By John Harry

I saw a bumper sticker recently that read, “Historic Preservation is the Ultimate Recycling.” Portage County, as a very environmentally conscious community, surely echoes that sentiment.  What I would like to concentrate on with that bumper sticker, however, is the word recycling, and more specifically, the prefix of “re”.  These two letters are of the utmost importance in any argument in favor of historic preservation.  The Latin root of “re” signifies the meaning of “again”.  Re-calling stories of how Stevens Point and Portage County used to be. Re-storing buildings of prominence. Re-tracing our roots.

I believe themost important “re”, when it comes to historic preservation, is re-juvenation, something we’re seeing throughout the county right now. Certainly, it is nearly impossible to look past the newly renovated Claflin House on the Southwest corner of Main and Division in Stevens Point.  The Andrae Building downtown, once Jim Laabs Music, has recently had its columns restored to their former greatness and its space repurposed for multiple uses. The City of Stevens Point has renewed its commitment to preservation by continuing the ‘Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program’, providing matching funds to revitalize and maintain the historic culture of the city.  Countywide, the Portage County Historical Society’s Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in the last year, ensuring that stories of early Portage County life will be retold for generations to come.  All of these examples breathe new life into their surroundings and replenish interest in our past.  This rejuvenation has more than just cultural knowledge and aesthetics in mind though; historic preservation has a large economic impact on our community as well.

According to the Wisconsin History Tax Credit Analysis of the years 2014-2016, the State of Wisconsin approved an estimated $171 million in historic tax credits.  These tax credits resulted in $832 million in direct economic output during that period.  In other words, for every dollar the state spent on historic tax credits it generated $4.87 in return. Stevens Point was approved for $145,000 over that time.  By the statewide metric, those historic tax credits generated over $700,000 for our local economy.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a plethora of other examples across the country of how historic preservation creates jobs, attracts investments, increases property values, and conserves resources. It is clear that our history not only affects our cultural identity, but also our financial outlook.

May is known statewide as Wisconsin Historic Preservation and Archaeology Month.  Locally we’re simply calling it Portage County History Month.  It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our continual rebirth here. The Portage County Historical Society has events planned throughout the month including a (sold out, sorry!) pub crawl, bike tour, and the annual Rising Star Mill Art Fair.  I’ll end with one more “re”, being a re-quest.  I’d like to request that you consider becoming a member of the Portage County Historical Society so that we can continue promoting our area’s rich history and advocate for the further rejuvenation of our historic county. Information on how to become a member as well as attend these events can be found at pchswi.org or on the Portage County Historical Society’s Facebook page.

John Harry is a member of the Board of Directors of the Portage County Historical Society and a resident of Stevens Point.