By Taylor J. Hale 

Staff Writer

ROSHOLT – Large crowds flocked to the Rosholt Fair Park for the 93rd annual Rosholt Portage County Fair. The nearly century-old fair may have progressed since its origins in the 1920s, but some traditions still hold steady.

Tucked away in the far reaches of the fairgrounds is the Pioneer Museum, founded in 1948 with support from Malcolm Rosholt and Lester Peterson. Several original 1800s cabins have been relocated to the grounds, all filled with early settlers supplies and artifacts.

Malcolm served as director of the site for 45 years, until his departure in 1991. Malcolm’s grandfather was John G. Rosholt — the man who the village is named after. J.G. was a pioneer and well-known banker in the 1800s.

The village of Rosholt was initially labeled as a section of “Town 25” before the area developed. J.G. and others saw an opportunity to grow a prosperous timber industry in the area and set to work. J.G. and his peers were instrumental in bringing railways through the village and expanding settlement opportunities for early pioneers. A section of what was “Town 25” became official known as Rosholt, after a post office opened in March of 1893.

In the northern-spirit of J.G., fair visitors had a chance to see a live lumber-saw demo at the Phoenix Sawmill, located in the outdoor museum area. The mill was restored on the grounds in 1989 by the Rosholt Thresher Club.

Lumber crew members prepare the device that holds and slides logs along a belt-driven system into the saw blade. Taylor Hale photo.

Crews kicked on the massive saw, and cut cumbersome logs into usable pieces of lumber as onlookers watched in awe of the extensive machinery.

While time and technology progress, the Rosholt Portage County Fair is keeping history alive and preserving Wisconsin heritage for future generations.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.