Wreath & Garland Sales Benefit Historical Society
Ok, brace yourselves, I am going to mention….the holidays.
Explorers, I know that it isn’t even the end of October and that most of us are still thinking pumpkins and Halloween.
But this talk of holidays is for a good cause. The North Wood County Historical Society is hosting their 3rd Annual Wreath and Garland Sale which raises money for the group.
The group’s Coordinator Kim Krueger said they hope to earn money from the fundraiser to help support the group, which maintains the Governor W. H. Upham House (commonly known as the Upham Mansion), 212 W. 3rd St.
“The North Wood County Historical Society started in 1952 at the Marshfield free library. It was a small group of determined individuals that within a few months had created Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. It’s main focus is to preserve and promote the history of Marshfield and northern Wood County and to maintain the Governor W.H. Upham House, “ she said.
Krueger views history as integral to making our future choices.
“It has been said that a nation that forgets its past has no future. The same can be true of a community. Marshfield and the towns and cities surrounding it did not just materialize out of nothing, they were built by men and women who invested themselves into each place. Understanding how the place we are in was built and evolved (or devolved) over time connects us to that very place – and to each other. It grounds us. Without grounding we tend to be disconnected from the community we are in and, in turn, may not feel invested (or possibly not feel like investing) in the community we are in, “ she said.
Laura Ptak, the group’s Treasurer and co-chair for the fundraiser hopes that the wreath sale is successful.
“Every little bit is helping right now,” she said.
The wreaths and garlands are made in Park Falls, Wisconsin of hand-wound balsam boughs decorated with clusters of pinecones and a red velvet bow. To order, you simply have to fill out an order form and turn in by Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. (Hence this early talk of holidays.)
You can download the form from Facebook, email the group at [email protected] or pick up a form the Historical Society, 212 W. 3rd St.
Krueger hopes the community continues to support the group because, “the NWCHS seeks to preserve the collective memory (artifacts, documents, and photographs) of these communities and to honor those who have built them.”
The group is selling traditional wreaths, door swags, and boughs shaped in candy canes and crosses.
“The NWCHS is a nonprofit organization and continues to exist through the support (financial and volunteering) of the community. Proceeds from this or any other fundraiser goes to help support the organization,” she said.
For more information about the sale, the group or how you might want to become involved, simply email the group at [email protected].
“We appreciate help of all kinds, from carpentry to yard work, to cleaning to helping in the archives to working with the public. We are currently seeking volunteers to help us with tours,” she said.
North Wood County Historical Society info:
Open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for research as well as tours of the Governor W.H. Upham House. For more information on tour times and office hours, check out their website.
Upcoming event:
Annual Christmas Event will be December 3 & 4 from 1PM-4PM
