Tag Archives: history

Fun Facts about Wisconsin Cheese

18 Thursday Jan 2018

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When you first think about January, what are the first words that come to mind? 02J16331If you’re like many of us, most of those topics are related to the New Year – terms like resolutions, exercise and healthy diet. You may be surprised to know, however, that there are several other holidays taking place.

In addition to our official holidays like New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there are dozens of unofficial holidays on the calendar – Houseplant Appreciation Day, National Nothing Day and the upcoming National Cheese Lover’s Day. Cheese Lover’s Day takes place on Saturday, January 20, and we can’t think of a better holiday for our very own dairy state to celebrate.

Of course, you already know that Wisconsin produces a lot of cheese (it just comes with the territory, right?), but do you have any idea about just much “a lot” exactly is? We thought it’d be fun to celebrate the unofficial holiday with compelling facts about Wisconsin cheese.

  • Pioneering farm wives began making “kitchen” cheese from that of their herds in the 1830s, but the first official Wisconsin cheese wasn’t made until 1841 by Anne Pickett of Lake Mills when she added milk from her neighbor’s cow to that of her own small herd.
  • If Wisconsin were a country, it would come in 4th place in world cheese production, following the rest of the United States, France and Germany.
  • Wisconsin leads the rest of the country in the development of the following types of cheese: Limburger, Feta, Romano, Provolone, Parmesan, Muenster and Cheddar.
  • Wisconsin makes over 600 varieties, types and styles of cheeses (including more than 65 originals.)

Who knew cheese came in so many varieties and had such a rich history? It should come as no surprise for us to learn that there is a day dedicated to sharing their passion with others.

Don’t think one day is enough? You’re not alone! Cheese lovers will be happy to learn that there are 18 other cheese-related holidays that happen throughout the year, (but we’re not sure that they all count.)

Will you make plans to celebrate the day of cheese? Let us know in the comments below. Happy National Cheese Day from Lions Pride!

 

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Why Does Christopher Columbus Get All the Credit?

28 Thursday Sep 2017

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For the first time in September, it finally feels like autumn has arrived at the Lions Pride office. With the summer of 2017 officially behind us, it feels like there is a lot of time before the holiday season approaches, but there is always one holiday in October that always seems to sneak up on us – Columbus Day.

Think back to your grade school years. While the lessons in themselves may be a bit foggy, you likely remember this rhythmic line, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” We were taught that Christopher Columbus was the first person to set sail and set foot on the “New Land,” but in the last few decades, historians have revealed what they believe is the actual history. There are a few theories depicting the birth of America, including one that a Viking actually arrived nearly 400 years before Columbus was even born.

Exploration was a family business for the Erikssons. Leif was the son of Erik the Red, founder of Greenland. It’s believed in the year 1000 AD, Erikkson sailed to Norway where he was converted to Christianity by King Olaf I. Then he set out on his next great adventure.

We have heard differing stories, some believe that Erikkson got lost traveling back to Greenland and sailed off course; others say that he heard rumor of a new land and went off to see it for himself. Regardless of the background, Leif discovered the North American continent. He spent winter exploring a region he called Vinland, what many now believe to be Newfoundland. After a few months, he traveled back to Greenland and never returned. Other competing theories say America’s first discoverers could have been Irish monks or Chinese explorers.

So, if Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America, why does he get a holiday and the credit? The answer is actually quite simple. Many believe he is known as the founder because he was the first to open up America to Europe – the world’s greatest expansionist at that time. We know now that there were already millions of people already here – the Native Americans, so it is likely that their ancestors were truly the New World’s first explorers.

Today, 17 states have chosen not to observe Columbus Day as a national holiday. Several cities and states are now choosing to celebrate instead with Indigenous People’s Day.

Hopefully, as time goes on, we will continue to learn more and more about the history of our country. We know that our past may not be perfect, but remember, it’s the struggles and challenges that show the greatest lessons and give us the opportunity to come together as one.

The History of Graduation Traditions

18 Thursday May 2017

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Bom bombombom bom bom… bom bombombom bomHappy Graduates

Wow! It’s hard to believe but another school year has come and gone (although students may or may not agree with our sentiment). This weekend, thousands of students across the country will be putting on their caps and gowns and preparing for the next phase of their lives as graduates. To celebrate their enormous accomplishment, we thought it would be fun to compile a few interesting facts about the graduation ceremony:

  • Pomp and Circumstance

Sir Edward Elgar composed the famous commencement tune, also known as “Land of Hope and Glory” in 1901. At its England premier, the conductor proclaimed, “The people simply rose and yelled. I had to play it again – with the same result…” Today, this piece is played at graduation ceremonies all over the words as processionals and recessionals.

  • Caps and Gowns

The traditional graduation outfit is, of course, the cap and gown. Its use first began in the 12th Century. At that time, heating systems had not been created, so graduates were forced to try and keep warm during the ceremony. Scholars began wearing long robes with hoods to preserve their warmth. Before long, the century gown became the official attire of academics.

  • Throwing of the Caps

Anyone familiar with graduation ceremonies knows that once all of the graduates receive their diplomas, they proceed to throw their caps in the air – but why? It turns out this tradition was started in the Naval Academy in 1912. Prior to graduation, academy graduates had to serve two years in the fleet before being commissioned as Navy officers. The graduating class of 1912 was commissioned during their commencement ceremony and received their officers’ hats. Since their midshipmen hats were no longer needed, the graduates threw their hats into the air without having to worry about getting them back. The tradition caught on at other institutions and the action is now regarded as a symbolic gesture to signify the ending of a monumental chapter.

Our Lions Pride office intern, Kirsten, will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in business management. She spent nearly two years with our organization and will miss her dearly, but know that she has a bright future ahead. We’d like to wish her and all upcoming graduates congratulations and best wishes in all future endeavors. You did it!

The 2017 Wisconsin Lions State Convention

04 Thursday May 2017

Posted by in Conventions, News, Special Events

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We’re on the road again – this time, we’re Where Theres a Needheaded to Western Wisconsin for the 2017 State Lions Convention, hosted by the La Crosse and Onalaska Lions, at the La Crosse Convention Center.

This year’s convention will be a bit different than past events as there are many changes and several fun events in store. Our hosts plan to infuse our Centennial Celebration with a little local history as well as other fun additions, such as the Lions Centennial Torch, and special guests.

The fun kicks off today with a golf tournament at Forest Hills, tours of the St. Rose Chapel, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Dahl Auto Museum as well as the first hospitality night.

We’ll hit the ground running on Friday as the morning begins with board meetings and myLCI Training. We’ll then have our pick of informative seminars throughout the day. The day will end with business meeting awards, a community ice cream social with Ranison Ice Cream Shop and second hospitality night.

Saturday will begin with a Strides Walk, eyeglass sorting and third block of seminars. District meetings will commence at 10:30 am, followed by a noon luncheon and last block of seminars. The afternoon will continue with a Centennial Celebration, WLF Annual Meeting (with a special award presentation); followed by voting, our last hospitality night and anniversary ball.

For those planning to spend the night, Sunday will begin with a church service, brunch cruise and tour of the Historic Hixon House Museum. There is truly something for everyone this convention weekend.

We’re looking forward to another fun weekend filled with lots of great information and even better company. Be sure to stop and see the Lions Pride table when visiting the exhibitor hall to pick up a little gift from us. See you in La Crosse!

Labor Day and the Portage County Fair

03 Thursday Sep 2015

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Rosholt FairIs it just us or does it seem like we blinked and all of a sudden it was September? We feel like we were just talking about Memorial Day, and now school is back in session and we are on the heels of Labor Day Weekend.

Although this weekend is unofficially known as the end of summer, we look forward to Labor Day because that means it’s time for the Portage County Fair that happens right here in Rosholt.

You might be surprised to learn that there is a long history associated with our fair. The planning began back in May 1921 when the Rosholt Advancement Association decided to host a picnic that would coincide with the Portage County Guernsey Breeders Association. The event was a success as became an official fair in 1922. The receipts of the first year totaled $228.76, and expenses were $226.46, leaving $2.30 for profits. The profit was a “decided success” and the event became known as the Rosholt Community Free Fair.

The fair takes place every year from Friday to Monday and is fun for the whole family. So many activities take place during the weekend including live music, a parade, hot air balloon rides, laser light show, mini tractor pulls, carnival rides, games and more. Of course, you’ll see award-winning animals from our local 4-H and FFA members. You can also learn about the town’s history in the Pioneer Museum. See the entire event calendar.

If you’re still looking for something to do for Labor Day Weekend, we encourage you to visit Rosholt and attend the 89th Annual Portage County Fair. You’re sure to find activities for the whole family.

The Lions Pride office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We wish you a safe, fun holiday!

The History of Sporting Clays

04 Thursday Jun 2015

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By now, you have likely heard that we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our largest Annual Lions Pride Shootannual event, the 8th Annual Lions Pride Shoot Sporting Clays Fundraiser; however, you may be new to the idea. Although the hobby is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the America, the term, ‘sporting clays’ is still relatively unfamiliar to many.

Sporting Clays, also referred to as “golf with a shotgun”, is a sport that simulates actual hunting. Courses reproduce the hunting of ducks, pheasants, upland birds such as grouse and quail, and even rabbits. There is no set season so sporting clays can be shot at any time.

The sport may be new to you, but it actually has an extensive history. Sporting clays go back to England in the mid-1800s. In those days, gentlemen owned all large estates. Their land consisted of countless numbers of acreage where nearly unlimited game could be bred and reared. To hunt on this land, you need to be invited by the owner. The chance of an invitation depended greatly on your social status, but you also needed to be a reasonable shot. Landowners wanted clean shots, not just injured game.

History of Sporting Clays

Since land was limited to the upper class, there weren’t many places available to practice; many shooters attempted to create game-like targets. The first targets were glass balls, but they were not ideal for practice. They were very expensive and hunters found that they were injuring their cattle with broken fragments.

In the 1880s, George Ligowsky invented the first clay target after seeing children skimming clamshells on a pond. He also designed launcher to replace the children’s throwing arm by “flicking” the wrist. As new targets and launchers were developed, more shooters started training to prepare for a hunting invitation, but the practice soon became a sport all of its own. Today, people of all ages enjoy the sport. More than 3 million shoot sporting clays competitively or recreationally each year.

We hope you’ll join us on June 13 at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek. Last year, we had both Lions and non-Lions of all skills levels compete. If you don’t shoot, you don’t have to miss the fun. We always have participants who choose to walk the course to watch the activities and take in the beautiful scenery of Southeastern Wisconsin.

To sign up or for more information email us or call the Lions Pride Office at 715-677-7000, or visit us on-line at www.lionspride.org/events. Hurry, the registration deadline has been extended to Monday, June 8! We look forward to seeing you there.

The History of Hanukkah

11 Thursday Dec 2014

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This time of the year, it seems the only topic we hear about is Christmas. Although it Menorahis one of the most popular December holidays here in Wisconsin, it is important to remember that there are other holidays happening simultaneously around the country and the world. For the remainder of the month, we will explore all of these holidays beginning with Hanukkah.

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is an eight-day celebration of light that begins this year on December 17th. The story dates back to 200 BC; the land of Israel was under the control of Antiochus III and the Syrian Greeks. At that time, Antiochus allowed Jewish people to continue practicing their religion. When his son, Antiochus IV assumed power, he outlawed Judaism and forced the Judeans to worship Greek gods.

A rebellion, led by Jewish priest Mattathias, broke out after soldier desecrated the city’s Holy Temple and built a statue of Zeus. Mattathias died in 166 BC, and his son Judah took charge. Finally in 165 BC, after three years of battle, the war came to an end; and the Judeans were able to drive the Syrians out of Israel.

To rededicate the Second Temple, they wanted to light the menorah, but soon found that they only had enough olive oil to keep the candles burning for one day. They decided to light the candles and; then a miracle happened. The candles continued to flicker for eight days, leaving the Judeans plenty of time to find a fresh supply of oil. Jewish sages then proclaimed an annual eight-day festival.

Today, the Hanukkah celebration is centered on the lighting of the menorah. Each night of the celebration, another candle is lit after sundown. The menorah is then displayed in the window to remind others of the past miracle.

People often wonder whether or not, Chanukah is a gift-giving holiday. Surprisingly, there are no biblical or Talmudic roots connected to the idea of gift giving. However, there is a timeworn tradition to give children the gifts of gelt, also known as money, to teach them the value of charity in addition to keeping the environment festive and happy. Many families have adopted the tradition for every weeknight of Hanukkah.

This holiday season, don’t forget to remember all of the December holidays, not just the ones celebrated in your family. Happy holidays from all of us at Lions Pride!

Sources:

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/449706/jewish/Is-Giving-Chanukah-Presents-a-Non-Jewish-Custom.htm http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Hanukkah/History.shtml?p=1

Lions Camp Totem Pole Dedication Event

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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New Lions Camp Totem PoleThere is a new face (actually seven new faces!) coming to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. On Saturday, the camp will be unveiling a new totem pole for the world to see.

Although totem poles are common elements in Native American customs, they are surprisingly also seen in several different cultures. Many different types of totem poles exist today.

  • Genealogy Poles are built in front of family’s homes to displays the owner’s group or social status.
  • Memorial Poles are created to honor a deceased member of a family or group.
  • Mortuary Poles are also carved in honor of the dead, but include a small compartment to hold the ashes.

Totem poles can represent stories or special events in a group’s history. Each figure on the pole shows traits and characteristics each group or story represents.

Click here to learn the characteristics of each animal that could be found on a totem pole.

Totem poles have played an important role at the Lions Camp over the years. SinceFourth Lions Camp Totem Pole 1965, the members of Lac du Flambeau Lions Club have created three totem poles specifically for the camp. The club spent countless hours of hard work designing and carving. The animals on the most recent totem pole represented courage, teamwork, merriment, intelligence, strength and dedication. It was called the Na-Wak-Wa, which means “meeting place for friends” because the Lions Club creators wanted all of the campers found the Wisconsin Lions Camp to be a place of friendship. Unfortunately, the pole surrendered to internal rot.

Under the leadership of Bill Herschauer, the club hired Master Carver and Fellow Lion, Pete Blazkowski, to create the fourth totem pole. On December 5, 2011, the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Ojibwa Nation donated a beautiful white pine, estimated to be about 234 years old, to replace the fallen totem. After nearly four years of hard work, we will be able to see the masterpiece Pete and the supporting members of the Lac du Flambeau club members have crafted.

Lions Camp Totem Pole Dedication EventJoin us for the dedication on Saturday, September 20, at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. The event will begin at 1pm. See you there!

Sources:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-totem-pole/