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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown Rotary Club
-- -- LEWIS PARKS WAS A
CHARTER MEMBER
In the
Rotary club, where Lewis
Parks was long active, he was one of the most popular members of his
time. He was a charter member of the
Watertown Rotary club and also one of its past presidents. In its early years he helped lay the
foundation for a firm organization and was always devoted to its high
principles. Rotarians who shared many
good times and serious times with him will go on remembering with appreciation
the companionship they had with him.
1928
05 07 CITY
WELCOMES ROTARIANS
27 cities
send delegates here. City decorated for
event. A purple and gold arch has been
erected on Main Street Bridge. . . .
1936
09 04 ROTARY
CLUB HAS PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE OCTAGON HOUSE
The Octagon
House, one of the outstanding historic landmarks of the city, will be the scene
of the Rotary club’s next noon day luncheon meeting on Tuesday. The club will meet at the Octagon House
instead of the Elks [club], where weekly meetings were usually held.
Mayor R. W.
Lueck and others will be guests of the club, as well as Will Thomas, past
president of the Watertown Historical Society, who lives in the house.
The Rotary
club, through its president, G. H. Lehrkind, has taken a particular interest in
the Octagon House and hopes to some day see it preserved as a historical
landmark of the city.
The home has
attracted wide attention in the state and in other states. Persons from all over the nation have gone
out of their way to visit the “home with eight sides,” and all who have seen it
were greatly impressed. The visitors’ book which Mr. Thomas keeps contains
thousands of names from all parts of the United States.
It is
reported that the owner of the home will turn it over, free
of charge, to any responsible organization that will agree to keep it up and
preserve it as a landmark and a place of historic interest.
09 09 MUCH SENTIMENT IN FAVOR OF ACQUIRING OCTAGON HOUSE IS
EXPRESSED AT ROTARY MEETING
Much sentiment
favoring the acquisition of the historic Octagon House was expressed at the
meeting of the Rotary club which was held on the lawn of the home on Monday
afternoon. The movement to have the home
kept up as a historic landmark has been gaining momentum for many months. Recently the Rotary has taken a great
interest in the movement and is now lending its influence to the project.
A number of
officials were guests of the club at the luncheon meeting. All members of the park board were present,
as well as Mayor R. W. Lueck.
It was
reported at the meeting by G. H. Lehrkind, president of the club, that the
house, together with the spacious lawn, will be turned over to any responsible
group that can assure upkeep of the property.
All those
who addressed the gathering favored the acquisition of the property by the
city, with the park board or a commission taking charge of it. Speakers also pointed out that the upkeep
would not involve a great deal of money.
The possibility that the property could be self-supporting also was
mentioned by several of the speakers who pointed to similar historic places in
other communities that were self-supporting.
With only a
small cost involved to keep up the property, Mayor Lueck expressed his belief
that the present city administration would favor the acquisition of the
home. Members of the park board
indicated that the historic site would be a welcome addition to the city’s park
system and stated that every effort would be made to keep up the grounds in the
event the city acquired the property and turned it over to the park board.
The Octagon
House was built by the late John Richards, who came to Watertown in 1836, a few
months after Timothy Johnson, the first settler, came here, Will Thomas, who
lives in the home, told those present.
He said the home was built by Mr. Richards in 1854 and despite the fact
that it is 82 years old the home stills stands perfectly level. Mr. Thomas expressed a hope that the house
would be acquired by the city, or some responsible organization, and kept up as
a memorial to the late John Richards and preserved as one of the foremost
landmarks of the city.
Many of
those at the meeting saw the house for the first time yesterday. All were very much enthused and stated that
they never had realized that Watertown had a home of such historical
significance as the Octagon House.
The home has
proved extremely popular with outside visitors.
The register at the home contains the names of several thousand persons
from nearly every state in the union. A
home with eight sides is a rare sight, visitors have told Mr. Thomas, and all
who have seen it have informed him that they did not regret the fact that they
made it a point to visit the home while passing through the city.
ROTARY FLOAT
IN CENTENNIAL PARADE
MRS. SHELDON E. HOLMES,
CENTENNIAL QUEEN
In 1936, during the city's centennial
celebration, Mrs. Holmes reigned as the centennial queen and occupied one
of the floats in the parade. Mrs.
Sheldon E. Holmes, granddaughter of Watertown's first settler, Timothy Johnson, died last evening at her home at
the age of 75 years. She had been in
failing health for some time. Mrs.
Holmes' mother was Jane Johnson, daughter of Timothy Johnson and her father was
John A. Chadwick.
1941
04 149 MEMORIAL
GARDEN AT THE OCTAGON HOUSE
The
Watertown Historical Society has undertaken the restoration of the gardens at
the Octagon House. Local groups and organizations are being
given an opportunity to help in this matter by arranging for the planting of
trees and shrubs and now is the time for all local groups to take up the
subject at their meetings because if any planting is to be done it should be
done soon. The Watertown Rotary Club has
already arranged to assist and several other groups contemplate helping along
the plan. The state is assisting to the
extent of state architects laying out the garden plan so that a systematic
planting scheme can be followed. The
garden is also to be a sort of memorial in that organizations that wish to
plant trees or shrubs may dedicate them to individuals such as early day
residents here and pioneers of the community.
1953
06 -09 ROTARY
CLUB AUCTION
At former Memorial Park on North Second
St.
1958
01 31 ROTARY
CHOOSES KRESSIN BOY OF THE MONTH
Louis Kressin, chosen by the
Rotarians as their January Boy of the Month, has proven by his activities that
he's quite worthy of this honor.
Maintaining a straight "A" average for the past two years,
along with being a leader in many school activities, he has shown himself to be
a most outstanding student.
In preparation for a mechanical
engineering major at the University of Wisconsin, Louis is now taking courses
in college prep English, advanced math, and physics, which he favors most.
As the first Student Council
president to be elected in the system of school-wide balloting, he leads this student-governing
body with a practiced ability. As one of
the hard workers of the council in past years, he has headed many committees,
and twice served as discussion leader at student council conventions.
The Sports Department of the Hi
Scribbler is skillfully edited by Mr. Kressin. It is he who reports the actions of the high
school teams and other sporting activities.
His busy schedule also includes
membership in the Science Club, of which he is an ex-president, and active
battling in intramurals in the last four years, to name only a few. Louis was awarded the honor of representing
Watertown High at last summer's Badger Boys' State.
1959
03 21 ROTARY
OFFICERS
Fred W. Kehl,
829 Richards Avenue, has been elected president of the Watertown Rotary Club
for the year commencing July 1. He now
is club vice president. Ralph Ebert was
re-elected secretary. Three board
members were elected at yesterday's club meeting. They are George Wolff, Harold
Blaesius and Dr. E. E. Burzynski (incumbent).
Other directors are S. J. Luchsinger, Kehl and S. J. Gamroth, retiring
president. WDT
05 11 35th
ANNIVERSARY
The 35th
anniversary of the founding of the Watertown Rotary Club was observed last
night with a ladies' night inter-city dinner program, held in the upper hall of
the Elks Club. A total of 225 Rotarians
and Rotary Anns from Jefferson, Lake Mills, Fort Atkinson and Watertown,
together with special guests, were present to mark the occasion. The Watertown club was organized by the
Madison Rotary Club. The charter night was held on January 16, 1924, with 150
Rotarians from various cities, including Madison and Waukesha, present. The Madison club was represented by 80
Rotarians who came over by special train.
The Waukesha club made the trip by interurban. WDT
1961
07 13 TO MEET AT THE LEGION GREEN BOWL
The Watertown Rotary Club is going to meet at the Legion Green Bowl starting in August. Ever since the club was founded here the
membership has met every Monday noon at the Elks
Club, in the lower dining hall. The
space in the lower dining hall is limited and the same table arrangements have
to be followed week after week, it was pointed out. WDT
1963
05 09 FRED KEHL
Fred Kehl, Watertown, governor of Rotary International district
625, made up of 41 Rotary Clubs, last night was accorded a standing ovation at
the banquet which concluded a two day district conference, held at the Dell
View Hotel, Lake Delton. Kehl, in
summarizing his 10 months as district governor, told the conference that the
district membership shows a net gain of 70.
He also told the conference he visited 10 of the clubs in the district
three or more times, 18 two times and 12 clubs one time. He told the assemblance he plans to make
several more club visits before his term expires on July 1. WDT
1965
11 20 BEN THAUER
Ben Thauer, associated with Skinner
& Thauer, on Monday was recognized by the Watertown Rotary Club for a
perfect attendance record over a period of 35 years. Thauer was presented with a 35-year pin by
Gerald E. Flynn, club president, in behalf of Claire Thomas, governor of
District 25, which includes Watertown.
The presentation was made at the weekly luncheon meeting of the club,
held at the Legion Green Bowl. On Nov.
24, 35 years ago, Thauer became a member of the club. He was the club’s 14th president, serving in
1937-38. Also, for a period of many years, he served as club treasurer. WDT
1967
06 28 ALL-TIME HIGH FOR MEMBERSHIP
Henry Stoeppelworth took over the reins of the Watertown Rotary Club
on Monday at the club’s weekly luncheon meeting, held at the Legion Green Bowl.
He succeeds Robert Franz, who has served as the club’s top officer for the past
year. Franz, in turning over the gavel
to the new president, expressed his gratitude to the club for having had the
opportunity to head the club for the past year.
He said being president for the past 12 months was a most enriching
experience. Franz announced an all-time
high for membership in the club. He said
the club now has 78 members. He
announced that during the past year 12 members of the club had a 100 per cent
attendance record. They are: Gerald
Flynn, Theodore Guse, Max Stueber, Dr. J. R. Casanova, L. J. Lange, Arthur
Mallow, William Schumann, Ben Thauer, Walter Thrams, Arthur Weihert and George
Wolff. WDT
1969
01 14 ROTARY INTERACT CLUB
A Rotary
sponsored youth club. Arthur Turke,
Davis Boethe, Robert Byrne, Robert Opps, Robert Franz (advisor).
03 11 MEMBERS OF THE COFFEE HOUSE AT ROTARY CLUB PROGRAM
Sally Feld, Kieara Toman, Carol Kruege
Mark Haznaw, Steve Schaefer, Robert Steinhorst
03 20 PLAYBOY BUNNY GIVES ROTARIANS A THRILL
“This is one of the finest programs we ever had,” a member of the
Watertown Rotary Club remarked at the conclusion of the program presented at
the club’s weekly luncheon meeting, held at the Legion Green Bowl on
Monday.
Many others, too, were quite vocal in their acclaim for the
program.
They sat enthralled as the main speaker gave his talk, but all
eyes were not always on the speaker.
They were on the young lady who accompanied him, for she was none
other than a bunny from the Lake Geneva Playboy Club.
Star Koerner, Jr., director of public relations, spoke first,
giving statistical information on the new club at Lake Geneva.
But it was obvious that many were eagerly awaiting the second
speaker — Bunny Pert. WDT
05 07 45th ANNIVERSARY
The 45th
anniversary of the Watertown Rotary Club was observed at a "ladies
night" dinner gathering at the Watertown Country Club on Saturday
night. Special guests were seven men
from New Zealand who are spending two months in the United States. They are John C. Bruce, Winton; Malcolm
Monteath, Mosgiel; Brian Fallon, Christchurch; Wayne Raymond, Timaru; Donald
Eadie, Greymouth; Gerald Hunt, Nelson; and Dudley Wilson, Christchurch. New Zealanders provided a program of
entertainment which was very much enjoyed.
A Madison group also presented a program, "Town Hall
Tonight." Ken Clausen, president,
presided, and Dr. J. R. Casanova served as master of ceremonies.
07 03 OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
Kenneth F. Beyer, manager of Keck’s, is the new president of the
Watertown Rotary Club. He took over his
duties at yesterday’s meeting of the club.
He succeeded Ken Clausen, manager of Penney’s, who has served for the
past year. Rotary Club presidents serve
one-year terms. Leo Bargielski,
administrator of Watertown Memorial Hospital, is president-elect of the club
and will take over as president on July 1, 1970, as president. Rev. Paul H. Meister is program chairman.
George Wolff is club secretary, and William Kwapil is treasurer. WDT
10 28 DRUG ADDICTION
PRESENTATION
Inspector
Alfred "Mickey" Krahn, Watertown Police Department, presentation on
drug addiction
11 04 ROTARY GOVERNOR VISITS
CLUB
William
Uthmeier, Marshfield, governor of Rotary District 625, paid his official visit
to the local club. Pictured with
officers of the club. Kenneth Beyer,
William Kwapil, George Wolff.
1970
05 26 ROTARIANS ENTERTAIN SENIOR BOYS
James Dornoff,
Milwaukee, addressed the senior boys of the Watertown High School at a dinner
gathering at the Legion Green Bowl.
1984
02 11 60th ANNIVERSARY
The 60th anniversary of the founding of
the Watertown Rotary Club was observed with a Ladies Night Dinner held Saturday
night at the Watertown Country Club with President Gary R. Smith presiding. The
local service club received its charter at a Charter Night dinner held at the
Elks Club on the evening of Jan. 16, 1924. The Watertown club was sponsored by
the Madison club. A special train was chartered to bring 79 Rotarians from
Madison. Also present were 10 Rotarians from Milwaukee, 19 from Waukesha, one
from Manitowoc and one from Antigo. Eighteen Watertown Rotarians were
present. WDT
10 25 KASPAR PETER
Kaspar Peter, a longtime member of the Watertown Rotary Club, was
accorded the designation of honorary member of the club. The award was presented to Peter by attorney
Donald Abraham, past district governor of Rotary and a past president of the
local club. Peter’s son, Kaspar, and the
younger Peter’s wife, Barbara, were present for the meeting. Peter is only the third person to receive this
honor in the history of Watertown’s club.
The other two were Fred Kehl, a past district governor, and the late A. E.
(Mike) Bentzin. WDT
1994
06 03 LINERS RECEIVED ROTARY FOUNDATION
CITATION
Dr. Robert
Liners of the Watertown Rotary Club was presented with the Rotary
Foundation citation for meritorious service from the Rotary Foundation of
Rotary International at the District 6250 conference held this month in
Wisconsin Dells. The award was given to
Liners in recognition of his devoted efforts for the furthering of better
understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world. Liners was presented with the award by District
Governor Don Mayo of Horicon and Dr. C. Mike Gibson of Houston, Texas, the Rotary
president’s representative. Liners and
his wife, Lois, have conducted 40 one-month mission trips to 11 developing
countries since 1974. While in other
countries, they provided volunteer dental care to patients with no other access
to a dentist.
09 09 DONALD ABRAHAM RETIRES
Donald L.
Abraham of Watertown is retiring from Rotary Club after being an active member
since 1970. Abraham has had a perfect
attendance record for the past 29 years.
Among his many achievements, he has served
as president of two clubs, and also as governor of District 6250 (formerly
District 625). Abraham will have his
last day in Rotary on Oct. 4, after joining the international organization on
Oct. 1, 1970. He was district governor
from 1987- 1988. While he was governor,
the district raised $598,211 for the Polio Plus project; began admitting women
as members; and added two new clubs. WDT
2003
04 14 WILLIAM “BILL” EHLINGER
William
“Bill” Ehlinger of Watertown has been named recipient of the fifth annual
Watertown Rotary Club Community Achievement Award. He will be presented with the award at the
annual Rotary dinner on Saturday night at the Watertown Country Club. This award recognizes someone who has made
great contributions to the community through work, civic activities or other
means. The award is based upon the
four-way principles of Rotary of truth, fairness, goodwill and building better
friendships, and being beneficial to all concerned. WDT
2004
04 30 ROTARY ALIGNS WITH PARK & REC
The Watertown
Rotary Club hopes to join forces with the Watertown Park and Recreation
Department to leave a lasting legacy for the city as well as the civic
organization. The two entities hope to
work together to take advantage of grant money to restore the Rock River
shoreline at the Riverside Park island and its
Rock River channel adjacent to the mainland.
If the grant is received and the shoreline is restored, the park would
have a new look that will enhance the environment for future generations. WDT
10 10 JOE DARCEY
Joe Darcey
of Watertown has been named recipient of this year’s Rotary Community
Achievement Award. Darcey has been named
recipient of the award by the Watertown Rotary Club because of his many
contributions to the community. Darcey
created the Darcey Foundation to provide funds for students who have expressed
an interest in agriculture education.
This past year, the foundation awarded six $5,000 scholarships. Recipients are selected by the Watertown High
School Scholarship Committee. WDT
2005
06 09 RIVERSIDE PARK SHORELINE RESTORATION
Residents
will get a chance this weekend to discuss the plan of action for this month’s
restoration project of the shoreline at Riverside
Park. Project Manager Augie Tietz of
the Rotary Club will be holding a general discussion of the project at the park
on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
The actual restoration process will take place June 16-18 from 8 a.m. to
6 p.m. Tietz said he is still actively
pursuing volunteers for the program. He
added he hopes to get at least 30 to 40 volunteers. WDT
2021
05 24 ROTARY MEETING HELD AT WATERTOWN
HISTORY CENTER
2023
01 18 ROTARY STUDENTS FOR JANUARY 2023
The honor
has been bestowed upon seniors Zia
Emmerich, Asha Kratzer, and Brandon Boyd.
09 15 ROTARY CLUB FUNDS ROCK RIVER PROJECT
The Rotary
Club of Watertown has joined with the Rock River Coalition to improve river
water quality in Jefferson County.
The
Watertown Waterways Improvement Program is a partnership among the Rock River
Coalition, Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department, and the
City of Watertown. The partnership helps
landowners reach the goal of reducing phosphorus in a way that is more
effective and less expensive than the city working individually.
The Rotary
Club funding will be used to provide plantings of native species in place of a
more traditional grass mix. The native
plantings have much deeper root systems and have many additional conservation
benefits. They absorb water more
efficiently and increase filtration before water moves into streams and rivers.
“The rock
river, and its surroundings, are a focal point for Watertown and there are
great things being accomplished,” Watertown Rotary President Jason Davis said. “Rotary has a long history of supporting clean
water initiatives and we are so pleased to collaborate on this important
project.”
The Rotary
Club of Watertown is celebrating its centennial this year. Founded in 1923, the club has provided funding
for dozens of nonprofit organizations, scholarships for high school and Madison
College students, and volunteer labor for local initiative
Cross References:
William Sproesser was
for many years the song leader of the Watertown Rotary Club, of which he was a
member. He and John W. Keck worked
together in many Rotary musical programs, Mr. Keck being one of Mr. Sproesser’s
favorite accompanists on such occasions.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin