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Argyle to celebrate LaFollette Days on June 16 and 17
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ARGYLE - LaFollette Days in Argyle will be June 16 and 17.

Free events begin at 4 p.m. Friday with a presentation by folklorist Jim Leary, whose traditional songs and stories reflect the customary practices and handwork of indigenous and immigrant people in the Upper Midwest. Leary's presentation is sponsored by the Argyle Public Library and the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

After the performance, music will be provided by the High Street Revelers at 5 p.m. at the Saxton House, 204 N. State St., Argyle. Area musicians are invited to join in an open jam session at 6 p.m. Snacks and a beverage stand will be available.

Argyle's Open Market starts its summer season from 8 a.m. to noon June 17 in the Phillipson lot with music by the Moo Grass Band. The events then move to live sculpting of a LaFollette bust by artist Ash Kyrie from noon to 5 p.m. at the Saxton House. Tours of the Saxton House will be available and visitors will be able to watch local artists at work in mediums of watercolor, pottery, needle felting, candle dipping, spinning, weaving, wood carving, vintage jewelry, antique tools and others. The event will include a silent auction, music provided by the Fever River String Band and a lunch and beverage stand.

Robert M. LaFollette, who later became governor of Wisconsin and a U.S. senator and ran for president, grew up in the very center of the village, in a frame house which has come to be known as the Saxton House. LaFollette's 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 LaFollette's birthday and the accomplishment which saved this historic structure for the people of Wisconsin.