Oregon Area Historical Society & Museum

April 1951

Spring Clothing Drive

     Spring should be coming, when it appears the red flannels will be stored away and the lighter clothes will be unpacked.  As this change takes place, remember the needs of the civilian population in Korea.  Our servicemen have reported upon the conditions there and the refugees are in need of clothing.

     The following items are needed:

Coats, suits, sweaters, dresses, overalls, shirts, blouses, skirts, aprons, underwear, caps, felt hats, gloves, baby clothing, blankets, sheets, quilts, shoes, overshoes, rubbers, boots, (closed toes only).

Bangs Test Required when Farm is Rented

With the seasonal changes at hand in farm ownership and tenancy, a reminder on livestock regulations was issued this week by Dr. H.J. O’Connell of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Wisconsin statutes provide that the owner of the farm must have his cattle tested for Brucellosis within 30 days prior to the time the new tenant moves onto the farm.        O’Connell said this law is designed to protect the tenant and he urges all prospective farm tenants to insist on this test prior to moving in. 

Failure to have the test made within specified time will result in the forfeiture of all rights to indemnities in case the herd should suffer Brucellosis infection, O’Connell said.

All cattle sold or transferred to other herds must be tested and found free from Brucellosis within 30days prior to the sale or transfer.  This provision in the law O’Connell explained protects the farm owner when the prospective tenant brings cattle onto the farm when moving in.

Library Report

 During 1950, the Oregon library loaned 1,833 children’s books and 2,398 adult ones, making a total of 4,231 volumes.

We now have 3,534 books, 2,293 of which are for adults and 1,241 for children.  One hundred and thirty-six new patrons were added to our list of borrowers during the year.

A new set of World Book Encyclopedia has been purchased recently.  That, with our fine set of Americana Encyclopedia, which is kept up to the minute with year books, gives us a fine source of authentic information.  We take 17 different magazines which you may borrow.

Listen Homemakers!

When you are cleaning your cupboards this spring, and you find any spare glasses such as contained cheese-spreads, please think of me.  Our dining room service is urgently in need of 100 glasses which are ideal for fruit cocktails, and we shall be grateful for all you who wish to give to the Village Hall.  Thanks a million! 

Donald McGill, Clerk

Mrs. Robert Purcell has Recipe in Capper’s Farmer

Mrs. Robert Purcell, Oregon, has a recipe for Rhubarb Crunch in the May Capper’s Farmer.

Mrs. Purcell’s recipe appears with “Favorite Rhubarb Recipes”, a special feature in this issue of the nationally circulated farm magazine. The ingredients of Mrs. Purcell’s Rhubarb Crunch are: 1 c. sifted flour; ¾ c. oatmeal, uncooked; 1 c. brown sugar; ½ c. melted shortening; 1 tsp. cinnamon; 4 c. diced rhubarb; 1 c. white sugar; 1 c. water; 1 tsp. vanilla; 2 tsp. cornstarch.

Here is Mrs. Purcell’s procedure: Mix flour, oatmeal, sugar, cinnamon and shortening until crumbly.  Press half the mixture into greased 9- inch square baking pan. Pour in rhubarb. Combine white sugar, water, vanilla and cornstarch.  Cook over low heat until it is thick and clear. Pour over rhubarb and top with remaining crumbs.  Bake in 350-degree oven for 1 hour.  Cut into squares and serve warm or cold.  Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. 

Random Shots

Over sleeping will never make your dreams come true.

If there is a loose screw, wire or bolt in the house, a two-year-old baby will find it and begin twisting and pulling till it is completely undone. 

We doubt that women could do a better job of running the world, but since they have never had a chance, it’s difficult to tell them so in view of present conditions. 

Americans must make the choice of tightening their belts or running the risk of losing their pants.  The tax collector already has our shirt.

April 1976 

Oregon School District

$2.7 Million School Building Referendum Set for May 25th

The proposed building program includes adding additional classrooms, vocational classrooms and physical education space at the senior high school in Oregon and an addition of 18,800 square feet of space in the form of classrooms in the Brooklyn Elementary School. 

Village News:

Village Street Work OK’d

In spite of objections by some of the residents attending, the Village of Oregon Board of Trustees passed this year’s curb, gutter, and sidewalk ordinance in nearly its original form. Most of the objections centered around the Janesville Street sidewalk and Brook Street south side sidewalk. No property owners resented the installation of curb and gutter. When the ordinance passed, the Board did so because it said that it had a policy and wanted to stick to it, and since it claimed there would be no hardships caused, the plan passed unanimously. 

A property owner on Brook Street said he still felt the sidewalk should go on the north side of the street and not the south, because the park is on the north side and that is where all the pedestrian traffic would be. 

Board member Maynard Stoehr reported that his committee recommended that new sidewalk be put in even where sidewalks now exist along the proposed stretch of Janesville Street because some portions of the sidewalk are in disrepair and will not meet the necessary grade created by the road, curb, and gutter.

Village Board 

A letter was read from “Jenny” (a second grader) asking the Village Board NOT to support the killing of whales.  Board member Jensen moved that the Board pass a resolution that Village Board members not support the killing of whales.  Board member Molony seconded the motion and the motion carried.  

Marv Jensen has just completed 12 years as trustee on the Oregon Village Board.  This is a long period of community service, when one considers that the regular bi-monthly meetings and special meetings are only a small part of the job. Belonging to several committees on the board also demands many other meetings. Marv has been a very dedicated public servant, one who has taken his elected duties seriously, and has devoted many long hours, days and weeks to the task.  We extend our thanks to Marv for his untiring efforts during six two-year terms on the board and commend him for his dedication to public service.

Six Vie for Three Oregon Village Board Posts

The six candidates are Lawrence Schneider, Bill Booth, Earl Lawson, John Plenke, Robert Weckerly and Rita Plummer.    All six candidates have outstanding civic participation resumes and have been active in several local civic organizations such as the Oregon Rotary Club and the Oregon Chamber of Commerce.  Three will be elected to serve the next two-year term and will join three holdover board members – Mike Molony, John Struck, Maynard Stoehr and Village President Norman Champion.

Local Village Board Election Results

Village Board:  Schneider: 361; Plummer: 672; Lawson:364; Weckerly: 399; Booth: 341; Plenke: 429

Bicentennial – America’s 200th Anniversary

Bicentennial Flag

Mrs. Marvin Duerk , secretary of the Village of Oregon’s Bicentennial  Committee presented the Bicentennial Flag to Village President Norman Champion.   The flag is sent by the national committee in Washington to all communities who are recognized as participants in celebrating the nation’s 200th birthday. 

Bicentennial Quilt

Evergreen Savings and Loan in cooperation with the Donnahugh Shoppe is making a group quilt and invites the Oregon community to join them in this fun event. We are asking for donations of small 5”x5” pieces of cotton or cotton polyester fabric in red, white or blue.  If you enjoy stitchery and desire to embroider or crewel a square with historical significance, such as a symbol or landmark, we would like to incorporate all of these in our group quilt. The completed patchwork quilt will be donated to the Oregon Bicentennial Committee, who in turn will use it as a door prize to be given away during the Oregon 4th of July Bicentennial celebration.  During April and May, a red and white checkered gingham sewing basket will be sitting in the Evergreen Savings and Loan lobby for your contributions.  We are hoping to fill it two or three times during this period. 

Bi-Cen Briefs- by Joan Wethal  

The railroad line was extended from the south through Oregon in 1863-64.  It was officially opened to traffic on April 12, 1864.  A freight and passenger station was constructed. In 1876 the original depot structure was replaced, and stockyards and water station facilities were added.  The second main track was built in 1897. The depot has since been removed and only the tracks remain of the railroad complex.  The first station agent was Mr. W. Abeel.  The Beloit and Madison railroad was operated under lease by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad until January 1864.  From this date until January 1871,  by Chicago and Northwestern Railway when it was consolidated with the Northwestern.

In the early days wheat and corn were the main crops.  Wheat was the farmer’s main source of income.  Most of the wheat crop was hauled by oxen to Milwaukee before the days of the railroad. Enough oats were raised as needed to feed the horses and oxen. In 1871 there was a serious loss of wheat crops due to chinch bug, and many farmers were forced to burn their fields.  After this, corn became the most important crop.  Oats and barley and tobacco began to be raised by some of the area farmers.  As dairying became more widespread, clover was grown more than wheat.

The Fitchburg post office and election precincts were established about 1841.  In 1847 the present township was established away from the Town of Rome and named Greenfield.  In 1853 the name was changed to Fitchburg.  The first chairman was Joseph Vroman.  The first settler is believed to be John Stoner who came to Fitchburg in 1839.  In 1848 the Town of Rome became extinct, and the Township of Dunn was organized.  The first town chairman was R. T. Rawson, and the first settler is said to have been Oliver Emil whose wife was a Winnebago Indian.  The Township of Rutland was organized in 1846.  Jonathan Lawrence was the first chairman.  The first settlers were Joseph DeJean and Dan Pond.  

The Presbyterian Church was built in 1856 on land donated by Charles Waterman.  The first and longest serving pastor was Rev. Matthew Fox.  The Methodist Church was built in 1867 on grounds donated by Stoddard Johnson.  The Lutheran Church was built in1897.  The first Catholic Church was built in the Township of Fitchburg. In 1884 the church in the village was completed. The church was destroyed by fire in 1961 and replaced by the present building.  

Local Business News:

New Owner of Oregon Gambles

George Hecox announced last week that he has sold the Gambles Store on Oregon’s Main Street to Steve Mueller of McFarland.  Steve has been an engineer at Ray-O-Vac in Madison, is a member of the Lions Club in McFarland and the Waubesa Lakes Association.  Mrs. Mueller is a nurse at Morningside (Stoughton) and will be assisting part-time at Gambles in the future.  Hecox says he will continue to operate the Oregon TV Service located in the basement of the Gambles building.

New Owners Plan to Open A&W This Week

Ken and Donna Dary, who have owned and operated the A&W Drive-in on Oregon’s north side for the past 10 years, have announced the sale of the business to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Farley of Madison.  Chuck has been an A&W quality control inspector for central Wisconsin for some years. And prior to that was a supervisor with McDonald & Co.  The Dary’s will still be residing in Oregon.

WISCO Industries 

A note of nostalgia was in the air on Thursday, April 22, as construction crews were demolishing the green brick block building which represented the last vestige of the former Wisconsin Mold and Tool Company on Oregon’s south side.  October 8, 1964, marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the first major expansion, followed again in the spring of 1968 with the second phase which spelled the end for the familiar Quonset hut.  In September of 1970, Wisconsin Mold and Tool Company changed its name to WISCO Industries, Inc., and began an aggressive marketing program to take advantage of the solid groundwork which led to the recent expansion.  A series of expansion moves has followed in order to keep pace with the growth in sales.  This present expansion effort is intended to consolidate previous additions and will provide for much needed office space.  Mr. Elving Kjellstrom, president of Wisco Industries, feels that the new building will add much to the looks of the property, and will be an addition to which the entire community will take pride.  

Clubs and Organizations

Oregon Chamber of Commerce

Announcement is made that Tom Milbourn, news anchorman and producer for Newscene 15, will emcee the upcoming Miss Oregon Pageant.  He is one of best known personalities in the area.  He has been with Channel 15 since 1972 when he returned from serving as an Air Force Information Officer.  In 1974 he received the Forward Communications Corporation’s outstanding television production and a Madison Advertising Club award. He is a graduate of UW-Madison with a master’s degree in journalism.  Milbourn came to Wisconsin from Kansas where he was a business administration graduate of Kansas State University.  

Reverend Petersen continues his excellent work as the official Chamber of Commerce greeter, calling on area newcomers, welcoming them to Oregon.  

Miss Pamela Morrick, senior at Oregon High School was acclaimed “Miss Oregon 1976.” She was crowned before an overflow crowd at the annual pageant Saturday night.  The colorful event, sponsored by the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, was held in the Oregon High School cafetorium, the 11th consecutive year since its innovation in 1966.  The new queen was crowned by Terri Winch, Miss Oregon 1975.  Miss Winch told of the thrills and valuable experiences she encountered during her reign last year.  First runner up, Peggy Jo Brown, was selected by the panel of nine neutral judges; and second runner up honors were won by Linda Dwyer.  The Miss Congeniality award was won by Annette Bossingham.

Oregon Girl Scout Troop 626

“If I Were a Girl Scout In 1776” is the theme of a project which the troop is working on during this bicentennial year.  The girls have already earned the George Washington State House and Bell and Clothing badges from the Connecticut Trails Council of Girl Scouts.  One of the requirements of the Clothing Badge was making their bicentennial dresses, long white aprons, shawls and mop caps.  

The Toys and Games Badge and Colony Badge, in which each girl is reporting on one of the original 13 colonies, are two of the badges the girls are working on at the present time.  

On Saturday, March 27th, the girls were meeting another requirement toward their Toys and Games Badge by participating in a demonstration by Mrs. Velma Grumann, “Painting on Glass” at the Dane County Coliseum as part of the Heritage Days celebration.

The Scouts and their leaders are learning a lot about our country as it was 200 years ago, as well as having a great time together doing all of these activities.  

Local 4H Club Gets A-1 Rating at Heritage Days

The Oregon Headliners 4-H Club received a No.1 (excellent) rating at the Dane County Heritage Days for the Bicentennial production of their original play based on the history of the earliest settlement in the Oregon area, entitled “In the Days of Runey’s Tavern”.

The play was developed through many weeks of improvisations on incidents of Oregon history, then written and rehearsed as a formal play set in the 1840s in this original and typical early tavern which served as a center of area life in the Oregon area.

Located at the crossroads of the Old Lead Trail and the Old Stagecoach Road, it is now at the crossroads of Rome Corners and Union Road.  

Highlight of the play is the appearance of an historically important neighbor, Nathaniel Ames, then the only living resident of the Wisconsin territory who had fought in the Revolutionary War.  Ames, at the age of 84, came with his family to settle in Wisconsin and had many tales of serving under General Washington at Valley Forge.

At Heritage Days, the production received an excellent rating in all categories.  The judge commented “I really like this production.  It showed a great deal of time spent, enthusiasm, and energy. The club has been invited to present the play at the Dane County Junior Fair and the Brooklyn and Oregon Schools.  

Other Local News: 

Todd  Anderson and Lori Kay Compete for Dane County Board Position

Lori M. Kay and Todd F. Anderson, both of the Town of Oregon, will compete for a spot on the Dane County Board of Supervisors at the April 6th election next Tuesday.   They will be in the race for the seat that will become vacant as the incumbent, Lyman Anderson, has declined to run for re-election so that he may devote more time to his job as Assemblyman from District 34.  This district is comprised of the Village of Oregon, and the Towns of Oregon and Dunn. 

April 2001

Fergusons Observe 60th

Orrill and Marlene Ferguson, lifelong Oregon area residents, will observe their 60th wedding anniversary on April 12th.

Orrill and Marlene Ferguson were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oregon April 12, 1941, with the late Rev. Erwin Bondo officiating.  Orrill and Marlene’s family includes their daughters and their families, Carolyn and Bob Weed and Kay and John Bliefernicht.  Grandchildren are Nancy Weede Rhodes and Adam and Andy Bliefernicht.  The Fergusons now reside at 354 North Main Street, Oregon with Orrill at Oregon Manor and Marlene at Main Street Quarters. 

Horses, the Source of Therapy at Three Gaits

Dena Duncan began volunteering as a part time riding instructor at Three Gaits Horsemanship Center 12 years ago.

In that time, she has seen people benefit physically, socially and emotionally from the therapeutic riding program.  “We don’t have a psychologist or a social worker on our staff,” she said. “If there are social or cognitive benefits, that’s a side consequence of the therapeutic riding”. 

Four years ago, Duncan became the program coordinator for Three Gaits, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic riding opportunities for people with disabilities or special social needs. She explained that just about every facet of working with horses, from grooming and feeding to riding, can be good therapy.

“We had a rider with an eating disorder who was too overweight to ride”, Duncan said.  “So, he was physically active with the horses instead. Eventually he was able to get his weight down and begin riding.  I think it was good for him just to work with the animals and get comfortable with them first”. 

Duncan said horse riding therapy was first conceived about 30 years ago by Liz Hartell, a woman who had participated in the Olympics after having been afflicted with polio as a child, when she discovered the therapeutic effects of riding. 

The Three Gaits riding center, located at 3741 Hwy. 138 between Stoughton and Oregon, was founded in 1983 by two women, Gail Brown and Lorri Renker, who were leaders in the local 4-H.

Since then, it’s grown into a business with programs offered 38 weeks of the year. “Last year we had about 250 who participated”, Duncan said. “We have classes Mondays through Thursdays, and then again Saturday mornings.  In our busy times we have between 90 and 120 people riding per week. 

She described how being seated on a horse can help relax tight leg and abdominal muscles, and the animal’s body heat can also have a relaxing effect.  Duncan said this type of therapy is most effective with a rider using only a cloth padding on the horse instead of a saddle, so that the animal’s movements and heat are better transferred. 

She also said an individual’s self-esteem can be enhanced by learning the skills involved with horse riding. 

One of the other types of therapies involves unmounted activity, working with horses on the ground.  That usually involves grooming and other types of interacting with a horse.

“They’re so happy to be brushed and cared for”, Duncan said. “They’re very social animals and people can benefit greatly from that kind of interaction. 

Presently, Three Gaits houses about 27 horses. Twelve that are owned by the corporation, 12 that are boarded for a fee and a few belonging to the staff.

Authentic Italian Taste Draws Area Diners to Oregon

Sally Knight and her dining companion, Clarence Runey, have been visiting Oregon regularly for more than a decade because they love good Italian food.  Their trips may seem odd, given that the Madison couple could choose from a host of Italian restaurants closer to home.

But John Indelicato doesn’t have a restaurant in Madison; he’s the owner, head chef and proprietor of Maria’s Pizza at 134 S. Main St. in Oregon.  And that explains the elderly couple’s decision to travel out of town for an evening meal. 

“They have excellent Italian food,” Knight said enthusiastically. “And good service, excellent service.”

“And don’t forget the spumoni ice cream and the cannoli, “added Runey.

Knight and Runey aren’t’ the only ones who’ve discovered the authentic flavor of Italian cuisine at Indelicato’s eatery.  Maria’s is a busy place for dinner most nights. There’s often even a bit of a wait during the supper hour.  But people seem to think it’s worth the wait. 

Maria’s is locally famous for its homemade pizza and pasta dishes, especially the spaghetti and lasagna.  Maria’s décor is as authentically Italian as its food, with red and white tablecloths and pictures and maps of Italy and Sicily adorning the walls. “A lot of people come here because you can come as you are,” Indelicato said.

As a 19-year-old, Indelicato emigrated with his mother, father, brother and sister, as well as his wife.  That was in 1969 – February 22, 1969, to be exact. He worked for several years at the Chrysler auto plant before relocating to Oregon where he opened Maria’s in late 1978.  He said he chose to go into the restaurant business because it was a choice between working at the auto factory or being his own boss, and he knew how to cook and run a restaurant.

Had Indelicato stuck with Chrysler, he’d be retired by now, but he says he has no regrets. 

“I work 12 hours a day, six days a week and I haven’t’ had a vacation in 12 years,” he said. “But I enjoy what I’m doing. “Maybe in a couple years, I’ll take a month and go back home (to Sicily) for a visit.”

Indelicato said adjusting to life in America was difficult.  He had to learn the language and customs, and after a few weeks he became homesick.  “If I would’ve been here by myself, I would’ve gone back,” he said.

But with the passing of time and the growth of his own family (he and his wife have three daughters), Indelicato said he doesn’t miss Sicily much anymore. 

He’s proud of his business and the fact that most of the food is hand-made in the restaurant. The veteran restaurateur said he has little time for recreation.  When he can he’ll occasionally visit a casino or work in his garden. He is comfortable with Oregon’s small-town way of life.  “I don’t think I’ll ever leave Oregon”, Indelicato said.  “I love it”

Building Banjos A Labor of Love

There’s an unmistakable sound emanating from the shop at 900 Market St. in Oregon. It’s the sound of banjos. But they’re not being played so much as being made.

Banjos by Richelieu is one of only a handful of full-time banjo manufacturers in the country.  The business was established in 1971 by C.C. Richelieu, whose lifelong love of the instrument was turned into the custom shop that operated on Main Street in Oregon until two years ago. That’s when current owner-operator Rick Tipple moved the company to its present location.

Tipple, who first took banjo lessons when he was about 10 years old, says the occupation is a labor of love in several ways. 

“I think many of us who make banjos are closet musicians,” Tipple said. “I love working on the instruments.  It’s very interesting to finish a piece and set it up, and you get a lot of satisfaction when you see somebody playing something that you manufactured”. 

Tipple and employee Rob Broadhead have been making the instruments for more than 20 years. It’s a highly refined skill that combines elements of engineering, artistic vision and craftsmanship. 

“I really like engraving the metal and doing the wood carving in the instrument’s neck,” Tipple said. “Both Rob and I are quite adept at carving and engraving.”

Another artsy element to the making of a banjo is the design and application of the inlays. Mother of Pearl, the iridescent internal layer of certain shells such as pearl oysters, are cut and applied between specific frets on the instrument’s neck. 

Tipple explained that his banjos are made from scratch, mostly using wood that comes from Wisconsin mills.  He said softer woods are used to produce instruments with a softer tone, while harder woods such as rosewood and ebony will produce a “sharper sound, an instrument with a little more crispness to it, a little more snap.  Maple is your best-tone wood.”

Tipple says he never knows the sound quality any particular instrument will produce until he hears the finished product. 

“It takes about an average of 80 man hours to manufacture a banjo,” he said. 

Together, Tipple and Broadhead produce from 40 to 50 banjos each year.  “Most are of the four-stringed variety, but the five-string banjo is becoming increasingly popular,” Tipple said.

The company’s instruments have been used by hundreds of musicians over the years, including some big-name recording artists such as Roy Clark.