Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Historic Municipal Swimming Pool
Consolidated Water Power Co. – Stora Enso
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
1. Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Marker
In 1913, a municipal pool was established on this site. Members of the pool commission seen in this image are from left – J.R. Ragan, George Mead I, and Edgar Doudna. Today, the dams operated by Consolidated Water Power Co. provide flood control and electric power for Central Wisconsin communities along the Wisconsin River. The flowages created by the dams provide fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for all.
[left panel]
With the Wisconsin River's natural brown color many doubted its suitability for paper-making. These doubts proved unfounded. Building a paper mill along with the dam was a wise decision. Consolidated went on to become a pioneer in developing coated printing papers. Compare the view of today's modern mill with this image from the early 1900's.
[right panel]
Building Consolidated Water Power Co.'s dam in 1903 was a labor-intensive process. The work had to proceed quickly to be finished before the next year's spring run-off. The dam was completed March 29, 1904. If you turn to your left now & look up the hill, you'll see the same Arpin mansion that is on the far right side of this image.
Erected 2006 by Stora Enso North America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 44° 23.759′ N, 89° 49.225′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker can be reached from 1st Street North near Drake Street. The marker was located in Legion Park, the site of the former east-side swimming pool. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elizabeth Daly House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wood County Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Grand Rapids of the Wisconsin River (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Iron Horse in Grand Rapids” (approx. 0.4 miles away); Our Medical History (approx. 0.4 miles away); Corenso North America (approx. 0.4 miles away); V. F. W. Post 2534 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Myron "Grim" Natwick (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Rapids.
More about this marker. Stora Enso bought Consolidated in 2000, NewPage bought Stora Enso in 2007. The mural was part of a "Murals Walk," established by the Public Art Group of the Downtown Revitalization Cluster, and was painted by Susan Sampson of Black River Falls.
Also see . . . Wisconsin Rapids Flood of September 2010
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
2. Left Panel
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
3. Right Panel
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
4. Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Marker
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
5. Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Marker
Photographed By Keith L, September 24, 2010
6. Mill, Dam, and the Wisconsin River
Photographed By Keith L, September 25, 2010
7. Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Site
Photographed By Keith L, September 25, 2010
8. Location of the Marker
Photographed By Keith L, September 26, 2010
9. Arpin Mansion
Photographed By Keith L, May 21, 2012
10. Replacement Mural
Photographed By Jim Schaettle, December 30, 2023
11. Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,023 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 25, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 9. submitted on September 26, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 10. submitted on May 22, 2012, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 11. submitted on December 30, 2023, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin.
