Ridgeland Historical Park Recap

From Idea to Reality: Summer 2024 Update

By Betty Glaser

Some people may still wonder what is happening next to the Ridgeland Area Library. Some thought it was a future racetrack. Some thought it was just weeds. Some thought we were crazy. 

All photos submitted by Betty Glaser

The idea for the Historical Park came from the Library’s “Senior Memories” meetings and our community members’ interest in history. Ridgeland Area Library Board members recognized the need to capture history before the stories and pictures would all be lost.

Lon Christopherson, Betty Glaser, Shelley Lee & the late LeRoy Lee, Tom Lee, Don Link, Donnette Mickelson, Donna Rogers, and Suzanne Vergin met regularly to plan the park. 

The Historical Park became a reality after receiving grants from Wisconsin Humanities, the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society, and the Wisconsin Arts Board Creative Communities Program.

Displays Bring History to Life 

Lon Christopherson designed the weatherproof displays that surround the gravel walking trail. These displays feature the history of Ridgeland and our community members. Don Link created a stained glass feature for the Women’s Suffrage display, and Tom Lee gathered historical information for many of the displays. 

We plan to create and post new displays on a rotational basis. While you are exploring the park, if you have an idea, pictures, or information, please contact one of the members mentioned above. 

Native Plants Offer a Sustainable Garden

Suzanne Vergin handpicked the native plants. I think of this part of the park as her project and she was really in her element. Her father is beaming down with pride as our plants have thrived for two summers! We initially planted approximately 700 plants and that number has grown.  

It takes a village to garden at this scale. We had many volunteers help with removing the sod, planting, weeding — and more sod removal, more planting, and more weeding. 

This bird bath was donated by Charlene Glaser Scott and Raymond Glaser, in memory of Herbert Sr and Margaret Glaser.

Donations & Memorials Fill the Park

The Miller Family and the Lee Family both donated benches. Charlene Glaser Scott donated two gliders for the gazebo, and along with Raymond Glaser, a bird bath, both in memory of Herbert Sr and Margaret Glaser. We planted a tree in memory of Shelley Lee’s mother.  We soon will be planting another tree in memory of LeRoy Lee. 

Mural Created by Barron HS Students

In addition to gardening, Barron High School teacher Suzanne Vergin led her art students in creating a beautiful 8 feet high by 20 feet wide mural that is now on the west side of the library wall. This project created a sense of community and provided the students with an opportunity to engage with art and creativity. 

Mural painted by Suzanne Vergin and her students.

Historical Park Sign

Ronnie Micheels designed the frame to hang our Ridgeland Historical Park sign on. The frame’s design fits in perfectly with our park! 

From left to right are Ronnie Micheels, Lon Christopherson, and Don Link installing the Ridgeland Historical Park sign frame.

Come Visit the Park!

We want to invite all of you to take a stroll during the Labor Day weekend. Take a self-guided tour, share the history with family and friends, feel free to sit awhile, enjoy the flowers and Mother Nature, and take in all the views!

One might say, “Well, are you people done?” Actually, there is more to come with our historical room in the library, recording interviews, and more grant applications. Winter is fast approaching and will be a great opportunity to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and share a story or two!

For more information about the Ridgeland Historical Park, please contact Betty Glaser at bls5524@yahoo.com.