Town of Horicon Historian

06/05/2025

Sooo, as I'm going through old news clippings I find a snippet on a "Mattress Party" held at the Adirondack school house. It peaked my interest! After a little research, I found that in the 1940's the government had a surplus of cotton. These "parties" taught by USDA extension workers. Ticking and cotton were provided for families with an annual income under $400 . In October of 1941 16 of these mattresses had been completed.
Has anyone else heard of these?

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05/20/2025

Looking for info! Victor Schwentker brought the first Mongolian Gerbils into the United States and developed a very successful business raising these for the war effort during WWII. Many people from this area worked at Tumblebrook farm as well as visiting the farm on class trips. Does anyone have stories they would be willing to share? I'd like to put together a display, but would love some first hand stories.

02/20/2025

It's with great sadness to see where another of our landmarks, Pharaoh View burned last night. It reminds me how little information we have on so many places. Anyone have any information or memories they could share?

01/13/2025

I've been asked to do a presentation on Prohibition in the area. I have nothing other that 2 "tidbits". Anyone have stories? Photos? Anything would be helpful. Obviously, the photo is not from Brant Lake, just wanted to get your attention! Thanks!

08/23/2024

Thank you to all who came out last night to hear my talk. It was wonderful to see so many of you!

08/16/2024

Thank you Barb French and Bryce Johnson! Bryce remembers when the original Watering Tub was across the road and a trough for watering horses, then he shared the photo from about 1957 from the Tub his grandfather was responsible for building. Barb shared the photo of the Tub her father worked on. Does anyone else have photos or memories?

08/16/2024

08/16/2024

Thank you to all who came out on Wednesday for our Adirondack presentation! Looking forward to the one on Brant Lake on Thursday!

07/18/2024

Unfortunately, due to the storm and power outage, my presentation needed to be postponed-I'll let you know when the new date is set.

06/07/2024

Saturday night (tomorrow) at Woodstock I will be on the pontoon boat "spewing history" about the early village around the pond from 6-8 p.m. Hope to see you there!

06/06/2024

Over the years several 1948 Horicon Central yearbooks have been donated to the Historian's office. Last week I received a 1947 yearbook-the first year HCS put one out. Bernard Hayes, Leona Bolto, Luella Newton, Leo Bevins, William Mein and Wanda Lasher were graduating seniors. Thank you Patty Gonyo!

04/30/2024

In October 1933 Rupert Baker, Rayburn Persons, Edward Scripture, Boyd Meade and Jake Frasier were called to enter the CCC. Baker, Persons and Frasier were sent to a camp near Massachusetts, while Meade and Scripture were transferred to a camp nearer home. You can read more about this program on Warren County Historical Society's website. Does anyone out there have stories about men from this area who were involved in this program?

Rewind: December 15, 2023 “The Civilian Conservation Corps – The CCC Had an Important Place in Warren County History” Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as President during the Great Depression, promoted the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the Emergency Conservation Work Act. This program start...