Bailey Carruthers is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a major in Public History, and a double minor in Political Science and Communications. She is expected to graduate with the class of 2022 in May and has an interest in the Wisconsin logging industry, economic trends following the United States entering World War II, and historical prints, primarily lithographs.

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OBJECT HISTORY: Council Oak Tree Bench

The bench first debuted to the public upon its completion on July 23, 2003, at an art exhibition at a local library showcasing the towns rich heritage. The bench is adorned with a laser-cut image of the original Council Oak Tree on the surface of the seat.

UW-Eau Claire & The Council Oak Tree

Following the introduction of The Eau Claire Normal School in 1916, the original Council Oak Tree, which dates to the early 1800’s, became positioned in an area between academic buildings on campus. With the founding of the school, there was an attempt to blend cultures of the indigenous tribes of the area for the attending students.

UW-Eau Claire History

Most of the universities that formed the UW system began as one-building teacher’s colleges, and for the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, the fifth largest of the UW schools, humble beginnings were the foundation of this now prospering institution.