Sak's Woods in Middleton in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Early Social Whirl

Photographed by William J. Toman, August 29, 2010

1. Early Social Whirl Marker

Inscription. To commemorate Middleton's early social activities, the Middleton Landmarks Commission dedicates this site, which, since the early 1830's, has served as a center of social activity for Middleton's residents. Historic interest includes such enterprises as Frank's Park, a gathering area named for Frank Hoover, which offered refreshments and musical entertainment. Broadway Gardens, the home of the famous 1934 Walkathon, was built on the site of Frank's Park in 1923. The Club, formerly known as Ye Olde Tavern, was erected in 1908 and was the subject of the book, "Blue Collar Aristocrats", by E.E. LeMasters. The Top Hat, so named because of its original design, was the last established dinner club in this area. From the early 1900's to the present, this site has continued as an important social center for Middletonians.

Designated November 26, 1986

Erected by the Middleton Landmarks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is November 26, 1836.

Location. 43° 5.793′ N, 89° 29.727′ W. Marker is in Middleton, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in

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Sak's Woods. It is at the intersection of University Avenue and Branch Street, on the right when traveling west on University Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middleton WI 53562, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Madison.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Stamm House (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lemcke Farm House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Thorstrand (approx. ¾ mile away); Hickory Hill House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Hocheera (approx. 1.3 miles away); Joyce Kilmer (approx. 1½ miles away); Mendota (approx. 1½ miles away); Pheasant Branch Encampment (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middleton.

Photographed by William J. Toman, August 29, 2010

2. Early Social Whirl Marker

The marker is on the rock in the lower right. The Middleton Good Neighbor Festival parade is in the background on University Avenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,145 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.