Pietrowski (Thompson) donates a lifetime of history to Owen-Withee Area Historical Society

The Owen-WitheeArea Historical Society (OWAHS) is proud to be the new forever home of the Caroline (Thompson) Pietrowski collection of Owen-Withee history. Pietrowski (Owen-Withee High School Class of 1960) reached out to OWAHS President Allan Hodnett in November 2021, to explore the possibility of donating her massive collection of family and local Owen-Withee history. Hodnett is a recognized authority of regional Clark County history. Pietrowski desired a permanent home for the collection, with conditions for the collection be treasured, preserved, and shared with others.

“I have read many positive articles in local papers written by Allan [Hodnett], and stories of others donating, who wanted to preserve important items. It was important to me to find a good and final home for my treasures,” said Pietrowski.

The Caroline Thompson Collection, as it will be called, includes five large binders of photos and clippings; two large, framed memory boards of deceased classmates; several high school yearbooks and assorted other items; and literal time capsules of several generations. The decision to donate followed discussions with Pietrowski’s extended family members as to family wishes.

“It was a very memorable day for me. I was very pleased to have donated my treasures to this organization. They will be seen and enjoyed by so many others. If anyone is considering looking for a good home for their historical items, please consider this historical society. They have lovely displays for others to walk through and reminisce,” said Pietrowski The presentation ceremony on March 27 washostedbytheOWAHS(KarenSwiggum Janice Arndt, and Janice Parnewicz), the Clark County Historical Society (vice president Lee Kaschinksa) and the City of Owen (Mayor Scott Jalling).

The OWAHS is a 501(c)(3) public charity and an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS