By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Area Historical Society announced last week that it had published a new book – or rather, two books in one.
The Story of Tomahawk’s Saloons, Bootlegging, Taverns and Bars and Let’s Take a Ride Down Memory Lane As We Recall Car Dealerships and Gas Stations Through the Years joins numerous other books published by members of the Historical Society.
“The idea for a ‘bars’ book came about some years ago when the late Ken ‘Spider’ Crass, who served on the Board of Directors, decided to gather information about area bars for a book,” explained Historical Society President Dixie Zastrow.
Unfortunately, Crass was unable to finish the project, so Zastrow and Elaine Koth decided to complete it in Crass’s memory.
Zastrow said that several years ago, the Historical Society gathered information about area car dealerships and gas stations for an evening event. After doing additional research, the Historical Society was able to add the “cars” section to the book.
“While they’re not big books, they are full of interesting stories in addition to the other memories, and should be a good read for these winter days,” Zastrow noted.
Koth, described by Zastrow as the Historical Society’s “resident-researcher,” spent days prior to the pandemic at the Tomahawk Public Library gathering information from old issues of the Tomahawk Leader.
“She then interviewed many folks and has amassed a treasure trove of our unique history, enabling us to share it in a variety of ways,” Zastrow stated.
Although the Tomahawk Historical Society’s museums are currently closed, those interested in purchasing a copy of the book can call Zastrow at 715-453-2056 or email her at [email protected]. Copies are also available for purchase at the Old Towne Mall, 206 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tomahawk. Books are $20, plus $3 if they are mailed.
“We hope (the book) will bring back lots of fun memories,” Zastrow said.