The Echoes of the Past

Owen-Withee's history is deeply intertwined with both logging and agriculture. Founded in the 19th century, the area grew as settlers established farms on the fertile, once densely forested land. Abundant forests surrounding the Black River provided a booming 1800s logging industry, that slowly transitioned to agriculture. The John S. Owen sawmill, established in 1893, became a cornerstone of Owen’s economy for three decades.

The Great Depression of the 1930s left an indelible mark, teaching resilience and community solidarity. During this period, both farming and logging industries faced significant challenges, yet the town's unity and determination saw them through. 

The Owen Pea Cannery, Master Package Corporation, the Owen Box & Crate Company, the Clark County Health Care Center, and Western Condensing followed logging as some of the major regional employers during the 1930s to 1960s.

In 1973, Mennonite families began settling in Owen-Withee, bringing with them a commitment to community and sustainable farming. Their arrival marked a significant demographic shift that would influence the area’s development in the decades to follow. 

Pioneering families built a tight-knit community, relying on each other through hardships and celebrations.

The Present Day: 2025

In 2025, Owen-Withee is a vibrant tapestry of old and new. The area has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture, attracting young farmers eager to learn from the past while embracing modern techniques. The Central Wisconsin Produce Auction, Premier Livestock and Auction, LLC, and Kerry Ingredients have become major regional economic drivers.

The Mennonite community has grown significantly since their arrival in 1973 and now makes up a substantial portion of the Owen-Withee regional population. Their influence is evident in the area’s commitment to sustainability and community values.

Annual community festivals such as Withee Days, the Owen Jr. Fair, and the annual O-W Business Expo celebrate local pride and serve as a beacon for alumni of the area to return for a “homecoming.”

The year 2025 is a milestone year for Owen, as it celebrates its 100th as a City. Tales of perseverance and triumph from the past, and the next generation taking their turn on center stage. Listening intently, understanding that their actions today are part of a continuum connecting them to their ancestors and future descendants.

The Future Beckons

The Owen-Withee History Center (the former Owen City Hall) houses archives of old photographs, letters, and artifacts of days gone by. A place where the past and present converge, fostering a sense of continuity and purpose.

In Owen-Withee, the events of 2025 are milestones in a journey that began long ago and will continue far into the future. 

The people of Owen-Withee understand they are both heirs and architects of history. They carry their forebears' legacy with pride and responsibility, knowing their actions will one day be the stories told at future homecomings and research trips. In this small rural farming area, the threads of time weave a tapestry of resilience, hope, and enduring connection, proving that the past and present are inextricably linked, and together, they build the foundation for tomorrow's history.