There was no public meeting in December but here are the reports of the last 2 events in November and December

Christmas at Conkey’s Report

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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 325 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 Moderson, Jim Richter, Tom Sutter, Brian Schneider, and Barb Bacon provided equipment, presented historical exhibits, or served guests. Karen Moderson, Laura Leimer, Christy Marmor and Barb Bacon 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., and the Appleton Public Library. Special thanks, especially from the kids, to Simple Simon Bakery, Schneider’s Piggly Wiggly, Copps Food Center (Ballard Rd), Christina Rappel, John & Linda Marx, and Karen Moderson, for supplying cookies for the event.

James L. Richter

AHS Secretary 12/5/12

Back

THE APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 5TH HISTORY FAIR

December 1, 2012

It was a beautiful day for our 5th History Fair. The event was again held as part of the Appleton Downtown Winter Farm Market at the City Center in downtown Appleton. Attendance of 276 visitors was very encouraging and showed a growing support for the History Fair.

A wide array of exhibits and artifacts were displayed. We had a Central Theme of Appleton Soda Bottling Companies as well as a Focus Exhibit on Appleton Papers.

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 and Christine Williams. 

 (2) Brian Schneider – historic videos, artifact scanning and AHS Facebook Displays 

 (3) Gwen Sargeant & and John Koester – Appleton soda bottling companies

 (4) Jim Richter – Focus Exhibit with Scales on Appleton Papers.

 (5) Jim Krueger- pictures & artifacts

(6) Mark Moderson – soda bottles, post cards, business items and artifacts.

 (7) John Marx – Appleton soda bottlers display

 (8) Michael Broeren-post cards, milk bottles, glassware.

(9) Don Hameister – post cards, pictures and artifacts.

(10) Barb Bacon- Appleton Maps and Post Cards

(11) Keith & Antoinette Powell- 3rd Ward Display, Videos, Web Site

(12) David Buss – Pictures of Appleton’s Four Original High Schools

(13) Karen Probst, Public Library – Historic pictures of Appleton’s regimental band

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. The Paper Discovery Center for providing exhibit materials . 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, as well as to Community 1st and Capitol Credit Unions who advertised the event on their billboards.

James Richter, Co-Chairman

Mark Moderson, Co-Chairman