Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin
In the early 1960s, Land 0' Lakes had
the distinction of electing the first female town chairman, Vi Becker.
She was honored as such in the Madison, Wisconsin Legislature. Under
Becker's direction the second 'sod' runway was built at the Land 0'
Lakes Airport by "Euclid Earth Movers". Becker arranged for
the runway to be constructed gratis as a demonstration of their equipment.
John Garber, then manager of the Gateway Hotel, housed and fed the workers
as a donation to the town.
Land 0' Lakes is looking toward a bright future. The consolidation of
the Conover and Land 0'Lakes schools took place in the fall of 1997
with the opening of the new Land 0'Lakes grade school housing grades
K through 5. The proposed development of a private school on the James
Lowenstine property on Black Oak Lake, just west of Land 0' Lakes, the
continued selection of Land 0' Lakes as second home site and retirement
option all point to a slow, steady growth of the area. The completion
of an expanded runway and improved facilities at the Land 0' Lakes Airport
and the planned development of a new north-south runway add to this
energetic community’s potential.
Compared to its beginnings in modern history as a mill town, Land 0'
Lakes has diversified its industry. Services relating to schools certainly
are due to grow. The development of a clearly identified area of land
near the Land 0' Lakes airport to be set aside for light, environmentally
suitable industry, and the continued expansion and development of the
airport itself, add a continuing area of diverse development.
With the environmental attractiveness of the surrounding
area as a retirement community, Land 0' Lakes will continue to lure a
mature population as well as young families. The building of a community
library in the early 1990s along with current enlargement of that facility,
the establishment of a community museum, and the organization of a planning
and beautification committee inspired by the late Leo Lang, indicate the
value the town places on itself and on its history. It is significant
to note that, like the Community Building/Town Hall in the early days,
both the library and the museum. have been built with locally donated
moneys and services. This is a town that helps itself wherever possible.
It seems at the present, that State and Federal money, with the possible
exception of the development of the Land 0' Lakes Airport, does not figure
prominently in the town's development.
It will be important for present and future generations to appreciate
and collect the history and lore of the area, and critical for all who
love this town to be vigilant in balancing growth with protection of the
quietly beautiful natural environment that makes Land 0' Lakes such an
attractive place in which to visit, work, and live.