Example of Tour Sign

The Library has been a cornerstone of the community and a trusted source of knowledge and resources since 1974. In this recording, Kay Walsh describes different milestones over the years.

The library has been a cornerstone of the community and a trusted source of knowledge and resources since 1974. In this recording, Kay Walsh describes different milestones over the years.

Local historian, Earl Belisle, shares how the Apple River attracted early explorers and recounts the story of the town’s founder, Civil War veteran Samuel Harriman.

Local historian, Earl Belisle, shares how the Apple River attracted early explorers and recounts the story of the town’s founder, Civil War veteran Samuel Harriman.

St. Anne Catholic Church has been a Somerset landmark since it was built in 1856. Nancy Vanasse shares memories of attending the church’s school and reflects on its rich history.

St. Anne Catholic Church has been a Somerset landmark since it was built in 1856. Nancy Vanasse shares memories of attending the church’s school and reflects on its rich history.

Harold Rivard highlights the deep connection between the river and the Somerset community, sharing stories about the unique tradition of tubing down its scenic waters.

Harold Rivard highlights the deep connection between the river and the Somerset community, sharing stories about the unique tradition of tubing down its scenic waters.

Pierre LaGrandeur describes the businesses that thrived in Somerset. From the first hotel and saloon to vital general stores and the early schoolhouse.

Pierre LaGrandeur describes the businesses that thrived in Somerset. From the first hotel and saloon to vital general stores and the early schoolhouse.

Listen as former bank president, Joe Casey, recounts the day he and other employees were held up at gun point here at what used to be the Bank of Somerset.

Listen as former bank president, Joe Casey, recounts the day he and other employees were held up at gun point here at what used to be the Bank of Somerset.

Discover how Larry Forrest’s vision for a local park came to life. His sister, Deb Kohler, shares how this beloved space honors his memory, offering a place for youth to play and families to connect.

Discover how Larry Forrest’s vision for a local park came to life. His sister, Deb Kohler, shares how this beloved space honors his memory, offering a place for youth to play and families to connect.

Discover how the arrival of the railroad transformed this area and listen to Alexandra Till describe a unique figure whose unconventional healing drew people from far and wide to Somerset.

Discover how the arrival of the railroad transformed this area and listen to Alexandra Till describe a unique figure whose unconventional healing drew people from far and wide to Somerset.

Uncover the stories of moonshine operations, gangsters, and tunnels during prohibition times as Harold Rivard describes some of Somerset’s past secrets.

Uncover the stories of moonshine operations, gangsters, and tunnels during prohibition times as Harold Rivard describes some of Somerset’s past secrets.

Learn about this historic building from Nancy Vanasse, who describes its beginnings in 1886 as the center of local government and how it is still a vibrant community space today.

Learn about this historic building from Nancy Vanasse, who describes its beginnings in 1886 as the center of local government and how it is still a vibrant community space today.

Earl Belisle reveals the diverse history surrounding well-loved traditions and restaurants of the area. From the first cheese factory to walk-a-thons and Somerset’s frog leg era.

Earl Belisle reveals the diverse history surrounding well-loved traditions and restaurants of the area. From the first cheese factory to walk-a-thons and Somerset’s frog leg era.

Amenities Along the Tour

Public Parking: Available at Somerset Public Library, Village Park, Veterans’ Memorial Park, and Larry Forrest Park.

Restrooms: Available at Somerset Public Library and Larry Forrest Park.

Tour Safety

Please stay aware of traffic, uneven surfaces, and your surroundings during the tour. Use caution when crossing streets and remain on designated walkways. Participation is at your own risk.

Credits

Echoes of the Past: Audio History Tour was produced by Somerset Public Library with generous support from WiLS, a non-profit membership organization serving Wisconsin libraries and cultural institutions and Rebecca Kilde of the IFLS Library System. 

We are grateful to our history tour readers—Earl Belisle, Deb Kohler, Kay Walsh, Pierre LaGrandeur, Harold Rivard and Nancy Vanasse—for lending their voices to these stories. A heartfelt thank-you to former Library Director Norma Scott, whose foresight in capturing many of these stories years ago laid the foundation for this project. The tour was created by Renee Reckner, Project Lead, and Kristina Kelley-Johnson, Editor, both of Somerset Public Library.