Pietrowski Donates a Lifetime of History to the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society

The Owen - Withee Area Historical Society (OWAHS) is proud to be the new forever home of the Caroline (Thompson) Pietrowski collection of Owen-Withee history.

Caroline (Thompson) Pietrowski (O-W 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 O-W 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. Said Pietrowski, 'I have read many positive articles in local papers written by Allan, 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.'

The Caroline Thompson collection includes five large binders of photos and clippings, two large, framed memory boards of deceased classmates, several high school yearbooks, and assorted other items. Literal time capsules of several generations. The decision to donate followed discussions with Caroline’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.”

The presentation ceremony on March 27, was hosted by the O-W Area Historical Society - Karen Swiggum, Janice Arndt, and Canice Pamewicz, the Clark County Historical Society vice-president Lee Kaschinksa and the city of Owen Mayor, Scott Jailing. The OWAHS is a 501c3 public charity and is an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society.