History Alive Project, Inc.

History Alive Project, Inc. Our organization creates "out of the box" projects to discover and maintain our areas history for community members of all ages.

NOW YOU KNOW!This photo was taken in the 1920s. Can you tell where the "Westby Times" was located at this time? In the...
07/07/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

This photo was taken in the 1920s. Can you tell where the "Westby Times" was located at this time? In the photo (L-R) are Carolyn Hage (Editor), Julius Hage (Publisher) and Howard Durst (Printer).

The "Westby Times" was located at several locations, can you guess where some of these other locations were?

NOW YOU KNOW! History Alive Project Had Company Today!Today, July 5, was an interesting day at the Histor...
07/06/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

History Alive Project Had Company Today!

Today, July 5, was an interesting day at the History Alive Hus in Westby. HAP had several out-of-town visitors that were overwhelmed by all that material that HAP has collected and made available to visitors to see. They stopped in when a member of our organization was sitting on the porch and asked if the History Hus was open. Anytime there is a vehicle in the driveway, just stop in as you are always welcome at 218 N. Main Street, Westby.

This group was especially interested in the material HAP has on one-room schools. These visitors continued to discuss the material on the Clockmaker School. The adults talked to their kids about when they (the parents) went to a one-room school. The kids could not believe some of the stories that were told to them by their parents.

HIstory Alive Project has included some of the information that it has in its files on one-room schools. If you went to a one-room school and have photos or stories about that time in your life, HAP would love to scan them and return the originals back to you. If you remember stories about one-room schools that you attended or your parents attended, History Alive Project would very much like to hear them, record them and share that information, with your permission, when History Alive Project gives programs on one-room schools.

Stumper Saturday answers to # 424:History Alive Project stumped you all! That is a first. We knew it would be a tuff ...
07/05/2026

Stumper Saturday answers to # 424:

History Alive Project stumped you all! That is a first. We knew it would be a tuff one but wanted to see if there were any detectives that could solve it.

1. It is a ventilator installed in the safe to allow fresh air to get
into the safe if you accidently locked yourself inside the safe.
2. Ontario Bank branch located in Westby.
3. Fresh air duct.
4. Post office, dentist office, Opera Cafe, etc.
5. Ole Westby's first General Store.

Stumper Saturday # 425:1. In photo "a", who was the first owner of this house?2. In photo "a", what does this house hav...
07/05/2026

Stumper Saturday # 425:

1. In photo "a", who was the first owner of this house?
2. In photo "a", what does this house have to do with the
history of Westby?
3. The house in photo "a", where is this house located if it is
still standing?
4. In photo "b", who was the first owner of this house?
5. In photo "b", where in Westby was this house first located?
6. If this house is still standing today, where is it located?

NOW YOU KNOW!History Alive Project Board members and all of our volunteers wish you a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!Thi...
07/04/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

History Alive Project Board members and all of our volunteers wish you a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!

This day can be credited to all of these gentlemen who got together representing the original 13 colonies, put their signature confirming their belief that a United States of America could possibly work and here we are today!

NOW YOU KNOW!When people think of history, they think of things that happened a long time ago. This is true, but histor...
07/03/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

When people think of history, they think of things that happened a long time ago. This is true, but history is, also, anytime after yesterday.

With this post, History Alive Project wants you to think about memories that you have of something that you were involved with during the last few decades. Remember, memories are part of your history. History Alive Project's post today deals with some event or happening that may have been in your personal history.

The two photos shown below may bring back some memories (history) that you experienced. Looking at the old Westby gym photo brings back memories such as the 3/4 shot that Terry Storbakken made in the basketball game against Brookwood that led to overtime and finally a win. Were you at that game?

Or maybe, you can recall when this gym became a study hall. Do you remember where the library was at this time?

The second photo reminds us of the gym being used by students who wished to dance at noon hour. Did you participate in this?

History Alive Project would now love to hear some of your Westby High School memories and being a member of the student body during the existence of this building. Maybe, you recall your senior year when the freshmen students arrived; they had to go through initiation. Remember how scared all the freshmen were, not knowing what the seniors had in mind.

HAP loved reading all of your comments that HAP posted about the old Westby Theater; now let's see what your memories are of the old high school and its gym.

Can you sing the Westby High School song all the way through with the correct words? Why not try while you are at your computer right now?

Please share!

NOW YOU KNOW!History Alive Project would like tell you a little more about Westby's history. BTW, HAP is thrilled that ...
07/02/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

History Alive Project would like tell you a little more about Westby's history. BTW, HAP is thrilled that so many of you viewers really responded to our Westby Theater post!

Do you recognize these two buildings in the photos below? Do you know where these two buildings are located in Westby?

Erik Johannesen Sveen and Son started in the furniture and funeral business in 1895 building their new store in 1898 after buying the land on April 19, 1897. Before moving to Westby, they were located in Bloomingdale.

The building that Erik Sveen built is the building on the left. Prior to 1905 the corner building was the home of the Bank of Westby owned by Carl Brye on the right and a jewelry store to the left of the front door.

Ten years later, Sveen sold his furniture and funeral business to his two sons. Two years later on June 1, 1919, they sold the business to O.P. Anderson.

David and Kay Vosseteig bought the furniture and funeral home on January 2, 1968.

Are these two buildings still standing? Do you remember what business was located next door to these two buildings?

NOW YOU KNOW!How many of you recognize this house? It was built by a Mr. Schreiner. What was his occupation? Do you k...
06/30/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

How many of you recognize this house? It was built by a Mr. Schreiner. What was his occupation? Do you know where this building was located? Many people today refer to this building as the Neprud house.

NOW YOU KNOW!How many remember going to this theater in Westby on days like today or tonight when it was so so warm outs...
06/29/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

How many remember going to this theater in Westby on days like today or tonight when it was so so warm outside? This building was definitely a part of the history of Westby! Do you remember where the theater was located?

At the time that the Bergtolds built this theater, Westby had a population of about 1,500 people. The Bergtolds already operated a theater in Kasson MN.

The seating in the theater was for 300 people. The tower was lit in neon, as were the marquees. Neon, also, illuminated the attraction boards.

The two movies shown have an interesting history themselves. "March of Time" had a premier date of February 1, 1935. This movie was part of a series that consisted of nearly 200 individual short films, all released nationwide. Movies in this series, brought current events alive by combining real old footage with dramatic reenactment.

The "Banjo On My Knee" movie was a 1936 musical comedy-drama, and it starred Barbara Stanwyck.

Do you remember the "cry-room" and a "smoking room?" They both were glassed-in rooms in the back of the theater.

Do you have any memories dealing with this theater like going to a free movie after Santa Claus came to Westby? History Alive Project would love to hear about those memories as your memories are a part of the history of this building.

In the photo, standing in front of the theater, are Mr. and Mrs. Bergtold.

NOW YOU KNOW!This business has a long history in Westby. 1. Where was the orginal building located?2. Do you remember s...
06/29/2026

NOW YOU KNOW!

This business has a long history in Westby.

1. Where was the orginal building located?
2. Do you remember some other names that this
business was known by?
3. What is it called today?
4. Can you believe the price of gas on the sign?
5. What was located on this spot before this business started?
6. What was a service that it used to offer but does not today?

Address

Westby, WI
54667

Telephone

(608) 634-3034

Website

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