From the Lafayette County Historical Society
To the Editor:
The Lafayette County Historical Society has many to thank for their support of our first large event: “Night (and Day) at the Museum.” Our dedicated Staff and Volunteers that put in countless hours to prepare and then serve during the event: Susan Barbee, Peggy Davis, Richard Fernstaedt, Emily Dotson, and Dave Blaser. The Board of Directors that not only approved but contributed so much, in materials and by their presence: Richard March, Tammy Kilby, Margaret Pyfer, Marion Howard, Nikki Larson, Barb Nemec, and Jeanette Zee. Our Cast of Characters in addition to those already mentioned: Tom Osterday, Joe Boll, Leona Havens, Betty Williams, Jeff and Ann Kluesner, Spencer Benedict, Joe Keyes, Judy Hastie, Mary and Michael Brady, Nancy and Terry Sorchy, and Nancy Winslow. Dick Anderson who educated and entertained. Dennis Fox with his amazing artifact display. The Organizations that portrayed other eras: Yellowstone Flint and Cap, Inc. and Third Iowa Light Artillery (thank you both for the cannons!). The Musicians that added so much to Saturday evening: Fever River String Band, Steve Siegler, and The Blarneys.
Of course there was much more than the program itself. Wisconsin Humanities, and Darlington Chamber Main Street for financial support. The vendors that kept us fed: Darlington Optimists Cheese Curds etc., Lucky Cow Gelato and Coffee, Police K-9 Unit, Lions Club. The crafters that added to the Farm Market for shopping on Saturday. Southwest Graphics for printing and help with advertising ideas. The Republican Journal and all of the area publications that graciously allowed space for our articles and calendar items. Judy Boll for creating a radio spot and wonderful advice. Mike Zweifel at WEKZ and Ted Ehlen on WBGR for Radio interviews. Shaina Niijhawan at NBC15(WMTV) for TV coverage. Weather that held out for us.
And the people we did this for. The Teachers that brought students from Argyle, Holy Rosary, and home school (they sure had fun indoors and outdoors). Don’t forget to send us the bill for school transportation costs. The visitors from near and far that discovered the treasure within the Museum and enjoyed our participants’ love of history. Everyone we met said they’d learned something new and had fun doing it!
If you missed it, we hope you heard that it was fun and eye opening for young and old. If we left anyone out of our thank yous, please know it’s unintentional. Our hearts are full of gratitude but our memories are less than perfect. In short everyone that was part of this has our sincere thanks.
We are collecting feedback and suggestions for “next time,” so do not hesitate to call or email us with your ideas or interest in participating, 776-8340, lafayettehistorical@centurylink.net. We are contemplating an even better program next year. So please “pencil us in” for September 15-17, 2023.
