Historical Society Continues to Want to
Share the Story of Thorp

The Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI)
May 5, 2010
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

In 1993, the year of Thorp’s Centennial celebration, two Thorp natives began the idea of creating a historical society within the community.  Over the last 17 years, a handful of people that have come together to create the historical society ad hoc committee have been collecting historical and ethnic artifacts from families within Thorp.  Until a few years back, the artifacts were set up in he Parish of St. Hedwig’s church, but after another owner purchased the Parish, the items had to be moved.  Currently without a home, Thorp’s story-telling relics have been scattered to various storage units around town.
 
“This is our story: who we are and how we got to be who and what we are,” said one historical society member. Even with the items that make up the historical society hidden away, the committee has been actively pursuing the purchase of a new home for “The story of Thorp” artifacts for quite some time, along with consistently attempting to recruit new members.  “We need some young members to help us keep these efforts going so generations to come can know where they came from,” said another member of the committee.
 
Since moving the in-progress project into storage, the committee has found the historical society project has hit a period of respite in their progression.  “Any continuing project gets new life after a lull following a wave of enthusiasm,” said Jim Pfalzgraf, the chief of the ad hoc committee.
 
Enthusiasm for the historical society has been building for many members lately, especially over the idea of sharing the history of Thorp once again.  “We have old farm equipment.  We want to share what it was and how they used it,” said one committee member. “We want people to see how we got here.”
 
With prospective buildings in the works, it looks like Thorp’s historical society may move from theory to reality sometime soon. But like any project, the development of this home to Thorp’s history needs assistance.  While the historical society currently has a membership of close to 80 individuals, the committee is currently looking for the next generation of members to help keep the ball rolling.
 
“A historical society doesn’t belong to this group,” said one committee member.  “It belongs to the community.  It’s their story too.”
 For information on how to get involved with the historical society or to become a member, contact Anne Huls at 715-669-3698