Wisconsin and Marathon County

1968 Election Presidential Primary (Eugene McCarthy) in Marathon County – The election of 1968 was a very interesting and intriguing event in Marathon County. This reaction symbolized the local support for Eugene McCarthy for president.

African Americans in Early Wisconsin - In the early 1800’s African Americans established permanent residence in Wisconsin. African Americans contributed to Wisconsin in many ways and established many communities.

Antiwar Protests of Vietnam War at UW-Madison and/or the Bombing of Sterling Hall - During the U.S. intervention in several Vietnam military antiwar protests occurred in Madison and around the state.   This revolution was seen in the many parts of our country, specifically in Madison.

Babcock, Stephen and the Butterfat Tester - Professor Stephen Babcock from UW-Madison started a revolution in the dairy industry with his invention of the Butterfat Tester.

"Bennett Law" (Educational Reform) - The history of Wisconsin's educational system is closely tied to the history of the state. Various measures were taken in response to large numbers of European immigrants. For example, the "Bennett Law," enacted in 1889, required school attendance of children seven to 14 years, provided for a fine for parents who did not comply, and required that instruction be in English.

"Boston Milk Party" - During the Great Depression of the 1930's, the prices of farm products dropped, while farmers' production and shipping costs increased. In 1933, small Wisconsin dairy farmers turned to what they called a "Boston Milk Party." In a series of strikes, they withheld milk and blocked it from the market.

Bovay, Alvay and the Republican Party - The Republican Party originated in Ripon, WI in the 1850’s.  Alvay Bovay was one of the party’s earliest leaders.

Ceresco, (A Commune of Wisconsin) - In 1844, a group of 19 men and one boy set out from Kenosha to found a commune far from "the world of jargon, contention and confusion." The community was named Ceresco. The remnants of Ceresco can still be seen in the present day town of Ripon.

Civil Liberties of Wisconsinites and National Security during World War I - During the WWI, German Americans, especially those living in Wisconsin at the time, had to encounter prejudice and discrimination.  For example, the German language was removed from some Wisconsin schools during this time period.

Clarenbach, Kathryn F. and the National Organization of Women (NOW) - Clarenbach was powerful writer, an eloquent speaker, and a social reformer on many issues, including the protection of individual rights, justice, and world peace.  Many laws in Wisconsin regarding women’s rights were made after lawmakers consulted her.  More importantly, she was one of the co-founders of NOW.

Colonel Hans Christian Heg - Colonel Hans Christian Heg was leader of the Wisconsin 15^th Regiment, a Norwegian regiment, in the civil war. He was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia and was the highest ranked Wisconsin officer killed in the war.

Deitz, John and His Stand Against Chippewa Lumber & Boom Co. – In the early 1900’s, logging was a major industry in Wisconsin. A man named John Deitz bought 160 acres of land near Chippewa Lumber & Boom Co.’s Cameron dam on Thornapple River in Sawyer County. When the lumber company came to log along this land, the farm deed had incorrectly omitted the company’s dam and flowage rights. But Deitz was there, with his Winchester to keep the logging company at bay. For years there was a face-off and finally in 1910, Deitz took his final stand, in a shoot-out, Deitz shot and killed Deputy Oscar Harp.

Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb – In 1931, Kate Pelham Newcomb started up a medical practice. On snowshoes, by canoe and by long treks through snowy logging roads Dr. Kate reached many patients. The area had a doctor but desperately needed a hospital, with only $3,000 in hand, a hospital was begun. Yet the hospital was still greatly in debt, so with the help of local children a million-penny campaign was begun and donations started to pour in. When the hospital was still $30,000 in debt, Dr. Kate’s story went to Hollywood. She was then summoned to what she thought would be a conference, when in all reality it was the popular “This Is Your Life” program.

Draft in the Civil War - The Civil War brought about the Conscription Act and the national draft of men into the military.  Students could investigate the various encounters and exchanges between soldiers and their draft experience as well as draft resistance in Wisconsin and infamously in New York City.

Early Tourism in Northern Wisconsin - The growth of popularity of the automobile affected many aspects of American life, including the country's architecture. The automobile -- and the tourist industry it helped to grow - brought about a number of new building forms. Wisconsin, with its early tourist industry, was certainly affected by these changes. Motels with giant neon signs, drive-up diners in glass and steel, quaint or rustic tourist cabins, and of course the now ever-present gasoline service station, all appeared and multiplied between 1920 and 1940.

Eleazor Williams - Called "The Lost Dauphin" Williams was a missionary with the Oneida Indians in the early 1800's.  It is possible that he was actually a child of the royal family of France who escaped during the revolution.

Farmer Protest (NFO) in Marathon County - Marathon County has one of the largest percentages of farmers in the state of Wisconsin.  The National Farmers’ Organization was and still is a reform group found in Marathon County.

Father Groppi  - Father Groppi was the most famous civil rights leader of Milwaukee during the 1960’s.  He was well known for his compassion toward the African-American community.  He faced many difficulties in his struggle in  the Civil Rights Movement.  This is a great state topic with national connections.

Fennimore's Narrow Gauge Railroad - The impact of railroads in Wisconsin, linking the countryside to the city and farms to markets, can be found throughout the state. The Fennimore Railroad Historical Society, home of the "Dinky," contains details of Fennimore's narrow gauge train.

Garden Homes is a Milwaukee - Garden Homes is a Milwaukee Socialist housing experiment from the 1910s. Milwaukee’s socialist city government built the land and homes on this housing experiment, and stock was sold to occupants of homes in an attempt to provide better housing for workers.

German Music - Between 1850 and 1900, thousands of German families moved to Wisconsin. The German culture has had a huge impact on Wisconsin, especially in music. Polka was the most popular music from the 1800’s to through 1950, when rock took over. The polka became the Wisconsin state dance in 1994. 

Glaciers - The Wisconsin countryside’s encounter with ice has left Wisconsin with some beautiful, hilly regions (e.g. the Kettle Moraine area).  Examine what occurs when glaciers pass over land.

Glover, Joshua (Fugitive Slave Act) - By the 1850's, Wisconsin had become known for its support for the abolition of slavery and its opposition to the 1850 Federal Fugitive Slave Act. A significant example of this can be seen in the story of runaway slave Joshua Glover.

Goodwell, Lavinia, Leader for Female Lawyers in Wisconsin - Lavinia Goodwell, the first woman lawyer in Wisconsin, paved the way for female lawyers.

Greendale Housing Project - Greendale was a depression era housing project built as part of the federal government work relief program. The Milwaukee suburban community was built entirely from scratch using the most progressive city planning theories and houses were communally owned.  In an effort to combat the economic effects of the Great Depression, the Federal government initiated a number of public works programs throughout the country. The results of these federal policies remain evident in our communities today.

Halyard, Wilbur and Ardie Halyard - This young couple moved to Wisconsin in 1920.  Here they worked on reforming the rights of blacks in Wisconsin.  They organized the Columbia Savings and Loan Association, which lent money to African-Americans interested in buying homes.  Wilbur refused to accept a salary for many years.  Ardie led the Milwaukee and Wisconsin chapters of the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  

Hilton Hanna - Hilton Hanna is one of Wisconsin’s most outspoken advocates for social  reform.  This African-American is a world traveler, educator, and union   leader who spoke out against racism.

Harvey, Cordelia Perrine - Cordelia Harvey was the First Lady of Wisconsin in the early 1860’s, when married to Wisconsin Governor Louis P. Harvey.  Although the governor drowned during the Civil War, Cordelia continued to inspect military hospitals.  She was a reformer in the field of military medicine.  She even persuaded President Lincoln to establish an Army hospital in Madison.

Hmong Migration to Central Wisconsin  - The relationships between the Hmong of Laos and the people of Central  Wisconsin provide an interesting story of two cultures meeting.

Hunter, Amy Louise: Reformer of Public Health - Amy Louise Hunter oversaw the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health of the Wisconsin Board of Health from 1935-1960, and in the course of her work, participated in no less than a public health revolution. Her strategies of statistical analysis and cooperation helped to alter maternal and child health care in Wisconsin.

Italian Miners and Communities in Hurley - In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, many Italians traveled to northern Wisconsin to work in iron mines. Many Italians brought their families and gathered money from mining and other work to start their own businesses.

James Ada: Women's Rights to Vote Leaders - Ada James was one of Wisconsin leading suffragists, a vocal supporter of Susan B. Anthony and women's right to vote.

Jennings, Janet, A Women in the Revolution of Caring for Soldiers - A native of Monroe, WI, Janet Jennings became a skilled nurse by caring and treating the wounded Union soldiers during the Civil War.  She was based in Washington, D.C., and she would also serve as a nurse in the Spanish-American War of 1898.  She was 59 years old at the time.  She is best known for her books on the Civil War.

John Muir and the Sierra Club - A dedicated environmentalist named John Muir helped establish the Sierra Club in 1892.  The group is established to reform our country in regards to environmental causes.  The group’s goals are to explore, enjoy, and preserve the natural environment.  Although born in Scotland, Muir immigrated into Wisconsin in 1849.  He truly is the Wisconsin leader in environmental concerns.

Kander, Lizzie Black "The Jane Adams of Milwaukee" - Lizzie Black Kander's social work among Russian, Jewish immigrants earned her the nickname "Jane Addams of Milwaukee."

LaFollette, Robert M, Wisconsin's Progressive Leader - Wisconsin gained the reputation as the model of Progressive reform by initiating substantial legislative reforms and their subsequent promotion by forward-thinking leaders. As governor, Robert M. LaFollette's charisma and drive encouraged an environment open to change in the state and helped institute legislative reforms. After his election to the U.S. Senate, La Follette showcased Wisconsin as the shining example of progressive reforms and was never far removed home-state politics.

Leroy Gore's Response to Senator Joe McCarthy - Senator Joe McCarthy's actions taken in response to the Cold War can be examined through the eyes of a Wisconsin citizen who tried to stop him, namely Leroy Gore.

Lumber Barons of Wisconsin - A surprisingly outspoken lumberman wrote in 1876 that the lumber barons were "not only burning the candle at both ends . . . but cutting it in two, and setting [a] match to the four ends to enable them to double the process of exhaustion." The economic importance of the lumber industry and the reaction and response to the northern land once the timber supply was depleted can be explored.

McCarthyism & Free Speech during the Cold War - Free speech during the Cold War is an interesting topic to research. Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin (from the Appleton area) began a campaign against Communists in February of 1950.  He claimed that the State Department was “thoroughly infested with Communists.

McGovern, Francis: Cleaning Up Corruption in Milwaukee - Francis McGovern, a crusading Milwaukee district attorney from 1905-1909 and later Wisconsin governor (1911-1915), made a name for himself by cleaning up corruption in Milwaukee. His work led to numerous indictments of corrupt officials.

Meir, Golda - This woman from Wisconsin ranks as one of the 20^th century’s most important world leaders.  She first lived in Milwaukee, and then she devoted her life to reforming the world and eliminating prejudice.  She and her husband moved to Palestine and helped organize the government of Israel.  She was ambassador to the Soviet Union, and in 1969, she made history when she became the first woman to win election as a nation’s prime minister.

Milton House (The Underground Railroad in Wisconsin) - This house was constructed by Underground Railroad conductor and Wisconsin pioneer Joseph Goodrich.  Joseph Goodrich believed in the rights of humans and got involved in the Underground Railroad to help achieve those rights.

Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children - The Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children provided temporary care for the poor and dependent children of Milwaukee County who did not qualify for state care during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Milwaukee NAACP Youth League's Marches in 1967 - The Milwaukee NAACP Youth League held a series of daily marches for open housing in 1967. Their main target was what they saw as the bastion of housing discrimination - the South Side of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee's Socialist Party - The election of Milwaukee mayor Emil Seidel in 1910 as the first Socialist mayor began a period in which Milwaukee's Socialist Party controlled the mayor's office for all but four of the next 30 years and meant significant reform in the city government.

Milwaukee United School Integration Committee's (MUSIC) Boycotts - In 1964-1966, the Milwaukee United School Integration Committee (MUSIC) held a series of boycotts of segregated schools, one of which lasted 35 days.  

Oshkosh Woodworkers' Strike - In 1898 a strike by woodworkers in Oshkosh generated some of the most dramatic moments in the history of women in Wisconsin.

1968 Election Presidential Primary (Eugene McCarthy) in Marathon County - The election of 1968 was a very interesting and intriguing event in Marathon County.  This reaction symbolized the local support for Eugene McCarthy for president.

Northern Wisconsin and/or Stop Treaty Abuse (STA) & Dean Christ Stop Treaty - Abuse involves the rights and responsibilities of both Native Americans, non-native Americans, and the federal government.  This highly controversial topic has many primary sources available because STA is primarily a Wisconsin group. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the Chippewa Treaty provided the right for Chippewa Indians to spearfish.   

Novitiate of Shawano County  - In the early 1973, Wisconsin Native Americans took over this religious center in Central Wisconsin.  These Native Americans fought for the rights of Native Americans. This violent meeting in nearby Shawano County truly demonstrates the feelings of both sides on such a heated topic.

Obey's, David, Reforms Through Politics - Dave Obey has been a representative in the House of Representatives for over 30 years.  His influence and his reforms throughout his career has been instrumental in the area of political reform.

Octagon House in Wisconsin - Octagon houses were an architectural fad throughout the U.S., including Wisconsin during the 1850s and 1860s. Promoters of these octagonal-shaped homes attempted to reform building construction by making houses cheaper, more durable, more efficient, and healthier.

Opposition to World War I in Marathon County - World War I was fought from 1914 to 1918.  American entered this war in 1917.  Support for America during this war was not strong in Marathon County.  Why?  One of the reasons for this reaction to this war was the fact that Marathon County had thousands of recent immigrants from Germany (at that time).

Oshkosh Woodworkers’ Strike of 1898 - In 1898, Oshkosh Woodworkers struck.  Much state attention was drawn to Oshkosh.  These workers struck to demand better working conditions. In opposition, the workers and the employers did encounter each other. 

Ozaukee County Draft Riots - November 12, 1862, drafts began in Wisconsin.  A mob started fires and marched around town shouting, “NO DRAFT!”

Paine, Byron - Byron Paine was the most romantic figure ever to sit on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  His family members were strong abolitionists.  Paine was an ally of Sherman both (Wisconsin abolitionist).  He became circuit judge in 1856 and Supreme Court Justice in 1859.

Polish Immigrants in Portage County - Many Polish immigrants traveled to Wisconsin starting in 1857. By 1920, 11% of Wisconsin’s foreign-born population were Polish and were second in numbers only to Germans.

Polish Immigration: Encountering Difficulties Coming to America to gain political and economic rights - Numerous Polish immigrants came to America at the turn of the century due to a lack of political and economic rights in their homeland.   These immigrants faced many difficulties, but they persevered.   This ethnic group also led to settlement of parts of the United States, and parts of Wisconsin.

Prohibition in Wisconsin – On January 16^th, 1920, Prohibition signaled the last call for 9,656 Wisconsin saloons. Wisconsin was dragged kicking and screaming into temperance. After all, Milwaukee breweries employed 6,000 workers and slaked a major share of the nation’s thirst for beer. While prohibition lasted 13 years, ultimately, the dry law disappeared. And on April 7^th, 1933, liquor was once again legalized.

Protests Against Native American Practices in Wisconsin - Among a handful of other states (Minnesota, Oregon and Washington), Wisconsin in the late 1980s and early 1990s has been the location of significant, controversial, and sometimes-violent protests against Native American practices granted through U.S. treaties. In Wisconsin, the controversy affected members of the Ojibwa tribe and especially conflicts over spear fishing.

Quinney, John W. - John W. Quinney was a Mohican Indian leader who was born in the East.  In 1828, Quinney led more than 300 Stockbridge and Delaware (Munsee Band) Indians to an area south of Kaukauna, Wisconsin.  This leader and reformer led these Indians and also developed a new constitution.  Stockbridge, Wisconsin is a small village named after these Indians.

Rehnquist, William H. - William H. Rehnquist was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 1, 1924; and served as Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1972 to 1986, and Chief Justice from 1986 until 2005.

Reverend Olympia Brown - Reverend Olympia Brown, a minister in Racine, WI wanted to vote.  Women could only vote “at any election pertaining to school matters.”  In 1887, Reverend Brown and friends went to the polls to vote on the whole ballot. They were refused the right to vote.

Revolution in Native American Groups of Wisconsin - A revolution occurred in Native American society when groups shifted from a hunter-gatherer mobile and seasonal way of life to a more settled, village existence that developed around agriculture: as the deliberate planning and harvesting of crops became incorporated into prehistoric Native American ways of life in Wisconsin over a thousand years ago.

Ripon, WI (Birthplace of the Republican Party) - The simple one-story clapboard building on the southeast corner of Blackburn and Blossom streets in Ripon is generally regarded as the birthplace of the Republican Party.

Riots of 1967 in Milwaukee - Riots began with an incident at John Tucker’s home, where none policemen were shot and one died.  Mayor Maier declared a state of emergency.  No one was let out of their houses and the National Guard was brought in.  That state of emergency lasted for ten days.  

Schurz, Margarethe Meyer and the first Kindergarten - In Watertown, Wisconsin, Margarethe Meyer Schurz opened the first Kindergarten.  This reform in the field of education has had long-lasting effects on our country.

Socialism in Marathon County - Socialism is technically the economic system in which the government or the workers own and operate the means of production.  Socialism as a movement was very strong in parts of Wisconsin.  Some mayors of Milwaukee were members of the Socialist Party.  In Marathon County, socialism was a reform group, which influenced and changed the county.

Technological Advances of Wisconsin's Farms - The silos of Wisconsin are one the state's principal symbols, one of the most striking features of it's agricultural landscape, and one of the key technological discoveries that made year-round commercial milk production possible; revolutionizing agriculture, farm life, and the farm landscape in Wisconsin.

The Great Peshtigo Fire - The Peshtigo fire in 1871 did more damage and killed more people than the great Chicago fire, but is not nearly as recognized as it. Over 2,000 people were killed and there were about $169 million in damages.

Trees for Tomorrow - Between 1860 and 1900, lumbermen cut most of the huge trees in northern Wisconsin.  Trees for Tomorrow are an organization, which helps Wisconsinites preserve forests and respect our environment.  This organization started in 1944.

Unemployment Compensation Law - In 1921, Henry Huber wrote an unemployment compensation bill. Johnson Wax of Racine, WI had already setup a similar unemployment compensation program for its company.  In 1930, an unemployment compensation law was passed.  Wisconsin became the first state to have income insurance for unemployed workers.  Since 1930, millions of dollars have been paid to jobless workers in our state.

Warfarin - Wisconsin was at the forefront in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis and was one of the first states to begin skin testing in 1927.  University of Wisconsin - Madison Professor Karl Paul Link searched for a cure to a cattle-hemorrhaging disease and his discovery led to the creation of Warfarin (also called coumarin), which was used as a poison to kill rodents. Warfarin ultimately became a boon in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Weber, Frank, a Socialist Leader - Frank Weber, born near Milwaukee was a pioneer member of the Socialist party and of the Federal Trades Council in 1887. He also founded the Wisconsin State Federation of Labor and organized the seamen's unions for the Knights of Labor and the brewery workers in Milwaukee. Weber also served eight years in the legislature and was a leading figure in the fight for the Workingmen's Compensation Act, old age pensions, and other progressive legislation.

Willard, Frances E. - In 1846, Willard’s parents moved her to a small farmstead near Janesville, Wisconsin.  By the 1870’s, Frances Willard had become a national leader in the temperance movement.  The temperance movement was a reform of the consumption on alcohol in this country.  She was even elected president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU).  In 1883, she traveled to every state and territory in the United States and gave speeches there. 

Wisconsin labor Movement - Movement started before statehood. The bricklayer’s union was in Milwaukee as early as 1847. Labor force reckoned with during the “Bay View Riots.”

Wisconsin Idea - In the early 1900’s, the title The Wisconsin Idea referred to a series of laws that were passed in Wisconsin from 1903 to 1913.   Some of these famous laws include: the Direct Primary Law, the University of Wisconsin, Civil Service Law, Public Utilities Commission, a new method of taxing, laws protecting the safety of workers, etc.  The Wisconsin Idea helped Wisconsin become a leader among the states.

Wisconsin Logging to Farming - In the late 1800’s much of Wisconsin’s forests were gone because of logging. Professor William Henry in the agricultural department at the University of Wisconsin attempted to sell the logged land to immigrants to be farmed.

Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan, WI - In 1853, the Wisconsin School for the Deaf opened to the public.  Since that time, thousands of Wisconsin deaf students have gone there to be educated in the most up-to-date methods.  In the 1990’s, the school changed considerably. Most of the deaf students in Wisconsin are now educated in their own public school districts. 

Wisconsin's Stand on the Death Penalty (July 12, 1853) - On July 12, 1853, the state legislature abolished the death penalty, and to this day Wisconsin remains one of the few states that does not have the death penalty.

Wisconsin State Parks/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Various schools, post offices, and other public buildings, as well as improvements to our park and state forests and sewer and filtration systems are a few examples of places to examine.

Wright, Frank Lloyd and His Architectural Revolution - Frank Lloyd Wright was an architectural innovator who felt that better architecture could change the way people lived and thereby improves society as a whole. His Wisconsin buildings illustrate his revolutionary ideas in using materials and technology to shape space and address the problems and issues of twentieth century life.

Worker's Compensation Law of Wisconsin (First in the Nation) - The 1911 session of the Wisconsin legislature was one of the most important in the state's history - passing the nation's first workers compensation law as well as other major reforms.