There was no scheduled monthly meeting for December, but we did have
the Christmas at Conkey's event, and our 3rd History Fair at the AppletonDowntown Farmer's Market.
Below is the overviews of both events.
Christmas at Conkey’s Report
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
In the fall of 2010 Tom Sutter, President of the Appleton Historical Society, was looking for ways to promote Appleton’s history and period buildings within the community. He immediately thought of the historic Conkey’s Book Store building, which had closed after many years of service to the community. He crafted a plan to have a public event during the Annual City Christmas Parade, which would provide a warming shelter for families, hot chocolate for
the kids, and even Christmas stories read at the hearth.
The first Christmas at Conkey’s event was held 11/23/10 and proved a huge success. This year’s event was even greater serving some 350 kids and their parents. Everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies, warming up and listening to a Christmas story. Members of the Appleton Historical Society again showed Appleton history exhibits.
Mark and Karen Moderson, Jim Richter, Tom Sutter, Jim Krueger, Brian Schneider, and Dave and Barbara Dahlke provided historical displays, as well as served guests. George Hansen displayed his Santa DVD’s for visitors.
Christine Williams, Christy Marmor, Dave Buss, and John Marx manned tables to
talk to prospective members and history buffs alike – as well as serve treats.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Conkey’s business and building owner John Zimmerman. Our deepest appreciation goes to Grubb & Ellis Pfefferle, the Post Crescent, WHBY, Appleton Downtown Inc., the Appleton Public Library, and Joseph’s Shoes. Special thanks, especially from the kids, to Simple Simon Bakery, Schneider’s Piggly Wiggly, Copps Food Center, and Christina Rappel for supplying cookies for the event.
James L. Richter AHS Secretary 12/10/11
THE APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S THIRD HISTORY FAIR
December 3, 2011
Our Third History Fair held as part of the Appleton Downtown Winter Farm Market at the City Center in downtown Appleton proved to be a success like earlier events. Public interest continued to be great with 247 visitors attending this third event. Attendees enjoyed viewing tables of exhibits and talking about local history. We were all pleased with the number of visitors and the genuine interest in Appleton artifacts shown. Exhibitors included:
(1) Appleton Historical Society Welcome Table Dave Buss.
(2) Brian Schneider - showing a 100th Anniversary of Appleton Wire Works film and also
displaying the Valleycast Appleton Trolley video.
(3) Tom Sutter with area historic maps display.
(4) Jim Richter – antique scales from Appleton and a SPECIAL DISPLAY on the
Historic Langenberg Shoe Store.
(5) Jim Krueger-pictures & artifacts.
(6) Mark Moderson with post cards, business items and artifacts.
(7) John Marx with post cards and artifacts.
(8) Dave Kalz, photos and postcards.
(9) Alan Deeg-Miller Electric and centennial items.
(10) Michael Broeren-post cards, milk bottles, glassware.
(11) Brian Zenefski- Adler Brau Collection.
(12) Donna & Barney Hameister, pictures and artifacts.
(13) Emily Gilbert-All Saints Episcopal Church History.
We thank Jennifer Stephany and Dujuanna Hugdahl of Appleton Downtown Inc. for making the event possible. Thanks also go to Pfefferle Companies Inc. and their City Center Staff for providing space, equipment and assistance. Kudos to Joseph’s Shoes for providing historic footwear for a Focus display. We also appreciate the excellent news coverage that was provided prior to the event by the Appleton Post Crescent, the Bargain Bulletin, and WHBY Radio.
James Richter, Chairman and Mark Moderson, Co-Chairman