The auction will be held at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI in the Clausing Barn.  Doors open at 9 Am for the event with bidding to begin an hour later at 10.

To make a donation or for more information, contact Riene Wells, 262 362-4700 and info@eaglehouse.com or Debbie McArdle, 815 575-1272 or jjmcard@comcast.net

FRIENDS ~ together we can accomplish some great things. To see these images larger, double click on selected image to view in your computer’s image program. To print these images, double click on selected image. When the image comes up on your computer screen, select print from your computer menu.

Save The Date!  The “30th Star Benefit Antiques Auction” will be held April 27 & 28, 2012 at Old World Wisconsin.  Hundreds of treasures, from classic to kitschy, will be available to the highest bidder as the FRIENDS of the Wisconsin Historical Society sponsor this amazing event.  Come to the “Gala Preview Dinner” held at the Clausing Barn at Old World Wisconsin on April 27 for public viewing of the auction items.  The featured speaker at the dinner will be Jerry Apps, who will speak about barns of Wisconsin.

Contributions of antiques and vintage items are being gathered from across mid-America for this wonderful fund-raising auction for the FRIENDS of the WHS.  Large or small, desks to fountain pens, tables to porcelain – your donations to this fabulous auction would be welcome!  Contact Riene Wells, 262-363-4700 or info@eagle-house.com or Debbie McArdle, 815-575-1272 or jjmcard@comcast.net for more information.

Here you see two board members going to ”lofty” extremes to garner that rare treasure that will bring joy to the bidder, and funding for Wisconsin Historical Society.

It’s not too late!! Take that tax write-off you’ve been yearning for, and donate your “junque” to the auction! You story will be told if there’s a narrative that accompanies the items donated…keep the history circulating and donate today! Call Riene Wells: 262-363-4700.

On October 24th Volunteers from the FRIENDS offered a free program at the Headquarters building of the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison.  Two members of the FRIENDS Board of Trustees, Beverly Wassam and Mark Mittag, put together this light hearted and high spirited romp into the past.

Mark, a 35 year member of The Wheelmen (a national organization dedicated to preserving these bikes and their history), introduced people to his “Penny Farthing” which he explains is a bicycle ~ a high wheeled bicycle.   Prior to the turn of the last century, they were popular with well to do people, who often times formed clubs and  sponsored Penny Farthing races.

He answered questions like: “how did one get on such a bike?”, “What’s the maximum wheel size?”, “What were the tires made of?”,  “How much did they cost?” and “Were they dangerous to ride?”  and lots more!   The audience could slso examine these vintage bikes.

“Feminine Frocks” was the part of the program presented by Bev Wassam, who is a historic costumer and seamstress, including 15 years as costume designer for Old World Wisconsin, and runs her seamstress business, “Another Time,” in Delavan, WI.

While the propriety of women engaging in sports was often questionable, history notes women  enjoyed croquet, swimming,  horseback riding (side saddle, of course) mountain climbing, and car riding.  Wassam showed off fashions for women’s sporting events.

This 3 day 2 night coach trip was another spectacular “Time And Place” adventures sponsored by the FRIENDS. These Lincoln fans visited many significant historic locations, including behind the scenes offerings that the public rarely witnesses. Lunch at the Lincoln Library and meeting “Lincoln himself,” were some of the memorable highlights.

Not only was this an eye-opener and an experience to remember, it was lots of fun!

Watch for the pictures coming up soon!