News: Hunt, Hale--Letter to Editor (1958)
Poster: Pat Kay Walgamott

Letter To The Editor

La Crosse, Wis. Aug. 21, 1958 The Greenwood Gleaner Greenwood, Wis. Dear Mr. Nuenfeldt: I am enclosing check for subscription to the Gleaner. I think that this brings me up to date. I just finished reading and enjoying Mr. Millers account of a 4th of July celebration in Greenwood, just a bit before my time. Indeed those were extensive celebrations in those days before the automobile and the picnic grill took over and people raced up and down the highways. Maple trees were brought to town and their sharpened ends placed in the sidewalks along main street. Those walks, where the kids nickels rolled into the cracks, and were teased out with Bloodberry Gum, chewed soft and placed on a sharp stick. The Giant Firecrackers, Roman Candles and large Rockets let to a noisy and sometimes dangerous Fourth of July. Kids saved money for weeks in advance of the 4th and bought fire crackers which, when placed under a tin can, would boost it many feet in the air. No more of that today, in the interest of protection from injuries and burns. Perhaps there are still some in Greenwood, who remember the accidental firing of a window display full of fireworks in my fathers store, in about 1906. It resulted in the blowing out of the store front, coupled with an impromptu display in daylight and some fire to the store. My good friend, Art Buker, may have ducked some of the flying missiles as they took off across Main Street toward Black River. I do not wish to enlarge of Mr. Millers account of a a4th of July in Greenwood at the turn of the century, but rather compliment him on his vivid and interesting writing. I think that it is remarkable that he maintains such an interest in his home town, and takes the time to renew those days for the many readers who must be interested in his renewing Greenwood's early days. Very truly yours, Hale W. Hunt

SOURCE: Greenwood Gleaner Aug. 1958 Hale Hunt