Vaudeville to big bands: Langlade County’s musical legacy focus of upcoming cemetery tour
September 10, 2024
The musical history of the Northwoods, ranging from vaudeville and marching bands to fiddles and orchestras, will be on display at “Presenting the Past with a Musical Twist,” the fourth-annual cemetery tour presented by the Langlade County Historical Society and the Antigo Community Theatre.
The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15, 1 to 3 p.m., at Queen of Peace Cemetery.
“We are dedicating this year’s tour to Joe Hermolin, our mentor and guide to all things historic in Langlade County,” organizer Moira Scupien said. “Joe’s leadership, with his research and script writing was invaluable to our success. It was his idea to focus on the area’s musical past and its excellent array of musicians this year and he was deeply involved in the research at the time of his death in December. He is missed.”
The tour will be based in the St. Joseph Outpatient Center parking lot off Aurora Street, adjacent to Aspirus Langlade Hospital. It will include small-group strolls through Queen of Peace Cemetery, led by guides moving through six stations, with a few surprises along the way. There will be historic mementos and photographs on display near the entrance to the event and refreshments will be available. The tour does involve walking short distances over uneven ground and will be golf carts available for those who are physically challenged.
Attendees at a past cemetery tour learn about Antigo’s pioneer history.
“This program is not designed to be spooky or scary and although the event is geared to adults, children are welcomed as well,” Scupien said.
The stops will highlight those from various cultures and countries who settled in Langlade County, bringing their musical instruments, voices and songs. Performers at each station will tell their story of their musical and historic impact on the community.
The six historic main figures are:
Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $10 for adults, with children admitted at no charge.
“We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy an afternoon of music and memories and reflect on the special history of Langlade County,” Scupien said, “and remember our mentor, Joe Hermolin, as well.”
September 10, 2024
Author:
Lisa Haefs
Source:
The musical history of the Northwoods, ranging from vaudeville and marching bands to fiddles and orchestras, will be on display at “Presenting the Past with a Musical Twist,” the fourth-annual cemetery tour presented by the Langlade County Historical Society and the Antigo Community Theatre.
The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15, 1 to 3 p.m., at Queen of Peace Cemetery.
“We are dedicating this year’s tour to Joe Hermolin, our mentor and guide to all things historic in Langlade County,” organizer Moira Scupien said. “Joe’s leadership, with his research and script writing was invaluable to our success. It was his idea to focus on the area’s musical past and its excellent array of musicians this year and he was deeply involved in the research at the time of his death in December. He is missed.”
Joe Hermolin portrayed a World War I soldier from
Antigo’s famed Trench Mortar Battery at a previous cemetery tour.
Antigo’s famed Trench Mortar Battery at a previous cemetery tour.
Attendees at a past cemetery tour learn about Antigo’s pioneer history.
“This program is not designed to be spooky or scary and although the event is geared to adults, children are welcomed as well,” Scupien said.
The stops will highlight those from various cultures and countries who settled in Langlade County, bringing their musical instruments, voices and songs. Performers at each station will tell their story of their musical and historic impact on the community.
The six historic main figures are:
- Joseph “JB” Bauschka, Antigo High School band director for 40 years, retiring in 1969. The City Park bandstand is partially dedicated to his memory.
- John Hanus, owner of the Opera House, which hosted a myriad of top name entertainers over the years, including Al Jolson.
- The Mattes Family, Evelyn for her piano and accordion and daughter Sandy for her piano, clarinet and dance studio.
- John Schroepfer, a master luthier whose superb, handcrafted violins have become prized by musicians since his death in 1957. One of his instruments is on display at the museum.
- The Adolph Blahnik family, a group of incredible and diverse musicians who created a family orchestra known throughout the region. Their performances during the 40s with the Big Band sound had Langlade County “cutting many a rug” at the local dance halls.
- Angeline Kieper Fischer, a pioneer for women in the broadcasting industry with her own WATK radio show program, playing guitar and singing. That led to programs on television in the Wausau and Green Bay areas.
Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $10 for adults, with children admitted at no charge.
“We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy an afternoon of music and memories and reflect on the special history of Langlade County,” Scupien said, “and remember our mentor, Joe Hermolin, as well.”
