What’s new at WaterlooWisconsinHistory.org?
See New Homecoming Book on main menu. A compelling work about Waterloo’s history. 23 May 2008
Over the coming months we hope to add new materials for the enjoyment of people with ancestors from the Waterloo, Wisconsin area. Through periodic improvements, we also trust that this site will continue to be used as a research tool for local history and family genealogy. Recent additions are:
Under People: Waterloo Photographers, newly compiled to aid in dating family heirlooms;
Under Documents/Historic Maps are the following new features:
Waterloo Village Plat 1878 and Waterloo Township Plat 1878
Portland Township Plat 1890
Portland Village Plat 1910
Hubbleton Village Plat 1919 and Waterloo Village Plat 1919
In the same section (Documents/Historic Maps), a plat incorrectly identified by the donor as Waterloo Village 1899 actually originated in the atlas of 1887. The dates have been corrected and the consolidated image was replaced with two clearer scans as follows:
Waterloo Village plat 1887 and Hubbleton Village plat 1887.
17 Oct 2007, Ron Giese, Webmeister
Meanwhile, bills for heat, light and maintenance continue to arrive. Without a protected atmosphere to house and display artifacts it would not be possible to share our holdings. We are always grateful for donations to help in the general operation of the society and museum. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Waterloo Area Historical Society, P. O. Box 52, Waterloo, WI 53594.
Even more importantly we have taken the first step in making our museum more accessible to visitors. Not since the 1869 inception of this architectural jewel have there been water or sewer utilities in the building. If you hosted 100 school children as we did this past spring, you would know the difficulties. The first step has been completed (see picture below) with the basic installation of utilities. However, they are just stubbed in at the garage floor.
That project is paid up and funds are being developed for the second phase of installing a rest room. We hope to be able to complete that by spring of next year – in time for the students.
Finally, the third and last part of the project will be to install a lift so that all people can enjoy our collection of artifacts. We hope in particular that former residents and descendants will help in these last two phases. Please use the same address as above. The society is a tax-exempt organization described by IRC Section 501 (c) (3). Also, the society is eligible (this is the last year) to be directly assigned any part of the Minimum Required Distribution proceeds from an IRA without being added to your income (check with your carrier). For that purpose, our street address is needed on the form; it is 130 E. Polk St., Waterloo, WI 53594; the mailing address remains P. O. Box 52. As you consider charitable giving at this time of year, please think about including us. We would be most grateful.
Our capital improvement project
Last September at the museum was busy. Contractors started at Polk Street and finished up the utilities at the south end of the museum where a rest room will be installed and an on-grade lift put in for access to the museum above.
