Submitted to OnFocus – Individuals are needed for reenactments, research, activities, student collaborations and more to help celebrate Marshfield, Wisconsin’s 150th year as a city.
Marshfield first manifested in the years after the Wisconsin Central Railroad was selected to construct a railroad from Portage to Lake Superior. During this process, the company entered the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where they found lands rich in hardwoods and pine.
Louis Rivers, a French Canadian pioneer who had settled in Necedah, set up a hotel at the location of a specific supply depot. Drawn by the promise of free land and guaranteed business traffic, Louis and his brother, Frank, constructed a log building on what is now known as the northeast corner of North Chestnut Avenue and West Depot Street in the city of Marshfield.
The building became home to a hotel, store, and tavern to service the railroad workers, pioneers, and travelers, and was Marshfield’s first official structure.
The first train arrived in Marshfield in July of 1872 and along with it came settlers. From that day, Marshfield grew into a hub of activity, celebrating its 150th anniversary next year in 2022.
Several organizations are collaborating on ways to celebrate Marshfield’s sesquicentennial in 2022, and are inviting others to help in the planning.
Those interested in brainstorming, planning, or volunteering for the 150th anniversary event are encouraged to contact NWCHS at 715-387-3322 or [email protected], or find “Celebrating 150 Years of Marshfield!” on Facebook. Those interested are invited to join planning meetings via Zoom.
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