Wisconsin Historical Markers Feature Aviation Themes
By Rose Dorcey
There is no doubt that the annual AirVenture gathering in
Oshkosh brings masses of visitors to "America's Dairyland". The
majority comes by automobile, and many are lucky enough to take in
the beautiful scenery and tourist attractions the state has to
offer. Few of these attractions have anything to do with aviation.
But we've found a few, and if you're one of those who just "can't
get enough" of the aviation bug, then you'll be interested in these
sites.
Off the beaten path, throughout Wisconsin's green farmlands and
gently rolling hills, are eleven aviation-inspired historical
markers. The Wisconsin Historical Markers "…identify,
commemorate and honor the important people, places, and events that
have contributed to the state's rich heritage" according to the
Wisconsin Historical Society website.
Nearly 500 markers can be found in the state, with such varied
titles as Cranberry Culture, Auto Production in Kenosha, First
Kindergarten, Colby Cheese and Birthplace of the Republican Party
in Ripon. Several commemorate war veterans and battles; several
highlight the historic value of a community. Some are more
lighthearted, yet equally significant to a community's
history… such as The Ice Cream Sundae and The Green Bay
Packers.
Then there's one located in the beautiful, small, southwestern
Wisconsin city of Fennimore called, The Dinky. I won't tell you the
subject of this marker, but I did have my photo taken standing next
to it, while biking through the area several years ago.
But we're talking about aviation, right? Here we go…
If you're lucky enough to be driving through the nearly
unmatched beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods, you'll find a marker
titled, First Forest Fire Patrol Flight. It explains how Jack
Vilas, in 1915, became the first person to use an airplane for the
purpose of forest fire patrols. It happened when a state forester
traveled from Madison to northern Wisconsin while on vacation. He
saw the Vilas airplane parked on a lake, and asked to go for a
ride. While aloft, they spotted a forest fire about 30 miles away,
landed, and notified the authorities.
The forester was so impressed by this new capability that he
rushed back to Madison to have Vilas appointed a Fire Warden.
Vilas, a wealthy young man with hardly a care in the world, began
daily forest fire patrol flights. For his work he requested the pay
of "the thanks of the people" -- he would have it no other way. The
marker is located about six miles south of Boulder Junction on Hwy.
M. If you happen to go into tiny Boulder Junction, you will also
find my favorite restaurant in the entire state, The
Outdoorsman.
Near the Central Wisconsin city of Wausau, you'll find what has
to be an EAA'ers favorite marker, Wisconsin's First Homebuilt
Flying Machine. It is located in Rothschild Park, in Rothschild
(WI). It's a bit difficult to find, but worth reading. Here you
will learn about the "Minnesota Badger" and the man who built it,
John Schwister. Schwister began work on his self-designed airplane
in Minnesota, but first flew it in Wisconsin, hence the name. The
local Wausau newspaper documented his progress, in both building
and learning to fly. He flew the airplane in the Wausau area from
about 1911 - 1912. Tip - use Mapquest to help you find it, or stop
to ask the friendly locals.
In Southern Wisconsin, near the Illinois border, is the city of
Beloit. Beloit is the home of Wisconsin's first aviator, Mr. Arthur
Pratt Warner. A wealthy man, Warner became interested in aviation
and traveled to New York to meet with a group of early aviators. He
met Glenn Curtiss, and became so enthralled with flight that he
immediately paid $6000 for Curtiss to begin work on an airplane
that was based on a June Bug. When the airplane was completed, it
was dismantled, crated and shipped by rail to Beloit. It was the
first sale of an airplane to a private individual. Warner,
mechanically inclined and eager to fly, completed the re-build just
weeks after receiving it. He flew the aeroplane for the first time
on November 4, 1909.
One of the markers is as close as your backyard -- while you are
in Wisconsin, anyway. Steve Wittman was honored by the placement of
a historical marker for his achievements as an aircraft designer,
race pilot and inventor. The marker is located just north of
Wittman Regional Airport on West 20th Avenue in Oshkosh. If you
can't see the others, at least see this one. It makes a nice photo
to show your friends who couldn't make it to AirVenture.
There are seven other Wisconsin Historical Markers with aviation
themes. I can't tell you the stories of them all; you have to learn
them on your own. You'll be driving for long hours and you will
need a break. Stop at a historical marker and you'll have the
opportunity to learn more about General Billy Mitchell -- where he
grew up in Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin airport that is named
after him. You can learn about the birthplace of an airline in
Clintonville (WI), located on the grounds of the Clintonville
Municipal Airport (KCLI). There's a tribute to Major Dick Bong,
America's Ace of Aces, in tiny Poplar (WI). Nearby, in Superior,
you can visit the Richard I. Bong WWII Heritage Center, which was
created to honor all those who "fought and died, worked and waited
during World War II."
Happy driving, and learning, on Wisconsin's roadways this
summer.