This file portion of www.watertownhistory.org website

 

Watertown Historical Society

Notes of Interest

 

1959

10 08       The Watertown Historical Society received an award of merit from the American Association for State and Local History today for the successful restoration of Wisconsin's famous Octagon House and the Schurz kindergarten building and for opening these buildings to the public.  Designed to pay tribute to those people who promote a better understanding of America's heritage at the local level, these awards are given annually to individuals and groups deemed worthy by reason of outstanding achievement or significant new project in the field of state and local history.   WDT

 

1960      Society Annual Meeting

02 01       Assemblyman Byron F. Wackett last night was re-elected president of the Watertown Historical Society at the annual meeting.  Others elected are: P. E. Burkhalter, first vice president; Miss Jane Lord, second vice president; Miss Myrtle Roberts, third vice president; Miss Marcella Killian, secretary; J. V. Anderson, treasurer; Miss Gladys Mollart, curator.

 

12 15       The board of directors of the Watertown Historical Society today announced that Mr. and Mrs. Donovan L. Mabie, Fort Atkinson, will be the new custodians at the Octagon House and First Kindergarten building.  They are moving into the recently renovated living quarters at the Octagon House.  Mr. and Mrs. Mabie are former residents of Watertown.  Mr. Mabie is a tool maker and is now employed at the Moe Brothers plant in Fort Atkinson.  While in Watertown he was connected with Village Blacksmith.  Mrs. Mabie is known for her cultural and professional interests here.   WDT

 

1983

09 07       Richard Hoge [1894-1983], director Emeritus of Watertown Historical Society; chairman of building and grounds committee for a number of years.

 

1987

06 08       Gladys Mollart, [1895–1987] a founder of the Watertown Historical Society and leader in the efforts to preserve Watertown's history.

 

2000

12 02       The Watertown Historical Society was recently presented with the top state award for excellence when it was given the 2000 Reuben Gold Thwaites trophy by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin at the annual conference of historical societies.  Local historical societies are eligible to win the award only once every 25 years.  The Watertown group last won the award in 1965 when the society was under the direction of the late Gladys Mollert, who was well known for her diligence in maintaining and promoting the Octagon House and First Kindergarten.  The Watertown Historical Society is only the third group to win a double award since the inception of the award 41 years ago.   WDT

 

Cross References:

H D Gaebler, one of founders of historical society