When journalists set out to report a story, their notebooks and audio recordings are often filled with extraneous information that never makes it into print.
On occasion, certain delightful anecdotes catch a reporter’s attention but aren’t central to the story.
That was the case for staff writer Brittney Kenaston, who thoroughly reported this month’s cover story about the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The organization has been central to bringing important research coming out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison to market, for the benefit of the public.
But as Kenaston learned, WARF also once owned much of the tourist mecca Wisconsin Dells starting in the 1950s.
“The heirs who owned a lot of the property in the Dells wanted to donate that to somebody who would take care of it and continue to run concessions operations,” Kevin Walters, WARF’s public affairs associate and resident historian, told Kenaston. “They would have the balance of conserving the natural beauty of the Dells, while also preserving the tourist opportunities. WARF happened to be able to do that.”
Income from the Dells then flowed to the UW and funded university research.
As Walters explained, “It was a business operation. It was also a philanthropy. So in the 1950s, they donated their estates to us, and we ended up managing the concession stands and the boat tours (pictured), and even the Wisconsin Ducks — those were all WARF subsidiaries.”
That’s right, those World War II-era amphibious vehicles that shuttle tourists on land and water were once owned by WARF.
In the 1980s and 1990s, WARF started winding down its Dells operations and refocused in the subsequent decades, leading to its modern day organization. In putting together the cover story and timeline, In Business Madison’s editorial staff had to be choosy about how best to illustrate 100 years of WARF’s work for readers.
Still, it’s kind of fun to think of buying popcorn and soda at a Dells attraction as a kid, and benefitting groundbreaking research in the process.
Also in this issue, Joe Vanden Plas covers our inaugural Executive Excellence: Finance & Technology Awards, held at Garver Feed Mill on July 10. The event drew 300 people — a sold-out crowd — and honored standout leaders in the business community. More photos of the celebration are online at ibmadison.com.
Vanden Plas also wrote about SSM Health’s expansion, with new outpatient clinics in Sun Prairie and another to come in Verona. And he covered news that the Center for Black Excellence and Culture met a fundraising milestone and is on its way to opening later this year.
Also debuting on Madison’s south side is the new home of the Textile Arts Center, a nonprofit that is doubling its space for classes, exhibitions and community events after its founding less than two years ago. Thanks for reading!
