THE BIG POTATO BAKE OF 1907

By Deborah Powell

(Date unknown, part of Miss K projects)

 

    On September 7, about 1970, women wearing long, full skirts and huge hats, and little boys in kneepants hurried to Waupaca.  In this town of approximately 3500 people, a large celebration was in store.

     At that time Waupaca County was "King of the Potato Growers".  In response to this honor, the businessmen of the town planned a Potato Bake Day which was to last the complete day.

    The stores hung streamers from their windows, and put up flags in front of their stores.  An immense banner was strung from the First National Bank to the Court House upon which was written, "What Made Waupaca Famous?"  A picture of a huge potato was symbolized beneath the quotation. Beneath the picture of the potato was another quotation, "Waupaca Potato is King".

    A parade was held, consisting mainly of horses and buggies.  There were one or two automobiles in the parade, also. Twice that day there was a balloon ascension from the armory.

    Free barbecued beef and potatoes were given to the people.  On the north end of the Court House Square was the barbeque pit.  Tables were set up in the courtyard, also.

    This gala affair attracted much attention.  Write-ups of this celebration were in the Milwaukee Journal, the Milwaukee Sentinel, and the Appleton Post Crescent.  This occasion was frequently referred to as a homecoming for Waupaca County, as people from all around came back to Waupaca for the potato bake, seeing old friends and making new ones.