Journey Through Time
A group enjoys riding along Blackhawk Avenue in a horse-drawn carriage Saturday morning as part of the Journey Through Time Downtown Open House in Prairie du Chien. The horse-drawn rides were sponsored by Peoples State Bank. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)
Wind In the Barley performed lively Irish songs with fine pickin’ and blended harmonies next to Lori Knapp Companies at the corner of Blackhawk Avenue and Beaumont Road.
A sharply attired Chuck Dyer greeted guests and gave tours of the former Fort Crawford Hotel in downtown Prairie du Chien Saturday. The land for the hotel was purchased in 1864 and the hotel was built sometime between 1864 and 1870.
This is the former ballroom of the Fort Crawford Hotel in downtown Prairie du Chien. Plans have been underway by the owners, The Crawford Preservation Group, to restore the hotel to its historical splendor but with modern amenities in 20 guest rooms.
Area musician Denny Garcia got toes-a-tappin’ and put smiles on faces in front of Driftless Edibles Saturday at the Journey Through Time Downtown Open House.
People take a ‘Journey Through Time’ Saturday
Prairie du Chien was one of 16 Wisconsin communities participating in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s first-ever Downtown Open House promotion. The purpose of the event called “A Journey Through Time” was to bring tourists and locals to the city to shop, dine, stay and learn, at their own pace, from period-costumed volunteer guides, about 12 historic buildings, churches, museums and interesting sites.
The walking tour brought the following locales to life: the Fort Crawford Hotel, Fort Crawford Cemetery, the old Crawford County Jail “dungeon,” the former firehouse now known as The Local Oven, the Knowlton House, Fort Crawford Museum with cannon firing every half hour, City Hall, Zion Evangelical Church now home to Tricor and Upper Iowa University offices, Holy Trinity Church, the former St. Mary’s Academy/Wyalusing Academy, Villa Louis (discounted admission) and a mystery site. Jim Post performed as Mark Twain in “The Laughing River” at The Dousman House on St. Feriole Island. Other activities included a Mug of Root Beer at Check’s Antiques, Tulip Lollipop Children’s Crafts at The Pickett Fence, and a salsa demo at Nelson True Value Hardware.
