Waupaca Impressions 1908
Waupaca Post
MY IMPRESSIONS OF WAUPACA
Editor Post:
After an absence of thirty-nine years from Waupaca, which was my birthplace, having been born in the house now occupied by Dr. Trimble, I must say that the few hours spent here on Tuesday was thoroughly enjoyed among the few old acquaintances that remained. The grim reaper has played havoc with the old timers whom I knew and it was with feelings of sadness that I listened to such old friends as F.F. Wheeler, Irving and Wallace Lord, the Pipe boys, Mr. Dutton and Mr. Doney and many others including Walter Scott, Charlie Roberts, Fred Lea and the old colored stand-by, Mr. Parish, the barber, who is a walking encyclopedia as to past history of the town and people, relating incidents that happened during the time I was away.
As to the town itself, it has, of course, improved greatly, the old rickety wooden store buildings have been replaced with substantial stone and brick buildings, new court house, hotels, churches and many handsome dwellings have all been erected since I was there. I was told that Waupaca was virtually a summer town and it may appear so to people living there but to a person traveling about various states it appears to be about as prosperous in dead of winter as any other town of its size in the country. To me it was like home coming to meet such friends as John Ware, the Woodnorth boys and many others with whom I visited. All had reminiscences to relate. I also had a pleasant visit over the phone with Mrs. Carrie Lea and Mrs. Ella Skinner, who were Dr. Calkins’ daughters. Many a time have I buckled on their skates and pulled their sleds up Bailey’s hill.
When I have accumulated a competency I want to spend my remaining days at Waupaca, own a residence in town, a cottage at the lakes, and have a good fast horse. I would ask for nothing more. The climate, the people, the beautiful surroundings are all that one could wish for and it would be doubly appreciated by me in more ways than one.
I wish to thank all my Waupaca friends for courtesies extended me while there and I hope I may be placed in a position to reciprocate later.
Yours truly,
J.G. Sorenson,
Davenport, Ia.