Joe Hermolin

Joe Hermolin worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for many years in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry in the Medical School. In retirement he moved to rural Langlade County and developed an interest in the region’s history. He currently serves as president of the Langlade County Historical Society. His primary interest is archiving the museum’s photograph and document collection and making it available online.

By This Author:

A lumber crew posed in front of one of the log camp buildings.

The Lumber Industry in Northern Wisconsin

Today, the timber industry is still a major part of the economy of Langlade County and Wisconsin. Department of Natural Resources statistics show that lumber generates 422 jobs in Langlade County with 495 indirect jobs and an economic impact of close to $65 million annually. State-wide, forest products create almost 60,000 jobs with an economic impact of close to $23 billion.

A black pillowcase with embroidery and applique, featuring a CCC emblem, an eagle over a tent, applique trees, and embroidered text, “When we finish our part a new day will dawn.”

OBJECT HISTORY: CCC Pillow Sham

Created in 1933, this commemorative pillow sham was just one of a number of textiles created by second-generation Hungarian immigrant Rose Mary Drab to honor her brother Edward’s service in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Black and white photograph of men in military uniforms marching in front of temporary buildings.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

In 1933, with nearly a quarter of the civilian labor force unemployed, newly inaugurated President Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a cornerstone effort in his New Deal program.

Interior view of a recreation hall with billiards and table tennis tables. Three men pose next to one of the game tables. In the background, another man leans over a commissary counter.

Daily Life in the Civilian Conservation Corps

Camp 657 in Elcho was typical of CCC camps across the country in that it contained five barracks housing about 40 enrollees each. Camps also included a mess hall, canteen, educational building with a library, shops, hospital, headquarters, and supply buildings. A typical day began with reveille and flag-raising at 6:00am.

Two men and a woman sit at a table pouring over a document. Children crowd around.

The Great Depression in Langlade County

While local governments across the United States struggled to deal with the sharp economic downturn in the first years of the 1930s, Langlade County initially found itself in an enviable position at the onset of the Great Depression.

Am illustration of a crowd of people jostling to board a large steamship.

An Immigrant Family in Rural Wisconsin

Immigrant families like the Drabs came to Wisconsin after hearing tales about the state’s fertile land and boundless opportunities. It’s possible that the Drab family, in particular, were drawn to the area thanks to the efforts of a Bohemian immigrant named Joseph Duchac. As a surveyor and land speculator, Duchac often traveled to Chicago to promote Langlade County to newly arrived immigrants like the Drabs who were eager to get out of the city and take up farming.

Bowling pin with red and black stripes around the neck, and a red Vulcan Corporation stamp.

OBJECT HISTORY: Vulcan Bowling Pin

This bowling pin was produced by the Vulcan Corporation in Antigo, Wisconsin, sometime in the late 1950s after Vulcan had introduced its patented “Nyl-Tuf Supreme” plastic coating (as indicated by the pin’s red label).

Photograph of the inside of a drying shed at the Vulcan Corporation with men inspecting doing quality control. Hundreds of bowling pins are lined up neatly on table-height drying racks.

The Vulcan Corporation

The Vulcan Corporation was founded in 1909 in Ohio as a manufacturer of wooden shoe lasts. In 1919, Vulcan started a plant in Crandon, Wisconsin, which made “rough-turned”—or unfinished—lasts. In 1925, the Crandon plant was moved to Antigo because of the region’s lumber industry and the better rail service there that made shipping much easier.

Photograph of a large bowling hall with a dozen lanes with men bowling. Spectators look on from grandstands and balconies.

Milwaukee: The Bowling Capital of America

Bowling evolved in the mid-nineteenth century United States from imported European games like the German kegling. Beginning with clubs in eastern U.S cities, bowling grew in popularity and spread to the Midwest—particularly cities like Milwaukee—as German-Americans migrated across the continent.

Cover of Life Magazine from 1964 features the image of a Japanese woman, dressed in kimono, bowling. Text reads, "Special Issue: Japan"

Bowling In Japan

Following World War II many American customs gained popularity in Japan, with golf becoming one of the most popular. Bowling soon followed suit.

A Mepps fishing lure, with brass spinner and hook.

OBJECT HISTORY: Mepps Fishing Lure

The classic Mepps fishing lure, the Aglia, was invented in France in the 1930s and patented in 1938. It was introduced to northern Wisconsin, and to the U.S., by a G.I. returning from France.

A technical drawing of the Mepps fishing lure identifying its component parts.

Mepps Lures: The Antigo Connection

A chance encounter of an American G.I. in France after World War II with a local fisherman led to the development of a major industry in Antigo, Wisconsin and put Antigo on the sports fishing map.

A Mepps fishing lure showing squirrel fur tied around hook shank to hide the treble-hook.

Squirrel Tails Wanted? The Improved Mepps Lure

Driving through Antigo, visitors are often puzzled by a sign proclaiming “Squirrel Tails Wanted” advertised by Sheldons’ Inc., manufacturer of Mepps lures. Squirrel tail hair has unique properties ideal for lures. Its addition to the Anglia has proven to be the most successful improvement to the classic spinner invented in France in 1938.

A black-and-white photograph of a man standing on a large rock in the middle of a river near a falls, fishing.

The Wolf River

Todd Sheldon first discovered the virtues of the Mepps Aglia spinner and later realized improvements afforded by a tuft of squirrel tail while fishing at one of his favorite spots: the Wolf River. Today the Wolf continues to be a destination for sports fishermen and paddlers. Along with the St. Croix, the 225 mile Wolf River is one of two National Scenic Rivers in Wisconsin.

Four men pose behind a bar holding large muskie mounts. Text on photograph reads, "Suick's Muskie Bar, Home of the Muskie Thriller, Antigo, Wis. Largest Muskie display in U.S."

Building a Tourism Industry in Northern Wisconsin

Equipment manufacturers played a major role in developing fishing as a part of the tourism industry in northern Wisconsin. Each year nearly two million people fish in Wisconsin’s waterways. They catch about 72 million fish of various species.