Greendale's 75th Anniversary One Year Away!

History records and explains past events, while folklore preserves what people widely remember.

History and Folklore!

Greendale officially opened on May 1, 1938. That means on Tuesday we’re only one short year away from the 75th Anniversary. When a small pre-planning committee was formed in the spring of 2010 it seemed a long way off. Now under the direction of the Village’s Public Celebrations Committee the party plans are well under way. So I thought it would be a good idea to tell you what events have been completed and what is being planned for this summer.  

75th Events Completed:

• Committee members and families marched in 2010 and 2011 Fourth of July and Village Days Parades handing out flyers promoting the 75th Diamond Celebration in 2013.
• 2012 - 75th Collectible products on sale.
• 2012 -
• April 2012 - First edition of ‘The Greendale 75th Anniversary Review’ published

75th Events Coming this Summer:

• ‘The Spirit of 75’ Art Contest works will be on display in the Library from June 11 through August 11. The winning art work will be announced on June 23. Prints of the winning work will go on sale in July for $25 each. Only 300 prints will be produced with prints #1  through #10 and #75 to be auctioned off at Village Days 2012. Watch for details of where and when.
• Second edition of ‘‘The Greendale 75th Anniversary Review’ in July
• 75th Collectibles on sale now at , , and B
• A 75th Commemorative Book is being developed, which will be distributed to every household in December of 2012 . This book will include a brief history of Greendale, a calendar of 2013 schedule events, and congratulatory messages from businesses, organizations, elected officials, individuals and families.

With only one year to go, we hope you’re getting as excited as we are. The celebration being planned for 2013 is sure to be something people will be talking about for the next 25 years. If you want to put your energy behind this important year in the history of the community join us for our work sessions or committee meetings. The 75th Work Sessions are at on the first Thursday of every month. There is one this week on May 3rd at 6:30 p.m. The regular Public Celebration Committee meetings are at Village Hall on the second Tuesday of every month. This month the date for the meeting is May 8 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. 365 days to go and counting down ………..

But did you know?

Greendale did celebrate its first birthday. The Village held a three day celebration May 5 through May 7, 1939.

There was a formal dedication of the Village with many dignitaries and speeches on Friday night. On Saturday the public buildings were open for viewing, and in the evening there was a pageant depicting the history of the village performed by over 150 Greendale residents. On Sunday the fire department and the Town of Lakes fire department competed in firefighting skills and staged a big water fight with fire hoses. Finally, Sunday night there was a dedication ball. I also read that the first graduating class from the Junior High School donated a tree to the Village.

In a ceremony attended by most of the 530 children in the school the tree was planted in front of the school building. I wonder if there is a picture of this, and whether that tree is still alive. Anybody know the answer?

People, Past & Present!

One company and that will be joining the 75th Birthday Party during Village Days 2013 is The Starr Group. You may not know them by name, but if I say “You know, the company with the Lions out front guarding the front door of the building on Loomis and Edgerton” you’ll immediately recognize them. Tim Starr is the CEO and Mary Starr is the Executive Vice President of The Starr Group founded by T.

The Lions were Tim’s idea. One day he approached his father and announced ‘Dad, we need Lions statues out in front of the building”. Bob’s reply was “huh?” But Bob knew better than to get in the way of creativity and the Lions quickly became the face of the company. People in Milwaukee will drive out of their way just to pass the building and see if the Lions are decorated, and what they are wearing. From Packer and Brewer uniforms to State Fair Pig and Cow costumes, they bring a smile to anyone who sees them, young and old.

Clients of course know The Starr Group for much more. The Company advises clients in the areas of personal insurance like home and auto, commercial insurance like auto and risk management, and group benefits like wellness and safety, to name a few. I asked Mary Starr to tell me what three things people should know about the company and the employees.

• First, she said the company is big on education for their agents. The agents all get CIC certified (i.e. Certified Insurance Counselor) so that they can find the best insurance fit for their clients from among the A+ rated Companies they represent.
• Second, she explained the seven core values that ‘define who we are and how we will move forward. These values are the basis for all of our thoughts, words and actions.’ Because of their belief in these core values, The Starr Group has received many Industry Accolades Most they were named the 2011 Award Winner of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Business Ethics and Integrity.
• Third, employees are provided a positive empowering work environment, one that cares about their wellness. This translates directly to how the employees interact with their clients. It is a win-win for everyone.

Recently Tim and Mary’s son Nick joined the Company. He is the third generation of the family in the business. So look for The Starr Group and the Lions to be around for many years to come.

But enough of this business stuff, let’s get back to the partying. The Starr Group has been a supporter of Family Entertainment Area for Village Days, of Hay Days activities, and of the Saturday Night Concert series organized by the Greendale Entertainment Association (GEA). If you attend the concerts you know that two costumed lions hand out water and popcorn to the audience. Ah, to be young again….. For the 75th Diamond Celebration The Starr Group has already become a ‘Diamond Sponsor’. Awesome! This is a special group of people that deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Greendale Trivia Question and Answer:

Week#66 Question – What was the name of the first Greendale paper started in 1938? For extra credit who picked the design and name?

** Week #66 contributors Sally Chadwick, Public Celebrations Committee, Mary Starr, Steve Peters.