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Life in the Slow Track 3 bicycles - 1300 miles 1 incredible journey
An amazing true story of Depression-era determination as three boys ride their bicycles from Baraboo to New York City to see the 1939 World's Fair. In the spring of 1939 the
Baraboo High School was abuzz with the rumor that Earl Wichern, Ken Harvey and
Bob Shult were about to do something kind of crazy. They were going to ride
bicycles from Baraboo to New York City to see the World’s Fair. But it wasn’t a
rumor. The funny thing however was that the boys didn’t even own bikes. But
they soon did and set out on the adventure of a lifetime. You will be transported to a simpler time that would soon vanish with the
onset of World War II. Three boys became
men and a nation soon became a war machine, but for a few brief weeks during
the summer of 1939 a crazy dream was realized. More than fifty years
later the story is recounted by Earl Wichern in his book, “Life in the Slow
Track.” $12.00 (add $4 if mailed) May also be picked up at the museum.
The Best of Baraboo Coloring Book by Joan McArthur
This is the back and front cover of the color book.
"Inside are black/white sketches of the photos for colorers and doodlers to fill
in. I created the book because there is so much about beautiful Baraboo that we
take for granted, and I wanted to call people's attention to the area. I chose
site and objects from the many stunning sights that are overlooked but likely
seen every day. The sketches vary from the simple to the more complex, such as
the Al Ringling Theatre marquee."
The
color book can be purchased in Baraboo, WI. at the: Cornerstone Gallery, Village
Booksmith, Corner Drugstore, Al Ringling Theatre gift shop, Circus World Museum
gift shop, and Ski-Hi Fruit Farm. The price is $13.00 per copy.
Joan McArthur is a resident artist at the Artists Guild Anna Marla Island
Gallery, Holmes Beach, Fl. This book follows her publications, Marine Abstract
Images of Anna Marla Island, and The Best of Baraboo - a color book of images
and sketches. The Cornerstone Gallery, Baraboo, WI. carries these books in
addition to her flat work, greeting cards, bookmarks, and pocket journals, all
featuring original photo images.
Sauk County Reflections
"Sauk County is a land of unmatched beauty. I wanted to capture that
beauty for you through these 40 images. For many this photo art book is a trip
of nostalgia,for others it will be simply a trip of uncommon delight.
These images, inspired by fond memories of a life in Sauk County, are an
attempt to share my love of the area. When a photo is finished I feel I have put
my perception in place for all to enjoy. Then too, as you view these scenes you
will be sharing this artist's journey home."
Joan McArthur, Photographer.
This photo book is available at the Cornerstone Gallery, Baraboo, WI. The
price is $49.00 each.
Book Marks
These are book marks I created, to bring attention to
a couple of the highlights in the area that we take for granted; the striped
water tower and Devil's Lake shoreline; the coordinated color backs are blank.
These are only available at the Cornerstone Gallery which sells them for $5.00
each. They are laminated. By Joan McArthur
NEW BOOK
ENCORE The Renaissance of Wisconsin Opera Houses by Brian Leahy Doyle
"Opera houses capture the history of their localities but also connect those stories to other places, times, and events that shaped the broader patterns of our experience. The buildings presented in this book collectively tell the stories of our entertainment heritage."—from the foreword to Encore!
A remarkable number of Wisconsin towns and cities were home to an opera house in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some were opulent, lavishly appointed theaters with Tiffany windows, Turkish rugs, silk draperies, Italian Carrara marble staircases, and gilded Corinthian columns. Others—especially those in smaller, rural towns—also served as "a public space for town meetings, lectures, political speeches and rallies, proms, high school graduations, church bazaars, and even basketball games," notes author Brian Leahy Doyle. "The Copelond," the opera house in Shullsburg, his hometown, "occasionally doubled as a roller-skating rink."
Encore/ focuses on the histories of ten Wisconsin opera houses and theaters, but also offers a broader look at the evolution of American theater. Mark Fay's photographs make it clear that these stages—from Independence to Oshkosh and from Green Lake to Milwaukee—are ready for their encores. Excerpted from book jacket description….
Baraboo's own Al. Ringling Theatre is represented in 23 pages with beautiful color photos of the theatre. Available only at the Al. Ringling Theatre & The Village Booksmith, 526 Oak, Baraboo Cost: $29.99
NEW PUBLICATION
A Sauk County Railtown Tour Along the Chicago & North Western Railroad right of way By Dean Cullison
Take a journey through Sauk County along the Chicago & North Western Railroad, the county’s only rail line. The photos, maps, and descriptions will take you back through history to the beginnings of the villages and towns and into the present for a tour of what remains of that history. See how that rail line came to be in Sauk County. Look into the C&NWRR history and follow along its course to see what became of the railroad and where it leads today. 90 pages, color photographs, 2008, soft cover. Available at the museum or by mail. $14.00. Add $4.00 if mailed.
NEW PUBLICATION
May 21st, 1918 A Path of Destruction The Old Franklin Township Historical Society through the assistance of a grant from the Sauk County Arts and Humanities would like to announce their book titled “May 21st 1918 Cyclone – A Path of Destruction.”The book covers the cyclone from its start in the state of Iowa to its end near Poynette in Columbia County, Wis., where it hit the encampment of the 161st Artillery of 3000 men enroute to Sparta, Wis.Featured in the book is the damage in Lone Rock where much of the town was destroyed, destruction around and in the village of Plain where St. Luke’s Catholic Church was destroyed and the destructive path across Sauk County.The book of over 300 pages contains a large number of postcards and photos submitted from the local area, as well as recollections of people who lived through the cyclone.Copies are currently only available for purchase at $30 plus shipping and handling $5.00 through members of the Old Franklin Township Historical Society, 915 Wachter Avenue, P.O. Box 218, Plain, Wis. 53577
A Naturalist’s Journey by Ken Lange
Ken Lange was the Naturalist at Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park from 1966 to 1996. In this story of his journey we are introduced to the landscape and to some of the plants and animals, but mostly to some of the people who shared his journey. You will meet a well-known naturalist who was influenced by Aldo Leopold; the "Guardian of the Hills"; several individuals linked to Baxter’s Hollow; a farmer who became so attached to his land that he fought for it; another farmer who when a youngster wondered about rocks that could come all the way from Canada; a woman who in her youth drove to high school in a horse and buggy; a mining engineer who survived the infamous Bataan Death March; a number of bachelor farmers; some local fiddlers; the "Snake Man"; the "Saviour of the Kickapoo"; the "Historian of Sumpter"; a home-grown environmentalist and humanitarian; a renaissance man; a master craftsman; and a starving artist. 2004, 223 pages, photos, soft cover, $20. Add $4 if mailed.
North Freedom, The First 100 Years
By Joe Ward
This site contains excerpts from a written narrative that chronicles the growth of the retail and commercial district of North Freedom. The book also has a section on notable people of North Freedom, history of the schools, railroad and many other subjects. The 230 page hard-covered book is titled “North Freedom, The First 100 Years”. The book has been printed in small quantities and is priced at $40.00 plus $7.50 shipping. If you wish to purchase a copy, please contact the author at: 354 Inverness Ct., Baraboo, WI 53913 or E-mail: joeandlou3610@charter.net.
Many A Fine Harvest by Michael J. Goc
Published by the society for the Sesquicentennial of Sauk County in 1990, this history book covers many topics from Native Americans and white settlement to modern day. Also included is a brief history and description of each Sauk County township and community. Hard cover, 192 pages, illustrated. $20.00 (plus $5 shipping)
Sumpter Series by Earhart Mueller
Stories, anecdotes and family information and histories of the people in and around Sumpter Township.
Also in Sumpter $10.00 (plus $5 shipping)
Always in Sumpter (Out of print)
Forever in Sumpter $10.00 (plus $5 shipping)
Return to Sumpter $10.00 (plus $5 shipping)
Only In Sumpter (second printing) $10.00 (plus $5 shipping)
A County Called Sauk by Kenneth Lange
The book is based upon extensive library research, including a review of all the county newspapers, and personal contacts and interviews with residents throughout Sauk County. Unique to this county history are a map of the Indian mounds and a map of pre-settlement vegetation. The book also covers the geological and prehistoric history of the county in a concise and easily-readable format. 166 pages, 109 illustrations. $12.00 (plus $4 shipping)
"Looking Into History - The Sauk County Area" by Dean O'Brien
Much of the history of Wisconsin is located in or near Sauk County.There are the Ringlings (of circus fame), Frank Lloyd Wright (renowned architect), John Muir (naturalist), Aldo Leopold (who wrote the "Sand County Almanac"), Zona Gale (Pulitzer Prize winner, author and playwright), H.H. Bennett (who basically "fathered" the Wisconsin Dells through his early photographic efforts), Belle Case LaFallette (the brains behind her famous husband), the Ho-Chunk Nation (once the Winnebago), mound builders, and others.The book tells how they left historic evidence that can still be seen in the area. It is a helpful guide for the visitor or resident who wants to explore the Sauk County area and discover its rich human history, so peculiarly tied to the natural history here. The book also includes a fold-out locator map of historic sites in and around Sauk County. 190 pages, 200 historic photographs. Cost: $5, plus $4 shipping and handling.
The Ochsner Story
The pictured coat of arms is the Ochsner armorial of original grant, dating from the first crusade A. D. 1096, in which it was first borne by a Knight of that name. This is the story of the Ochsner Family through the ages. $8.00. Add $4.00 if mailed.
Sauk County Iron Mining
This special expanded issue of the Gazette celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the building of the rail line to LaRue for the iron mine there, and the 40th Anniversary of Mid-Continent's operations at North Freedom. It includes the history of iron mining in Sauk County, specifically the North Freedom/LaRue area, and the related development of the railroad built to carry the ore to the big smelters in Chicago. Iron mining created an unprecedented boom in the North Freedom area. Even though most evidence of such may be gone today, the existence of a nationally acclaimed railroad museum operation is its legacy. This issue is an outline history prepared by museum curator Don Ginter in 1991. Don, who has served as curator since 1975, has spent nearly forty years studying and accumulating history on the mines to guide the quality of information provided by train crews to museum patrons. $5.00. Add $4.00 if mailed.
St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital-Manor-Convent
1922-1997
By Carol Sorg
A 50-page history of the building which was first constructed as the mansion of Alf. T. Ringling, later remodeled into a hospital, and finally became a convent for retired nuns. $5.00 Add $4 if shipped.
The History of Stone’s Pocket
by Erhart Mueller
Located on the NW side of Sumpter Township in a valley surrounded by bluffs, Stone’s Pocket was named for early settlers by the name of Stone. The booklet chronicles the history of the area, the families, school, social life, and how the hollow evolved with time. $5.00. Add $4.00 if mailed.
1886 Bird's-Eye drawing of Baraboo
Full size reproduction of a hand drawn perspective of the city showing buildings,houses, streets etc. This is a small portion of the original map which covers the entire city of Baraboo as it was in 1886. Map is 20" X 24". $5.00 (plus $4 shipping)
Sauk County Cemetery Inscriptions
Volume 3
Prairie du Sac (city), Sauk City, Aloysius
$9.00 Each ($4 Shipping)
Volume 11
Walnut Hill in Baraboo (part 2). Also includes corrections and additions to previous volumes.
$9.00 Each ($4 Shipping)
Volume 8
Walnut Hill in Baraboo (part 1 of 2 books showing largest cemetery in Sauk County. $9.00 each ($4.00 shipping)
Sauk County Cemetery Inscriptions
Volume 1
Honey Creek, Prairie du Sac (partial), Sumpter, Troy Townships (Sold Out)
Volume 2
Washington, Westfield Townships (Sold Out)
Volume 3 See above to order
Volume 4
Townships of Delton, Fairfield, Greenfield, Merrrimac, including the villages of Lk Delton, Merrivac (Sold Out)
Volume 5
Townships of Ironton, Lavalle, Woodland, including Calvary Catholic at Ironton & villages of Ironton, Lime Ridge, LaValle, Valton (Sold Out)
Volume 6
Townships of Bear Creek, Franklin, Spring Green, and villages of Spring Green, Plain (Sold Out)
Volume 7
Townships of Excelsior, Freedom, parts of Dellona, Baraboo, Reedsburg, including villages of Rock Springs, North Freedom (Sold Out)
Volume 8
Walnut Hill in Baraboo (part 1 of 2 books showing largest cemetery in Sauk County See Above to Order
Volume 9
Reedsburg’s Greenwood Cemetery & St. Peter’s Lutheran (Sold Out)
Volume 10
Catholic Cemeteries of St. Joseph’s, Baraboo; St. Michael’s, Baraboo Township; All Saints, Dellona Township; Calvary & St. John’s Cemeteries, Reedsburg; St. Patrick’s, Winfield Township (Sold Out)
Volume 11 See above to order
Volumes which are out of print, may be Xeroxed for an additional charge. Selected pages may also be Xeroxed. Email us at: history@saukcountyhistory.org.
VHS Video Tapes
"Powder On The Prairie" "Erhart Remembered"
In 1942, seventy Wisconsin farm families were evicted from their land by the U.S. government with barely three months notice then they weren't paid for two years. The reason? Construction of the world's largest ammunition plant. The video revisits the 7,000-acre plant as it is today, with some of the farmers who were displaced and hear from them what this idyllic rural area was like before the plant changed it forever. This view of World War II from the home front is brought to life by rare 16 mm color film footage shot by local farmer, Harlan Stone. The video also includes "Erhart Remembered," a character sketch of farmer-turned local historian, who documented the building of the Badger Ordnance Works on the Sauk Prairie near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Erhart captured in rich detail the impact of the plant on his home, a rural township in Wisconsin called Sumpter. Cost: $20, plus $4 shipping & handling.
"Powder To The People" Stories from the Badger Army Ammunition Plant.
It was a shock to rural Sauk county, Wisconsin when the U.S. government announced they were building the world's largest ammunition plant there in 1942. The tens of thousands of rural Wisconsin people who worked at the 7000-acre plant played a big role in the outcomes of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. This video focuses on their stories, full of emotion and humor. Some remember when their farms were taken for construction of the plant. Others who were WOWS (women ordnance workers) recall the patriotic esprit de corps of the World War II years. Still others describe explosions that took away loved ones and coworkers. Vietnam era workers recall the protestors who marched to the gates of the plant from Madison. Anti-war activist Karl Armstrong remembers the New Year's Eve he and his brother dropped "bombs" on it. Workers reflect on the plant's role in the peaceful years since Vietnam and express the hope that its deadly products will never be needed again. Many others comment on possible future uses for the decommissioned plant. The video is narrated by Tom Wopat, a nationally known actor who grew up near the plant. Cost: $20, plus $4 shipping & handling.
"A Sauk County Almanac"
Aldo Leopold's essays in "A Sand County Almanac" about his Sauk County farm changed the way people look at nature. "A Sauk County Almanac" takes us back to the famed ecologist's beloved county to try and see its varied forms of natural beauty the way he did.The spectacular sights of its bald eagles and outstanding geologic formations are contrasted to the more subtle beauty of its native prairies and turkey vultures. The result is a universal meditation on the beauty of nature and how it effects us. The video contains a wealth of information. Exciting wildlife footage combined with evocative music will fascinate anyone who thrills to the sight of a soaring bald eagle, delicate prairie flower, or majestic quartzite bluff. Leopold's daughter, Nina Leopold Bradly, leads the viewer on a journey which includes among other things the rebirth of a compass plant he mourned in one of his most famous essays. This is, perhaps, a fitting tribute to those who carry on his efforts today. Cost: $20, plus $4 shipping & handling.
A State of Escape
Written & Produced by Dave Erickson of Ootek Productions
Since people from Chicago and Milwaukee began vacationing in rural Wisconsin in the 1850s, presidents, entertainers, sports heroes, gangsters and everyday people have traveled here, compelled by a basic human need to escape everyday realities. And in their wake, Wisconsin has become a state of escape.
Beginning in the Wisconsin Dells, this one-hour documentary follows a century-and-a-half of escape from the cities. Large resorts like the ones at Devil's Lake in in the 1880’s were replaced by destinations further north like the Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland, the big Sand Lake Club near Phelps, and remote fishing camps like Bent’s Camp, north of Boulder Junction. Rare film footage from the early part of the 20th century and photos going back to the 1860’s show what life was like at Wisconsin resorts over the years. $20.00. Add $4.00 if mailed.
Summer of a Lifetime
Traces the history of Wisconsin summer camps from the 1880s to the present. Since that time, people have been escaping from the urban areas of the Midwest to the lakes and woods of Wisconsin, seeking a temporary return to the primitive conditions that were a way-of-life for their pioneer ancestors. This video is rich with old pictures, brochures and amazing vintage film footage. These reveal the ways camps have stayed the same over the decades as well as ways they have reflected larger cultural changes. We see the different ways people come to camp and visit a weekend outing of the Indian Guides, where fathers and kids go to camp together. But the primary focus is the old-fashioned campfire singing kids camp. $20.00 Add $4.00 if mailed.
Thunder In The Dells
For hundreds of years, the mysterious twisted rock canyons of the Wisconsin Dells have been both the physical and spiritual heart of Winnebago Indian country. "Thunder In The Dells" shows now the spirit of the Wisconsin Winnebago people has endured, even as non-Indians "discovered" the spectacular scenic beauty of the area and created a mega-million dollar tourist industry around it. Ironically, tourism has provided a means for preserving traditional dance, basketry and clothing.
Award-winning Ootek Productions utilizes stunning visuals to bring the Winnebago past to life. As we experience the power of the Eagle Dance on a river bluff at sunset and see how a black ash tree is transformed into a beautiful Winnebago basket, we learn how this legacy lives on in the present. $20.00 Add $4 if mailed.
DVD VIDEO
Badger Village: Our Prairie Home
Is a fun, informative documentary about the community adjacent to the Badger Ordnance Works, which was the world's largest ammunition plant when it was built on 10,000 acres of Sauk County, Wisconsin land in 1943. This 69-minute DVD details the different eras of the colorful village, including the World War II, Korea and Vietnam production years, the post-war GI student housing era, and the creation of the Bluffview retirement village. Also featured is the rural Sauk County farm community that, with a skeptical yet helpful attitude, has watched the ammunition plant come and go. Stories by village residents are brought to life by entertaining, sometimes humorous re-enactment scenes that give viewers a feel for a time when local history mingled with international headlines. DVD $25.00 Add $4.00 if shipped.
Guided Tour of the Al. Ringling Theatre
The Al. Ringling Theatre, which opened in 1915, has been described as "America’s Prettiest Playhouse.”A comprehensive tour is conducted and narrated by Dr. Robert Dewel who has been introducing visitors and tourists to the wonders of the Al. Ringling Theatre for over 17 years. Along with views of the magnificent auditorium the 48-minute video includes a peek into areas of the theatre normally off limits to the public. The theatre has many secrets, and they are revealed by Dr. Dewel as he guides the viewer through what was described as one of the finest movie palaces of its era. DVD $15. Add $4. if shipped.
