Oconto County Historical Society Awards
Annual Meeting of the Society
Recipient Information
November 6, 2003
President’s Award for preservation of Oconto County buildings
David VanderVelden has a real interest in history and particularly historic buildings. He has recently restored a farmhouse that was once used in the original Scanlan-Stock Lumber business. Urban Scanlan and Cantius Stock started hauling logs out of the river in 1945 in Stiles Junction. They set up a saw rig there and started selling lumber. In 1947 they bought the Kenny farm on Highway 22 and formally started the Scanlan-Stock Lumber Company. In 1953 they moved the business into Oconto on Farnsworth Street. Urban’s brother, Allen, and his wife moved to the farm and raised their large family there. In 1974 the farm was sold to the Reed family, whose daughter then married a Watts and lived there. Mr. VanderVelden has refurbished the house from top to bottom, as well as cleaning up the outside property. He is now has his eye on an old schoolhouse.
Mario and Jill Tellez have been members of the community since they moved here and bought the Scofield house. They have worked on restoring the home and creating an upscale bed and breakfast, and restaurant. They are very community minded with a bent towards historical aspects. They have been instrumental in the Destination Downtown redevelopment organization. Most recently they have rebuilt the porch on the house and have been doing extensive research on Governor Scofield to create a display in the house.
George E. Hall award for documentation of Oconto County history
Christopher Goetz is a Civil War reenactor, and owns U.P. Country Catering. He has been presenting programs for school and civic groups for many years portraying Union soldier James S. Anderson. He has a complete accurate outfit with accompanying accessories. He also will prepare and serve an authentic Civil War era meal. He is committed to promoting information about the Civil War experience to the county. He has created a video that weaves a story of the soldier’s life. We are pleased to present the George E. Hall Award to Christopher Goetz.
Kay Stewart Award for achievement in documentation of family history
Virginia Plier met her husband, Jim, at Carroll College in 1937 and immediately fell in love. They were married in 1941 and while Jim was overseas, Ginny came to Oconto. She purchased their first home for his homecoming. Each of the family members, Jim, Ginny, and their children Don, Doug, and Debi wrote their own memories of their life in Oconto. The book reflects Oconto life throughout the family’s time here. Doug is accepting the award on behalf of Ginny.
Duane Ebert Award for recognition of historic preservation efforts.
Edna Damkoehler has been a supporter of the Oconto County Historical Society for many years. She has been particularly interested in The Christian Science Church and the historic Main Street district, and has encouraged many county groups to visit the church and learn about its history. She has also promoted many projects that the Historical Society has undertaken. We appreciate her many contributions to historic preservation.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Joe and Betty Watt have been wonderful, dependable, reliable volunteers since they joined the Historical Society. They are always ready to lend a hand in any project and have patronized the programs that have been presented. They were very helpful in landscaping, and helped clean the barn on the spur of the moment. They are donating several items that will be used in the restored cabin and are willing to help create the display. They are all around versatile assets to the Society.
Mort Gentz