Cooksville Celebrates 175 years with "Art In the Park", July 22, 2017

Wisconsin Assemblyman Don Vruwink, left,  presented a plaque depicting a proclamation congratulating Cooksville on its 175th anniversary to Cooksville Community Center President Kathleen Hipke and Porter Town Chairman David Viney at the July 22 celebration at the Cooksville Commons. Rep. Verwink's district includes Cooksville. Also signing the proclamation was State Senator Janis Ringhand.

 

  CITATION OF COMMENDATION

  

WHEREAS, Brothers John and Daniel Cook settled along Badfish Creek in 1840 in the community that became Cooksville, which was platted in 1842, six years before Wisconsin became a state; and

WHEREAS, Brothers Dr. John and Dr. Isaac Porter settled a community east of Cooksville that became Waucoma, which was platted in 1846; and

WHEREAS, The two villages became home to pioneers from New England, New York, the British Isles, and later Norway; and

WHEREAS, Development in Cooksville came to a screeching halt in the 1860s when railroads bypassed the village in favor of connections in Evansville and Stoughton, giving the community the moniker “the town that time forgot;” and

WHEREAS, Preservation work by Larry Reed, Michael Saternus, and Ralph Warner have played a critical role in preserving Cooksville’s eclectic charm; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Cooksville was designated the second historical district in the state of Wisconsin; and

 WHEREAS, Many of Cooksville’s buildings, such as the farmhouse, cheese factory and general store – the oldest general store in the state – are designated on the National Register for Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, on July 22^nd, 2017, Cooksville will commemorate its 175^th Anniversary with a day-long celebration on the Village Commons; now

THEREFORE, State Representative Don Vruwink and State Senator Janis Ringhand congratulate “this unique, wonderful, quaint village,” Cooksville, on 175 years of community spirit and offer thanks for humbly representing the values of the people of Wisconsin.

_______________________                                      _______________________

Representative Don Vruwink                                      Senator Janis Ringhand

43^rd Assembly District                                                 15^th Senate District

July 22^nd, 2017

 

The event drew more than 500 people who enjoyed good food, entertainment from four musical groups, a vintage car show, activities for young people and more. 

About 24 artisans offered their pieces for sale during the July 22 event.

Former Cooksville Store proprietors gathered at the store.  Also on hand

 was Sue Ebbert, current owner.

The Merry Horde from Fort Atkinson

 

One of many interesting cars in Chris Beebe's collection.

The Oak Street Ramblers