Jim Tschudy wrote to us this week with a memory from roughly 70 years ago, when he attended a Sunday afternoon service in the log church at the Swiss Historical Village & Museum and listened to his father speak. At the time, he said, the log church may have been the only structure on the grounds. Today, the Swiss Historical Village has grown into something far larger, preserving not only buildings and artifacts, but the stories of the people who shaped this community. That tradition will be renewed again this weekend when the annual church service returns to the same log church Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Jim also wrote that today New Glarus has an “aura” to it. And that feels exactly right. There is something here that reaches beyond architecture, festivals and family names. It comes from generations of people who arrived with different skills, customs and hopes, then worked together to create a richer community than anyone could have built alone.
That may be one of the most important lessons for the present. Our history reminds us that our ancestors brought more than their belongings. They brought ideas, traditions, labor, courage and a willingness to begin again — contributions that continue to enrich our shared life in New Glarus today.
What We’re Working On
One of New Glarus’ best-kept secrets is the identity of the business that leased the former Quality Cellular space at 1305 Highway 69. We’re keeping our eyes open and ears peeled and will share the new tenant as soon as it is confirmed.
The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 11, and we’ll have everything voters need to know before heading to the polls. Look for quick local results Tuesday evening as the numbers come in.
This weekend, we’ll uncover the story of New Glarus’ long-forgotten airport and the pilot who built it. It is a fascinating piece of local history filled with airplanes, ambition and memorable stories.
The New Glarus School Board meets next week, with several matters affecting local students, families and taxpayers on the agenda. We’ll follow the discussion and bring you the important decisions and updates.
The New Glarus-Monticello youth football season is underway, bringing young athletes back to the field. We’ll have the story and photos as players begin another season of learning, teamwork and competition.
Friends and family of Patty Adamson are holding their annual memorial fundraiser to continue her legacy of generosity. We’ll share how the event will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Green County and the young people it serves.
The Swiss Colony and Colony Brands turn 100 this year, marking a century since the company’s humble beginnings. We’ll trace its early connections to New Glarus and explore how it grew into the major employer and national business it is today.
Village ordinances contain plenty of important regulations, along with a few rules that might surprise even longtime residents. We’re searching through them to find the 10 most interesting New Glarus ordinances still on the books.
The Eugene Hotel in Monroe will celebrate its grand opening Aug. 19. We’ll be there to document the occasion with the story, people and plenty of photos.
Google once made it relatively easy for local businesses and organizations to be discovered online, something especially important in a tourism community such as New Glarus. We’ll explain how Google’s redesigned search experience could make local information harder to find and why that matters.
The college and NFL football seasons are almost here, and we’re speaking with people who have New Glarus-area connections to both levels of the game. Their stories offer another look at small-town talent reaching the big leagues.
The new turf field at New Glarus High School has now been used for several seasons. We’ll examine how it is holding up, how it has performed and whether the major community investment is meeting expectations.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
Foreign exchange students seemed to be a more visible part of life in New Glarus during the 1980s and 1990s than they are now. Right? Perhaps that is partly nostalgia, but then again, maybe not. Exchange programs now face more paperwork, background checks, safety requirements and supervision than they likely did decades ago. And the COVID-19 pandemic probably also disrupted the volunteer networks and host-family relationships that many programs depend upon.
It would be wonderful to see New Glarus and Glarus, Switzerland, establish a formal exchange of their own. The idea of it seems obvious. One year, a student from New Glarus could spend time in Switzerland; the following year, a student from Glarus could come here. Such a program would create a living connection between the two communities and give students an experience that could shape the rest of their lives.
Such an exchange would not necessarily have to involve high school students either. Hans Lenzlinger once created a pipeline between Switzerland and the New Glarus Hotel through which young chefs traveled between the two places to learn, work and share their culinary traditions. A revived exchange could similarly focus on apprentices, college students, hospitality workers or other young adults.
Of course, there would be plenty of obstacles. Finding host families, securing funding, handling insurance and travel requirements, and identifying New Glarus students with sufficient German skills would all take considerable work. Still, for a village that places so much value on its Swiss heritage, it is a wonderful idea to imagine.
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Todd Klassy
New Glarus 360
