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SPRING, 1955

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•.*3 Here it is: springtime in miniature, picturing beauty and stillness. Sequestered, with bird song and quiet flow of the Mullet, here is peace in ISature^s little spot. Mirroring the trees crowding its bank, the placid stream flows a leisurely way through Old Wade House State Park, a unit of the hill and vale and forest of the lovely Kettle Moraine landscape. A more extensive view ON THE COVER would picture in the foreground, left, massive Wade House, brooding over a bygone day; to the right, the restored blacksmith shop, sheltering its own bulky treasures. Great elms—fresh green—shading the stage­ coach inn, wild flowering crabapple wearing a blush of pink, native shrubs showing their own blossom splendor, all silently at work to give someone a moment of beauty and surcease from toil.

The WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY is published by the Stale Historical Soricty of Wis­ consin, 816 State Street, Madison 6, Wisconsin. Distributed to members as part of their dues (Annual Membership, $4.00; Contributing, $10; Business and Professional, $25: Life, $100; Sustaining, $100 or more annually; Patron, $1,000 or more annually.) \ early subscription, $4.00; single numbers, $1.00. As of July 1, 1954, introductory offer for NKVV members only, Annual dues $1.00, Magazine subscription $3.00. Communications should be addressed to the editor. The Society does not assume responsibility for statements made by contributors. Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Madison, Wisconsin, under the act ol August 24, 1912. Copyright 1955 by the State Historical Society of Wist-onsin. Paid for in part by the Maria L. and Simeon Mills Editorial Fund and by the George B. Burrows Fund. PERMISSION—Wisconsin newspapers may reprint any article appearing in tbi^ U-'hrniiun Magazine of History provided the story carries the following credit line: Reprinted from the State Historical Society's Wisconsin Magazine of History for I Insert the season and year which appear on the Magazine^. PHOTO CREDITS—Viking Ship supplied by Frederick T. Chapman, from woodcuts he did for volume by Einar Haugen (translator). Voyages to Vinland, the First American Saga (Chicago, 1941) ; Syttende Mai Dinner by C. A. Thompson of Capital Times: Jane and Ellen Lloyd-Jones by Mary Lloyd-Jones, Spring Green; New-York Historical .Society Building by Director R. W. G. Vail of Society; (Juns from Waldo E. Rosebusli (!ollec.tion in .State Historical Museum; Carolinians at Hall of History Party by North ("arolina Department of Archives and History; Spring and Casino by Waukesha Daily Freeman and the Waukesha County Historical Society; Eisenhower Museum by Director H. W. Rohrer, Abilene; and Beaded Bandoleer and Dreamer Society Drum from Mumm Collection in State Historical Museum. C=- -^ A «-^ ^^ VOLUME 3! ^ f / \ j /^ NUMBER 3

PUBLISHED BY THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN . SPRING, 1955

Editor: CLIFFORD L. LORD Managing Editor: LILLIAN KRUEGER

CONTENTS

A Southerner's Defense of Lyman Draper Lucius BRYAN DABNEY 131

Norway and America: the Ties That Bind EINAR HAUGEN 139

The Importance of Local History in the School Program RALPH ADAMS BROWN 145

The Unitarian Hillside

Home School FLORENCE FIFER BOHRER 151

Side Views of History DAVID H. STEVENS 157

Silurian Spring Restored at Waukesha VERN SNOW 169

FEATURES: Meet the Authors 130 Pandora's Box 168 Smoke Rings 135 Sincerely Yours 172 The Collector 161 Readers' Choice 177 Circuit Rider 165 Accessions 189 LUCIUS BRYAN DABNEY was born in Savan­ Dabney, Jr. is the sixth generation in active nah, Georgia, but has resided in Warren practice. Mr. Dabney started collecting County, Mississippi, since 1898. He is a Southern and Southwestern Americana in member of the Mississippi Bar and also 1924 and, at his residence, "Belmont," has of the Bar of the United States Supreme amassed one of the largest private collec­ Court. He is the senior member of the law tions ever to be formed of manuscripts, firm of Dabney & Dabney of Vicksburg, autographs, books, and related subjects. He which firm has continued in unbroken line holds memberships in the State His­ from its founding by Benjamin King Dab­ torical Society of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin ney in King and Queen County, Virginia, Postal History Society, and The Manu­ in 1793. The junior member, Lucius B. script Society.

EINAR HAUGEN has been head of the Uni­ in 1942, and Fulbright Research Scholar versity of Wisconsin Department of Scandi­ in Norway, 1951-52. His two-volume work, navian Studies since 1931 and Thompson entitled The Norwegian Language in Amer­ Professor of Scandinavian Languages since ica: A Study in Bilingual Behavior, was 1938. He has lectured at Oslo, Minnesota, published by the University of Pennsyl­ Michigan, and Georgetown universities, was vania Press in 1953. His paper in this issue Cultural Officer at the American Embassy was read before the Madison Rotary Club, in Oslo in 1945-46, a Guggenheim Fellow May 19, 1954.

Though Vermont-born, RALPH ADAMS in professional and historical organizations BROWN has resided in New Hampshire for are the National Council for the Social more than thirty years. He has degrees Studies, the Mississippi Valley, American, from New Hampshire and Columbia uni­ New Hampshire, and New York Historical versities, receiving his Ph.D. in 1950. Pres­ Associations. Dr. Brown was formerly the ently he is professor of American history assistant editor and acting editor of Social and chairman of the social studies depart­ Education. He is the co-author of How To ment at the State Teachers College at Cort­ Use Local History, issued by the National land, New York. Among his memberships Council for the Social Studies.

A student at the Unitarian Hillside Home served for eight years. She was president School, FLORENCE FIFER BOHRER of Bloom- of the Illinois Welfare Association, the ington, Illinois, was graduated in 1895. As Illinois League of Women Voters, and also a young girl she followed her own inclina­ served as a member of the national League tions and enjoyed the freedom at Hillside. board, and as director of the American When she was a student there, her father, Unitarian Association. Her time is now Joseph Wilson Fifer, was governor of Il­ given to the Advisory Committee for the linois. Mrs. Bohrer was the first woman Illinois State Library and the Citizens Com­ elected to the Illinois senate where she mittee for the University of Illinois.

A native of Wisconsin, DAVID H. STEVENS served as captain of the Military Intelli­ received a Ph.D. degree at the University gence Division, U.S. Army, Washington, of Chicago, 1914, and an LL.D. at Law­ D.C, 1918-19 and as a member of the Edu­ rence College, 1931. At the University of cational Mission to Japan, U.S. Army, 1946. Chicago he served in various capacities: He is presently a trustee of Lawrence Col­ as dean of the College of Arts, Literature, lege and is a former curator of the State and Science, as assistant to the president, Historical Society. As author he has pro­ and associate dean of faculties. He was duced College Composition, Milton Papers, director of the Division for the Humani­ and numerous other volumes. His articles ties, Rockefeller Foundation, 1932-50. He appear in modern language journals.

130 Dabney adds further to the stature of Lyman Draper, whom he designates as "a real benefactor of mankind." This address was delivered by this distin­ guished Mississippian before the Wom­ en's Auxiliary of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin at the Annual Meet­ ing at Madison, June 25, 1954.

Lyman C. Draper

A Southerner's Defense of Lyman Draper by Lucius Bryan Dabney

Be assured it is a heartfelt honor to meet here graphically speaking this is true, politically with you and partake of the ceremonies inci­ speaking to me there is no North, South, East dent to the Draper Centennial; and I also or West, but only the dominant thought that hasten to assure you that no event connected we are each citizens of our respective states, with my thirty years of collecting Southern without sectional distinctions, bound together and Southwestern Americana has given me in a federal union upon the cornerstone of more pleasure than the complimentary expres­ which is inscribed ''esto perpetua/^ and may sions accompanying the Award of Merit; and this inscription remain unaltered to the last the further fact that this cordial commenda­ recorded syllable of time. What is to the in­ tion of my efforts coincides with this momen­ terest of a citizen of the Badger state applies tous occasion gives me additional grounds for with equal force to a citizen of the Magnolia satisfaction. It could not, however, add to the state 1,000 miles south, and which is bound feelings of affection and sentiment I have al­ to your State in a common destiny not only by ways entertained for the traditions of your the fraternal bonds of the union, but also by beautiful State, but it will serve as an inspira­ a ribbon of silver sheen stretching in its tion for future efforts. tortuous course from Itasca to the Balize. If you will pardon the personal note, I should Nothing commonplace has brought us to­ so much like to say that I am pleased to see gether. Our presence is called here to com­ such a representative gathering in this audi­ memorate the memory of one who has long ence of the splendid women of Wisconsin, as since passed on to his reward, but whose per­ I am ever conscious of the fact that I am severance and zeal under many trying condi­ blessed with a "collector's wife" in every sense tions has done more than any other to advance of the word, Mrs. Dabney having a perfect the cause of the muse of history. We have affinity for things historical. come here on a pilgrimage from varying dis­ My very good friend. Dr. Lord, hailed me tances: some from the Pacific side of the Re­ as coming from the South and while geo­ public, others from the Atlantic seaboard,

131 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 others from the Southern reaches of the Re­ you the Indian hunter pursued the panting public, and yet others from far northward, deer, gazing on the same moon that smiles but all imbued with the single thought that on you the Indian lover wooed his dusky mate. by gathering here where Draper's efforts were Draper was primarily concerned in rescu­ centralized, we give visible proof of our ap­ ing from oblivion the deeds of daring of the preciation for the heritage left us by him, and soldiers and pioneers on the Western frontier a firm determination that he shall not go un­ from the time of the French and Indian Wars wept, unhonored, and unsung. through the War of 1812. He also collected We are not met here to honor the soldier memorabilia of certain of the Indian and half- whose exploits on the field of carnage have breed chiefs. It would appear that he placed given him pre-eminence over his fellow man, as much or more emphasis on the statements or the politician whose sail-trimming, ex­ of survivors than he did on any tangible manu­ pediency, and opportunism have given him a script concerning the particular participant; certain notoriety, or the theologian whose dis­ that he was not exclusively interested in the tinction arises from dogmatic hair-splitting, raw material. To the later historian statements but rather we are here to honor and revere would be of much assistance and value, but the memory of a man from the middle walks Draper's attention was often called to the very of life who by pursuing through life one real possibility of exaggeration taking the course unswervingly, reached his goal and place of calm reflection and accuracy, but he thereby in his humble fashion became a real seemed in his many annotations to take the benefactor of mankind. statements in numerous instances with grains Lyman Copeland Draper first saw the light of salt. of day in the State of New York in the middle He followed the trail of the pioneers mainly of the second decade of the nineteenth century, through two beaten pathways: the first and passed away at the beginning of the last through those states carved out of the origi­ decade of that century in Madison where he nal Northwest Territory and second through had resided for nearly forty years. His life the Shenandoah Valley and the Wilderness span extended into nine decades of that Trail with excursions to the Western borders century. of North and South Carolina, and practically He early evinced an interest in the pioneers, the whole of Tennessee; and did get into parts and this with him as time passed became the of Virginia and Mississippi. There is no ruling passion of his life. evidence that he ever got into Louisiana, As he viewed the American scene in the Arkansas, or Texas. early thirties of the last century, the revolu­ Draper had been collecting data and manu­ tionary cycle had passed and the era of good scripts for many years prior to coming to feeling was on. The Western boundary of the Wisconsin in the year 1853. The groundwork Republic, for all practical purposes, was the had already been laid, but it only found Mississippi, although it is quite true that a fruition in the fertile soil of your State. number of exploring expeditions had pene­ As this centennial celebration is primarily trated the primeval wilderness which stretched concerned with Draper's sojourn in Wiscon­ out towards the Pacific, but hardly a log cabin sin, I have purposely passed over the period existed to the westward. The sole tenants were dating from his first manifestation of historical the red men who deserved well of the whites, interest in 1833, until his removal to Pontotoc, but in asking for bread sometimes received a Mississippi, which was on the eve of his de­ stone. The treatment of the American Indian parture for your State. has been brutal in the extreme and yet re­ As Draper looked out on the American mains a blot on the national escutcheon. scene from his log cabin in Pontotoc, Missis­ Not many generations ago, even where we sippi, he realized with poignancy that he now sit encircled with all that exalts and em­ would not likely find the genius of American bellishes civilized life the rank thistle nodded institutions within the slave quarters or the in the wind and the wild fox dug his hole un- white-columned portico of the mansion of the scared. Here lived and loved another race of 5,000-bale planter in the Natchez District, or beings. Beneath the same sun that rolls over within the slave quarters or the manorial hall

132 DABNEY DEFENSE OF LYMAN DRAPER of a rice plantation on the Santee, and as he slavery and secession are gone forever from cast about for a place within which to pursue the American scene, and that America is no his destiny, a beck from Charles Larrabee longer divided by invidious lines of demarca­ pointed in the direction of a star, the bright­ tion. est in the constellation of the Union. Long years of diligent collecting destroys He knew of Wisconsin through his pere­ many illusions. Public characters and public grinations, and that she was one of the states events viewed from behind the scenes are carved out of the beautiful Northwest Terri­ much different from what they appear to be tory created and brought into being through on the surface. Virginia and the South have the energy of Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts, reared few monumental shafts to the memory through the munificent gift of the Old Do­ of the father of the federal bill of rights, be­ minion to the youthful Republic, and dedicated cause of George Mason's pronounced anti- on the altar of freedom to the genius of free slavery and anti-secession proclivities: William institutions, and the nobility of free labor by Lewis Sharkey for nearly twenty years before virtue of the celebrated Ordinance of 1787 for the Civil War, chief justice of the Supreme the government of the Northwest Territory; Court of Mississippi, and afterwards governor that her soil watered by crystal clear rivers and senator from 1865 to 1874, respectively, had never resounded to the tread of a shackled and Mississippi's greatest statesman and leader slave mercilessly driven with the lash, with a is only remembered in my state by a county denial of all human rights, nor a slave oli­ created shortly after his death, because of his garchy that banished intelligence and free pronounced anti-secession and unionist senti­ inquiry from her borders and enthroned bru­ ments. Has Mississippi ever shed a tear at tality; and that any historical seed sowed in the bier of Henry Hughes, one of the bright­ her soil would not bear the fruits of secession est and profoundest minds that ever flowered or slavery, but rather would they be emblem­ in the Americas, and whose profundity of atic of the Union and its perpetuity and the thought and logic embodied in his epic treatise dignity of labor freely and faithfully per­ on sociology has become the cornerstone and formed. pattern of all subsequent studies in sociology? My friends, I should like to give you briefly At his untimely passing a minister of the as part of these scattered remarks the names Gospel unfeelingly alluded to him as a disciple of some of the truly great men of the South of the French rationalists, simply because he who have not come down to us arrayed in the had pleaded the cause of humanity; nor has panoply of greatness, not from any lack of the she ever placed a wreath of immortelles on qualities that would so array them, but from the grave of Sergeant S. Prentiss, the greatest the fact that they heroically stood for princi­ orator of all ages. She seemingly cannot for­ ples, not parties, for the South and not man- get that he denounced in unmeasured terms, made political creeds. It is not too late, I on all occasions, her repudiation of millions trust, to lay wreaths of immortelles upon their of dollars in bonds plainly guaranteed by the widely separated graves to show our venera­ faith and credit of that commonwealth; and tion and respect for them and their principles, that the preservation of the Union and the and in looking back through the vista of the reprobation of secession were constant themes long vanished past to realize poignantly now with him. Texas has not a single testimonial that had the counsels of these patriotic states­ to the memory of two of her founding fathers, men, as well as their counterparts in the Philip Nolan and Dr. James Long, the first North, been heeded there would have been no of whom was sacrificed on New Year's day Civil War and tens of thousands of noble boys. 1801 by the combined perfidy of James Wil­ North and South, the veritable seed-corn of kinson and Casa Calvo, and the latter of America would not have been sacrificed in the whom was murdered on the threshold of the fratricidal conflict. Mexican Congress in 1822, while pleading for These remarks, my friends, have not been the independence of Texas. Has South Caro­ tailored for this occasion, but are your speak­ lina a single monumental shaft to the memory er's, honest and sincere, he hopes. No one of James Lewis Petigru, the greatest of her more than he rejoices that the twin evils of sons? She cannot forget that he never suc-

133 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 cumbed to the secession delusion. Has North before a Honduran firing squad on the fronded Carolina ever plead before the muse of history palm sand wastes washed by the Caribbean at to record the virtues of one of her greatest sunrise on September 12, 1860, on the eve sons, Hinton Rowan Helper? of the sectional conflict, on the very day that It is a fact not generally known, that the Walker's friend, Edmund Randolph, was de­ abominable doctrine of "Nullification" was livering an address at the celebration of the not original with Calhoun—he extracted it anniversary of California's admission into the bodily from the writings of Dr. Smith, of Union, 2,000 miles to the north in San Fran­ South Carolina. cisco : "You cannot tell today which pine sings Coming along further in the train of Ameri­ the requiem of the pioneer. Some have fallen can history, if you go into any school in this beneath their country's flag; and longings still broad land of ours and mention the name of unsatisfied have led some to renew their ad­ Aaron Burr you will at once start a reaction venturous career upon foreign soils. Combat­ that you will invariably find places this real ting for strangers whose quarrels they es­ patriot about midway of the Conway Cabal poused, they fell amid the jungle of the tropics. and Benedict Arnold, and he most certainly And fatted the rank soil there, with right does not deserve such an assignment. Colonel precious blood," and by Henry Crabbe's cap­ Burr was the original partner of James Wilkin­ ture and death in front of the village church son in a plan to carry the flag of the youthful at Caborca in the province of Sonora, Mexico, Republic into the halls of the Montezuma. toward the end of April, 1857, after an epic There was nothing traitorous about this; in march from Fort Yuma through the Gadsden fact, it was accomplished some forty years Purchase and down the Devil's Highway to later with the blessing of the Polk administra­ Caborca. tion. Wilkinson sacrificed Burr on the altar Coming along further in the train of Ameri­ of partisan politics to ingratiate himself with can history to the Civil War era we find an­ Jefferson, and this ceaseless worker of iniquity other popular fallacy that Pemberton was a had the confidence of Jefferson until his death. traitor and "sold" Vicksburg. He was nothing He is the same Wilkinson who was responsible of the kind and did not "sell" Vicksburg. He for the murder of Philip Nolan and the fall was an able general, an honest man and, while from grace of George Rogers Clark. it is true he was a Pennsylvania Quaker, was One of the most fascinating aspects of col­ thoroughly loyal to the South. The battle of lecting in a period covering at least 150 years, Magnolia Church on May 1, 1863, sealed the as Draper did. is to observe one generation fate of Vicksburg. Several infantry regiments by a process of gradation blend into its suc­ and a battery from your State were engaged, ceeding, and history proceed in geometric and the Eleventh Regiment of Infantry, Wis­ progression. consin Volunteers "saved the day" for Grant's The limitation of time naturally precludes army. anything but scattering and sketchy observa­ tions, but I should very much like to include I was down in Claiborne County on a busi­ in these informal remarks the observation that ness trip this past May 1, and drove out three only one explanation exists for all of the miles west of Port Gibson to Magnolia Church numerous filibustering expeditions into Cuba, where a pitched battle was fought that sealed Nicaragua, and Mexico, and that is that the the fate of Vicksburg, on May 1, 1863, and end in view of each and every one of these I then walked down the identical dirt lane expeditions was the extension of the slave up which the gallant Eleventh Wisconsin In­ empire southward and the bringing in of ad­ fantry Regiment charged at 8:30 A.M. on that ditional slave states to give the South the bal­ date. Some of the original magnolia and beech ance of power. They appear farfetched and trees are still there and the former in full chimerical today, but in that far distant past bloom, and everything precisely like it was they were within the realm of possibility. ninety-one years ago to the day and minute They were epitomized by Crittenden's death when those Wisconsin boys^—most of them in in Cuba, nearly forty-eight years before "Libre their teens—came up the lane in the face of Cuba" became a reality; by Walker's death {Continued on page 173)

134 The Grand Old Lady of State Streethas had her face lifted. No mere matter of powder and paint is this either—it has been a major operation. Appropriately to the metaphor, even the fagade has had a change, the first floor windows having been blocked in to double kitchenette for light refreshments, will be a the wall space in the new first floor museum much used facility. Divided into two seminar galleries now added to the old fourth floor ex­ rooms when not in use for a general meeting, hibit halls. Opinions differ, as they should in the Board has appropriately named this the a free society, on the effect, but some of us George C. Sellery Room. Renovated offices, think it an architectural improvement as well covering the second and third floors on both as an internal necessity. It has created an in­ the Langdon and State Street sides of the tegrated massiveness to the stonework of the building, will operate from a central reception first floor and centered attention on the real room which in itself is a welcome novelty. architectural features of the building—the Public rest rooms are now available on each colonnade and the decorative trim of the upper of the four floors to which the public is ad­ floor windows. It even seems to have improved mitted. Fire doors and walls in the basement the proportions of the building. make reasonably certain that no hot fire can Doubledecking some office areas on the sec­ ever develop amidst our newspaper files. ond and third floors and conversion of stub Alarms throughout the building insure prompt corridors to useful work space has yielded an evacuation in event of any emergency. A sin­ increased floor area of nearly 7,500 square gle entry, through the main entrance (east feet. The library, in addition to doubling its fagade), is combined with cloakroom, informa­ stack area, now operates a consolidated service tion and sales service. A brand new staff room desk for reference, newspaper, and govern­ replaces a once converted restroom. The intro­ ment publications collections, making the lat­ duction of new doors for elevators and stack ter two collections also available to the public stairways has deadened sound, reduced other on weekdays until 10 P.M. New carrells dou­ hazards. Stonework has been pointed up, win­ ble work space in the stacks themselves. dows weatherstripped. Even the plumbing Twenty-six studies for faculty and visiting has been modernized. scholars and fifty studies for American history Perhaps the greatest visible changes are the graduate students writing their doctoral theses relighting of the building and the first general place our physical facilities for scholarship on paint job since 1900. Illumination of the read­ a par with those of other major research li­ ing room by means of luminous ceiling panels, braries. The joint third floor reading room for together with the complete relighting of the archives and manuscripts makes the perma­ stacks, offices, basement, and corridors, has nent collections of official state records readily really transformed the building. From the accessible for research for the first time. A huge globes of the corridors, modeled after the humidifying chamber for incoming manu­ old lights which still hang in the vestibules, scripts, an enlarged photocopy room, a sound­ to the bright fluorescents which for the first proof recording room, a consolidated stock time have made titles on the lower shelves of room have been added by the face lifting. the bookstacks visible to the naked eye, the A meeting room, the first the Society has relighting job has dramatically changed the had for many a year, with a small attached interior of the building. Never before have

135 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 the elaborate details of ceiling coffers and in Wisconsin, historical, professional, and pa­ cornices over the doorways stood out so triotic, will be recognized. Saturday afternoon clearly. Never before have afl the details in­ the building will be rededicated. An academic troduced by the skill of Ferry and Clas, our procession is planned for the ceremony, to­ architects of the 1890's, been so readily ap­ gether with an outstanding speaker whose preciated. name will be announced shortly. Plans are The painting job has also introduced new the responsibility of a special committee of effects, for color too has been used to accentu­ the Board, headed by past-president George ate the dignity, beauty, and proportions of Banta. Following the formal ceremonies, there our building. Here again opinions on the re­ will be an open house to view the alterations sults quite properly and inevitably differ. But and the new installations. Final plans for the the Grand Old Lady has more space, better weekend will be announced shortly, but reserve facilities, more light, more color, more use the dates now: October 7-8. than ever before. The renovation project has been financed The doors are open once again ^t our by aflocations totaling $471,739 from the State three major historic sites: Stonefield, the Villa Building Commission. The final grant was Louis, and Wade House. made March 3. It covered furnishings and Visitors will notice the greatest changes at equipment and totaled $50,000, the largest Stonefield, the State Farm and Craft Museum, single item being for showcases for the first where attendance figures doubled last year floor galleries. This approaches two-thirds of over those of 1953. Here a large lean-to has the original costs of the building. It makes been reconstructed on the north side of the possible far better use of our space, far better cow-barn, giving a fine exhibit space for some facilities for research, far better working con­ of the larger equipment. The stream has been ditions and arrangements for our staff. straightened to avoid the threatened under­ mining of the black-topped roadway past the The building will be rededicated October springhouse to the second parking lot. The 7-8 with appropriate ceremonies. The long footbridge over the stream to the main house awaited weekend proceedings will start Friday has been installed for the convenience of the afternoon, when the Auxiliary will open in the visitor. The second parking lot is about to be new first floor special exhibit gallery its 1955 installed—all this the work of the Conserva­ fall exhibit, "They Did It Themselves—Fifty tion Department. And the layout of the pro­ Years Ago." A play on the modern "do-it- jected early Wisconsin village has been begun yourself" trend, this exhibit will feature the with the acquisition of the Muddy Hollow needlework, hand-painted china, xylopyrogra- School. The school itself will not be open as phy, and other art crafts of the turn of the part of the exhibit until the 1956 season, at century. Items for exhibit will be located by which time we hope additional new units will Auxiliary members in a state-wide treasure also be opened to the public. hunt. Resuming the series of annual exhibits At Wade House, the wonderful display of at Madison inaugurated in the first year of crab-apple blossoms for which Mrs. Kohler the Auxiliary by Mrs. Kohler with the Van planned in arranging the landscaping has come Dyke Exhibit of 1950, it is planned to hold and gone. This is an occasion which should be these annual treasure hunts and exhibits hence­ marked on everyone's calendar for next sea­ forth. Friday evening, delegates from other son. It should come to rank with other Wis­ state historical societies will join a round table consin spring spectacles and festivals in short discussion of "The Place of the Historical order. The beauty of this lovely site is always Society in Modern America." Saturday morn­ great, but never greater than at apple blossom ing the close relationship between the work of time. the University Department of History and the At the Villa Louis—^which was NOT the Society will again be noted in a colloquium on Dousman building destroyed by fire in March "History out of Wisconsin." Saturday noon —the season's attendance will be augmented will be featured by a Recognition Luncheon, by tours out of Chicago sponsored by the in which our sister societies and organizations C.B. & Q. railroad. Four trial tours at the end

136 SMOKE RINGS of last season brought such a remarkable re­ The Kaltenborn Foundation has made a sponse that the railroad was obliged to turn grant to the Society for student assistance in down some 5,000 applications. This year the arranging the papers and readying them for tours will be run every weekend. opening to the research scholar interested in A list of the other sites in the State, with the history of radio broadcasting, the develop­ the hours they will be open and the admission ment of radio analysis, a quarter century of fee, has again been issued by the Society and American public opinion, or the biography can be had on request from our offices. of one of Wisconsin's distinguished sons.

Hans V. iValtenborii, internationally dis­ Not since the donation of the Hamilton tinguished radio commentator, is donating his archeological collection in 1919 has the So­ huge collection of personal papers to the His­ ciety received such an important anthropologi­ torical Society of his native Wisconsin. Born cal collection of Wisconsin Indian materials as in Milwaukee, a businessman and one-time that of H. L. Mumm presented recently by the city editor of the Merrill Advocate, veteran of Banta Publishing Foundation. The specimens the Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in were collected by the late H. L. Mumm, who the Spanish-American War, holder of an hon­ operated a trading post near Tomahawk. Tak­ orary doctorate of laws from the state Univer­ ing Indian goods in barter, and often as for­ sity, endower of a Kaltenborn scholarship in feited security for loans, he kept the very best radio at the University, he has chosen Madison specimens which came his way for his own as the final depository for his speeches, papers, collection. With the decline in quality of In­ correspondence. The initial shipments have dian crafts in catering to the modern tourist already been received. His fabulous career as market, such a collection could not be assem­ a radio analyst since 1922 has brought him bled today. Among the 629 specimens, mu­ world-wide following and international ac­ seum visitors, ethnologists, and historians will claim. He has reported practically all notable find unexcelled research and educational ma­ national and international events since the end terials. Our collections in the field of Wis­ of the First World War. Among his other not­ consin anthropolgy will now bear favorable able pieces of reporting were his broadcasts comparison with those of any other museum. from the front during the Spanish Civil War— The significance of this collection, like that for which he won a gold plaque for the best of all such materials, will increase as the years foreign radio reporting; the Munich Crisis, the pass. It is one of the largest and obviously will London Economic Conference of 1933, the be among the last collections put together by Buenos Aires Pan-American Conference of an individual from our local tribes. Here, in 1936, the United Nations Conference at San these objects, lies a significant part of the cul­ Francisco, the NATO conference at Lisbon, tural heritage of the original Wisconsinites. and his remarkable broadcasts from the mili­ The other day a family of Winnebago was tour­ tary fronts during World War II. Dean of ing the Indian gallery of the museum. They American commentators, he has received an showed an obvious interest in specimens from extraordinary number of awards from many the Mumm Collection and others on exhibit sources. He is the author of six books and a —even more of an interest than white people great many articles. show for the articles made and used by their His papers include his "fan mail" files, own pioneer ancestors. Lamenting the almost which achieve major significance with the complete disappearance of such items from 1932 conventions and the Munich Crisis; the their native culture, the Indians expressed scripts for his broadcasts since 1925; a large satisfaction that their history, too, was being series of scrapbooks; an autograph file of over carefully recorded by the Society. Thus not 1,000 items; two file drawers of photographs; only the scientists and the general public but recordings of important or memorable broad­ the Indians themselves appreciate the fore­ casts together with a number of recordings of sight of the Banta Publishing Foundation in the donor's reminiscences; the research files assuring the permanent preservation of the for his broadcasts and a considerable number valuable Mumm Collection. of memorabilia.

137 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

LA FOLLETTE CENTENNIAL ANNUAL CONVENTION

Sunday, June 19, 1955—2 p.m. June 24^26, 1955

Speaker: The Chief Justice of the United States Castle Garden THE HONORABLE EARL WARREN Cable, Wisconsin

State Historical Society Be sure to attend another out­ 816 State St., Madison standing convention

Our juniorSi, >vho this year have set new for the fine record achieved by our own State marks for number of chapters and number of Society in the first year of our New Era. junior members, continue to make significant contributions to our knowledge and apprecia­ The Board of Curator- at its Founders' tion of community heritage. Latest project of Day sessions took the following actions: real significance is that of the Edgerton Badger (1) Approved actions of the Executive History Club, which organized for a canvass Committee ratifying revised articles of the city and surrounding areas Friday, of incorporation for the Women's February 18. Members of the chapter at­ Auxiliary, and articles of incorpora­ tempted to visit every house, armed with tion of the Neenah Historical So­ identification cards, to get information on old ciety; naming Forrest McDonald ex­ pieces which the owners would contribute or ecutive secretary of the American lend to the local museum the chapter had History Research Center; approving started. contracts with the John Winns to This is not the first local museum started operate the Historymobile during by the junior members of our great State the coming summer, and with James Historical Society. It is not the first door-to- Clark to continue work on materials door canvass for historical information and for the secondary schools; adopting data. It IS another fine example of the pro­ budgets for our three historic sites; ductivity of our junior members, of their and authorizing a special survey of ability to stir the imagination of an entire com­ our library operations. munity to a new awareness of heritage. (2) Amended the by-laws to establish the membership category of patron, with Attendance at tounders^ Dav this year re­ dues of $1,000 or more a year. flected a not too surprising statewide interest (3) Canvassed the budget and legislative in the Society. We noticed representatives situation of the Society. present from Green Bay, Kaukauna, Fond du (4) Discussed plans and projects for the Lac, Wausau. Ashland. Janesville, Genesee coming year. Depot, Chenequa, Lake Mills, Cambridge, Mil­ waukee, Oconto, Verona. Prairie du Chien, and Sheboygan. The American Association for State and Local History presented awards to the Hudson Star Observer for its centen­ nial edition, to the Sawyer County Historical Society for its fine program, and to the writer

138 "There is in Norway a large reservoir of friendliness toward America," says the writer. Critical voices, too, are heard which weaken these ties. In Norway on cultural missions. Dr. Haugen has had abundant opportunity to evaluate as well as to promote this international friend­ ship, which develops from mutual un­ derstanding.

Leif Ericson Sails Ojf in This Viking Ship to Explore the Lands Seen by Bjarni Herjulfson in His Voyaging

Norway and America: the Ties That Bind by Einar Haugen

The oldest piece of literature in Scandinavia If a friend you have is a collection of poems from the pre-Christian Whom well you trust. period called the Edda. This magnificent col­ And from whom you wish returns. Trade your ideas, lection of the wisdom and humor of old Nor­ Give each other gifts. way is at least 1000 years old but contains And go to see him often. many ideas that are still applicable today. In a world where there was little security, where In viking times, when these verses were you were likely to be attacked by enemies in composed, the need for friendship was on a the night, it was important to have friends. purely personal basis. Since that time, both There are some lines in one of the Edda poems the Norwegians and we have been able to that I am going to use for a discussion of the eliminate much of the danger and insecurity ties that bind Americans and Norwegians. from our personal lives, but we are still far from doing so on a national and international Young was I once. basis. It is going to be my thesis that America By myself I walked; needs friends, and that Norway is an example But then I lost my way. of the kind of friend that America needs. Wealthy I felt Norway is a small country, no greater in pop­ When I met another; ulation than the state of Wisconsin. But it Man is man's delight. mirrors in detail the picture of the world as Friends shall gladden a whole. We often hear of America's responsi­ Each other with gifts. bility for leadership in world affairs. But we Exchanging friendly pledges; don't always learn of just what this means in Those who give. terms of the many individual nations that And those who receive Will stay friends the longest. make up the world. When we speak of inter­ national affairs, we tend to think of atom To a friend of his bombs, of the containment of Communism, of A man shall be friends. war and threats of war. But friendship is not To him and his friend; built on fear, and I would like to discuss with But never a man Shall be a friend you the question of what kind of friendship To his friend's enemy. the U.S.A. is building in a country like Nor-

139 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 way. What opportunities are we giving the staying on its feet. Only small sailing ships Norwegians to know about us and what are were available to carry people across the sea. we giving our own people to know about Norwegians sailed such ships, and before long them? The surest basis for friendship is one some of them were venturing over to the of mutual understanding and respect; we United States to do business. Some of them would like to know just how well we are started carrying a more precious cargo: hu­ progressing. What has been done, and what man beings, who were aroused by the stories would we like to see done? of American wealth and opportunity to seek The oldest contact between Norway and out our shores and make their homes here. America came into being long before the The first ship came in 1825 with a cargo of United States existed. This was the discovery iron, seven sailors, forty-five passengers, and of the American continent by the vikings in a new-born babe. Some of these were Quakers the year 1000 under the leadership of Leif looking for religious freedom. Ten years later Ericson. This achievement was long forgotten we find them heading for Illinois, where they and overshadowed by the much greater feat began founding large Norwegian colonies in of Columbus 500 years later. But it was the lower Fox River valley. In the 100 years brought into prominence again in this coun­ that followed, nearly 1,000,000 Norwegians try by my famous predecessor Rasmus B. emigrated to the United States and settled Anderson, who popularized the researches of here, chiefly in the Middle West. scholars, so that the American public had A Norwegian journalist who recently trav­ to take note of them. The story has gradually eled throughout the United States, making been making its way into textbooks; it is a very careful studies of our country, was im­ source of pride to Norwegians that it has pressed by the friendliness which met him done so. Making sure that it goes into text­ wherever he went when people discovered he books is a small but valuable piece of public was a Norwegian. At first, he writes, he relations. It recognizes the exploration by the thought it was due to Norway's contributions vikings of a far country. to world culture, or to the conduct of World The next tie works the other way. This is War II, or to the Norwegian resistance move­ the stimulus which the American Revolution ment. But soon he discovered that people gave to the freedom of Norway. When Nor­ didn't know much about these things. Instead, wegians the world around celebrate May 17, it was the record of the Norwegian immi­ they commemorate the day when the constitu­ grants which gave him immediate acceptance. tion of 1814 was signed, which established the People told him that Norwegians were honest government they have today. That democratic and decent people, that they worked hard and constitution drew some of its important pro­ obeyed the laws, that they easily and quickly visions from the American state constitutions became good Americans. They had qualities and from the federal constitution of 1789. The that combined with those of the people among Norwegian constitution was the only European whom they settled, resulting in the best possi­ constitution of that period which survived to ble kind of pioneers. the present, the oldest constitution stifl in There is no doubt that over the past century force aside from our own. The Norwegians one of the most important ties between Nor­ like to recall the fact that American ideas way and the United States has been the im­ helped shape their constitution; it entitles migrants and their descendants, who have both them and us to the feeling that we have taught Americans what Norwegians are like, much in common in our basic law and our and who themselves have done what they attitude to government—due process before could to interpret America to their relatives the law, representative government, the sov­ back home in Norway. A steady stream of ereignty of the people. All of these and many letters across the sea has done more than bring more. financial aid back to the relatives in the home­ But in 1814 America was a long ways off. land. They have also carried ideas, which have It had not yet begun to play any important helped to develop democracy and widening role in the world, was having a hard time opportunity in the homeland. Historical re-

140 HAUGEN NORWAY AND AMERICA

Attending a Syttende Mai {Norwegian Independence Day) Dinner of the Ygdrasil Literary Society in 1954, at Madison, Were (1. to r.) : Professors Henry Bakken and Einar Haugen, University of Wisconsin; the late Herman Ekern, attorney; Professor Gerhard Naeseth, University of Wisconsin; Mr. R. O. Christoffersen, Principal of West High School; and Mendez Hanson, Executive Vice-President, Wisconsin Life Insur­ ance Company; all of Madison. search shows that the leader of Norwegian language of the country of their ancestors. democracy in the nineteenth century was in­ This is felt by those of us who teach Nor­ fluenced by American ideas coming through wegian at this University and other schools. letters and newspapers; and a number of the Many of those who come to us and ask for present leaders of the labor government of a chance to learn Norwegian have very little Norway got their first experience with politics intention of making practical use of it. But in America. they feel a personal loyalty to their ances­ In this country the immigrants established tors and a curiosity about the country from institutions which served their religious and which they came which constitute a tie, no social needs, the chief of these being the Nor­ matter how loose it may be getting. We can­ wegian Lutheran Church. For a long time not expect this kind of tie to last forever. As this church promoted American ties with Nor­ our European origins recede into the past, way although it was entirely independent of American awareness of ancestry will become the mother church. But it encouraged the more and more a matter that is left to the teaching of Norwegian at its colleges, like genealogical fans and has less and less practi­ Luther College and St. Olaf Coflege, and as cal interest. late as 1918 the overwhelming majority of its But at the same time that the tie of ancestry services were conducted in Norwegian. Since is weakening, another tie is being strength­ that time, however, a rapid change of lan­ ened. The generation since 1918 has seen a guage has taken place, and today the per­ more rapid and intense development in inter­ centage of Norwegian services is insignificant. national relations between America and Nor­ Our generation has seen a rapid turn-over way than any preceding period. American which has resulted in the virtual disappearance participation in World War I was only a of spoken Norwegian in many centers where symbol of the change in status that had taken it once dominated. This does not mean the place over the preceding century. America immediate dissolution of the ties which I have had been a distant paradise, where those who here been describing, for many individuals were dissatisfied with the crowded and un­ still feel a deep interest in the culture and healthy conditions of Europe could escape

141 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

their problems and find the freedom for which ing her 12.8 percent of Norway's imports and they yearned. But as America fifled up and buying 9.8 percent of her exports. The United buflt its own culture on industrialism and mass Kingdom and Sweden were the two most im­ communication, a new America evolved. This portant customers. We have sent Norway new America, which developed from the 1870's grain, gasoline, fuel oils, ships, machinery, on, and showed its power in the Spanish- steel, chemicals, cars, and textiles. We have American War and in World War I, left received wood pulp, cod-liver oil, canned fish many Europeans with mixed feelings. If we products, and electro-chemical products. confine ourselves to Norwegian reactions, we But the product that has meant the most find a string of visitors to this country who for spreading knowledge of America among reported during these years on the new the people has been our films. Day in and America and brought back reports that day out Norwegians go to American films and sounded quite different from those that had absorb the values put forth by Hollywood in attracted the immigrants. the form of entertainment. As an example, let me quote from a book How well is our country served by this kind published in 1889 by the great Norwegian of information? We made an effort in the author, Knut Hamsun. He found America of­ Scandinavian Department to find out some­ fensively patriotic, self-satisfied, boastful, and thing relating to this situation. Two years ago ignorant. He accused Americans of being in­ a graduate student in the Scandinavian Area tolerant: "A foreigner feels that in the midst Studies program spent a year in Norway of America he is not absolutely free, that his studying the reaction of Norwegians to Ameri­ sympathies and opinions are dictated to him, can films. His doctoral thesis included some he must acquiesce or take the consequences, data of great interest. Sixty-two percent of he faces the despotism of freedom, a despotism the movies shown in Oslo were American, which is the more intolerable because it is which at least testifies to their popularity, he exerted by a self-satisfied, unintefligent peo­ learned. By mass questioning he found that ple." We need not take Hamsun's exaggerated the fifteen-to-eighteen age group greatly pre­ diatribes too seriously, except to realize that fers American movies, while older persons at­ they represent a point of view which has been tend European ones. He discovered that those widely held by the leaders of social opinion in with less than eight years of schooling choose Europe, and which is far from dead today. American movies. There were many reviewers The fact that there is a considerable grain of who deplored the tendency in American truth in his remarks only makes it more im­ movies to the use of force and brutality. portant for us to consider the problem which On the whole his study showed that the America's new role in the world since 1918 movies did not cause unfriendly reactions to has brought with it. America among those who saw them, but that There is no parallel in history to the sud­ they confirmed some of the ideas among the denness with which our country has risen from more intelligent public concerning the im­ a position of obscurity to greatness, a nation maturity, the lack of sophistication, and the of immigrants which has become heir to the naivete of Americans generally. At the same power of Western Europe. time they undoubtedly had the effect of caus­ For a country like Norway it has produced ing many young people to admire America a remarkable change of orientation. It has for our technical superiority and efficiency. built new ties which never existed in the good In spite of critical voices there is no doubt old days. For a century Norway exported a that there is in Norway a large reservoir of large part of her population surplus to us. friendliness toward America. This was greatly But over the past generation we have returned augmented during and after World War II. a flood of material and spiritual products As you remember, Norway was overrun by which have become a major tie between Nor­ the Nazis in 1940, and the Norwegians have way and the United States. not forgotten that we were a major force in I need not dwell on the commercial aspects liberating them from the tyranny under which of this situation. In 1950 the United States they suffered for five long years. A monument was the third largest customer of Norway, sell­ to Franklin D. Roosevelt overlooking the har-

142 HAUGEN : NORWAY AND AMERICA bor of Oslo is a tribute of the Norwegian peo­ nt^.)T-^mw^ ple to the wartime leadership that freed them from the Nazi yoke. I spent the year 1945-46 in Norway as American cultural officer, and found everywhere the warmest of welcome be­ cause of the part we played in the victory. One of the consequences of our position in Norway today is the enormous expansion of our foreign representation in Oslo. Before the war our business was transacted from an em­ bassy in the residential section of town. Today we have a huge suite of offices in two down­ town office buildings. We have a staff that includes commercial, agricultural, naval, mili­ tary, and air attaches. We have an Informa­ tion Center which has a fine American library, at least before the recent scare caused us to start purging it, and every day hundreds of Norwegians stop in to read magazines and books and ask questions about America. The center sends out lecturers and documentary films about America; it promotes art exhibits and theater performances; it organizes inter­ views with leading Americans who come to These Students, Residents of Norway, Attended Norway, and sends news material daily to the the University of Wisconsin in 1948. (1. to r.) : O. D. Koht Nor bye; Gunnar Saevig; (front) : Norwegian press. AH this has come after Tormod Skagestad. They Were Warmly Wel­ World War II, and means a tremendous re­ comed by Madisonians. versal of policy. Our representatives abroad have come to realize that it is not enough to send automo­ in process of finding out just how the students biles and refrigerators, or movies that are and the relations of our countries have been geared purely to entertainment, if we wish to affected by it. My own personal experiences create friends rather than envious lookers-on. with these students have been that most of We must carry out an active policy of ex­ them have had their eyes opened to the values changing information, encouraging the Nor­ of American civilization. Without approving wegians to learn about us, and our people to everything, they have gone back to their coun­ learn about them. tries fufl of friendship and enthusiasm. One of the most important implementations Correspondingly, a summer school for of this program is the exchange of students American students has been established at and leaders which has taken place since the the University of Oslo, where 200 Americans war. We have felt the need of reaching those have spent six weeks each summer since 1947 elements of the population that are not simple learning about Norway and enjoying a stay enough to be swayed by our movies, but who abroad. Last year seven of these attended think for themselves and will be the leaders from the University of Wisconsin. Those I of another generation. have spoken with have been enthusiastic over In my first ten years at the University of the welcome they received in Norway, the Wisconsin, before the War, there were not courses they have taken there, and the new over three students from Norway. In the insight they have gotten into a democracy nearly ten years since the war there have been which is superficially unlike, but in basic over a hundred, and in some years close to principles so very much like ours. twenty. A study is in progress of the value of It is not easy for a small country like Nor­ this influx of students to our country. Ques­ way to maintain its individuality under the tions have been raised about it, and we are impact of outside cultural influences that beat

143 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

in upon it through the radio, the newspapers, But there is an even closer tie between and the films. Of the novels published in Norway and the L^nited States, the military Norway in 1939, 45 percent were originally alliance that bears the name of NATO, or the written in Norwegian; in 1952 the percentage Atlantic Pact. With only its tiny element of had sunk to 25 percent, although the actual Communists dissenting, the Norwegian parlia­ number had increased. While I have no figures ment in 1948 voted to join the United States on it, I am quite certain that a majority of in a pact to defend Western Europe against the translations were from English and many aggression. The Norwegians have taken their of these were American. Norwegians can read, part 01 it seriously, having voted a larger either in the English original or in transla­ budget for military purposes than ever before tions, most of our American bestsellers soon in their history to supplement the contribu­ after they appear. No wonder that one of tions of the United States. As long as our the Norwegian critics in 1947 warned his government continues to show an active in­ countrymen: "The Americans are upon us!" terest in resisting Communism, we can depend He was thinking of the invasion of American on the support of the Norwegians. But many magazines like Time, Life, and Reader's Di­ of them are beginning to wonder if we are gest on the Norwegian market, tending to showing leadership or are merely putting on choke off and hamper the growth of native a show. Some months ago a letter from a periodical literature. friend and colleague, who was then in Europe, In this situation, where our mass culture reflected the opinions of a prominent member has come to be a real threat to the cultural of the Norwegian government. He wrote: independence of other nations, a kind of cul­ "Norwegians are getting more distrustful of tural imperialism which we are carrying on the United States. At a time when Norway, while hardly even knowing that we do it, for instance, is increasing its military expendi­ it behooves our leaders to remember the words tures and we ask all western European nations I quoted at the beginning of my sketch. If we to do likewise, our Administration is cutting want friends, we must exchange gifts and not its expenditures. And Europeans are very just make it a one-way street. We must be fearful that McCarthy has the Administration willing to learn about others and understand so fearful of him that he is ever more con­ them, receive their exports both commercial trolling American policy. Certain it is that and spiritual, and make them feel that we ap­ McCarthy gets even more publicity in the preciate them as human beings. European press than in the U.S.: and Euro­ It has been one of the tasks of the Scandi­ peans think he is another Hitler." navian Department, along with other language This is the disturbing: situation today. But departments of the University, to promote this I do not think anything of this kind wifl per­ idea in our country. As the ties of immi­ manently break the ties between Norway and gration slacken, it becomes more and more the United States. The ties are too strong for important for us to act as centers of en­ temporary misunderstanding's to mean very lightenment concerning our neighbors around much. There is the memory of the vikins: past; the world. We ask students to learn languages, the bonds of common constitutional traditions; not because their grandparents came from the blood ties of the immisfrants; and above Norway, but because they and their grand­ all the willingness and ability of neighbors children need to know^ something about Nor­ to become and remain friends on an interna­ way in order to deal as Americans with the tional scale. Let us not forget the words from problems that will face our country. There are signs that American distaste for the old Edda: the study of foreign languages is slackening, If a friend you have and that we may substitute for it a progres­ Whom well you trust. sive, forward-looking policy of making lan­ And from whom you wish returns. guages and cultures a part of our educational Trade your ideas. system at all levels. In this way we can create Give each other gifts. ties between our two countries that will endure And go to see him often. in a shrinking world. END

144 The Importance of Local History in the School Program by Ralph Adams Brown

early 1890's apparently marked a high point in this emphasis on local history. In 1892, Here is a concise summary of the devel­ the Committee of Ten advocated the use of opment of the local history movement local history in high schools, but the Commit­ and how it is being integrated increas­ tee of Seven of the American Historical Asso­ ingly in the school program. Then Dr. ciation, 1896-99, disregarded state and local Brown turns to the inadequacies tha history while Lucy M. Salmon attacked the are found in the teaching of history an|_ teaching of state history in the elementary the social studies, and sets forth the school.^ By 1903, as a result of the emphasis teacher qualifications he considers nec­ on local history during the 1880's and early essary to vitalize such instruction. 1890's, thirteen states had passed laws com­ pelling the teaching of state history in the elementary grades.^ Meanwhile, at the very time that the advo­ cates of local history were riding an ebb tide, In establishing the importance of local history a different emphasis began to appear, an em­ in the school program, it seems wise to start phasis that was ultimately to play a large role with an examination of its development. As in revivifying interest in local history. Tryon early as the eighteenth century, according to notes that since 1907 "courses in community Henry Johnson, "appeals to reality in the com­ civics have had in them considerable material munity were strongly urged."^ Between 1780 of an historical nature. The major part of this and 1800, Salzmann, one of the earliest to pro­ material has a very definite local flavor."^ pose what is now known as the Child-centered This increased emphasis on community civics Curriculum, began to advocate the community brought a greater concern for the immediate approach to history. Even so, any real em­ community on the part of all members of the phasis on local history was slow to appear in school system. Certain it is that over the years this country. R. M. Tryon believes that any increasing numbers of teachers of American attention to the history of the community was history have been including in their course "almost . . . non-existent" before 1880.^ Then extensive attention to local phenomena. came a great burst of activity on the part of Before the turn of the century, Mary those who favored the inclusion of local his­ Sheldon Barnes had indicated one of the po­ tory in the curriculum. They concentrated tentialities of local history that is most preg­ their attention on the elementary school. nant for social studies teachers of half a Mary Cunningham quotes Herbert Baxter century later. She pointed out that "In local Adams as saying, as early as 1883: "One of history alone can the teacher most nearly the best introductions to history that can be bring his pupil face to face with all the given ... is through a study of the com­ sources, and give him the best training that munity in which the school is placed."^ The history has for him in accuracy, the nice weighing of evidence, the sympathetic inter­ ^Henry Johnson, Teaching of History in Elementary pretation of the past." She went on to say and Secondary Schools, with Application to Allied Subjects (New York, 1940), 40, 165. ^R. M. Tryon, "The Teaching of Local and State History," in Hughes, ed., Elements of the Social vol. 44, pt. 2 (Middle States Council for the Social Studies Program (National Council for the Social Studies, Annual Proceedings, 1946-47, Philadelphia, Studies, Sixth Yearbook, Philadelphia, 1938), 132. 1948), 2. ^Mary E. Cunningham, "A Survey of Current Prac­ 'Ibid. tices in the Teaching of State and Local History," in ^Tryon, "The Teaching of . . . History," 132. Oeste, ed., Teaching Local History in Today's World, 'Ibid., 136-37.

145 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 that local history offers the citizen "a close schools.^^ Harry L. Haun, the author of the and intimate connection with the great whole last-mentioned article, said nothing about the of history."" nature of such teaching, but only a month Educational literature of the past forty-five later E. M. Violette indicated that in Mis­ years contains numerous articles pertaining to souri, at least, the trend was for a separate the study or teaching of local history. A brief course.^^ His choice of words would seem to appraisal of several of these^ will afford some indicate that up to this time the introduction insight into the progress of this branch of of state history in Missouri high schools had historical studies. been usually as an aspect of national history. In the spring of 1911, Frank P. Goodwin He also expresses the belief that "State his­ reported on the results of a five-year experi­ tory has been taught in the elementary schools ment conducted in the Cincinnati Public of most of the states of the Union for a good Schools.^ It is interesting that their chief rea­ many years."^^ He offers no documentation, son for experimentation with local history was however, for this belief. the complaint that New England and Mid- In the December, 1924, issue of what was Atlantic textbook writers had neglected the then the only social studies magazine with Ohio Valley. In the same issue there is a national circulation, appears an idea that was, report of state history teaching in the South, some two decades later, to revolutionize the together with a recommendation that there be teaching of local history—the suggestion that more of such history taught in the schools.^^ the cause of local history in the classroom It soon becomes apparent to the reader of could be advanced by means of the assistance these articles that the principal argument for of local historical societies.^^ the teaching of state history was that of local The end of a boom and the beginning of a patriotism. Less chauvinistic was an appeal, depression witnessed but slight interest in the presented eighteen months later in the same subject of local history, at least if attention publication, for the broadening of state his­ in educational publications is any test. It was tory by the inclusion of social and economic more than a decade after the publication of materials.^^ Only one other article dealing the last mentioned article, and well past the with local history seems to have appeared be­ trough of the depression, when Katherine tween 1910 and 1920.^^ Taylor, chairman of the History Reference Perhaps the "return to normalcy" and the Council, noted that "Schools are paying more emphasis upon isolationism that foflowed the and more attention to the life and institutions close of hostilities in World War I, may have of their own towns or of other typical Ameri­ acted as a spur to increase the teaching of can communities."^^ Five years later, on April state and local history. At least we are told 16, 1942, at a meeting of 200 students from that in 1922 there were but two states—Ore­ sixteen high-school history clubs, the Pennsyl­ gon and Pennsylvania—where some form of vania Federation of Junior Historians was state history was not taught in the elementary founded.^^ Thus began that happy union of the schools and historical societies that has ^Quoted by Robert E. Keohane, "Historical Method led, in the short span of a dozen years, to a and Primary Sources," in Thursfield, ed., The Study dynamic and intelligent drive for the recog- and Teaching of American History (National Council for the Social Studies, Seventh Yearbook. Washing­ ton, 1946), 332-33. '^Harry L. Haun, "The Present Status of State His­ ^An attempt has been made to mention every article tory Teaching in the Elementary Grades," The His­ pertaining directly to this subject that has appeared torical Outlook, 13:346-53. in The Historical Teachers Magazine, The Historical '^E. M. Violette, "The Study of State History in the Outlook, The Social Studies, and Social Education. High Schools of Missouri," The Historical Outlook, ^"Local History in Cincinnati Public Schools," The 14:27-29. History Teachers Magazine, 2:152. ''Ibid., 27. '"Franklin L. Riley, "Is State History Worthwhile?" '^Dudley Foster McCollum, "The Teacher and The History Teachers Magazine, 2:156-57. Local History," The Historical Outlook, 15:391-94. "C. Alphonso Smith, "State History in the Public '^"Historical Sources and the Teaching of Social School," The History Teachers Magazine, 3:176-78. Studies," Social Education, 1:116-17. '"Edwin E. Slosson, "A Strange Visitor at School," '^Elizabeth Wallace, "The Pennsylvania Federation The History Teachers Magazine, 5:44-47. of Junior Historians," Social Education, 9:161-64.

146 BROWN : LOCAL HISTORY IN SCHOOL PROGRAM

nition of local history. Texas, New York, and began instruction in local history in the Wisconsin were in the forefront of this move­ third grade, eight in the fourth grade, and ment. In fact an article by Mate Graye Hunt eight in the fifth.^^ would indicate that Texas has some claim to Thus in a period of about sixty years,^^ the be considered the pioneer.^^ Other state his­ teaching of local history has swung from ris­ torical associations soon became active in this ing popularity to general neglect, and then important educational work.^° back to increasing attention and practice. The In 1944 a group of social studies leaders present trend seems destined to result in more agreed on the recommendation that "local lasting and significant changes. This is be­ history [be] used wherever possible to illus­ cause the emphasis is on voluntary practice trate movements and forces that might other­ rather than compulsion, on the preparation wise seem unreal or abstract, and to serve as of more adequate materials, on teacher edu­ a medium for training in methods of investi­ cation, and, last but perhaps most important, gation."^^ The reader will note that there is because of the significant cooperation of his­ no hint of coercion in that last recommenda­ torical societies, museums, and the public tion. The intelligent leaders of the local history schools that is apparent in such actions as the movement are in general accord in holding formation of the American Association for that compulsion is not the answer to their State and Local History and the enthusiastic problem. As George I. Oeste has observed: and effective sponsorship of junior chapters by state historical societies. Even among the most sincere advocates of this type of study [local history] there Turning from a survey of the growth of are few who believe that legislation is the local history as a part of the school program right way to approach the matter. If local to a practical consideration of how local his­ history has real values, it should be included tory shall be included in that program, we find in the American history curriculum for its there are but two basic patterns: local history, own sake, not because it is required by whether of community, state, or region, can law.^^ be taught as a separate course OR it can be Reporting on a survey of the extent of local incorporated as a part of all instruction in history teaching, inaugurated in 1946 by the history. If the teaching of local history is to American Association for State and Local be required by law, it must almost inevitably History,^^ Mary Cunningham notes that. become a separate course. Recognition that local historical study is most effective when In the 39 states giving general instruc­ tion in state and local history, whether incorporated as a part of a national—or even legally required or voluntary, a definite a world—history course is no doubt behind pattern as to the placing of such training the decision of leaders in the local history was readily discernible. In all but eight movement to renounce the use of legislative states such instruction was given on two decree as an effective instrument.^^ levels—both in the elementary and second­ Recognition of the fact that the use of local ary curricula. Of those eight where such historical data is most meaningful and effec­ training appeared in the curriculum at only tive when used in a course in national or one level, in six cases that was in the ele­ world history—as witness the report of Caro­ mentary school and in only two in the sec­ line E. Hartwig on the Missouri experiments^ ondary years. In 27 cases local history was emphasized in three grades. Three states —should not be allowed to obscure the fact that the basic values of local historical mate- '^"Texas History for Junior Historians," Social Education, 10:359-60. ^*"A Survey of Current Practices. . . ." 6-7. ^"0. F. Ander and Hazel Phillips, "State Historical ^^Cunningham points out that "the earliest date for Societies and the Teaching of History," Social Edu­ the establishment of a legal requirement in commu­ cation, 11: 22-24. nity history was 1867," ibid., 6. Yet, as previously ''The Social Studies Look Beyond the War, 27-28. noted, there was little emphasis on this aspect of ^^George I. Oeste, editor's preface to Teaching history until the 1880's and 1890's. Local History in Today's World, p.x. ^^'Note the comment of Oeste, above. ^^The formation of this Association marked an im­ ^^Caroline E. E. Hartwig, "LIse of T-ocal, State, and portant step in the movement for incorporation of Regional Resources," in Thursfield, ed., The Study local history into the curriculum. and Teaching of American History, 340-48.

147 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

rials can be realized regardless of how the ma­ of belonging and stability. Students become terials are used. Let us note these values. aware of their American heritage through the There are numerous values to be derived study of local history. Many gain a feeling of from the use of local history, not all of which pride as they comprehend the accomplish­ can be discussed in an article of limited scope. ments of their forefathers. Students who have Among the more important ones, few would failed to react in other classroom situations deny that the introduction of local data can often show enthusiasm for local research. All bring greater realism and interest to a history of these emotional qualities play important class. The value of local materials in iflustrat- parts in education. ing historical continuity, providing community Many opportunities exist in the study of understanding and developing critical skills local history to acquire skills as well as atti­ has long been recognized. tudes. The ability to reason soundly, judge The introduction of realism into any history wisely, and draw original and temperate con­ class will greatly benefit both students and clusions are qualities essential for all citizens. teachers. Losing materials from a familiar set­ Local history affords numerous possibilities ting will help to make the past seem fresh and for judging the degree to which others have alive and near to the student—desirable quali­ used these skills. Pupils come face to face ties in every history class. The community with sources of historical information and thus affords countless opportunities to study his­ have an opportunity to evaluate evidence and torical events, persons, and places from a close determine the credibility of the sources. perspective. Local history frequently over­ The availability of the materials of local comes the problems presented by the remote­ history is apparent to anyone. The interest ness of time and space that make difficult the that can be brought forth from exposure to teaching of other forms of history. Familiarity realistic historical evidence; the development with the local scene provides a personal con­ tact with history which will arouse the pupil's of desirable interests and attitudes and under­ interest. This will greatly facilitate the study standings; and an unparalleled opportunity of 'the past. to develop skill in critical thinking, afl urge the widespread use of local history in the Through a study of the community, young learning process. people can more easily come to understand the continuity of history. Who built the mon­ The only originality of this article, up to strosity at the corner of Elm and Main? Do this point, has been the synthesis involved; the Civil War dead really haunt the old house the ideas and facts are available to all who across from the woolen mill? Why did Sub­ would seek them in the educational literature urbia outgrow Main City? Frequently, present of the past three-quarters of a century. In problems and developments can be understood conclusion, however, the writer would like to through exploration of the past. With a con­ make a point which he believes is not only crete basis for understanding the process of important but original. change and development, students obtain a Historians have long been disturbed by the clearer conception of the relationships between absence of scholarship among public school past and present. teachers of history and the social studies. The In the study of local history, institutions present campaign—well meaning and in part will also be examined. The functions, as well realistic—by Professor Bestor is but another as the development, of social, political, and evidence of the long-felt dichotomy between economic institutions are prominent phases of those who demand only the mastery of content any community study. Learning about changes and those who emphasize methodology. in local institutions provides the background It is this writer's contention that effective for understanding society and leads to more teaching, at any level, is dependent not only alert citizenship. upon knowledge and technique but also upon The proximity to scenes and events of local attitude. This matter of attitude on the teach­ history equip students with a sense of com­ er's part is two-fold: attitude toward his work mon experience. The idea of being a part of in the classroom, and attitude toward the a common background gives them a sense subject-matter he teaches.

148 BROWN : LOCAL HISTORY IN SCHOOL PROGRAM

Most of US would go along with Henry John­ is continually acquiring new ideas, new points son's statement that one of the two major of view, new bits of information. values of historical study is the understand­ In the second place, good teaching depends ing of the historical method of arriving at upon a good synthesis; both the subject mat­ facts. From a good many years experience ter and the teacher's thinking processes must as a teacher in the public schools, it is this be well organized if teaching is to be maxi­ writer's belief that nowhere do teachers fail mally effective. Research, if intelligently car­ any more miserably than in connection with ried out, both depends upon and results in this area—most public school students are good organization. never exposed to the historical method of ar­ Again, good teaching stems from enthusiasm riving at facts, and even less frequently do on the part of the teacher, enthusiasm which they obtain any real understanding of the extends beyond his task and his student into method itself. his subject matter. Too many people are teach­ Too often teachers are concerned only with ing history in our schools who have no real the facts of history, not with the method of enthusiasm for history. Research is not only history or the method of arriving at con­ evidence of interest in and enthusiasm for clusions or historical fact. In remedying this history, but it also creates enthusiasm. There is nothing so stimulating as discovery, and situation local history has an important role the acquisition of new information ranks as to play. As previously mentioned, it offers the discovery for the history teacher. teacher unequalled opportunities for bringing students face to face with all the available Finafly, research is a good antidote for a data, with various and often opposing points teacher's possible arrogance. The person ac­ tively engaged in research labors so long and of view. Such an availability of data for facts with such care, meets so many contradictions, on the national scene is found only in our has so many frustrations, is faced with so great research libraries. For almost any in­ many points of decision, that he cannot help cident of local history, afl available data may being more humble when he compares his tiny be found within the vicinity. This fact has contribution with the scope of the historic been frequently recognized ever since the days past. A certain amount of this humility, with of Herbert Baxter Adams and Mary Sheldon its resultant charity toward both the figures Barnes. Yet the manner in which this avail­ of history and one's own students, is desirable ability of data presents an even greater chal­ in a teacher. lenge in terms of the public school teacher's In the August 2, 1953, issue of the New own personal growth and advancement has York Times, Benjamin Fine discussed the re­ been completely ignored. sults of a program, extending over five years It would seem a reasonably safe assump­ and costing nearly a million dollars, by which tion that research improves teaching; or, to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement phrase it differently, that the teacher who of Teaching sought to improve the quality of makes time for personal research is a better, instruction in fifty Southern colleges and uni­ a more vital, and a more effective classroom versities. In inaugurating the experiment, the teacher because of this research. Carnegie Foundation had observed that "This Someone may well ask what there is about program is based upon the belief that probably research that improves teaching. In the first the greatest single need in American higher place, intelligent research increases one's education today is to vitalize instruction. Dull knowledge. Most of us, presumably, believe teaching may result from the incapacity of that really vital, effective teaching comes from the teacher; more often it derives from his richness and depth of knowledge. But depth intellectual inactivity. The surest way to im­ is not something static. One cannot cram prove instruction is to stimulate creative ac­ one's head full of knowledge while in attend­ tivity among faculty members." It is the ance at a graduate school, and then coast for contention of the present writer that intellec­ the rest of his life. Depth is something that tual activity on the part of a public school must be continually fed—expanded. Research teacher is as productive of good teaching as does that; the teacher engaging in research it is on the coflege level.

149 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

If we accept the thesis that research makes the interest of our public school teachers in for better teaching, we may even then be local research?" skeptical about its connection with local his­ Prospective social studies teachers, whether tory. The answer to such skepticism is easily enrolled in schools of education or with gradu­ made. Public school teachers seldom have the ate faculties of history, should be subjected facilities for research in those areas with to two emphases: one on research techniques which the university professor is most con­ and experiences, the other on the importance cerned. Even when materials for research are of local historical data. Contrary to general available, school teachers almost never have impression, it seems doubtful if the professors time for extensive research. The data of local of history are much more concerned with in­ history, on the other hand, is always available culcating an interest in and a fondness for and research can be so limited in scope that research in their masters' degrees candidates it can be fitted into a busy schedule. than are their counterparts in education. Cer­ Moreover, the results of research in local tainly few of either category are concerned history can be almost immediately translated with local history, its importance, its values, into more effective classroom teaching and or its techniques. better public relations. In connection with his The story of the use of local history in the research in local data the young school teacher public schools vouches for the persistence of attracts favorable notice from historically- this subject matter. Its values to students minded citizens, makes community contacts seem established. Its potential in terms of the that are often stimulating as well as helpful, personal growth and effectiveness of school exercises initiative and creativity, and ac­ teachers has been scarcely considered. It quires background that will increase the would seem that any institution which sends realism and interest of his history classes. forth a prospective teacher of the social If one accepts the thesis that research in studies, beyond the bachelor's degree level, local history can be an important influence who has not been generously exposed to the in the improvement of public school history uses, sources, and values of local history, to­ and social studies teaching, then one is faced gether with experience in historical research, with the question: "What is needed to increase is neglecting a major opportunity. END

Legislation by Arithmetic

During the session of 1839-1840, the quite simply, as notations on the last territorial legislature of Wisconsin was petition, found among the Legislative confronted with a tough decision. Two Papers Collection in the Archives Divi­ petitions, one with five signers, the other sion of the Society reveal. On the bot­ with fifty-four, requested a spring term tom of this petition the figures five and of the District Court in Dane county, in fifty-four are added with the remark, addition to the fall term. Almost im­ "on the 1st petition." From this total is mediately, five Dane county citizens who subtracted the five "who pray to have had signed these petitions changed their their names taken off," leaving fifty- minds and asked that they be considered as opposing the extra term. These were four. Fifty-four minus forty-nine, the joined by two groups, of forty-one and total of the five, the forty-one, and the three Dane countians respectively, who three who opposed the measure, leaves a remonstrated against the expense the ad­ majority of five in favor. Adding the ditional term of court would involve, but four on the last petition, the committee four other citizens petitioned for the pro­ found a majority of nine in favor of the posal. The committee assigned to con­ extra term and the necessary legislation sider these petitions resolved the difficulty was enacted.

150 ^^A farm, a home, and a school were united in one enterprise" at the Uni­ tarian Hillside Home School. Happy, happy days are recalled by one of its students. This little "Memoir" will ap­ peal to you, and when you have finished you will ponder: Where in our educa­ tional system are the counterparts of the Lloyd-Jones teachers today?

Florence, Hillside's ''Sweet Girl Graduate"

The Unitarian Hillside Home School' by Florence Fifer Bohrer

The Hillside Home School on the Wisconsin Aunt Nell had been a member of the faculty River near Spring Green was founded in 1887 of the River Falls State Normal School, and by two sisters, Ellen and Jane Lloyd-J ones. Aunt Jane had headed a Kindergarten Train­ They built the school on the site of their old ing School in St. Paul, Minnesota. Together family farmhouse. The main building was de­ they founded the Hillside Home School and signed by a nephew, Frank Lloyd Wright, directed its activities in a unique educational then a young amateur architect working for manner. One of the teachers at Hillside has J. L. Silsbee in Chicago. While the school was suggested that were it "existing today exactly established primarily for the education of the as it was existing in 1909^^ the Lloyd-J ones many nieces and nephews then living on the school would be called a progressive institu­ neighboring farms, some thirty or more, it tion.'^ A farm, a home, and a school were was soon extended to include outside children united in one enterprise, with a carefully se­ from five to eighteen years of age. lected group of instructors to teach children Ellen and Jane Lloyd-Jones were called how to live. "A full quarter of a century before ''Aunt NeW and ''Aunt Jane^^ by pupils and the progressive school as we know it was teachers alike and their brothers, who owned springing up from Massachusetts to California, and farmed most of the surrounding valley, this school in a remote Wisconsin valley was were "Uncles'^ to all. Besides these farmer looking upon each child as an individual and brothers, Thomas, John, James, and Enos, a centering all its efforts on his reasonable fifth brother, Jenkin Lloyd-J ones, was the growth, activity, and self-expression.^^^ noted Unitarian minister of "All SouW^ Something of the charm of school days at Church in Chicago. Hillside Home School follows.

^This sketch is a condensed chapter from the pany. The company has given permission for inclu­ projected autobiography, Memoirs of Florence Fifer sion of excerpts taken from Miss Chase's chapter iv, Bohrer, which is now being written by Mrs. Florence "The Hillside Home School," pp. 87-121, printed in Fifer Bohrer, Bloomington, Illinois. The author has italics in the Magazine. In her letter to the editors given her permission to print this chapter in the Miss Chase states: "I am only too pleased to have Magazine preceding its appearance in her volume. more readers through your article know about that Mary Ellen Chase, A Goodly Fellowship (New most unique and wonderful place." York, ^1939) was published by the Macmillan Com- 'Ibid., 93. 'Ibid., 94.

151 ing the winding road we finally arrived at the school. The house was brightly lighted to welcome us; inside the door, before an open fire, stood Aunt Nell and Aunt Jane. Aunt Nefl smiled and at once made me feel at home by saying: '*We are glad to have you here, Florence. We hope you'fl like it," and later: "We have no rules at Hillside, but I'm sure you wifl soon learn our way of living together. If you are not happy, we will send for your mother to take you home." I hadn't said yet that I would stay but be­ gan to relax a bit. From the very beginning at Hiflside, each of us was treated as an indi­ vidual which helped a great deal to "learn our way of living together," as Aunt Nell had expressed it. The next morning, after eating a real coun­ Jane Lloyd-J ones try breakfast and seeing the beautiful hifls, the horses and ponies in the pasture, I sud­ denly decided to stay at Hillside. When I told Just as my new clothes were ready to be Mother she could go home without me, she packed for Boston, my mother heard of a smafl was delighted for she had been more than school on the Wisconsin River near Spring satisfied with the school, the teachers, and Green. Nothing would do but we must go to their educational methods. Not wishing to see it. She was charmed, utterly fascinated mar her happiness I neglected to mention that with the idea of a country school. It was true, I had not changed my mind the least bit about I was registered and my room was reserved routine study and did not plan to attend at Dana Hall, but she proposed that we go to any regular classes. Hillside, look it over, and if I didn't like it, At breakfast, dinner, and supper I sat next there was still time to go East. to Aunt Nefl. One day she'd say: "Haven't I agreed to go with Mother to visit Hillside, you seen Tower Hifl, Florence?" I'd look up, but without enthusiasm. On our way, a num­ eager to go, and she would smile: "When ber of boys and girls boarded the train at school is out this afternoon, John and Alice Chicago. I sat off to one side with my mother, wifl take you there." Another day: "Haven't utterly unresponsive to any friendly advances. you ridden the spotted pony?"—"Or gone to "After we have looked this place over," I Table Rock?" Always, I'd have to wait until thought to myself, "it wifl be fun going east after school for the good times! It took four with my friends." It was dark when we ar­ weeks for me to realize I was having a very rived at the viflage of Spring Green. Twelve stupid time by not participating in classes for or fifteen of us tumbled off the train and into I hadn't been to a single one! a buckboard driven by Uncle Enos. One morning when the befl rang, I stepped Uncle Enos was a tafl, slender, dark-haired in with a group and went along to school. man with a beautiful smile, twinkling black Having no place assigned to me, I squeezed eyes and a long beard. He asked me to ride into a seat beside one of the girls. After morn­ with him on the driver's seat, and I was hap­ ing exercises. Aunt Nell casuafly said: "Flor­ pily surprised when he handed the reins to ence, we are reading 'Snow Bound' on the me. Driving a buckboard at night with a third floor. Perhaps you'd like to join us." I lantern swinging between the horses was a went along and there was no more trouble new experience, tomboy though I was. The about attendance—I never missed a class. Wisconsin River had overflowed its banks. There were some forty boys and girls and The horses had to swim through the back a large number of teachers. Classes were wash, and I found it excitino;. After follow­ smafl, and we sat about informally. In the

152 spring and fall we met out-of-doors. Dancing lessons on Friday were rather formal. A dancing master. Professor Kehl, came out from Madison once a week. These were the only occasions for which we were required to dress up and have our manners commented upon. I enjoyed dancing, especially when Dick or Tom, sons of Uncle John, were my part­ ners. We had entertainments in the gym­ nasium in which the boys and girls partici­ pated. As I loved to sing, I was given a part on many of the programs. Early in his political career, Robert La Fol­ lette, Sr., came to the school and to the nearby village of Spring Green. I sometimes sang at these gatherings, selecting solos I thought ap­ propriate. One night my program included "Tenting Tonight" and "Marching Through Ellen Lloyd-Jones Georgia," songs I knew were popular in Re­ publican rallies in Iflinois. room across the hall, and into mine. With sup­ While I was much interested at the time, I pressed giggles and whisperings we arranged do not recall what Mr. La Follette talked ourselves quietly around the feast on the floor. about. It was all exciting, and I remember As we polished the bones and consumed the that the Uncles were enthusiastically support­ ing his candidacy for office. Uncle John was last crumbs of a coconut cake, we beamed with the most interested in politics. He and I had joy to think we had achieved it all with the many a talk relating to our favorite candi­ greatest secrecy. As the girls left the room, dates. There was much talk of La Follette's a little white envelop fell from the doorknob! courage and independence. He had formu­ Horror-stricken that we had been discovered, lated a reform program and was appealing I opened the note. This is what it said: "My directly to the people. Later three La Follette dear girls: I know you had a good time and children attended the Hillside Home School. enjoyed your turkey and cake. If you had told me, you might have been more comfort- In Springfield I had felt quite grown up at fourteen, and on occasion wore long dresses table in the dining room. Aunt Nell." with my hair twisted high on my head. I had The next morning at breakfast I took my been used to going to house parties and danc­ seat as usual beside Aunt Nell, who made no ing cotillions with young "men" so I simply reference to our midnight prank and not un­ had no use for the boys at school. til long after my graduation did she speak of I can see clearly now what a difficult young it. The fun was gone, and we girls never re­ person I was and that it took a long while to ferred to that night's escapade. bring me into line. I was outrageously spoiled, My favorite subject, if there was one, was and those beloved women had the understand­ mathematics. I disliked Latin even though ing and patience needed to change the direc­ Mr. Hugenholtz was an excellent teacher and tion of my thinking. a scholar. He was spending a few years away One day I drove to Spring Green with a from his native Netherlands, studying our group of girls and made arrangements for Democracy. Later he returned to his home­ a village woman to cook a turkey and bake a land and became a member of Queen Wil- cake for the following week. On the appointed helmina's official family. Mr. Hugenholtz ad­ day I went back, returned with the food, and mired Henry George's theory of the single tax, with great caution carried it up to my room and I remember his reading Progress and and carefully hid it under the bed. That night, I^overty to us with enthusiasm. on the stroke of midnight, the girls, in bare Because the race question is still with us, feet and nightgowns, tiptoed past Aunt NeU's this comes to my mind—my Hiflside experi-

153 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 ence with the controversial subject. Among and Bryn Bach—but the students loved to an­ the students was one colored girl, Mabel noy the Aunts by cafling them "He," "She," Wheeler of Chicago. Her father was an at­ and "It." After such excursions, on several torney, and the members of her family be­ occasions, we returned with live snakes in the longed to Uncle Jenk's "All Souls" Church. picnic baskets which the mischievous boys tied Mabel lived in the farm home of one of the to their bedposts to frighten the teachers. Uncles, and everything went smoothly until We rode horseback at all seasons and had scarlet fever descended on the household. The tobogganing and skiing in the winter. Our Aunts immediately cafled the older girls to­ Danish ski master helped us make our own gether in the library for a conference. There skis and toboggans. Sleighing in winter was were no vacant rooms and, unless someone great sport. We would drive for miles on a rooming alone in the Home Building would crisp, cold day, with a delicious hot dinner take Mabel in as a roommate for the remainder in prospect at some distant point. of the term, she must return to Chicago. Aunt During the 1893 World's Fair at Chicago, Nell called for a volunteer, my hand went up, Jenkin Lloyd-Jones (our beloved "Uncle and that night Mabel moved in and shared Jenk") headed a commission that brought to­ my room, not 6nly for the term but for the gether representatives of all faiths into a rest of the school year. She was a very bright "Parliament of Religions." Uncle Jenk often girl, talented and popular among the students. brought his guests to Hiflside where we were She later graduated from the University of inspired by the talks of the distinguished men Chicago and went on to teach in one of the and women. One of these visitors was a Mo­ universities for negroes in the South. I have hammedan. He spoke to the older students never forgotten the anguish I felt one night and teachers one evening in the library. Much as we sat at our study table when Mabel said: to the consternation of Uncle Jenk and the "Florence, if I could be WHITE like you, I Aunts (as wefl as myself) it was found I had would be willing to be boiled!" been sitting all evening on his beautiful fez! We learned to love the flowers, the birds, It was completely crushed, but he was most and the great out-of-doors. We were not al­ gracious and understanding about it. lowed to fish or kill any living creature. On Among the more frequent visitors were Saturdays we took our picnic baskets and Frederick Lucian Hosmer and Wifliam Chan- went on long tramps exploring the country. ing Gannett, both minister friends of Uncle A favorite place for gathering violets was the Jenk. Some of the most beautiful Unitarian three hills at the end of the valley. These hills hymns were written by these men. I remember had Welsh names—Bryn Mawr, Bryn Canol, one table conversation between Uncle Jenk and

Main Building, Hillside School, Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Nephew of the Jones Sisters.

154 BOHRER : HILLSIDE HOME SCHOOL the Rev. Mr. Gannett about a book they were humor. No matter how serious she might be, writing and of their arguing whether they I could always get her to laugh by singing this should cafl it "Life and Its Moans" by Gannett silly little song that was then popular: and Jones, or "Life as We Scan It" by Jones Jane, Jane and Gannett! She didn't seem the same Uncle Jenk made the Commencement ad­ When she left the village she seemed shy; dress in the chapel each June, and we attended But alas and alack services every Sunday morning. The chapel She came back was a brown shingled building, built for With a naughty little twinkle in her eye! family worship in a grove of pine trees, a She was more warm-hearted than Aunt Nell, short distance from the school. Everyone went but Aunt Nefl was always my favorite. She to service without being urged. I doubt if any was calm, patient, and self-disciplined. Her student would have cared to miss the walk abundant hair was prematurely white. The through the quiet countryside in company reason given was that it had turned white with the valley people. The pleasant duty of overnight when her lover drowned in nearby decorating the pulpit with wild flowers, blos­ Wisconsin River. soms, or evergreens was given to the older Both of the Aunts had a quiet dignity, a children in turns. The Aunts, Uncles, and graciousness of manner, which made a deep teachers conducted the services, as there was impression on their students. Both could be no regular pastor, and sometimes one of the stern and unyielding, especially Aunt Jane. older children read the lesson or announced She would not tolerate injustice or any sort the hymns. of ill-treatment, mental or physical. At such The chapel is still standing although the times a flash of her black eyes was sufficient Home Building is gone. The Home Building warning for the mischief-maker to stop and was a three-story structure, stained green. It take heed. Those gifted teachers set a won­ accommodated thirty or forty boys and girls. derful example of self-discipline and thor­ The boys were quartered on the third floor oughness in every task they undertook. They and the girls on the second. Living rooms and embodied all of the virtues necessary for liv­ library on the first floor were furnished with ing a good, useful life. We were never told oriental rugs, a grand piano, and Japanese that we should be honest, kind or good. Aunt prints, all unusual for that day of oil lamps, Jane and Aunt Nell lived according to their wash bowls, and pitchers. own standards, and we were inspired to try My graduation in 1895 was a dignified to pattern- our lives after theirs. ceremony. Years afterward I found my mother The spring still brings a longing for Hill­ had preserved my graduation essay. It con­ side, and for many years I returned each May tained the following poem, and I am surprised for a visit. The school closed in 1917, and to find that at eighteen my underlying philoso­ soon afterward Aunt Nell and Aunt Jane spent phy of life was formed. a month with me in Bloomington. Several men and women who had been children at Like warp and woof All destiny is woven fast Hillside lived in Bloomington. They were de­ Linked in sympathy like an organ vast lighted to welcome the Aunts as they, in turn, Break one thread and the web you mar were happy to find so many friends far away Break but one of a thousand keys from their old school. At that time we drove And the paining jar an electric car. It was a novelty to the Aunts Through all will run. from the country, and so we rode around and Looking back over my Hillside years, I ap­ around the town to their amusement. preciate that my standards were largely set Aunt Jane died within a few weeks after under the influence of those two wonderful returning from her visit with me. Aunt Nell, women, and always, at the back of my mind, broken over the loss of her sister, passed on in I hoped that some day I could live to be a 1919. They were buried in the little church­ credit to them. yard of Hillside Chapel. On their plain little Aunt Jane, with her coal black hair and headstones the words engraved are quite sim­ snapping black eyes had a delightful sense of ply, AUNT ELLEN, AUNT JEN. END

155 THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARKS ITS FOUNDING We want The New-York Historical So­ ciety to know how proud we are of its successes in the fields of collecting, of publishing, and of servicing scholars through its outstanding library during a period of 150 years. Cognizant, too, of its long years of service as the second oldest Historical Society in the Nation, crossing the threshold of its one-hundred and fifty-first year since founding, from us: "Good Luck, and Godspeed!" Upon the organization of the Society in 1804, New York was a city boasting a population of 70,000. Naturally, the Society expanded and, as always in such The Society's Horn< situations, it removed to more spacious quarters. Its eighth and last such re­ Here he comments upon the distin­ moval was to its present handsome build­ guished service given by the Society, ing at Central Park West in 1908; in "that archives have been maintained, 1937, the structure was completed by monographs and volumes have been the addition of two wings and a new written, exhibitions of historically im­ book stack. And here it remained to portant memorabilia have been held, observe in 1954 the one-hundred and public lectures have been sponsored, fiftieth year of its founding. and, by no means least, a working li­ How^ far must we extend our imagina­ brary has been of immense assistance tions to comprehend the stretch of years to scholars whose researches have taken that constitute a century and a half? them in the fields marked out for itself Let's recall the date of the inauguration by this Society. . . ." of George Washington in 1789, preced­ A tangible reminder of the Sesqui- ing the Society's organization by fifteen Centennial celebration was the publi­ years, or the birth of Abraham Lincoln, cation of Knickerbocker Birthday: A in 1809. Our own Society's founding Sesqui-Centennial History of The New- year trails the Eastern one by about four York Historical Society, 1804-1954, by decades; there could have been 109 Director Vail. Several chapters had been bright birthday candles lighting its 1955 published in the New-York Society's Founders' Day banquet! Quarterly, and its acclaim, no doubt, So we in the Middle West, a little on will continue to resound while its re­ the adolescent side, like to peer across cent observance fades into the realm the miles at our teeming elderly neigh­ of forgetfulness. bor. We really are removed only by the The year-long celebration—after end­ distance to our library's book stack less months of planning—included ban­ which contains our friend's fine publi­ quets, lectures, special exhibits, the is­ cations. There was particularly excellent suance of a Sesqui-Centennial medal, reading in its 1954 Quarterly magazines and Dr. Vail's history of the Society. since much of its brilliant history is Already history is being recorded on the there recapitulated and beautifully il­ scroll of the Society's next century and lustrated, thanks to Director Vail's fac­ a half. What the grandeur and dimen­ ile pen and lively imagination, among sions of such history will encompass is other contributors. beyond prediction. We may be sure that The address of President Kirk of The New-York Historical Society will Columbia University, speaker at one of hold its position as one of the lodestars the gala Sesqui-Centennial dinners, is among historical societies for great ven­ contained in one of these magazines. tures attempted and attained. L.K.

156 Side Views of History by David H. Stevens

and present action: do not try to write that out of the record. In this paper my side views of history will iecoilections from the writer^s experi­ be through examples, most of them out of ences here pertain to the making of personal experience. Some of these men and history. Participants in world affairs, women are well known to all of us. If I in­ others serving on lesser levels are cited clude a few negative cases to show the harm for their thinking and doing. Dr. Stevens done by some writers and doers in our day, writes: "Since each of us is a part of the Ii t will be to heighten the regard for others ^public mind,' a responsibility to learn is who have made history that will be remem­ upon all in a democracy." He urges that bered as a benefit to mankind. Most of these we shun complacency and states: "May persons were unaware that their words and we always disagree enough to develop acts had historical importance. They were do­ intellectual sinew and tolerance toward ing what they wished to do. They still go on other opinions." in their customary ways. They constantly give our world today what it needs for difficult de­ cisions. They are meeting Trevelyan's defini­ tion of purpose in his History and the Reader: "The value and object of history is to a very All short histories are disappointing because large extent—I should say mainly—to educate of what they leave out, long ones tiring to the public mind." persons who live in the personal-present tense. Trevelyan was speaking of writers. He Some even discredit history and its writers, would gladly have included speakers and doers as did George III on meeting the author of as well, those who go to endless pains mentally the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire and physically to get the right answers for v/ith the words: "So it's scribble, scribble, us when in need of those answers. scribble as usual, Mr. Gibbon." None of those I am choosing examples of historical value finely wrought stories of man's past, written in our own time because we live pretty much by the Gibbons of earlier centuries and by by example found in other persons. That is, men in our own time, are lost or forgotten. we do so until unwittingly we ourselves are They are landmarks on the road to knowledge sufficient unto ourselves. It is then that we of ourselves, and of tomorrow. stop asking the hackneyed question, "What is For my part, the important question is to be done about it?" and do something. That whether or not we desire history to be held is, we do that something if we live in a free in high regard by men generally. We are di'i- society where the man who knows the answers turbed by the current fad in this country to can speak or act for the public good. A while discredit history, usually without defining ago Henry Aflen Moe put this matter of our what is meant by the word and without a solid personal relation to history and to society in body of argument. This fashion of negative an address, "The Doctor as Citizen." He told dealing is found, for example, in Raymond the doctors that each of them was conscious Swing's essay, "Is History Bunk?" in an issue of history and had a regard for the future; of the Saturday Review of Literature, and also also, that we all depend upon "path-breaking in an article by Judge Jerome Frank in the minds" to renew our moral and spiritual capi­ Journal of Science, both appearing some while tal. Such minds we must have, he went on, back. In singling out these I would do no more if we are to "maintain in America the climate than call them typical of minds full of doubt, of mind and spirit that makes this place the and at once assert that we disagree. The term world's stronghold of the rights we sum up as "history" includes all of humanity's past story freedom."

157 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

To begin with the world scene, I wifl give cated her life to her task. Owen Lattimore, a few examples of personal service to all men a target of words that are worse than weapons, and specifically to our own country. These has worked as they say "beyond the cafl of show how far we have gone in some fifty years duty" on the toughest areas of the modern from provincialism as a nation into partici­ world for Americans to comprehend. Still an­ pation in world affairs, not by accident but other of these specialists whose command of of necessity. odd languages was very great, cracked an Some years ago a man was visiting my enemy code and so solved a scheme that with­ neighbor. He told of his years in China, where out him probably would have been successful. he was still a clerk in the British customs serv­ None of these were communists, as some ar­ ice. His was an engrossing story about real rogantly ignorant persons might assert; they people and real problems. His sister was lis­ were just plain, brifliant, unassuming Ameri­ tening, and stopped in her work as I asked cans doing tough duty. the usual last question, "How did you come As a consequence of this kind of devotion to go to China?" Without hesitation, this Mr. to an ideal, the United States is today the best Petterson said, "Because of Professor Paul place in the world to begin to understand the Reinsch at the University of Wisconsin." Here Far East through systematic learning. Similar sister Esther intervened with: "Yes, and you stories could be told of those who have brought were asking mother, 'What's over on the other on changes in American power to comprehend side of the hifl?'" and so to act wisely toward other foreign This we might call an accidental instance areas of which we were mainly ignorant some of an individual's concern with life in a distant fifty years ago. country. I doubt that, for he was a person It is unnecessary to argue the importance whose ancestry was straight out of sea and of knowing such universal facts for use in our land adventurers. In him were united the day. It is pretty dufl of those who try to dis­ forces of curiosity and knowledge that led credit others who give their lives to learning him to action. how friendly and hostile people think. It is In those days Paul Reinsch was writing his worse than dull at times; it is both unpatriotic World Politics, at the End of the Nineteenth and destructive of civilization. Century, as Influenced by the Oriental Situa­ Here I should like to interpose an example tion, one of the first modern treatises on the of another kind. International sense comes evils of nationalism. He w^as stimulating young by such learning year after year, and an men to think systematically on international ability to foresee the future may be the end relations and so to act. Wisconsin contributed result. This seems an appropriate place to dis­ all that and him as ambassador to China. pose of the negative talk against history, with Fifty years have brought great changes in an example of how one man's judgment has American knowledge of the Far East at practi­ been justified in time. cal and humanitarian levels. Here are a few Some forty years ago Horace Plunkett wrote examples from the scores that might be cited. of the future after the war that then was These men and w^omen had value in war and nearer its beginning than its end: as great value for peace. Then there is Russia. Americans I met last Today the son of a missionary family, Eu­ winter who were thinking out alternative gene Boardman, teaches the Far East and its schemes of settlement all seemed to feel that languages at the University of Wisconsin. the war was bound to set loose the liberal Twenty years ago no one stood in that posi­ forces in that country, and to ensure for tion. During the war, the daughter of an­ them large concessions from the Govern­ other missionary created a career out of the ment. My fear is that, once it is seen that initiative and idealism learned from her par­ this is likely to happen, the military bu­ ents, by directing the intensive learning by reaucracy of Russia will begin to think of hundreds of young people of Chinese, Japa­ an understanding with the military bureauc­ nese, and Russian languages and cultures. As racy of Germany, the two having a common completely as any soldier Florence Walne dedi­ enemy in democracy. It seems pretty cer-

158 STEVENS : SIDE VIEWS OF HISTORY

tain that these defeats of the Russians, with duties as president of a university. When their appalling losses, are attributable to elected to the presidency of Columbia Uni­ lack of ammunition, and that this is due to versity, Eisenhower asked for a chance to gross corruption on the part of those who visit Teachers College across the street. There run the government, and such governments he put in a full day that ended with dinner, will do anything. I cannot believe that, in and afterwards with his personal comment the international congress after the war, on the day. England, unaided by the United States, wifl This comment started with the observation have any chance of including in the terms that he had asked to visit Teachers College of peace such a restriction of Russian ambi­ tions as will make for domestic development because he had heard that Communism was rather than foreign aggression. followed, at least sympathetically, by some of If this passage from Plunkett's diary had the faculty. He had wanted to make up his been published in 1915 instead of in Mar­ own mind about that. After listening to a great garet Digby's excellent biography of 1949, it number of persons, he had not the slightest might have been heard as prophetic and im­ worry on that score; in fact, naming two who portant. . . . For our purpose here, it seems had been particular objects of criticism, he a clear proof of the importance of history—a said that he would be happy to follow them a use of gathered data by a mind of "path- long way down the middle of the road. breaking" kind for forecasts of events. Having disposed of that, he went on, as You may say that internationalism, like would be expected, to another positive con­ charity, must begin at home. Let us look at viction from his visit. He offered the view some of the men and women who prove that that the most important task for the future way a good one to follow. These persons were welfare of Americans is to educate wisely those not, and are not now, thinking of America citizens between the ages of seven and thirteen. first. They were only thinking, as Americans, That is a constant task, one that falls into the about certain necessities put upon themselves hands of graduates of teachers colleges. This and upon us in order to bring peace and good college in his purview touches the lives of wfll to afl. thousands of such teachers annually. There­ John J. McCloy was talking about General fore, the logical conclusion of the General Marshall. He remarked that the General has and President across the street was that he a power of leadership and of instilling confi­ would keep constantly in mind how to help dence in others which is unequalled. This is Teachers College meet its opportunities and seen best in conferences where even the most argumentative and disputatious stop and listen resDonsibilities. to quiet words that are said without any as­ A less dramatic example, but as basic for sumption of special right to be heard. In say­ the understanding of ourselves and so of ing this of another man with great responsi­ others, is that given in the career of Lyman bilities, Mr. McCloy probably gives the reason C. Draper. I mention him not because he was why later he was our High Commissioner in secretary of this Society during the thirty-two Germany. He has lived a life of great public years ending in 1886, but because his example service, undoubtedly at times against a private is unique in its kind of service to the history desire to do something else, because Marshall of this country. Draper and that other sort and those like him inspired to action. of pioneer, Johnny Appleseed, are among the Recently a pessimistic person was judging peculiarly gifted individuals of earlier time himself, rather than those of whom he was whom I should have liked to meet and to hear talking, in the concluding remark that there talk. Here again was a person in our United are no statesmen in these days, and that even States of the nineteenth century with ideas the best of our leaders cannot gain national and ideals needed to meet a self-imposed task confidence. You all have heard that same out­ for this country. Draper came out of New put of those twin diseases—indifference and York State to cover the country southward cynicism. His listener chose General Eisen­ and westward in search of witnesses to the hower as an example that proved him wrong, immediate past among surviving pioneers, to and with evidence taken from the General's gather documents for the record, and to make

159 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 the collections of Wisconsin of use in educat­ Familiar, true, but general words, one may ing the public mind. He left his autobiography say. That is why they bear repeating and de­ in a single sentence that marks him as a mand repetition to each new generation. Dem­ man of unchanged purpose, even in its self- ocracy alone, among forms of government, deprecation for failure to do more: "I have gives equal choice to good and evil ends. That wasted my life in puttering," he said, "but I is why examples are important, and history of see no help for it; I can write nothing so long the men who make gifts to the welfare or as I fear there is a fact, no matter how^ small, suffering of mankind. This is not moralizing; as yet ungarnered." it is seeing, without delay in time, what free­ I might go on to later examples from work­ dom of choice means for democracy and for ers in this State and in this Society. Wiscon­ ourselves. sin is a good state for such proof of the uses In the true world, the American mind has of history for contemporary life—some bad followed many causes to the corners of the mixed with the good, but a fufl measure of earth. Unsystematic, late to take responsibility, present-day good in its record. It is well here it still has much to learn in order to do. to mention that publication of our Society, Within our own country, it has crossed and Side Roads: Excursions into Wisconsin s Past, recrossed old trails until now the deadly by the late Fred L. Holmes. His final work is danger of uniformity is here. It is when a like the preceding ones, full of understanding national mind becomes uniform in texture and enthusiasm towards his theme. His stories, that it becomes complacent or arrogant, easy the illustrations, and fine format make this to sway. That is another fact we know from work one to have a permanent place on every­ history. one's bookshelf. May we always disagree enough to develop I mention Holmes particularly, not to give intellectual sinew and tolerance toward other credit to our Society or to its work with ideas, opinions. In the provincial area of our own but to stress again the significance of positive State, these same differences are to be cher­ action for the use of history in daily life. If ished as sources of growth and change. If we understand the past and the present, we any of these general statements is true, then make certain deductions that we are called we stand in need of history to help us under­ upon to use. Having known this State by ex­ stand coming changes and the importance of perience in every year of my life, I recently past events for acts of the future. END went by car across it in order to listen today to what is being said of it and of its responsi­ bilities. Wisconsin has made its place in history and wifl keep it as a useful one. Personnel Director Needs How can we educate the public mind? And History of Concern how much reason has each citizen to trouble himself with that business? Both questions are I think one of the greatest assets of a of importance today in Wisconsin, in the supervisor or anyone else presuming to United States, and in the world itself. carry on "human relations" in any of I mentioned earlier that each of us is a part its phases is to have a good factual his­ of the "public mind" and that a responsibility tory of the concern he works for from to learn is upon all in a democracy. Once its foundation to date. You will be sur­ educated, in Trevelyan's sense, what does a prised how many times that knowledge person do about it? This of course is a non­ may be used to advantage, particularly sense question. He keeps on learning and if the company has a good previous doing. For if he knows enough to care about what happens next, he will "do something record of dealing with people. about it"—that is. provided that he lives in a —D. C. Everest, 1954 Wausau Foremen's-Su- pervisors' Conference on Human Relations. free society where he knows he can speak and act for the public good.

160 This piece is going to make more than one reader a gun collector. Mr. Harri­ son writes, ^^^You'll hear many strange terms, such as 'reconversion' or 'reblue' or 'sleeper.' " Strange to you? Let's find out from this informed writer.

How Do You Start as a Collector of Old Guns? by G. Charter Harrison, Jr.^

If you want to coflect old guns, I personally Now perhaps you should consider buying envy you the experiences which may be ahead a gun or so, timid like. Guns are on display of you. First you'll want to meet other gun at gun shows and most of these are for sale. collectors, and the best way to do that is to Get to know one or more of the dealers you'll join one of the gun collector associations. The find there. Dealers like to talk guns and are Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association meets usuafly in the business because they like these three or four times a year, and you can get old guns. information from Sam E. Smith, a resident of Then try writing dealers for catalogs for Markesan, Wisconsin. which the charge is usually from 25 cents to After you meet other coflectors, who are $1.00. You'll have to get used to paying for always glad to help the beginner along, then sales catalogs, odd as this may seem. If you you'd better find out a bit more about old want to get a reputation for courtesy, enclose guns. The best book I know of for the begin­ a stamped envelop for your reply. Don't ner is Gun Collecting by Charles Edward expect a flood of mail from every dealer in Chapel. It may be out of print but it's likely the country when you write one—it's unlikely you can get it from your library. The His­ that he'll pass your name around among torical Society has a respectable file of books other dealers. on old guns which you can look over. Somewhere about now you'll want to find Somewhere along the line, but take your out more about old guns and then you'll need time in making up your mind, you are going books. Ask the dealers and collectors you meet to have to decide what you want to collect. to recommend a book dealer who specializes If you go in for the ultra popular lines such in gun books and don't be surprised to find as Colt revolvers or American martial flint­ that out-of-print books on guns sefl at a lock pistols, you are going to have to be pre­ premium. As a matter of fact, don't be sur­ pared to spend money. Take one of the less prised at anything as you are entering a popular fields, but don't get too far off the strange but rather enjoyable world. beaten path. If you do, you'll miss many of As you talk guns, you'll hear a lot about the social aspects of collecting. Collectors are fakes, some of which you can believe. A fake great visitors but they like to go where there is usually a gun which has been tinkered with is the possibility of a gun trade developing. to change it from a common model to one No possibilities—no interest! more rare or more desirable. Oddly enough *G. Charter Harrison, Jr., Madison, is a noted col­ the motive for making the fake is rarely the lector of guns and an authority on weapons. Formerly money involved but more often the paying off he was editor and publisher of the Gun Collector on the feuds which will naturally develop magazine. Mr. Harrison is a member of the firm G. Charter Harrison Associates, management engineers. among people who compete for rare speci-

161 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

mens. Faking was more common twenty years one can see any difference, one to another, ago than now, but these little gems keep with except for the serial number and, if his us until some become old friends. Don't worry specialty is to mystify other collectors, he's about it, someday these fakes will become col­ accomplishing that. lectors' items in their own right and when Your final choice of a specialty may be ac­ this does happen, then we'll have the fake cidental. What sometimes happens is that a fake to think about. You'll hear many strange coflector will acquire a rare specimen in a terms such as "reconversion" or "reblue" or series and then go on to complete the more "sleeper." A "reconversion" in case you are common part of the series. This could easily curious, is a flintlock which was converted to happen to you, as you can almost count on a the more efficient but collectorwise less de­ little beginner's luck which may influence your sirable percussion system. The reconversion later collecting. was when it got converted back to its original If your main interest is in finding and trad­ flintlock condition. It's going to take some ing guns but not collecting, then obviously you time before you can tell one from the other. won't need a specialty. Whether you specialize When it comes to specializing and, since or not^ you wifl acquire some guns for trading you can't buy them all it must ultimately come stock. If you don't trade, then you will find to that, you'd better look over an assortment that many collectors will drop their interest of old guns and see what takes your fancy. in visiting you and you'fl miss part of the fun. Here in Wisconsin the Nunnemacher Col­ The psychology of buying and selling is lection at the Milwaukee Public Museum is something you'll have to develop for yourself. an outstanding collection. The State Histori­ There are a few customs in gun collecting cal Society in Madison has recently acquired which may seem strange. In buying from a the Rosebush Collection which makes an ideal dealer, the asking price is usually it—you introduction to collecting as Mr. Rosebush either buy at that price or you don't buy. If was interested in arms of all types and picked you think the price is too high, one way to his collection to illustrate the various types. get around it is to propose a trade and up the There are specialties without end in gun price on what you have to offer enough to collecting. You can stick to a certain type of make up the difference. The custom in order­ gun, a form of ignition such as flintlock, guns ing from dealers by mail is to send your check from a country or locality, guns made by a with the order. Your gun wifl arrive express particular gunsmith, or almost anything your coflect, and you have two or three days to look heart desires. Sometimes the specialties are it over and make up your mind. Return the hard to figure out. One collector jumps from gun express prepaid, and your money will be field to field picking up only the choicest items, refunded without argument. That's the way and the attraction in his case seems to be that it usually goes, and you will find that the ex­ he owns something that other people want. ceptions are very rare. Some collectors try to get every variety of a It's good business for dealers to lean over type getting down to minor variations which backwards in being honest. In a situation would pass unnoticed by the casual observer. where money seems to change hands so casu­ Other collectors go in for decorated arms, and ally, it is inevitable that some fringe characters almost every collector will try to get an ex­ would drift in. There is always the possibility ample in as good a condition as possible. Some of encountering the one rotten apple in the will favor guns owned by famous personages, barrel, but in case of doubt your coflector but here a word of caution. There are, as I friends can tip you off. recall, currently about seven George Wash­ Most of the returns involve questions of ington pistols in Wisconsin, and to collect condition. For years collectors have tried to such you need more faith than it is safe to work out a standard method for describing the have. Collectors are quite tolerant of other condition of guns, but nothing has ever come people's specialties, and the only one which of this. In general, if a piece is in exception­ has the group really puzzled is the man who ally fine condition, the dealer will say so. If likes one reasonably common gun of which the piece is in exceptionally bad condition, he's acquired about seventeen specimens. No any reliable dealer will say so and he'll prob-

162 (Top to bottom) : (1) Allen & Wheelock Deringer .32 Caliber, Single Shot; (2) New Line Colt .22 Caliber, 7 Shot Revolver; (3) Colt Automatic .22 Caliber, 10 Shot Mod. 1915, Predecessor to the Woodsman; (4) Remington .36 Caliber, 5 Shot Percussion Revolver

163 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 ably be very careful to mention any parts possible feud in the making. The appearance which may be missing. If the piece is in ordi­ on the market of a very rare or desirable piece nary condition, then the dealer is not apt to can be more of an event than you can pres­ say much about condition. Your recourse, if ently appreciate. When competition becomes you don't like the condition, is to return the strong, feelings are apt to get involved. piece and even though you pay the charges A classic story combines both humor and both ways, the dealer is stifl out the trouble tragedy and involves an elder collector who of packing, the lost sale, plus the chances that had seen better days but managed to keep a he may have lost a sale to someone else. few choice pieces with him on the way down The "reblue" we spoke of before involves skid row. It must have been torture under the the practice of cleaning a gun down to the circumstances for him to turn down extrava­ bare metal and refinishing it. It's reasonably gant and persistent offers for his treasures, easy to spot this, and yet I've known experi­ but turn them down he did. As the end ap­ enced collectors to miss it. If it's well done, I proached, however, the old collector called in personally don't find it a very objectionable a young collector acquaintance and sold his practice although others might disagree. You wifl get some pieces which, while not reblued, treasures for a nominal sum. A generous ges­ have been cleaned down to bare metal. If ture to close a life among guns and collectors, you favor condition, such pieces will be un­ you may think, that only shows that you desirable acquisitions; if you are interested don't know collectors. The transaction was as in something else and can't find an example cool an appraisal as only an actuary could in better condition, then you will take what make of the life expectancy of the young col­ you can get. lector and the final terms told the story. It When there is only one known piece of a was a promise solemnly extracted that "Wicked type and two collectors want it, you have a M. would never get those pieces!" END

Little Boys Were Sharp Traders in the Lead Region

As a youngster, our favorite Saturday ous boys would snitch a supply from afternoon or all-day outing was a hike these kegs, re-enter the front door of the "picking mineral." An empty syrup can store and attempt a re-sale. Success had could be filled in a short time, since lead a fifty-fifty prospect, for the sharp eyes was practically a surface ore. In fact, of the merchant could identify the char­ a hundred and twenty-five years ago. acter of the pebbles of lead, unbeliev­ Dodge and the early comers simply able as this may seem. Then, too, freshly plowed it up around Blue Mounds. The gathered lead lacked the glint of lead sharp eyes of small boys could discern that has been handled and the polish the glint of a broken pebble of lead at a was a sure and certain clue that the lead rod's distance or the duff gray of "float," was either stolen from the merchant which was a small pebble of lead, some­ kegs or from some farmer's diggings or what rounded and worn from exposure, a "wash dirt" pile. It was uncanny how to be found lying in the grass. The even the boys could identify the nature "mineral" was then traded in for candy and often the locality of the source of at the village store. The storekeeper his huddle's "pickings." poured it into kegs in the rear ware —From L. E. Blair's letter, room. On occasion, the more adventur­ Madison, Dec. 11, 1954.

164 by Don SAcNeil

Ever wonder where a terrible joke or a Frank Efliott made the long haul in company feeble pun ought to go? Ever find yourself with "Jamie" from the Milwaukee Sentinel needing a joke for a speech—one you're sure who wrote many articles out of the three-day the audience never heard? The answer to both trip. In March sickness in the family caused questions, my rollicking friends, may be in the Mrs. Ryan to postpone her visit. In April news that the American Comedy Museum now John Jenkins drove up to tell about museum flourishes in Hartsdale, New York. Dedicated techniques. The series of guest society speak­ to the preservation of costumes, stage proper­ ers will end this summer with our people ties, humor books, and joke files, the museum continuing to give advice and counsel to the promises to be a rich source of materials for Sawyer County Society as their various com­ contemporary TV gag WTiters. After seeing mittees continue their good work. Sawyer TV on a friend's set the other eve, there is County, in addition to undertaking a fine re­ some question in my mind whether the writers search and writing program, now has a stream­ might not put in more antiquated material lined and effective local society whose real than they draw out. However, for all our impact may come many years in the future friends of history with a sense of humor, as future generations will be able to look back please be advised of the existence of this and commend these active people for initiat­ latest museum. ing so many good projects.

The Active Sawyer County Society started The pot's boiling. . . . Oconto County Society out on a new bent this winter. They have re­ came out with a nice little volume. Recollec­ modeled their Society along the lines of the tions of Oconto County^ . . . The 85-page state organization. They appointed committees volume sells for $2.00. . . . The Sawyer County to be responsible for certain phases of the Society has another calendar this year, with a Society's program. They have an archives com­ picture of what they call the "largest load of mittee, a museum committee, a school service pine logs ever hauled on logging sleds in the committee, a research committee and so on, world, March 17, 1909." It's massive Herb through the various divisions. Each month at Liddle, curator of the Dodge County Museum, their meeting, the appropriate counterpart of writes regularly for the newspapers of the one of their committees from the State Society county, tefling about traditions, history, and appears in Hayward. The next day our divi­ interesting facts about articles in the museum. sion head conducts a workshop for members Provides good publicity. . . . The Richland of the committee who learn the details, meth­ County Society follows the Walworth Society ods, and techniques from our State Society in establishing a regular newsletter to mem­ representatives. In January Jesse Boell, our bers. . . . The Beloit society moved its museum archivist, went up to Hayward; in February from the public library to the municipal build-

165 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 ing. Regular programs of the society are re­ an unfriendly dog. No one around to ask. awakening an active interest in the museum Right place? Who knows? Much time spent." and in the society's other programs. . . . The Field work can be fun! Rock County Society has renamed, redesigned, and revitalized its newsletter. They call it Another distinguished museum man joins The Rock County Chronicle. our ranks here in Wisconsin. The arrival of With all this going on, certainly our Insti­ Lowefl S. Mifler as fufl-time director of the tute on Local History this year should be a Marathon County Historical Society presages good one. We're planning to change the pro­ great things for their active group. Miller is gram pattern a bit. Last year the Institute met jointly with the Association for State and Local History. The year before more than 100 dele­ gates from 23 societies turned out to the "hot affair" under the museum skylight where panel discussions and speeches provided stimu­ lation for local society enthusiasts. This year we hope to return to the idea of a workshop. What would YOU like to have dis­ cussed? We would like to have workshop ses­ sions on subjects in which you would like help, advice, and practice. Museum techniques, care of manuscripts, programming for local societies —all are fair game this year. Will you write us your preference and any specific methods or techniques you want discussed? The meeting this year will be in Madison and immediately prior to the rededication of the building (detailed further in the director's column, "Smoke Rings" [smokeless still]).

Our consistent haJiit of writing detailed field reports after a day or a week visiting our friends in the State led to a choice bit of prose from the pen of Frank Efliott recently. Wearily Lowell S. Miller he dropped his field report on my desk and muttered something about "frustrating day." now president of the Midwest Museums Con­ One particular passage will serve as a sample ference and comes to Wisconsin from the Pub­ of his tribulations on that ill-fated day of lic Museum at Davenport, Iowa, which he manuscript searching. served as director. A personable young man of "This Waupaca lady who had the box of thirty-five. Miller brings to his new position a letters was not listed in phone book. Post office wide professional experience. If any one word man didn't know how^ to find her—suggested were needed to describe him, it would be that I go to the General Store at Sheridan for "vitality." And vitality he will give the Mara­ 'info.' Did so, and they didn't know either— thon County Society as it embarks on its broad did know, though, that if I would take the dirt program of getting the Yawkey home in shape road just outside of town for a section, turn as a museum, of starting a county-wide re­ right at the school and ask at the cheese plant search program, and of engaging in all other down the road a bit, that they would know. historical activities which will redound to the Worst dirt road I've seen since Okinawa. The benefit of the group. third man at the cheese plant knew where Mifler is married and has two children. He to send me—he thought. Followed directions received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees faithfully, left dirt road for wagon road and from Brigham Young University and continued finally found house—no one there—not even graduate work at Stanford, Illinois, and Iowa

166 CIRCUIT RIDER universities. His war experience consisted of $1.75 (hamburger steak) and we left a quarter. monotonous routine—forty-one months in a Total meal tips slightly below AAA standards, Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. He is thor­ 50 cents. oughly grounded in biology, having once In night clubs, tip is $2.00 minimum, says taught the subject at Parsons Coflege in Fair­ AAA. No time while in field. Work tifl mid­ field, Iowa. He lists woodworking, photog­ night cafling on people, writing reports, dic­ raphy, ceramics, and boy scout work among tating letters, and so on. Then too tired to go. his hobbies. He professes a hobby-type in­ Sightseeing guides, minimum of 25 cents, terest in "public speaking." says AAA. Lots of people have taken us sight­ While at the Davenport Museum he doubled seeing through their collections of antiques, the membership, initiated a school program, through local museums, through their base­ began a radio and TV series, and installed ments, attics, barns, and even woodsheds. many new exhibits. He is the author of several Luckily, tipping is out of place. articles—most of them in the natural history When you compound the above expenses field. Some of them may be startling to us with the greedy mouths of parking meters, the who are interested in the activities of man. grabbing hands of parking lot attendants, and Take, for instance, his article on "Reithrodon- an occasional ticket for overtime parking when tomys" or the one concerning problems in we get held up by a loquacious friend, the "Iowa Mammalogy" or even the scholarly con­ problem becomes, like the national debt, a tribution on "Ringed Salamander from Okla­ matter of concern. We will thank the AAA to homa." We should add that he has written reduce all costs of tipping by at least 50 per­ articles and book reviews also on the history cent. of the copper industry, conservation, and ar­ chaeology. His interests are broad and varied. The big red trailer is again wending its way through the coulees and over the crests of The modem day circuit rider is confronted Wisconsin's landscape, bringing to people in with the ever-present problem of tipping. Un­ every corner of the State a glimpse of Wiscon­ like salesmen who travel for companies, we sin and local history. The Historymobile is have no allowance for anything more than the mobile again. Leaving April 4 after kickoff exact cost of our meals and lodging while on ceremonies at Madison, the Historymobile has the road. This means, of course, a considerable already set a fast pace in its efforts to dupli­ dent in the pocketbook if we want to avoid the cate last year's total of 122,000 viewers. The scornful glances of bellboys, waitresses, and very capable Winn family will again herd the the like. It was, therefore, a slight shock to forty-three-foot Rollohome trailer over the scan the AAA's latest "Guide to Tipping While highways and byways of the State. Tripping." Using their scale we went through This year the exhibit is new. Transportation a day in the field in the Fox River Valley with is the theme, and the colorful displays include the following results. models, photographs, artifacts, and brightly Beflboy should get 25 cents per suitcase, colored models of early-day boats, cars, street­ says AAA. We had an overnight bag, a brief­ cars, and trains. Captions carry the theme of case, a portable dictating machine, a tape re­ the story and bring continuity to the exhibit. corder, and a portable typewriter on which we When the Historymobile stops anywhere in labor far into the night. The grasping bellboy your area, be sure to see it. It's a different sort who took us to our room wouldn't let us get of exhibit from last year's display and if any­ our hands on a thing. Total price to bellboy thing, MORE interesting. The Society can fur­ had I met AAA standards, $1.25. nish a detailed schedule to anyone interested. In restaurants 15 percent (at least) of the The long range impact of the Historymobile check, says AAA. Breakfast cost us 70 cents so cannot be measured any more than the long we fudged a little and left a thin dime. Lunch range influence of many of the Society's other was $1.05 and we tipped 15 cents. Dinner was activities.

167 We suppose the Carolinians had a general Pandora^?^ discussion after the papers were collected, and even the most puzzling characters and scenes might have ended up having names. Box ^^ Identifying Aunt Eliza in hoop costume and snood, or the octagon house into which Grand­ father and Grandmother Castle moved on their wedding day and lived for many years might have been a happy surprise to one or another guest. A surreptitious daguerreotype—out of an ancient plush album—might suddenly bring subdued buzzing. Of course the Carolinians found the occasion pleasant, and Raleigh's historicafly minded family had an opportunity to become better acquainted. Since, as we said, we snitched Scrambling for an Idea? the idea from their publication, we might as well make an exact report of their success: There's no question about program chairmen "About seventy-five people came to the party scrambling around to turn up program ideas. and joined in a contest to see who could Original ideas are as scarce as skating in July identify the largest number of the old pictures where we come from, but we snitched a sort ... it is certain that a large number of here­ of newish one which sounds like an evening tofore unidentified photographs will now be of fun—provided refreshments are served! positively labeled." The idea! A photo identification party. The How do you hke the Carolinians' idea? preparation is as simple as anything. Those Why not plan such a party, do some news­ of you who are in charge of picture collec­ paper publicity inviting all the historicafly tions for various organizations should retrieve minded persons of the community to come and the unidentified photos from your files, then help a good cause? (And . . . don't forget the number them temporarily, then attach them to refreshments!) L.K. your meeting-room wafls. When the guests have arrived, distribute pencfls and paper and set them to work. If you are awarding a prize, Here the Carolinians Are Trying To Identify the Photographs at the Hall of History Party. the rule should be, "Every man for himself." The idea for such a jolly get-together was reported in Carolina Comments, November, 1954. The North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Hall of History Divi­ WHAT? WHERE? sion, at Raleigh, received a large collection of negatives through a bequest. Among the 12,000 there were street scenes, views of North Carolina towns, aerial views and others, many of them lacking identification. Local societies would undoubtedly own much smafler photo collections, but their curators, too, are struggling with this identification problem. (This would be the place to squeeze in a note explaining that the Sawyer, Wau­ paca, and Richland County historical societies had such parties—but the reporters said nothing about serving refreshments!)

168 ^p^

You'll enjoy Waukesha's free spring water when you learn of the community effort that went into the restoration of the spring and springhouse. Young and ohl attended the gala reopening.

Crystal Clear Water tiubbles Again at Spring; (left) Casino

Silurian Spring Restored at Waukesha by Vern Snow^

For several decades Waukesha's spring waters then, almost over night, the spring took on a remained locked in their subterranean cells new importance. and its once-teeming fountain houses were In 1868 Colonel Richard Dunbar, a diabetic obscured by weeds and debris. Like other relative of a local family, discovered that the fast-growing communities, Waukesha was so mineral waters of Waukesha gave relief to busy with the present, it had little or no time the sick. Their fame spread rapidly. The for the past. Then a few citizens reminded waters were shipped far and wide. Soon hotels the community of its rich and interesting his­ and boarding houses overflowed as people tory; soon several organizations realized the from all parts of the world trekked to Wau­ deplorable state of the springs; finally the kesha each summer to enjoy the springs, baths, entire community awoke to its lack of appre­ concerts, hops, and races. Elaborately deco­ ciation and responded by restoring one of its rated springhouses checkered the flat prairie. Thousands of trees were planted to shade the historic landmarks. summer tourists. In a few years Waukesha Silurian Spring^ took its name from the was transformed from a smafl sheep-raising limestone rock formation which underlies community to one of the most fashionable Waukesha. It was first tapped in 1840, when watering places west of the Alleghenies. It David Jackson built a crude "log conduit" was cafled "The Saratoga of the West." from the natural fountain to his nearby home. Silurian Spring changed with Waukesha. For over thirty years the crystal-clear waters Taking advantage of the abundant liquid and flowed through Jackson's crude aqueduct, Dunbar's "discovery," Mr. Jackson began to bottle Silurian water, advertise, and ship it iVern Snow was born in Milwaukee. His Ph.D. was both near and far. Then, in 1875 the Freeman received at the University of Wisconsin in 1953, after which he joined the history faculty at the University reported that "Mr. David Smeaton (the new of Oregon. proprietor) has opened his bathing rooms ^Mrs. Edith M. Tallmadge, county historian of near his spring on Broadw^ay past the Congre­ Waukesha County, writes: "It was officially voted at gational Church. The buildings and furnish­ the City Council, September 2, 1952, to change the name of Silurian Spring to 'Waukesha Spring.' " ings are all new and of the latest and most —EDITORS. approved patterns, consequently a bath at Mr.

169 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

Smeaton's establishment will do one good." tion of their youthful haunts, but few were The prairie between Broadway and Main willing or able to afleviate the condition. For Streets had its "face lifted." Trees were years their lamentations fell on deaf ears. planted. A miniature lake was added to the One person, however, never ceased to re­ landscape. A pagoda-like fountain house was mind Waukeshavians of their rich past. Mrs. raised; Silurian Spring and its bubbling Tallmadge, Waukesha's beloved white-haired waters became Waukesha's pride and joy. historian and archivist, refused to let the com­ Along with Waukesha's other springs, Sil­ munity forget its glorious history. Her talks urian quenched the thirst of thousands of peo­ stirred both old and young alike; her conver­ ple, including many celebrities. Justice Chase sation was interlaced with stories about the rested in Waukesha and enjoyed the waters, "golden age"; her newspaper articles kept the as did Vice-presidents Wilson and Stevenson, spirit of the past alive. Generals Sheridan and McClure, governors, It was not until after the Second World War senators, and a host of others. Even Abra­ that serious consideration was given to the ham Lincoln's widow made her way to the repair and restoration of the springs. And it nationally famed spa to partake of its well- was not until 1951 that a concentrated effort advertised virtues. was launched to reactivate Silurian Spring. Silurian changed hands several times before In that year the Jaycees decided to spearhead the turn of the century, but it never ceased the movement for restoration by making it to supply its owners and their guests with their 1953 "project." From the very start the water aplenty. In 1879 one Mr. Haslage, a problems were many. Would the city council Pittsburgh merchant, who had found relief assent to the plan? Would the state health in Silurian water, purchased the spring and authorities test and approve the water? Where surrounding property. He then promoted the would financial support come from? Would water on a large scale, using newspaper "ads.," the community respond and cooperate? tourist brochures, and personal testimonials. Waukesha's mayor favored the scheme from A Chicago paper noted in 1880: "The Silurian its inception and cooperated throughout the Spring is the most superb fountain of crystal entire campaign, but the city council proved water we ever looked upon. Its clearness and more difficult to convince. Only after assuring purity are its patents of hygienic power. The them that the Jaycees and allied organizations grounds are beautifufly ornamented, while would cooperate with the city park did the baths of various kinds, reading rooms, veran­ council members give the proposal their sup­ das, croquet, etc., complete the attractions of port. The park board, too, demanded certain that place and explain the patronage that promises and guarantees. Silurian Spring, if daily throngs it." restored, would have to be repaired and main­ Though "The Saratoga of the West" sur­ tained by the participating groups; the ex­ vived lean years and two severe depressions, penses would have to be met by them. it could not withstand the revolution in trans­ The next hurdle was the health authorities, portation brought about by the automobile for the spring water would have to meet their and airplane. As distances were covered more stringent standards. Here trpuble arose. Un­ rapidly, Waukesha lost some of its rustic fortunately, surface water had penetrated the uniqueness. As the nation marched westward natural outlet to such an extent that the water and northward new vacation lands eclipsed was polluted. Only after the spring was cased Waukesha. New drugs and medical treatment to a considerable depth did the inspector ap­ replaced the old. By 1903 the golden age of prove the water and declare it fit for human the Silurian Spring was over. consumption. The springs were soon capped while the Needless to say, the restoration project costs fountain houses were locked, boarded shut, mounted, but throughout the entire campaign and fenced off from the public. Before long a marvelous spirit of cooperation prevailed. they were surrounded by weeds, and gradu- Individuals gave their time and services. Or­ afly they passed from monuments of splendor ganizations lent their talent. Some retail busi­ to public "eyesores." Needless to say, many ness concerns donated material, while others old-timers lamented the decay and dilapida­ sold equipment at cost. Two large industrial

170 SNOW SILURIAN SPRING RESTORED

firms contributed money. The restoration, no the city's mayor, and a host of other digni­ longer solely a Jaycee project, had become a taries gave tributes to Waukesha's past and community goal. praised the restoration. The next objective was the springhouse The community as a whole responded to itself. The boards were removed, the win- the celebration in an extraordinary manner. dowpanes were replaced, and the grounds Hundreds took part in the dedication. Several beautified. A drinking fountain and tap were thousand Waukeshavians turned out to watch installed. The steps were repaired. Finafly, a the parade, hear the speeches, and taste the commemorative stone was set near the en­ water that made Waukesha "famous." Young trance and the "final touches" were added. and old alike flocked to the restored spring- On June 14, 1953, after years of anticipa­ house. Refreshments were served, and there tion and months of hard work, Silurian Spring was entertainment aplenty. was formally restored. In preparation for the Though individuals spearheaded the cam­ commemoration the newspapers ran a long paign, and though local groups sparked the series of articles on Waukesha's history, and effort, the citizens of Waukesha completed the WAUX, the radio station, "talked up" the task. No longer will inquisitive tourists be restoration. A parade, composed of local denied a "free drink" of Waukesha's spring bands, numerous floats, and several marching water. No longer will the springhouse be a units, wended its way past the numerous public "eyesore." The restoration of Silurian springs that once teemed with people. The Spring marks a new chapter in Waukesha's congressional representative, the county judge. history. END

REMEMBER "UNCLE HARRY" DANKOLER? Of course you remember him! His newsy // you have few friends, it may be be­ Christmas letter came to our desk choke- cause you build a wall around yourself full of wise words, optimism, and good instead of building a bridge to them. cheer. On the threshold of ninety-two, When you are obliged to speak, be he comments merrily: "I've made an­ sure to speak the truth, for equivocation other milestone and am in fine condition is halfway to lying. at this writing and look forward to an­ There are times when it doesn't pay other year of good health and happiness, to assert your rights—on a country road having been busy at the Door County in an automobile. Museum [Sturgeon Bay] all summer, It is better to do a little kicking than and now at my cottage in Florida for the to deteriorate into dry rot. winter. ..." A friend hopes that he The secret of keeping eternally young makes it ninety-nine years, and "Uncle is to have an inquiring mind. Harry" replies: "If nothing unforeseen Don^t try to begin at the top—get a occurs I may make it." With his philoso­ little knowledge and experience. phy we wager he will light 100 candles on a coming day. Mind your own business and keep You will enjoy some of "Uncle your tongue from evil. Harry's" gentle reminders, which he has To please God and love your work is gathered in his letter under the head, the good life. "Something to Think About": Remember, the past can never be re­ Do not run into debt; watch the little captured. leaks and you can get by. Practice self- These little commandments may be denial, and you'll have money to spare. adopted or rejected. "Whosoever is // you keep a thing seven years, you wise will ponder these things." may find a use for it. In the Museum I Fareivell, and the best of everything learned that the rubbish of one genera­ "Uncle Harry'' tion is the treasure of another.

171 Junior Historians' Activity ... I am in the seventh grade at Five Points School. I live by the Five Points Cheese Factory where my grandfather makes cheese. Our Badger History Club and teacher is send­ ing a pound of cheese from our factory. Grandfather came from Switzerland to Lan­ caster, and bought the factory and is now making cheese. My brother Jake is in the eighth grade here Sine too. In the woods near our schoolhouse we found a few log remnants of the old log schoolhouse. Since then we have found a few items of inter­ est about our school which we are sending you. Medal from the Polish Embassy Lancaster, Route 4 KAREN SCHURMAN In honor of the birthday on February 12 of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the great Polish patriot We have received the book. Side Roads, and a brilliant general officer in the American and are very grateful to you. It happened War of Independence, we take pleasure in that we had the book, Side Roads, in our li­ forwarding under separate cover the medal brary so Mrs. Schlax bought it for her daugh­ which was struck in celebration of the bi­ ter's library. centenary of his birth in 1946. The inscrip­ With this money we received, we are going tion is from a tribute paid to Kosciuszko by to buy another Wisconsin book for our Wis­ Thomas Jefferson. consin library. We would like to get the book. The medal was designed by Stanislaw Os- Alluring Wisconsin. trowski, the well-known Polish artist who sculp­ We have been discussing and retelling tured the statue of the Polish King Jagiello stories of early East Troy history recently. which stands in New York City's Central We like the story of Mr. Potter who was an Park. early resident of our Community district. We, We hope that the medal will be added to that ride buses to and from school, can hardly your collection of historic memorabilia as a imagine walking to and from Milwaukee to token of the very old friendship between the do shopping as he did. Polish and American peoples. Stewart School JUDY HARDMAN CzESLAW GRONOSTAJ. Attache in East Troy Charge of Cultural Affairs Washington, D.C. Wisconsin Then and Now It is, indeed, a handsome medal and has been Whoever is responsible is doing a magnifi­ added with gratitude to our collections—EDI• cent writing and editing job on Wisconsin TORS. Then and Now. Time Magazine couldn't have boiled down the gist of the convention more TV Works for Society succinctly, graphically, wisely. Congratula­ I am interested in the purpose and the func­ tions. tions of this organization [Historical Society]. Chicago VICTOR RUBIN Please send me what information you can, and I may be interested in a membership as brought to my attention on a recent TV an­ nouncement. Medford REUBEN HUNGSBERG

172 DABNEY DEFENSE OF LYMAN DRAPER

DEFENSE OF DRAPER of the masses. The aim of freedom for the {Continued from page 134) slaves was a perfectly legitimate theme but it should have been coupled with compensation volley firing by two Alabama regiments and for the owners. Even had the Civil War not three Confederate batteries on a hill slightly occurred when it did, slavery was on the road in the rear of the infantry position. If these to extinction. It was morally indefensible and Western boys had not taken the church, Vicks­ could not have justified its existence much burg would not have fallen. Three companies longer. of the Eleventh Wisconsin charged directly up The stand of the North on the theme of the dirt lane head on into the church, and the perpetuating the Union was unassailable and other companies of the regiment by the right united all parties and all elements. and left flanks. The two Alabama regiments No one North or South today can be found gave way, and Grant's celebrated flanking who is an apologist for either slavery or movement began which ended in the siege and secession. surrender of Vicksburg. At the time of the It is not found in any of our school histories battle of Magnolia Church, Grant had just got but it is an established fact that Governor a foothold on the Eastern side of the Missis­ Wise of Virginia planned a secession meeting sippi and, if his few advance units had given at Raleigh, North Carolina, in the fafl of 1856 away, he could never have perfected his lodg­ if Fremont had defeated Buchanan, but he did ment on the Mississippi side: he would have not and the meeting was postponed. Letters been in the same predicament Sherman was are extant which clearly show this. in when he failed to make good his landing There reposes in my collection a most re­ at the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs in the pre­ markable letter showing black market and vious December. contraband operations on a scale unbelievable Another popular fallacy is that the South in Richmond. The date line shows "British was overwhelmingly in favor of secession. My Consulate, Richmond, Va. May 1, 1863," and friends, it was the other way around. Finding was addressed to an individual high in the that the great mass of the people of the South councils of the Davis government, with in­ fervently loved and were attached to the Union structions to answer this writer (who used a of their fathers, the scheming politicians or nom de plume) care of the British Consulate. "fire eaters" arranged "packed" convention The letter explained in detail a gigantic to­ systems, and denied the people the right to bacco and cotton operation, both being contra­ either ratify or condemn the action of the band, and detailed the modus operandi by various state conventions. which these commodities were being gathered No sooner had the war ended than it began in the Confederacy, shipped through both the to dawn on the great mass of the common peo­ Confederate and Federal lines to Northern ple of the South, who owned very few, if any, ports from whence they were shipped to slaves, and had borne the brunt of the fighting France and Britain. It gleefully reported the bravely through four long years, that they had immense profits that were accruing to the been wrongfully used, and the cry then arose individuals in the Confederacy and in the that it had been a rich man's war and a poor North who were its beneficiaries. At the time man's fight. They had been so propagandized this letter was written many Southern boys and swayed by the "fire eaters" that they in the army were going barefooted and sub­ could not realize that it had been a politician's sisting on ears of green corn. It is a sad, sad, war and a poor man's fight. The planters, commentary. It is fortunate, from a historical large and small, were unionists not secession­ point of view that the recipient did not heed ists because they very well knew that if a war the precautionary remark to "burn or destroy came it would in all likelihood result in the this letter." end of slavery, with terrible economic loss Few know that the Southern Pacific Rail­ to them. road, now in operation, was originafly planned Candor compels me to say that the North by the South to bring California in as a slave was not wholly blameless. She had her ex­ state, but such is the fact. At a Southern com­ tremists who played constantly on the feelings mercial congress in Memphis in the latter

173 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 forties, presided over by the venerable John history founded and consecrated by his long C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, he asked for sustained efforts he will influence the course a map and when handed to him drew a of historical research to the end of time; and straight line from Charleston to the Pueblo de he stifl lives in the vast collection bequeathed los angeles, then having a population of 1,100 in trust to the State Historical Society where souls. The road was duly incorporated as the future generations may obtain inspiration in Southern Pacific Railroad, but was composed these hallowed precincts. of a group of subsidiaries, and work was com­ There can never be another Draper, but we pleted to Marshafl, Texas, in 1862, when the can all be his disciples. effect of the Civil War stopped further con­ His life work and example now remain to struction and the Southern Pacific Railroad us. Let it admonish us to integrity of purpose was thrown into court and litigation and ex­ and industry of action. pired. In 1876 it was started from the Cali­ While he had his foibles and vagaries as all fornia end by the Huntingtons and finally of us do, his innate goodness and sincerity so reached El Paso in 1882, where it joined a far exceeded them that we gladly cover them connecting link to New Orleans. Had the with the mantle of charity and consign them strong group of secessionists who met on the to oblivion. Plaza in Los Angeles at candlelight on the last It is your speaker's belief that when life's day of December, 1860, been able to organize course has been run and a general accounting the Pacific Republic (which they nearly ac­ had at the divine throne, the measure of our complished), consisting of California, New usefulness to our feflow beings will be evalu­ Mexico, and Oregon, the original Southern ated by the extent to which disinterestedness Pacific Railroad—Calhoun's dream—might and altruism have motivated our acts as well very well have become a reality. as the results produced thereby, and that the Striking a more modern note I have a mes­ measure of success to which we may lay claim sage to his Wisconsin friends from the war will be in direct ratio to those qualities. eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry Regi­ Or in the words of Erskine uttered over 150 ment. Old Abe wishes to be remembered to years ago: you all and is again on his perch atop the Holding up the great volumes of our lives column of the Wisconsin monument. He is a in his hands, and regarding the general little piece of Wisconsin 1,000 miles south, but scope of them; if He discovers benevolence, he feels at home now as he looks out over our charity and good will beating in the heart, happy and united nation. While he is far from where He alone can look; if He finds that Eau Claire, he knows that he will always be our conduct, though often forced out of the close to the hearts and feelings of all of you. path by our infirmities, has been in gen­ May he always serve as a symbol of American eral well directed: His all-searching eye wifl assuredly never pursue us into those freedom down the ages. little corners of our lives; much less will Draper soon after coming to Wisconsin was His justice select them for punishment, instrumental in the reorganization of the State without the general context of our existence, Historical Society on a solid basis, and this by which faults may be sometimes found to called for the exercise of just the kind of have grown out of virtues, and very many ability he possessed. A historical society had of our heaviest offenses to have been grafted been proposed even before your State emerged by human imperfection upon the best and from the chrysalis state of a territory into kindest of our affections. that of statehood, but at the time of Draper's If the general tenor of a man's life be such arrival it was dormant. He nurtured and as I have described it, he may walk through sustained the infant society, and but for his the shadow of death, with all his faults about energy and persistence it would have long him, with as much cheerfulness as in the common paths of life; because he knows, since fallen by the wayside. that instead of a stern accuser to expose be­ Draper was a man without guile and the fore the Author of his nature, those frail very epitome of sincerity, and while over passages which checker the volume of the sixty-three years ago he put on the robes of brightest and best spent life. His mercy will the infinite existence, here in this shrine of obscure them from the eye of his purity.

174 DABNEY : DEFENSE OF LYMAN DRAPER

and our repentance blot them out forever. If it be a truism that patriotism and love Lyman Copeland Draper was the premier of country have their seeds and roots in a na­ collector of the Americas in relation to history. tional sentiment that has respect and venera­ This collecting he pursued with great intensity, tion for the past of the Republic, then too and singleness of purpose, and it became the many encomiums can never be passed on the aim and object of his very existence. His early memory of Draper. The Republic owes him a vision caught the future greatness and apothe­ debt that she can never fully satisfy. osis of the Union. To him there was no North, His vast collections intact to this day in the South, East or West, but with a singleness of guardian care of our great State Historical purpose exemplified by Scott's character of Society are an enduring monument to him, and the beautiful state of Wisconsin in recog­ "Old Mortality" he traveled tens of thousands nizing what Draper has meant to the cause of miles throughout the whole breadth of the of American history has won the right to Union on foot, horseback, stagecoach, canal- add to her escutcheon "fidem et gratia." boat, sailing vessel, railroad, and steamboat, When the muse of history shall write the in his unceasing quest for historical data and final verdict of posterity on that character who manuscripts. He rescued from the fate of ob­ has done the most for her cause in the Re­ livion the immortal march of Clark's men public, she wifl without hesitation write in single file through the flood waters of the letters of living light in a trinity of words Iflinois country to Vincennes and Kaskaskia across the azure blue sky of America—"Ly­ where he replaced the flag of Britain with the man Copeland Draper." colors of our first national ensign; brought to In the early days of the Republic a quaint life minute details of Lord Dunmore's war; custom was in vogue. When friends gathered the minutiae of border warfare; luminously around the convivial table and after partaking painted the clash on King's Mountain; placed of a bountiful repast and the best of Madeira the proper evaluation on and in the proper began to flow, sentiments also began to flow perspective, the lonely treks of the missionaries on a national and local level. In keeping with from Lower Canada throughout the whole this storied custom and in concluding these Northwest Territory; as well as the trips of scattering remarks, I desire to propose the the early voyageurs down the Mississippi from following toast: "To beautiful Wisconsin, the its source to the gulf; and gave an impetus to brightest star in the Constellation of the research in American history never attained Union; we shall pay everlasting homage at in any age. thy shrine." END

Sunday Music The Detroit Historical Museum's 1890 going on and stayed to enjoy the music. parlor organ is being put to use this Programs are arranged through the co­ winter when the visitors in the Museum operation of the Director of Church gather each Sunday afternoon for a Music, Radio and Television for the series of concerts featuring guest organ­ Detroit Council of Churches. . . . ists and soloists of the Detroit area. —History News, Nov. 1954. "Sunday with the Parlor Organ" fea­ This we believe to be an excellent idea to tures experts in the field of "pumping" increase the attendance at any museum. and "playing," giving the audience a Douglas County Historical Society Mu­ concert that is really exciting. seum put on Sunday "Sings,'' accompa­ Popularity of such a program has been nied by its "parlor organ," and the demonstrated by the overflow crowds visitors enjoyed them.—EDITORS. who have drifted in just to see what was

175 Eisenhower Memorial Museum and Home

The cornerstone was laid by President pieces in the home needed to be re­ Eisenhower and his brothers in June, stored or replaced. 1952, upon which arose the Eisenhower The informational leaflet states that Memorial Museum at Abilene, Kansas. "the Museum displays trace the life of This $350,000 structure, which houses President Eisenhower through high the President's war trophies, medals, and school in Abilene, West Point, his mili­ mementoes of his personal life, came tary career, and on to the Presidency. . . . about through the contributions of "The "Large pylons in honor of members Eisenhower Foundation Organized to of the Eisenhower family were erected Promote Citizenship and to Honor Vet­ by the Kansas D.A.R. in the reflecting erans of America's Wars, Inc." a non­ pool directly in front of the main en­ profit corporation of eminent Kansas trance and appropriate murals are to be citizens and others across the Nation. placed on the lobby wafls. . . ." Of Onaga native limestone this memo­ Abilene, a community of some 5,775 rial, its contents valued at more than citizens, was host to the President and $1,500,000, neighbors with the Eisen­ Mrs. Eisenhower on November 11. With hower homestead which once echoed the them was their son. Major John Eisen­ boisterous living of the young Eisen­ hower, and the President's brothers, hower brothers. Milton and Earle, when the President gave the dedicatory address at the open­ The grounds adjacent to the home ing of the Museum. cover an area of approximately one city The President told his more than block. An additional block was pur­ 7,500 listeners that the Memorial struc­ chased by the Foundation and is being ture would stand as a symbol of the incorporated into the Museum grounds. "priceless gift of freedom of speech, In appearance the house resembles an worship, and the preservation of oppor­ average citizen's homeplace, which is tunity for every individual to fulfill him­ preserved as it was upon the death of the self, which American citizenship con­ President's mother on September 11, veys." Fulsome tribute was paid to the 1946. It was a gift from the heirs of the armed forces in observance of Veterans' estate to the Foundation. Day. The square, clapboarded structure Appearing on the program with him with a rambling front porch has been was Dr. Milton E. Eisenhow^er, president visited since June 7, 1947, by more than of Pennsylvania State University, who 250,000 persons from afl states and ter­ made the formal response to the then ritories and 100 foreign countries ac­ governor, Edward F. Arn, on behalf of cording to H. W. Rohrer, Museum the Eisenhower family. director. The pieces of furniture, not A proud possession of the Nation, the luxurious, occupy their same familiar citizens of Abilene, no doubt, will es­ places. Hooked rugs cover the floors, pecially cherish the Eisenhower Memo­ with homemade spreads and coverlets rial Museum and Home. A significant on the beds; photographs, laces, and landmark, generations of Americans to souvenirs are exhibited as the mother come will revere it as a President's had arranged them. None of the historic family shrine in Mid-America.

176 teaders* choice

GENERAL HISTORY The Folk Arts of Norway. By JANICE S. STEW­ The Conquest by Man: The Saga of Early Ex­ ART. (The University of Wisconsin Press, ploration and Discovery. By PAUL HERR­ Madison, 1953. Pp. 310. Illustrations 200. MANN. (Published by Hamish Hamilton, $10.) London, 1954. Pp. 455. Illustrations, 117. The folk art of Norway cannot be called a 31 maps. $4.20.) "peasant art," for in the Norwegian scheme This is a book that all readers, except those of things there were no peasants as such. The that crave sentiment, will enjoy. It is a grand Norwegian bonde were respected by the up­ story of the penetration of man into the ob­ per classes and their pride in their position scure regions that lay beyond his horizon. It gave them an independence of thought and covers the entire period of man's recorded his­ action unknown to farmers of other European tory. It goes even farther back, because the countries. Perhaps it is this same independ­ first chapter deals with those remote ancestors ence of thought which led to the development whose most precious material possessions were of such a wide variety of characteristically a few pieces of flint. To them these flint tools, Norwegian folk art forms. Why the Nor­ so superior to other stone implements, repre­ wegian farmer felt such a compulsion to deco­ sented power, safety, and the better things of rate every common object he handled daily life obtainable through profitable barter. is perhaps not quite clear, but the fact re­ mains that Norway has one of the richest From this early beginning the author tells traditions of folk art in the world. of the quest for amber on the shores of the Baltic, tin in England, precious stones in In this comprehensive study, Mrs. Stewart India, silk in China, frankincense in Arabia, has produced probably the first book written and gold in the lands of Ophir and Punt. Each in English on a subject, or rather a number of these new discoveries created new centers of subjects, which should be of great inter­ of commerce and far-reaching lanes of traffic est to the large Norwegian population of Wis­ in new directions. In this narrative the scene consin as well as to students of handicrafts. changes with every chapter, but it is always In a concise and direct manner, as would be dramatic with new actors and new concepts. necessary in a volume covering such an enor­ Dr. Herrmann's narrative of the intrepid mous field of study, the author has traced the men who led the way in this material progress development of the various crafts and their —men like Pytheas, Leif Erikson, Marco Polo, peculiar design motifs historicafly and geo­ Columbus, and many others—is most fascinat­ graphically, with enough sociological back­ ing. He does not credulously accept old tradi­ ground added to show how the crafts evolved tions, but carefully analyzes the source mate­ from and fitted into the lives of the people. rial and makes intelligent deductions. All in As Mrs. Stewart says in her opening sentence: afl, it is one of the most outstanding books of "There cannot be complete understanding of the present generation. The book first came an art unless there is a comprehension of the out in German in October, 1952, under the human element in it and the conditions under title 7 Vorbei und 8 Verweht in an edition of which it grew." Therefore, she begins with a 7,000 copies. One month later another edition study of the home life of the Norwegian farmer of 17,000 copies was published. Work on an as early as the Viking period and traces his English translation was immediately begun, interests, activities, architecture, and artistic and the present London edition came out this development through the high point in the (1954) fall. An American edition wifl soon growth of Norway's folk arts, the eighteenth be published by Harper and Brothers. and nineteenth centuries, to the modern re­ Ephraim HJALMAR R. HOLAND vival of interest in the old skills.

177 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

The author of a book such as this must The American Heritage. Edited by BRUCE have a wide understanding of the various CATTON. (Vol. 6, No. 1. December, 1954. crafts and their specific techniques, and Mrs. American Heritage Publishing Company, Stewart exhibits a most astounding knowl­ New York. Pp. 120. Color Iflustrations. edge of the necessary skills and processes as $2.95.) she discusses such widely diversified subjects For several years, American Heritage, a magazine devoted to popularizing history by as carving, rosemaling, metalwork, both the means of profuse illustrations and "interest­ heavy iron and brass work and the delicate ing" stories of the newspaper-feature type, has silver filigree, and weaving and embroidery. been published by the American Association Norway's mountains have divided the coun­ for State and Local History. For even more try into smafl, nearly isolated provinces, each years, a group calling itself the Society of province, because of its isolation, having de­ American Historians has been collecting dol­ veloped characteristic design forms and color lar dues from its members and engaging in preferences as well as language differences. various speculations about publishing a "popu­ This is perhaps most obvious in the costumes lar" magazine of history. Now, the Society of the districts, each very distinctive, but it has pooled its long accumulating funds with has also made it possible to identify, for ex­ the property interests of the Association, and ample, a painted cupboard as having been with a new publisher, a new editor, a new cover, and a new price, the new corporation made in Gudbrandsdal or a silver pin as being brings The American Heritage to what it hopes characteristic of Telemark. The crafts and de­ will be a new and larger market. The experi­ signs of Eastern Norway often differ markedly ment should whet the interest of publishers, from those of Western Norway, particularly journalists, and booksellers, and excite the the coastal areas, but background material is curiosity of serious students of history. given which helps explain the artistic differ­ American Heritage as a popular magazine ences. For example, in speaking of rosemaling has not been popular. A two-column, 81^" x in Setesdal (page 106), Mrs. Stewart says: 11" page, with profuse illustrations in color "Lying off the regular travel routes, it has and in black and white, it has been an expen­ managed to stay several centuries behind the sive undertaking. Its contents have been inter­ rest of Norway in almost every respect. Its esting—Indians, frontiersmen, battles, leaders, people were at least until the twentieth century, election campaigns—and designed apparently a suspicious, ultra-conservative clan, noted for to appeal to high-school students who have al­ their propensity for fighting. They were some­ ready been intellectually debauched by the thing less than hospitable to the officials sent publishers of the double-column picture-books there by the government, and in that respect which pass for history texts. The magazine had as well as their backwardness, they might be a good reception among high-school teachers compared to the people of the Ozark moun­ and students, and a reasonable number of gen­ tains in the United States." eral subscribers. It failed, however, to gain sufficient subscribers to make it a financial This discussion of the crafts by areas has success. Perhaps one reason for its lack necessarily led to some repetition, but has of success was the improvements made by its helped to clarify what would otherwise have natural competitors. It was, essentially, a local been a most confusing mass of information, magazine on a national scale. Its articles had especiafly since there was a certain amount of primarily a local appeal—and readers inter­ traveling from one district to another by a ested in local and state history could find fuller few artisans, and therefore an exchange and and more satisfying food in newly dressed-up overlapping of some design characteristics. state magazines. The Wisconsin Magazine of A large number of illustrations is an im­ History adopted a "popular" format, adorned portant feature of any book on handicrafts, its once staid pages with pictures, sprinkled and for the most part Mrs. Stewart has chosen through its pages personal chitchat about the her illustrations well. The five full-color plates doings of its staff until it looked like an alumni of rosemaling will be of special interest to magazine. The Virginia Cavalcade shone forth with pictures of scenery and historic shrines, those modern craftsmen who are perpetually bolstered with twice-told tales of the lore of searching for new design material. the Old Dominion until it looked like a bro­ Madison ELAINE SMEDAL QUANT chure to catch the tourist trade. Against such

178 READERS CHOICE

competition, the old American Heritage made and a comedy of errors" describing "The Day poor headway. They Burned the Capitol" in 1814, a story on Whether the new American Heritage will be a "colorful" western mining boom town, a ten- able to win the popular patronage is an open page color layout on "Painting in the Plains" question. Its price—$10 to charter members (mislabeled "Middle West"), and four color and $12 to late-comers—would seem to put it pages on the Cajun country of Louisiana. In out of the high-school market and to be a bid addition, there is a letter of Theodore Roose­ for the doctor's office trade. Fortune and £"5- velt describing the funeral of Edward VII quirc, even higher in price, show up regularly (which recently appeared in the Letters of —if belatedly—in the foyers of dental estab­ Roosevelt, and is scheduled for another re­ lishments, and American Heritage might join printing in another volume!) ; a sample of an them. The first noticeable thing about the new "oral history" interview with an advertising Heritage is that it is in hard covers—bound executive; a 25,000 word excerpt from P. like a book, and comes complete with a glossy Horgan's Rio Grande; an essay, filled with dust-jacket showing an Indian in swimming dubious statements, comparing British and trunks, wearing a fur cummerbund, mounted American historiography; a couple of pages on a mythological beast which looks a little of book-notes on "popular" books, and nine like a horse, and firing an arrow into a Disney­ items of "news of history." like animal which the artist describes as a It is worth noting that only two of the buffalo. Such a book is obviously designed fourteen articles are written by professional for the piano-bench and coffee-table trade and American historians. One of them, the essay might well take its place alongside the florid on Ford, is by Allan Nevins, chairman of the birdbooks and volumes of art masterpieces advisory board and a one-time journalist which lend prestige and an aura of culture to turned professional historian. The other, a the purposely careless living-rooms of the "egg­ description of how a Congressional committee heads." But the question arises—and since this investigated a suspected Union general, which is a commercial enterprise it may rightly be amounts to a veiled editorial, is by T. Harry examined for its commercial potentialities— Wifliams, a professional historian turning to the question arises whether this market is not journalism. The other authors are all profes­ exhausted with a single copy? After all, a sional writers who have given more or less single copy of an art book establishes its owner attention to writing history. as a lover of culture. Does a five-year file of Even one to six may be a high percentage American Heritage carry greater prestige than of professional historians who are either in­ a single copy? terested in or capable of writing in a popular If this discussion has centered about the vein. Most professionals would not want to market places, it is due to the fact that this write journalistic "feature" stories, and would is an interesting commercial experiment with not be able to write them if they wished. The only an incidental relation to the sort of things professional historian is trained for research, that should be discussed in a journal devoted and is interested in discovering new facts and to historical scholarship. This is frankly no presenting new interpretations. Often his pro­ scholarly journal interested in the discovery ductions are tentative, suggestive, or contro­ and interpretation of new materials, in making versial. He is more interested in advancing contributions to knowledge, in analysis of the the frontiers of knowledge than in picturesque factors which enter into a historical situation. descriptions of the frontiers. His researches It is, rather, an attempt to popularize the are published in the professional journals and quaint, the dramatic, the adventurous, and the romantic aspects of the American past. "Ex­ by the university presses. citing" is the adjective that appears most often The popular historian, on the other hand, in the blurb mailed to prospective charter sub­ has other purposes. He is concerned with en­ scribers—"Its purpose is to bring to life again tertainment and with the wide transmission the vivid, exciting story of our country's past." of information. Both of these are valuable The contents of this first volume are suf­ aims—they are, in essence, the teaching func­ ficiently vivid—whether or not they are excit­ tion. Popular historians try to make history ing. There is a "sprightly" account of steam­ palatable, and to stress the unique, the quaint, boat days on "The Old Fall River Line," a and the dramatic. They tend to avoid the con­ "nostalgic piece" about old country stores at troversial, and their criteria of selection are Christmas, a "study of club life" among the those of Hollywood, the mass circulation maga­ gentlemen's clubs of New York, a "tragedy zines, and the producers of television.

179 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955

Clearly there is a continued need for the a fairly stable price of six hours per bushel research scholar, for the professional journals, and milk ten minutes per quart. Meanwhile and for the university presses. It is devoutly his writings attracted several articulate con­ to be hoped that the glittering attractiveness verts who employed Warrenite principles in of the new American Heritage does not excite uncompromising attacks on banks, private too much imitation, and that the learned ownership of land, taxation, and the state in periodicals do not succumb to the fad for full- general. Toward the end of the nineteenth page color illustrations and for "historical" century Benjamin Tucker rounded out and feature stories. It is, however, on the other summed up these ideas in a career of agita­ hand, devoutly to be wished that professional tion extending over three decades. historians take a lesson from the literary ex- Violence, we are reminded, had no place in ceflence of the popular history magazines. this indigenous tradition, and—what is less Solid researchers may not often hope to make familiar—it held fast to private enterprise in the best-sefler lists or to have their lucubra­ contrast to the collectivist temper of European tions embalmed for display on the coffee tables anarchism. On more debatable ground. Dr. of the Upper-Middle-Brows, but they might Martin jealously insists that Henry Thoreau well attempt to write better than they do. They and William Lloyd Garrison have no standing might study the American Heritage with profit as true anarchists. His select company includes to the profession. only secular materialists. WILLIAM B. HESSELTINE This very earnest, arduously researched University of Wisconsin monograph, with its ponderous summary of argument upon argument, writer by writer, Men Against the State: the Expositors of Indi­ must daunt all but the most determined and vidualist Anarchism in America, 1827- scholarly readers. Yet the value of the book 1908. By JAMES J. MARTIN. With a Fore­ really goes beyond its burden of detail. Unlike word by Harry Elmer Barnes. (Adrian the slighter studies that have preceded it, it Allen Associates, DeKalb, Iflinois, 1953. puts the economics of American anarchism in Pp. ix, 306. Bibliography and Index. the foreground, and it carefully traces the affili­ $6.25.) ations between the men under discussion. The In 1827 Josiah Warren quit Robert Owens' author himself modestly confesses the princi­ collapsing socialist experiment at New Har­ pal shortcoming in a characteristically ele­ mony, Indiana, and opened a store. By selling phantine statement: "There are distinct and goods, he w^as going to sell an idea. Warren noticeable limitations in the presentation of had rebelled totally against any restraint on this monograph especially as a result of the individual enterprise, but he nevertheless clung sparse interpretation and the reluctance to to the fundamental concept in Owenite eco­ throw the subject of anarchism against the nomics: that labor is the sole source of value broader backdrop of American social history and deserves the whole return from its prod­ in a more sweeping and dramatic manner." uct. As a practical demonstration, Warren JOHN HIGHAM accepted from each customer not a monetary University of California profit but instead a promise of an amount of labor equal to what the storekeeper had ex­ What is America? By ARTHUR GOODFRIEND. pended in serving him. Through an equal and (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1954. voluntary exchange of one man's labor for Illustrations. Pp. 123. Paper: $1.50; another's, Warren came to believe, exploitation hard cover: $3.50.) would cease, monopolies would disappear, the The Advertising Council, a voluntary, non­ whole privilege-creating system of legislation profit organization of advertising and busi­ and government would become unnecessary, nessmen devoted to publicizing national needs, and the complete emancipation of the indi­ sponsored a forum known as the American vidual would naturafly follow. From this Round Table "to develop a restatement, in homely beginning, according to Dr. Martin, modern terms, of the ideals, beliefs and dy­ the "native American" tradition of anarchism namics of the American society." Forty-one sprang. distinguished men and women, chosen from Like other social innovators in that ad­ every field, talked for seven days and there venturous age, Warren soon turned to estab­ exists a report of these sessions. Listening in lishing communities where his principles could was Arthur Goodfriend, onetime editor of the secure a fufl-scale test. At one budding Utopia Army's Stars and Stripes, later a compiler of he had the satisfaction of seeing wheat reach several selections of pictures, published in

180 READERS CHOICE book form, on democracy and world ideals. graphs are not accompanied by identifying He developed this book by choosing some 101 captions, which would doubtless have weak­ brief quotations from the Round Table dis­ ened their use in these contexts but might cussions, interweaving a feelingly phrased cap­ increase the historical value of the compila­ sule autobiography, based on his relations with tion. The book is very well printed, and we five boyhood playmates, an Italian, a German, may hope for others in a similar pattern, inter­ a Jew, a Chinese, and a Negro and what weaving interpretive photographs and texts, eventually became of them and of himself, but perhaps covering less ground more thor­ and accompanying these two texts with se­ oughly. lected appropriate photographs, very beauti­ PAUL VANDERBILT fully laid out. The selection of pictures, which State Historical Society of Wisconsin occupy most of the space, is ingenious and ranges from the George Washington Bridge Before Lewis and Clark. Documents Illustrat­ across the Hudson and a group of Boy Scouts ing the History of the Missouri, 1785- repeating the oath to an art exhibition in a 1804, with an introductory narrative. Ed­ local supermarket and an early Heinz canned ited by ABRAHAM P. NASATIR. (St. Louis goods advertisement; in fact the pairing of Historical Documents Foundation, St. text with pictures, which mainly had to be Louis, 1952. 2 vols.. Pp. 853. $15.) found in files rather than shot on assignment, A rich content is provided in these two vol­ often represents somewhat of a tour de force. umes of source materials relating to the Span­ America, in the author's autobiographical ish period of the basin of the Missouri. There reminiscences, is "defined" many times: are reproductions of five old maps, two of "Somehow, baseball spelled America . . ."; them hitherto unpublished; there are source "America could only be explained by little documents amounting to about 650 pages, things that happened to people"; "America most of them translated from the Spanish or was the neighborhood grocery store where my French, and there is a historical introduction mother was queen, conferring her favor on of about 120 pages in length, that brings to­ this or that"; "America was the day my gether in one place the fundamental stock of father quit his job and opened his own cigar information concerning the exploration of the store. 'That is my personal Statue of Liberty,' Missouri, 1673-1804. Finally, there is a very he said, pointing to the wooden Indian outside full index. the door"; ". . . but mostly America meant The editor has gathered his materials from a chance to get ahead." archives in London, Paris, Seville, Washington, The book says little about America that has St. Louis, Berkeley, and still other depots. His not, as a generality, been said often before; notes show the large erudition he brings to but the ideal should be repeatedly stated, in the task of elucidating Spain's role in the ex­ increasingly personal terms, and the format ploration and exploitation of the Upper Louisi­ used here is stimulating to the contemplative ana country. The information included with imagination, one element, surely, in under­ the notes directs the student to the secondary standing. What would you put, as a picture, literature on the history of the area. More on the cover of a book entitled "What is than a little of this secondary literature flows America?" It's an interesting exercise. Good­ friend used a detail of a small boy leaning on from the study of the editor himself. He a packing case at the curb of a big city street. possesses an evident mastery of this field. It It appears from the text that young Hans, is good news, then, that he is now at work who eventually became a labor spokesman in on a parallel volume, to be devoted to the machine industry, contrived a pushmobile Upper Mississippi Valley. from that packing case and a pair of skates The history of the Missouri sector of Spain's (illustrated), saying "This will do for now; northern frontier, as exhibited in these docu­ later I'll ride in the finest carriage in town." ments, shows conditions to have been anything We suspect that this book may have its but somnolent. The Spaniards feared possible greatest usefulness not as a general statement English intrusions from Canada upon Santa Fe but as an iflustration of a method and as an and the provincias internas. They dreaded anthology of details, both in the quotations English competition on the Platte, the Des as food for thought and in the fine period Moines, and on the Missouri. Hence, the piece photographs of daily life before the first Spaniards strove to control the Indians to the World War, drawn mainly from the files of Northwest, and they dreamed of making con­ Brown Brothers in New York. The photo­ tact with the Pacific Ocean by means of a

181 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 traverse up the Missouri and across the high edited them with enough skill, to give us a ranges to the Western sea. An expedition sent mirror of Americans at war, for the first time out in 1794 was unsuccessful, but ambition to under their own flag. accomplish that crossing which Lewis and Some of the narratives come from important Clark afterw^ard accomplished had already pens, like those of Ethan Allen and George been manifested. Not the least interesting Rogers Clark; others from obscure people, among the abundance of interesting docu­ like Thomas Dring and Albigence Waldo. ments presented in the work are the sources Sometimes the subject is close to a great man, which reflect Spanish knowledge of and reac­ as was Nathaniel Fanning, who served under tions of fear and resentment to the Lewis and John Paul Jones. Sometimes he is on the Clark expedition. wrong side, like James Moody. But, to get Altogether, this is a most illuminating work, into Mr. Dorson's book, he always has to have and the publishers are to be congratulated in something lively and provocative to say. finding the means to bring it out in these Mr. Dorson's own short introduction is a handsome, durable volumes, enriched by maps. bit disappointing to one who knows his Davy FULMER MOOD Crockett: American Comic Legend or Blood- The University of Texas stoppers and Bearwalkers. But he has done a competent job of editing. Surely it is more American Rebels: Narratives of the Patriots. appropriate to thank him for what he has By RICHARD M. DORSON. (Pantheon given us, and not quibble about what he has Books, New York, 1953. Pp. 347. $5.00.) not. They warned the Baroness not to come. MARSHALL W. FISHWICK They told her that the American savages were Washington & Lee University carnivorous, and the settlers much given to eating horseflesh and cats. But she set out Preliminary Inventories, The National Ar­ from Germany anyway, with three tiny daugh­ chives (Washington, D.C. 1954): ters, to join her soldier husband, commander Number 66, Records of the Bureau of of the Brunswick regiments in Burgoyne's Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engi­ army. neering. Compiled by HAROLD T. PINKETT. Her fascinating diary shows that none of Pp. V, 49; the warnings had even slightly exaggerated Number 67, Records of the Select Com­ the events that awaited her: "We would all mittee of the House of Representatives to In­ have been crushed if God had not given me vestigate Air Accidents, 1941-43. Compiled strength to place myself before the door and by GEORGE P. PERROS. Pp. v, 13; with extended arms prevent all from coming Number 68, Cartographic Records of the in; otherwise every one of us would have been American Commission to Negotiate Peace. severely injured. Eleven cannon balls went Compiled by JAMES B. RHOADS. Pp. v, 11; through the house, and we could plainly hear Number 72, Records of the Wage Ad­ them rolling over our heads. One poor soldier, justment Board. Compiled by LEONARD RAP­ whose leg they were about to amputate, had PORT. Pp. V, 9. the other leg taken off by another cannon bafl Various types of finding aids for records in in the very middle of the operation." its custody have been published in printed The Baroness von Riedesel's story is only form or duplicated by the National Archives one of the dozen "dark and forgotten corners from the very beginning of its existence. While of the War for Independence" which is illumi­ these aids are essential working tools for the nated in Richard Dorson's book. He has National Archives staff, they also serve as re­ sought out the candid, dramatic, and often search aids for the student who wishes to con­ pathetic eyewitness descriptions of Revolu­ sult the huge body of historical records of tionary events, and given them to us under federal agencies preserved by this agency. eight headings: The Opening Shots, Prison­ The preliminary inventories (one type of ers of War, The Loyalists, War at Sea, The finding aid) are listings by records series of Crucial Winter of 1777-1778, War in the the various types of records found in a record West, The Closing Shots, and Postwar. The group or a part of a record group of four fed­ many accounts Mr. Dorson examined were eral agencies. Afl the inventories follow a uni­ often, in his own words, "piecemeal, hap­ form pattern: they have a foreword in which hazard productions of a country primitive in it is briefly explained why the inventories are publishing facilities and college-trained writ­ prepared, an introduction which gives a brief ers." But he has found enough good ones, and history of the federal agency which created

182 READERS CHOICE

these records and something about its func­ West a more than ordinary master of public tions, and the section of the inventory which building. Mr. Forbes tries hard not to over lists the various records series. Some of the praise Tinsley; one could say he fails to give publications also carry appendixes which usu­ him his due. ally are additional detailed finding aids of For Wisconsin readers this book will have some of the more important record series, a special appeal. And that is so because builder such as lists of subject headings in a general Tinsley's design was accepted by our Uni­ correspondence file or a bibliography. A few versity regents when they were looking for a of the publications in this series have a general main building for the school. The original subject index. These additional indexes or lists Bascom Hall was Tinsley's inspiration and, add much to the value of the publication for even though it was in size and look quite dif­ researchers. ferent from Bascom as we know it, it still The entry descriptions also follow a uniform could be called a successful adaptation of the pattern. A paragraph is given to each record finest classical style to American educational series, the first line contains the title of the needs. series, for example "General Correspondence As his biographer points out, Mr. Tinsley of the Office of the Chief," the inclusive dates was an eclectic. As an eclectic he was shrewd of the records covered by the description, and in the utilization of many styles, and certain the volume in cubic feet of the series. This is of his college buildings are quite pleasing, followed by a brief description of the kind of and sometimes distinguished. Mr. Forbes has material found in the series and a note on how done a remarkable job of recreating the condi­ the material is arranged. These descriptions tions under which public building was carried are given in such broad terms that most of on in the Middle West during the third quarter them give little more than a general idea of of the nineteenth century and, so long as the what is found in the particular file. history of nineteenth century architecture re­ The four publications listed above contain mains of interest, this book will occupy an a brief description of 275 different record honorable place among source materials for series of four small federal agencies. An ex­ that century. The book is remarkably free amination of most of the entries will give the from cant and special pleading. researcher only a very vague notion of the Anyone who has an interest in architecture usefulness of the material for his project. as history will be pleased and instructed by While these Preliminary Inventories are pub­ this book which does honor to an able crafts­ lished primarily for internal use by the staff man. of the National Archives, they could be made JOHN F. KIENITZ into very valuable tools for use by the re­ University of Wisconsin searcher if adequate indexes and more com­ plete folder lists were added to all of them. WISCONSIN HISTORY J. E. BOELL Those of the Forest. By WALLACE B. GRANGE. Archives Division, State Historical (The Flambeau Publishing Company, Society of Wisconsin Babcock, Wisconsin, ^953. Pp. 314. $4.75.) Victorian Architect: The Life and Work of "Those" of the forest are legion. Insects, William Tinsley. By J. D. FORBES. (Indi­ fish, reptiles, the feathered and furred crea­ ana University Press, Bloomington, In­ tures are described by the author authorita­ diana, 1953. Pp. 153. Illustrated. $5.00.) tively and often beautifully. Life cycles of According to the author of this book, its these "things," from the least woodtick to the chief value comes in this: the view it gives storming buck, are his concern. More than the us of the operations of a fairly typical nine­ creatures of the woodland are observed. His teenth century architect. This builder's career recital includes acquaintance with trees and is evenly divided between work in Ireland and shrubs, grasses and flowers, the streams, at­ the United States. We get a lucid and im­ mospheric phenomena in their seasons, and portant account of Tinsley's activities as a the matter of Time. builder in Ireland up to 1851, the year of his To iflustrate the frequent infinitesimal treat­ coming to America. Tinsley came of a family ment of his subjects, it would seem the part of builders and so, as boy and man, he worked of wisdom to quote a short section devoted with a tradition of craftsmanship in wood and to the moth. It is a summer day when he stone which helps him become in the Middle makes this observation: "The cloud passes

183 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 and the moths return. A banded purple flut­ ciation in one official capacity or another for ters to the laurel, hovers, drops down, opens a span of thirty-three years, an assignment to and shuts its four blue and purple wings, each which he had been drawn through his own with a conspicuous, irregular white band. For struggle with T.B. as a young man. five minutes the banded purple moves about His Autobiography is not only the story of afoot over the laurel blooms, beside a fritillary his own personal experience in conquering with wings of spangled brown, black, yellow, the disease but also a very warm and human and rust. Both now^ find the laurel attractive, commentary on the sacrifice and devotion although as larvae the banded purple was poured into the struggle against this dread reared upon birch leaves and the fritillary killer by countless others, doctors and laymen upon those of violets. The day long, the laurel alike. is visited by brilliant butterflies, bees, by green He finds occasion to note the beginnings of beetles ... a continuous procession of insects the public campaign against T.B., the appoint­ the patterns of their lives here briefly similar.' ment of a State Tuberculosis Commission by After discoursing upon the glow of the fire Governor Robert M. La Foflette, and the con­ fly and his query upon its need for a "Ian struction in 1907 of the state sanatorium with tern," he comments: "Who, indeed, shall ex its first capacity of forty precious beds. He plain the firefly, other than to say that it is of tefls also of the young Milwaukee orthopedist. the beauty of the night; one of the glories of Dr. Hoyt Dearholt, who stirred a meeting of earth, a compensation, perhaps for the winged the Milwaukee County Medical Society to ac­ creatures that come bearing torments." tion in 1906, and of the formation of the In noting the sequence of the seasons Mr. Wisconsin Anti-Tuberculosis Association on Grange reminds the reader that "June is the October 28, 1908. time of green summer, when the earth is lush And with obvious satisfaction Will Ross at and the forest trees leap upward and spread the conclusion of his personal story reports outward . . . but June, too, is the time of that in his lifetime he had seen tuberculosis floods, the time of parasites, the time of dis­ tumbled from its position as the leading killer aster for some, and the time of the bitter of human life in America to seventh place due struggle for life, and for growth, of nearly afl." to the combined efforts of medical science and Even though some of the "things" of the forest organized volunteers of the National Anti- are destroyed, "the unbroken continuity of Tuberculosis Association and its affiliates. This life goes on." he calls "one of the great achievements of the "Which of those of the forest has not its twentieth century." own day upon the ridge?" he asks. And But entirely apart from this more serious replies: "There is a day for afl things. And significance of the Wifl Ross story, his auto­ in that day they are there." biography is an absorbing personal narrative. The plausibility of Those of the Forest is Born in Appleton, where his father had pur­ attested to by the author's qualifications. He chased a photographic studio, he got his start was Wisconsin's first superintendent of game as a reporter on the same Appleton newspaper, and has spent many years in related fields in in the same chair in fact which Edna Ferber Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada. His tama­ had occupied just a year ahead of him. rack, aspen, and spruce forest with its ridge His experiences in El Paso, Texas, where he and cove and swamp and wildlife must have went as a young man of twenty in a vain at­ claimed many of his hours; the result, a book tempt to recover his health, his vivid descrip­ that has about it almost a spiritual quality. tion of the plight of the "lungers" in the Its reading is completely rew'arding. Southwest where they had migrated by the LILLIAN KRUEGER thousands, uninvited and unwanted, and his State Historical Society of Wisconsin adventures as a police reporter on the El Paso Herald make good reading. I Wanted To Live, An Autobiography. By Even his account of nearly five years of WILLIAM ROSS. (Wisconsin Anti-Tuber­ "taking the cure" at River Pines Sanatorium culosis Association, Milwaukee, 1953. near Stevens Point is told with engaging inti­ Pp. 162. $2.50.) macy and the same sly touch of humor that Will Ross, now dead nearly four years, makes the entire book a pleasure to read. served the Wisconsin Anti-Tuberculosis Asso­ Lancaster NORMAN M. CLAPP

184 READERS CHOICE

OTHER HISTORY nism, though Mr. Power somehow overlooked Planting Corn Belt Culture, the Impress of the it, was the lingering hatred of Yankees whose Upland Southerner and Yankee in the Old conduct during the War of 1812 Southerners regarded as open treason. Marked differences Northwest. By RICHARD LYLE POWER. (Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, in language, morality, agricultural practices, and even in wagons and buildings, emphasized Indiana, 1953. Pp. 196. $2.00.) the wide gulf separating the two human Creating new communities in the wilderness streams moving into the Corn Belt. West is yet a challenging theme for American But there were also forces which eventually historians. With obvious enthusiasm and keen led to unity and assimilation. Though diversity perceptions Mr. Power has accepted the chal­ remained the theme, the pervasive forces of lenge to write an important little book, and nationalism, Protestant evangelical religion, one which is also readable! British-American constitutionalism and com­ Historians have long studied, catalogued, mon law welded both Southerner and Yankee and debated about the two great streams of into a society neither Eastern nor Southern, native American settlement which poured into but Western. the Old Northwest before the Civil War. First Mr. Power explores the implications of his to arrive were the traditionally migratory and thesis with persuasive skill. Soundly based on generally poverty-stricken farmers from the extensive research, this social history of the Upland South. With nearly four decades of frontier Midwest tells an interesting story, and advantage, they so deeply planted their cul­ tells it well. At times, however, the chronicle ture in Midwestern soil that the great wave of loses itself in a maze of trivia; at other times Yankees pouring into the Corn Belt after 1840 numerous unrelated facts are loosely joined in could alter but not erase the ways of life an effort to get everything in, hominy grits, established by their Southern neighbors. corn pone, boiled dinner, and all. But it takes In sharp contrast to the easy-going, even a "heap" of everything to write social history. slovenly, ways of the Southerner, came the Is it only the prejudice of a former lowan energetic, ambitious and missionary zeal of to object that Mr. Power's Corn Belt study the New Englander whose cultural imperialism ignores that "land of corn" west of the Mis­ dominated Midwestern life. With homogeneity, sissippi where "'the tafl corn grows"? based on the Yankee pattern, as their goal, PAUL SHARP settlers from "down East" brought to their University of Wisconsin sense of mission a devotion, an enterprise and a heritage of education and hard work which A History of Ohio. By EUGENE H. ROSEBOOM transformed the West. Along with "shade and FRANCIS P. WEISENBURGER; edited trees, colleges, good morals and temperance," and iflustrated by JAMES H. RODABAUGH. they introduced more conservative farming (The Ohio State Archaeological and His­ techniques, new political mores, and sharper torical Society, Columbus, 1953. Pp. business practices. xiii, 412. $6.50.) These changes were stubbornly resisted by Not often do historians get the opportunity Southerners whose folkways emphasized other to rewrite a book they produced at an earlier values. Less articulate than the Yankee and date, unless it is a textbook. Professors Rose- without his capital resources, the Uplander boom and Weisenburger wrote a History of retained many of his ways, though that "afl Ohio in 1934. Between that date and the pres­ pervading solvent and amalgam, the universal ent a detailed six-volume history of the State Yankee nation" altered his manner of life was published (in which series each of the despite every effort to hold it at bay. authors contributed a volume), the Historical In the face of such cultural differences deep Records Survey did its work, and the usual and bitter antagonisms often divided neighbor number of monographs, theses, and magazine against neighbor in the new society of the articles on various aspects of Ohio's past have West. Yankees scorned their Southern neigh­ appeared. The two scholars were good choices bors as poor, shiftless farmers lacking in in­ to prepare the text of the sesquicentennial his­ dustry, neatness, and ambition to rise above tory sponsored by the Ohio State Archaeo­ a "hog and hominy" existence. Uplanders, logical and Historical Society. in turn, suspected the sharp business practices Yet the authors have not rewritten their of the Yankees and resented the New England earlier history, but in general have used it passion to remake the world in its image. again, with minor editing, plus the addition Yet another deeply buried source of antago­ of two new chapters and parts of others. The

185 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 chapter titles and divisions remain unchanged It also led to revision of the state constitution from the earlier book, which has been out of in 1912, and a daring venture in extension of print for some time. Consequently, the ortho­ government the following year by establishing dox design is maintained: a first chapter on the Miami Conservancy District after a dis­ geological characteristics and the Indian in­ astrous flood. habitants, and thereafter chronological treat­ There are minor matters for quibbling in ment up to 1900. Two chapters survey the the jungle of small facts. The chief distinction progress of art, literature, science, education, of this sesquicentennial history is the profusion and so on, from 1850 to 1900. Then the of illustration. The proper wedding of picture politico-military story down through 1952 is and text is still an artistic and historiographic continued, with some discussion of modern problem. Should the pictures merely illustrate social changes. I have no quarrel with this what has been said, or should they tell in their arrangement, but I wish a new and more way what has been omitted from the text be­ sparkling pattern could be found for relating cause it is better said with pictures? In his the growth of our states. I must add that this selection of 300 pictures. Dr. Rodabaugh seems personal wish has not yet been gratified, so to have tried a little of both: the usual por­ perhaps the chronological treatment with topi­ traits, buildings, transportation scenes, and cal interludes is inevitable. documents representing persons, places, and The text reads well. The narrative moves things already mentioned. But those pictures along at a good pace. The colorful incidents that show customs and costumes, the interior that delight the antiquarian and often confuse of a drug store, bathers on a beach, making the direction of local history are summarized sorghum, a village fire department, and so or omitted. The rise of the many distinguished on recreate a sense of the past consistent with men Ohio has contributed to national politics the narrative yet adjunctive to it. However, is not neglected. The expanded chapters on such "introduced" pictures need extended cap­ cultural growth bring a great many new tions; these the editor has not provided. By names and new accomplishments into this and large, the selection of illustrations is Ohio pageant, but as for the level of achieve­ judicious, and this reviewer could not help ment the authors confess that "cultural prog­ being impressed by how much more attractive ress was rather disappointing" (p. 259). Cul­ the Ohio cities were a hundred years ago than ture is a kind of catch-all for non-political, they are today. non-military, and non-industrial activities that The history contains an appendix of lists includes such disparate names as Edison, Har­ of governors, senators, and federal officials riet B. Stowe, the Cincinnnati May Festival, from Ohio. There is a bibliography by chap­ McGuffey, Dan Emmett, Cedar Point Beach, ters at the end and a good index. A state map the Wright brothers, the Cleveland Terminal, fills the end papers. Annie Oakley, the Cincinnnati Red Stockings, HOWARD H. PECKHAM George Bellows, the Taft Museum, and so on. William L. Clements Library The Civil War retains its fascinating con­ fusion of ambitious politicians and inept mili­ The Immigrant Takes His Stand: The Nor­ tary officers, its inconsistencies of speech and wegian-American Press and Public Af­ action, its blunders and heroism. Thus the fairs, 1847-72. By ARLOW WILLIAM draft had to be applied in every county of ANDERSEN. (Norwegian-American His­ the Western Reserve, that former hotbed of torical Association, Northfield, Minne­ antislavery radicalism, while volunteers fifled sota, 1953. Pp. vii, 176. $3.50.) the quotas given most of the counties in south­ This study presents the ideas advanced by ern Ohio. World War I is given eight pages, the Norwegian-American Press in their edi­ and World War II scarcely a page. torials during the period from 1847-72. It In the Hanna-Foraker era is seen the na­ is a regional study which is self-evident since tional development (increasing influence of the Norwegians were largely settled in the industry on government and politics) fully area of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota dur­ mirrored if not anticipated on the state level. ing that period. According to the census of Ohio, indeed, epitomizes the growing political 1850, there were 12,678 people in the United conservatism of the late nineteenth century. States who were born in Norway. Of these, Inevitably the high-handedness and devoted 8,651 lived in Wisconsin. It is therefore not self-interest produced its own reaction, and the strange that the first of the Norwegian news­ Progressive movement was highlighted by papers should find its origin in one of the municipal reformers in Cleveland and Toledo. earliest Norwegian settlements: at Muskego

186 READERS CHOICE in Norway Township, Racine County, Wiscon­ words, "No man is good enough to govern sin. In fact, ten of the twenty-one papers in another man without the other's consent," this study had their origin in that state. were not lost on the Norwegians. James D. Reymert, Knut Langeland, Even The study does give an insight into the Heg, and Soren Bakke were leaders in this thinking of the editors, but the title would first venture in Muskego. Reymert was the lead one to believe that the study would in­ editor and he with Bakke and Heg furnished clude the reaction of the people of these edi­ the capital necessary for the promotion of the torials. The Norwegians were great letter so-called Nordlyset {Northern Lights). Its writers and expressed their opinions freely in political interests were those of the free soilers. the papers. So far, no intensive study has been It was their aim also to acquaint their country­ made of such letters and they more than any­ men with the issues of the day in order that thing else would show the impact of the they might become more active in their politi­ editorials. cal life in the adopted country; that they might In order to gauge the impact of these edi­ vote more intelligently, and that some of them torials, it would be necessary to know how might be enlisted to seek public office. widely these papers were read. Nordlyset had Reymert was a member of the convention at the end of its first year only 200 subscribers, which drew the State Constitution preparatory and when the subscriptions were to be paid to Wisconsin becoming a state in 1848, and the list seemed to have decreased considerably. Even Heg's son Hans was, as far as has yet The men who had furnished the original capi­ been ascertained, the first Norwegian to be tal could not continue to do so indefinitely, elected to a state office when in 1859 he be­ and finally the paper was forced to stop pub­ came state prison commissioner of Wisconsin. lication. Whatever the cause, most of the Knut Langeland, editor of Nordlyset in papers were short-lived. Skandinaven was quite 1849-50, later became editor of Skandinaven, an exception, for it had a life span of eighty- the most influential of all the Norwegian- four years. American papers whose roots date back to A short sketch of some of the editors would this early period. He was a member of the have added to the value of their opinion. The Wisconsin State Legislature in 1860 and in author makes note of the democratic surge in 1880 was one of the presidential electors from Norway at this time, but he might have in­ Wisconsin to cast the vote for Garfield. cluded more particular details of the back­ Nordlyset found competition in other Nor­ ground of some of these editors. Their train­ wegian papers who espoused the cause of the ing and experience compares well with that of Democrats. Many of the early Norwegian im­ prominent editors in the United States of migrants favored the Democratic Party be­ that time, such as James Gordon Bennett, cause, unlike the Whigs, the Democrats did not Horace Greeley, and Samuel Bowles. support the Nativist movement. After 1854 the Since there were issues in which the Luth­ Norwegian press, almost without exception, eran Church was a part, consideration might was Republican in tone. have been given to Maaned slid end e, a Luth Mr. Andersen examines the editorials in eran Church publication. Its influence in regard to their position on major political, shaping opinion on certain issues was by no diplomatic, and social issues of the time. The means negligible. slavery controversy, the Civil War, Johnson The book is another worthy contribution in and Reconstruction, and Foreign Affairs merit the unraveling of the history of the Nor­ considerable attention. The place of the public wegian people in the United States, and the schools in the life of the Norwegians in the Norwegian-American Historical Association United States becomes a prominent issue since deserves a note of appreciation for adding an­ a strong element supported the church owned other volume to its already distinguished list institution while others believed the public of publications. schools to be important in the Americanizing St. Olaf College AGNES M. LARSON of their children. Temperance and labor were social issues that were discussed but neither Court House News, a mimeographed peri­ received the attention given the issue of the odical, was first issued in November, 1954 public school. The editors seemed generally (13 pp.). The editor and publisher is Morris favorable to Lincoln. They were by no means W. Beck, P.O. Box 116, Whitewater, Wiscon­ abolitionists but they sensed the importance sin. He is seeking information on county of preserving the Union. No editor in the court houses both in Wisconsin and the United group rose to the defense of slavery. Lincoln's States; on the founding of counties, location

187 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 of county seats and stories relating to both; gaged in fur trading. Young Frenchmen on details relating to new court houses in the served as military officers, and Porlier was planning stage or recently completed. Prints considered a "prince of entertainers" in the of old court houses, which he would like to glittering social life of the little settlement. copy, are also sought. Serving his community under the French, His News is an implement for informing British, and American regimes, he was con­ others, who share his interest, and his sub­ sidered the most useful man in Green Bay scription roll is gradually increasing. The according to the testimony of Augustine Grig- February issue contained a sketch of "Albany non. His death occurred on July 18, 1839. County Court House, New York," and a tabu­ lated page, "Population and Area of Alabama John A. Fitschen, president and general Counties." In addition there were short his­ manager of the Wisco Hardware Company, tories of counties in various states. Subscrip­ Madison, is the author of The Wisco Story: tion price $1.00 a year (12 copies), back Cutting the Cost of Distribution and Survival issues and sample copies 10 cents each. of Independent Retailers, 1925-1954 (153 We believe this is a field in which some pp.). Wisco Company is composed of 648 in­ additional history should be compiled. Many dependent dealers, located in five states in the county histories are of ancient vintage, and Middle West, who are the owners of this Mr. Beck's project should find many sup­ wholesale house. The early years of the firm's porters. operations were discouraging, but Mr. Fit­ schen "believes that teamwork plus reorganiza­ As part of the festivities of the Menominee tion of the business and policies made possible Indian Reservation Centennial observed in the tremendous growth of Wisco following August, 1954, a nicely compiled publication June, 1929." Considerable space is devoted to made its appearance (108 pp.). It was issued the "Merchandising School and Sales Show," "to place the Indian in his true perspec­ which began an experiment in adult education, tive, . . ." and make some evaluation of his and trained retailers in better business meth­ progress and adjustment. Such progress is ods. This section of the book is profusely illus­ expressed in the words of President Eisen­ trated, showing exhibits, school sessions, ban­ hower upon signing "H.R. 2828, which pro­ quets, and the like. Mr. Fitschen has produced vides for the method of terminating Federal a readable business history. supervision over the property and affairs of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin on The following church publications, marking December 31, 1958." His statement reads: the anniversary dates of the founding of the "The Menominees have already demonstrated churches, have come to the attention of the that they are able to manage their assets with­ Society: out supervision and take their place on an Fond du Lac, A Century of Christian Work equal footing with other citizens of Wiscon­ and Worship, 1855-1955, First Presby­ sin and the Nation. ..." A picture showdng terian Church (58 pp.). the President signing the Menominee Bill, sur­ Scandinavia, Ev. Lutheran Church, One Hun­ rounded by interested persons, is a highlight dredth Anniversary, 1854-1954 (26 pp.). of the publication. Not only is the history en­ South Wayne, The History of Methodism in tertaining, but the pictures show careful selec­ Southwest Wisconsin and of the South tion throughout. The age of some of these Wayne Church (9 pp.)- might make them collectors' items. IN REMEMBRANCE Recently a smafl brochure was received, The Society staff was grieved to learn of containing a sketch of "The Life and the Times the sudden death of JOHN BOOTH CARTER on of Jacques Porlier" (8 pp.), written by Kath­ the morning of the first of March. John was erine E. Byram. It represents Mrs. Porlier among the most recent arrivals at the Society, as the author, recalling the French voyageurs joining the Archives Division in October, and the Indians occupied in fur trading in 1954. Blessed with a genial disposition, he the La Baye Verte area. Much of their trans­ naturally made many friends among his co­ portation was on Fox River and on Green Bay, workers. He earned his Ph.D. at Columbia to and from Canada or Mackinac. It was in University, and proved to be an efficient and 1791 when a cultured young Frenchman, industrious archival worker. Burial took place Jacques Porlier, removed from Montreal to on March 4 at his hometown, Connersville, the little settlement of La Bay Verte, and en­ Indiana.

188 ACCESSIONS

Manuscripts "A Historical Survey of Hoard's Dairyman," Papers of three generations of the Hoard and miscellaneous items. The entire collec­ family of Fort Atkinson have been added to tion was presented by the Halbert L. Hoard the Society's Manuscript Collections this past family of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. quarter. The Hoard Collection contains papers of Halbert Louis Hoard, his father Wflliam The Medical History project has grown by Dempster Hoard, and his son Halbert Wenham leaps and bounds this past quarter with the Hoard. William Dempster Hoard (1836- aid of many contributors. The recent additions 1918), governor of Wisconsin 1889-91, was have been: four minute-books, 1903-37, of widely known as the founder, promoter, and the Grant County Medical Society; also brief editor of Hoard's Dairyman, recognized as the biographical sketches of Doctors Leroy Grant leading trade journal of the dairy industry in Armstrong, Mina Brooks Glasier, and James the United States; he was also founder and Oettiker, written by Dr. Peter L. Scanlan, pre­ editor of the Jefferson County Union, with sented by the Grant County Medical Society which he was connected until his death in through Dr. H. W. Carey, Lancaster; two 1918, almost fifty years. His papers in the col­ minute-books of the Green Lake-Waushara- lection consist of letters, 1888-1917 principally Adams County Medical Society, 1903-37, pre­ to his family, also a few articles, speeches, sented by Dr. R. S. Pelton, Markesan; micro­ account books, 1860-66, and scrapbooks. film copy of an 1841-79 minute-book of the Halbert Louis Hoard, 1861-1933, oldest son Milwaukee County Medical Society, including of William D. and Agnes Hoard, foflowed his a list of original members of the Society, con­ father in a journalistic career. Upon the death stitution, and by-laws; eight volumes of ac­ of W. D., Halbert Louis undertook the editor­ count books and ledgers, 1858-92, of Dr. ship of the Union and the Dairyman; both David LaCount of Chilton, presented by Dr. publications acquired wide recognition in the Merritt Jones, Wausau; lecture notes taken by journalism field. His editorials revealed his William B. Scholfield, [s^c] while attending versatile mind and wide knowledge of current the University of Pennsylvania Medical School affairs, such as prohibition, conservation of in 1820, presented by Mrs. H. H. Schofield, game and wild life, state highway conditions, [sic'\ Wausau; brief account of the Langlade and the Saint Lawrence Tide Water Associa­ County Medical Society and early doctors of tion. H. L.'s activities extended into many that area, including a list of Langlade County fields. He became well known as a composer physicians from 1880 to date, prepared by of a number of songs. As the result of an ill­ Dr. M. J. Donohue, presented by Charles ness, he developed two mechanical devices Avery, both of Antigo; an account of an early known as the Hoard Curative Chair, and the amputation taken from an autobiography writ­ Discopath, both of which he patented; he also ten by J. Fred Frost, son of Josiah Locke invented a number of other items. Corre­ Frost, pioneer settler of Almond, Wisconsin, spondence was a hobby with him; the signa­ presented by Edna H. Frost, Belmont, Massa­ tures of countless men and women of promi­ chusetts; two articles prepared and presented nence are found throughout the collection. Be­ by Fred C. Burke of Marinette, concerning sides the general correspondence, there are early day medical practice in a sawmill village manuscript articles, editorials, speeches, songs, and the Marinette and Menominee Hospital and poems; miscellaneous volumes; newspaper in 1891; an interview of Ira Potts, discussing clippings; and records, 1901-3, of the Fort the life of Dr. Ira Manely, Jr., a noted pioneer Atkinson Canning Company, a firm which physician of Markesan, transcribed from the H. L. founded and managed. recorded interviews taken June 24, 1954, in Halbert Wenham Hoard, 1901- eldest son Milwaukee, by Dr. Millard Tufts; sketch of of Halbert Louis and Emma Hoard, also pur­ early day medical practice and hospitals in sued a career in journalism. After graduation the Wausau area, prepared and presented by from the University of Wisconsin, he worked Dr. S. M. Smith of Wausau; a short bio­ in the West on a tourist paper. Eventually he graphical sketch of Dr. Filip A. Forsbeck of returned to Fort Atkinson and joined W. D. Milwaukee, written by his widow, presented Hoard & Sons Company. The papers of H. W. by Frederic Sammond, Milwaukee; memorial include a few letters to his family, a thesis, tribute to Dr. Michael Robert Wilkinson, read

189 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SPRING, 1955 by Edith M. Tallmadge before the Waukesha Ryser, Shorewood; a biographical sketch of County Historical Society at Oconomowoc, Peter Puelicher, presented by the writer, Hilda March 28, 1953, presented by the author; un­ Bollow, Milwaukee; reminiscences of Frank dated notebook, containing data of Dr. Bush- Coffeen, presented by Mrs. Wilber Anderson, nell B. Gary of Racine County, presented by Fort Scott, Kansas; letter, June 2, 1845, of Dr. Harold Morris, Hollywood, Florida; cer­ Wifliam Horsfafl of Almondbury, England, tificates of honorary life membership in the presented by Mrs. G. H. Patterson, Maywood, Wisconsin State Nurses' Association, 1936, Iflinois; letter, September 5, 1849 of W. I. and Wisconsin State Organization for Public Kidd of Millville, Wisconsin, also presented by Health Nursing, 1944, presented by Ernest Mrs. G. H. Patterson; biographical sketch of St. Aubin; certificate from the State of Wis­ Louise Phelps Kellogg, presented by the au­ consin appointing Dr. William H. Gleason thor, Curtis Nettels, Ithaca, New York; an medical examiner of Unity Lodge No. 22, of account book, 1856-87, kept by William the Ancient Order of United Workmen, dated Nichols of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, presented July 1, 1880, also, a resolution paying tribute by Mrs. Charles Nichols Growt, Trempealeau; to Dr. Gleason, dated July 19, 1899, presented two biographical sketches, one of S. J. Witt- by Virgil Jackson, Beaver Dam; paper, pre­ man of Oshkosh, the other of Howard A. pared and presented by Wifliam Revenaugh of Chicago, entitled "A Chapter in the History of Dentistry," 1953. A number of collections pertained to fluoridation of drinking water, including: papers, 1941, 1949, 1952, of A. H. Finke. Sheboygan dentist, relating to water fluoridation in Wisconsin; photostat copies of the Aluminum Company of America's file of correspondence, 1927—47, relating to the dis­ covery of fluorine in water by their chemist, H. V. Churchill, in 1931, presented by the Aluminum Company of America, New Kens­ ington, Pennsylvania, through the Research Director, Kent Van Horn; Papers, 1949-52 pertaining to the fluoridation of water in the State of Washington, presented by the Seattle- King County Department of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, through Dr. Sanford P. Lehman; scrapbook, 1944-52. on microfilm, kept by Dr. John G. Frisch. containing news­ paper clippings from numerous Wisconsin newspapers about water fluoridation, original scrapbook in possession of Mrs. John G. Frisch, Tuscon, Arizona; papers, 1952-53 of Edward Hansen, pertaining to fluoridation of water in the city of Milwaukee; speech of A. L. Miller of Nebraska, in the House of Rep­ resentatives, April 30, 1953. concerning the fluoridation of water, presented by Tony Wise, Hayward; seven original drawings of fluorida­ tion cartoons for the Milwaukee Journal, 1952, presented by the artist, Ross A. Lewis.

Other accessions include: reminiscences of John H. Rountree, founder of Platteville. pre­ sented by Laura Rountree, Platteville; a jour­ nal. 1852. kept by Winslow^ Blake, presented by Lulu Blake Woodward and Florence Emery This Beaded Bandoleer, of the Potawatomi, Is Blake. Talladega. Alabama; letters, 1826-1890, Worn over the Shoulder, Across the Breast, and of Martin Packman, presented by Mrs. A. M. under the Arm. It Ends in a Handy Pocket.

190 ACCESSIONS

Morey of Middleton, presented by Carl E. for many years associate librarian of the Uni­ Guell, Madison; diary, 1850-51, of Amelia versity of Wisconsin. A. Jennings of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Edward C. Hoebel has donated a fine presented by Mrs. Oliver P. Watts, Madison; Boule cabinet and various items of old glass records, 1777-1859, of the Morrow family, and china. Also acquired from Mrs. Hoebel presented by R. L. Hustis, Milwaukee; the are three portraits of ancestors of the late Mrs. constitution and minutes, 1900-1901, of the Alice Kent Trimpey. Madison High School Alumni Association, Bertha Walker, Oak Park, Iflinois, has do­ and a play manuscript by Charles George nated memorabflia associated with her father Mayers of Madison, presented by the Cather­ Wifliam Walker who was for many years a ine Corscot Estate, Madison; an autobiography missionary in Africa. Included are an ebony of John Fairchild, ^1879, presented by Arthur cane, a mantel clock, and a smafl painting of Fairchfld, Milwaukee; letters, 1854-62, ad­ Mr. Walker's home. dressed to Stephen P. Lathrop and family, Elizabeth Kruse, Madison, has given to the presented by Mrs. George W. Bunge, La Museum a large number of toys, dofl furni­ Crosse; recollections of Benjamin Kurtz Miller, ture, clothing, and accessories. presented by Marion A. Smith, Milwaukee; Wifliam Hoyt and Mrs. L. S. Hoyt, Rosen­ list of membership, 1869, of the Wisconsin dale, have donated cobbler's equipment, house­ Valley Agriculture Society presented by Wil­ hold implements, and a clarinet. liam Dahmen, Cross Plains; biographical Mrs. P. R. Terry, Madison, is the donor of sketch of Matthias Burgardt, presented by women's clothing, a side saddle, bridle and halter, toys, and dress accessories. Mrs. H. C. Blanding, Milwaukee; letter, March 30, 1954, of Dr. Hugh McKenna of Chicago, Mrs. Irene Cooper, Osceola, has given a group of badges of fraternal organizations. Iflinois, presented by Edwin B. Fred through W. D. Hoard, Jr., Fort Atkinson, has do­ Gilbert Doane; and an autobiography of nated a banner from the Harrison-Martin- Tjisse Tillema, presented by Kenneth S. Fagg, Hoard campaign of 1888. New York, New York. Mrs. Theodore Packard, Wauwatosa, do­ nated ribbons and badges from conventions Museum of the Peoples Party and the Greenback Labor Among recent acquisitions by the Museum is Party, as well as a banner from the Grant- an important collection of ethnographic ma­ Colfax campaign of 1868. terial representing the four main Indian tribes of Wisconsin during the historic period; Dreamer Society Drum, of the Potawatomi; Menominee, Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Win­ Tobacco and Pipe in Foreground nebago. The collection was made over the first few decades of the present century, though some of the pieces are undoubtedly heirlooms and were made at an earlier time. Clothing, costumes, and regalia predomi­ nate, but there are also household implements, tools, weapons, musical instruments and cere­ monial objects. The collection was made by H. L. Mumm who operated trading posts in northern Wisconsin for many years. It was acquired from Mrs. Odie Mumm Abel, Toma­ hawk, and Edward F. Mumm, Ft. Lauder­ dale, Florida, and presented to the Historical Society as a gift by the Banta Publishing Foundation. Alice and Bettina Jackson, Madison, have donated a sizeable group of women's clothing as well as a number of items collected during their extensive travels abroad. From L. C. Burke, San Dimas, California, the Museum has received a smafl coflection of Indian silver buttons to add to the ones previously donated by him. Mr. Burke was ACCESSIONS

Another political item recently received is found in the Wolf River which dates from the the "Loyal Republican" drum made by the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century. great-grandfather of the donor at Waupaca in It had been dropped into the river in a loaded, 1859. It has been used at raflies, meetings, and primed and cocked condition. celebrations by four generations of the same Mrs. Walter J. Kohler, Madison, is the family. The donor, Mrs. Frank Faulks, Eu­ donor of a 1952 evening gown designed by gene, Oregon, says that the drum is entirely Irene. Other articles of clothing have been in its original state except for new coverings donated by Gladys Rains, Madison; Profes­ on the drum sticks. sor Alfred Galpin, Madison; and Mrs. Herman Medical equipment recently donated in­ C. Lammers, Cincinnati, Ohio. cludes an optical testing set dating from 1900, Young friends of the Museum continue to consisting of over 200 trial lenses, adjustable contribute to its collections. Recent donors spectacle frames, and other items. The set is have been Peter Kienitz, Madison, who gave a donation of Katherine McLetchie, Shawano. a toy movie projector and film; Colin Mc Flynn's Drug Store, Shullsburg, gave a box Gamy, Madison, who donated an 1896 Hotch- of splints, and Mrs. Nils Olmstead, Stoughton, kiss stapler, and Duane Ragan, Wisconsin donated a set of medical instruments which Dells, who brought in a small collection of were used by the late Dr. Nils Olmstead. Indian artifacts and a pioneer broadax. From the Leslie E. Glover Estate, New Rich­ mond, the Museum received a "Mears Airo- Newspapers sage." This was an instrument which pur­ The following newspapers have been added to ported to alleviate deafness by electric vibra­ the Society's files from the publishers' files: tions. The Glover Estate also donated an ele­ gant pigskin picnic case with fitted accessories Sauk City Presse: July 1891-June 1897. of silver, ivory, and leather. Pionier Presse (Sauk City) : July 1897-Dec. Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Middleton, Madison, do­ 1917. Now have a file of this paper from nated an oil heating lamp for a curling iron, 1865 to 1951 when it ceased. an 1859 meat mincer, and a No. 8 Blickens- Rice Lake Chronotype: Sept. 1874-May 1896. derfer typewriter. Now have a file complete from September An early example of Edgerton pottery was 1874 to date. donated by Mrs. Richard Brown. Palm Beach, Stevens Point Rolnik: 1898-1947. Now have Florida. This is a Pauline pottery vase and is a file complete from 1898 to date. a welcome addition to our coflection of this ware because it is a developmental piece. Abbottsford Tribune: 1923-25. Now have a The family of the late Dr. Harry Keenan, file complete to date except for 1926-27. Stoughton, has donated early kitchen equip­ Clark County Journal (Withee) : 1915-17; ment and also a small group of women's dress 1923-25. accessories. Oconto Enquirer: July 1881-July 1915. Mrs. Etta Ruth McDermott, Portland, Ore­ Stoughton Daily Courier Hub: July 1909-Dec. gon, has presented an American flag wdth 35 1923. stars which belonged to 0. G. Chilson, a pi­ oneer Columbia County settler and grandfather of the donor. From Helen C. Carter, St. Cloud, Minne­ Three Hundred Years of sota, the Museum has received a framed Jewish Life in America sampler made by Ann Carter and a presenta­ The Jewish Museum, New York, has in- tion sword and belt given to George B. Carter, the donor's grandfather, during the Civil War. stafled an exhibit depicting 300 years Mrs. Miriam Simons Leuck, New Martins­ of Jewish life in America and presented ville, West Virginia, has donated a collection as a part of the Tercentenary of the first of badges and ribbons relating to various settlement of Jews in America. It will organizations of a political, education, and continue at the museum until mid-April charitable nature. and wifl then be on view at the Smith­ Colonel Wifliam E. Haseltine, Ripon, has sonian Institution. donated what may well be the oldest relic —From The Museum News, Jan. 1, 1955. which the Museum has of the French occu­ pation of Wisconsin. This is a flintlock musket

192 This Season... Take a Heritage Tour Here's a Checklist for a Trio of Glimpses into Wisconsin's Post

VII^IWDUIS ... at historic Prairie du len on the Mississippi. Built by wealthy Colonel Hercules Dousman, Villa Louis is a showplace of the life a country gentleman lived a century ago. Grounds and mansion have been restored in full splendor to catch the spirit of the Victorian age. The Villa Louis site spans Midwestern history.

iFIELD ... in Nelson Dewey State 'ark at Cassville on the Mississippi. Once headquarters for Governor Dewey's sprawling plantation, Stonefield today is a thriving farm and craft museum. Here visitors see at first hand the development of Upper Mississippi agriculture from pioneer days to the present.

E HOUSE ... in Greenbush at the head of scenic Kettle Moraine Drive in eastern Wis­ consin. One of the nation's rare fully-restored stagecoach inns. Wade House was built as a frontier outpost on the plank road between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. Here visitors catch a meaningful glimpse of the traveler's rigorous life in the I800's.

ALL SITES OPEN FROM MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 THE PURPOSE OF THIS SOCIETY SHALL BE To promote a wider appreciation of the Amer­ ican heritage with particular emphasis on the collection, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge of the history of Wisconsin and of the Middle West.