The past couple weeks have been unusually busy at the Owen–Withee Area Historical Society. Educating, celebrating, and making history along the way. Recent events, in no particular order.
Author Chad Lewis visits the O-W History Center. Chad Lewis is a widely known author, world explorer and storyteller. He specializes in Wisconsin logging history and bizarre paranormal stories (spooks and unexplained phenomena). On April 25, 2025, Mr. Lewis stopped by to tour the Owen-Withee History Center while on his way to a speaking engagement at the Owen Public Library. What a fascinating person. His latest book is called, Lumberjack Creatures of the Northwoods. He autographed and donated a copy of his recent book to the History Center. He also signed the Owen birthday card.
City of Owen 100th year birthday card. In recognition of the City of Owen’s 100th birthday as a city (1925–2025), The Owen–Withee Area Historical Society unveiled a special handmade City of Owen community birthday card. The card was developed as a joint exercise between the History Center and the staff at the Owen-Withee School District. The card will be on display at the O-W History Center from April 2025 thru early September 2025. Visitors to the History Center are invited to sign the card.
Open House at the O-W History Center on April 26. In conjunction with the City of Owen’s 100th birthday party on April 26, 2025, the O-W History Center held an Open House. Visiting out of town dignitaries who stopped by during the Open House included Clark County Sheriff Kerry Kirn and Wisconsin Assemblywoman Karen Hurd. Owen Mayor Scott Jalling, who is a frequent visitor to the History Center also stopped by. They all signed the City of Owen 100th year birthday card and toured the History Center.
Clark County Business Expo and Career Day in Greenwood. The Clark County Electric Co-op in Greenwood hosted the 5th annual Clark County Business Expo and Career Fair. An event that was open to Clark County high school students and young adults. A giant job fair where Clark County businesses showcased their job and career opportunities to students. The Owen-Withee Area Historical Society greeted students at the event, to offer ideas about careers in the field of libraries, museums and historical preservation. The event was well attended. Tim Nolan, Bruce Cizik, John Mauel, and Canice Parnewicz represented Owen-Withee at the event.
Tour at the Krueger House. The Krueger House (one mile south of Withee on Highway 73) was the scene of a historic gun fight between U.S. Marshals and the Krueger family in September 1918. Several books have been written about the tragic events of the day, including the book, A War of Their Own, by Jerry Buss. The present homeowner, Dee Wells, was gracious to host a special tour of the house on April 30, 2025, for the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society and the Clark County Historical Society. Tim Nolan and Lee Kaschinska from the two groups participated, as did Owen Mayor Scott Jalling.
Pictorial Cancellation Owen Post Office. In honor of the City of Owen’s actual 100th birthday date on April 30, 2025, the United States Owen Post Office conducted a special one of a kind “pictorial postmark” cancellation. Cards and letters mailed from the Owen Post Office on that date were hand “cancelled” with a special mark. Thus creating a unique Owen Centennial collector item for the mere cost of a first-class U.S Mail stamp.
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