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On this episode of All About The Car, the podcast team welcomes back John Harry, Executive Director of the Portage County Historical Society. John previously joined us to share all he knows about the Stevens Point Brewery and how it had a part in shaping our hometown. This time, we visit John onsite at Heritage Park in Plover, WI to talk about the automotive history of the county. Buckle up and join us for a ride through history!

 

Heritage Park is just a few miles from Stevens Point. The original structure on the site is the Plover Methodist Church built in 1857. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places and currently serves as the park’s exhibit space. The Historical Society took over the property in 1977 and opened the park in 1978. 10 other structures have been moved to the park and provide a snapshot into what life was like from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. What a setting to talk about the history of our area!

 

Automotive History in Portage County

It was a challenge to track down information that would provide a glimpse into what it was like as the automobile grew in popularity in Portage County. One of the resources John used was a Stevens Point city directory from 1920.

1900 – First automobile arrives in Stevens Point and cruises a parade circuit through town. Only 8,000 automobiles exist in U.S at this time.

1911 – Local tire outlet sponsors first automobile show in Stevens Point

1907 – First wedding to involve an automobile

1921 – First DUI charge recorded in Portage County

1919 – First gas station opens in Stevens Point. Previously, pumps had been available on the side of the road in front of businesses and homes.

1920 – Auto repair and related services begin to show up in local advertisements. Businesses typically centrally located in the downtown area of Stevens Point

 

Road Trip Wisconsin: PCHS Fire House No. 2 in Stevens Point, WI

We didn’t travel very far for this road trip! Fire House No. 2 is the oldest surviving municipal building in our home of Stevens Point. The station was built in 1885 and is located at 1949 Strongs Ave. The building served as the northside fire station and city jail for many years. When the station became inactive, it served as a YMCA. It is currently owned by the Portage County Historical Society. You can see a variety of firefighting equipment from Stevens Point’s past, including an old fire truck that is being restored to working order by talented local mechanic Ray Oksuita. You can visit the fire house on Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Check out information on other Portage County Historical Society sites (including Heritage Park) and plan your visit at pchswi.org/visit.