THE APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 15TH HISTORY FAIR December 2 2017

Our event was a huge success thanks to a wonderful early winter day. We had 484 people attend the 15th History Fair presented by the Appleton Historical Society. The event was again held as part of the Appleton Downtown Winter Farm Market at the City Center in downtown Appleton. We received great support and positive comments for our theme, and the variety of exhibits displayed. We had an increase in the number of families with kids joining us. The kids loved the antique toy train in operation and the free candy provided.

Exhibits focused on Christmas in Appleton – The First 100 Years and included special displays on the former H. C. Prange Department Store display window figures; the Darting Needles Quilt Guild demonstrating quilting and tatting in period costume: The Appleton Christmas Parade; and the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps. A summary of all exhibits displayed:

1) App Historical Society Welcome Table- Tom Sutter, Christine Williams

2) Brian Schneider - showing an historic video, also scanning of pictures and artifacts.

3) Jim Richter & Laura Leimer–decorated Christmas tree table.

4) Jim Krueger-pictures & artifacts.

5) John Marx- pictures and artifacts.

6) Dave Kalz – historic photos.

7) Dave Kalz (2nd) – antique model railroad in action.

8) Barney Hameister – pictures, post cards, and artifacts.

9) Diana Sandberg, Appleton Public Library.

10) Janet Sutter – Quilt squares fund raiser table.

11) Kathy Meyer/The Darting Needles Quilt Guild – Quilting & Tatting Demo in Costume

12) Neville Public Museum – H.C. Prange Christmas Window Display Figures.

13) Greg Otis – History of the Appleton Christmas Parade table.

14) Scott Dorschner – Americanos Drum & Bugle Corps display.

Many thanks to our dedicated exhibitors and all the time and effort they committed to our success! We thank Jennifer Stephany, and Djuanna Hugdahl of Appleton Downtown Inc. for making the event possible. Thanks also go to Pfefferle Companies Inc., Jill Van Asten and their City Center Staff for providing space, equipment and assistance. We were blessed with assistance from students of Valley New School, and by Jen Gaerthofner and the Area Home School Group. We also appreciate the excellent news coverage that was provided by FOX-11 News, WHBY Radio, the Appleton Post Crescent, and the Bargain Bulletin. Thanks also to Community 1st and Capital Credit Unions for marquee ads.

James Richter, Co-Chairman

Mark Moderson, Co-Chairman