St. Nazianz Area Historical Society

06/19/2026

For the upcoming Father’s Day holiday, a continuing look back at a number of local men who fathered a large number of offspring with descendants throughout the area.

Bernhard Gehrig was born in Osterburgen, Baden, Germany in 1869 and in 1883 immigrated to the United States with his parents and brother. The family settled in the St. Nazianz area where Bernhard, following in his father’s trade, made his living as a stone mason and brick layer. In April 1894 he married Rosa Heinzen, the youngest of 15 siblings from a well-known local farm family. The couple lived in the village at 304 South Fourth Avenue as early as 1900, along with their ever-growing family. 14 children were born to Bernhard and Rosa, with only one son dying in infancy. Bernhard Gehrig died in 1943 while his widow Rosa survived him until 1970. They are buried at St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery.

06/18/2026

With Father’s Day nearing, a look back at a number of local men who fathered a large number of offspring with descendants found throughout the area.

After being badly burned in a mine explosion, teenager Simon Strauss probably worried that the visible scarring of his ears, neck and hands made him an unlikely candidate as a suitor for anyone seeking romance and marriage. Luckily, Fate had other ideas. Strauss, born in Lieg, Germany, immigrated to America in 1879, first living in Peoria, Illinois, where he worked again as a coal miner. After several years, he moved northwards, settling in Manitowoc County. By 1885 he was farming a 40-acre property in Eaton Township and later that year married Anna Straka at St. Gregory’s Church. Their fruitful marriage produced 15 children. Strauss later owned an 80-acre farm on County W, and in 1927 retired from farming and moved to 115 S. Fifth Avenue in St. Nazianz. While living in the village, he was employed by the Salvatorians. Simon Strauss died in 1940, and his wife in 1943; their progeny included at least 94 grandchildren.

06/17/2026

As Father’s Day approaches, a look back at a number of local men who fathered a large number of offspring with their descendants found throughout the area.

Farmer William Binversie, Sr. became a father for the first time relatively late in life. Born in 1859 in the Township of Meeme, he did not marry until 1892 at the age of 32. Once wed, however, William and his wife Regina Schuler took no time in starting their family, with 15 children born to the couple between 1893 and 1919. He resided on his family farm near School Hill until his death in 1932, and was survived by 43 grandchildren.

06/16/2026

Matchbook memory: In 1971 Ervin Madson bought Vogel’s Chevrolet and Garage at 114 S. Second Avenue and turned it into Madson’s Service and Cub Cadet Dealership. He and his son Scott ran the business together until the mid-2000s. Both are since deceased.

06/15/2026

By request, my Grandmother Minnie Gutman Dietrich's recipe for fruit custard pie. We use half as much sugar, but my Grandfather liked his pies sweet. Minnie's mother was a Pfefferle, the same family that established the well-known Elm Tree Bakery in Appleton.

06/14/2026

The raspberries transplanted from my grandmother Minnie Dietrich's garden in St. Nazianz to my mom's yard were picked and transformed into Minnie's raspberry custard pie today. A true taste of homemade goodness.

06/13/2026

Yesterday, June 12, pilgrims from The Wisconsin Way took a lunch break in the shade of Historical Park to eat lunch and listen to the history of the Village.

06/12/2026

The farmstead at 5614 Greendale Road, just northwest of St. Nazianz, was established in 1866 by Johannes Thompson [1832-1908] and his wife Guri Syversdatter Skatrud [1833-1897]. It has remained in the Thompson family until the current John Thompson sold it to Tony Simon in 2025 with John allowed to remain in the farmhouse as long as he desires. The farm buildings are much dilapidated. Tony intends to raze them in the near future. The photos show missing barn boards on the north side of the main barn. According to what John’s father told him, these missing boards were of Black Ash while the more intact boards are White Pine.

06/12/2026

Photo is by Elaine Worman of Manitowoc.

Christina Lorey
·
Fifty years ago, Wisconsin had 50,000 dairy farms. Ten years ago, we had 11,000. Today, there are just 6,000 in the state. And last year, we lost these farms at a rate of more than one per day.

To show their appreciation for the farmers who keep their businesses going — Culver’s painted four barns across the Midwest their signature blue and included a simple message: “THANK YOU.” 🙏🏽
The barns are located in:
💙 Argenta, Illinois
💙 Beaver Dam, Wisconsin*
💙 Greenfield, Indiana
💙 Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Since 1984, Culver’s has sourced all its curds from La Grander Hillside Dairy — a multi-generation family farm in Stanley, Wisconsin.
On top of that, 5,400 cows across the state work full-time to provide milk for the chain’s custard🍦

06/12/2026

Looking for something fun and educational to do this Saturday? Here's an idea...

Fun Fest at Neustadter Nature Center Saturday 11-3. See you there!