ARGYLE — Historic Argyle has announced the events slated for La Follette Day to be held June 16.

Argyle’s open market in the Phillipson lot will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with music by the duo Peggy and Joe. Other events will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Saxton House, 204 N. State St., where Tim Connors will portray Robert M. “Fighting Bob” La Follette. Connors is a local actor from Freeport who is most known for portraying Stephen Douglas in the Lincoln-Douglas debates. 

Local artist Ash Kyrie will present his completed bust of Robert La Follette. The afternoon will include tours of the Saxton House, silent auction, music provided by the Fever River String Band, a beverage stand, snacks, strawberry sundaes and new this year, wine-tasting. 

Pottery, vintage tools and jewelry will be displayed. Silent auction items are displayed now and available for bidding at both First National Bank and Trust and Woodford State Bank in Argyle. Final bids will be accepted at 4 p.m. June 16 at the Saxton House grounds.

The La Follette Day events hold special significance for the village of Argyle, since Robert M. La Follette’s early life in the village shaped the boy who would become governor, a U.S. senator and run for the presidency of the United States. 

La Follette grew up in the center of the village, in a frame house which has come to be known as the Saxton House. 

His stepfather, John J. Saxton, built the house in 1850. The house was moved to its current location in 1910 to make way for the L.A. Rossing Department Store. 

An annual celebration of the Saxton House site marks La Follette’s birthday and the accomplishment that saved this historic structure.