Dr. Kate Museum

History of the Northwoods and its Greatest Legend

923 Second Avenue PO Box 851

Woodruff, WI 54568

Home of the World's Largest Penny

cluding: The 50th Anniversary Million Penny Parade, establishment of the Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb Museum Memorial Scholarship, publication of three cookbooks, gaining copyrights and reprinting the best-selling biography, Dr. Kate: Angel on Snowshoes.

 

Two decades later, the Dr. Kate Museum/Historical Society continues to dream. An addition to the existing

Through the dedication of many, past and present, the Museum enters its 20th year.The dream of such a facility dates back to the 1960s and because of the generosity of the Town of Woodruff, Howard Young Medical Center, the Newcomb family and many volunteers, the Dr. Kate Museum opened in 1988.

 

Many accomplishments have been achieved over the past two decades in

structure would allow for expanded and new exhibits. Many photos, maps, and historical items cannot currently be displayed due to a lack of space.

 

Please join us by getting involved-- volunteer, donate, create, preserve, dream.

 

Thanks a Million!

Cy Timmens

Museum President

Dr. Kate Museum Celebrates 20th Year!

 

Winter 2007

Volume 2, Issue 2

Brittany Goff, a 2007 graduate of Lakeland Union High School, was awarded the $1,000 Dr. Kate Scholarship. Brittany will attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to study nursing.  Funds for the Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb Museum Memorial  Scholarship were raised during the 50th Anniversary Million Penny Parade in 2003.

Kathy Burich Patten, daughter of Mary and Otto Burich, brings personal and vibrant memories as volunteer docent at the Dr. Kate Museum, She and her husband, Jim, add first-hand recollections to their presentation of the Million Penny drive.

 

Kathy is the youngest daughter of Mary who was Dr. Kate's nurse, and Otto, math teacher and innovator/inspiration of the penny collection at the AV-W High School.

 

Kathy recalls the time of her childhood during the Penny Parade as bringing much excitement to her family. From the tons of mail that arrived in Woodruff containing pennies to her father's appearance on "This Is Your Life," the Burich family was a hub of activity Many photos and mementos are on display at the Museum.

 

Kathy and Jim live in Eagle River and have a daughter, Nikki, a son, James, and three grandchildren. Kathy retired after 41 years teaching 3rd grade at the Eagle River Elementary School, and Jim is a retired mail carrier. Kathy's sister Mary Ann lives in La Crosse and her brother, Bob, lives in Chandler, Arizona.

The scholarship was established when more than 1,700,000 pennies were raised during the anniversary. Eligible seniors pursuing a career in teaching or medicine and who graduated from AV-W elementary school may apply while attending LUHS.

 

Previous winners were Robert Knox in 2004, Amanda Dunbar in 2005, and Jeremy Glynn in 2006. Nona Berry is the scholarship committee chairperson. Donations to this fund are appreciated.

Left to Right:  Kathy, Mary, Otto, Bob and Mary Ann, with Bob’s drawing of Lakeland Memorial Hospital.