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history. From the annual picnic in Lake Delton with a tour of the former Morris Hotel and Timme Mill site to the Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour in June, “history” is alive and well in Sauk County. More events are yet to come. The Society will help celebrate Circus Week in Baraboo by hosting a free circus-themed walking tour of Walnut Hill Cemetery on July 21 and by hosting a booth downtown during the Big Top Parade the following day. Later this month will be the Man Mound National Historic Landmark gathering on July 29 which will highlight the recognition of Man Mound as a nationally important landmark. On August 3 a presentation will be given in Lake Delton on the lost settlement of Newport and later in August the Society will have an exhibit at the Badger Steam & Gas Show. While all of these events emphasize the “sharing” aspect of the Society’s mission, the “collect” and “preserve” portions are a daily part of life at the Society. New donations of artifacts and archival items happen every week. These items are carefully catalogued or filed for future generations and some are on display at the Sauk County Historical Museum at the historic Van Orden Mansion. Admission to the museum is free and open to the public on Friday and Saturday afternoons from noon until 4 pm. If you can’t make it to one the Society’s upcoming events, I encourage you to visit the museum and see what’s new.

By Paul Wolter

Over 200 people attended the 2017 Sunday in the Cemetery – Living History Tour to hear the stories of nine former residents come to life. Brayden Turner portrayed Robert Cheek who died in 1880 when his family home was struck by lightning. Cheek was the son of Civil War veteran Philip Cheek and his wife Mary.

Sauk County Historical Society Executive Director, Paul Wolter, left, with Baraboo middle schoolers Ashley Palechek, center, and Cennedy Hoppe who went to the National History Day competition in Washington DC with some help from several SCHS members. The pair did a dramatic presentation on the Radium Girls of the late teens and 1920s. Palechek and Hoppe came in second in their round at nationals against ten other groups.

The Old Baraboo Race Track

BACK in the late 1860s, before the eve of the baseball era had arrived, one of the significant forms of entertainment in Sauk County was horse racing, a sport which attracted all ages and classes.

Up until then, races were held in various locations, none really suited for the occasion. One year it might be in a farmer’s meadow, the next year on a county highway. Village streets and even the frozen surface of Devils Lake were venues for the event.

Some of the prominent citizens of Baraboo decided they needed a more suitable and permanent location for these races. A site was located on the east side of town, between Elizabeth and Camp Streets, bordered by 4th and 8th Streets, and was described as being a wild land, covered with underbrush and small trees. The land was cleared, and an oval racetrack constructed which was enclosed with a high board fence.

In a 1924 article by Harry Slye, he recalled some of the memories of his youth regarding the sport. He wrote that, “The scenes at those old time races were in a class all by themselves. The talk was

generally boisterous, boastful and often accompanied by profanity, yet nobody ever took any offense at it, but seemed to accept it as part of the game.” He noted that public betting was the primary reason for the races, and that men would be seen mingling among the crowd, “shaking a fist full of bills in their faces, and offering bets of all the way from even money to odds of ten to one on their favorite horse.”

Even though many of the horses—with names like Old Harry, Red Rover, and Icicle—looked similar in size and color, die hard racing fans seemed to be able to identify their favorite which they would cheer on. Of course the fact that they may have placed a bet on the outcome, probably encouraged their enthusiasm.

By the 1870s, the old racetrack had become outdated. The Sauk County Agricultural Society had established the current fairgrounds, which also had a racetrack, and the former was dismantled and abandoned.

This 1905 photo was taken on the current fairgrounds when it featured a racetrack.

The Lost City of Newport

FOR a brief time during the 1850s the city of Newport flourished on both sides of the Wisconsin River near what is now Lake Delton. Established on the hopes that a great dam would be built across the river and that a railroad would cross the river at this spot, the city grew to a population of 1,500 to 2,000 people. Grand homes were built, industries started and stores and hotels were constructed. When the dam wasn’t built and the railroad decided to cross the river upstream at what is today Wisconsin Dells, the city of Newport was abandoned and died. Houses and buildings were moved to other communities and some were even floated down the river to be reused. The rise and fall of Newport will be presented on Tuesday, August 1 at 7 pm at the Frank Fischer Center in Lake Delton. With the help of modern digital mapping capabilities the location of Newport will be shown on modern maps helping to bring back to life this once thriving community. Pictures of buildings that were once a part of Newport will also be featured. The presentation is free.

The Vanderpoel House now known as Dawn Manor is the last building in place at the lost city of Newport. Later a country estate on beautiful Lake Delton, the house was originally built on residential lots in Newport around 1855 and fronted on Tenney Street.

McFarlanes’ of Sauk City turns 100

WHEN Earl McFarlane started building “Wisconsin Tractors” in 1917 he probably could not have envisioned that his business would someday be housed in a building that covers five acres. McFarlanes’ has grown into several divisions over the past hundred years including the manufacturing and service of agricultural equipment and steel building components to the operation of a farm and

hardware retail store. Earl’s three sons joined the business after World War II and now some of their sons are in charge. In 2013 the company faced a major turning point when a fire destroyed the retail store. Instead of walking away the company ultimately bought the vacant Fiskars manufacturing building and expanded.

Recent Accessions:

•When editing the Recent Accessions in the last newsletter, a mistake was made. We are sorry for the error, and have reprinted the corrected donation citation below, along with a photo of one of the great items donated.

Donated by Betty Lee Schultz Belle Holt Schultz Memorabilia: Sports schedules, programs, Cheerleading Cheers, 1923-24; Programs: “Nothing But the Truth” Class of 1925, “The Whole Town’s Talking” BHS Senior Class, n.d., “Seven Chances” BHS Senior Class, n.d., Film: “He Who Gets Slapped” starring Lon Chaney, Majestic, 1925, Film: “The Turmoil,” ART, c. 1925, Play: “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath,” ART, 1927; Baraboo High School Newspapers; Graduation invitations, 1918, and 19th Annual Commencement, Sauk County Rural Normal School; Sauk County Schools Annual Reports: 1931, 1935, 1952, 1955; Program: Sauk County Rural School Commencement, 1922;, Teacher’s Contract; Happy Hill School and Belle Holt; Invitation: Thanksgiving party, Happy Hill School, 1929; Sauk County Directories 1937, 1939; 6) Coupons: 10 cents off Fauk [sic] County Fair; political card, Clifford M. LaMar, Republican Candidate for District Attorney, 1928; Stock Certificates and checks: Fairfield Creamery Company; paper bag, Taylor’s Books Store; Napkins, Herman’s Supper Club; Paper Pad, “Enough is Enough” Mould and Buckley Book and Stationer; coaster: Hacker-Pschorr

Ash Street Walking Tour

A walking tour of historic Ash Street in Baraboo will be conducted on Wednesday, July 19 beginning at 9:30 am. The tour will start at the Baraboo Area Senior Center in Room 24 at the Baraboo Civic Center. The tour will last approximately two hours and cover several blocks as the homes, churches and businesses along Ash Street are discussed. A fee of $5 per person will be charged.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2017

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

July/August 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for May and June

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

INDIVIDUAL

Alt, J. Merle – Baraboo

Armstrong, Myrna – Marble Falls, TX

Belter, Audrey – Florence, AZ

Bodette, Jackie – Baraboo

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Dimmick, Jean – Baraboo

Ely, Laura S – Woodbury, MN

Gosewehr, Kathy E – Baraboo

Gussel, Bud – Wisconsin Dells

Jackson, Jim – Madison

Johnson, Sue – Reedsburg

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kelly, Nick – Baraboo

Kraemer, Kenneth L – Newport Coast, CA

Marini, Gladys – Baraboo

May, Kathy – Baraboo

McKnight, John – Evanston, IL

Michals, Patricia M – Baraboo

Miller, Rex – Pewaukee

Pelkey, David – Springdale, AR

Schluter, Charles – Madison

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Sperl, Cathy – Lake Delton

Thiessen, Betty – Baraboo

Van Allen, Mary – Bloomington, IL

Vespia, Mary – Arlington, WI

Weth, Gloria – Rotonda West, FL

Williams, Susan – Waukesha

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FAMILY

Ferber, James & Connie – Wauwatosa

Gerdman, Gil & Lynn – Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Karch, Jim & Marilyn – Baraboo

Karr, Craig & Debby – Merrimac

Mathias, Page – Columbia, TN

McCoy, Larry & Keri Olson – Baraboo

Mohar, Warren & Linda – Baraboo

Nolden, Tim & Kathy – Baraboo

Phelps, Larry & Jan – Rock Springs

Pierce, Stephanie – Baraboo

Rasmussen, Bob & Corinne – Cable

Reeve, Bryan & Mary – Spring Green

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Schellenberger, Bill & Alice – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley, Emma – Baraboo

Zick, Albert & Allegra – N Freedom

Bock, Susan J – Carmel, IN

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo

Cole, Donald L – DeForest

Etzwiler, Nijole – Baraboo

FRIEND

Hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Jauch, Bob & Allison – Baraboo

Johnson, William P – Dallas, TX

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara – Baraboo

Thomas, Earl & Diane – Baraboo

Washam, Paul & Judy – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

Cady, Carla – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor – Reedsburg

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

Pietenpol, David & Diane – Suamico

Roltgen, Bob & Gretchen – Baraboo

Schwartz, Lester W – Kimberton, PA

Schwegel, Rod & Christi – Mazomanie

Topham, Brett & Susan – Madison

Ward, Joe & Lou Ann – Baraboo

PATRON

Costerisan, Francis & Joan – Hendersonville, NC

Davenport, John & Elizabeth – Minnetonka, MN

Statz, Roman & Bea – Baraboo

FOR the friends and family of Corporal James Bray of Baraboo, Wisconsin, it was the very worst possible news.

Bray and more than 2,100 other American “doughboys” were aboard the British troopship Tuscania when it was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland by a German U-boat on the evening of February 5, 1918. With Bray on the Tuscania were 20 other Baraboo men assigned to the 107th Supply Train of the 32nd Division.

Everyone was undoubtedly aware of an earlier U-boat incident back in May of 1915 when a German submarine fired one torpedo at the massive liner, the Lusitania, and the ship went under in 18 minutes. More than 1,200 were drowned.

When the Tuscania was torpedoed the captain ordered the lifeboats lowered, but because of the extreme list of the ship less than half of them were usable. Other Allied vessels in the convoy were ordered to immediately leave the area on the premise that more submarines were moving in. The men donned lifejackets. The time was 6:30 pm and darkness was setting in. The temperature of the

water was 37 degrees Fahrenheit -- cold enough to kill a man in minutes.

Then, an unexpected development happened.

Three British warships suddenly turned around, sped to the Tuscania, and undertook a feverpitch evacuation. One by one the American troops slid down ropes into the safety of the Allied ships. Other vessels also circled back, and by the time the Tuscania finally went under, the vast majority of the men -- more than 1,800 -- were saved.

It was one of the greatest rescue operations of WWI and without question saved the life of Jim Bray and the twenty other men from Baraboo.

Soon after the war ended, the National Tuscania Survivors’ Association was formed. For almost 60 years the membership of the NTSA held periodic reunions in which they made toasts to their fellow soldiers who never made it to Liverpool that fateful night. They also used the occasions to express gratitude to the British Navy for their act of undaunted courage. In 1935 the gathering was held in Baraboo, Wisconsin and the presiding officer that year was Jim Bray. (continued page 2)

The National Tuscania Memorial 14 Months Out

IN November of 2018 the world will commemorate the end of World War One. How will it be remembered? Several hundred young men from Sauk County participated in World War One and at least 58 of them died. We believe that we have an obligation to remember their names and an even bigger responsibility to reflect on what the war meant.

In the spring of 2015, the Sauk County Historical Society was approached by Baraboo High School social studies teacher Steve Argo who proposed that a memorial be built to honor not only the victims of the Tuscania but also the British rescuers. For the last two years, Argo has been busy developing what the memorial will look like, how big it will be and where it will be placed. The proposed National Tuscania Memorial will cost approximately $80,000, and more than $30,000 has

been raised so far.

The end result will not only be a beautiful piece of public art, but a fitting tribute to some of the great unsung heroes of World War One. In a few weeks you will receive a special brochure in the mail from the National Tuscania Remembrance Association, an arm of the Sauk County Historical Society. The brochure will explain in greater detail the particulars of the memorial and also give you an opportunity to help out with reaching our financial goal.

Like the members of the survivors’ association, we are determined to make sure future generations know the names of the victims of the Tuscania disaster and to tell the story of an act of unwavering loyalty by sailors of the British Navy. Inspiring stuff.

President’s Report

- By Todd Leibman

AS I get ready to say farewell as the President of the Sauk County Historical Society and to the board, I want to express how very proud I am that the Sauk County Historical Society is such an integral part of our community.

The Society preserves history as demonstrated by the first class History Center, our museum at the Van Orden mansion, and the preservation of Man Mound and its designation as a National Historic Landmark.

The Society educates through our vibrant outreach program to the elementary schools in Sauk County. The Tuscania Memorial will facilitate the remembrance of that tragic sinking during World War I, the heroic survival of the Baraboo 21, while also honoring all veterans.

The Society is a partner with communities through support for the protection and restoration of historic buildings. Preserving our historic buildings and places enhances livable communities by creating a sense of place and is a critical and indispensable part of economic development.

After living in the area for over two decades, it is with a bit of a heavy heart that I leave, but it is with great gratitude to the Board for the honor to have had the chance to serve on the Board. I will definitely be continuing my membership in the Society, and I know that the Society is in good hands with Paul as Executive Director and our dedicated board members. Warmest and best wishes.

Upcoming Events

Baraboo Postcards Book Signing

Thursday, September 21, 7 pm

History Center

Free admission

The Riotous Revival of 1896

Thursday, September 28, 7 pm

History Center

Free admission

Lunchtime Lesson

The Warren Hotel

Thursday, October 5, 12:10 pm

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 21 Free will offering

CCC Presentation

Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 pm

Baraboo Public Library

Free admission

Annual Banquet & Meeting

The Tuscania Shipwreck and Memorial

Tuesday, October 24, 6 pm

Baraboo Arts Banquet Center

Lunchtime Lesson

Secrets of the Al.

Thursday, November 2, 12:10 pm

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 21

Free will offering

Sauk County Drummer Boys

Thursday, November 9, 7 pm

Reedsburg Public Library

Free admission

Donations

DONATIONS FOR MAN MOUND PROJECT

Jake Rieb – Wisconsin Archeological Society

Ann Wolter

Donna Lee Carnes

Ken & Esther Lange

RECENT DONATIONS

Ursula Muehllehner

Robert Curry

Richard & Jane Dana

Rosanne Ricci

Al Schroeder & Jean Wendt

DONATIONS FOR MEMORIALS

Herbert & Marjorie Abel in Memory of Jim Isenberg

The Riotous Revival of 1896: The lost story of a city divided

ALTHOUGH founded in 1847, by the fall of 1895, the Baptist Church of Baraboo was proving unable to hit its stride. Despite the recent construction of a charming building on the southwest corner of Broadway and Third Avenue, the congregation was still few in numbers, poor and without the services of a pastor.

Prospects would change when twin revivalists, Horace and Herbert Morrill, were invited to conduct a series of evangelistic services at the church. The town was soon abuzz with almost daily reports of sensational happenings. Huge crowds attended, hundreds were baptized, and the church’s membership tripled and the religious fervor of the congregation reached an all-time high.

But not all was well in Baraboo. The message and methods of the young Morrill brothers would

soon bring heated criticism and eventually erupt into riotous disorder. News of the happenings in Baraboo would be reported far and wide from the Wausau Weekly to the Chicago Tribune. The otherwise quiet and peaceful personality of Baraboo degraded into a lynch mob fury, forcing the mayor to issue strict public orders to ensure safety in the streets.

Come and discover the fascinating details of a lost story in the history of Baraboo and explore the possibilities for why such a story would have disappeared from memory as the community began its process of healing. A presentation will be given by Pastor Dan Gunderson at the History Center on Thursday, September 28 at 7 pm and is free and open to the public.

A plaque designating the Man Mound as a National Historic Landmark was unveiled on July 29th by (left to right) Dr. Amy Rosebrough, Archeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wilfred Cleveland, Ho-Chunk Nation President, Jim Draeger, State Historic Preservation Officer, Dr. Robert Bryson, National Park Service Associate Regional Director for Cultural Resource Preservation in the Midwest Region and Rob Nurre, volunteer caretaker of the Man Mound.

Wendt Bequest Supports SCHS

THE Society received a bequest of $15,400 from the estate of Audrey Anderson Wendt who died in January. Audrey was a life-long resident of Baraboo having been born in the city shortly after World War One ended. Audrey worked at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant during World War Two, and in 1946 she married Raymond Wendt. Ray also worked at the “plant” and volunteered at the Sauk County Historical Museum for many years doing handyman work. After being happily married for 53 years, Ray died in 2000. Audrey continued her volunteer work serving at the Presbyterian Church in Baraboo, the Sauk County Health Care Center and at St. Clare Meadows.

Audrey thoughtfully included the Sauk County Historical Society in her estate plan. The SCHS board has chosen to invest some of the donation in the SCHS Endowment Fund at the Greater Sauk Community Foundation, some in the SCHS investment portfolio and some will be used to support operations. The Society would like to remember Audrey as a generous person who gave of her time, talent and treasure in many ways.

Seventy people attended an August presentation on the Lost City of Newport (near present-day Lake Delton). The boom-town community once boasted as many as 1,500 residents before it went bust after the railroad crossed upriver and a projected dam was not built. The presentation was hosted by the Village of Lake Delton at the Frank Fischer Center.

Long ago Lunchtime Lessons

A series of historical presentations will be given on the first Thursday of each month from October through May at the Baraboo Area Senior Center which is located in Room 21 at the Baraboo Civic Center. The presentations will begin at 12:10 pm and last about 40 minutes. The lectures are free and open to the public with donations accepted.

Baraboo Postcards Book Event

The recently released Baraboo postcard book produced by SCHS and Arcadia Publishing is chock full with over 200 historic postcard images divided into ten categories. The book brings together the private collections of John McNabb and Ralph Pierce and the Sauk County Historical Society for a never-before-seen look at Baraboo life. Both McNabb and Pierce have been collecting for over 50 years each and will talk about their collections at a book signing event on Thursday, September 21 at 7 pm at the Sauk County History Center located at 900 Second Avenue in Baraboo. Postcards within the book will be shown and discussed as well as a few that didn’t “make the cut.” Both collectors will be available to sign books, so bring your copy or plan on purchasing one at the event.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

The story of the Civilian Conservation Corps or “CCC” will be presented by author, songwriter and storyteller Bill Jamerson on Tuesday, October 10 at 6:30 pm at the Baraboo Public Library. Using a mix of original storytelling and song, Jamerson will tell about the dismal employment situation faced by young men during the Great Depression, the steps taken by the Roosevelt administration to address unemployment, the need for bolstering public infrastructure, the life of the CCC recruits, and the overall significance of the CCC contribution to American society. Sauk County had two CCC camps during the 1930s, one at Devils Lake and one near LaValle. Many current residents of Sauk County have ancestors that worked at one of these

camps. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Sauk County Civil War Drummer Boys

Sauk County is known to have had at least two drummer boys who served during the Civil War. Both George Inman of LaValle and Frank Pettis of Reedsburg ran away to join the Union Army. Inman was 15 when he joined and Pettis was only 11. Both served with distinction and survived the war. Their amazing stories will be told on Thursday, November 9 at 7 pm at the Reedsburg Public Library. The presentation is free and open to the public.

The annual SCHS exhibit at the Badger Steam & Gas Show at the Woman’s Exhibit Building included artifacts related to sewing and millinery. The Reinking Store in Baraboo was also featured. For several decades the store was a fixture downtown and the Reinkings often furnished the Ringling Brothers Circus with train car loads of fabric and trims for their wardrobe department.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • September/October

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

2017

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

September/October 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for July & August

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

INDIVIDUAL

Adami, Jill – Lodi

Baumgarten, Carol – N Freedom

Blau, Connie – Waunakee

Cronon, William – Madison

Dailey, Paul – Madison

Effinger, Ann – Tucson, AZ

Effinger, L. Dianne – WI Dells

Eilertson, Orie – Merrimac

Girkin, Rodney J – Madison

Gollmar, Robert – Rochester

Granroth, Sandra – Fitchburg

Griffith, Bob – Baraboo

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Hayes, Dottie - Baraboo

Jaedike, Dale – N Freedom

Keldsen, Donald – Ellicott City, MD

Knuti, Sigrid E – Madison

Koedinger, Earl – Baraboo

Landers, John – Bethesda, MD

Lochner, Fred – Baraboo

Martin, Joan – Reedsburg

Meyers, Dianne – Cedar Park, TX

Murphey, Louis – Richland Center

Murray, Jennifer – New Market, NH

Rohde, Marilyn E – Baraboo

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo

Shepard, Theodore – Spokane Valley, WA

Springer, Edward – Madison

Stoeckmann, Judith – Rock Springs

Stoikes, Carl – Prairie du Sac

Stone, Barbara J – Baraboo

Tesch, Thomas N – Reedsburg

Teuber, Lenore – Grass Valley, CA

Young, Paul – Baraboo

FAMILY

Bellis, Mary W – Baraboo

Blau, Brenda & Beatrice – Sun Prairie

Brandt, Janet – Elgin, IL

Burton, Michelle & Mangerson, Matt –Milwaukee

Calabrese, Anthony & Kathryn – Baraboo

Dorner, Tom & Teri – Baraboo

Gorak, Dave & Joanne – LaValle

Herbst, Erich & Jean – Baraboo

Johnsen, Bill & Deb – Baraboo

Klett, Jon – Nashotah

Martin, Paul E & Nichelle – Baraboo

Myers, Harvey & Carol – Reedsburg

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Phelps, Larry & Jan – Rock Springs

Rochacewicz, Frederick W – Baraboo

Schell, Michael & Mary – Baraboo

Schroeder, Roy & Judy – Loganville

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl – Reedsburg

Sessler, Dan & Bobbie – Baraboo

Steiner, Mark & Kelly – Reedsburg

www.saukcountyhistory.org

FRIEND

Anderson, Alan – Baraboo

Bosshard, Chris & Maureen – Lake Delton

Cole, David & Bevra – Baraboo

Holt, Mike & Sandi – Baraboo

Konen, Bob – Baraboo

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

McNabb, Christopher – Baraboo

Popp, Alice – Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Schnitzler, Roger & Melissa – WI Dells

Steiger, Harold & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Tully, Mark – Baraboo

Wozniak, Mark & Bridget – N Freedom

SPONSOR

DuBois, Kristi & Stone, Tim – Baraboo

Jauch, Phil – Baraboo

Kriegl, Thomas S – Baraboo

O’Neill, James C – Baraboo

Putz, Gene & Karen – Gorham, ME

Reilly, Mo & Schnee, Brad – Baraboo

Schroeder, Al & Wendt, Jean – Baraboo

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Smith, Jean E – Baraboo

Steensrud, Joyce – Houston, TX

Umhoefer, Aural – Baraboo

Utzinger, Arnold & Judy – Baraboo

Vaillancourt, Robert & Beverly – LaValle

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

PATRON

Bullard, Jerry & Patricia – Reedsburg

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

W.H. CANFIELD ASSOCIATE

Dana, Dick & Jane – N Freedom

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

Holiday Inn at the Mansion December 8 & 9

EDWARDIAN Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion will kick off this year on Friday, December 8 with the Wine & Appetizer Premier, followed by the Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 9. Guests at both events will be able to experience “Holiday Inn at the Mansion” with each of the 11 trees in the mansion inspired by the 1942 movie classic, Holiday Inn. Decorators this year include Amy Terbilcox, Cindy Weber and Bruce Ley, Bekah Kate’s, Gretchen Roltgen and Miriam Thompson, Ann Wolter, the Baraboo Theatre Guild, Jan Filip, and Lindy Larsen. Dave SaLoutos will be creating an entire room dedicated to the 1954 movie classic White Christmas which was created around the song of the same name from the earlier Holiday Inn film. Sponsors this year include Johnsen Insurance, Bekah Kate’s, Wisconsin River Title Consultants, Corner Drug, Meyer Insurance, Hill’s Wiring, Pizza Ranch, Terrytown Plumbing and Weickgenant Accounting.

The Wine and Appetizer Premier beginning at 7 pm on December 8 will be an adults-only party featuring festive appetizers and holiday spirits such as wine, Christmas beer and traditional mulled wine. Guests will be able to experience the mansion at night with subdued lighting and holiday music, including Dave SaLoutos at the piano. Tickets for the Premier are $22 for non-members and $20 for members. Tickets will be limited, so please contact the Society to reserve your spot at this unique holiday event.

The Society’s exuberant Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 9 from 12-7 pm will include live music throughout the day, holiday treats in the dining room and jingle bell horse-drawn rides from

2 pm until dark. This family-friendly event has delighted thousands of visitors over the years and is sure to do so again, as people experience the sights, sounds and tastes of an old-fashioned Christmas in an Edwardian-era mansion. Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at the door and will be $7 for non-members and $5 for members, with children ages 12 and under admitted free.

For more information on holiday events at the Van Orden mansion or renting the mansion for your own holiday event please contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website – www.saukcountyhistory.org

Society Receives Grant from Nelson Family Foundation

THE Society has been awarded a grant of $2,975 from the Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation to support its educational programming. This is the second year that the Society has received a grant from this local foundation which partners with non-profits to enrich the quality of life through educational and medical advancements, the defense of human rights and the advocacy of animal rights. The educational programs of the Sauk County Historical Society fit one of the foundation’s four goals—“strengthening education in our communi-

ties.” The funds from the Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation will be used to help implement the SCHS “Past to Present Education Program”— our year-round series of presentations, school visits, events and exhibits. In the Society’s last fiscal year, over 3,000 students, adults and senior citizens attended presentations, events or exhibits put on by the Society across the county. The Society thanks the foundation for its support of SCHS efforts to bring local history to more of Sauk County than ever before.

Annual Meeting Notes

The Society’s Annual Banquet & Meeting was held on October 24th at the Baraboo Arts Banquet Center with 105 visitors and guests enjoying a tasty meal of lasagna catered by Geffert’s Catering. The business meeting was presided over by SCHS vicepresident Lise Meyer-Kobussen of Sauk City. After the minutes of the 2016 annual meeting were read by SCHS secretary Bill Schuette and a financial report given by SCHS treasurer Jim Weickgenant, the expired board seats of Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Mona Larsen and Pam Krainik were filled by the nomination of and re-election of the same board members. A year in review presentation was then given by Executive Director, Paul Wolter, followed by the introduction of key-note speaker and SCHS board member Steve Argo, who is the founder and director of the National Tuscania Remembrance

Association. Argo spoke on the sinking of the WWI troopship Tuscania and the memorial that is being created to commemorate the heroic rescue of over 1,600 soldiers and to honor the lives of those lost. The memorial will be dedicated in November of 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

Steve Argo was the keynote speaker at the 2017 SCHS Annual Banquet & Meeting. Argo teaches history at the Baraboo High School and began a campaign two years ago to raise money to build a memorial to the sinking and rescue of the WWI troopship Tuscania. The memorial will be dedicated in Baraboo in November of 2018.

Executive Director’s Report

By Paul Wolter

ANOTHER Christmas season is upon us at the Sauk County Historical Society, and it promises to be a special one! This year’s theme for the Edwardian Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion is Holiday Inn – the 1942 movie starring Bing Crosby. Our tree decorators are busy working to create unique decorations for their trees. Each tree will be decorated to a different holiday, getting inspiration from the classic film. Another film – White Christmas – will be the highlight of one whole room on the second floor as Dave SaLoutos works his magic to pay homage to that film which was created around the song of the same name from Holiday Inn. I hope that you will be able to take part in our big Edwardian Christmas weekend on Dec. 8 & 9. The festivities are the finale for a very busy year at SCHS. Highlights include a lecture series that lasted nearly all year long, a living history cemetery tour, the dedication of Man Mound as a National Historic Landmark and the debut of a new book on historic Baraboo postcards. Sprinkled in between were networking sessions with a local history cooperative, a label making workshop, third grade curriculum development, new exhibits and the refurbishing of two rooms at the museum. I would like to thank all of our members, supporters, donors, volunteers and staff members for making 2017 a very productive year. 2018 looks to be equally as exciting as we plan another Tour of Historic Homes, more new presentations and a visit by the Circus Historical Society in July. We will do so under the leadership of a new board president, yet to be named, and with the help of one less staff member. The Society said goodbye this fall to SCHS board president Todd Liebman who moved to Arizona and our longtime bookkeeper Deb Hanchek. Both will be missed as we move forward. Our office manager Linda Levenhagen has taken to wearing two hats these days as she has also assumed the role of bookkeeper. As we enter our 113th year of operation the Society looks to reach more people than ever and fulfill its mission to “collect, preserve and share” Sauk County history.

Warren Hotel Fruitcake

SCHS member Betty Prothero has been making fruitcake every year for the past 67 years from the same tried and true recipe. The recipe comes from the old Warren Hotel in Baraboo where the Stockmans made and sold fruitcake every year.

2 lbs whole pitted dates

1/2 lb candied cherries or maraschino cherries

1 lb whole walnuts

1 lb whole Brazil nuts

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp baking powder

dash of salt

4 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Put fruit and nuts in a large bowl and then sprinkle in the sugar, flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl beat the eggs well and add the vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Divide batter into two buttered and floured large loaf pans or up to 8 small loaf pans. Bake in a slow oven at 325 for 70 minutes. (less for smaller pans)

Edwardian Era Doorbells and Intercoms

Back in pioneer days, a knock at the door meant a friend or neighbor was coming to visit. In the late 1800s with the advent of electricity, new electric doorbells were increasingly used to signal when someone was at the door.

In 1903, the Van Orden mansion was built with a state-of-the-art automatic announcer consisting of a wooden “call box” with small arrows behind a glass plate. Each arrow was labeled to correspond with a section of the house or an external door. A bell was also part of the system. When someone pressed one of the buttons beside an entry door or inside the house, it would send a signal to the announcer, ringing the bell. The corresponding arrow would turn from horizontal to vertical to show which button had been pushed and where a staff person was needed. These systems were usually located in the kitchen so that house maids could be summoned to answer a door or assist a family member.

Another convenience built into the Van Orden mansion was speaking tubes, an early form of intercom. These tubes were placed in the walls during construction with openings in the kitchen, maid’s bedroom and upstairs hall. The speaking tubes facilitated conversation between floors of the house.

Donations, Sept. 1 – Oct. 31

John Landers

Sharon McArthur

Jan Phelps

William Schuette

Voyageurs Club

Joe & Lou Ann Ward

Wayne & Geraldine Wolter

MAN MOUND

FUND

Kurt Sampson

The original call box is still in place in the kitchen at the Van Orden mansion. Five of the six arrows were used to indicate where buttons had been pressed calling a staff member for assistance. Two of the arrows were for exterior doors and the other three were for rooms in the mansion including the front hall, dining room and “N. E. Chamber” which was the master bedroom.

A book signing event was held in September for the new Baraboo postcard book with postcard collectors John McNabb, left, and Ralph Pierce. Both men have been collecting postcards for over 50 years and lent their collections to the Society for use in the new book. Their collections, along with the Society’s own postcard collection, came together for a unique look at historic Baraboo. The new book is available on the Society’s website, at the History Center and will be available at the Van Orden mansion during Christmas events.

Long-ago Lunchtime Lessons

THIS popular noon-time series continues the first Thursday of every month at the Baraboo Area Senior Center which is located in the Baraboo Civic Center. Upcoming topics include the Baraboo Birds-eye Maps in December, Baraboo Drugstores in January, Baraboo in the Roaring 20s in February, Al. and Lou Ringling in March, Pioneer historian William Canfield in April and the Great Manhunt of 1961 in May. The historical presentations are open to the public and begin at 12:10 and last about 45 minutes. A free will offering is being taken.

Society Partners with Baraboo School District

THE Society has been working collaboratively with the Baraboo School District to develop history curriculum resources for the third grade. Local history is taught at this age level, and a new ten-lesson program is being developed to cover topics including Native American effigy mounds, Ho-Chunk culture, the fur trading era, Baraboo dams and mills, the railroad and the circus. The new program will be implemented next spring in all Baraboo third grade classrooms.

Farewell

THE Society would like to bid a fond farewell to its past president, Todd Liebman, and bookkeeper, Deb Hanchek. Liebman resigned in September before moving to Arizona, and Hanchek also resigned in September before moving to Port Washington, Wisconsin. Both brought expertise and integrity to their posts with the Society and will be missed. The SCHS Board will elect officers for the upcoming year at its November board meeting.

Our Board and Staff

Todd Liebman, Society President – Baraboo

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Lise Meyer-Kobussen, Vice President – Sauk City

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mona Larsen – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Deb Hanchek, Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office & Research Manager – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • November/December 2017

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

November/December 2017

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for September & October

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

INDIVIDUAL

Ankenbrandt, Toni – Baraboo

Beard, Jake – Lake Delton

Behnke, James – Reedsburg

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Burke, Joann – Gallup, NM

Capener, Debra – Portage

Dewall, Patrick – Appleton

Domier, Pam – Lenexa, KS

Ebert, John – Watertown

Eide, Mary – Milwaukee

Geisler, Thomas – Cottage Grove, MN

Haskins, William & Nancy – Baraboo

Hayes, Dottie – Baraboo

Hinds, Lester “Clark” – Reedsburg

Jessie, Jeanne – Norco, CA

Kaney, Jerald – Milwaukee

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Kindschi, Alice – Prairie du Sac

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Kramer, Terry – Baraboo

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Ley, Bruce R – Portage

Nevers, Liz – Baraboo

Oppliger, Kay Davis – Oshtemo, MI

Osborn, Sheryl – Rio

Peterson, Judy – Baraboo

Purchase, Mary – Dowling, MI

Quale, Marilyn – Baraboo

Ridder, Eydie – Baraboo

Schmeer, Michael – Milwaukie, OR

Screnock, Joseph – Baraboo

Setwyn, Eugene – Reedsburg

Steckelberg, Kathy – Arlington, VA

Tully, Vi J – Baraboo

Vertein, Wava – North Freedom

FAMILY

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Blackburn, Ray & Debbie – Baraboo

Casey, Dave & Barbara Brown – La Valle

Clam, Joe & Suzie – Rock Springs

Clemens, Dave & Inger – Wis Dells

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Frenz, Robert & Chris – Crystal Lake, IL

Hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

Marsh, William – San Diego, CA

Nieuwenhuis Family – Baraboo

Ochsner, Carl & Vicky – Chico, CA

Otto, Tom & Darlene – Baraboo

Peterson, Waldo & Ann – Madison

Ramsey, Steve & Richard Manthe –Baraboo

Rice, Mark & Dorothy – Portage

Schara, Jill, Erin & Adele – DeForest

Schider, Russ & Terri – Baraboo

Snyder, Jason & Kristy – Baraboo

Stephen, Ron & Lyn – Poynette

Williams, Dale & Donna – Baraboo

Young, John & Tonya – Baraboo

FRIEND

Alt, John & Jean – Baraboo

Brice, Dean & Judy – Baraboo

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Davis, James & Marsha – Reedsburg

Eichmann, Charmaine – Baraboo

Fordham, Joan – Baraboo

Franzen, Roy & Jane – Baraboo

Gogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Hilmer, Joan – Roscoe, IL

Knutson, Joyce – Rock Springs

Kobussen, Lise Meyer – Sauk City

Krainik, Andre & Aimee – Appleton

Orlowski, Mary – Baraboo

Peterson, Harry & Sylvia – Middleton

Small, Don & Mary – Baraboo

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Burton, John & Ann – Baraboo

Christie, Michael – Nashville, TN

Faylona Family – Baraboo

Hohl, Jerry – Baraboo

Pieper, August & Beverley – Madison

Schultz, Ronald G – Fletcher, NC

Simonds, Beverly A – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

Thompson, Dianne – Wis Dells

PATRON

Baldwin, David & Sherry – Baraboo

Fleming, Robert & Rosa – Baraboo

SaLoutos, David – Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Senger Lumber – Barabo

The Baraboo River –A Cultural History

WINDING over 100 miles through Wisconsin’s driftless region, the Baraboo River has nurtured mankind in this area for thousands of years. It takes its current name from the surname of FrenchCanadian fur trader Francois Baribeau who set up a trading post at the mouth of the river over 250 years ago. As much as 1,000 years before that, the native people of the area constructed burial mounds along the banks of the river. river. In the 1830s when the white pioneers settled the area, the mounds were still there. The river was eventually harnessed with eleven dams and provided water power for a variety of industries that fueled the growth of ten communities along its path. Today all the dams are

gone, and the river has once again returned to a freeflowing state. Taking on a new role as a recreational corridor, the river and its story continue as surely as its eastward flow.

A cultural history of the Baraboo River will be presented by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter at the Sauk County History Center in Baraboo on Thursday, February 22 at 6 p.m. and again at the Reedsburg Public Library on Thursday, March 1 at 6 p.m. The presentation will cover evidence left by mankind along the river in prehistoric times, the settlements and water powers along the river, the coming of the railroad through the Baraboo River valley and the flooding of the river.

The Baraboo River was dammed as early as 1848 at the future site of Reedsburg. The dam played a key role in the Saw Log War of 1851 between Reedsburg and Baraboo. By the turn of the 20th century, the water power there was used to power a woolen mill and a grist mill. The cultural history of the Baraboo River will be covered in presentations given in Baraboo and Reedsburg.

Over 1,000 people enjoyed the trees and decorations at the Van Orden Mansion during the past holiday season. The eleven trees inside the mansion were decorated to the theme of the 1942 holiday movie classic Holiday Inn with each of the trees depicting a different holiday including George Washington’s birthday. The Washington tree was decorated by Ann Wolter and showcased George Washington’s experiences during the Revolutionary War when he spent eight Christmases away from home finally returning to Mount Vernon on Christmas Eve in 1783.

Executive Director’s Report

By Paul Wolter

WITH the advent of 2018, some historic milestones are on the horizon at the SCHS. In March, the Society will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Sauk County History Center. After receiving the old Island Woolen Mill office building from the city of Baraboo in December of 2006, renovations began and continued for several years. Fundraising facilitated the building’s opening in March of 2013. The building has been open year-round ever since, serving hundreds of researchers and providing a modern facility for staff members and volunteers who have been steadily working on archival collections and research.

This summer will mark an anniversary of a different sort. In June we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Great Flood of 2008 which drained Lake Delton, devastated homes and businesses all along the Baraboo River and

dramatic images that were seen around the world of homes floating away at Lake Delton are something we will never forget. Watch your upcoming newsletters for details on a program about the 2008 flood.

Two thousand eighteen will also mark an anniversary of national, and indeed international, importance as November will mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War One. Sauk County did its part during the Great War and one of its greatest stories came from the survivors of the sinking of the Tuscania in February of 1918. The Tuscania Memorial that is being created in Baraboo will be a fitting reminder of one of the greatest naval rescues during the war, and a memorial to those that perished.

I hope that you will help us celebrate, remember and commemorate these milestones this

THE Sauk County History Center will be five years old in March. Hard to believe, but it’s true! Please help us celebrate the anniversary on Thursday, March 15 at 7 pm at the History Center. A short presentation will be held showing “before” photos of the building when it was acquired in 2006 and renovation photos. The party will also mark the 100th birthday of the building itself which began life as the office building for the Island Woolen Mill. The building was designed by the Madison architectural firm of Claude & Starck and is a rare example of Prairie School architecture as adapted for an industrial office building. Cake and refreshments will round out the evening.

WINTER BOOK

The Society has a surplus of the following titles and is holding a sale to liquidate the excess stock. Don’t miss this opportunity to get some great books at bargain prices. These books also make great gifts!

Cemetery Inscriptions of Sauk County, Wisconsin

Great for genealogy

Only $4 plus shipping

Volume 3 - St. Aloysius - Sauk City, Prairie du Sac Cemetery, Sauk City Cemetery

Volume 8 - Walnut Hill Cemetery - Baraboo (older sections through N)

Volume 10 - St. Joseph’s & St. Michael’s –Town of Baraboo, All Saints – Town of Dellona, Calvary & St. John’s Lutheran – Town of Reedsburg, St. Patrick’s – Town of Winfield

Volume 11 - Walnut Hill Cemetery - Baraboo (Sections O to T), Additions & corrections to Volumes 1 through 10

Erhart Mueller’s Sumpter Series books

History and anecdotes from the Sauk Prairie – only $5 plus shipping

Only in Sumpter (green cover) 1977

Forever in Sumpter (red cover) 1987

Return to Sumpter (burgundy cover) 1994

BOOK SALE

Many a Fine Harvest

Michael J. Goc 1990

Hardcover book with numerous pictures covering Sauk County history

Board Changes at SCHS DONATIONS

AT the November meeting of the SCHS Board of Directors, the following were elected as officers: Mona Larsen, president, Bill Schuette, secretary and Jim Weickgenant, treasurer. The November meeting was the last meeting for Lise MeyerKobussen of Sauk City who resigned from the board. Meyer-Kobussen served as vice-president and acting president after the departure of Todd Liebman last fall. The Society would like to thank both Meyer-Kobussen and Liebman for their years of service.

Beverly Vaillancourt and Mark Graupman were elected to fill the vacant seats of MeyerKobussen and Liebman. Vaillancourt resides near LaValle and is an author and educator with an M.Ed. from DePaul University. After teaching in Reedsburg, she became the editorial director for Zulama, a computer science curriculum provider based in Pittsburgh and was charged with building curriculum and training teachers in project-based learning in school districts throughout several states. Five years later she left that position to co-found PowerUp Design LLC, a digital technology company. Vaillancourt never misses an opportunity to visit a historical site while traveling and is an avid history enthusiast. She is delighted to be re-joining the Sauk County Historical Society Board of Directors having served several years ago.

Graupman lives near Baraboo and retired as VP-Finance from Foremost Farms in late 2016 after 34 years with the company. Graupman joined MBE CPAs as their senior director of Client Accounting Services. He is a past graduate of the Sauk County Institute of Leadership, and over the years has served on the SCHS board as a member and treasurer.

Graupman has also served as the trustee board chair at Walnut Hill Bible Church and as a board member and president of the Buckhorn Property Owners’ Association. He is currently on the board of the Sauk County Development Corporation and will shortly be joining the board of the Greater Sauk County Community Foundation. He said that he welcomes the opportunity to rejoin the SCHS board in service to a great organization serving historical preservation in Sauk County.

November-December

Elizabeth Dutton

Gem City Amusements

Esther E. Lange

James & Andrea Lombard

Gregg McArthur

Sharon McArthur

David & Diane Vander Schaaf

Audrey Wendt Estate

IN MEMORY OF WAYNE WOLTER

Linda Levenhagen

Mary Orlowski

Mary Gretchen Roltgen

IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM

SCHREIBER

Sara L. Clark

William & Janice Gavinski

George & Susan Gogue

Tim & Kathy Nolden

Karen Sacia

Brent Brinker - Baraboo

Jim Greenwood - Baraboo

Jacob Krueger - Reedsburg

www.mbewealth.com (800) 729-2270

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

Mark Graupman - Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Old Sauk Trails • January/February 2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

A History of Treating Our Clients the Way We Would Like to Be Treated.

January/February 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

Baraboo, WI 53913

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership Activity for November and December

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

INDIVIDUAL

Abel, Marjorie – Wakefield, KS

Alexander, Carl – Baraboo

Apse, Guntis – Baraboo

Beard, Jeanette – Milton

Birdd, Ron – Reedsburg

Blaker, Richard H – Southport, CT

Bobholz, Jill Sneed – Baraboo

Burch, Lois – Rock Springs

DeWall, Janet – Appleton

Dippel, Albert – Baraboo

Domeier, Pam – Lenexa, KS

Follendorf, Brandon – Baraboo

Gasser, Cate – Baraboo

Hatfield, Charles – La Farge

Herrick, James M – Madison

Hettrick, Gail – Madison

Hill, LaDorna – Baraboo

Hutchins, Bill – WI Dells

Janssen, Erin – Baraboo

Kieffer, Bob, Jr – Baraboo

Kimpfbeck, Kenlyn – WI Dells

Ley, Bruce – Portage

Madalon, Jeanie – Baraboo

McCarthy, Tom – Sioux Falls, SD

Meyer, Joice – Reedsburg

Murray, Joanne – Reedsburg

Noyes, Diane – Marshall

Prothero, Betty – Baraboo

Ringelstetter, Bernice – DeForest

Roltgen, Sara – Baraboo

Schultz, Susan J – Lake Delton

Steinhorst, Patricia – Citrus Springs, FL

Wafle-Guenther, Carolyn –LaHondo, CA

Wilcox, Beverly – Libertyville, IL

Zach, Linda S – Middleton

FAMILY

Brining, Howard & Carla – Baraboo

Caflisch, Tim & Lisa – Baraboo

Conlon, Mike & Jennifer – Park Ridge, IL

Dillman, Nancy Jo & Moh, Helfried – Baraboo

Gerdman, Gil & Lynn - Baraboo

Goc, Michael & Weade, Barbara –Friendship

Grant, Ken & Mary – Baraboo

Higgins, Jim & Nancy – Baraboo

Kolb, Tom & Linda – Baraboo

Meyer, John & Sue – Oshkosh

Mielke, Richard & Melanie – N. Freedom

Nelson, Todd – WI Dells

Rogers, Don & Jean – Baraboo

Schertz, Bill & Amy – Baraboo

Schmiedlin, Robert & Gail – Baraboo

Schultz, Jerald & Zita – Baraboo

Frenz, Robert & Chris – Crystal Lake, IL

Stewart, Mary Anne – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bahe, Garry & Gale – Merrimac

Brew, Jean – WI Dells

Brickner, Greg & Vicki – Wonewoc

Buss, John & Pam – Prairie du Sac

Dallmann, David & Carolyn –Baraboo

Delacour, James – Stateline, NV

Frank, Kenneth & Thorson, Rhonda – Mazomanie

Hackbarth, James & Karen – Baraboo

Hipke, Jack & Marcia – Poynette

Johansen, Wayne & Martha –Baraboo

Kuter, David & Hilda – Madison

McKnight, John L – Evanston, IL

Smirenski, Sergei & Elena – Baraboo

Waddell, JoEllen – Baraboo

Wolfe, Barbara – Waunakee

SPONSOR

Burger, Fred & Patty – Baraboo

Holzem, Bob & Gayla – Baraboo

Klingenmeyer, Mary – Baraboo

Litscher, Joan – Baraboo

Lombard, James & Andrea – Baraboo

Rago, John & Nancy – Baraboo

St. John, Michael & Finney, Patricia – Baraboo

Swanson, David & Marcia – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Fred & Betty – Baraboo

Thompson, Dianne – WI Dells

VanGheem, Mike & Becky – Baraboo

Vogel, Jack & Deb – Baraboo

Weinhold, Frank & Mariana –Madison

PATRON

Fleishauer, Carol – Baraboo

Isenberg, Ann – Bow, NH

Pointon, Phil & Alonna – Baraboo

Sauey, Craig & Bonnie – Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Graupman, Mark & Barb –Reedsburg

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Weickgenant, Jim & Myrna –Baraboo

BUSINESS FAMILY

Juliart Ventures, LLC - Baraboo

Website 2.0

THE Sauk County Historical Society’s new website went live recently. The new site is an improvement over the old site and is much easier to navigate. While the old site was packed with content, it was not easily searchable.

The new site was created by new (and returning) board member, Beverly Vaillancourt, from LaValle, with assistance from board member Bill Schuette, and Executive Director Paul Wolter. Vaillancourt owns PowerUp Design with her son Steven Vaillancourt, and the firm designs websites and progressive apps.

The new site went live in late February after two months of work transferring, updating and reformatting the content of over 375 pages from the old site. Additionally, new pages have been added to provide more comprehensive information about the Society and its resources and Sauk County history. The transfer included over 735 photos.

The former SCHS website came on line in 2008 and additions were made over the past ten years; however, due to the software it was built with, it became increasingly difficult to create new experiences and to search the site for information. During the ten years of its existence almost 84,000 people visited the old site!

The new website includes easy access to historical materials such as probate record indexes, obituaries, videos of talks given on county history, historic images from all county villages and cities, articles about fascinating area people and places, county attractions and their histories, WWI letters home from soldiers, aerial views of county municipalities, family histories and many other topics are included.

Something new to the site, and at the top of every page is a search box which will search the entire site for key words and surnames. Pages where that word occurs will then be displayed for further research. For example searching for “Canfield” brings up pages related to Canfield artifacts, articles, photos, stories, events and videos.

Thanks to a new shopping cart system, visitors may sign up to become a new member (or renew their membership), request research, purchase society publications, donate funds for society projects and pay for it all at once with a secure connection.

The new website can be found at the former website address - www.saukcountyhistory.org

The Society’s Facebook page will remain the same. The easiest way to get to it is to click “f” at the bottom of any of the pages on the new website.

SAVE THE DATE: Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes , Saturday, June 23

Blue Wing’s Wedding

MRS. Almira (Brown) Johnson was born in 1847 near Janesville, her family having moved there from Vermont in 1845. In 1849 her family moved to a farm in New Buffalo, now the Town of Delton in northeastern Sauk County. Their farm was located about three miles from the 40 acres of land which had been purchased by Ho-Chunk Chief Yellow Thunder near today’s County Road A.

When Almira was ten years old, her father learned that there was to be an Indian wedding at Yellow Thunder’s forty and that the chief would be attending along with his two older daughters and a son. The Browns were good friends of the Yellow Thunder family and attended the wedding, although Almira was too young and remained at home with the promise she would be told all about the wedding.

When the Brown family arrived at the forty, there were about a hundred Indians and a dozen white men, all seated outside. Blue Wing was the niece of Mrs. Yellow Thunder and was adorned in traditional Native American wedding attire which was later described.

“Her hair was parted in the middle and her smooth black locks shone like the wing of a blackbird. In the back it was caught together and wound with beads, which were so strung that they formed a showy pattern when wound close together about her hair.”

“Her waist was close fitting crimson broadcloth; the round neck was finished with two deep berthas [collars], one overlapping the other. Both were finished about the edge with clasped steel hooks and eyes sewed closely together with the hooks down. From the bottom of each hook hung a string of steel beads over an inch long with a silver dime as a pendant. Forty dollars in ten cent pieces hung from her berthas, making a pleasant tinkling as she moved about. Her straight closefitting skirt was of heavy black broadcloth. It was about ten inches from the ground and was trimmed with a four-inch band of the same.”

The bride’s dress sported small yellow moons, white stars, red peace pipes, tan bows and arrows. The sides and back were adorned with a blue

bird in flight, most likely a representation of her namesake. The sewing for the costume was done by the bride with help from an aunt. They used “fine strong fibers drawn from the sinew of the hind leg of a deer.”

The groom wore “a new buckskin suit, the shirt and trousers were well fringed along the seams. About his waist was a handsome beaded belt in which were a hunting knife and a tomahawk. On his feet were beaded moccasins, and in his hair two eagle feathers.”

After several hours had passed Mr. Brown, Almira’s father, asked one of the men when the wedding would take place and was answered with “White man no see them married, they married before white man come.”

Upcoming Events

April 5 – Lunchtime Lesson, 12:00 pm

William H. Canfield

Pioneer Surveyor & Historian

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 24

April 10 – Canfield Day, 7:00 pm

Presentation of Canfield Award

Sauk County History Center

May 3 – Lunchtime Lesson, 12:00 pm

The Manhunt of 1961

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 24

May 24 – Sauk County Caches

Revisited, 7:00 pm

Prof. George Christiansen

Sauk County History Center

Executive Director’s Report

By Paul Wolter

IT must have been in the mid-1990s when I asked Jean Smith to take on a special and long-term project while sitting in the living room of the Van Orden Mansion. While it was known that the Society had purchased the mansion from Florence Van Orden in 1938, little was known about the Van Ordens and the two generations of the family that lived in the house before it became a museum. One place there was sure to be information was in the old Baraboo newspapers, but since they were not digitized, the only way to find any references to the family was to literally read every old newspaper. Since we knew the Van Ordens didn’t move to Baraboo until 1874 we at least had a starting point. Jean agreed to begin reading the papers, especially the local news sections, for any articles about the family and write down the articles word for word in a spiral bound notebook. As she began to have success, I started thinking of other topics she could look for while on her journey through the newspapers. First I asked if she could look for any references to the Ringling family, to which was

quickly added their cousins the Gollmars and the Moellers. Later William Canfield was added to the list along with architect Alfred Clas. Soon Jean had about 10 notebooks going covering the different topics she was looking for. Jean read every Baraboo newspaper from 1874 until well into the 1920s, filling notebook after notebook with her neat handwriting. In the end, hundreds of newspapers articles were found and copied, adding to our knowledge on several subjects. Some neat things that were found included learning that orator and politician William Jennings Bryant visited the Van Orden Mansion in 1911 and that the Van Ordens once packed 150 people into the house for a musical concert. Far more was learned about the circuses in Baraboo as Jean filled over four spiral bound notebooks with articles. Jean’s faithfulness paid off and is just one of the reasons why she will be awarded the 2018 Canfield History Award. I believe Mr. Canfield would have been pleased with her thoroughness and tenacity. I know I am. Thanks Jean!

The Sauk County Historical Society has collaborated with the Baraboo School District to create a ten-module curriculum on local history for every third-grade classroom in the district. SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter held two half-day in-service training sessions with the ten third grade teachers from Baraboo and North Freedom. The modules cover pre-historic times in the area up until the advent of the Ringling Brothers Circus and include such topics as Native Americans history, early settlement, water power and manufacturing, Baraboo as the county seat and the arrival of the railroad. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation of Wisconsin Dells

Smith to Receive Canfield Award at Canfield Day- April 10

LOCAL researcher and long-time SCHS volunteer Jean Smith has been selected to receive the 2018 William H. Canfield History Award for her exemplary work in making Sauk County historical resources more accessible, and for her assistance to countless researchers from across the country. Smith began volunteering for SCHS in 1992 and continued for over thirty years. Her work began under former curator Eleanor Chiquoine when the research resources for the Society were few and far between. Nonetheless Smith did her best to answer research requests which arrived by postal mail in those days. Going above and beyond, Smith often went to the courthouse to look things up or drove to Reedsburg to use resources at the public library. Besides providing research services Smith helped organize and expand the Society’s local history resources under Chiquoine and the next SCHS Curator Kathy Waddell. Smith has also helped wherever needed especially with newsletter and membership mailings. It is estimated that Smith helped send out over 50,000 newsletters during her time with SCHS along with helping send out tens of thousands of membership letters.

The William H. Canfield History Award is presented 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, Donna Lange, Bill Schuette, Paul Wolter, Ross Curry, Verlyn Mueller, Jody Kapp, Jack Berndt, Phil Hasheider and Bob Doepke. Smith will receive the 2018 Canfield Award at William H. Canfield Day which will be held on Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Sauk County History Center. A presentation on Sauk County in the 1840s will be given to showcase what life was like here when the Canfield family arrived in 1842. Cake and refreshments will round out the evening which celebrates the birth of Sauk County’s first historian and celebrates present day people who have his same passion for local history.

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Vice President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Recent Accessions Now Online DONATIONS

DONATIONS of artifacts and archival materials arrive at the Society on a weekly basis. At times some of the donated materials were detailed in past newsletters but only as space permitted. In an attempt to publish all new accessions, a monthly list can now be found on the new SCHS website by clicking on LATEST ACCESSIONS under the EXHIBITS link at the top of every page. An example of a listing is as follows for an atlas donated in January by Lyle Getschman.

2018.4 Getschman, Lyle 01/15/2018

1 Book: International Atlas of the World, Illustrated, indexed, 132 pgs. Geographical Publishing Company: Chicago, 1943. Includes history of WW II, description and maps of the 48 United States and the District of Columbia, description of places around the world

More information can be included on the website than in the newsletter and with the online listing the new accessions are now included in searches of the website. The Society would like to thank all those who donate Sauk County related historical material ensuring that such material is preserved and shared with future generations.

January-February

Virginia Lee Sammis

Joe & Lou Ann Ward

Karen Zimmerman

IN MEMORY OF WAYNE WOLTER

Robin Whyte

Joan Litscher IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY SLOTA

Carla Cady

IN MEMORY OF HELEN (ISENBERG) HERBERLEIN

Marjorie Abel

SCHS Board Elects Vice President

What Is It? This artifact was found in the SCHS collection recently and we are wondering if anyone knows what it is. It is of stone, about 12 inches wide and weighs 28 pounds. Could it be a meteorite or simply a rock which was eroded in a stream?

BOARD member Mark Graupman was elected SCHS Vice President at the January 22 board meeting. Graupman joins new SCHS President Mona Larsen and returning Secretary Bill Schuette and Treasurer Jim Weickgenant who were elected as officers in November.

Earl Wichern, In Memoriam

SCHS member Earl Wichern passed away on February 14, 2018 at the age of 96. Wichern was born near Baraboo and graduated from the local high school in 1939. He will be remembered at the Society for a daring trip he took with Ken Harvey and Bob Schult shortly after graduation. Wanting to attend the World’s Fair in New York City, the trio decided to ride their one-speed bikes from Baraboo all the way to the fair. Pulling two small trailers they made in high school shop class, the young men made it to the fair after several weeks of pedaling. Sixty years after the trip, Wichern wrote and published a book about the adventure entitled “Life in the Slow Track.” The book recounts the trials and triumphs along the way, from singing for their supper- they were a singing trio- to dealing with mosquitoes, flat tires and weather. Several years ago, Wichern transferred ownership of the book to the Society which continues to sell it.

Earl Wichern, Ken Harvey and Bob Schult (left to right) embarked on a 1300-mile bike ride during the summer of 1939 to see the World’s Fair in New York City. Wichern later wrote a book about their adventure.

Old Sauk Trails • March/April 2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

March/April 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

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

Bennin, Robert A – Waunakee

Benson, Nancy – Falls Church, VA

Brice, Jim – Baraboo

Caflisch, Janice – Baraboo

Cook, Betty J – Clarksville, TN

Cunningham, Sandy – Reedsburg

Elsing, Pam – Poynette

Geoghegan, Patrick – Madison

Getschman, Lyle – Baraboo

Haessly, James P – Sauk City

Haller, Angie – Baraboo

Honer, James A – Madison

Kjernes, Sandy – Edgerton

Larsen, Barbara – Sister Bay

Lemm, Charlie – Prairie du Sac

Marini, Frederick – Melrose

McCauley, Natalie A – Hillpoint

Moss, Jodie – Baraboo

Murphy, Jackie – Merrimac

Pansegro, William A – Reedsburg

Peters, Norma Jean – Reedsburg

Ritzenthaler, Thomas – Baraboo

Sacia, Karen – Baraboo

Savard, Robert – Chanhassen, MN

Schmidtke, Fred – Baraboo

Schneller, Linda – Prairie du Sac

Tacchini, Courtney – La Valle

Tarnutzer, Colleen – Safford, AZ

Templin, Faye M – Baraboo

Thompson, Miriam – Baraboo

Weston, Marshall – Aurora, CO

Wiley, Sue – Torrance, CA

FAMILY

Burmester, Dean & Marian – La Valle

Burton, Michelle & Matthew Mangerson – Milwaukee

Dummer, Bill & Laurie – Baraboo

Fisher, John & Lorna – Cross Plains

Greenwood, Jim & Bernadette –Baraboo

Grosz, Bill & Susan – Baraboo

Gurgel, Brenda – Baraboo

Harrison, Richard & Monica –Baraboo

Hart, John & Jane – Sauk City

Hart, Matt & Joan – Baraboo

LaBreche, Rauel & Ann –Prairie du Sac

LaMasney, Roger & Pat – Baraboo

Liston, Pat & Sara – Baraboo

Long, Bernard & Diana – Waunakee

Pivotto, Wayne & Janice – Montello

Powell, Marlene & Jerry Parchem –Baraboo

Singer, Ed & Chris – Baraboo

Wegner, Brandon & Kimberly –Baraboo

FRIEND

Bittner, Bernadette – Reedsburg

Christin, Barbara – Washington Grove, MD

Davis, James & Marsha – Reedsburg

Diehl, Howard & Karen – Sauk City

Houzner, Kathy – Portage

Jessop, Jerry & Jeanette – La Valle

Kriegl, Sylvia M – Baraboo

Madland, Thomas & Nancy –Baraboo

Olson, Bart & Char – Merrimac

Stolte, Dan & Shari – Loganville

Taapken, John & Donna –N. Freedom

Vodak, Barbara – Baraboo

Weiler, Lorin & Dayla –Prairie du Sac

SPONSOR

Archibald, George & Kyoko –Baraboo

Driessen, Karyn Krug – San Diego, CA (in memory of Martin Krug)

Evenson, James & Karen – Baraboo

Geoghegan, John D – Baraboo

Marking, Charles & Jeanne – Baraboo

Schulz, Glen – Sun City, AZ

Scoles, Alan H – Wichita, KS

Sophie, Chuck & Norma – Baraboo

Taylor, David & Charlotte – Baraboo

Whyte, Robin – Baraboo

PATRON

Bennin, John – Baraboo

Larsen, Gene & Mona – Baraboo

Sorci, Jason & Pam – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Cell Plus II, Inc. – Baraboo

Minuteman Press – Baraboo

BUSINESS PATRON

Prairie Security Systems –Prairie du Sac

Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes – June 23

THE Sauk County Historical Society will host the 2018 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, June 23 from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour will feature five historic homes and one carriage house in Baraboo ranging in style from folk Victorian to mid-century modern.

The earliest home dates from before 1886 when it was moved over a half mile across town and set down on a new foundation on Park Street which was then the edge of town. The interior was most likely remodeled at that time and each of the main rooms features a different style of Eastlake woodwork.

Another tour home was also constructed on the edge of town by farmer Ed Barstow in 1898 at the corner of Fifth and Wheeler streets. The house was soon purchased by Julius Hoppe for its seclusion in a grove of trees. It wasn’t long, however, before Hoppe had neighbors.

The city’s growth was fueled by the railroad; and since Baraboo was a division headquarters for the Chicago & North Western line, there were once over 300 railroad employees who lived in the city. One of them was William Hatch who became a railroad locomotive engineer and in 1902 commissioned a new house to be built in the Queen Anne style with a third-floor walk-up attic. Forty years later, that space would be used to house nine workers from the Badger Army Ammunition Plant during WWII.

A fourth tour house on Birch Street was seemingly built in 1928 in the popular Colonial

Revival style but has a secret past being an Italianate style house from 1881 which was heavily remodeled. Now beautifully maintained, the house has one of the first attached car garages in the city. In the mid-1950s, Levi and Gwendolyn Eckhardt had a new house built on Warren Street replete with built-in features. Over sixty years later, the house is beloved as a mid-century modern house.

An 1870s carriage house on Third Avenue will also be one of the 2018 tour stops where guests can see a restored carriage house complete with a horse inside.

The Sauk County Historical Museum at the historic Van Orden Mansion will also be open on the day of the tour featuring a new exhibit entitled “Artists and Artisans” along with other new exhibits. The 2018 tour is sponsored by Baraboo State Bank, RE/MAX Grand, Johnsen Insurance, Senger Lumber, Weickgenant Accounting and Hausmann-Johnson Insurance. Tickets for the tour can be purchased starting June 1 in Baraboo at the Sauk County History Center, the Baraboo Area Visitors Center, downtown at Corner Drug and in Reedsburg at the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets can also be purchased on the Society’s website at www.saukcountyhistory.org

Tickets will be $13 per person in advance and $15 on the day of the tour with a $2 discount for members. For more information contact the Sauk County Historical Society at 608-356-1001 or check out the website.

Sauk County Caches Revisited

BY the end of the first three decades of the twentieth century, six spectacular archaeological finds had been reported for Sauk County. These finds consisted of deposits of finished and unfinished stone tools that had been buried, and apparently lost and/or intentionally abandoned, by their makers. Although some archaeologists were aware of these finds, many had forgotten where the artifacts had been curated; and unfortunately, the early reports did not reveal much about the tools themselves. In 2017, three of the six deposits were found in the collections of the Sauk County Historical Society and the Reedsburg Historical Society. The items underwent analysis and formed the basis for research in how people thousands of years ago used the land and the resources around them to survive in a world very different from the one we are accustomed to. George W. Christiansen III will share the results of the analysis and discuss what has come to be understood about the hunters and gatherers of Sauk County who lived 2000 to 3000 years ago. This FREE lecture will be at the History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Baraboo, on Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 pm.

Jean Smith was the 2018 William H. Canfield History Award recipient for her outstanding work in local history as a researcher and volunteer. Smith worked as a volunteer at SCHS for nearly 30 years and has been instrumental in making local history resources more accessible and searchable along with helping countless researchers from across the country with their research requests. Smith, left, received the award from SCHS Executive Director, Paul Wolter, on April 10 during Canfield Day festivities at the history center.

Donations

March - April

Tom & Noralee Slezak

Geraldine Wolter

IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM SCHREIBER

Sharon McArthur

George Christiansen III, standing left with hat, conducted the 2017 Field School at Maple Ridge.

Summer Picnic – June 5 Ochsner Park Centennial

THE Society’s annual Founders’ Day Picnic will be held on Tuesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at the large fireplace shelter at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. A delicious summer picnic meal will be catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg followed by a presentation on the Ochsner family and the park, which turns 100 this year. The area is the epicenter of the Baraboo’s history with the first dam built along the Baraboo River at the west side of the park and the first permanent settler’s cabin built on the high hill overlooking the river. Forty-five years later, the property was rural acreage between Baraboo and Lyons (West Baraboo) when Henry and Judith Ochsner purchased it, built a house and moved to Baraboo to retire. Their property became Baraboo’s first public park when twelve acres were obtained

from their five children. Though purchased in 1918, the land was slow to be developed due to the shortage of manpower during World War One. The Park quickly became popular, and just eight years after the property was purchased a small zoo was started with a cage for bears and another for monkeys.

Reservations for the picnic can be made by using the form on the flier inside this newsletter or online at the Society’s new website (www. saukcountyhistory.org). The reservation deadline is May 29. The public is invited to attend the picnic and help celebrate the centennial of the park. The picnic will be the first of two events to celebrate the centennial with another event planned for July to celebrate with descendants of the Ochsner family.

The bandstand at Ochsner Park was built in 1919 and was one of the first structures erected at the park. The Society’s summer picnic will be held in the fireplace shelter shown in the background.

Executive Director’s Report

By Paul Wolter

YOU know the old saying, “If walls could talk…” Well recently at least one wall at the Van Orden Mansion did a little talking. Since January, the former master bedroom, now the 19th century history room, has been undergoing renovations. Two layers of wallpaper have been documented and removed, cracks were fixed and the room was repainted its original color which was found underneath the later wallpapers. As the room was being stripped, thanks to the help of volunteers Phil Jauch and Bill Schuette, two handwritten names appeared on the west wall with the date “May 23, 1916” and the word “Milwaukee.” The names were hard to read but appeared to be “C. Bauman” and “Ray C. Maxwell” and were written over the plaster of Paris that had been applied to smooth out the cracks that had appeared in the walls. This little find provided a wealth of information about the development of the room. The cracks must have appeared in the walls in the first 12 years after the mansion was finished - probably a big disappointment to the Van Ordens - necessitating

the use of wallpaper to cover the repairs. The first layer of wallpaper must have been applied at the time the signatures were written, dating it to 1916. The second wallpaper would, therefore, have been put on after 1916 but before 1938 when the Society bought the house. A 1920 census search did not find a match to either of the names but it is curious why two men from Milwaukee would be called in to fix and wallpaper the room instead of using more local help. At any rate, the room has been completely fixed and repainted and new LED track lighting has been installed to help the walls do even more talking. Exhibits and displays have been refurbished and hung back up to tell the story of Sauk County in the 19th century, a story filled with immigrants, war, crops, circuses and much more. I hope you will take the time to stop into the museum this summer and take in some history. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm and admission is free.

Over the winter, the former master bedroom at the Van Orden Mansion, now the 19th Century History Room, was refurbished with painting and new lighting. Two layers of wallpaper were removed and carefully documented. The original paint color was found on the walls along with two signatures from May of 1916 when the room was first papered.

Britton McFetridge of Sacramento visited the history center recently and was introduced to the office where his great grandfather Will Henry McFetridge worked as part owner of the Island Woolen Company. Will Henry’s father, James McFetridge, bought part ownership of the woolen mill in 1876 and later passed the operation on to his two sons, Will Henry and Edward P. McFetridge. The McFetridge family grew the woolen mill to its largest size in the 1920s by building many additions including the 1918 office building which is now the Sauk County History Center.

Tuscania Memorial Finds New Home

THE Tuscania Memorial will be placed in Lower Ochsner Park for greater accessibility and is set to be completed by November of 2018 for the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Donations are still being accepted to complete the project. Pavers are also still for sale and can be purchased to honor service members from any generation. For more information please check out the website at www. tuscaniamemorial.org

Upcoming Events

May 24 – Sauk County Caches Revisited, Prof. George Christiansen

7 pm, Sauk County History Center

June 5 – SCHS Annual Summer Picnic, 6 pm, Ochsner Park

June 23 - Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes

10 am – 4pm

Ticket discount for members

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Vice President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Native American Fun and Games

THE game of Chunkey Stones was a game created by Native Americans around 600 AD, in the Cahokia region near what is now St. Louis, Missouri. The game was played using polished stone disks with concave sides, two to six inches in diameter, and a slender pole about eight feet long, sometimes covered with bear grease. The stone was rolled over bare ground, or over ice in the winter, on a field about 100 feet long. The object of the game was to throw the pole closest to the point where the player thought the stone would stop. Two men would enter the game, one rolling the stone, and both attempting to divine the spot where the stone would stop. There was great competition between players, and wagers on the outcome abounded among spectators. The games lasted most of the day and ended only when

the players became too exhausted to continue. One translation of “Chunkey” was “running hard labor.” These games were played between neighboring villages and tribes and offered a time for great gatherings in the community. Gamblers would even wager everything they owned on the outcome of a match.

A Chunkey Stone was made from a very hard material, such as quartz, which was difficult to carve, and was considered quite valuable. The stone was owned by the whole tribe rather than by an individual.

This game was being played when the first European explorers arrived in the Midwest, around 1500.

These two Chunkey Stones may be viewed at the SCHS Museum, 531 4th Ave., Baraboo.

Old Sauk Trails • May/June 2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

May/June 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

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 – Fitchburg

Bahr, Dolores E – Prairie du Sac

Baker, Annette – Reedsburg

Barfknecht, Diane – Baraboo

Blum, Tim – Baraboo

Braunschweig, Craig – Reedsburg

Darling, Edna – Sun Prairie

Day, J. Peter – Madison

Edwards, Mary – Baraboo

Foxx, Julie – Reedsburg

Franzen, Barbara – Stoughton

Haggarty, John – Madison

Harvey, Heidi – Baraboo

Karg, Joyce – Baraboo

Lindner, Greg – Oxford

Lindquist, LaDonna – Verona

Lovely, Amy – Windsor, MO

McArthur, Joan – Holmes Beach, FL

Meinen, Irene – St. Paul, MN

Riedel, Sarah – Hillpoint

Schuette-Weiss, Karin – Tigard, OR

Sprecher, Leonard – La Valle

Stanley, Fred – Northfield, MN

Stiemke, Sandy – Sauk City

FAMILY

Anderson, Clifford & Susan –Baraboo

Berndt, Jack & Jody Kapp –Prairie du Sac

Graves, Dale E & Mary J –Waukesha

Horkan, Robert & Kathy –Lyndon Station

Hunt, Russ & Wendy – Baraboo

Luther, Doug & Linda –Greenwood Village, CO

Mede, Gary, Eleanor & Kari –Normal, IL

Rice, Eleanor – Milwaukee

Schultz, Robert & Marcella –Waukesha

Spencer, Robert & Kathy – Baraboo

Sprecher, Dale & Cynthia –Sauk City

FRIEND

Dahlinger, Fred & Anita – Baraboo

Dargel, Jerry & Ellen – Reedsburg

Dietz, John & Wessie –Rock Springs

Filip, Don & Janet – Reedsburg

Fletcher, John – Baraboo

Genovese, Thomas & Doris –Baraboo

Gilmore, David & Elsie – Baraboo

Klipp, Keith – La Valle

Liebman, Todd – Sierra Vista, AZ

Schulz, Deanna – Baraboo

Vester, Barbara J – San Leandro, CA

Washam, Paul & Judy – Baraboo

Wolter, Geraldine – Wisconsin Dells

Yeck, Louise L – Silver Spring, MD

SPONSOR

Ashford, Judy – Merrimac

Beard, Bill & Corinne – Baraboo

Dresen, William & Gretchen –Baraboo

Dutton, Elizabeth – Boalsburg, PA

Edwards, Sandra – Baraboo

Flygt, Rex & Charlene – Baraboo

Hambach, Arleen – Belvidere, IL

Kieffer, Jim & Shirley – Baraboo

Krainik, Marnie – Madison

Lange, Ken & Esther – Baraboo

O’Donnell, Scott – Baraboo

Poster, Jay – Madison

Rice, Paula – Norton Shores, MI

Schnee, Bradley & Maureen Reilly –Baraboo

Schuette, William C – Reedsburg

PATRON

Campbell, John & Susan –Wisconsin Dells

BENEFACTOR

McFetridge, Britton E, III –Sacramento, CA

VAN ORDEN CIRCLE

Sarahan, Charles – Hyattsville, MD

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Bank of Wisconsin Dells – Wis Dells

Terrytown Plumbing – Baraboo

A Tale of Two Lakes

WHILE Sauk County boasts seven lakes today, only one was naturally made – Devil’s Lake, which is still the largest by far. Two of Sauk County’s man-made lakes share a connection as they both exist because of the Dell Creek flowage. Mirror Lake began in 1860 when a dam was built in a rocky gorge to power a grist mill. Lake Delton was completed downstream in 1927 by Chicago real estate developer William J. Newman who wanted to create a resort community. The stories of the two lakes cover the gamut from the lost settlement of Newport to Ringling family connections. A presentation on Mirror Lake and Lake Delton will be given Tuesday, August 14 at 7 pm at the Frank Fischer Center located at 20 Wisconsin

Dells Parkway South in Lake Delton. Both lakes have a rich photographic history, and the private collection of SCHS member Tom Tesch will be scanned and shown along with pictures from the 2008 flood which caused the loss of Lake Delton. Many people remember where they were when they heard the shocking news ten years ago that Lake Delton had breached and drained into the Wisconsin River. News coverage of the event made it around the world. Fortunately, the breach was repaired and the lake was back in less than a year. Mirror Lake and Lake Delton continue to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. A look at them through pictures will help tell “A Tale of Two Lakes.”

Mirror Lake was created in 1860 when a dam was built in a rocky gorge along Dell Creek. Further downstream, Lake Delton was created in 1927. Pictures of the two lakes from the collection of Tom Tesch and the Society will be shown and discussed on August 14.

WWI Exhibit at Badger Show

THE Sauk County Historical Society will be exhibiting again this year in the Women’s Building at the Badger Steam & Gas Show grounds on Sand Road. This year’s show runs August 17, 18 and 19. Our exhibit will highlight Sauk County’s involvement in World War One. Sauk County sent about 1,000 men to serve in the great war in Europe. Meanwhile on the home front, everything was not quite so patriotic. Sauk County’s large population of German descent had to come to terms with a war that often involved family members on both sides. German books were burned in protest, neighbors became suspects and life in Sauk County changed. In the end, Sauk County lost 58 men in the war while hundreds returned home for splendid parades and ceremonies to celebrate the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Donations, May-June

Robert Curry

Lucille Henry

Joan Litscher

Joseph Ward

Upcoming Events

August 14

A Tale of Two Lakes”, 7 pm

Frank Fischer Center, Lake Delton

August 17-19

World War One Exhibit

Badger Steam & Gas Show Ground Women’s Building

Over 80

was purchased

the City of Baraboo in 1918 although the park was not formally dedicated until the following year. World War One restricted initial improvements in the park in 1918. The centennial of the park will be celebrated in August of 2019 at the bandstand which will also turn 100 years old.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

members attended the annual SCHS picnic in Ochsner Park. The park property

by

Several hundred people took part in the 2018 Baraboo Tour of Historic Homes on June 23. A special addition this year was the Barringer Carriage House on Third Avenue owned by Liz Nevers. The building dates to 1883 and has been restored. The carriage house was shown complete with horse in the surviving box stall. The Society would like to thank the homeowners, sponsors and volunteers who helped make the tour a success. Funds raised help the Society carry on its year-round mission to collect, preserve and share Sauk County history.

Executive Director’s Report

DOES it ever seem like summer just got started and then before you know, it is half over? And how about the years? Anyone remember a little event called “Y2K?” It’s hard to believe how quickly time passes sometimes. I can hardly believe that ten years has passed since the great flood of 2008 when Lake Delton drained and a slow-motion flood came down the Baraboo River for days, eventually closing the interstate. Those events were captured by more than one local photographer helping us document what happened. Pictures help us remember the past we experienced or learn about the past that was before our time. I am excited by some upcoming opportunities to see pictures that will help us both remember and learn about the past. Lake Delton

By Paul Wolter

and Mirror Lake will be highlighted on August 14 through pictures and postcard images and even a little video footage from 2008. Also, in August our temporary exhibit will open at the Badger Steam & Gas Show where pictures will help tell the story of Sauk County’s involvement in World War One. From a famous picture of a German book burning in downtown Baraboo to pictures of troops in training or abroad, the exhibit will help us step into the past and relate to it. I hope you are enjoying your summer and will take some time to remember and learn about the past. It’s good to stop and reflect. Somehow, I think it seems to help slow down our fast-paced world.

Movies Under the Stars

A unique form of entertainment made its debut in Reedsburg in 1952 when an outdoor drive-in-theater opened on farmland located about a mile east of the then city limits. It was owned by the Kelly family, who also owned the Badger Theater in town.

The grand opening of the Reedsburg drivein theater was held on August 23, with two shows nightly—adults 60 cents, under l2, free. The theater could accommodate 320 cars.

Most drive-in theaters showed older or “B” movies, however the uniqueness of watching a show from inside your car made up for the lesser quality of the films. You didn’t have to dress up, and come-as-you-are had its appeal. People brought their own snacks, and the kids watched from the back seat. Baby bottle warmers were available at the snack bar.

Popcorn, hotdogs, hamburgers, ice-cold soft drinks, chips and other goodies were available from the snack bar, which was usually located in the projector building.

The popularity of drive-in theaters reached its peak after WWII in the 1950s and early 1960s, with some 5,000 theaters across the country. More people attended outdoor theaters in the 1950s, than indoor

theaters.

By Bill Schuette

The Reedsburg outdoor theater was never a big financial success and lasted less than ten years. Television was becoming more popular in the early 1960s with more families purchasing their first set, and movie going declined during those times.

The screen was damaged by a windstorm in the early 1960s and never rebuilt. A Go-Kart track was constructed on the site, but it was short lived too, as people living near the track complained of the noise, and the fad soon passed.

Today there are fewer than 500 outdoor theaters left in the country. However, there’s one nearby that still shows films during the summer months: The Big Sky Drive-In, near Wisconsin Dells.

Boasting two screens of double features of first-run movies, it provides a nostalgic trip back in time for those wishing to relive their youth, and for current generation families who are seeking a new adventure under the stars.

If anyone has photos of the Reedsburg outdoor theater, please contact me at: wschuette9877@ gmail.com.

The Big Sky Drive-In, near Wisconsin Dells, still shows films during the summer.

Tuscania Memorial Turning to Bronze

Artist Homer Daehn has completed the clay artwork that will become the centerpiece of the World War One Tuscania Memorial which will be unveiled November 10 in Lower Ochsner Park in Baraboo. The four by six-foot clay masterwork was carefully transported to a foundry in Mt. Morris, Illinois recently where molds will be made in order to recreate it in bronze. The delivery of the clay marks a major milestone in the development of the Tuscania Memorial. Project founder and director Steve Argo has been hard at work fundraising for the project; and to date, nearly $70,000 has been raised with a total goal of $90,000. A complete list of donors to the project so far can be found at www.saukcountyhistory. org. Donations can be made online at the Society’s website or through a GoFundMe account. Another way to support the project is by purchasing a commemorative paver to honor a loved one who has been in the service. In order to be installed for the November 10 dedication, pavers need to be ordered by September 1.

Presents To

A night at the

• Cocktails & movable feast

• Thrilling Big Top show

• $100 per person

Must be 21 or older to attend.

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Vice President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Civil War Veterans Honored

A plaque dedication ceremony was held at the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial site north of Prairie du Sac on Highway 12 on July 14, 2018. Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War were present to host the event. Several volleys of shots were fired with Civil War muskets during the ceremony. Paul Wolter, Sauk County Executive Director, was also present to represent the Society. The plaque reads as follows:

US Highway 12

IRON BRIGADE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

Highway 12 is dedicated to the Brave Soldiers of the Iron Brigade who fought in the great Civil War 1861 - 1865. The Iron Brigade became one of the most celebrated units of the war. Of its five regiments, three came from Wisconsin: The Second, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer infantry. The two other regiments were the Nineteenth Indiana

and the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Together these units ranked among the most gallant and effective of the 3,559 regiments of the Union Army. The Iron Brigade earned its nickname during its first campaign at South Mountain in Northern Virginia in the Fall of 1862. It thereafter fought in all major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, the Unions principal force in the Eastern theater of war. Battles of Second Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg and Spotsylvania were recorded on the Iron Brigades Colors. Iron Brigade casualties ranked among the highest of the war. The Second Wisconsin suffered the greatest percentage of loss of the entire Union Army, and during the course of the war, the Seventh Wisconsin had more men killed in battle than any other Union Regiment. Placed by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

A new plaque honoring the Iron Brigade of the Civil War was unveiled by Bob Koenecke, the commander of Camp #15 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Koenecke is also the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway officer for Wisconsin

Old Sauk Trails • July/August 2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

July/August 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

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

IINDIVIDUAL

Argo, Steve – Wisconsin Dells

Armstrong, Myrna –Meadowlakes, TX

Bayerl, Holly – Menominee, MI

Bodette, Jackie – Baraboo

Caflisch, Craig – Baraboo

Cosner, Andy – Carmel, IN

Couillard, Louise – Verona

Cowan, Bergene – Baraboo

Dupont, Nancy – Oregon

Etzwiler, Nijole – Baraboo

Fitzgerald, Marjorie – Baraboo, WI

Gall, Steve – Reedsburg

Gussel, Bud – Wisconsin Dells

Hamburg, Doreen – Baraboo

Hasheider, Philip – Sauk City

Jackson, Jim – Madison

Johnson, Fran – Baraboo

Kaney, Gay – Baraboo

Kelly, Nick – Baraboo

King, Muriel – Yachats, OR

Kraemer, Kenneth –Newport Coast, CA

Marini, Gladys – Baraboo

May, Kathy – Baraboo

Michals, Patricia – Baraboo

Pierce, Stephanie – Baraboo

Schluter, Charles – Madison

Sperl, Cathy – Lake Delton

Stieve, Mary Farrell – Baraboo

Thiessen, Betty – Baraboo

Williams, Susan Burton – Waukesha

Zick, Allegra – North Freedom

FAMILY

Beckwith, Kandie – Baraboo

Brandt, Janet – Elgin, IL

Denning, Nora & Peter –Vashon, WA

Groeneweg, Tom & Diane – Baraboo

Hanskett, Paula – Baraboo

Huffaker, Buddy & Marcy – Baraboo

Johnsen, Bill & Deb – Baraboo

Johnson, Robert & Julie – Reedsburg

McCoy, Larry & Keri Olson –Baraboo

Mohar, Warren & Linda – Baraboo

Rasmussen, Bob & Corinne – Cable

Rundio, Steve & Libby – Baraboo

Smith, Yvonne – Baraboo

Steinhorst, Gaylon, Shirley & Emma – Baraboo

FRIEND

Bock, Susan J – Carmel, IN

Bronkalla, Leo & Joyce – Baraboo

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Gosewehr, K E – Baraboo

Hazard, Bryant – Baraboo

Holt, Mike & Sandi – Baraboo

Johnson, William P, Jr. – Dallas, TX

McCormick, Terrence & Barbara –Baraboo

Morrill, Stefanie – Spring Green

Thomas, Earl & Diane – Baraboo

Woodbury, Harry – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Cady, Carla – Baraboo

Chiquoine, Stephen & Eleanor –Reedsburg

Davenport, John & Elizabeth –Minnetonka, MN

Francois, Wayne & Joan – Baraboo

Hays, Mark & Beth – Reedsburg

Hotzel, Bernard & Roberta – Baraboo

Jauch, Bob & Allison – Baraboo

Jauch, Phil – Baraboo

Moon, Clyde & Carolyn – Baraboo

Pietenpol, David & Diane – Suamico

Putz, Gene – Gorham, ME

Roltgen, Bob & Gretchen – Baraboo

Schell, Dennis – Indianapolis, IN

School, Dan & Anna-Marie – Baraboo

Schwartz, Lester – Kimberton, PA

Schwegel, Rod & Christi –Mazomanie

Statz, Steve & Jodi – Rock Springs

Ward, Joe & Lou Ann – Baraboo

Weitzel, Ken – Spring Green

PATRON

Barganz, Ron & Lynda – Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

Burgi, Karl & Melanie – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Baxter Dental Center – Baraboo

World War One Centennial Events

Reedsburg at the Ready –September 27

WHEN the United States declared war against Germany in April of 1917, the Badger State and Reedsburg sprang into action. Reedsburg’s Company A of the First Wisconsin Infantry of the National Guard had returned from active duty on the Mexican border just a few months before and was soon called into duty for the great war in Europe. They were the first troops from Sauk County sent to fight; and when Company A made its way to Camp MacArthur in Texas it was folded into the 32nd Infantry Division which eventually earned the nickname the Red Arrow Division for its tenacity in piercing the enemy line. The French nicknamed the division “Les Terribles” for the same reason. Men from Reedsburg engaged in combat in the most significant fighting of World War I including the Somme to the Meuse-Argonne. Many returned home but some did not. Reedsburg’s armory, which had been constructed in 1903, was the headquarters for all of the local action. In May of 1917 it was the site of a mass meeting to organize the Sauk County Council of Defense which would oversee war efforts at home. The story of Reedsburg’s involvement in World War I will be the subject of a free presentation on Thursday, September 27 at 6 pm at the Reedsburg Public Library given by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter. The presentation is open to the public which is encouraged to bring in any World War One memorabilia they might like to share.

Annual Banquet and Business Meeting

Sauk County and the Great War – Octber 25

THE annual banquet and membership meeting of the Sauk County Historical Society will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 6 pm at the Frank Fischer Center at 20 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South, Lake Delton. A delicious fall meal will be catered by Geffert’s Catering of Reedsburg after which the Society will conduct its annual business meeting. The meeting will include the election of board members, a financial report and the year in review.

The presentation of the evening will be given by SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter on Sauk County’s involvement in World War One, both at home and abroad. Sauk County sent over 1,300 men to fight in the war – at least 58 did not make it back to see the tremendous victory parades put on throughout the county. From the anti-German sentiment that brought about the burning of German books in the street to the stories of heroism on the battlefield, the war brought about tremendous change to many lives. Those changes have rippled down to the present day.

A reservation form for the banquet and meeting can be found on the enclosed flyer. The deadline for reservations is October 18. Don’t miss out on this fascinating evening!

continued next page …

Tuscania Memorial Dedication November 10

THE new Tuscania Memorial will be unveiled on Saturday, November 10 at a ceremony that begins at 10 am in lower Ochsner Park along the Riverwalk in Baraboo. The ceremony will mark the end of a three-year campaign to design and fund a memorial to one of the greatest unsung stories of World War One – the sinking of the troopship Tuscania and the rescue of over 1,800 US troops. The project was started and spearheaded by Baraboo High School history teacher Steve Argo who is also an SCHS Board

Member. With the help of scores of donors, volunteers and in-kind gifts, the memorial will soon be a reality. The sculptural centerpiece of the memorial, created by local artist Homer Daehn, is currently being cast in bronze and will be placed on a stone clad pedestal that has been constructed in lower Ochsner Park. A fundraising goal of just over $90,000 has been almost completely met with about $10,000 left to go. Anyone interested in making a contribution can do so at the Society’s website (www.saukcounythistory.org) As the finishing touches go on the memorial site we hope you will plan on attending the dedication event on the centennial eve of the armistice that ended the great war.

The Tuscania Memorial site in lower Ochsner Park in Baraboo is taking shape as the support wall for the bronze sculpture has been built and the site around it is prepared for concrete. Volunteer site coordinator Jerry Exterovich, foreground, compacts the gravel base while volunteer and artist Homer Daehn works on spreading black dirt around the edges.

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 27, 12:10 pm

Lunchtime Lesson – Mr. Canfield and his 1872 Map of Baraboo

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 21

Free will offering

Thursday, October 25, 12:10 pm

Lunchtime Lesson – Effigy

Mounds & Native Americans

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 21

Free will offering

Thursday, October 25, 6:00 pm

Annual Banquet & Meeting

Sauk County and the Great War

Frank Fischer Center, Lake Delton

Saturday, November 10, 10:00 am

Tuscania Memorial Dedication

Lower Ochsner Park, Baraboo

The Society installed a temporary exhibit on Sauk County’s involvement in World War One at the Badger Steam and Gas Show grounds for their annual three-day event in August. The exhibit showcased pictures of Sauk County troops, artifacts from the war including helmets and a gas mask and also showed a bit of life on the home front. The Society would like to thank all the volunteers that helped staff the exhibit and book table during the show.

Executive Director’s Report

SAUK County experienced more than a little bit of déjà vu in late August and early September when late summer storms dumped more than two feet of rain in some locations, especially in the north- western part of the county. The storms caused extensive flooding along the Baraboo River causing many to remember and compare it to the events during the summer of 2008 when the Baraboo River hit its highest recorded levels ever in many communities (until now). At that time many people thought that we had been hit with a “100-year flood” and that they would never see anything like it again. Mother Nature proved everyone wrong. What is different today is that we can “see” things in new ways that weren’t as common just ten years ago. Modern smart phones and drones were just starting to come out in 2008 and have now changed the ways that we can look at and share events. At the History Center we also experienced a little déjà vu with the rising Baraboo River. In 2008 the river crested high enough to get near the back side of the building and water bubbled up through the old patched concrete floor on

By Paul Wolter

the ground level and settled in lower areas to a depth of about two inches. Before the waters rose, however, the 1937 Altpeter Soda Pop truck, which is stored on that level, was pulled out to the upper parking lot and other stored items were elevated and no real damage was done. This time volunteers were rallied once again to remove the Altpeter truck and also the 1903 Michigan automobile which the Society didn’t own ten years ago. The silver lining was that many artifacts that were stored at the History Center were moved to the Van Orden mansion which is where they were slated to go anyway. So, progress was made in clearing the ground floor in preparation for eventual renovation. Fortunately, the river did not crest as high this time as it did in 2008 (even though it tried twice in two weeks!) and the ground floor did not flood. I would like thank all of the volunteers that helped move several loads of material out of harm’s way and I hope that we are now done with “100-year floods” that seem to be occurring every seven to ten years.

The recent flooding in late August and early September prompted the removal of the 1937 Altpeter soda pop truck from the ground floor of the History Center as a precaution against the rising Baraboo River. The 1903 Michigan automobile and other artifacts in storage were also removed. Volunteers Paul Young, left, and Bill Klemm loaded up the Altpeter truck and moved it to safety.

Long-Ago Lunchtime Lessons Resume

THE popular mid-day series of presentations on historical topics will resume on September 27 at the Baraboo Area Senior Center. The 2018-19 series will take an in depth look at the history of Baraboo from prehistoric times to the advent of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The series is based on 10 modules of local history curriculum that were developed by the Society for all of the third-grade classrooms in the Baraboo School District. The lessons were based on an 1872 map of the city drawn by pioneer surveyor and historian William H. Canfield who was careful to document Native American effigy mounds and other historic items on his map. A point on the map begins each lesson. The third-grade local history curriculum will be expanded and modified to teach eight lessons on Baraboo’s history. The presentations will look at the three different cultures that have inhabited this spot over the past 1,000 years, the reason there is a city here at all, how Baraboo grew and its biggest claim to fame. The series will run from September through May (skipping December) with presentations being held on the last Thursday of each month from 12:10 to 12:50 pm at the Baraboo Area Senior Center, Room 24 of the Baraboo Civic Center, 124 Second Street. SCHS Executive Director Paul Wolter will use pictures, maps and illustrations to bring each presentation to life. The presentations are open to the public and a free will offering will be taken.

Donations, July-August

Robert Curry

Joan Litscher

Village of Lake Delton

Joseph Ward

Karen Zimmerman

September 27 Mr. Canfield and his Map

October 25 Effigy Mounds and Native Americans

November 29 The Name “Baraboo”

No Presentation in December

January 31 Baraboo Rapids, Dams and Mills

February 28 The County Seat

March 28 The Arrival of the Railroad

April 25 The Fair

May 30 Circus City

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Mark Graupman, Vice President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

Why Are Barns Red?

DRIVING through Sauk County you will see many of the old barns painted red. Why is that? Why not green or blue? There are numerous traditional reasons, or myths, for use of the red ocher color.

One reason was Scandinavian farmers used red to make it look like the barns were made of brick, a sign of wealth. It was noted that, “In Pennsylvania, the Dutch settlements latched onto the custom of red bricks, red barns, red geraniums, even reddish-brown cows.”

By the 1800s, farmers sought ways to more readily protect their farm buildings from the ravages of weather. In addition to positioning the barn to best accommodate the sunshine and winter storms and to best preserve the wooden timbers, they also began experimenting with a mixture of skimmed milk, lime, linseed oil, and red iron oxide—better known as rust. The iron oxide was obtained from locally available red clay,

By Bill Schuette

and linseed oil—a natural wood preservative—was obtained from the flax plant. The concoction dried quickly, was cheap, and lasted for years. Iron oxide, or rust, was plentiful on farms and in paint it also acted as a natural poison to fungi and prevented the growth of mold and moss on the wood. The fungi trapped moisture in the wood and promoted decay. Farmers also learned that during the winter, red paint absorbed more sunshine and kept the interior of the barn warmer.

In the spring and summer, the red barns lend a vivid contrast to the green of the countryside, and in the winter, they provide an accent of crimson to winter’s white blanket.

Red barns have become a tradition in the Midwest through the years, and still remain a colorful decorative addition to the community.

These barns are located near Loganville, and represent a traditional red paint job which was popular in the late 1800s through the 1900s.

Old Sauk Trails • September/October2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

September/October 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

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

Alt, J. Merle – Baraboo

Baumgarten, Carol – North Freedom

Blau, Connie – Waunakee

Dimmick, Jean – Baraboo

Gollmar, Robert – Baraboo

Granroth, Sandra – Fitchburg

Hallanger, Kay – Baraboo

Hawkins, Linda – Evansville

Hayes, Dottie – Baraboo

Hendricks, Brenda – Lyndon Station

Jaedike, Dale – North Freedom

Knuti, Sigrid – Madison

Larson, Mary – Wisconsin Dells

Martin, Joan – Reedsburg

Murphey, Louise – Richland Center

Popp, Alice – Baraboo

Rohde, Marilyn – Baraboo

Schara, Jerald -Arena

Schultz, Betty Lee – Baraboo

Shepard, Theodore –Spokane Valley, WA

Simons, Neal – Minneapolis, MN

Stoikes, Carl – Prairie du Sac

Stone, Barbara – Baraboo

Young, Paul – Baraboo

FAMILY

Calabrese, Anthony & Kathryn –Baraboo

Clemens, Dave & Inger –Wisconsin Dells

Dorner, Tom & Teri – Baraboo

Gorak, Dave & Joanne – La Valle

Herbst, Erich & Jean – Baraboo

Klett, Jon & Jennifer – Mazomanie

Martin, Paul & Nichelle – Baraboo

Olsen, Craig & Mim – Baraboo

Rochacewicz, Frederick – Baraboo

Schwarzenbart, Paul & Cheryl –Reedsburg

Sessler, Dan & Bobbie – Baraboo

Smith, Dave & Brenda – Baraboo

Thurow, Dennis & Mary Kathleen –Baraboo

FRIEND

Bosshard, Chris, Maureen & Jennifer – Lake Delton

Cole, Don – DeForest

Johnson, Susan – Reedsburg

Krainik, Ralph & Pam – Baraboo

Rygiewicz, Donna – Madison

Schellenberger, Bill & Alice –Baraboo

Schuebel, TJ & Susan – Baraboo

Smith, Jean E – Baraboo

Steiger, Fred & Sharon – Beach Park, IL

Topham, Brett & Susan – Madison

Wozniak, Mark & Bridget – North Freedom

SPONSOR

Kriegl, Thomas – Baraboo

Litscher, Patrick – Madison

O’Neill, James – Baraboo

Schnitzler, Roger & Melissa –Wisconsin Dells

Schroeder, Al & Jean Wendt –Baraboo

Slattery, James – Mazomanie

Slezak, Tom & Noralee – Hyattsville, MD

Vaillancourt, Bev – La Valle

PATRON

Bullard, Patricia – Reedsburg

Costerisan, Francis & Joan –Hendersonville, NC

Stone, Tim & Kristi DuBois – Baraboo

Umhoefer, Aural – Baraboo

BENEFACTOR

McNabb, John & Rikki – Baraboo

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Don-Rick Insurance – Baraboo

The Colors of Christmas December 7 & 8

EDWARDIAN Christmas festivities at the Van Orden Mansion will kick off this year on Friday, December 7 with the Wine & Appetizer Premier, followed by the Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 8. Guests at both events will be able to experience “The Colors of Christmas” with each of the 11 trees in the mansion decorated to different colors and color schemes. Decorating will range from a plaid Christmas in the living room to a blue Christmas (complete with Elvis) to the colors of a tropical Christmas. Decorators this year include Amy Terbilcox, Miriam Thompson, Lindy Larsen, Gretchen Roltgen, Ann Wolter, Dave SaLoutos, Laurie Dummer, Samantha Pittman, Bekah Kate’s & Barabrew -Wisconsing Beer Choir. SaLoutos will be creating an entire room dedicated to the “Land of Oz” with inspiration from the iconic movie. Sponsors this year include Johnsen Insurance, Hill’s Wiring, Bekah Kate’s, Wisconsin River Title Consultants, MBE CPAs, Meyer Insurance, Terrytown Plumbing, Baraboo State Bank and Weickgenant Accounting.

The premier on December 7 at 7 pm will be an adults-only party featuring festive appetizers and holiday spirits such as wine, Christmas beer and traditional mulled wine. Guests will be able to experience the mansion at night with subdued lighting and holiday music including Dave SaLoutos at the piano and a special performance of a handcranked organ by Anita Dahlinger. Tickets for the Edwardian Christmas Wine and Appetizer Premier are $24 for non-members and $22 for members. Tickets will be limited and can be purchased on line at the Society’s website – www.saukcountyhistory. org or by calling 608-356-1001.

The Society’s exuberant Jingle Bell Open House on Saturday, December 8 from 12-7 pm will include live music throughout the day, holiday treats in

the dining room and jingle bell horse-drawn rides from 2 pm until dark. This family-friendly event has delighted thousands of visitors over the years and is sure to do so again, as people experience the sights, sounds and tastes of an old-fashioned Christmas in an Edwardian-era mansion. Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at the door and will be $7 for non-members and $5 for members, with children ages 12 and under admitted free.

For more information on holiday events at the Van Orden mansion or renting the mansion for your own holiday event please contact the Society at 608-356-1001 or visit our website – www. saukcountyhistory.org

Annual Meeting Notes

The Society’s annual banquet and business meeting was held on October 25th at the Frank Fischer Center in Lake Delton. Seventy visitors and guests enjoyed a tasty fall meal supplied by Geffert’s Catering before the business meeting which was presided over by SCHS president Mona Larsen. A presentation on the Tuscania Memorial was presented by Project Director and SCHS Board Member Steve Argo. After this, the minutes of the 2017 annual meeting were read by SCHS secretary Bill Schuette, a financial report was given by SCHS treasurer Jim Weickgenant, and an election for board members was held. The board seats

of Dave SaLoutos, Steve Argo, Myrna Weickgenant and John McNabb expired that evening and were filled by the nomination and re-election of the same members. Additionally, a twelfth board seat which was vacant was filled with the election of Bev Simonds of Baraboo. A year in review presentation was then given by executive director Paul Wolter who followed this with a presentation on Sauk County and the Great War. The story of Sauk County’s involvement in World War One was chronicled with the use of pictures and first-hand accounts written by soldiers.

Long-ago Lunchtime Lessons

THIS popular noon-time series continues the last Thursday of every month at the Baraboo Area Senior Center which is located in the Baraboo Civic Center. Upcoming topics include the man behind the name “Baraboo,” the Baraboo rapids, the mills, the county

seat fight, the arrival of the railroad and the advent of the Ringling Brothers and Gollmar Brothers circuses. The historical presentations are open to the public and begin at 12:10 and last about 45 minutes. A free will offering is taken.

SCHS Board Changes

THIS fall the Society says farewell to one board member while welcoming a new one. The Society would like to thank Mark Graupman for his service on the board of directors. Graupman resigned recently due to a job change which will make it impossible for him to attend the board meetings. Graupman has served on the board for many years in various capacities including treasurer and most recently vicepresident. Graupman’s seat which expires in 2019 will be filled by a vote of the SCHS board. At the annual meeting, Beverly Simonds of Baraboo was elected by the membership to a three-year term to fill a vacant seat on the board. Simonds was born in the Town of Sumpter and in her youth became a county 4-H member and eventually a junior and senior leader. She served on the Baraboo Common Council from 1990 to 1995 and also on various city and county board committees and commissions. Simonds operated a retail business in downtown Baraboo for seven years and during that time assisted in creating a publication on historic preservation for downtown Baraboo building owners. Simonds also served as Executive Officer for Hope House for three years, writing and managing local, state and federal grants, and served on the Governor’s Domestic Violence Commission. She received the Governor’s Wisconsin State Patrol Commendable Service Award in 2013. Simonds is

Upcoming Events

The Name “Baraboo”

Thursday, November 29, 12:10 pm

Baraboo Civic Center – Room 21 Free will offering

Wine & Appetizer Premier

Van Orden Mansion

Friday, December 7, 7 pm

Jingle Bell Open House Van Orden Mansion

Saturday, December 8, 12-7 pm

Tickets available at the door

Donations, September - October

Sharon McArthur Amanda Shoemaker

currently the Dean’s Assistant at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus. The Society welcomes her wholeheartedly to the board of directors.

Tuscania Memorial Dedication

ON Saturday, November 10 the Tuscania Memorial was dedicated at lower Ochsner Park in Baraboo. Over 300 people attended the ceremony including descendants of Tuscania survivors. The bronze centerpiece of the memorial was created by Baraboo artist Homer Daehn and features a scene on the rocky Scottish coast of civilians rendering aid to US soldiers. Over 1,800 soldiers were rescued from the sinking ship, most by the British Navy. Commander Spencer Hubschmid of the British Royal Navy, stationed in Washington DC, made remarks at the dedication and accepted an expression of gratitude from Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm for the 21 Baraboo soldiers who were rescued. Project Founder and Director, Steve Argo, was also among the speakers at the ceremony which honored not only the victims, survivors and rescuers of the Tucscania but all veterans on the eve of the centennial anniversary of the end of World War One.

Baraboo High School history teacher Steve Argo, middle right, conceived the idea of the Tuscania Memorial four years ago after learning about the incident and the incredible rescue and determining there was no memorial to the Tuscania anywhere in the US. The new memorial was designed to remember the victims, survivors and rescuers. Commander Spencer Hubschmid of Britain’s Royal Navy attended the ceremony and later posed with artist Homer Daehn, bottom right.

The heart of the Tuscania Memorial is an original bronze sculpture by Homer Daehn. The 4 x 7 foot scene shows Scottish civilians on the shore of the island of Islay assisting American soldiers who made it ashore after the Tuscania was torpedoed.

Executive Director’s Report

IT’S amazing how things can change in 100 years. This November, of course, marks the end of “the war to end all wars,” or World War One as we now call it in hindsight; and a lot has changed since 1918. The end of the war was welcome news across the world, and Sauk County was no exception. When news hit the streets, near riots of happiness broke out with bonfires appearing on the streets and people rejoicing in the good news. Perhaps some of the happiest were the 80 or so young Sauk County men on a train headed for a training camp. The train was turned around and the men were “discharged” immediately.

This fall also marks a milestone in SCHS history as we mark 80 years of ownership of the Van Orden Mansion. Thanks to the generosity of Florence Van Orden, the Society was able to purchase the home for use as a museum in 1938 for only $9,000. This was less than the building had

By Paul Wolter

cost to build 35 years earlier. The building is now the Society’s largest “artifact” while it still serves its original function as a museum. It is currently being decked out for the holidays, and I hope you can experience its Edwardian-era charm.

I would like to thank all of our members, supporters, donors, volunteers and staff members for making 2018 a very productive year. The upcoming 2019 looks to be equally exciting as we plan another Sunday in the Cemetery-Living History Tour, additional old town history nights, continuing work on local history curriculum for area schools and installation of new interpretive signage at Man Mound Park and the Yellow Thunder Memorial. As we enter our 114th year of operation, the Society looks to reach more people than ever and fulfill its mission to “collect, preserve and share” Sauk County history.

Over 300 people attended the unveiling of the Tuscania memorial sculpture.

The First Christmas Card

THE practice of sending holiday greeting cards goes back to 1843 when an Englishman named Sir Henry Cole was overwhelmed by having too many friends. In England at the time, it was traditional to send written Christmas and New Year’s greetings to one’s friends. Cole was a busy man, and didn’t have time to answer all his holiday greetings. It was considered very impolite in Victorian England not to answer your mail in a timely manner. So, Cole hit upon an ingenious way to respond to the letters. He asked an artist friend, J.C. Horsley, to design a greeting card which would embody the spirit of the holiday. The greeting card depicted a family around the Christmas table and included scenes of people helping the poor. The card also included the salutations, “TO” and “FROM.”

Seeing that this was a much more efficient way to send holiday greetings, many of Cole’s friends also began sending cards to their friends. Cole and Horsley saw an opportunity and began selling replicas of their cards for the equivalent of 8 cents. It took several decades for the practice to catch on in England and the United States.

By Bill Schuette

The first Christmas card to be printed in the U. S. was created by a Prussian immigrant, Louis Prang, in 1875, who had a print shop in Boston. It consisted of a simple and inexpensive card which depicted a flower with the simple greeting, “Merry Christmas.” These early cards usually highlighted animal, snow or nature scenes and were beautifully colored illustrations.

In 1915, the Hall family of Kansas City, a postcard printing company, decided to get into the Christmas card business. They standardized the size of cards to 4X6 inches, folded once. A decade later, the company changed its name to “Hallmark”.

By the 1930s, colorful Christmas cards depicting Santa Clauses, Bethlehem, angels and stars, became the standard.

Our Board and Staff

Mona Larsen, Society President - Baraboo

Bill Schuette, Recording Secretary – Reedsburg

Jim Weickgenant, Treasurer - Baraboo

Steve Argo – Wisconsin Dells

Pam Krainik – Baraboo

John McNabb – Baraboo

David SaLoutos – Baraboo

Beverly Simmonds - Baraboo

Beverly Vaillancourt – La Valle

Myrna Weickgenant – Baraboo

Ken Weitzel – Spring Green

STAFF

Paul Wolter, Executive Director – Baraboo

Rebecca DuBey, Curator – Baraboo

Kathleen LaCombe, Museum Keeper – Baraboo

Linda Levenhagen, Office/Research Mgr., Bookkeeper – Baraboo

The first Christmas card was created in England in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole.

Old Sauk Trails • November/December2018

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

Editor: Bill Schuette • Production: Minuteman Press

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

Van Orden Mansion open May-Oct. 12-4 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

History Center, 900 2nd Ave., Open 12-4 p.m. Weds - Sat (608) 356.1001 • history@saukcountyhistory.org

www.saukcountyhistory.org

(608) 356-1001

November/December 2018

The Sauk County Historical Society

900 Second Avenue

P.O. Box 651

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

IINDIVIDUAL

Boxhorn, Dorothy – Mukwonago

Brice, Judy M – Baraboo

Burke, Joann – Gallup, NM

Capener, Debby – Portage

Carpenter, James R – San Diego, CA

Cowan, Derek – Baraboo

Cronon, William J – Madison

Dailey, Paul – Madison

DeWall, Janet – Appleton

DeWall, Patrick – Appleton

Ebert, John – Watertown

Effinger, Ann – Tucson, AZ

Ferber, James – Wauwatosa

Geisler, Thomas – Cottage Grove, MN

Jessie, Jeanne – Norco, CA

Kaney, Jerald – Milwaukee

Kaul, Joan – Baraboo

Konkle, Connie – Sauk City

Kramer, Terry – Baraboo

Kutzbach, John – Madison

Larsen, Lindy – Baraboo

Oppliger, Kay Davis – Oshtemo, MI

Purchase, Mary – Dowling, MI

Quale, Marilyn – Baraboo

Ridder, Eydie – Baraboo

Roser, Cathy – Rose Creek, MN

Setwyn, Eugene – Reedsburg

Shrake, Pete – Baraboo

Stoeckmann, Judith – Rock Springs

Triff, Maxine – Madison

Trumm, Debra – Alexandria, MN

Usedom, Ron – Lake Delton

Walters, Diane – Wauwatosa

Winrich, R.A. – Stoughton

Zimmerman, Donald – Baraboo

FAMILY

Bellis, Mary – Baraboo

Bird, Gib & Gail – Baraboo

Blackburn, Ray & Debbie – Baraboo

Blau, Beatrice & Brenda – Sun Prairie

Casey, Dave & Brown, Barb –La Valle

Doepke, Bob & Carolyn – Baraboo

Hause, Richard & Kitty – Baraboo

Jauch, Daniel & Jane – Madison

Jenks, Dick & Linda – Baraboo

Konen, Robert & Janet – Baraboo

Manthe, Richard & Ramsey, Steve –Baraboo

Nieuwenhuis, Cliff, Deb & Kip –Baraboo

Ochsner, Carl & Vicky – Chico, CA

Phelps, Larry & Jan – Rock Springs

Schider, Russ & Terry – Baraboo

www.saukcountyhistory.org

Snyder, Jason & Kristy – Baraboo

Stephen, Ron & Lyn – Poynette

Williams, Dale & Donna – Baraboo

Young, John & Tonia – Baraboo

FRIEND

Alt, John & Jean – Baraboo

Considine, Dave & Gretchen –Baraboo

Cummings, Gary & Pam – Baraboo

Eichmann, Charmaine – Baraboo

Ellington, Judy – Baraboo

Fordham, Joan – BarabooGogue, Buddy & Sue – Baraboo

Hackett-Rubel, Aliceson – Cary, IL

Hilmer, Joan – Roscoe, IL

Klipp, Janet – Reedsburg

Loomis, Dale – Baraboo

Marsh, William – San Diego, CA

Premo, Pete & Bauer, Deb – Baraboo

Slaats, Glen – Reedsburg

Small, Don & Mary – Baraboo

Tully, Vi – Baraboo

Zimmerman, Karen – Baraboo

SPONSOR

Behnke, James & June – Reedsburg

Burton, John & Ann – Baraboo

Faylona, Rene, Marta & Julie –Baraboo

Franzen, Roy & Jane – Baraboo

Orlowski, Mary – Baraboo

Otto, Tom & Darlene – Baraboo

Pieper, August & Beverley – Madison

Rice, Mark & Dorothy – Portage

Schultz, Ronald – Fletcher, NC

Simonds, Beverly – Baraboo

Terbilcox, Colleen – Baraboo

PATRON

Baldwin, David & Sherry – Baraboo

Fleming, Robert & Rosa – Baraboo

W.H. CANFIELD ASSOCIATE

Dana, Richard & Jane – North Freedom