Monona in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Monona’s Birthplace / Monona's History
Monona’s Birthplace
Dissatisfied with the services being provided by the Township of Blooming Grove, five residents of the area – Ernie Ferchland, Ray Owen, Ed Rothman, Walter Simon and Justin Waterman – met in Ernie’s Trading Post to discuss secession from the Township of Blooming Grove. With a $300 retainer, they secured legal service regarding the process. Community meetings were held over a span of five months and, in spite of opposition, a referendum to secede was passed (241 to 171) on August 29, 1938. Incorporation papers were signed on September 1, 1938. Monona Village comprised an area of 1.75 sq. miles with 350 families, a population of 1100, and an assessed evaluation of $1.5 million. It also contained seven miles of waterfront, fourteen miles of local streets, 3.5 miles of state highway, five bridges, three school districts and eight park areas.
Justin Waterman was elected the first village president.
Monona's History
Lake Monona and the Yahara River were popular campsites for Monona’s early inhabitants. Native Americans, especially the Ho-Chunk, settled near these clean and clear waters for access to food, farming and transportation. At least ten effigy mounds from these early natives remain in Monona.
Incorporation as a village in 1938 changed the landscape from farms and lakeside cottages to include more permanent homes and local businesses. The 1950s saw a surge of home building as the scattered landscape filled in and became a community. Eventually an increase in population led to a need for expanded facilities and services including police and fire protection, and street maintenance. As a result, Monona was chartered as a city in 1969.
With an idyllic lake setting and a civic-minded population, Monona from early days has met its responsibility as an emerging city.
Erected: September 1, 2013
Dane County Historical Society
Monona Landmarks Commission
Erected 2013 by Dane County Historical Society and Monona Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1932.
Location. 43° 4.276′ N, 89° 19.962′ W. Marker is in Monona, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Winnequah Road and Midmoor Road, on the left when traveling east on Winnequah Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53716, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ernie's Trading Post (here, next to this marker); A.T. Lamboley Cottage (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tonywatha Hotel and Springs (about 800 feet away); George Kalbfleisch, Jr. Farm House (approx. ¼ mile away); William Schultz House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Springhaven Pagoda (approx. 0.3 miles away); Blooming Grove Town Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dean House / Nathaniel Dean (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monona.
Also see . . . Historical marker to honor Monona’s 75th anniversary. The Herald Independent, April 26, 2013. (Submitted on September 5, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 640 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 14, 2013. 7, 8. submitted on September 4, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • William J. Toman was the editor who published this page.