September 8, 2018
After a week of torrential rains, with almost all of Madison flooded, we had a beautiful sunny day that wouldn't reach 80 degrees, but perfect for traveling. Half of our group met at the Watertown Plank P & R, the rest at Goerke's Corners. Irma and Jerry couldn't find the Watertown Plank site, but caught up with us at Goerke's Corners. We had 31 signed up, but one couple didn't show because the husband was in the hospital with an eye infection.
Frank didn't waste any time tying into Peter for not answering his messages and bringing the cooler with beer or other beverages. Of course, I have the same trouble as a lot of other people, because Peter doesn't make use of his cell phone and doesn't always keep up with his phone messages.
We arrived at the Norwegian Heritage Center just at 11:00 a.m. warmly greeted by Laura Trotter of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce. She led us into the Heritage Center where we gathered to watch a film of a traditional Norwegian wedding and were told about the establishment of the Heritage Center. We viewed many artifacts as volunteer docents explained many of the items we were viewing. People had a hard time leaving the area, because it was so interesting.
Next we walked to the Sons of Norway Lodge. We gathered in the lower level, because the main floor was being decorated for a wedding. I don't think anyone could complain about the plentiful luncheon that was served by the volunteers of the lodge.
We had cucumbers in vinegar, corn, red potatoes, ludfisk and large meatballs. When a bowl was empty, it was quickly replenished. Dessert was a rice pudding and donuts with coffee/milk. Just as we finished a member of the lodge told us about hardanger, Norwegian dancing and growing tobacco.
After lunch we boarded the bus for a tour of historic Stoughton where a guide pointed out historic buildings and the people who had lived there, also some history of Stoughton. We ended out Stoughton segment at the Veterans Memorial where a veteran who was one of the planners explained the large pillars telling about each war from the Civil War to the present. Large memorials were engraved with the names of all who served on each respective war. Another memorial was dedicated to those who gave their lives.
As we were leaving, Gisela was ready to take over the driving!
We had a slow drive to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, because we scheduled our trip on the same day as the Badgers' first game of the season. We also could see remnants of the terrific flooding in Madison with record rainfall. Puddles were still visible, along with sandbags. We arrived at the museum at 3:30 p.m. which seemed sufficient to view the exhibits in an hour. I read a lot of the information about Wisconsin's involvement from the Civil War to the Present, with many artifacts and scenes. Some decided to take to benches, Frank went for a beer at a nearby bar.
Everyone was ready to board the bus at 4:30 p.m., arriving at Goerke's Corners and 5:35 p.m. and Watertown Plank Rd. at 6:00 p.m.
Peter and I finished the day at Sazz's with beers and a grilled cheese for me and a loaded hamburger for him.
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