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The Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson has announced a new exhibit currently on display at the museum. The exhibit, “Finding a New Home in a New Land,” shares the story of the Marino-Accomando family as they immigrated from Sicily to Fort Atkinson in the 1950s. The exhibit is on display at the museum during regular museum hours until the end of 2025.
“This exhibit began as a conversation,” said Merrilee Lee, director of the Hoard Historical Museum. “One day, Mimma (Accomando) Nelson came to the museum to view another exhibit here and asked if the museum would be interested in some items that belonged to her family. As she started describing the items and her family’s story, I was just amazed by both the objects and the people who used them.”
Born in Sicily, Mimma (Accomando) Nelson immigrated to the United States with her father Pete (Pietro), mother Anna (Rosaria), and younger brother Frank (Francesco) in 1956. They moved to Fort Atkinson to be near Pete’s sister Nina and husband Joe Marino who had both immigrated prior to WWII. Once in town, Pete began working at Jamesway Manufacturing and Anna started working at Jones Dairy Farm. Mimma started kindergarten even though she did not speak English yet but Francesco was too young to start school.
Recognizing the importance of their journey, the Accomandos saved items from their trip from Italy to Wisconsin. Nelson donated numerous family items to the museum earlier this year while also sharing an oral history to the museum regarding her family’s experiences. These items and the oral history were used by museum staff to create the new exhibit on their family.
“When Mimma shared with me that she still had the clothing they wore on their trip across the Atlantic, including shoes and bags, I was shocked. Those sorts of personal items are rarely kept for long and it’s a testament to the Accomando family that they valued their experiences.”
The Accomando/Nelson family also shared several family photos, including photos of the Accomandos arriving in Fort Atkinson after a two-week journey from Sicily. “My personal favorite photo is a group photo of the Accomandos and Marinos. The Accomandos all look tired after traveling with two small children for weeks while the Marinos are just beaming with joy. It’s a very relatable photo: tired travelers and joyful family members.”
Both Mimma and her brother Francesco (Frank) graduated from Fort Atkinson High School. Mimma remained in Fort Atkinson while Francesco moved elsewhere in Wisconsin. Both Pete and Anna have passed away and are buried St. Joseph Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.
“Through family and friends in town plus determination and strength, the Accomandos found a new home here in Fort Atkinson and the museum is honored to be able to tell their story,” said Lee. “While their story is uniquely theirs, it is also a familiar story to many of us whose families have migrated from somewhere else to find a home in Fort Atkinson. Whether the family members migrated in the 1850s or 1950s, the story has similar parallels: a long journey, finding a community in a new town, and working towards a new future for everyone.”
Lee continued, “The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of all Fort Atkinson residents and it is especially exciting when those residents can come visit their exhibit. Thank you very much to the Marino, Accomando, and Nelson families for letting us share your stories with Fort Atkinson. We’re very honored!”
The exhibit will be on display until the end of 2025. The museum is free to visit and open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 but will be closed during the upcoming holidays in November and December.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The museums are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call the museums at 920.397.9914, visit our website www.hoardmuseum.org, and
like us on Facebook.
Tom Ganser shared this “Turkey family meeting along Fremont Street on November 1.
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing these interesting photos.
“Warhawks Rising: Powered by DLK Enterprises since 1957” continues a long-standing tradition of supporting students and the Whitewater community.
DLK Enterprises, Inc., a fixture in the Whitewater community since 1957, has announced a $250,000 donation to support the construction of Winther Hall, a key educational facility at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
This project, titled “Warhawks Rising: Powered by DLK Enterprises since 1957,” marks the latest chapter in DLK Enterprises’ and the Kachel Family’s ongoing commitment to student success and campus growth. The Kachel family has contributed more than $8 million to UW-Whitewater initiatives over the years, including scholarships and campus improvements that directly benefit students and the wider community.
“We are grateful to the Kachel family and DLK Enterprises for their long-standing support of UW-Whitewater,” said UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King. “Student success is at heart of our mission and core values, and the Kachels’ generosity and service to the university enables us to continue our collective commitment in this space. This is another example of their investment in advancing the Wisconsin Idea — directly impacting our region as UW-Whitewater and reinforcing our role as the state’s leader in producing the most licensed teachers.”
“Providing opportunities for students is our favorite part of what we do,” said Michael Kachel, President of DLK Enterprises. “We are looking forward to our continuing partnership with the university and the finished project at Winther Hall.”
The donation reflects DLK Enterprises’ strong belief in collaboration and community spirit. The company is proud to work alongside campus partners in bringing this exciting new project to life.
DLK Enterprises remains dedicated to enhancing the student experience and supporting the people who make Whitewater a great place to live, learn, and grow.
The next Wright House concert is on November 22 at 7pm. It will be an open mic Tellabration!
Tellabration! is an evening of storytelling celebrated across the US and even the world on the weekend before Thanksgiving.
We offer the theme “Lived to Tell the Tale” to inspire you as you contemplate which story to tell. Attendees are welcome to sign up the night of the show to perform. Listeners who do not plan to perform are also very welcome.
Green Bay storyteller and host of The Meatman Chronicles, Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski, is returning to The Wright House to serve as MC.
Register to attend on Eventbrite: https://tellopenmic.eventbrite.com
Whitewater High School and youth athletes had the chance to listen to ’09 WHS Graduate Ben Heller after school on Wednesday, November 12. Ben came in to tell his story of growing up in Whitewater and his journey to Major League Baseball. The athletes and coaches would like to thank Ben for the message that he delivered.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Mike Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
The Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson has announced that their annual gingerbread house contest is back for its 10th year in preparation for the upcoming holidays.
The contest is open to individuals of all ages, groups, and families to construct gingerbread houses or buildings and enter them into the museum’s contest.
“Over the past decade, it has been a pleasure to see the large variety of entries into our contest,” said Merrilee, Director of the Hoard Historical Museum, “Seeing everyone’s creativity is something we look forward to every single year and this year will be no different.”
Gingerbread bakers may enter in one of four categories: Original building design by kit; Original building design by scratch; Building replica design by kit; or Building replica design by scratch. Building replica designs are inspired by real buildings, such as your own house, a church in town, or the White House in Washington, D.C., as well as fictional buildings such as the house from “Bluey” or Platform 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter series. Original building designs are not found in real life or in fiction.
Gingerbread creations must take the form of a house or a building, and they must be decorated by edible materials, but non-edible interior support structure material may be used. Houses must be placed on a sturdy board base no larger than 24” by 24.” Each gingerbread entry also needs a completed entry form. Copies of the form can be found on the museum’s website,
www.hoardmuseum.org, or are available for pick up at the museum’s office.
There is no fee to enter the contest. To enter this exhibit and contest, bring completed gingerbread house and completed registration form with the list of materials used in constructing the gingerbread structure to the museum. Registration and drop off for the 10th annual contest will be from Tuesday, December 2-Saturday, December 6 during regular museum hours or contact museum staff for an alternative time. For more specifications and requirements, please pick up an entry form at the Hoard Historical Museum during open hours, visit the Museum’s website, www.hoardmuseum.org or send an email request to info@hoardmuseum.org.
The Gingerbread House Exhibit will be open for viewing beginning on Tuesday, December 9. The Popular Choice Penny-Voting will occur from Tuesday, December 9, through Saturday, December 13, during the museum’s regular hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. “It’s always challenging to pick your favorite gingerbread house,” said Lee. “But this is one time you can
vote as many times as you like for your favorite!” The houses will also be judged by judges who are not museum staff. Awards will be announced on Tuesday, December 16th on the museum’s website and Facebook page. First place winners in each category are awarded a cash prize and ribbon. Ribbons and certificates will also be given to second, third, and honorable mention in each category.
Entries must be dropped off at the museum by Saturday, December 6 by 4:30 pm and must be picked up by Saturday, December 20 during regular museum hours. Contact museum staff for an alternative time if necessary. If entries are not picked up, they will be disposed of by museum staff.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The museums are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call the museums at 920.397.9914, visit our website www.hoardmuseum.org, and
like us on Facebook.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Hoard Historical Museum.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. A few weeks ago, this building, on the Milwaukee Street bridge, was demolished. We found a photo, probably from the 1970s, of this building when it was Baker’s Garage, an AMC, Jeep, and GMC truck dealership and service station run by Harley Baker. The building was constructed in 1924 as a modern filling station for the O’Neil Oil and Paint company and became a D-X service station in the 1940s. Harley Baker acquired the building in 1948 after operating a garage at his home on North Street for a number of years. After the dealership and garage closed, Baker’s daughter, Donna Baker Henry, remodeled the building for offices.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5433P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Abigail Brown Receives Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority Scholarship
Recognition of Academic Achievement by Whitewater Educators’ Sorority
Abigail Brown, a senior from Muskego, is currently pursuing a major in English with a minor in creative writing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her dedication and accomplishments have recently been recognized through the awarding of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority’s scholarship. The scholarship was presented during the College of Education and Professional Studies award program, which took place on Monday, November 10th at the University Center. This event celebrated outstanding students across the college and highlighted their achievements and contributions.
Ms. Brown is set to graduate in the spring of 2026 with a degree in education. As part of her academic journey, she will complete her student teaching at the high school level in Palmyra, further preparing her for a career in education.
Obituaries
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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