Benny's Wild Rose Market, owned by Tim Batten, has a rich history rooted in a passion for the grocery business. In the 1960s, Tim's father, Ben Batten, attended meat-cutting school in Toledo, Ohio. He later worked for IGA, gaining experience and training meat cutters across the Midwest. Ben eventually settled in Wild Rose, marrying Jeanette, and took over Rex's grocery store in 1979 upon Rex and Alice Bechard's retirement. In the 1990s, Benny's outgrew its...
St. Paul's Lutheran Church traces its roots back to 1907 when a small group of German Lutherans gathered in Wild Rose for worship. On December 22, 1912, the congregation was officially established by Albert Melcher, Theodore Keppler, Charles Eserhut, Edward Handrich, August Radloff, and Pastor Otto Haestadt, with a constitution written in German and signed on January 19, 1913. Worship services initially took place in homes, and later in the Baptist Church. In 1929, they...
The Wild Rose Hospital, originally known as the Hadden Hospital, was built in 1941 and was named after Dr. S. L. Hadden, a prominent physician from Illinois. Dr. Hadden selected the site in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, where the hospital became the first and only one in Waushara County at that time. Notably, it was also among the few hospitals equipped with an iron lung. In 1961, the hospital underwent an expansion, adding 6 more beds,...
The Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery, currently owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has been serving the state for over a century since its establishment in 1908. This reliable facility plays a vital role in enhancing and restoring fish populations, providing anglers with fishing opportunities throughout Wisconsin. The hatchery raises various fish species, including Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Walleye, Northern Pike, Musky, and Lake Sturgeon, stocking them in both...
Graphic Associates is a custom printing company established in Wautoma in 1971 by Edward McCardell. In 1973, the business moved to a rural Wild Rose garage. Gary Williams joined the company in the summer of 1978 and later purchased it in December of the same year. In January 1979, the business relocated to its current 710 Main location in Wild Rose after acquiring a building that was previously a flower shop. Over the years, the...
Grace Bible Church was established in 1995 and initially met at Rosemore Village. As the congregation grew, they moved to various locations, including the Wild Rose Elementary cafeteria and later the Wild Rose High School Auditorium. Eventually, in 2007, the church purchased the former Baptist Church building at 610 Carey Avenue, where they currently hold their services. The church's journey began with just 20 attendees, but over the years, it has grown significantly, now having...
The Elisha Stewart House, located at 500 Main Street, holds a rich history as the original home of Elisha and Jane Stewart, showcasing early pioneer living in central Wisconsin. Constructed in 1884, this house stands as a remarkable example of the era's architecture and lifestyle. Today, it serves as the focal point within the pioneer life museum complex. Visitors to the Elisha Stewart House can step back in time and experience the ambiance of the...
The Wild Rose Lionesses, sponsored by the Wild Rose Lions Club, served the community for an impressive 32 years, from 1985 to 2017. In 2017, the Lionesses disbanded when the Lions Club began accepting female members. Despite the dissolution of the Lionesses, their impact endures as many former members have joined the Lions Club, where their voices and efforts continue to serve the community. The collaboration between the Wild Rose Lions and Lionesses resulted in...
The Wild Rose Lions Club, established in 1952, has a history of dedicated service to the community. It all began when a group of visionary men gathered in October 1952 with a mission to create a Lions Club in Wild Rose. Their vision was bolstered by the support and guidance of the Poy Sippi Lions Club. In November 1952, 25 men from the Wild Rose area applied for membership with the Wisconsin Lions Office, and...
Cub Scout Pack 3650 has a long and storied history that dates back to 1949 when it began as Pack 151, meeting at the Redgranite Town Hall and chartered by a group of dedicated citizens. Over the years, the pack experienced several changes in its Charter Sponsor, from the Knights of Columbus/Redgranite Fire Department to the Wild Rose Lions Club and the Wild Rose Fire Department. Along the way, they collaborated with organizations like the...