A couple weeks ago, I wrote a column about looking back to 2024 at the Owen-Withee History Center. That’s the nature of history – the past.

Some of you have visited our museum in Owen, Wisconsin, and some of you have generously donated items to the collection. What sort of items do we have in the collection? These are a few of our “new” old items that were recently added to the O-W History Center collection. I’ve selected these following six items because they are especially significant and symbolic of the type of things showcased at the local history museum. As always, thank you to those of you for your generous donations and for supporting the preservation of local Owen-Withee area history.

1. Vintage 1930 Instruction booklet – Model A Ford. Donated by Mel Lorence. The Model A Ford automobile was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927-1931. One of the most iconic automobiles of all time. This original issue “how to use” instruction manual is classic Americana.
2. The Al Guthman O-W Basketball Collection. Coach Al Guthman coached the Owen-Withee High School Girls basketball team for 42 years. From 1976 until 2019. Including trophies, clothing, plaques and photos. Guthman’s Owen-Withee legacy includes 710 wins, eight trips to the state championship, four silver balls, 15 conference championships, and 18 regional championships. Coach Guthman was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012. Donated by Al Guthman himself.
3. Ceremonial Masons Chair – Medford (Wisconsin). This solid wood giant sized ceremonial Worshipful Master’s chair came from Medford Lodge #217 of the Free & Accepted Masons. The Medford Masons date back to June 15, 1882. The Medford Lodge was dissolved in 2024 due to declining membership and merged with Owen Masonic Lodge #317 (since 1917). This chair was presented to the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society in 2024 by Dan Tolzmann and Brian Bredlau.
4. Longwood Church Banner. Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Longwood burned to the ground on July 23, 2024. The building dated back to 1910. Various fire and smoke damaged items from the burned building were donated to the O-W Area Historical Society. Including a large green and white ceremonial altar covering. Personally delivered and donated by Pastor Elizabeth Bier on behalf of the congregation.
5. Brick. Owen Pea Cannery. This brick came from the old Owen Pea Cannery, that was constructed in 1914 and operated until 1956 when it closed. Except for a few years in the beginning, Henry Wollum was the owner and operator of the pea cannery for its entire life span. After it closed, the cannery sat vacant until it was eventually demolished in 1963. This symbolic brick was presented to the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society by the Wollum family in 2023.
6. The Harvey Anderson post card collection. A large collection of historical and scenic postcards as collected by Withee, Wisconsin native, Harvey Anderson (1927-2021) over many years. Harvey was honored as the outstanding citizen of the Town of Hixon in 1987. A lifelong historian and born storyteller. Donated in 2024 in his memory by his daughter Janice Anderson Arndt.

The above items are just but a small sample of 2024 donations to the Owen-Withee History Center museum. Thank you all, whether you be a donator, or someone who appreciates and values local history.