NEWSLETTER: MARCH 2009
Previous issues of the newsletter
are posted on our website at
http://my.core.com/~riponhistsoc.
Website and Newsletter Editor: Jean Woolley,
riponhistsoc@yahoo.com
New Publication from Berlin Historical Society
By Bobbie Erdman, Berlin
The Berlin Area Historical Society has published The Story of the Mascoutin Nation and of their Massacre, a manuscript written by Edmund L. Runals, a 19th Century lawyer from Ripon. It would appear from reading this manuscript that Mr. Runals examined the letters, reports and manuscripts of the day and using his law background wrote his argument in defense of the actions of the Mascoutins and Fox during the siege of Detroit in 1712. The book costs $10.00 and can be purchased at Field's Card and Gift Shop in Berlin or by calling Lee Erdmann at 920-361-2460. There is a $2.50 charge to mail the book. With the proceeds of the sale, the Berlin Area Historical Society plans to erect a monument to this lost nation and others who walked our lands before us.
Who was Edmund L. Runals? By George Miller
We know little of the “prehistory” of the Ripon-Green Lake area. Much of what we have has come down to us in the form of “legends” telling of Indian times and trials and their contact with early French traders and missionaries. One of the collectors of these legends of adventure and romance was Edmund Runals, an early settler of Ripon and Green Lake who wrote a series of them for a Madison newspaper. His favorite was La Tour the French Trader: A Legend of Green Lake, published by his grandson, William T. Runals, for the Dartford and Ripon Historical Societies in 1966. The preface of the book quoted below tells us about the author, his career as a pioneer settler, and his interest in Indian and French life and culture during the 18th Century. Copies of the legend of La Tour are in the collections of both Ripon and Berlin Historical Societies.
Preface to LaTour the French Trader
Written in 1966 by George Miller
Edmund Lucien Runals, the author of this legend, was born at Arcade, New York, on December 28, 1825. His parents were of New England stock. After receiving his education at two academies in the vicinity he joined the westward movement and came to Wisconsin. In 1844 he found the beautiful property on the southern shore of Green Lake which remained in his family for more than 120 years. Here at “Glen Dora” he found the cellar of an old “fort” or trading post and, on the hill above, an abandoned log cabin and stoned-up well. The cellar, the cabin and the picturesque country about the lake were to be the inspiration for the tale of La Tour the French Trader.
Meanwhile he had returned to Arcade, New York, where he married Dorlesca Avery in 1845. Their wedding trip was a journey back to Wisconsin by ox team. Their first home was in the township of Metomen where a son, William T. Runals, was born on September 15, 1848.
Not long after, things had begun to stir in nearby Ripon. It seemed a likely prospect, so the family took up residence there. E. L. Runals became an active citizen. He began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1854. Politically things were moving, and he became one of the founders of the Republican party. He served Ripon College as trustee and was elected to two terms in the state legislature.
For a time he was the owner of a newspaper called the Ripon Star. This no doubt afforded him an outlet for his ever-present urge to write—poetry as well as prose. His Green Lake legends, however, first appeared in a Madison paper. They were written in the seventies under the name of Simmons. They were filled with stories of Indians and Indian lore which had fascinated him since early manhood. La Tour was the principal contribution. Judge Runals, died in 1888.
Thank You to Barbara Scott and Mary Brandt
For many years Barbara Scott has served as membership chairperson for the Society, faithfully keeping track of annual dues and mailing your newsletters. She has now turned that responsibility over to Sue Loomer, though she continues to serve on the board and is willing to lend a hand to Sue as needed. Barbara is also one of our faithful gardeners.
Mary has kept the Society going in so many ways it’s impossible to name them all. Her chief position was Curator of Artifacts but she also served as President of the Society for a number of years and oversaw many details of day-to-day inside and outside maintenance. She retired from the Board in December and is turning over the responsibility for the museum to Joyce Rudolph and Michele Benson. She will continue to accession items being placed in the museum collection.
Would You Like to Go Green?
If you are willing to receive your newsletters and meeting notifications by email rather than US Mail, please send your email address to Sue Loomer at the Society address, riponhistsoc@yahoo.com.
Year-end Report, December 31, 2008
By Bill Woolley
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Income: |
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Funds from Endowment |
$12,825.00 |
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CD Interest |
$2,439.60 |
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Membership Dues |
$790.00 |
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Roundy We Care |
$658.02 |
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Donations |
$2,478.01 |
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Miscellaneous |
$206.80 |
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Total |
$19,397.43 |
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|
|
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Expenses: |
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Telephone |
$1,591.14 |
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Office Supplies |
$71.70 |
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Postage |
$449.53 |
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Tax Preparation |
$384.00 |
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Miscellaneous |
$182.12 |
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Buildings Maintenance |
$1798.68 |
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Grounds |
$2,075.84 |
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Cleaning Services |
$283.00 |
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Insurance |
$575.00 |
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Sewer and Water |
$236.10 |
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Power and Light |
$7,649.67 |
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Printing |
$473.80 |
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Computer Services |
$452.34 |
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Programs |
$106.26 |
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Donations, Fees, & Dues |
$183.75 |
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Collection Supplies |
$342.01 |
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Long Term Building |
$4,456.83 |
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Total |
$21,311.77 |
From UK to Wisconsin: My Kingsbury Ancestors in Ripon By Julie Kingsbury, London, England
Over the last couple of years I have been researching my family history with varying degrees of success. However in the last few weeks, I have come a long, long way--in fact from London, England to Ripon, Wisconsin--thanks to the internet, and the good fortune that led me to the Ripon Historical Society.
My research all started coming together when I discovered some of Samuel Pedrick's papers online. Listed in some detail were several of my ancestors in the Kingsbury family. The details given not only confirmed research I had already done, but also gave me a wealth of new information on various family members. I decided to try what I thought was a long shot: contacting the Ripon Historical Society to see what they knew, and if there was any further information available. I really didn't think much would come of it, but I was very wrong!
(Picture: Byron Kingsbury)
In response to my initial email, I received a flurry of contact from both Jean Woolley and Nedra Martz, and I have received so much information my head is spinning! My Kingsburys originated from Kent in England, and several (mainly the sons of my great great grandfather's brother) sailed out and settled in Ripon, Wisconsin. My research had followed them on passenger lists out to the USA, and on US censuses confirming that their families were living in Ripon. I had even found a full page advert for Byron Kingsbury's grocery shop ("Established 1859; Burned Out 1870; Re-Built 1871")--so I had worked out that they seemed to be doing quite well for themselves. Without the kind ladies of the Ripon Historical Society, I don't think my research would have got very much further.
Thanks to Nedra, I now have photos--for the very first time--of my ancestors. And such wonderful photos too--three studio portraits, and one of "Uncle Jack" with a team of men and his dray outside his house on Scott Street.
Nedra also indicated the Kingsbury grocery store building on an old photo of the main square, and then was kind enough to send a current photo of it so that I can see this historical building still standing now. Meanwhile Jean has been filling in all the gaps with her chatty emails, and giving me links and other contacts. I cannot express how grateful I am for all the help I have received. Nor can I believe the luck I have had--sending that first email has led to finding this much information on my ancestors.
Jackson Kingsbury
Snippets of information include Jackson Kingsbury, who was killed by an exploding cannon while a spectator at the 1882 Fourth of July celebration; the fact that Byron's shop building is the only historical building remaining in the north end of Ripon's square; and that Joseph Kingsbury was an early settler who was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican, owned much property, and "has done much for the upbuilding of the city" (according to Mr Pedrick).
All of these small details, along with the photos, have built up a wonderful picture that has helped me to imagine how my ancestors lived in Ripon so many years ago. The best thing I can end with is this lovely comment from Nedra in one of her emails: "Your family members were active and respected citizens of Ripon--a nice heritage to have".
Thank you Ripon!
Change in Board of Directors
Mary Brandt and Jean Woolley have left the Board, and Sue Loomer, Earl Hansen, and Gary Wetzel have joined. Continuing Board members are Michele Benson, Lara Gant, Nedra Martz, George Miller, Ralph Quinney, Joyce Rudolph, and Barbara Scott. Officers are Bill Woolley, President; Todd Berens, Vice President; Shirley Williams, Secretary; and Roberta Walker, Treasurer.
New Open House Format a Big Success
By Joyce Rudolph
The December 6th Christmas Open House and Tour of Homes was a big success with approximately 200 people attending. The decorations were outstanding, thanks to Judy Jansen, owner of A Simpler Time. She not only decorated our museum but then donated the decorations to us for future use. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this a wonderful day.
Cemetery Art
At our November annual meeting Lara Grant presented a program on the history of cemetery art, particularly as it evolved in Ripon’s cemeteries. Using a borrowed computer projection system and scanned photographs from our archives, Lara showed pictures of a number of Ripon citizens taken while they were living along with the monuments marking their grave sites.
The History of Ripon’s Charter
Getting to know the politics and personalities of early Ripon can be quite entertaining, especially when you do it with George Miller. John Scott Horner, Warren Chase, David Mapes, the Wisconsin Phalynx, Ripon/Ceresco competition, land speculation, money, national politics, and railroads all interacted in the beginnings of our city. George wove them into quite an interesting tapestry for our October 2008 program. If you missed the program, can’t read this map, or want to know more, come see George in the archives.
Farewell to Arden Gatzke and Joyce Bonsen
Since the publication of our October newsletter we have lost two life members who were both faithful volunteers. Arden Gatzke was a regular volunteer as a bell ringer for second grade visits. He also wrote several articles for the newsletter about memories of his Ripon area childhood. Joyce, along with husband Alan, were enthusiastic regular docents for second grade visits and open houses.
Steve Barg to Present Program on TIF
Our first program of the spring season will be on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 PM, in the Society’s meeting room at 508 Watson. Ripon City Administrator Steve Barg will talk about what Tax Increment Financing is and how it has been used in Ripon, where there are currently six active TIF districts. As usual, the program will be informal, with an opportunity for questions and discussion following Steve’s presentation.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
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March 19, 2009, 7:00 PM |
Tax Incremental Financing presented by Ripon City Administrator, Steve Barg |
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April 16, 2009, 7:00 PM |
Ripon on Film in the 1930’s, a showing of actual film that is in the Society’s collection |
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May 21, 2009 |
To Be Announced |