a historical marker - 10 years in the making

Nestled in the boulevard stands this humble marker—a silent sentinel to history. It is not merely an artifact of wood, stone, and metal, but a voice echoing across time, inviting all who pass to pause and reflect upon the events and individuals that shaped both this place and the broader narrative of our collective past.

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Historical markers are more than just roadside curiosities. They are windows into another era, offering a glimpse of the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday occurrences that fashioned the tapestry of our community. These markers serve as reminders, urging travelers and locals alike to remember stories otherwise at risk of fading into obscurity.

At their core, historical markers aim to educate, commemorate, and foster a sense of place. They tether us to the land, transforming nondescript crossroads into living museums. With every detail etched upon their plaques, they turn anonymous ground into hallowed soil, imbuing an ordinary landscape with extraordinary meaning.

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Every marker is the product of advocacy and remembrance. The process of creating a marker usually begins with a proposal.  The idea began ten years ago, but unfortunately, even after city approval, this project was unable to gain momentum; it sat quietly on the shelf until now.

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We thank Kay Kissinger-Wolf and Kathy Tobin with the Tomahawk Area Historical Society (TAHS) for their diligence. They gathered the evidence, wrote the narrative, and now alongside Pat Pitiela of TAHS and Jennifer Turkiewicz from Tomahawk Main Street, have blown off the dust, submitted the application, and are now embarking on fundraising campaigns to bring the marker into being; the Historical Marker project has found its wings!

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What is the true impact of a historical marker? For the casual traveler, it may offer only a fleeting glimpse into the past. But for those who pause and ponder, it can ignite curiosity, pride, and even activism. Markers foster understanding and empathy by reminding us that every place has a story and every story has a place.

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They invite questions: Who built our historic little community nestled in the pines? What challenges did they face? How did their actions ripple through time to shape the community we know today? In seeking answers, we draw closer to the human experience—its struggles and successes, its pain and its promise.

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In a fast-paced world, it is tempting to overlook these modest monuments. Yet, historical markers endure as beacons of remembrance. They remind us that beneath our feet lies a foundation built by countless hands—some celebrated, many forgotten. They challenge us to look beyond the surface and to honor those who came before.

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Curious to know more, or are you interested in donating to this downtown treasure?  Please reach out to Tomahawk Main Street to find out how you can be a part of history!  You can find their office at 223 W. Wisconsin Avenue, right in the heart of our historic downtown.  They are available via phone at 715-453-1090 or email at director@tomahawkmainstreet.org. 

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May this marker, and all those like it, continue to inspire reflection, connection, and respect for generations yet to come.