Commemorating 175 years – Decorah’s anniversary festivities announced

Pictured left to right are Winneshiek County Historical Society Treasurer Donna Rasmussen, President Stacey Gossling, Linda Wolfs and Chris Hick, owners of Heavenly Made Gifts & The Gnome Store in downtown Decorah, and Historical Society member Elizabeth Lorentzen. The group gathered Tuesday afternoon at Wolfs’ and Hick’s store in downtown Decorah, where the shop’s owners gifted an ornament (pictured larger above), specially made for Decorah’s 17th anniversary, to the historical society. “When we heard about the 175th anniversary, we decided that we needed to provide a treasure to the community,” Wolfs said. “And, the county seat is an important part of our history. This is something we can do for the town.” (Driftless Multimedia photo by Zach Jensen)

On Saturday, June 15, the City of Decorah will celebrate its 175th Anniversary – the town’s Dodransbicentennial. 

The public is invited to join a variety of activities throughout the day reflecting Decorah’s on history.

• 10 a.m. Welcome and remarks at Vesterheim Commons by Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski, Prosper Waukon (great-great-great grandson of Chief Waukon Decorah) and a special reading by Mette Hammer.

• 10:45-11:15 a.m. Music on Vesterheim’s patio by Decorah Municipal Band.

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. “What’s Still Here: Decorah’s Surviving Properties, 1849-1870” presentation at Vesterheim Commons by Mark Z. Muggli and Judy van der Linden of the Decorah Historical Preservation Commission.

• 12:30 p.m. Painter Bernatz Mill Tour at Vesterheim.

• 1-4 p.m. Ice Cream Social at Winneshiek County Historical Society and free tours of the WCHS museum.

• 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours offered at Porter House Museum. Entrance fee applies.

• 2-4 p.m. Meet-and-greet with Prosper Waukon at Winneshiek County Historical Society.

• 2-4 p.m. Vintage games at Phelps Park, Decorah’s oldest city park, led by Decorah Park and Recreation in partnership with the Locust School Committee of Winneshiek County Historical Society. Rain location: Decorah High School.

• 6-7 p.m. “The Waukon Decorah Family Legacy” presentation by Prosper Waukon at Hotel Winneshiek with Q&A after.

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