The East Troy Area Historical Society is celebrating a major milestone for one of East Troy’s most famous residents.
The newest exhibition at the Kubicki Museum and Heritage Center deals with the life and times of East Troy-born Eugene Wilder Chafin – farmer, lawyer, orator, author and politician and presidential candidate.
The display also marks the 100th anniversary of Chafin’s second run for President of the United States.
Chafin was born in the Town of East Troy in 1852 to pioneer settlers Samuel and Betsey Chafin.
After attending local public schools, he helped run the family farm until he turned 21.
He then attended the University of Wisconsin where he earned a law degree in 1875 and was admitted to the State Bar.
He became a very successful attorney with an outstanding practice in the City of Waukesha until 1900.
Chafin then moved to Chicago where he became the Superintendent of the Washingtonian Home for inebriates.
Chafin was involved in the prohibition movement for many years.
He attended numerous National Prohibition Party conventions and served on major committees of that national political party.
In 1908, he was selected by the National Prohibition Party to be their standard bearer for President of the United States.
He was nominated again in 1912 to run as their candidate for president.
Having lost both campaigns, Chafin continued his efforts to get prohibition adopted by all the states.
He took his campaign international by traveling to and speaking to large crowds in Australia with his daughter, Desdemona.
“Visitors are welcome to stop at the museum and get in touch with this important and interesting part of the story from East Troy area’s past,” the historical society said.
To learn more about the intriguing career of Chafin and his noted family, visit the Kubicki Museum and Heritage Center, 2106 Church St., on the East Troy Village Square.
The historical society has assembled many rare documents, letters, posters, photographs and memorabilia dealing with Chafin’s life.
The museum is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free.
