On a pleasant Friday evening, October 26th, downtown Crandon transformed into a living history museum as approximately 120 community members participated in the Crandon Area Historical Society’s engaging “Walk and Talk” event. This unique historical tour, brought to life by the Crandon School District’s talented drama team and Crandon High School band, offered attendees a captivating journey through the city’s past. Participants were treated to meticulously researched stories penned by both historical society members and dedicated student researchers, revealing fascinating and sometimes humorous anecdotes from Crandon’s rich heritage. A poignant reminder of the town’s resilience was shared through accounts of the devastating fires of 1903, 1905, and 1912 that impacted Lake Avenue, underscoring the vital role of the city’s fire department.
The event’s success was also attributed to the enthusiastic involvement of Mrs. Alicia Bradley, Drama club advisor, and Mrs. Amy Buckovic, assistant, who not only ensured the student performers were in character but also encouraged them to project their voices amidst the ambient main street sounds. The funds generated from this enriching historical experience are earmarked for the acquisition of portable microphones, promising enhanced audio clarity for future historical tours.
Attendees at the Crandon Historical Society Walk and Talk event listen to a presentation on main street, demonstrating community engagement with local history in Crandon.
Leading the historical narrative were community members Jill Krueger and Tammy Stroik, who embodied the spirit of Crandon’s past by dressing as elegant 1940s Crandon Women’s Club members. For those who may have missed this immersive event or found it challenging to hear all the historical accounts, the Crandon Area Historical Society is making the event scripts accessible online. Furthermore, printed versions of these scripts will be available at the Crandon Public Library, ensuring continued access to Crandon’s local history. Adding another layer to this historical immersion, the Pioneer Express newspaper is currently showcasing photos of downtown Crandon, including poignant images of the Opera House fire, in their windows. A special thanks to Mike at the Pioneer Express for sharing these visual historical resources, further connecting the community with its past through the Pioneer Express Crandon.
The “Walk and Talk” event was deemed a resounding success, fostering active learning about Crandon’s unique identity among both youth and community members. For those seeking further information about the Crandon Area Historical Society and their initiatives, Michelle Gobert can be reached at 715-478-7797.
