Annual Report 2012 - Waseca County Historical Society

2012 HIGHLIGHTS—It’s everybody’s history.VISION: WCHS will strive to be a financially, self-sustaining organization with an energetic, dynamic membership and the necessary staff and technological capacityto preserve and interpret Waseca County’s history into the future--in a manner well-respected by the community and its peers.It goes without saying, but we must. This year has beenone of the most exciting times of our Society’s almost 75years of existence. In this year 2012 we are grateful forthe largest bequest to date, $278,007 left to WCHS’sFrank and Barbara Goodspeed Memorial Endowment Fund. Inone action this bequest met our 2008 goal of growing the principalbalance in our seven endowment funds to $500,000.These endowments provide increased interest income availablefor operations.The principal is never touched. The bequestcame from Dorothy Moriarty, the niece of Frank and BarbaraGoodspeed, who worked very2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS hard on behalf ofJim King, President WCHS during theirDon Zwach, Vice-Presidentlifetimes. WhenJim Tippy, SecretaryTom Piche, Treasurer they died DorothyRod Searle, Honorary Lifetime created a memorialJim Peterson, Waseca County endowment andAl Rose, City of Wasecacontributed to itAudra Nissen-Boyersubstantially everyDr. David PopeGary Strengeyear. When we receivedthe letterRev. Charles EspeHenry Lewerannouncing theNeta OelkeJerry RutledgeDon Wynnemer, Honorary LifetimeWCHS STAFFJoan Mooney,Co-Director-Programs/ResearchSheila Morris,Co-Director-Development/ExhibitsPauline Fenelon, Artifacts/LibraryVanessa Zimprich, Artifacts/WebsiteLinda Taylor, ResearchNancy Nelson-Deppe, Bookkeeperbequest, our kneesliterally buckled indisbelief and gratitude.Dorothy Moriarty diedin March 2012.Earlier in 2012 WCHS receivedgrant approval for$48,000 from the MinnesotaHistorical and Cultural HeritageFund to make the museumbuilding completely ADAcompliant with a new lift/elevator to the balcony and tocreate a unisex rest room on the main floor. We put away allexhibits in July thinking the ADA project would start anytime,and we kept offices and gift shop open as we prepared for construction.The summer project did not begin until November 1,but it will be completed by the end of January 2013. Then onDecember 26, WCHS received another grant, also from theMinnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Fund for an InterpretiveExhibit Plan for the Timeline project.In February we had to cancel the Ice Harvest due to unusuallywarm weather. The Spring Luncheons were sentimental,compelling and fun, pretty much in that order. March presentedEd Barens showing a documentary he produced about his father,our friend, Mark Barens, who died unexpectedly in ahome accident in October 2011. There was a great turnout toremember Mark.In April we welcomed Brad Zellar talking about his amazingphotography and writing. He pleaded to everyone there, notjust WCHS staff, to record and write down the stories of ourexperiences, our lives. He described his continuous excitementof meeting new people and hearing their incredible stories; andwe concur that everyone has a story!Finally in May we were enchanted with Peg Meier’s littlebook from the girlhood diary of Coco Irvine who grew up inthe house that became the Minnesota governor’s mansion onSummit Avenue!Chautauqua in July brought great music and storytelling,and another great, life-size puppet, a tiger,made by Chris Lutter-Gardella from Farm Arts Puppets.It’s important to note that he creates these incrediblyreal puppets out of recycled materials. Wehope to bring him back to Chautauqua 2013, and inexpanded workshops through a Waseca CommunityEducation program.In October we held our Annual Meeting, a SundayBrunch, at the Matawan School House. Jim Kingwill stay on as president of the board for one moreyear. Audra Nissen-Boyer is the new VP, Dr. DavidPope is secretary, and Tom Piche stays on as treasurer.Board members King and Rutledge were reelected,and we thanked Don Zwach for many years on theboard. He has volunteered to conduct oral histories in thespring. In January we welcome Brad Wendland and KateYoungberg to the board.As we look forward to 2013, we will be Celebrating 75Years of WCHS. Of course we will be following our missionand focusing on our Herters collection, gathering and displayingsome at the County Fair in July, and then creating an extendedexhibit in the museum in 2014. With the completion ofthe ADA compliance project we will also create more new exhibits,linking information to new technology and continuing tofocus on the unique people, places and events of Waseca County.That’s our 2013 in a nutshell.We invite you to support our Waseca County history byjoining, donating, volunteering, visiting, learning and sharing.You can’t learn about it unless it’s saved. You can’t find itunless it’s safe, indexed and digitally accessible. You can’tread about it unless someone writes it. We can’t continue thismission unless this organization continues to not just exist, butgrow. There are thousands of stories in our past, there will bethousands of stories in our future! Thanks for a great year!—Sheila Morris & Joan Mooney, Co-Executive Directors

Matawan School house restored by Byron Township Board

CURRENT MEMBERSAs of December 31, 2012This year we decided to publish thelist of all our current members. Duringthe year we publish our renewals andnew members in our quarterly newsletters.This should be all currentmembers in all our categories.COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSAccess is granted to the followingpublic facilities and organizations:Church of the Latter Day SaintsFamily Search/Library RightsCity of JanesvilleCity of New RichlandCity of WaldorfCity of WasecaFarmamericaPrairie Lakes Regional Arts CouncilWaseca Area Senior CenterWaseca County CourthouseWaseca County Planning & ZoningWaseca Medical CenterBlue Earth County Historical SocietyMinnesota Genealogical SocietyNew Richland Historical SocietyOlmsted County Historical SocietyRice County Historical SocietyJanesville Public LibraryNew Richland Public LibraryWaseca LeSueur Regional LibraryNRHEG SchoolsWaseca Hartley ElementaryAlton TownshipBlooming Grove TownshipByron TownshipFreedom TownshipIosco TownshipJanesville TownshipNew Richland TownshipOtisco TownshipSt. Mary TownshipVivian TownshipWilton TownshipWoodville TownshipLIFETIME MEMBERSThese members have contributed$1,000 to the WCHS Lifetime EndowmentFund: *New in 2012Allen, Mary P.Britton, Joseph and MarjorieBrynildson, GladysCooper, GusCorchran, Maria E. (Liz)Fette, Leo J.*Fischer, Larry and MarianFitzsimmons, Francis M.Fostveit, Donna*Fuller, BoydGerding, Dr. and Mrs. JamesGores, Marjorie L.Haley, SharonHecht, SigriHorner, MargaretJohnson, Ronald*Kopischke, Barbara and Gerald*Lewer, Henry and PhyllisMarkus, ElizabethMcCarthy, George B. and JeanOelke, Neta L.Rethwill, WesleyRutledge, Jerry and LindaSearle, Rod and RuthSheeran, Robert and BettySmith, Keith and WildaStrand, MelSwenson, VirginiaTippy, James and MoiraWebber, WendyWendland, HelenWick, Bruce and LorraineWinegar, George and SharleneWynnemer, Donald and MargaretSUSTAINER MEMBERSThese members have contributed$100 for their 2012 membership:Armstrong, Wendell & Ruth 11/8/2013Chaffin, Robert and Lois 2/2/2013Gasner, Eunice 8/28/2013Grant, Linda 10/12/2013Halvorson, Mike & Jean 11/2/2013Hawkins, William & Francia 10/12/2013Jeddeloh, Irene 9/29/2013Joyce, Ron 1/26/2013Nelson, Philip and Georgia 11/7/2013Peterson, Arlene 6/1/2013Pooley, Arlene 11/23/2013INDIVIDUAL ONE-YEAR MEMBERSIndividual $25:Aitken, Robert 3/13/2013Aldrich, Donald 4/3/2014Amsrud, Mary 8/22/2013Arvesen, Eileen 5/30/2013Baker, Dale 4/10/2013Balke, Sidonia 5/21/2013Battenfeld, Myra 2/15/2013Berger, Doris 4/24/2013Blume, Marilyn 8/31/2013Bodine, Kelly 4/26/2013Bohmbach, Vivian 5/29/2014Born, Donald 10/4/2013Born, Rodney 3/3/2013Born, Carol 12/1/2013Brandt, Nancy 3/15/2013Brock, Cameron 4/3/2013Buesing, Orville 9/4/2013Burns, William F. 12/21/2013Byrne, Margaret 10/4/2013Byrne, Robert 2/2/2013Calvert, Connie 5/28/2013Carlson, Arthur 5/11/2013Clemons, Leta 10/9/2013Annual Meeting & Brunch at therenovated Matawan SchoolhouseRenovated Matawan SchoolhouseConway, Tammy 3/7/2013Devereaux, Lora 12/3/2013Draheim, Ardella 10/25/2013Driscoll, Linda 12/29/2013Dunn, Dave 6/29/2013Eaton, Steve 10/9/2013Elsner, Nicholas 2/18/2013Elsner, Arlene 5/31/2013Engel, Kathryn 11/6/2013Eustice, Ronald 3/15/2013Farris, Lynn 2/25/2013Fell, June 10/5/2013Fenelon, Pauline 10/4/2013Fenelon, Kari 11/13/2013Flood, Karen 11/27/2013Ford, Carol 3/26/2013Forrest, Helen (Sally) M. 9/28/2013Fountain, Michael 5/4/2013Fox, James P. 6/20/2013Freeman, Janie 3/7/2013Fritz, Loren 7/17/2013Gallagher, Bonnie 11/9/2013Gauger, Barbara 5/24/2013Goblirsch, Jennifer 5/8/2013Goldman, Julie 3/16/2013Gomberg, Diane 3/16/2013Graham, Barbara 8/13/2013Grimm, Cathy 4/15/2013Groskreutz, Dale 3/8/2013Guentzel, Richard 9/1/2013Guggisberg, Jane 1/26/2014Halstead, Robert 11/11/2014Hand, Larry 8/31/2013Hansen, Pastor Nancy 10/9/2013Hansen, Mary 3/25/2013Harguth, Dorothy 5/7/2013Harward, Shannon 3/27/2013Hasslen, Margaret 2/7/2013Hedstrom, Kristine 5/8/2013Hildebrandt, Anita 10/4/2013Hilleson, John 5/3/2013Hintz, Thomas D. 4/17/2013Hisey, Mi 5/5/2013Hoffman, Betty 9/4/2013Holman, Thomas 5/27/2013Horne, Anita 7/6/2013Hunter, Robert 9/30/2013Jerabek, Barbara 8/11/2013Joecks, Judy 6/22/2013Johnson, Judeen 8/31/2013Johnson, Maureen 5/28/2013Johnson, Kathie L. 8/2/2013Kahnke, Dan 2/12/2013Kamm, Becky 2/5/2013Kanewischer, Deanna 10/5/2013Kastner, Eugenia M. (Bonnie) 5/11/2013Kelly, George 6/28/2013Kelly, Mary 11/29/2013Kinney, Linda 8/31/2013Kolars, Jane 11/20/2013Krogstad, Lynette 9/6/2013Larson, Tink 6/5/2013Lewer, Cindy 5/22/2013Lundquist, Jean 4/14/2013Mann, Dennis 3/9/2013Matz, John R. 12/10/2013McCarthy, Virginia 9/4/2013McDonough, Shawn 6/22/2013McIntire, Betty 9/28/2013Mellen, Barbara 2/16/2013Messer, Mitch 12/7/2013Meyer, Clark 11/7/2013Meyer, Marlene 7/5/2013Miller, Michael 1/31/2013Mittelsteadt, Gary 7/6/2013Moreno, Catherine 3/27/2013Morrissey, Mike 8/28/2013Nelson, John 3/25/2013Norman, Beverlee A. 9/4/2013Pancerzewski, C G 5/30/2013Peters, Jaqueline A. 2/3/2013Peterson, Elizabeth 4/25/2013Pettengell, LuEllen 7/17/2013Poppe, Lisa 7/30/2013Querna, Marie 10/17/2013Reak, Bonnie 9/11/2013Richard, Deborah 11/2/2013Roades, Kristine 3/1/2013Roberton, Karen 8/18/2013Roberts, Doreen 4/20/2013Roemhildt, Scott 10/28/2013Roesler, Robert 6/1/2013Rogers, Clinton 6/10/2013Rosenthal, Gregg 10/19/2013Rosenthal, Jeanette 12/28/2012Routh, Warren 6/29/2013Samudio, Ken 10/3/2013Sanders, Wayne R. 9/22/2013Scheffler, Charlene 9/30/2013Schmidt, Robert E. 9/28/2013Schmitt, Jade 10/14/2013Schultz, Harlan 8/27/2013Schuster, Bonnie 5/9/2013Siems, Donald 10/18/2013Simpson, James 8/1/2013Starkey, Brenda 6/23/2013Stenzel, Laurie 10/24/2013Sutter, Dorothea 11/13/2014Terrell, Robin 4/4/2013Teskey, John 3/7/2013

APPROPRIATIONSWe are extremely grateful for thesupport we receive from these entitiesfor WCHS Operations. Withoutthis support the Society would haveno facilities or staff to grow the membership,donations and grantsWaseca County, $60,000City of Waseca, $4,200City of New Richland, $300New Richland Township, $1,000Otisco Township, $400Alton Township, $400Wilton Township, $300Blooming Grove Township, $250Byron Township, $250St. Mary Township, $200Iosco Township, $175Freedom Township, $150Vivian Township, $150Woodville Township, $100Janesville Township, $100City of Waseca, $4,200approved for 2013County of Waseca, $60,000approved for 2013CONTRIBUTIONSUNRESTRICTED DONATIONSUnrestricted means that the followingdonations were given with nodirected purpose other than forWCHS general operations. Thesemay include building utilities, technologyexpenses, staffing, insurance,materials and services to carryout the mission of WCHS. Incomefrom WCHS Memberships, the AnnualFund (unless otherwise directed,and Memorials & Honorariaare all considered unrestricteddonations.AnonymousBlooming Grove All-in-One FundRobert ByrneRobert and Lois ChaffinGayle CoyerKari FenelonJanesville Community ChestKaren LechnerItron’s Dept 15 Used Book SaleMcRaith Funeral HomeRod and Ruth SearleRanae SchultTom and Francie WestUNRESTRICTED GRANTS: $6,000Exxon-Mobil FoundationMatching the volunteer hoursof Don Wynnemer, and the CulturalMatching Gifts of Don and MargaretWynnemerANNUAL FUND: $2,780Unrestricted Year-End GivingDan and Sue McRaithRobert A. Aitken (online)Kathryn TollefsonDorothy HarguthMary AllenEunice GasnerMartin and Karen BuumArdella R. DraheimRoy and Delores SrpJane DunnState Bank of New RichlandMillicent I. NeidtJim and Moira TippyJeannette RosenthalSigri HechtLinda GrantPearl HoverstenDiane WendlandMarge GiesenNewell SearleWilliam and Patricia HoverstenHarold HabeinMyrwood and Helen BagneRon JohnsonDan Forrest, to the Bailey-LewerLibraryGIVE-TO-THE-MAX DAY:$1,757.53givemn.org promotes one dayof online giving in Minnesota,November 15, 2012:Michael FinleyBarb FriedlBarb HermeJoanne HintzJudith JoecksBarbara KieslerPatricia MasbergSheila MorrisRod and Ruth SearleGary StrengeKirk and Laurie VelettJanet WelchKatherine YoungbergHISTORY PARTNER PLEDGESThese donors have committed$1,000 annually for a three-yearperiod:First National Bank,2011, 2012, 2013Jerry and Linda Rutledge,2012, 2013, 2014Newell SearleIn Honor of Linda GrantUNRESTRICTED MEMORIALSIn memory of Betty Bangby Donna Fostveitby Russ and Terri Ingramby Lorraine Carlsonby Dick and Deb ChambersIn memory of Jim Baumanby Linda GrantIn memory of Donald Bornby Donna Fostveitby Don and Margaret WynnemerIn memory of Stan Broughtonby Sheila Morrisby Donna FostveitIn memory of Wayne “Bumps”Brownby Donna Fostveitby Rod and Ruth Searleby Henry and Phyllis LewerIn memory of Eloise Butlerby Ruth Ann and Don Millerby John and Delancy Sutliefby Janette and Bob LarsonIn memory of Orville Deppeby Donna FostveitIn memory of Lavern Ewertby Margaret EwertIn memory of Dave Gehloffby Gene and Kathy RosenthalUNRESTRICTED HONORARIASuzanne Born & Carol E. CumminsIn honor of the Decemberbirthdays of Don & MargaretWynnemerLinda GrantIn honor of Rod Searleand Newell SearleDiane WendlandIn honor of Sister Janel Crumb,OSFIn memory of Dorothy Gigeayby Dan and Kati Giesenby Donna Fostveitby Constance Mahlerby Marianne Adelmannby Marjorie Giesenby Marcia Schoederby Betty McIntireIn memory of Dorothy & CharlieGigeay, and Robert Gigeayby Marge and Andy GiesenIn memory of David HoverstenPearl Hoversten

In memory of Dr. Leland Westby Donna FostveitRESTRICTED MEMORIALSIn memory of Dr. Leland Westto the WCHS Endowment Fundby Rod and Ruth SearleIn memory of Lavern Ewertto the Jerry and Linda RutledgeHeritage Fundby Margaret SinnIn memory of Sam Juberianby Donna FostveitIn memory of Jeff Kapaunby Donna FostveitIn memory of ”Buster” Kaupaby Donna FostveitIn memory of Louis Kopischkeby Donna FostveitIn memory of David Krampitzby Sylvia Krampitz and familyby Gene and Kathy RosenthalIn memory of Marilyn Lauby Henry and Phyllis LewerIn memory of Alvina Lewerby Donna FostveitIn memory of Nora Schoenfeldby Sheila Morrisby Donna FostveitIn memory of Robert Sehaby Earl and Sally LamontIn memory of Tony Slectaby Donna FostveitIn memory of Richard Strohlby Earl and Sally LamontIn memory of Paul E. Sutterby Donna FostveitIn memory of Ward Wendtby John, Jim and Tom TetzloffIn memory of Paul Sutterto the Bailey-Lewer Libraryby Robert and Janette Larsonby Ruthann and Don Millerby Delency and JoAnn SutliefIn memory of Jack Mooneyto the WCHS Endowment Fundby Patrice AbbeIn memory of Nancy KruegerIn memory of Luella SelvikIn memory of Marian LawsonIn memory of Roxanne BronsonIn memory of George CowlesIn memory of Keith GrahamIn memory of Eleanor GiffordIn honor of JoAnn & DelencySutlief’s 50 th Wedding Anniversaryby Donald and Ruth Ann Miller,to the Bailey-Lewer LibraryIn honor of Pearl Hoversten, andin memory of William T. Hoversten,David Hoversten, ClaraRistau Wolter, Clarence Wolter,Martha Rottkey Hoversten, andGeorge Hoversten by Patricia andWilliam L. Hoversten, to ADAProject matching fundsIn memory of Jeannie Mittelsteadtby Norma Wittby Donna FostveitIn memory of Vern Moeby Donna FostveitIn memory of Jack Mooneyby Rod and Ruth Searleby Silvan DurbenIn memory of Bob Mulcaheyby Jack and Jane KolarsIn memory of Bethel Perkinsby Donna FostveitIn memory of Genelle PhelpsReckby Donna FostveitIn memory of Burton Quastby Earl and Sally LamontIn memory of Harold Schmidtby Donna Fostveit

VOLUNTEERSWCHS has devoted volunteers aswell as our Board of Directorsand their families, who assistwith annual and special events.We are grateful to all for theirtime and labor. In 2012 our volunteerand visitor totals were diminishedbecause of the cancellation ofIce Harvest due to unseasonablewarm weather and melting ice; andthe cancellation of our Holiday OpenHouse/Exhibit due to late start onADA compliancy project.Briggs, DawnBursham, ShanaeBuum, KarenCliff, BarbDobberstein, RalphDunn, DaveEspe, CharlesEspe, KathyForsythe, DianeFostveit, DonnaGauger, BarbaraGerdts, Mary SueGilbertson, CarolynHofmann, JanHofmann, LarryHolmquist, HarlanJessen, GeoffJohnson, JodyJones, KarlKastelle, GeorgeKiesler, BarbKing, BarbKing, JimKrause, CurtKrause, KarenLDS EldersLundquist, JeanMorris, RickNelson-Deppe, NancyNissen-Boyer, AudraParkinen, HannahCo-Director Joan Mooney with Hartley Elementary studentsPeterson, EileenPiche, TomPurcell, PatPurcell, RonRoberts, ChaseRouth, ScottSchoenrock, LorenSearle, RodSearle, RuthSwain, Elizabeth-WHS/YSLThornton, LindaTippy, JimTippy, MoiraVetsch, TwyllaWaseca Co Girl ScoutsWynnemer, DonYoungberg, HenryYoungberg, KatieZwach, DonLifting and moving artifacts:Suburban Furniture’sAaron/Tim/KevinSummer Parades:For Janesville HayDaze:Deml, GaryPope, DavidKing, JimKing, MorganSather, SydneySather, SpencerFor New Richland’s Farm-City Days:Strenge, GaryEspe, CharlesFor Waseca Marching Classic:Anderson, David and PennyPiche, TomRohde, LauraParkinen, HannahParkinen, CaitlinFor donation of office furniture:Hintz, Tom-ComSquared SystemsKEY ARTIFACTS DONATEDWe often explain to visitors that we can only maintain what we aregiven. Education to the public is ongoing regarding the next phase ofWaseca County history that must be collected and saved. Here aresome important artifacts that came to us in 2012: Alonzo “Stub” Hess Papers, Janesville resident and athlete.By Mary McComb 1970 Waseca Hotel Fire video/DVD recordings. By TimSchroeder Janesville School District #73 Records. By Doris Berger Beisner Family Farm photo in Blooming Grove. By Lavern Holt Waseca Nelmoor Stables, State and Park Theater owner E. P.Nelson history and photos. By Phil Nelson Elizabeth Kain Tesch wedding gown, Byron Township.By Patricia Coy Architect Clarence Johnston DVD (born inOkaman). By Patricia and Bill Hoversten Baby and doll carriages used by Bonnie VonSien Born. By Susan Boje Don Eustice coffee mugs; Foley and ArnoldtFuneral Home memorabilia, Janesville HighSchool and Janesville city photos. By RichardSandberg Mamie Kruger Ewest wedding gown of Wilton.By Dorothy Clayton Janesville, Palmer and Wasecasouvenir glassware. By Susan WaddMundale Zimmerman-Powell family historybook. By Terry Ernst Herter’s Inc. sales catalogs.By Vanessa Zimprich Autobiography of Charles Hofmann,Beekeeper of Janesville.By Larry Hofmann World War II First Aid Kit.By Arthur Carlson Wilton School District #91 Records.By Charlene Roemhildt Clothing and memorabilia of DorothyGigeay of Waldorf and Waseca.By Marge Giesen Oak cabinet, chinaware, sterling silvertableware from Goodspeed estate.By Moriarty/Stewart Herter fire, State Street photos. By Janette Larson Photos from the Della Paulson Tollefson estate of Otisco Township.By Connie Calvert Kagermeier architectural drawings and photos of county schooland business buildings. By Kagermeier Southern Minnesota Grocery Company records and Farmers’Elevator records. By Gene Miller

ENDOWMENTS: What are they? What do they mean for the future of a non-profit like your WCHS?Gifts to the WCHS Endowment Fundskeep on giving forever!The heart of the ability to sustain fundingover time is our family of endowmentfunds maintained by the WasecaArea Foundation. The Society hasseven funds graciously initiated and contributedto by generous members of WCHS and theWaseca County community. Our strategy is tokeep building these funds to reach our goal ofbecoming independently sustained someday. Ifyou believe in our mission—to maintain andinterpret Waseca County history always, youhave an opportunity. Consider giving to one ofthe following funds.There are two categories of endowmentfunds: 1) The Nonprofit Endowment Fundswere initiated by the Society with donated fundsmade directly to WCHS. The distribution fromthese funds is called interest income. A donationcheck is made payable to the Waseca CountyHistorical Society. 2) The Designated EndowmentFunds were initiated by individual’s directdonation to create an endowment—providinggrant income. This donation check is made payableWaseca Area Foundation and is designatedone of these WCHS Endowments. Or, it is possiblefor you to create a new named endowmentfund with a minimum contribution.THE WCHS NONPROFIT ENDOWMENTSWCHS Lifetime Endowment FundBy board policy all Lifetime ($1,000) Memberships areforwarded to this Fund created in 2008. All of our LifetimeMembers understand the need for membership support andthey do so with this commitment. Many continue to donateevery year over and above this Lifetime Membership.Frank and Barbara Goodspeed Memorial FundThis endowment was created in 2005 from a donation byDorothy Moriarty in memory of her beloved aunt and uncle.Frank Goodspeed was a native Wasecan and served onthe first WCHS Board of Directors and for many years.Dorothy Moriarty left a substantial bequest to this fund ather death in March 2012.Phil Allen Memorial FundPhil Allen loved history and he loved horticulture. After acareer of teaching Horticulture at the University of Minnesota-Waseca,he volunteered countless hours during therenovation process of transforming the P.C. Bailey houseback to new life as the Bailey-Lewer History ResearchTHE GOODSPEEDSPHIL ALLENEDGAR AND ETHEL JOHNSONJERRY AND LINDA RUTLEDGEDR. WES AND CAROL RETHWILLLibrary. Phil also worked with Joan Mooney on the landscapeplan that includes so many heritage plants and flowers.When Phil died, the Phil Allen Memorial Fund wascreated in 2004 to specifically benefit the Bailey-LewerLibrary always.THE WCHS DESIGNATED ENDOWMENTSEdgar F. and Ethel Johnson FundIn 1923 Edgar and Ethel Johnson started a small businessin their garage in Waseca that grew to become the E.F.Johnson Co., manufacturers of radio components, CB radios,and forerunners of cellphone technology. It no longerexists, but during its time it won the coveted Navy “E”Award for WWII bond sales and radio service providedoverseas. Edgar and Ethel, as well as Edgar’s brothersEverett and Marvin and their wives, were proud of thecompany that employed so many in the Waseca area andcultivated a great work ethic and community pride. TheJohnsons were especially supportive of the Waseca CountyHistorical Society by purchasing the present museumbuilding, renovating, and donating it to the Society in1964. The Edgar F. and Ethel Johnson Foundation was thefirst Waseca Area Foundation Fund created to benefitWCHS.WCHS Endowment FundThis endowment fund was created in 2000 by the Board ofDirectors and then Executive Director Margaret Sinn witha special anonymous donation.Jerry and Linda Rutledge Heritage FundThe Rutledges created this endowment fund in 2006—astatement of his continuous support for Waseca Countyhistory. Jerry is a native and lifelong resident of Wasecaand retired CEO of Waseca Mutual Insurance Company.He is a current member of the Board of Directors, havingserved as President in 2008. During his term as BoardPresident, he led and challenged our membership and thecommunity to participate in the first-ever WCHS capitalcampaign—to celebrate Waseca County’s 150 th Anniversary.Not stopping there, also in 2008, Jerry and Lindaannounced a generous Charitable Remainder Trust thatwill eventually benefit WCHS.Wes and Carol Rethwill History FundDr. Wesley Howard Rethwill Jr. was raised in Waseca, inthe same beautiful brick home he was born in, and in theneighborhood of its founding fathers just off east Elm Avenue.His love for Waseca County history goes beyondremembering. He relishes the past events and people thatgave him such a full life as a dentist in a small town. Besidescreating this endowment fund in 2007, Dr. Rethwillhas sponsored events and donated many artifacts, photographsand an oral history.For more information, contact Karen Buum, Executive Director, Waseca Area Foundation, 507-835-5990.

Waseca County Historical SocietyMUSEUM & RESEARCH LIBRARY315 Second Avenue N.E., Waseca, MN 56093NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGEPAIDWASECA, MN56093PERMIT #41ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTEDThere are Lots of Different Ways to Give!Contact Sheila Morris, 507-835-7700 about any of these support programs.1. Give to our Annual Fund.2. Make a donation toward ADA Compliancy Project.3. Donate to any one of seven Endowment Funds for an endless gift.4. Plan a bequest.5. Be a Sustainer with a $100 new or renewed membership.6. Join or renew starting at $25 annually. Make a Gift of WCHS Membership to a friend.7. Be a History Partner by pledging $1,000 per year for three years.8. Give a WCHS Membership to a friend or to a family member.9. Patronize or sponsor a fundraiser to benefit WCHS.10. Visit our website regularly. Check out the Events & Support pages.11. Advocate for your Waseca County history by talking to neighbors,friends, family members and funders!WCHS is the history center for all of Waseca County—past, present and future!