Meeting minutes from August and September give a picture of ongoing activities that have members of the Iola Historical Society working toward curation of local history for the benefit of current and future generations of Iola residents.

Among the activities were:

Railroad Depot Work: The frame for the interior wall is done. Electricians are rewiring. Repaired hole in floor of first room where bathroom was. Jerry Finch (Betty’s son) donated several old light fixtures.

1903 Model A Acquisition: It was picked up in September by Charlie Thompson in Iowa City, the carburetor was removed, and necessary repairs will be made to get it running again. The membership passed a motion to spend $20,000 in available endowment funds, and withdraw an additional $10,000 from the endowment, and undertake fundraising to raise the remaining $25,000 to acquire the 1903 Ford Model A. It was the first registered vehicle in Waupaca County.

Chet Krause 1957 Chevy: Patti Dickhut, Chet’s niece, donated Chet’s 1957 Chevy, which is displayed in the Machine Shed. The car originally belonged to Chet’s aunt Sadie. Plans are to restore the car.

Log Cabin Acquisition: Ed Lemur, the new owner of the mill, is considering removing the log cabin from the site and inquired if the HIS would be interested in acquiring it. It does have a local history connection as it was built by Ida and Olaf Mellum north of town in the Peru area. A couple of the Mellum descendants still live in the area. No timetable has been set yet.

Military Service Research: Lyle Mork is researching records trying to get a purple heart medal issued for Silas Labarr, who fought in the Civil War. Clyde Labarr is a relative. During the research, Lyle discovered a charter from 1920 that established Badger Post 192, which was the predecessor of the current American Legion that was chartered in 1927. Apparently the Spanish Flu led to the dissolution of Post 192. Lyle is working on an article of his research for the Window.