Fennimore Museums Open for 2019 Season
The Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum and Fennimore Historical Railroad Society Museum
Both of Fennimore Museums opened for their 2019 season on Saturday, May 25. Both museums are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily including holidays. After Labor Day both museums change to their fall hours to be open weekends only the months of September and October. Tours are also available at other times by making reservations in advance.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome at both of the museums. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Doll and Toy Museum 608-822-4100 or Dagna Doan 608-822-4226 or for the Railroad Museum contact Greg Ashmore 608-822-6167 or Larry Beer 608-6858.
Fennimore Historical Railroad Society Museum
The Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum features memorabilia from Fennimore’s unique narrow gauge railroad past. The narrow gauge rail line operated in the area between 1878 and 1926, far longer than most 3-foot gauge lines in Wisconsin. During that time a narrow gauge train affectionately known as the “Dinky” chugged through the winding Big Green river valley from Fennimore to Woodman, on the Wisconsin River.
Children will be sure to enjoy riding on the operational 15″ gauge rail with 700 feet of track that sits south of the railroad museum. Miniature train rides are available for a small fee weekends only – weather permitting. Tickets for train rides are $1 each and are available at the museum. There is no set admission fee to tour the museum; donations are appreciated and are used to help Railroad Society members cover operational costs and maintenance of the museum. For more information www.fennimore.com/railroad/ or call 608-822-6144.
Fennimore Doll & Toy Museum
The Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum, located just a block east of the Railroad Museum, showcases collectible dolls and toys from around the world. The museum incorporates heirloom dolls and toys which are both owned and on loan to the museum. Special features for the 2019 season includes two complete sets of Dionne Quintuplets newborn and toddlers in their original clothing. Note: see about the Dionne Quintuplets below
One of the newest cases in the center of the Museum showcases a variety of children’s dishes from the 1900s to 2,000; additional dishes are also displayed randomly in many of the other toy cases.
Another featured case is a very complete and well marked collection of tootsie toy cars. The detail on the larger models are incredible. Now in its second year of display this has been a very popular addition to the museum. Another popular display that is now on permanent display is the large collection of cast iron toys including cast iron fire equipment.
A visit to the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum is like taking a walk down memory lane for girls and boys from youth to grandparents.
The Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum’s admission is just $3 for adults and teens, $1.50 for children 5 to 12 years; under 5 years admitted free. The Doll and Toy Museum is air conditioned and handicap-accessible. For additional information call 608-822-4100 or go to our website www.dollandtoymuseum.com.
Group tours are welcome at both museums, call ahead to make arrangements 608-822-4100.
About the Dionne Quintuplets
The Dionne Quintuplets were born May 28, 1934, to a French Canadian family. Born two months premature, the five identical girls were at the time the first quintuplets known to have survived their infancy; all survived to adulthood. After four months with their family, they were made wards of the state for the next nine years under the Dionne Quintuplets’ Guardianship.
Unfortunately the Ontario provincial government and those around them began to profit by making them a significant tourist attraction.
Happy 85th Birthday to the Dionne Quintuplets
May 28, 1934 – May 28, 2019
Annette Lillianne Marie Allard & Cecille Marie Emilda Langlois…are still alive
Chamber Announces Winners of Patriotic Decorating Contest
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce marketing committee is pleased to announce the winners of their 2019 Patriotic Decorating Contest. The first place winner went to Timothy’s Café whose decorating included a large flag painted on café’s wall, all tables all decorated in red-white-blue along with window decorations and hanging baskets outdoors. The first place winner receives $100 in Fennimore bucks. The second place winner is Cassey’s General Store who decorated the store inside and out with flags and red – white and blue décor. They received $50 of Fennimore bucks.
Fennimore Firemen’s Steak Feed June 8
The Fennimore Fire Department will be hosting its Annual Steak Feed Fundraiser on Saturday, June 8th at the Fennimore Fire Department. Tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased at the door. Dine in or carry out; serving runs from 4:30 to 8:30 or until they run out of steaks. There is a limited amount of meals available.
This is a family friendly event and the fire men greatly appreciate community support! The Steak Feed is our primary fundraiser each year and was originally started to fund the purchase of their first set of extrication/rescue equipment (“Jaws of Life”). Each year, the department uses proceeds from this event to purchase/update new rescue equipment and provide training to their volunteer members so that we can provide the best service possible to our community and fire district. During the event, there will be a variety of raffles and prizes available. Those interested in donating an item for the fundraising raffles or silent auction, please contact Todd Bresee at 608-732-1527.
Fennimore Chamber Golf Outing June 13
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing will be held Thursday, June 13 at Hickory Grove Golf Course starting with a 3 p.m. shotgun start. The Chamber invites chamber members and guests to participate in the annual chamber golf outing. The fee remains the same which is $40 for Golf and Dinner per person or $12 for the meal only.
The meal will be served around 6:00 p.m. If you don’t have a 4-some, let us make a team. Contact Steve Lendosky 608-822-6100 or steve@brechlerlendosky.com
Chamber Community Awards
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Citizen, Family, Business and Organization of the Year awards. Do you know someone who lives within the Fennimore School District whose activities have made a positive difference in the community? If so, you are encouraged to fill out a short nomination form for them to be recognized for their efforts. Please note the organization recognition was a new feature for 2019.
Nomination forms are available at the Memorial building/chamber office, local banks or Birkett Chiropractic or online www.fennimore.com/chamber-of-commerce
Nominations must be turned into Birkett’s office or P.O.Box 68, Fennimore or email sbirkett@tds.net No later than noon on Friday, June 28; the committee will meet that afternoon to make their final decisions. Four nominees will be recognized during the Community Awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. held in conjunction with the Chamber Annual Chicken BBQ. The Chicken BBQ and Community Awards will take place in the Fennimore Memorial building gym.
Golden Knights Parachute Team Visits Fennimore July 2
Some exciting news has just been released by Southwest Tech. In celebration of the 4th of July, Southwest Tech would like to recognize those who fought for the freedom of the United States and host an event that honors veterans and those currently serving in the military.
The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will once again be hosting a pre-Independence Day Celebration honoring our Nation’s Military! All are invited to join us for this FREE celebration.
Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. in preparation for the 10:00 a.m. scheduled jump time. Immediately following the jump, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter will attempt to land. Children will be able to help the U.S.Golden Knights pack parachutes, get autographs, and tour the aircraft. Additional activities are also being planned for this year; watch for more details to come. This is an awesome opportunity for youth and families to get up close and learn more about Chinook helicopters. The American twin-engine, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters
Chicken BBQ Tickets Now Available
Members of the Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Chicken BBQ on Tuesday, July 9 with serving from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The meal will be served in the air conditioned and bug free Memorial building gym, 860 Lincoln Avenue.
This year’s menu is ½ bbq chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, dinner roll, butter, and a beverage. Tickets are $11 in advance (purchased by July 8) or $12 at the door; advance tickets are recommended as the BBQ is generally a “sell out”. Tickets are now available at Clare, Community First Bank, MidWestOne Bank and Peoples State Banks in Fennimore, the Chamber office.
The long standing BBQ first began as a chance for businesses and their employees to get together in a social atmosphere to show their appreciation to store owners and shop keepers. Even today many of the Fennimore businesses purchase tickets for their employees to attend and enjoy a delicious meal. For more than a decade the Chamber’s community awards are also presented as part of the event. The Community Awards are presented at 6:30 p.m. during the Chamber’s Annual Chicken BBQ.
