WI Wonders: PART 4

Wisconsin Wonder: Rudolph, WI

The song Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was first penned in the 1930s, and since then, there have been more than 160 million recordings by more than 500 performers. But, there is only one Rudolph, Wisconsin. As we continue our look at Wisconsin Wonders we take you to a small village near Stevens Point that has a big story to tell.

It's population is a few more than 460. There's no stop light, and every day at noon a whistle still blows. Linda Hobbs is the village Post Master and says, "You got to know you're in a good place when you drive into a community and there's little reindeer on all the street signs, (laughs)."

Rudolph got it's name in the 19th century after the village's first born son. Kris Willfahrt says, "His name was Fredrick Rudolph Heecocks and they didn't like Freddrick so well, so they rather preferred the middle name, so they went with Rudolph." Then, nearly a century later, the song "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" was written for a Montgomery Ward promotional children's book and released. After that Gene Autry performed it in New York City, making the story of a teased reindeer a hit world wide. Notoriety the Village of Rudolph plays along with.

Every December a bit of a chill blows into Rudolph, Wisconsin from the North Pole, along with the spirit of Christmas. Hobbs says, "It's busy, we get a lot of mail, we do about 40,000 cards a year." They get cards from around the state, the country, and Hobbs says, "I've had people from Ireland, Germany, Japan." All sent to a small, Wisconsin village to get the Rudolph stamp which has been adding Christmas cheer, at no extra charge.

The post office still has the 3 original stamps used, but the design has changed a bit. Hobbs says, "It's a picture of a reindeer that was originally started by the post master at that time who was Lillian Blunion." A tradition that's been carried on for more than a half century by two more Post Master's, including Linda Hobbs.

And on one special day, you can also get a cancellation stamp, or post mark, showing your Christmas card was sent from one of the most Christmas-ee towns in the country. Hobbs says, "This year's cancellation was designed by a sophomore, Katie Basiack at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids." One of the only ways to get the cancellation stamp during the village's Country Christmas Festival, December 8th.

Beverly Fischer says, "We had the first meeting right here around the little table over." Fischer owns the antique shop in town and helped start the festival 6 years ago. But in December, you're more likely to recognize her as Santa's helper. Fischer says, "(spinning the gown) That's it! When the shoppers come in, they like to see Mrs. Clause." And can also see her with Mr. Clause during the festival which centers around old fashioned family fun, community and of course, the real, live reindeer.

But there's more to do. Willfahrt says, "You can pick out a tree, you can look for a wreath, you can look for gifts, you can see the reindeer, you can have horse ride, you can buy cookies." And really get into the Christmas spirit in one of the most spirited towns in the Midwest. Hobbs says, "It's a fun time of year because you really don't get any Christmas grumps here." Because it's tough to be grumpy in Rudolph, Wisconsin a town that more than quadruples in population the second Saturday in December.

The post master says you have until about December 17th to get your cards stamped in time for Christmas. And as you saw, can either take them to Rudolph yourself or mail them there. And, as if you needed more, other reasons to make the 2 hour drive North is to stop by the cheese factory and get a one of a kind post card from the village of Rudolph.

And, you might be surprised to know there is also a Rudolph, Ohio. And, there are several other towns across the U-S with Christmas-ee names, like Snow Flake, Arizona and Christmas, Florida. Linda Hobbs says most people just pick the town they most identify Christmas with and send their post cards through that city.

For more information, click on news links.
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Posted Sunday --- November 18, 2007

WI Wonders: PART 3

Wisconsin Wonders: Rotary Lights

The Mighty Mississippi will soon turn to a sheet of ice. The river's reflective surface is a natural enhancement to a man-made winter wonderland.

"I don't think many could pull something off, this size," says Pat Stephens. "We're well over 2.2 million (lights) and growing. In our opinion, it's awesome."

Pat Stephens is the mastermind behind the decorative display in La Crosse's Riverside Park, called the Rotary Lights.

But, it takes more than local Rotarians to complete the festive feeling.

"We have no staff, from the top down," says Stephens. "This year, we have 81 non-profit organizations and 2,600 volunteers."

"We usually start a 9 o'clock in the morning and work 'til dark," says volunteer, Tom Hundt. "It just makes us feel good to do that."

The giving doesn't stop there, The 200,000 spectators pitch in, too.

"In lieu of a price to get in, we ask for either voluntary cash donations or a gift of non-perishable food." Stephens says.

It's all given to food pantries in the La Crosse area.

"It's a tribute to the community," says Hundt. "Everybody pulling together to help feed the hungry."

This year's display is still in the works. The 13the year is promising to be the brightest one yet.

"The first time viewer, they're just taken aback. They just stop and look and look," adds Hundt.

"It's really designed for both vehicle traffic, if you want to go around the park, and the on-foot experience can be just as nice, if not more so," says Stephens.

From the traditional Santa Claus to the not-so traditional fire-breathing dragon, La Crosse's Rotary Lights is billed as the largest holiday display in the Midwest.

"We always get letters and post cards on what a nice display it is and how it's become a family tradition," Stephens says.

The lights go on Friday, November 23th and are on every night, thereafter, until New Year's Eve.

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Posted Sunday --- November 11, 2007

Reporter: Michelle Riell
Email: mriell@nbc15.com

WI Wonders: PART 2

Wisconsin Wonders: An Original Soda Fountain

We take you to the heart of Dodgeville where we found a hidden treasure that's not advertised. It's the kind of place either you already know about, or accidentally discover. So we are taking you behind the counter as we uncover one of the last remaining, original soda fountains in the state.

Mary Gottschalk says, "Anytime someone comes in and sits at a soda fountain, they come in happy and they leave happy." Mary Gottschalk is a soda jerk at the Corner Drug Store and doesn't mind if you say so to her face. Gottschalk says, "Not at all, I joke now when people say what are doing? I say, I'm a soda jerk and laugh."

The term was coined in the early 1900s for the way you have to jerk the fountain handle when you make ice cream soda, hot fudge sundae or a phosphate. Gottschalk says, "Not many people, even sometimes locally know what a phosphate is... it's made with syrup and carbonated water." For those who know, it's a fruity, favorite. Gottschalk says, "Strawberry, cherry, vanilla, lemon and lime and combinations." Sold at a somewhat old fashioned price.

And the friendly faces behind the counter and the small town, Midwestern charm that still exists inside the Corner Drug Store are also a big draw. Gottschalk says, "In the morning we have a coffee crowd that comes in, but in the afternoon anything goes."

Bob Hill's been taking a seat in the middle of the counter for 6 years and is in both crowds. Hill says, "We're kind of like a group. Matter of fact I keep saying we oughta develop a coffee club here you know, hang our cups up on hooks." On most days, Bob makes a second trip in the afternoon. Hill says, "It's just been a good place to be. We share news, gossip, talk, lies and war stories, you know!"

But people come to the shop on Iowa Street for many reasons, one being the unique square ice cream scoop. Another reason Mairan Cahill says is, "I like it because you can get, you can concoct your own or just pick any kind of ice cream you like." Others stop by to reminisce.
Gottschalk says, "Often people will remark, "I haven't seen one of these since I was a kid... I had one man that uh, was a local man that came in and said there have been 7 generations of his family that have sat here at this counter." A counter that's held thousands of malts, phosphates and ice cream soda over the decades, in the Corner Drug Store that's got its name in 1893. Gottschalk says, "As far as we know, the soda fountain was put in at the end of the 30s."

Soda fountains got their start at the turn of the 20th century, and peaked in the 30s and 40s. Historians say one of several likely reasons was that prohibition closed down bars and people still wanted a place to gather. But there are others. Gottschalk says, "One of the reasons it was put in was because it made a great place for people picking up their prescriptions to sit and relax while they were waiting for them to be filled."

These days it's hard to find an original soda fountain, as they fell out of popularity in the 70s, but you can still find a little of the magic in Dodgeville. Gottschalk says, "We've been told that it is the last original soda fountain in the state." Original down to the late 30s, vintage malt machine. Gottschalk says, "If I make you a malt, you'll hear it struggles, but we can still make malts and I tell people, ok, it may be a little lumpy and most people say, "great, that's how they want theirs anyway." Still served in an old fashioned glass and tin, along with the old fashioned spirit the Midwest is famous for. Michelle Riell asks, "Do they always remember your name when you come in?" Mairan Cahill says, "Yeah, they remember everyone's name. Michelle Riell asks, "Do they remember what you like?" Mairan Cahill says, " Mmm. sometimes." Hill adds, "The best, yeah, the best chocolate malt in Wisconsin, maybe in the nation, who knows.... as long as I'm around I'll be coming up here, that's for sure!"

If Dodgeville is a little out of your way, there are other attractions in the area. Cave of the Mounds as we discovered last week, along with The House on the Rock and American Players. For more information about the Corner Drug Store click on news links.

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Posted Sunday --- November 4, 2007

Reporter: Brock Bergey
Email Address: bbergey@nbc15.com

WI Wonders: PART 1

Wisconsin Wonders: Cave of the Mounds

Looking to avoid Old Man Winter? Head underground for a while.

"It looks like it might be frozen ice or water coming down towards us."

But, nothing freezes inside Cave of the Mounds.

"You come in here and it feels a very comfortable 50-degrees."

That's 50-degrees, even in the dead of winter.

"What we have here is the average temperature for this part of Wisconsin."

70-feet below the surface.

Joe Klimczak is the general manager of this national natural landmark, near Blue Mounds.

"The rock in Cave of the Mounds is about 400-million years old," says Klimczak.

It was discovered by accident in 1939 by quarry workers. A year later, the cave opened to the public.

Today, more than 100-thousand spectators each year explore its depths.

"Geology is such an accessible science. You walk in and right there, you're inside the rock," Klimczak says.

It's all that rock, he adds, which keeps this Wisconsin wonder the same temperature every day of the year.

So, even when it's cold and snowy outside. It's always comfortable inside Cave of the Mounds.

"To come underground and experience this balmy, 100-percent humidity, 50-degree temperature is just a wonderful contrast and wonderful surprise," says Klimczak.

For tour times and directions to Cave of the Mounds, click on "News Links" right here on NBC15.com.

Wisconsin Wonders is a special series exclusive to "The Morning Show: Weekend Live". Join us every Sunday morning in November from 7 to 9 a.m. as we explore another Wisconsin Wonder!