Around the Corner with John McGivern | Program | Prairie du Chien (#306)
[Latest Airdate: June 15, 2017]
[Original Airdate: February 13, 2014]
This is an old river town, so sometimes it's tough to sort the facts from the myths. Ghosts in old jails, fish that fall from the sky on New Year's Eve that people kiss, grannies who play basketball, and a man that makes jerky out of just about every creature he catches: Only in Prairie du Chien are those things facts.
Also facts: You can absorb late 19th century family life at Villa Louis, sympathize with the British and American soldiers who fought the only Wisconsin battle of the War of 1812, contemplate the lives of Native Americans by visiting the Indian Effigy Mounds, and then consider the history of the entire universe with the Starsplitters! After that, rejoin life in the early 21st century and eat, shop, quilt, play cards, gaze at the Mississippi, and go to Mass at the oldest Catholic parish in Wisconsin.
John Gurda told us that Prairie du Chien means field of the dog. Since John McGivern took Spanish in high school instead of French, he thought it meant a prairie of chins. See why we need John Gurda?
Episode #306
Around the Corner with John McGivern:
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Join Emmy Award-Winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in Wisconsin's unique communities. John has visited more than 100 communities so far, with no end in sight!
ABOUT MILWAUKEE PBS
Milwaukee PBS is an award-winning multimedia producer and broadcaster of exceptional and meaningful local and national content. Licensed to Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee PBS is one of the highest-rated PBS stations in the country. Our unique, independent position in the community makes us the ideal source of community engagement as a storyteller, conversation facilitator and advocate. No matter where you come from or where you make your home, we encourage you to bring your world and Milwaukee into focus as a member of the Milwaukee PBS community.
Sun Prairie - When You're Here, You're Home
Mariah and Jake leave the hustle and bustle of Madison behind and take the quick drive down Highway 151 to Sun Prairie, one of Wisconsin’s fastest growing communities with all the charm of a small town.
Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the world’s most celebrated artists, was born in Sun Prairie, and her influence continues to be seen in the community’s art scene to this day. Mariah visits the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum, home to an exhibit honoring her work and life in Sun Prairie, before heading to Board & Brush to create her own “masterpiece.”
Meanwhile, Jake dives in to the history and community traditions of Sun Prairie, including the beloved Groundhog’s Day celebration. He also explores downtown Sun Prairie and takes a home brewing class at Cannery Wine & Spirits.
Sun Prairie’s food scene has no shortage of flair and flavor, and visitors will find some of the best flavors at Sassy Cow Creamery, Beans ‘n Cream Coffee Shop, Willie Ty’s Eatery. But a trip to Sun Prairie isn’t complete without a stop at Salvatore’s, where Jake learns the secret behind their famous tomato pies.
Sun Prairie’s annual Sweet Corn Festival is a favorite summer event for locals and visitors alike, while nearby Angell Park Speedway has been a staple of the racing community since the 1930s! Meanwhile, Patrick Marsh provides 315 acres of peace and quiet; and if you come during the summer months, you may even catch a glimpse of the American White Pelican.
Mariah wraps up the trip to Sun Prairie with a peek inside the Prairie Athletic Club, one of the largest health clubs in the state, before learning a trick or two at the Sun Prairie Ice Arena. While it may be growing, Sun Prairie still maintains its friendly, welcoming atmosphere that will make it easy for every visitor to see why in Sun Prairie, when you’re here, you’re home!
Around the Corner with John McGivern | Program | Oconomowoc (#311)
[Latest Airdate: July 20, 2017]
[Original Airdate: March 27, 2014]
As John says, Oconomowoc will make you jealous. Wait until you see the homes and the lakes (and the homes on the lakes) and the Batmobile! No kidding -- Batman and Robin live here, didn't you know? Then maybe you also don't know that in Oconomowoc you'll find: The oldest complete stained glass window at Oakbrook Esser (and the other unbelievable windows that Paul makes); Sacred Indian Lotuses that only exist in the U.S. just off Terry and Dirk's pier in Lac la Belle; A marble dog bathtub in the Marjorie Ward estate; The more than 100 million sq. ft. (not a typo!) Roundy's distribution center; and Brownberry Bread being made at the rate of 180 loaves a minute!
In downtown Oconomowoc, kids can learn to cook, adults can mediate and worship, horses can be outfitted and, of course, everyone can eat. See? John was right -- but don't be jealous, just settle in and enjoy this hard to spell town in the heart of Lake Country. Yes, Oconomowoc already has a lot of O's, but let us add one more: O-utstanding!
Episode #311
Around the Corner with John McGivern:
Still haven’t subscribed to Milwaukee PBS on YouTube? ►►
Support Around the Corner with John McGivern and Milwaukee PBS by becoming a member! ►►
ABOUT AROUND THE CORNER WITH JOHN MCGIVERN
Join Emmy Award-Winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in Wisconsin's unique communities. John has visited more than 100 communities so far, with no end in sight!
ABOUT MILWAUKEE PBS
Milwaukee PBS is an award-winning multimedia producer and broadcaster of exceptional and meaningful local and national content. Licensed to Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee PBS is one of the highest-rated PBS stations in the country. Our unique, independent position in the community makes us the ideal source of community engagement as a storyteller, conversation facilitator and advocate. No matter where you come from or where you make your home, we encourage you to bring your world and Milwaukee into focus as a member of the Milwaukee PBS community.