Accomplished newsman Lew Martin anchors the final presentation of Douglas County Historical Society's 2010-2011 History Sunday season this weekend.
Martin talks about Superior's early years of radio and television. Retired professor, Nancy Minahan, who is the History Sunday coordinator and a volunteer says, "Before I was ever born, Lew Martin was in front of a microphone, already immersed in the world of broadcasting."
Lew's voice hit the airwaves from WDSM radio in Superior when it opened in 1939, and he later transitioned to television when WDSM inaugurated its television station in 1954. He was news anchor for WDSM's 6 p.m. news program for more than 20 years.
Now age 94, Lew, along with former TV veterans, Jack McKenna and Ray Paulson, can be heard on KUWS Friday evenings on "Radio Superior", as they delight history buffs with reincarnations of early local radio and events. Lew serves on the Douglas County board, is an active volunteer at Superior's Senior Center, is a board member of the Douglas County Historical Society and is an annual participant of Superior Days. "Lew Martin: Superior's Early Years of Radio and Television" begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Douglas County Historical Society, 1101 John Ave. Admission is $3; DCHS members free. Free refreshments provided.
The 2011-2012 season of History Sundays will begin September 11, 2011, with Ken Clark of the Leamon Mercantile, discussing the history of Superior's alcoholic beverage industry.
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DCHS' partnership with the UWS art and English departments last semester was such a hit, the three are coordinating again this spring semester. Drawings and papers from last semester are on display at this time, showing and describing the history of Superior's downtown buildings. Also included in the papers, which are kept in a three-ring binder for readers' perusal, are the observations and reflections of students' discoveries. Students are busy right now combing the libraries, Register of Deeds and DCHS for information. The English Department is also researching the history of buildings that no longer exist, which will be another welcome addition to DCHS archives.
Meanwhile, students at Superior High School are conducting oral histories of people who worked for the railroad here between 1920 and 1980. An excellent project, the students plan to donate these oral histories to DCHS. Oral histories are so important in piecing together the fabric of a community, while placing a human face and feelings to events that may have been recorded in newspapers. To be a part of this great project, call project member, Steve Fruehauf at 218-341-5021.
History Theatre 2011 season is about to begin, with the first production set for May 14 and 15. If you're interested in auditioning, please call DCHS.
The Douglas County Historical Society is located at 1101 John Ave. To contact us, please email us at dchs@douglashistory.org or call us at 715-392-8449.
Kathy Laakso is the executive director of the Douglas County Historical Society.
