HISTORY

First digital collection available at UWRF

The Chalmer Davee Library and the University Archives and Area Research Center at UW-River Falls, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center, announce the unveiling of its first online, public accessible digital collection, the “History of UW-River Falls.”

December 20, 2012

Days Gone By: Letters to Santa December, 1962

Note to Readers: The following letters were published in the River Falls Journal during the month of December in 1962. Dear Santa, My name is Gwen Emerson. I am a good girl sometimes. I would like to have: Susie Smart (Doll), finger nail polish, Rita (doll), plastic fingernails, gloves, necklace, bracelet, game, two stockings, paper dolls, two puzzles, five pieces of bubble gum. Thank you, your friend, Gwen Emerson

December 20, 2012

Letter: What memories!

I thoroughly enjoyed recent Pat Hunter’s column, “Days Gone By: 1965.” I often enjoyed hearing Dave Bergstrom’s various bands as I was growing up here in River Falls. It was good to “catch up” with him and some of his band mates.

By Stuart Page, River Falls , December 14, 2012

Knutson brings Martell store site back to life

MARTELL -- Dan Knutson can foresee a day when the former Thompson General Store in the heart of Martell serves a commercial business again.

By Bill Kirk , December 13, 2012

Days Gone By: 1965

January, 1965 Headline: Sixth Graders Stage Talent Show The sixth grade classes taught by Tom Gunderson, Mrs. Helen Halberg, and Mrs. Ethel Gettinger staged a talent show Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1965, in the auditorium at the Junior High School, under the direction of Roger Tweiten, elementary school music teacher.

By Pat Hunter, archivist , December 07, 2012

Beatlemania lives on as local poet leads tribute

Local poet Thomas R. Smith feels a personal connection to the story of the Beatles and, like many, vividly remembers the day of John Lennon’s death on Dec. 8, 1980, as he drove home in a blinding snowstorm.

By Debbie Griffin , December 05, 2012

Letter: PCHA appeals for donations to finish museum project, she says

TO THE EDITOR: Dear Pierce County Residents: Over the years, the Pierce County Historical Association (PCHA) has reached out to the population of the county requesting assistance in preserving local history.

By Pat Wiff, Pierce County Historical Association , December 05, 2012

Days Gone By (Nov. 29, 2012)

10 YEARS AGO, NOV. 28, 2002 The 99-year-old “Freeman House” at 220 North Third St., owned by Paul and Marge Stokke since 1972, was named an historic landmark, with a plaque installed out front and owners obligated to preserve external features of the house. The house was built by Arthur Symes, grandfather to cousins Kirby and John, and purchased by original Freeman Drugstore owner R.S. Freeman and his wife. The house has many charming features including leaded and beveled glass windows, unique sliding glass door, curved dormer, and Palladian sets of windows.

By Pat Hunter, archivist , November 30, 2012

Wood Working: Rich or poor, servants were a must, and one mentored me on the path of English major

Of late, we’ve been hooked on the new PBS production of “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which takes up where the old show left off.

By Dave Wood, columnist , November 29, 2012

Wood Working: We didn’t start the fire, but we were avid spectators as it kept burning

A few weeks ago, Ruth and I spent a weekend in Fountain City visiting with probably my oldest friend, Gavin Strand and his wife Connie.

By Dave Wood, columnist , November 23, 2012

Wolfe family donates unique, seasonal items for auction

A sale event starting next week warrants ‘news status’ with its combination of seasonal appeal, well-known donors, a local church and dozens of Nativity scenes -- also called manger sets, cribs, and, in French, crèches.

By Debbie Griffin , November 16, 2012

Days Gone By (Nov. 15, 2012)

10 YEARS AGO, NOV. 14, 2002 In 2002 the former middle school building, now called “River Falls Academy” on Maple and Fremont Streets, was housing 13 renters, three school, and a handful of rooms used as storage by the school district. Joan Malloy’s HeartStrings Studio, was one of the first tenants to move into the building in August of 2001.

By Pat Hunter, archivist , November 16, 2012

One era ends, another begins

Around 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, an earth mover chomped into the 19th-century Foster-family home -- first taking the transom over an upper-story window then gutting the inside before taking down the outside walls.

By Debbie Griffin , November 13, 2012

Days Gone By: 2002 St. Bridget safety patrol

On patrol in 2002 — St. Bridget Parochial School’s safety patrol members for the 2002 school year included, from left, bottom row: Laura Schacker, Lisa Kucinski, Martha Fagan, Candice Lundgren, Kiley Draper and Rachel Pechacek, flanked by Roger Leque and Tim Linehan; Second row: Tim Koller, Parker Heise, Derrick Schmitt, Richie Silvicki, Garrett Sanford and Matt Evenson; Third row: Brittani Schmitt, Alex Biel, Ginny Sykora, Gretta Stark, Cara Knox, Mitch Swinburne and Luisa Avila; Fourth row: Zach Andazola, Sam Chatt, Corrine Schraufnagel, Kallie Pechacek, Cody Morrow, Josh Jensen and Brett Bugielski; Top row: Maria Andahazy, Alana Parno, Samantha Licht, Amy Kujak, Steve Woodward, Tina Wolf, James Elliott and Kirsten Iehl.

By Pat Hunter, archivist , November 02, 2012

Wood Working: Modern politicos could take lessons from rhetorical flourishes of yore

One-hundred years ago Theodore Roosevelt paid a visit to Wisconsin. During a speech in Milwaukee on Oct. 15, 1912, a cranky cheesehead named John Schrank shot the former president.

By Dave Wood, columnist , November 02, 2012