History Alive Project, Inc.

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History Alive Project, Inc. Our organization creates "out of the box" projects to discover and maintain our areas history for community members of all ages.

NOW YOU KNOW!You may have noticed an important building in Westby that is currently being refreshed. The City is in the...
10/15/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

You may have noticed an important building in Westby that is currently being refreshed.

The City is in the process of bringing our Stabbur back to life with a new color combination. The work on this will continue into 2027.

If you would like to see photos of how this building was put together from its first day started on the Monroe Johnson farm until it was delivered to its present site, just call 608-634-3034 or email to make arrangements to visit our History Hus at your convenience.

In the past, the Stabbur has been open from April 1 to October 31. New hours will be available when it is open again.

NOW YOU KNOW!On October 10, 2026, History Alive Project volunteers conducted an inservice program for some of the employ...
10/12/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

On October 10, 2026, History Alive Project volunteers conducted an inservice program for some of the employees of the Westby Area School District.

History Alive Project was very pleased to be asked to work with the District to provide important information on Norwegian immigration to the United States as well as some history of early settlers to our area.

Mr. Steve Michaels, the District's Superintendent, in contacting History Alive Project members stated "it's very important for our staff to know the history of this area,, especially the new-to-the-system teachers.

The day began with a light breakfast followed by a tour of the 1886 year-old "History Hus" located at 218 N. Main Street, Westby. The balance of the forenoon time was used to view a power point program created by HAP volunteers, dealing with the beginnings of organized Norwegians to America as well as the first settlers to the Westby area. This session generated many great questions from the entire group.

A quick lunch taken on the front porch of the "History Hus" preceded a school bus ride through Westby. The group thoroughly enjoyed this "Then and Now" tour that highlighted everything from the location of Westby's two sets of railroad tracks to identifying Westby's oldest home.

Much of the detailed information mentioned at each stop came from History Alive Project's images and artifacts in its Collection.

HAP is now creating another requested program for staff and employees to be held in November 2026.

If you or your group/organization would like HAP volunteers to share parts or all of the day's activities at YOUR meeting, just call 608-634-3034 or email HAP at to decide on a good calendar date.

Shown: some of the WASD inservice participants that found themselves remarking many times "well, I never ever knew about THAT!"

"Push vs Pull Factors" provided staff to fully expand on details referencing Norwegian immigrant history.

"Then and Now" images were used on the tour at each stop.

The statement concerning "Community" provided a complete rationale for why this inservice was so meaningful and important!

Stumper Saturday answers # 438:1. 18802. 18813. 18834. 1910 (photo below)5. 19146. The Courier7. Near the current Westb...
10/11/2026

Stumper Saturday answers # 438:

1. 1880
2. 1881
3. 1883
4. 1910 (photo below)
5. 1914
6. The Courier
7. Near the current Westby Cooperative Creamery

Stumper Saturday # 439:1. What year was this picture taken?2. Name all the individuals, by row, left to right.3. What r...
10/11/2026

Stumper Saturday # 439:

1. What year was this picture taken?
2. Name all the individuals, by row, left to right.
3. What role did the person on the very far left have with this
group?
4. What was the official name for this group?

NOW YOU KNOW!Much has been said about the saga of Leif Ericksson and his discovering Vinland after being blown off cours...
10/09/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

Much has been said about the saga of Leif Ericksson and his discovering Vinland after being blown off course on his way from Norway to Greenland. Prior to his trip, he had converted to Christianity.

The saga has been thought to have been written around 1200. The saga reads that he arrived at an unknown shore and the crew explored the area. They found wild grapes, self-sown wheat and maple trees. Then they sailed east to Greenland.

Leif's place of birth is unknown but many assume it was in Iceland. His year of birth is often estimated to be in the 970s.

Leif is most likely a historical figure who remains the first known European to set foot in continental North America.

Today, we honor October 9th, 1825 with the arrival of the ship "Restauration" to New York City. Passengers were the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants to America. Today, also, honor our connections to Norway and our Norwegian-American heritage.

NOW YOU KNOW!History Alive Project continues to showcase local Cooperatives during National Cooperative Month. Today HAP...
10/09/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

History Alive Project continues to showcase local Cooperatives during National Cooperative Month. Today HAP features Vernon Electric Cooperative in Westby WI.

In December of 1935 an estimated 450 farmers heard the county agent, Julius Ausen, explain how they could establish their own power company by buying electricity wholesale and erecting their own rural distribution lines.

Started in 1938, Vernon Electric Cooperative is one of the leading providers of electricity and other services in southwestern Wisconsin area. It has since played a crucial role in providing electricity to rural areas and has evolved to include various community services.

Office space was rented in Westby-Coon Valley Bank Building (NW corner of Main and West State Street). One of the first employees hired in 1937 was Earl Jaeger, first as accountant, draftsman and later as general manager, a position he held for 26 years.

The first homes connected to the power lines were those of Martin Schye, H.R. Vergeroot, and Trygve Ostrem.

History Alive Project wants to thank the Vernon Electric Cooperative for all of its hard work and the successes that Westby has enjoyed because of your help!

NOW YOU KNOW!Continuing to feature some of Westby Cooperatives during the month of October, today, History Alive Project...
10/08/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

Continuing to feature some of Westby Cooperatives during the month of October, today, History Alive Project will feature VernonCom (Westby Telephone Company).

The Westby Telephone Company (VernonCom) has a rich history in telecommunications. The company was organized in 1902, providing telephone services to the community.

In December of 1961, it was sold to Vernon Telephone Cooperative, enhancing its service capabilities. The cooperative expanded its services over the years, eventually serving over 8,000 members with various communication serves.

VernCom has played a crucial role in connecting the local areas to broader communication networks.

History Alive Project thanks you and is very proud of all the services you provide this entire area!

Enjoy the photos of the Westby Telephone Company(VernCom). Do you remember any of those early phones? Do you remember "party lines?"

NOW YOU KNOW!Today History Alive Project would like to feature WCCU Credit Union during this month-long Cooperative Mont...
10/07/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

Today History Alive Project would like to feature WCCU Credit Union during this month-long Cooperative Month. The Westby Co-op Credit Union was established in 1939 by a group of local farmers in Westby, Wisconsin. Over the years, it has grown significantly, now serving over 40,000 members. The Credit Union employs around 224 full and part-time staff, contributing to local job creation.

WCCU emphasizes community involvement and aims to be a positive force in the lives of its members. The Credit Union operates under the motto: Helping you Build A Better Life.

The mission of WCCU is to support community service organizations, other non-profit organizations and organizations that are members of WCCU. It is important that these organizations provide benefits to people in our local communities. WCCU is known for its strong community involvement!

The credit union operates 11 branches and one in-school branch. The Westby community and History Alive Project thanks WCCU for all it does for area citizens!

NOW YOU KNOW!Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opport...
10/06/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient inclusive communities.

The Westby Coop Creamery is one of the many cooperatives in our area. The original Westby Coop Creamery was built in 1903 and was located on the corner of Washington and Davidson Streets. It is reported that they used steam power. Pasteurized butter was turned out after 1915. Not until 1924 was the plant moved to its present location.

In 1930, Milton Carlson started a milk truck pick-up at a cost of $4.50 a trip. Farmers nearer town often hauled their own milk or traded hauling chores with a neighbor. "So and so has traded pickups" or "let's talk that over with a cup of coffee" were likely exchanges between neighbors.

In September of this year the Westby Coop Creamery celebrated the installation of its $14.1 million cottage cheese modernization equipment. The project modernizes the Creamery's cottage cheese production system with state-of-the-art equipment designed around an enclosed-vat process.

Their promise: Take home safe quality foods from our farms to your refrigerator. Take home country goodness from Westby Coop Creamery.

History Alive Project congratulates the Creamery on all of its successes and benefits that it provides to our area!

NOW YOU KNOW!October 4 through October 10 is National Fire Prevention Week. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection A...
10/05/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

October 4 through October 10 is National Fire Prevention Week. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, this annual event always takes place during the week that includes October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The Westby Westby-Christiana Fire Department has a long story of its own. Still operational, the old truck shown is the pride and joy of the Department.

History Alive Project always checks its fire alarms during this week at the HAP History Hus. Why not take some time to do the same at your home?

Address

Westby, WI
54667

Telephone

(608) 634-3034

Website

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