BROWNTOWN — More than 100 friends, family and neighbors spent the afternoon playing cards and having fun April 20, all in an effort to raise money for the repainting of the Browntown Veterans Mural and Memorial Wall at the Browntown Museum.
Helen Johnson, Browntown Community Museum director and president of the fundraiser, said more than $2,000 was raised that day.
“This is for them, the Veterans, and other public safety and service people and why we are working so hard for this fundraiser,” said Johnson, whose husband, son and brothers have served in military and in their communities. “We want more joy for them than everyone else.”
The wall at the Browntown Museum was initially designed and created in 2004 by Jon Thompson of Argyle, who was inspired by the love of a soldier’s mother for her child and her country. Since then, the mural has been touched up three times. Now 15 years later, the wall is in need of repair and the town is working to raise $6,000 by Memorial Day to finish it.
A euchre tournament held most people’s attention during the fundraiser. There were also door prizes and organizers sold recipe cards, key chains, postcards, crocks and more. Volunteers made barbeque and served chips, desserts, and water and coffee. Money from the $6 meal went toward the memorial wall. Johnson said it brings meaning to so many community members and veterans.
She added that organizers also want to show off the immense amount of patriotism that Browntown has for those who served. It was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2004, which is the annual celebration of national holiday Patriot Day.
“Especially in this day and age,” Johnson said. “We need our young people to see our respect.”
Thompson and Denise Baker, who helped him paint the wall, have agreed to repaint the mural. Its proper name, the Roll of Honor Wall, is housed in the Browntown, Cadiz and Jordan Civic Center, which is attached to the back of the local fire department. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Browntown Boy Scouts made a sign that listed all of the members of the military.
“There are 282 Browntown area veterans’ names who served their country, from the Spanish American War to the war in Iraq, included in the memorial,” Johnson said. “More names will be added.”
The Browntown Community Museum was founded and opened in August 1990 for the village’s 100th birthday celebration. Some of the founding members were Helen Mayne, Rudy and Mabel Haske, Marilyn Lueck, Grant Dale, Wilbur and Eileen Wells, Lorraine Shoemacher, David Burkhalter, Stanley Pickett and Sheldon DeVoe.
Donations were given in memory of the early settlers and farmers in the area.
“Helen Mayne was a postmaster for Browntown and she shared many memories and stories of the families and businesses of Browntown,” Johnson said. “She also donated a collection of post office items.”
The museum is open the first Sunday of June, July, August and by appointment. To schedule a tour of the museum, contact Johnson at 608-966-3514. Those interested in donating to the Browntown Veterans Mural and Memorial Wall should send a check to P.O. Box 32, Browntown, WI 53522.
Johnson said all of the proceeds will be used for the project.
“We work to preserve the past so that the youth of our area know their roots and the people that shaped our community,” Johnson said. “They can’t move forward until they know where they came from.”
