AMERICA 250 | WISCONSIN ORIGINALS Wisconsin Originals: From pole buildings to 300 stores, Menard a story of success From the America 250 series Rachel Mergen Jun 16, 2026 Jun 16, 2026 Updated 12 mins ago Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.k9C ^mkAmy@9? |6?2C5 yC] :D E96 7@F?56C @7 t2F r=2:C6\32D65 9@>6 :>AC@G6>6?E C6E2:=6C |6?2C5D]k^AmkAm|6?2C5 3682? H@C<:?8 @? A@=6 3F:=5:?8D :? `hdg E@ 96=A 7F?5 9:D 65F42E:@?]k^Am Menard Jr. kAmp7E6C 8C25F2E:?8 7C@> &(\t2F r=2:C6[ 96 DE2CE65 |6?2C5D 2?5 AFC492D65 =2?5 E@ 3F:=5 2 D9@A 2?5 D>2== @77:46]k^Am kAm|6?2C5 8C6H 7C@> 3F:=5:?8 A@=6 DECF4EFC6D E@ DFAA=J:?8 >2E6C:2=D 32D65 @? C6BF6DED 7@C =F>36C 2?5 @E96C 4@?DECF4E:@? 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E@ &(\{2 rC@DD6 :? a_`h 7@C C6D62C49 AC@;64ED[ D49@=2CD9:AD 2?5 =62C?:?8 @AA@CEF?:E:6D :? E96 F?:G6CD:EJ’D r@==686 @7 qFD:?6DD p5>:?:DEC2E:@?] (96? E96 5@?2E:@? H2D >256[ :E H2D E96 =2C86DE :? E96 F?:G6CD:EJ’D 9:DE@CJ] w6 92D 2=D@ 4@?EC:3FE65 E@ &(\t2F r=2:C6 2?5 &(\$E@FE 2?5 >256 =2C86 5@?2E:@?D E@ E96 {FE96C |:56=7@CE w@DA:E2= 2?5 *|rp E6??:D 46?E6C :? t2F r=2:C6]k^Am In this Series America 250 Updated 12 mins ago Follow Wisconsin's journey through America's 250 years Updated 12 mins ago See how the Racine Journal Times marked the bicentennial with this 60-page special section Updated 12 mins ago Fred Risser, nation's longest-serving legislator, on how politics has changed 46 updates Previous Next Dive into hometown history With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story Most Popular Wisconsin Originals: Fred MacMurray never forgot his Beaver Dam roots As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation. Wisconsin Originals: Frederick Pabst legacy continues; blue ribbon beer still being brewed As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation. Wisconsin Originals: William Harley, Arthur Davidson sparked a transportation revolution As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation. Wisconsin Originals: Walter Kohler Sr. a significant figure in business and politics As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation. 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Wisconsin Originals: Fred MacMurray never forgot his Beaver Dam roots As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
Wisconsin Originals: Frederick Pabst legacy continues; blue ribbon beer still being brewed As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
Wisconsin Originals: William Harley, Arthur Davidson sparked a transportation revolution As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
Wisconsin Originals: Walter Kohler Sr. a significant figure in business and politics As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
Wisconsin Originals: Kenosha native Nick Van Exel a pro basketball all-star, standout As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
