2012 Speakers

Holmen Area Historical Society Programs:  2012
Celebrating our Sesquicentennial
 
All Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Holmen Village Hall unless otherwise noted.
 
Jan. 4:  “The Bennett Law goes to Nationals”  - Charlie Labuzzetta and Briana Schwabenbauer of Holmen High School will speak about their experience at the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland. They will show a video of their outstanding performance dealing with the 1889 Wisconsin law that required all schools conduct classes in English.
 
Feb. 1: “The 1918 Flu Epidemic: Local Impact” – It is flu season! Dr. Jason Aldred, a neurologist at Gunderson Lutheran, will speak about the devastating 1918 influenza epidemic and connections with his current work with Parkinson’s disease.
 
Mar. 7: "Through the Camera Lens:  A Pictorial History of Holmen"  - This slide show by Hannah Scholze will reveal the historical underpinnings for our modern village.  A must see for new residents of the area, as well as those who remember the "way it was."
 
April 4:  “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History” - This is this year’s National History Day theme. Top projects by Holmen Middle School eighth graders, extensively researched and always impressive, will be presented. 
 
May 2 (5:30):  “Growing Up in Holmen:  A Living History Walk" - Hannah Scholze and members of the Holmen Area Historical Society will lead a tour of downtown Holmen and help bring the history of “old” Holmen to life by reading chapters from Arlan Helgeson's book, Growing up in Holmen, and sharing personal memories. The walk begins at 5:30 in front of the Holmen Village Hall.
 
June 6:  “Saving Grandma's Memories” - Marie Dummer put together a delightful book for her grandchildren, about her life growing up in the Holmen area.  She will talk about the process of gathering material and how she went about producing this family treasure.   It is a good model for us all.
 
*July 11: (second Wednesday): “Holmen Civilian Conservation Corps Revisited” -After organizing the 2011 re-dedication of the Holmen CCC camp site, Lyle and Pat Ostrander realized there were many more memories and stories to be shared about this important depression era initiative.
 
Aug. 1: “Old Fashioned Baseball Game with the La Crescent Apple Jacks” -  Baseball was a favorite community activity, even back when games were played in cow pastures.  The Apple Jacks play in historic baseball uniforms.  A historic Holmen team will be their competition.  Come cheer us on at the Holmen baseball field on Main Street, time to be announced.
 
Sept.  5:  “Holmen Back Then:  A Tour in Stories” - Michael Wall, a great storyteller,  will share his memories of Holmen up through the 1960’s, before its population explosion.
 
Oct. 3:  “Long Coulee School” – Pauline Bratberg Van Dunk grew up across the road from this rural Holmen school. In fact, her great uncle, Ed Bratberg, taught there in the late 1800’s.  Pauline will incorporate family stories, photographs, and the newly discovered Treasurer Reports (1876-1947) into her presentation.
 
Nov. 7: “The Galesville German Prisoner of War Camp” – Many of these prisoners worked in the canning factory and on local farms.  Elaine Nelson will discuss this World War II camp and its effect on the area communities. 
 
Dec. 5  (6:00)  “Holiday Celebration” – Bring a traditional family potluck dish and enjoy Historical Society fellowship and the wonderful music of our “house band,” Grand Picnic.