Why We Come...

My first recollections of Waupaca County are the earliest memories of my childhood. My family began coming to this area shortly after the end of World War II. In those days, my family - my parents, my two brothers and I - would make the trip from Milwaukee in my dad's Nash Rambler. The drive took close to three hours in those days. Now, with four-lane highways and increased speed limits, modern cars make the trip in two hours or less from just about anywhere in Wisconsin.

Like many summer visitors, we were introduced to the area by family or friends-of-the-family. In our case, it was my grandparents who had a cottage on a lake. Originally it was a refuge where my grandfather could fish and hunt and get away from business and the "hubbub" of fast-growing Appleton, WI. Soon, however, it became apparent that Grandma enjoyed the peace and quiet as well. It wasn't long before their children - including my parents - began joining them for weekends during the summer. And their grandchildren just loved it!

In Milwaukee I wasn't old enough to cross the street without supervision. Here, we could hike or swim for hours without causing our parents a moment of concern. Our friends were people who, like us, were escaping the heat, dirt and danger posed by "the city".

We'd stop for supper in Fremont and, if we hadn't made my dad too crazy by then ("Are we there yet? Are we halfway?"), there were ice cream cones to eat in the car. And comic books. This was the only day of the year that we were encouraged to get comic books. We each chose two, then traded them among ourselves. It was years later when I figured out that this was a trick to buy peace and quiet in the car. The over-loaded Nash would take us north for our endless, barefoot summer of swimming, hiking, boating and discovery. We'd stay until the calendar forced us back to the city for school. Looking back, it was like a movie.

They say you can't go home again. "They" haven't been to Waupaca. All the wonderful things you remember from your childhood are still here. Everything that makes this place special for children holds the same magic for adults. Granted, your interests may have changed over the years. But all the things you loved most about this area - the woods, the water, the adventure - that special feeling you get - are all still here.

For every "local" family, there's a family that chose to leave the city behind and live and play in a place that really feels like home. People who haven't lived it don't really understand the personal charm of rural living. They like to call it "America's Heartland". If they only knew how right they are.

Waupaca County is a near-perfect place to raise a family. For families already grown, it is an ideal place to enjoy your hard-earned retirement years. Whether you're growing up or growing old, Waupaca County is the home you've always dreamed of. Welcome home.