written by Alison Bruener, Museum Assistant
There’s the saying “time flies by” that you heard as a child but don’t realize until you’re grown. I started my internship with the South Wood County Historical Museum the summer before my senior year at Northland College; this week marks the end of the third season I’ve been fortunate to be here. There is always a project to be done, new faces to greet and more knowledge to gain from this place and the people who enter.
While working to preserve the history of South Wood County, we thought about how to document the Museum’s own history. While there were scans available to preserve our images, we felt it be a good idea to compile these images. As it turns out, this project encompassed great amounts of photos. A previous blog post showed what the early days of the museum were like. With the help of Uncle Dave, I’ve learned a lot about the people who have helped get to where we are today.
Shirley Temple Doll Exhibit 1988
Marshall Buehler working on Depot Exhibit in 1993
Chair Exhibit 1993
Senior Expo 1996
Front porch restoration 1996
Betty with Artifacts 2011
Ice Cream Social 2016
Christmas Tree Walk 2016
As another season ends, I’ve seen firsthand how “time flies by.” From the newcomers who I greet, to the donations people can’t wait to talk about, there is always more to learn and experience in this fantastic building that has seen so much history.
My mother-in-law grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and played piano in the silent movies there. Recently my husband and I found music from that period and also a mention of her performing at the Mead Hotel, along with a menu from that time in the early twenties We would like to have that in your collection and will mail it to you if you are interested.
Her maiden name was Blanche Weeks.
Please email me an address to send it to if there is interest in these items. Thank you.