ANNUAL REPORT
BARNES AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2005
This year was the 100th
birthday of the Town of Barnes. A big Centennial celebration had been in the
planning stages for several years. As a result of funding needs and interest in
the collection and preservation of historical records, stories and photographs,
the Barnes Area Historical Association (BAHA) was founded on September 30,
2004.
The Centennial Committee and
BAHA worked to make 2005 a year to celebrate our history and formulate a plan
for the future.
The accomplishments of this
effort were:
Founder’s Day Dinner, May 12,
2005
100 Members of the community honored the “official
birth” of Barnes.
Claudia Draganowski prepared the food which was served
by the Homemakers Club. Table arrangements were
provided by the Gordon-Barnes Garden Club.
Judi Scholz hosted the event which included a community
sing and a ringing of bells to welcome the next 100 years.
Centennial Celebration, June
24, 25 and 26
Opening ceremonies with VIPS: Representative Gary
Sherman and Senator Bob Jauch spoke in honor of Barnes’
100th
birthday.
Following the speeches were the Parade of Beards and
Parade of Costumes.
Music and dancing rounded out Friday night activities.
Saturday
events included a Family Bike Ride and Historical Tour, Quilt and Fiber Arts
Show, Historical demonstrations (black powder shooting, gunsmithing, archery,
logging, blacksmithing, farming, engraving, etc.), Classic car show, Kids
games, Community picnic and live music and the Barnes Historical Review (a
variety show with singing, dancing and story telling). The raffle drawing ended
the show and music and dancing followed.
Food,
drink and music were available throughout the celebration and members of BAHA
had a fund raising booth where buttons, coffee mugs, beer glasses, the
Historical Calendar, Barnes Historical Book and History Tour Guide and Raffle
tickets were sold.
Sunday
morning an Ecumenical church service was held followed by a pie and ice cream
social.
The
celebration concluded with words of thanks to the community and a vision for
the next 100 years.
***
It is important to acknowledge the involvement of the community in this
spectacular event. Barnes organizations and individuals donated labor,
materials and funds to make this a success. Historical sites with signage were
constructed by the Conservation Club. The Lion’s Club and VFW provided food and
the list continues as many sponsors ($500.00 minimum) and donors contributed
funds needed to make the celebration possible.
Museum:
A temporary museum was set up in the Town Hall. Items to
represent historical themes were donated by community
members.
Displays included logging and farming days, an old fashioned kitchen, school
days and the “roaring
twenties”.
A comprehensive collection of photos and other memorabilia depicting the resort
days, family history and
everyday
life was artfully displayed in the center of the museum.
The
museum was well received by the community. Without exception, those who
attended were extremely pleased with the efforts of BAHA and the Centennial
Committee.
Publications:
Barnes Centennial Historical Calendar 1905-2005
Quentin Ruprecht
Centennial Booklet including Barnes history and
Historical Tour
Nori Newago
BARNES: A BREATH OF “FRESH AIR”
A Centennial Collection: The Place, The People, The
Community
Barnes and the Eau Claire Lakes 1905-2005
David Thorson
Memberships:
There were 13 memberships for 2004-2005 which were given
the distinction of “Charter Member”. For the year 2006
BAHA recruited 6 new members. There was a membership
drive as the Centennial book, BARNES:A
BREATH OF “FRESH AIR” was being distributed. BAHA will have the opportunity
in days ahead to add more members to the organization.
Goals:
The
ultimate goal, of course, is to establish a museum in the Town of Barnes. With
the response that we had for the “temporary” museum, we know that many
community members are enthusiastic about making this a reality. BAHA will
continue to work towards this end; we have many talented and energetic people
who can make this happen.