By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
The Walworth County Historical Society, which was incorporated in 1904, has been involved at the Walworth County Fair for many, many years, according to Pat Blackmer, a member of the society’s Board of Directors.
The society hosts a book sale, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and opens the schoolhouse on the fairgrounds, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The book sale is largest annual fundraiser for the society – all of the books are donated throughout the year and donations are always accepted,” she said.
The sale includes: video cassettes, CDs, audiobooks, music cassettes, historic and antique books, children’s books and adult books of all genres, including some large print.
Prices vary based on the age of the book, Blackmer said, with vintage or antique books generally prices at $2 each, hardcover books at $1, children’s books and softcover books, 50 cents to a dollar.
“A few thousand items for sale, I would estimate, and as the fair goes on we replenish the supplies constantly so the tables are always full,” she said.
Historical Society members as well as additional volunteers help run the sale at the fair with a total of about 25 people over the span of the event, Blackmer said.
The 1889 Blooming Prairie Schoolhouse, which is on the fairgrounds year-round, is open for viewing during the fair.
“We have docents in the schoolhouse and while they don’t teach specific subjects they do answer questions about the history of the schoolhouse and one-room schoolhouses, in general,” Blackmer said. “During the fair we get the slates out and give children writing or arithmetic problems to work on, based on their ages.”
She said many fairgoers stop by the schoolhouse and share their personal experiences.
“Many people that attended school in one-room buildings when they were growing up love to share their stories and experiences from when they went to school,” Blackmer said.
The Blooming Prairie Schoolhouse is also used during the school year as area fourth grade classes visit it to learn what school was like in the 1800s, she said.
About the Society
There are currently 14 people on the Walworth County Historical Society’s Board, including Doris Reinke, a lifetime member of the society. Jim Boardman is the current president.
In addition to the schoolhouse on the fairgrounds, the society has three other buildings:
- The Webster House Museum, 9 E. Rockwell St., Elkhorn, is open until mid-October, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.;
- Heritage Hall, 103 E. Rockwell St., Elkhorn, is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. It features the Walworth County Military Museum through displays of items donated by families or servicemen and women, spanning from the Spanish war to current conflicts;
- The Doris M. Reinke Resource Center, 210 S. Washington St., Elkhorn, is open Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. It offers a variety of history and information on Walworth County.
In addition to items for the book sale, the society accepts monetary donations, which can be done through PayPal on the website or via checks, mailed to the society, P.O. Box 273, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
For more information call (262) 723-4248, visit walcohistory.org or send an email to walcohistory@tds.net.
If you go to the fair…
The 168th Walworth County Fair opened Wednesday and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 4. The fairgrounds are open 7 a.m. to midnight, except Labor Day when it closes at 8 p.m.
General parking on the fairgrounds is free.
Daily admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 are admitted free of charge.
Concerts
Martina McBride
7:30 p.m. Sept. 2
Foghat and Blue Öyster Cult
7:30 p.m. Sept. 3
Grandstand entertainment
Friday
All Star Monster Trucks
General Admission – $5
Daily activities
Antique Tractor Display
HCE Exhibits and Demos – Log Cabin
North American Midway Entertainment
Barnyard Adventure
Kiddieland
Discovery Barn
“TA-DA” – Strolling Robot, Friday through Sunday
For more information, call (262) 723-3228 or visit walworthcountyfair.com.
