Extraordinary Women of Marathon County

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 our History Speaks series, at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 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, originally from the Town of Hewitt; Helen Van Vechten, Philosopher Press founder and printer of Wausau; Eileen Bender, licensed cheese maker and farmer from Mosinee; and Rosella Wartner, Marathon Battery Company 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? Christine Kadonsky teaches history at Wausau West High School. There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required. The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.