Speaking of area history…

The Marathon County Historical Museum’s new exhibits “A Time Of Change: Marathon County 1900 – 1910″ and “Special Edition: 100 Years Of The Daily Herald” is opening June 30th with a big open house. Activities will feature live music, a drawing for 2 teddy bears (in celebration of the birth of Teddy Bears during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency) and film clips showing the technology of the era. The exhibit curators, Linda Forbess and Kathy Jansen, will be there to answer questions about the exhibit.

The early 1900′s was a dynamic period in Marathon County’s history. It was when the lumber industry was in obvious decline, giving way to the businesses of savvy entrepeneurs (including the Wausau Group). The history books, newspaper articles and even City Directories of the time show a wide array of businesses. The 1901 – 02 City Directory shows a bustling city with 10 cigar makers, 15 confectioners, 75 dressmakers, 30 general stores, 16 hotels, 13 lawyer firms and 9 meat markets.

This is also the era of the introduction of new technology such as automobiles and planes. Residents could take the trolley from Wausau down to the Rothschild Pavilion for a day of fun. Electrical lighting and telephones were becoming more common. And don’t forget the Sear’s Catalog- the best friend of rural shoppers!

The second exhibit shows the headlines from and the history of Wausau Daily Herald in the past 100 years. There will be front pages from major events in the past century (I stopped and read several while they were being gathered- the ads are pretty cool, too). There will also be newspapers from around the county from the past 150 years (There were alot of them! I was amazed by the number of different publications there were!)

Be sure to stop in Saturday, June 30th from 1:00 – 4:30 for the big opening. The exhibits will be on display from June 23, 2007 – May 2008. The museum is open Tuesday -Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Saturday -Sunday 1:00 – 4:30 PM. The exhibit is free and open to all.

Coming Back to Life

By Christine Martens

Eds Note:   I have been a little behind in my postings here on the Wausaublog, but things should now be coming back to life a bit.  And Wausau itself, though it does not hibernate during the winter, is also coming into the busy season of the year.  Christine is going to get the ball rolling for us.

It is Bill’s favorite time of year- the time when Camp Wausau (is that trademarked, Bill?) is set to begin! There is a great line up of events for the warm summer months in Central Wisconsin. You can keep track of all the fun at www.visitwausau.com.

I noticed while entering some events in an on line calendar (www.explorehwy51.com) that the weekend after 4th Of July is really big this year. Beginning Wednesday, July 4th and running through the weekend, is the Jaycees’ 4th Of July Festival. The same weekend (July 6 – 8) is Chalkfest, The Hot Air Balloon Rally and couple of other smaller events!

The 2nd Annual Blueberry Blitz at Utech’s Rainbow Dairy Goat Farm is set for Saturday, July 21. There are blueberry treats, hay rides, a Blueberry picking contest, llama cart rides, llama walks and labyrinth walks (I am not sure if you can take the llama into the labyrinth…) You can even catch a tour of this working 400 goat farm.

And this me, Bill again.  Things are in fact happening all over the place.  This weekend featured a whitewater event downtown, the Farmers’ Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday until fall and signups for summer activities are well under way.  So get out and enjoy Camp Wausau — and then read about it here.

A Walk into History

By Christine Martens

The Marathon County Historical Society has created a new guide for a walking tour of the Andrew Warren Historical District. This guide is great- complete with photos and stories of the people who originally owned the homes. It comments on architectural style and architects as well. The guide is free and can be picked up at the Historical Society (on McIndoe Street), local B & B’s and the Visitors Center (the tee pee building near Cedar Creek). And just incase your are concerned, the tour does not take you up the Franklin Street hill- maybe in their next guide.

The Marathon County Historical Society is also hosting guided walking tours on Mondays in May. Give a call to them at 842-5750 for more details or www.marathoncountyhistory.com.

Central WI Children’s Museum Focus Group Wants You!

Eds Note:  Along with the occaisionally talked about zoo, many parents also would like to see a children’s museum here.  Here is a way to offer your opinion.

By Christine Martens

We received this announcment at the CVB today. Maybe we don’t need a seperate Children’s Museum in Wausau- maybe a joint venture is a better way?

Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 474
Stevens Point, WI 54481

March 15, 2007
Tiffany Wilhelm
Executive Director715-344-2003
715-252-6868 (cell)
cwcmexecdir@charter.net

Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum Seeks Input from Wausau Area Families

Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum (CWCM) will host a public focus group with Wausau area families and other interested citizens on Wednesday, April 4th at 6:30-7:30 pm at the Wausau Public Library. The Museum is growing fast and is working toward an expansion. Part of the planning involves seeking out ideas on how the Museum can better serve families throughout the entire Central Wisconsin region. The one-hour meeting will be held in the third floor conference room at the Wausau Public Library. Parking is available in the parking garage across the street. The purposes of the focus group are to assess knowledge and perceptions about the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum and to provide CWCM committees with information needed to make decisions regarding the future direction of the museum.

The Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum is a non-profit family-based discovery place where children and adults play and explore together to strengthen confidence, capabilities, and creativity through hands-on investigation. The Museum opened in May of 1997 and has grown from 6,034 visitors in 2003 to 13,277 visitors in 2006. It is located in the CenterPoint MarketPlace in downtown Stevens Point; hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Daily admission is $3 per person and free for infants up to 12 months. Call the Museum at 344-2003 or visit www.cwchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

ArtsBlock Rock

By Christine Martens

The Performing Arts Foundation (PAF) is planning two new series for the ArtsBlock- and both sound really cool.

The first started this past weekend- Tots On The Block. This is a great way to introduce your kids to theater! If you missed last weekends events- not to worry- there is another set for Saturday, April 14th. Here is what in store:

Get set for fun, food and frolic with our second event of TOTS ON THE BLOCK, Saturday, April 14! Enjoy one of Wisconsin’s finest family performers, and a snack bag of goodies for all the kids provided by our friends from Trig’s. We’re planning activities to delight the smallest of guests on ARTSblock.

The other series highlights the many talented performers found right here at home in Wisconsin. The first is performance is set for Thursday April 12, featuring both comedy and music. The PAF describes it best:

Unwind with an evening of comedy and musical excitement as we introduce Take a B.O.W (Best of Wisconsin) on Thursday April 12. Wisconsin has an infinite number of highly talented performers, and we’re bringing some of the best to you on ARTSblock in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, provided by Trigs.
Start the evening out in the Great Hall with a team of improv comedians, The Reckoning. This comedy troupe will make you roar with laughter with their combination of sketch comedy, improv games, and who knows what else.
Enjoy two different sets starting at 5:30 pm & 8:15 pm.

The fun doesn’t stop with the laughter…

After the comedy has loosened you up, get ready for a hip-hoppin’ dance party on the Grand Theater stage. Based in Oshkos, Copper Box is a movin’ and shakin’ band with a distinctively refreshing sound. With inspiration from CCR, Bonnie Raitt, Brave Combo, Steve Esteban Jordan, their music combines 70s rock with a variety of root influences. Dance on stage or just sit and listen to a high-energy musical extravaganza mixing the sounds of Cajun, country, rock, polka, Zydeco and blues, affectionately known as “squeeze-box rock”.
Enjoy two different sets starting at 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm

Check out their website often for new events! Book mark it! www.onartsblock.org

Rothschild Pavilion to Reopen!

By Christine Martens

A treasure of the area has been saved thanks to thousands of volunteer hours and many donations! The Rothschild Pavilion is a wonderful piece of architecture and its history is a lot of fun. Did you know that the dance floor sits on railroad springs (dancing there is great because of the “spring” in the floor) or that it once had a roller coaster and many other entertainment items? Buddy Holly played there.

An open house is being planned in April and The Rock And Roll Revival for June 1 and 2.

There was an article in the Wausau Daily Herald… you can read it here.

Thank You to all who helped to save this jewel!

Celebrate with the LYWAM!

By Christine Martens 

The Woodson Art Museum has always had an amazing way not just showing art, but for inviting the community to experience art. The words art museum tend to invoke visions of inaccessible paintings hanging in spartan rooms. The Woodson has toppled that image for all who have visited. It is an amazing place that never fails to impress.

Five years ago they created yet another way to bring art to children- The Art Park. Of course occasionally you may see an adult playing there, too, (OK, there are a lot of us down there having as much fun as the kids.) This weekend they are inviting everyone to celebrate with them:

Let’s Celebrate . . . with Kites!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
1 – 2 pm & 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Art Park is 5 years old . . . and still young at heART!

At these two sessions, families get ready for the kite-flying season by making a sled kite with instruction from Dale and Pam Bowden. The Bowdens hail from Wisconsin Rapids and are members of the Wisconsin Kiters, the American Kitefliers Association, and KOWS, a synchronized kite-flying team. Fee: $5 per kite. Call 715-845-7010 or email museum@lywam.org to register for this program.

Let’s Celebrate . . . with Cake!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
1 – 3 pm
Art Park is 5 years old . . . and still young at heART!

A birthday cake, of course! Join us for cake and Culver’s Custard, art projects, a puppet show, a few rounds of the Happy Birthday song, and general merriment at this free community event.

Take Your Sweetie to the Theatre

Eds Note:   OK, you can’t buy tickets for these for V Day gifts, but still good ideas!
OK, these shows are after Valentine’s Day, but tickets to these would be great gifts for your sweetie:

King & Swing
Saturday, February 17, 2007
7:30 PM / Grand Theater, Tickets: $8 – $14
Presented by: Wausau Symphony & Band

My Fair Lady
Thursday, February 22, 2007
6:30 PM / Grand Theater, Presented by Wausau Community Theatre.
Tickets only available at WCT Office . Call 359-3972.

Go Ahead- Tell Them Where To Go

By Christine Martens 

I was just down in Fort Worth, Texas (well, actually the hotel and convention center were in Grapevine) for a travel tradeshow and I was welcomed by each and every person I met. Their pride and commitment to their community was evident at every turn. From the shuttle driver who told me all about his wife’s favorite restaurant to the hosts of the conference who told us the highlights of the area. Even though Grapevine was lined with box restaurants and shopping; the residents shared where to go for a hometown experience. Fort Worth rolled out the red carpet for their guests as well.

Do you know where to send a visitor to the Wausau Area for a great steak? How about killer martini and good music? What do you tell friends and family about the area when they visit? Travelers often want to know what the locals do for fun, where they get the best Italian food, where to see the sites, etc. Do you know enough about your hometown to help a visitor searching for just the right place?

How can you become an expert about your hometown? GET OUT AND EXPLORE (and read the Wausau Blog, of course)! Go out and find cool new experiences, eat somewhere new, check out the museums and see some shows at the Grand. Join some clubs, volunteer your time, take some classes at UWMC or the CVA. Sit out on your porch in the summer and talk with your neighbors.

Need a good reference to get started? Stop in at the Wausau/Central WI Visitor Center (In the teepee building in the Cedar Creek Area) and pick up a new 2007 Visitors Magazine.  Also, consider attending, “At Your Service: The Northwoods Way”  (hosted by the Wausau/Central WI CVB and The Chamber) to brush up on your customer service skills.

What’s Your Passion?

By: Christine Martens

Or maybe I should entitle this post “Let Out Your Inner Geek”. What’s your hobby? What do you become obssesive about? Everyone has something. Lucky for us, the Wausau Area is filled with organizations that can help you hang out with others with the same interests. I was looking through a listing of clubs in the area and was amazed by the variety. There are the ones that most folks recognize like Altrusa, Elks, 4-H, Scouts, Eagles, etc. But here are few that you may not know are out there:

• Wausau Wheelers Bicycle Club
• Monday Morning Readers Book Club (also 3rd Tuesday Evening)
• Central WI Cat Club (Contact Donald Finger)
• Wausau Bird Club (Contact Robert J. Firary)
• Country Corners Square Dance Club (also the Merry Eights, Ski Square Dance Club) Find some square dance links here.
• Central WI Concertina Club (Contact Ronald Rux)
• Federated Garden Club
• Marathon County Home Economists
• Wausau Boot and Saddle Club
• Italian Men’s Club
• Central WI Ornament Collectors Club
• In Focus Photo Club
• Wausau Area Science Fiction Enthusiasts (and NEWFOD…NE WI Friends of the Doctor)

There are hundreds of ways to become involved in the community through these organizations. If you can’t find a club for your interests, you aren’t paying attention! Give a call to United Way’s 2-1-1 to find out more about how to get involved.

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Eds Note: Speaking of passions. I know that many of you have a passion for winter sports, both silent and noisy. To help with those pursuits, and just for general information, the Weather Service at Green Bay now has a snow depth map for their coverage region. You can find it here. Having looked at it this morning, I can assure you that you should not load up the snowmobiles and drive to anywhere in Northeastern Wisconsin.