Events
Oregon Area Historical Society
Events
Our Annual Ice Cream and Pie Social in conjunction with the Oregon Community Band concert.
Tuesday, June 17th.
We’ll start serving at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm.
Notes from the Museum
Greetings Oregon Area Historical Society followers! My name is Heather Young. I am the publicity coordinator for the OAHS and museum, update the website and Facebook, member of the Tuesday Crew and the current Board President.
In this section of the homepage, I will share future events, summarize past events, talk about interesting bits of history and touch on things going on at the museum.
Happy Spring Oregon!
We have several new items on display at the museum.
- Last year, we were donated a 1920s player piano and 75 piano rolls! Come listen to the music sometime! Just last week, we came into possession of 100 more rolls and in this collection is On Wisconsin!
- We discovered a box full of glass negative slides in the attic. We found someone who could digitize them and print them and we have the glass slides and the photos on display right now.
- The mannequins are about ready for their spring clothing change. That’s always one of my favorite times of the year. It’s like playing Barbie with life sized dolls.
What’s new?
We just finished up Wax Museum fittings for Forest Edge 5th graders are are gearing up for the RCI 5th graders.
Our membership meeting was on Sunday, March 23rd where we welcomed a new board member, Mary Davidson. Also, Rachel Brickner from the Oregon Area Senior Center gave an interesting talk “The Past, Present and Future of the Oregon Area Senior Center.”
Our next event will be a Culvers Night but we haven’t nailed down the date yet. The following event will be the much anticipated Ice Cream and Pie Social with the Community Band on Tuesday, June 17th. We’ll start serving at 6 and music starts at 7. Volunteers are welcome!!! We need servers and bakers!
Remember to stop by the museum. We are open every Tuesday from 10-3 and the first Saturday of the month from 9-12. We start our Open Every Saturday in June. The museum is also available by appointment. Just give us a call and we’ll schedule a tour!
I think that’s it for now.
-Heather
This Month in History
100 Years Ago – March 1905
Reminiscences
(Published in the Observer on March 5, 1925; taken from the Observer Files 40, 30, and 20 years ago)
March 5, 1885: J.H. Algard had a lively runaway Wednesday. A badly smashed up cutter was the result.
March 7, 1895: Miss Amy Horton won the prize at a spelling bee in the Flint School house in Rutland last week.
March 2, 1905: Miss Retta Murphy closed her winter term of school Friday in the Jas. Stone district. Miss Sallie Cline finished her work for the winter in the Fisher Valley district.
Bowling Tournament
The bowling tournament for the benefit of the motor fire truck fund is in progress and local pin busters are playing havoc with the wooden pegs. A number of additional teams have been formed and others are being formed. Next Saturday night at 7 o’clock will be the feature game of the tournament when Jack Johnson’s Heavy Weights take on Nels Sorenson’s Tie Busters. The Heavy Weights are composed of Jack Johnson, Wm. Kelly, Rasmus Peterson, Steve Brueling and Tom Morgan. The Tie Busters are composed of Nels Sorenson, Jas. Wright, Mike Crotty, Guy Johnson and Chris Johnson.
Local News
C.W. Netherwood of Monticello was a visitor in town on Monday. He took the bus from Monticello to Paoli and walked most of the way from Paoli to Oregon. In spite of his 80 or more years, he enjoyed the hike and was ready to dance a jig on his arrival here.
High School Carnival
March 4, 1925, will remain a memorable date in the minds of the High School students for some time as it marked their first experience in a school carnival. The class spirit was especially marked in the parades on the two days. Each class was desirous of receiving the five-dollar prize offered by gaining the decision of the judges. The Seniors received the prize for the March 2nd parade which was judged for appearance and the Sophomores received the prize for the March 3rd parage which was judged for “pep”. The program consisted of a minstrel and two side shows termed “The Western Holdup” and “Stunts.” A tea room, Coney Island stand, candy counters and a bargain counter completed the features.
New Auto Repair Shop
Ad: We have located in the Shell building (old bicycle factory) and are prepared to do all kinds of automobile repairing at reasonable prices. Erwin Bethel/A.J. Morgan
Local Business Advertisements in the Observer
The Bank of Oregon ad urges people to “Save a dollar a day, it will certainly pay” and the First National Bank of Oregon’s ad is to “Stake a Claim in the Future.”
The White House (Cowdrey and Buche) advertises “New Dainty Slippers, Pumps and Oxfords.” Also that “The Sensation of 1925” is the corduroy sport blouse for men and women.
Fincher Brothers’ ad provides the following advice: “It costs less – gives more comfort – and it is safer to ride on Firestone balloon gum-dipped cords.”
75 Years Ago – March 1950
St John’s Building Project
At a special meeting held recently, the St. John’s Lutheran church congregation accepted the plans of their building committee for the proposed new church. The plans call for a Gothic type structure forty by ninety feet, with a possible seating capacity of four hundred. The proposed church is to be erected on the present property directly behind the present church and parsonage, situated due East and West with the chancel in the East.
The congregation has voted to begin construction of the church basement as soon as possible. The completion of the church proper will be acted upon by the congregation following a financial survey by the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is composed of Emmet Fincher, chairman, M. J. Wischhoff, Sr., Dr. B.H. Roisum, Maxwell Gefke, Henry Swenson, Carl Schnitker, Harold Olson, Edwin Christensen, Mrs. Field Smith and Ross Larson.
At present $16, 158.62 is in the Building Fund. Mrs. Verdie Swenson is treasurer of the Building Fund.
The Building Committee, composed of Carl Otteson, chairman, Norman Champion, John Eugster James Halversen, and Scott Miller is working together with Grover Lippert of Madison who is the architect.
Village Water Now Fluorinated
Oregon’s city water now contains an additional mineral-fluoride, which is used by the body in producing better enamel in the teeth and thereby decreasing tooth decay.
In January of 1950 thirteen cities in Wisconsin were adding fluorides to their water. Ten, including Oregon, had plans approved or in the process of being improved.
It has been proven that where one part per million of fluoride is in the water, tooth decay is reduced about 65 per cent for those born and raised in the area. These people have an average of one tooth lost at 40 years of age as compared to the normal of ten teeth lost when fluoride is not present. Children under 8 years of age will be the ones to immediately benefit from the addition of fluoride.
Gasoline Taxes Took Big Bite of Motorist’s Dollar
Wisconsin motorists paid a 25 percent tax on gasoline they purchased during 1949, Mr. F.M. Elliott, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Petroleum Industries Committee said today.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank the Oregon Fire Department and neighbors for their prompt response to our call for help on Saturday when a gasoline furnace flared up and ignited the surroundings in our home.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Peterson
Masonic Honors
A Masonic observance of exceptional character was offered to the Master Masons in the community last Thursday evening in connection with the regular communication of Oregon Lodge No. 151, F. & A.M. There were approximately 150 Masons in attendance. The event honored George Washington, a prominent Mason in his day, and also was complimentary to Brother Ed. G. Booth, whose 50th year as a member of the fraternity occurred on the 24th. 53 members were also given their 25-year certificates by Earl Wheeler, Master of the Lodge.
50 Years Ago: March 1975
Genesis Housing Annual Meeting
The third annual meeting of Genesis Housing, Inc. was held Tuesday, February 18, 1975 in the Oregon Villlage Hall at 7:30 p.m. The membership passed a proposed resolution to increase the number of Board of Directors from 9 to 11. The two new posts on the Board are to be from the Brooklyn area. Warren Schmidt was nominated and elected for a three-year term and Lloyd George for a one-year term. Three other board members’ terms were up for election. David Lund, Allen Riese and Ruth Swanson were re-elected for three-year terms. Officers re-elected were Erwin Sholts as president, Don Martinson as vice president, Ruth Swanson for secretary and Muriel Stoneman, treasurer.
McCallum is New Chamber President
At the organizational meeting of the Chamber of Commerce directors, Archie McCallum was unanimously named as president of the organization for the 1975 term, succeeding Dr. M.J. Wischhoff who will turn over the gavel at the annual meeting to be held this coming Saturday evening. Louis Fahey was also unanimously elected as vice president for the coming season and Shirley Johnson was re-elected as treasurer for the third consecutive year. Norm Rasmussen was reappointed as executive secretary. The new officers will officially take over their duties at the annual meeting as will three new directors, Gerald Arndt, Russell Bavery, and Dave Brown who were elected to three year terms.
FFA Reports
Meredie Paulson, Oregon FFA Chapter president and Mr. Gary Watersworth, FFA Advisor were among guests of the Madison Kiwanis Club luncheon. The luncheon was held to honor one member of each Future Farmer of America chapter in Dane County. The student selected was selected on the basis of their project records and their leadership.
Wanda Severson was among 161 Future Farmer of America members who attended the fourth annual FFA Farm Forum in Stevens Point. The forum is sponsored by the FFA and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and affiliates. Glenn Pound, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison gave the keynote address on “Farming During Inflation,” the theme of the two-day conference.
M&R Small Engine Service Grand Opening
Mike and Robert Kienast, son and father respectively, and partners in ownership of M&R Small Engine Service are holding a grand opening to commemorate moving into a new location, which is at 800 N Main Street , formerly the Erfurth Car Wash unit. They established the business on Market Street two years ago where they operated until the new move. They specialize in tune-ups and repairs on most small engines and lawn and garden equipment, plus welding repair and blade sharpening for mowers and chain saws. Mike was a graduate of MATC small engine course in 1973 and is the chief mechanic and salesman in the enterprise. Bob is employed at Clyde’s East and assists M&R on a part-time basis.
25 Years Ago: March 2000
Chamber Debates Merits of Miss Oregon Pageant
Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce members debated the merits of restoring a version of its former Miss Oregon contest and scholarship program as a Summer Fest event during the March 2nd board meeting.
Buzz Hanson, former pageant organizer, presented past photos and a short history of the event. In 1965, the Miss Oregon pageant was started to promote community spirit and pride. The winner of the all-female event was crowned and represented Oregon in parades and at other functions around the county. The pageant ended in 1992 as interest dwindled.
In its heyday, Hanson said the pageant drew 17-18 contestants. The age range was 15-21. He added that judges were not hard to find.
The new contest would be called Oregon Ambassadors, and it would include both female and male contestants. As part of this year’s Summer Fest theme, Community Spirit, it is hoped the contest would restore that along with interest among young people.
Business as Usual Despite Higher Gas Prices
Soaring gas prices in Wisconsin soared in February to more than $1.50 per gallon. Despite the high prices, public works departments and businesses in Oregon and neighboring communities said it’s business as usual.
Warm temperatures and limited snow in February eased the impact of rising gas prices. “High gas prices haven’t really hurt us because of the lack of snow this year,” said Mark Below, Oregon’s director of public works. “We had some snow plowing in January, but it tapered off in February just as gas prices started to rise.”
He added, “Hopefully prices start to fall before mowing and construction season”.
Street Talk
Question: What would you like to see as a result of the Oregon High School Diversity Celebration 2000?
Rebecca Fox-Blair, Teacher OHS – We hope to expose students to as many different viewpoints as possible. This year’s theme is ‘Peace is the Way’ and the focus is on non-violences. It was important for the students to tie this together.
Jessica Jones, Grade 12 OHS – I’d like to see a better outlook on other people, more acceptance and tolerance.
Christina Khatri, Grade 12 OHS – More tolerance and an ability to accept other cultures and learn about them.
Elizabeth Steele, Grade 11 OHS – Hopefully it will unify our school and make it a better place to go to school.
Kathryn Crawford, Grade 10 OHS – More awareness around school and more tolerance of comments. To help students stop before they say something negative about someone.
Holly Flood, Grade 12 OHS – From this celebration, I’d like to see the school come together and work together.
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