Our Exhibit Season Has Concluded!
The South Wood County Historical Museum’s 2025 exhibit season wrapped up following Labor Day weekend. Thank you to everyone who visited, explored our displays, and supported local history this year! We look forward to welcoming you back when exhibits reopen in April next year.
From the Curator’s Desk
October is a season of gathering and tradition, and we’re excited to share what’s ahead at the South Wood County Historical Museum. Our Annual Meeting offers a moment to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and to look ahead at future projects. Families can also join us for some Halloween fun with trick-or-treating at the Museum, a community favorite that brings history to life in a playful way. And throughout the month, we’ll take a nostalgic look back at the tradition of Homecoming and share some throwbacks from Octobers past!
Notice of an Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the South Wood County Historical Corporation will be held at the South Wood County Historical Museum, located at 540 Third Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, on Monday, October 20th, at 3:00 pm, for the following purposes:
1. To receive the report of the President.
2. To elect Directors to the Board.
3. To elect Officers to the Board.
By order of the Board:
Leon Schmidt Jr.
Board President
The Tradition of Homecoming
Homecoming is often considered a high school or college event, with football games, parades, and dances marking the celebration. The tradition began in the early 1900s, when colleges invited alumni to “come home” for a weekend of fellowship, school pride, and community spirit—often centered around the season's big game. From there, high schools across the country embraced the idea, and by the mid-20th century, homecoming had become an annual highlight for students, alumni, and entire towns.
But homecoming is more than just a school event. At its heart, it speaks to the universal feeling of returning to a place that shaped us—a school, a neighborhood, or a community as a whole. For many, it’s about reconnecting with familiar faces, revisiting old traditions, and remembering the experiences that tied us together.
In that broader sense, homecoming is about belonging. It reminds us that no matter how far we travel, the places and people we once called home remain a part of us. Whether we’re gathering for a parade, cheering on a local team, or simply sharing memories with old friends, homecoming continues to be a celebration of community, identity, and the bonds that endure across generations.
Take a look back at homecoming celebrations from area high schools, along with a few flashbacks to Octobers past in the images below!
Enter, Royalty
Nekoosa's homecoming queen and king, Penny Roatch and John Klein, both seniors at Alexander High School, turn on the smiles for the crowd as they ride through the streets of Nekoosa on Friday in the homecoming parade. Miss Roatch was elected to the royal honor by the student body while Klein, an end and back on the football team, was chosen by his teammates. The Papermakers lost their homecoming game to Adams-Friendship, 19-0.
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, “Enter, Royalty,” photograph, October 07, 1967.
Homecoming Action
Merrill dampened Lincoln's homecoming spirit by edging the Raiders, 17-14, Friday night. Raider John Villars (84) prepares to grab a seven-yard pass from quarterback Larry Tague.
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, “Homecoming Action,” photograph, October 19, 1968.
Review Library Plans
Five persons instrumental in development of the proposed McMillan Memorial Library reviewed plans for the $1.25 million facility Tuesday night following a meeting with members of the Common Council. Seated, from left, are Mrs. E. M. McCourt, chairman of the special citizens library planning committee; George W. Mead II, chairman of the Library Board, Mrs. Henry P. Baldwin, who will finance landscaping of the library grounds in addition to her gift of 1,000 shares of Consolidated Papers, Inc., stock to aid in construction of the building. Standing, from left, are Ira Boyce, president of Consolidated's Civic Foundation, Inc., which has donated part of the land for the building, and Richard S. Brazeau, representing the trust created by Mrs. Mary McMillan Burt to convey 20,000 shares of Consolidated Stock to the city for library purposes.
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, “Review Library Plans,” photograph, October 25, 1967.
McMillan Memorial Library continues to be a hub of activity in Wisconsin Rapids, offering programs, events, and resources for all ages.
Click the link below to learn more about their programming, resources, and local history!
Future Fireman?
Chuck Neinfeldt, 5, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Neinfeldt, Rt. 1, Nekoosa, operates the deluge gun Wednesday in Nekoosa as fireman Bill Edwards lends a hand. Chuck was one of 154 kindergarten students from Nekoosa elementary school who visitied teh fire station and viewed the displays set up by the department. The tours were conducted by the Nekoosa firemen in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, “Future Fireman ?,” photograph, October 12, 1967.
Behind the Scenes: Collections Update
Volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors at the South Wood County Historical Museum are working through our collections to re-inventory and document items. So far, the team has tackled the kitchen artifacts and toy collections, carefully cataloging and assessing each piece. Next up is the quilting collection, a highlight of the museum’s holdings. Their efforts help ensure that our collections are preserved, organized, and ready to share with the community for years to come.
Time to Renew Your Membership!
Exciting things are ahead at the South Wood County Historical Museum — and we want you with us!
Starting in 2025, all memberships will run January 1–December 31. Your current membership ends December 31, 2025, so be sure to renew and stay connected.
Your membership keeps history alive and gives you access to Artifacts, members-only receptions, special event invitations, and more.
Renew now and be part of the story!