The question for Wausau businessmen near the end of the 1800s was, “The forests are disappearing; now what?”

Research Librarian Gary Gisselman will discuss this question when the Marathon County Historical Society presents “Wausau Grows Up: Industry, Culture and Change, 1890s to
1920s,” another topic in its History Speaks series, at 2 pm Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau.

Gary will look at the development of Wausau during the decades surrounding the beginning of the twentieth century, as the logging boom ended and the “pinery” became farmland. The talk will cover the impact of the Wausau Group, the beginning of industry, and the growth of women’s groups, clubs, churches and theaters.

There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required.

The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.

Visitors might also enjoy visiting our free exhibit spaces. Rural Electrification: Outlet for Change depicts life before and after electricity made its slow way into rural areas of Marathon County in the 1930s and ‘40s. Our Stories: The History of Marathon County features reminiscences of how people arrived in this area, and how they worked and played in days gone by.

For more information, please call the Marathon County Historical Society at 715-842-5750.