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.

FMI: www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/markers/, www.bongheritagecenter.org, www.aviationhalloffamewisconsin.com/