By Tomahawk Main Street Inc.
TOMAHAWK – Who doesn’t love a celebration?
In 2011, the Tomahawk Area Historical Society held their second “TomaWalk” in honor of the city’s 125th birthday.
“What a wonderful time to search memories and exchange recollections of all that has happened on our Wisconsin Ave.,” the Historical Society said. “Time too, to find the stories telling about the committed and resourceful merchants who over the years opened stores on the Avenue. The prospects of a successful and thriving city were right here from the very beginning, and you will be astonished at the number of merchants and their many endeavors.”
Wow, that is definitely a great hook that would have reeled me in! Many came, and all enjoyed.
However, as many of us know, it isn’t as easy as it looks to keep a good thing going. Friends move, some take up other interests or folks are simply much too busy to be able to do one more thing. Sadly, this is what happened to the TomaWalk, and it became one of those beautiful recollections.
Then one day, Pat and Jennifer were introduced, and the President of the Tomahawk Area Historical Society and the Main Street Director had a chance meeting that would become a friendship; you put two gals with brains that never sleep in the same room, and guess what happens? Well, a lot of great thoughts, but also…TomaWalk is reborn!
What fun we had going through old stories and pictures, articles and notes, and putting together a stroll down our historic streets. We were pleased with the turnout, as around 25 folks enjoyed presentations on the founding of Tomahawk (from Mr. Bradley, portrayed by George Nelson), as well as several of our businesses and buildings.
Bill Sparr was our speaker at Associated Bank, telling the tale of the great Bradley Bank robbery of 1932.
Terry Bucaro spoke of the array of businesses that have come and gone at The Clothes Hamper, and a sneak peek of what’s to come was also included. Did you know that only three businesses have been on the Dunn Financial lot? Jennifer Turkiewicz did, and she also spoke of the criminal record that goes along with store number two.
The original work inside of Coasters Cycle Works was a treasure to see, and Bill McDowell was a great presenter of their history. We couldn’t miss stopping at Postl’s Popcorn Stand, and Mary Smith and her family gave us a sample of their story, popcorn and cotton candy!
Who needs a new fur coat? Well, if you did, then Standard Mercantile was the place to go; while you were there, you could make a stop at the soda fountain too! Cindy Morris was our presenter, and her window displays were amazing.
Andy Goretski shared the story of the Bradley Mural, as well as his hands-on dealings with the restoration of our founding father. The Mitchell Motel was our final stop, and Pat Pietila had a whole book on the back story! Mind you, she only shared parts, but I know who to call when I have a question.
A fun day was had by all, and we hope you can join us for TomwWalk 2025 as we celebrate our amazing stories of days gone by!
