Near Port Edwards in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Cranberry Culture
Photographed By Keith L, June 20, 2007
1. Cranberry Culture Marker
Inscription.
Cranberry Culture. . For countless ages the wild cranberry flourished in many marshy areas of Central Wisconsin. In 1829 Daniel Whitney mentioned the purchase of three canoe loads of cranberries brought down the Yellow River by Indians from the area now known as Cranmoor. During the 1870s a few hardy souls literally carved out by hand the bogs in this area and, in spite of many hazards such as fires and lack of water, succeeded in establishing a new crop. With time the native vines were supplanted by higher producing selections which have given some of the highest yields per acre in the nation. At the turn of the century hand-picking predominated. Later, improved rakes replaced the colorful family groups together with their nightly entertainment. Today the machine has replaced hand labor in the operation of the bogs, and many of the simple pleasures and intimate associations accompanying the laborious tasks of the cranberry bogs are now only memories of the past.
For countless ages the wild cranberry flourished in many marshy areas of Central Wisconsin. In 1829 Daniel Whitney mentioned the purchase of three canoe loads of cranberries brought down the Yellow River by Indians from the area now known as Cranmoor. During the 1870s a few hardy souls literally carved out by hand the bogs in this area and, in spite of many hazards such as fires and lack of water, succeeded in establishing a new crop. With time the native vines were supplanted by higher producing selections which have given some of the highest yields per acre in the nation. At the turn of the century hand-picking predominated. Later, improved rakes replaced the colorful family groups together with their nightly entertainment. Today the machine has replaced hand labor in the operation of the bogs, and many of the simple pleasures and intimate associations accompanying the laborious tasks of the cranberry bogs are now only memories of the past.
Erected 1959 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 86.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.
Location. 44° 20.86′ N, 89° 58.816′
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W. Marker is near Port Edwards, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker is on State Highway 54, 0.8 miles west of County Highway GG, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Edwards WI 54469, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,761 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
