WAUSAU — Local movers and shakers through the 1900s included women from all walks of life and social backgrounds. Learn about some of these forward-thinking, community-minded citizens when Marathon County Historical Society presents “Extraordinary Women of Marathon County,” another topic in its History Speaks series, at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau.
Speaker Christine Kadonsky will tell the stories of some of the influential women of the past century who shaped communities across Marathon County in a variety of fields, including Cornelia Blair, Civil War widow and Fall City Hotel owner of Mosinee; Shirley Palesh, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, originally from the town of Hewitt; Helen Van Vechten, Philosopher Press founder and printer of Wausau; Eileen Bender, licensed cheesemaker and farmer from Mosinee; and Rosella Wartner, Marathon Battery Co. worker and local union leader of Wausau. These and other women expressed their political views, supported education, worked alongside men and influenced local culture. How have women’s roles changed – or not? How did these women make a name for themselves?
Wausau native Christine Kadonsky has taughter U.S history at Wausau West High School since 2001. In 2018, she was recognized as a Herb Kohl Teacher Fellow and the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Outstanding High School Teacher. During the summer, Kadonsky enjoys traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, often studying history through teacher seminars.
There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required.
Photo courtesy Marathon County Historical Society. Pictured is a group of local professional women in 1924.
