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News: Colby — CCL Makes Crafts for Service Project (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Calms

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Colby—CCL Makes Crafts for Service Project (2024)



The Colby Community Library held a serviced project July 1-3. Library visitors could make crafts to be sent out to area nursing homes and assisted living centers. Above, some of the crafts were snails and butterflies, while (below), other people made cat faces and bees. Edward DuBois/Clark County Press



By Edward DuBois

The Colby Community Library (CCL) held a service project July 1–3.

In the project, library visitors could make a craft (a snail, butterfly, cat face or bee) to make that would be sent to area nursing homes and assisted living centers.

“In 2006, when I became director,” CCL director Vicky Calms said, “I began designing and hosting service projects.

“I instituted service projects as a thank-you to the community for supporting the library in our endeavors. People are so appreciative of our projects, both as participants and as recipients. It is so rewarding to hear the heartfelt comments by both groups.

“We provide opportunities throughout the year for adults and youth in our community. We are often joined by people in other nearby towns, also.

“I try to vary the projects to involve people of all crafting abilities. Some require sewing skills, others are more arts and crafts, and some are collections of items for various needy causes.

“This project had 55 children and 34 adults making 188 door decorations during the 4th of July week.”

The summer reading program theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Calms said the butterflies, bees, bunnies, and snails supported this theme in bright and colorful ways.

“We plan to take the decorations to Colby Senior Care, The Waterford and the Colby and Abbotsford nursing home,” Calmes said.

The service project celebrates the 50th project sponsored by the Colby Library in the past 18 years. Other recipients of the CCL’s service projects have been area hospitals, domestic abuse shelters, veteran organizations, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and several more.

In November, “FoodSculpture” will be hosted at the CCL, in which area businesses build sculptures from food at the library, which will be donated to local food pantries.

Other crafts done in the past were quilts and pillowcases and other fabric projects, placemats, mobiles, door decorations, table centerpieces.

Calmes outlined some service projects planned for the future.

“Each year,” Calmes said, “a Make-a-Difference Day project day is planned to support a local cause. Maddie Thums Memorial Sewathon is hosted to donate items to the newborn and children’s departments at Marshfield Medical Center. This year will be the 11th year to honor [Thums], a former nurse and library volunteer at the CCL.”

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News: Loyal — TFAD Seeks to Help Special Needs Kids (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Collins, Morrow, Laschen, Froeba, Domingue

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Loyal—TFAD Seeks to Help Special Needs Kids (2024)



Tractors for Autism & Disabilities is in Loyal next to the Saint Anthony’s Catholic School. June Thompson/Clark County Press

By June Thompson

Children with special needs (autism and disabilities) have challenges different from other kids. And sometimes they need help learning to overcome those challenges. With that help, they can achieve goals and be successful.

That’s where Tractors for Autism and Disabilities can help. The local organization in Loyal was founded in 2016 by Mike Collins and formed by local community members.

Judy Morrow, president of TFAD, joined the organization in 2018. “I had a grandchild with disabilities. She passed away in 1999 at the age of nine. She was a beautiful girl. Though she went through a lot of pain, she was a happy little girl,” said Morrow. “I saw the struggles the family went through— that’s why I got involved and stay involved with TFAD. Mike Collins asked me to be part of the organization.”

In the eight years since TFAD’s inception, the organization has acquired a building site in Loyal, the unoccupied convent next to Saint Anthony Catholic School. Children are tutored there after school.

According to Morrow, there are two certified teachers in special education helping two nights (after school) with tutoring.

“We started a summer program called Life Skills,” said Morrow. “Kids will be taught how to plant seeds, raise a garden.”

There are currently about 10 kids benefiting from the afterschool tutoring program. But Morrow would like to see 20 kids enjoying and learning in the program. “I wish we had more kids. One of the autistic kids said, ‘that was so much fun. There was no stress.’”

Although TFAD is based in Loyal, the program is open to all kids with special needs. “We have no problem with kids from any area who want to come,” said Morrow. “At this time, there is no charge. We want to get the word out that we’re here.

We welcome people to be part of us,” said Morrow. “We need volunteers. We need parents to know we’re here.”

“The kids are a blessing. They teach us so much,” said Morrow. “If you live with a child with a disability, you become more compassionate. Those children teach you that.”

Proceeds from the Second Chances Thrift Store go to fund TFAD programs. “We need more people to come and shop,” said Morrow. “The mission is to give kids opportunities to meet their full potential,” said Morrow. “If it wasn’t for Mike and his family, we wouldn’t have this. I want to see it grow.”

Mike Collins received a donated tractor that was restored and later raffled off in a fundraiser to start the organization.

Mary Laschen, retired special education teacher and director of TFAD, is a volunteer helping with the Life Skills program. Currently, a box garden is being planted next to the TFAD site.

“We’re planting tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions—nice healthy choices,” said Laschen. “Benz Sawmill donated the lumber for the box garden. Kevin Froeba Construction donated the soil.”

At Second Chances Thrift Store in Loyal, Stacy Domingue greets customers looking for a good sale. She’s been working at the store for two years. TFAD took over the store May 2023.

“My son, Eric is autistic,” Domingue said. “He’s very honest in the way he talks. He helped tutor the kids.” She and Eric both volunteer with tutoring the kids. All kids tutored are special needs children.
“Eric has Asperger’s Syndrome. He didn’t get diagnosed until he was 20 years old. He had problems with communicative dyslexia,” said Stacy Domingue. “He’d say he was hot when he was cold.”

Stacy Domingue likes volunteering. “It’s gratifying,” she said. Stacy Domingue has worked with a boy, Jameson. “The little guy only made noises, but now he talks. He knows his numbers,” she said. “I played different music for him. I played Bach. There was something about the piano he liked. He has brought me to tears with his progress.”

Stacy Domingue wants to keep volunteering. “People have been so nice and helpful. My interactions with everyone are almost like family. Everyone helps everyone.”

Stacy and Eric Domingue moved from Louisiana three years ago to begin anew. Stacy’s husband, Keith passed away in 2021. “Keith worked one on one with Eric. They created a really good bond.”

Getting kids to the programs is a concern. “If I had the means, I would like to see TFAD get a van. We can’t bring kids from Greenwood or Spencer because of transportation. We need volunteers—that’s what we really need—to spend one to two hours two days a week in the after school program.”

“Kids can make new friends,” said Eric Domingue. “I help the kids with their English homework. I’m like a big brother to them. They like me.”

TFAD statement: “A non-profit 501C (3) foundation that provides those with disabilities an opportunity to develop their abilities to their fullest potential so they can adapt and be productive members in society.”

TFAD is open Tuesdays -Thursdays 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information about Second Chances Thrift Store, contact Stacy Domingue 715-721-0121.

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News: Neillsville - Heritage Days Schedule (For This Week - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Raine, Neville, Wedgewood, Erickson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Neillsville Heritage Days Schedule (For The Week - 2024)



Joel (left) and Marla (right) Raine were selected as the grand marshals for the 2024 Heritage Days celebration in Neillsville. “[The Raines were] chosen by the committee as a way to honor them for being dedicated citizens to the city of Neillsville,” said Neillsville Heritage Days Committee chairman Joe Neville. As grand marshals, the Raines will lead the Heritage Days parade July 14 immediately behind the military parade units and emergency services. Submitted photo

The schedule for the Neillsville Heritage Days has been announced.

Thursday, July 11 will start the festivities, which celebrates 30 years of the event, with a new Happy Hour adult beverage special 4–6 p.m. in the downtown tent from, which will also host the Heart Shaped Rooters from 4¬–7 p.m. and Kalliah and BlackWater from 7:30–11:30 p.m.

The coronations will start with the Little Miss Neillsville coronation at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Miss Neillsville Coronation, both in the Neillsville High School Auditorium.

The Glow Run’s registration will start at 7:30 p.m. in the downtown tent, with the run starting at 9 p.m. Participants are asked to wear glow-in-the-dark attire, glow sticks or glow points (or any combination of the three).

Friday, July 12, the beer tent opens at 5 p.m. in the main tent at Schuster Park.

Citizen’s State Bank of Loyal will host the penny scramble at 6 p.m.

The Loyal Mini Rodders’ event will start at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 at 7 p.m.

107.5 The Rock’s Rock Fest Kickoff Party, featuring Through Fire, RA, Lines of Loyalty and VIA will start at 6 p.m. at the main tent in Schuster Park with free admission. Camping will be available at the Clark County Fairgrounds. No carry-ins are allowed, and individuals must be 21 years old or over to enter the beer tent.

Saturday, July 13 will start earlier with the golf outing at the Neillsville County Club, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 442 Hewett St. opens up with a history room.

The Co-ed Blindman’s Volleyball Tournament will begin at 10 a.m. There will be an entry fee. To register, contact 715-819-0462 or 715-937-4626.

The Wisconsin Pineries Mission Display and the Rock Hound Tailgater at Schuster Park will both last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New this year, there will be bingo at the Schuster Park pavilion from noon to 3 p.m., hosted by the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce.

There will be free tours of Tuft’s Museum on 26 Hewett Street from 1–4 p.m.

Again, the beer tent will open at 5 p.m. in the main tent at Schuster Park.

The main tent will also host “shirts and skins” team games from 6:30–9:30 p.m. and Verge from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
July 14 will start with a chicken meal at the American Legion from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

James Wedgewood, a comedy ventriloquist, will perform at the downtown gazebo outside the Neillsville Public Library from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Next up, Grand Marshals Joel and Marla Raine will lead the Heritage Days Parade down Hewett Street. Registration opens at 11 a.m., with day-of entrees welcome, at Neillsville High School. Contact Dale Erickson at 715-613-2774 for more information.

The beer tent opens, and the Home Grown Tomatoes band begins playing at 2 p.m. in the downtown tent, and bike and prize giveaways and 50/50 drawings start at 4 p.m.

After the parade, there will be the Neillsville Fire Department water fights on West Street and more ventriloquism in the downtown tent, as well as kids’ activities like face painting and bounce houses.

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News: Neillsville - Miss Neillsville Program Celebrates (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Siebert, Friemoth, Meihack, Tresemer, Voss, Shoemaker, Murphy, Krejci, Moen, Lawrence, Dux, Schmitz, Brueggen, Poeschel, Mabie

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Miss Neillsville Program Celebrates Diamond Jubilee (2024)



The Miss Neillsville program celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 2024. The program began in 1964, with Sandy Siebert crowned as its first queen. Submitted photo

By Edward DuBois

Originally, it was just the older Miss Neillsville court, with no Little Miss Neillsville court, and instead of princesses, there were runners-up. There are currently three princesses chosen to serve beside Miss Neillsville. The titles were changed from runners-up to princesses to make it sound more like a royal court.

Dawn Voss, for one, supported the change. Voss had been a Miss Robinsdale (Robinsdale, MN) 1st runner-up, and had been a Miss Neillsville coordinator for seven years, coordinating with Barb Shoemaker as a team.

“I didn't like [court members] were called first runner-up, second runner-up, third runner-up,” Voss said. “So, it was the title of ‘Miss Neillsville and [her] runners-up.’ Which is, to me, not a court.”

Voss did not know when the titles officially changed, describing it as “over the years.” Heather Murphy, Miss Neillsville 1992 and another former coordinator for eight years, remembered the court princesses were still called runners-up when was crowned.

“The children look up to you,” former Miss Neillsville coordinator Mandy Krejci said, “and every little girl, at some point, wants to be a princess. The respect from the little kids and then you having that title, knowing that they’re looking up to you, I think had a little more value in your position as a runner-up to be a princess. And that's more courtly sounding: ‘Here comes Miss Neillsville and her court.’ Otherwise, it was ‘Miss Neillsville and her runners-up.’”

The Little Miss Neillsville court was added almost two decades after the program began. The first Little Miss Neillsville was Lisa Thoma in 1983.

Another change was, originally, the Miss Neillsville was “hand-picked.” People did not just run for the program, opposite to how the contestants go to sponsors and ask for their support.

“You were chosen to run for Miss Neillsville back then,” Friemoth said. “These organizations would reach out to you and they would ask you to represent.

“And, at one point in the article I found, the school picked the delegates to run for Miss Neillsville.”

Krejci, who had been a coordinator for seven years and had worked with Janel Thur, had compiled a list of former Miss Neillsville’s, with Friemoth filling in a few holes.

With the change in the process of how contestants are chosen, Friemoth, Krejci and Murphy highlighted how important sponsorships became.

“It’s kind of a big deal,” Murphy said, “and it's costly.”

“I think that's one thing that's changed a lot,” Friemoth said. “The sponsor fee has gone up. But also, like when I ran for Miss Neillsville, the press came and we each had our individual headshot in the press and a very long article for each of us, detailing who we were, who our sponsors were, who our parents were.”

Currently, the contestants and their sponsors are Addison Moen, sponsored by Sniteman Pharmacy; Kaylee Lawrence, sponsored Russell’s of Neillsville; Rachel Dux, sponsored by Gross Motors of Neillsville; and Karcyn Schmitz, sponsored by Schmitz Farms, LLC.

Moen had worked for her sponsor for two years.

“I know that they're a good business and they're usually supporting the community,” Moen said.

“Russell’s [of Neillsville] is actually owned by some of my close family members,” Lawrence said. “My aunt and uncle own it, so I reached out to them, and I thought that they would be a good fit to sponsor me.”

“[Gross Motors] really have helped a lot of the past contestants,” Dux said, “and I thought it would be a good idea to have them sponsor me because they're really involved in the community.”

“[Schmitz Farms, LLC is] my family’s farm,” Schmitz said. “My uncles own it and I thought that they would like to be my sponsor.”

Other than Neillsville High School, the first pageant was held on a stage outside the former Neillsville American Legion, live-broadcasted, as part of the summer festival. Siebert’s parents and brother all worked at the newspaper, and had a deadline to meet.

“When they heard [Siebert’s] name announced on the radio,” Friemoth said, “they came running down the street to congratulate her.”

From there, it was held at locations like Fannies Supper Club and Motel during the Winter Carnival and the Silver Dome Ballroom. It was then moved to Heritage Days, sometimes at the downtown gazebo.

Other locations included the pavilion at Schuster Park and at Tuft’s Mansion Bed and Breakfast. After, it was moved to the Neillsville High School Auditorium.

Krista Brueggen, Miss Neillsville 2015 and co-coordinator with Friemoth for the pasted two years, described how, over time, Miss Neillsville duties have changed.

“We have a Facebook group for alumni members,” Brueggen said, “and people have mentioned in the past, they went to Heritage Days, watch a couple parades, and that was it.

“Now, the [court] goes out and do a lot more community service: volunteering, things with kids. More than just a couple of weekends of the year—every weekend.”

Voss described how her daughter, Emma Poeschel, did over 100 hours of volunteering community service in her summer as Miss Neillsville in 2013.

There was talk of a misconception in Neillsville the coordinators were concerned about of what exactly this program is—what the girls get out of this program and how much the girls actually do for the city—being all summed up as “just a girl on a parade” “in a fancy dress.”

The coordinators stressed how many people call and ask for court member representation at various events.

For the coordinators, some being former court members of one kind or another, this was about who would represent the city of Neillsville to the rest of the county as an ambassador.

Other misconceptions the program battles are perceptions of favoritism by doing things like getting outside judges.
Friemoth talked about how the relationship with the Heritage Days Committee has strengthened, and how the committee contributes to the program, such as giving each girl a $50 stipend towards their matching dresses and helping with the Queens Scholarship funds (including smaller funds for princesses).

The Miss Neillsville program itself remains 100% fundraised, including donations from community businesses and the public.

Prizes for contestants have also changed, from umbrellas and ice cream cones to bigger prizes, then to scholarship money.

“I got a TV,” Friemoth said, “a savings bond, and then I got a $500 scholarship.”

The Little Miss Neillsville contestants get a gift bag with stuff also donated by local businesses, and the winning Little Miss Neillsville court members get a gift card from the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce, with Little Miss Neillsville getting a bike, as well.

Businesses donate in other ways, such as Gross Motors lending vehicles for parade floats. It was remarked the program could not be done without the support of local businesses. It was said, from day one, the business support had not changed, as people within those businesses have some attachment to those running for the pageant.

Motivations for running for Miss Neillsville had not changed much between generations.

“When I ran in 2015,” Brueggen said, “something that was big for me was wanting to get more involved in the community, doing more community service and volunteering. I was also a Little Miss Neillsville in 2007, and I had a good relationship with the big court, so I wanted to do that for little kids, too.”

“[When Murphy] was the coordinator,” Friemoth said, “and she had an informational meeting at the school, and I hadn't really thought much about it. I had had friends on the court the year before and the 1st princess encouraged me. She's like, ‘You should just go check it out.’

“Well, [Murphy] made it sound so good and I was like, ‘I want to get it on this.’ And I ran and the next thing I know, they’re calling my name.”

Murphy even reflected a wish to look royal, being excited for the “satin and gowns” and such, like some modern contestants want.

The coordinators felt their biggest struggle is getting girls to run, as many are busy with jobs earning money for college or participating with sports. Murphy said she had not known what she was getting into with the amount of time involved on the court.

One aspect the coordinators pointed out was many people do not see when not involved with the program, directly or not, are the amount of hours coordinators put into working with the young ladies who seek and/or attain a seat on the court.

From text conversations to being a shoulder to cry on, not every problem a coordinator may be asked to help solve always has to do with the court or its responsibilities. Sometimes it can be about a crown or a dress; sometimes it can be life issues. The coordinators are an adult with an outside perspective for the girls to rely on.

Social media now plays a bigger role in teenage lives, and being public figures so young, the Miss Neillsville court and its applicants face problems previous contestants had not, challenging the coordinators in their role, as the permanency of the internet pressures Miss Neillsville queens past, present and future to think how every post will be interpreted for the rest of their lives. This can impact the way little girls might see them.

Aside from the pressure are benefits, such as the use of their time on the court on resumes for college and jobs, along with the skills they brought or learned, like public speaking.

Some of the coordinators’ day-to-day duties include preparing them to be in public, scheduling appointments, preparing for pageants, coaching the court members to help get along, managing social media, buying decorations, nurturing leadership skills and other behind-the-scene work, not to mention setting up all the fundraising.

The coordinators try to be a guide for the court. Murphy saw it as being an “intimate” role, as coordinators sometimes go to the court members’ homes and such.

“We ran into the good, the bad, the ugly,” Murphy said.

There are negative aspects, such as threats and accusations from the public. It was agreed on the position could not be done alone. Friemoth had worked with a number of fellow coordinators, like Shelly Schmitz before Brueggen joined. Murphy had been aided by her parents, Steve and Maryjane Mabie.

“We care about the futures of our young women, and we want to give them those dreams,” Voss said. “Every little girl wants to be a princess.”

Another change to the program was Miss Congeniality, who is now voted on by the contestants rather than judges.

Coordinators stay in touch, helping each other with questions and such, having formed their own “little community.” Others help with pageants. Some coordinators and alumni stay together via a Facebook page. The Miss Neillsville alumni was started for the 55th anniversary, where past queens were invited to a brunch at Fannies Supper Club. Alumni were also together on a float for the parade.

“Now, this year, for our 60th,” Friemoth said, “we've got a lot more events. We have something every day of Heritage Days going on.”

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News: Neillsville - Silver Dome Popular Ballroom (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Myren, Rave, Mattson, Caflisch, Johnson, Kessler, Keller, Moen, Susa, Fravert, Sturtz, Gustafson, Kroeze

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

The Silver Dome, a Popular Ballroom for Music and Dancing (2024)



The Silver Dome Ballroom was established in 1933. The Ballroom is owned by Doug Myren. It was open June 22 for an evening of free music. June Thompson/Clark County Press

By June Thompson

The ambiance of the Silver Dome Ballroom has never faded since it first opened in July 1933. The ballroom was open again Saturday, June 22 for an evening of music provided by musicians: Dave Rave and the Governors, Rich Mattson and the NorthStar’s, Cooler Stage, Edie & Craig, Matt Caflisch, Baby Grant Johnson, and Big Trouble House.

Before the musicians played into the night, guests had a drink, socialized, and appreciated the unique architecture of the ballroom. Chandeliers lit up the ballroom. The original wood dance floor was open for dancers. The history of the ballroom was evident when looking at the Wall of Fame— album covers, posters, and memorabilia of past performers.

Doug Myren, owner of the Silver Dome Ballroom has been a part of the ballroom’s popularity and musical scene for 24 years. Another owner, the Kessler’s, owned the ballroom longer than Myren. The ballroom was built by the Keller brothers and Cornel Moen during the Great Depression. The Keller brothers were also musicians.

“It is an indescribable, one-of-a-kind architecture,” said Myren. “The sense of history, the feeling of this place . . . every time I walk in here, I can’t believe I own this place,” he said.

Yet even Myren knows no one can truly own history. “No one can really own it. I’m the custodian. Generations of families have celebrated life events here.”

Although the ballroom is only open for public music events four to six times a year and more for other occasions, it has remained a popular site in the rural part of Neillsville. It was listed on the National & State Register of Historical Places in 1997.

“I’ve brought a lot of big bands here year after year,” said Myren. “One of the popular bands was the Rhythm Playboys. It brings the seniors/old timers out here.”

“I love this place,” Myren said. Whenever he returns to the ballroom, “it always looks exactly the way I left it,” he said. “No one has ever tried to break in. People in the area have such respect. The ballroom meant something to their parents and grandparents.”

Myren admitted he dances once-in-awhile. His goal is to be there for the Silver Dome’s 100th anniversary. “I’ll be 75 then,” he said. “I don’t ever want to sell.”

Sarah Susa has known Myren for many years. She was tending bar and waiting on guests. “I got married here. It was a great memory,” she said. “I like the atmosphere. There are new people to interact with. The ballroom is different, one of a kind.”

Susa admitted one of the fascinating aspects of the ballroom is the Wall of Fame, and the stage above the bar.

A guest, Sue Fravert, has visited the ballroom numerous times. “I love this place,” she said. Fravert came to the ballroom when the Howie Sturtz Band performed years ago. One of her favorite bands is the Bear Creek Band.

“I used to dance. I haven’t danced since my husband passed away seven years ago,” Fravert said. “The ballroom was the home-stomping ground for me dancing.”

Carrie Gustafson was behind the bar, talking to guests. “It’s a wonderful building with so much history. I love the history of this place,” she said. “I’d be here every weekend. I love music.”

Myren has bands scheduled this summer. Motherwind will be at the Silver Dome Aug 24. “They are a really good rock band. They could become a national act,” said Myren. “Chris Kroeze and his band will be at the ballroom Sept 14.”

For more information about events at the Silver Dome Ballroom, contact 612-803-7362.

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News: Neillsville - The History of Tufts’ Mansion (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Tufts, Voss, Mahar, Bruley, Dewhurst, Hemphill, Rudolph, Stoll, Boe, Lacy

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Neillsville-The History of Tufts’ Mansion Shared During Heritage Days (2024)



Richard Dewhurst and Emery Bruley lived in Tufts’ Mansion in the late 1800s. They also resided in the farm-style home on 8th Street. No one knows for certain why they traded homes. Generations of the Dewhurst family lived in Tuft’s Mansion for 72 years. James and Dawn Voss are the current owners/stewards of Tufts’ Mansion Bed & Breakfast. June Thompson/Clark County Press

By June Thompson

Anyone who lives in Neillsville knows there are historic homes throughout the town recognized by the local folks. Some are listed on the Register of Historic Places. Each historic home is unique and has its own personality. But there is one home open for tours: Tufts’ Mansion Bed & Breakfast. The stately home, easily seen on Hewett Street, is owned by James and Dawn Voss.

“Although there is a certain amount of stress involved in the continuous upkeep of a home that is over 140 years old, enjoying and sharing such a grand old lady with others is a joy that is hard to match,” said the Vosses. “Guests seem to enter with a sense of awe. A recent guest at the bed and breakfast commented that it felt like ‘staying in a museum in the park.’ Many guests have said that they had ‘driven by this house a million times and always dreamed of staying there.’ Such moments make us grateful for the opportunity to share such a historic home.”

Anyone who has ever had a tour of the mansion knows the story begins with William Mahar, Emery Bruley and Richard Dewhurst. Each built onto the home. But it was Bruley and Dewhurst who exchanged homes. Mahar built the south portion of the home in 1878. Bruley bought it and added onto the house in 1885. Dewhurst later bought the home in 1886. He added the tower roof and Colonial Revival Porch.

“We think it is also important to pass on the history of the home as well as the town (history) to a younger generation during the annual fourth-graders and Heritage Day tours,” said the Vosses. “I find it fascinating that Emery Bruley, after importing Italian marble for his hearth and installing three large etched glass windows with the letter B, quickly moved out. Since he started the extensive remodel in 1885 and moved out in 1886, was it even finished?” said James Voss. “Bruley was a merchant, blacksmith and inventor and had one of the largest homes in town.”

Originally, Dewhurst built a farmhouse-style home (located at 221 W. Eighth Street) in the 1880s. He was a lawyer, lumberman and founder of the Neillsville Bank. In 1886, Bruley, (who built the northern half of Tufts’ Mansion,) and Dewhurst traded homes.

“The relationship between Emery Bruley and Richard Dewhurst, a lumber baron, banker and judge, must have been substantial in order for the two men to switch homes,” said the Vosses. “Was it because Bruley remarried? Just living and sharing the home of such important individuals can itself be remarkable at times,” the Vosses concluded.

The Dewhurst family owned the mansion, living in it for 72 years. After Dewhurst’s daughter, Mary Dewhurst-Hemphill, passed away in 1958, her daughter Frances Rudolph sold the mansion to the Stoll’s. They owned the home for three years.

In 1961, more notably, Colonel William B. and Jennie Tufts bought the mansion and did extensive remodeling. However, Colonel William Tufts passed away before ever living in the home. Jennie Tufts moved into the home in 1965. After her death in 1982, Tufts’ Mansion was bequeathed to the city as a museum.

In 1996, Stacie and Joe Boe acquired the home, restoring the home to its Victorian stature.

Owning such a historical home as Tufts’ Mansion was temporary. Ownership changed again in 2004 when the Vosses bought the mansion. They have been owners/stewards of the historical home for 20 years. They have hosted events and given tours. It is known as Tufts’ Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

A portrait of a young Jennie Tufts still hangs in the dining room as if welcoming guests.

Tufts’ Mansion Bed & Breakfast is open for tours Saturday, July 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sources: James and Dawn Voss, Neillsville Wisconsin Historical & Architectural Tour brochure/ Neillsville Historic Preservation Commission, The Pioneer Spirit of Early Neillsville: Men of Courage, Men of Hardship by Patricia Lacey, and Tufts’ Mansion.com.

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Obit: Wiater, Cyril (1943 - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Wiater, Stus, Poeschel, Burgess, Ormond

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/11/2024

Wiater, Cyrus (19 November 1943 – 9 July 2024)

Cyril Wiater, 80, of Neillsville, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Cyril Wiater was born on November 19, 1943, in Chicago, IL, the son of Frank and Charlotte (Stus) Wiater. At a very young age they moved to the Neillsville area. Cyril was 1 of 12 children. He worked as a farm hand and spent his adult life in Globe. Cyril enjoyed playing bingo, going for walks and on field trips and fishing.

He is survived by 2 nieces, Penny (Robert) Poeschel of Neillsville, Carol (Karl) Burgess of Wausau, and a nephew Roger Ormond also of Wausau.

Preceding him in death are his parents and 11 siblings.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday morning prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Cyril's family with Funeral arrangements.

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Obit: Barr, Larry F. (1945 –2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Barr

----Source: Donated by a Volunteer

Barr, Larry F. (20 Oct 1945 – 8 Jul 2024)

The world bids farewell to Larry F. Barr of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, departing on July 8, 2024 at the age of 78. Larry leaves behind memories cherished by the community.

As we bid adieu to Larry's earthly form, let us not dwell on the void left in his wake, but rather celebrate the legacy of love and inspiration Larry has bequeathed us. For though he may have departed from our sight, his spirit remains a timeless beacon, guiding loved ones through the labyrinth of life's journey.

Keep Larry's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.

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