https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/volunteer-opportunities daily 0.75 2020-12-18 https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/our-vision daily 0.75 2020-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608173344026-NITJADKF8LR06ZXNLLKI/annieclass.jpg Our Vision - our vision The Oulu Cultural and Heritage Center, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission: "To preserve and share the unique immigrant history and culture of the area with exhibits, archives, and pioneer skill demonstrations." A partnership with the Oulu Historical Society contributes to making this mission possible. THE CENTER PROVIDES A PLACE TO: Learn through exhibits, workshops, tours, school programs, day camps, pioneer arts and craft demonstrations. Research local history and families Celebrate by attending special events Browse the gift shop for unique handmade crafts, books, music, and souvenirs Step back in time and visit buildings unique to Northern Wisconsin life as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s Preserve and share the history of the area BECOME INVOLVED BY: Volunteering your time. For volunteer opportunities contact Diana Tyykila at 715-372-5043 Contributing pictures, stories, artifacts. Sharing ideas. Providing tax-deductible financial support. "Spreading the word" about this historical experience. OULU CHAPTER OF THE BAYFIELD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Oulu Historical Society (Oulu Chapter of the Bayfield County Historical Society) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with goals that: Work to stimulate an appreciation of the Oulu area history. Provide related educational opportunities. Participate in celebration of area historical milestones. Support related preservation efforts. Cooperate with other community groups, businesses, schools and governmental agencies to accomplish related goals. As a nonprofit organization, the Oulu Historical Society depends on the support of our members to achieve our mission of local history preservation and education. Membership is open to any person interested in area history or the Oulu community. It is a wonderful way to learn about community history, as well as to work to preserve that history. Annual dues of $12 for an individual, $20 per family, or $25 for businesses or group representation all include membership in both the Oulu Chapter and the Bayfield County Historical Society. Members receive regular newsletters from each organization. https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/coffee-conversation daily 0.75 2022-11-22 https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/about-our-town daily 0.75 2020-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608168793708-FJ26825X6UL45NBA5386/nicerock.jpg About our Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608168934266-J9UKW9CFR5OVBNFTH560/image021.jpg About our Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608169013659-9I843MJLKI15JL909QWW/DSCN4727.jpg About our Town https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/become-a-member daily 0.75 2021-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1610580483357-J7T5ATJMNU1J3N8BKQ50/membership_coupon.png Become a Member https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/home daily 1.0 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/638e085d-a6e3-406e-932e-a0a5b899f8b1/mirva.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609516332513-2WK4VWQ567GHIH0IRX52/Picture6.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608160943177-QYXKQ7YWEIJYH1RJAMGD/Picture1.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609885299611-38126L081ZT8TOTFU6OT/Pudas_House.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1612145279524-5P0BVYRYMC5J1BU7KHIE/Ahohouse2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609884805084-IKOZ4AJ7M7QOWES5ZWAR/Schoolhouse.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608161233680-9MQAUU5D0Y5S8QCK6QSE/Picture4.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162254872-3N70S8TTPPEUGQ2IN76J/DSCN4651.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162269110-NWILIP6RXZ2PYHE59TO3/DSCN4655.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162308366-H1MLECJ8W8V6349HY9RM/DSCN4692.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162329436-XZQTEGONHSXH1BXBP3ZG/annieclass.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162365627-9VWP47ZFI57LAD784JTA/wp_20190709_10_13_10_pro.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608162384337-OE3NNV1VBG3UOALLLFP0/wp_20190613_09_09_47_pro.jpg Home https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2023-08-30 https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/contact-the-historical-society daily 0.75 2020-12-21 https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/organizations daily 0.75 2020-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608245742860-YYGGTAWA3PE35FO9LK43/bluesox.jpg Organizations The Oulu Blue Sox https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608245716295-S770UH0TKIPU8XB7PWXL/Cheryl_Braiding.jpg Organizations https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/oulu-over-the-years daily 0.75 2021-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608243298754-TV6IRPTZR9OU47D329M4/nicerock.jpg Oulu Over the Years - The “Oulu Rock” on U.S. Highway 2 Today, it is the magnetic attraction to family roots or curiosity about where this arrow leads that brings most visitors to Oulu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608243624259-SLCG5L7TDP72SKJ854X0/image013.png Oulu Over the Years Oulu Elementary School - Converted into an apartment building in 2003. https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/oulu-businesses daily 0.75 2021-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608227837382-3R71SUBI0M248XSEM9W6/image037.jpg Oulu Businesses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608243911192-GXWDSI0I7F6ZELJ3LUPV/berry_patch.jpg Oulu Businesses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608243964123-ENV8THG27VXDCVSDN90Z/berry_patch_picking.jpg Oulu Businesses - In addition to being an income producing venture for the family, the Johnsons provided seasonal employment for over 200 different youngsters in this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608228601918-ILNOSS6PXZ0QN1T0EY2P/image031.jpg Oulu Businesses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608228764364-KZ0I35GJWWP4ZFBP8AGX/waltjohnson1.jpg Oulu Businesses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608229062231-ZT7UY9XH6LD299P5SKKK/maze.jpg Oulu Businesses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608229173882-1I35CZPOACPZS138BHG7/workshop.jpg Oulu Businesses https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/churches daily 0.75 2020-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608244721090-09JZ9V328M064VBF9RG0/image059.jpg Churches - EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN Hope Lutheran First established April 12, 1903, the church was originally the Salon Finnish Evangelical Church and was affiliated with the Suomi Synod. The original church building was dedicated in 1915. The church was built on land purchased from Andrew Suomala for $10.00. The name of the church was changed to Oulu Finnish Evangelical Church in 1922 and the first English church service was held in 1944. The name was changed again to Hope Lutheran Church on August 25, 1963. The church’s 100th anniversary was hosted in June 2003. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608245289277-DCRWCH5EMMFVX7HVM29K/image017.jpg Churches - SWEDISH BAPTIST CHURCH & PINE GLADE CEMETERY The Swedish Baptist Church was organized in October 1895. The congregation built their church in 1896 on land donated by homesteader Oscar Abrahamson. It is the oldest public building in the Oulu community. The Pine Glade Cemetery is also located on this site. By 1953, the Baptist congregation had outgrown this original building and moved to the former Washington School. A parsonage was also built at that site. Later on, the former Washington School/Baptist Church site was home to Gary and Linda Lind and Lind Well-Drilling. A new Grace Baptist church was constructed in 1965 across the town line in the township of Hughes. In 1995, the congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608245374904-30I7URPII4LPV1Z1G2BF/image041.jpg Churches - Apostolic Lutheran Church The Apostolic Lutheran Church is located on the Western side of Oulu on land in section 18 that was from the original Henry Maryaluut ( Maryland) homestead. The congregation was first organized in 1901 and the building constructed in 1912. The first officers of the church were: President, John Pudas, Sr.; Vice-President, Henry Houtari; Secretary, Sakri Johnson; and Vice-Secretary, Henry Getto. The first elected pastor was Jacob Ojala. https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/cemeteries daily 0.75 2020-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608246589871-2V6T3P8RF8GESRK3X477/image045.jpg Cemeteries - OULU LUTHERAN PIONEER CEMETERY The original April 15, 1902 deed was for two acres of land and lists three different Lutheran church and religious organizations-Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church, Evangelist Lutheran Church and People Lutheran Church as the owners. This site has all the graves listed (searchable) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608244327556-1DNKXSAHMCNEVN92WA47/image017.jpg Cemeteries - Pine Glade Cemetery The Swedish Baptist Church was organized in October 1895. The congregation built their church in 1896 on land donated by homesteader Oscar Abrahamson. It is the oldest public building in the Oulu community. The Pine Glade Cemetery is also located on this site. This site has all the graves listed (searchable) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608246629481-IY3OO1FQ6ZO1AC4N28O6/image055.jpg Cemeteries - HILLCREST CEMETERY Established in 1935, the Hillcrest Cemetery is located over the crest of the Copper Hill on Boulevard on Oulu’s West side. Search the cemetery here https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/schools daily 0.75 2020-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608254232761-ZU34OPSO1OSCN0WQGXJR/image065.jpg Schools - EGGLESTON(1897-99), OLSON(1901-02), JOHNSON SCHOOL (1900-01, 1902-12) The school commonly known as the Johnson School, was originally located in section 11 and known as the Eggleston School. This school was moved from the first location and was renamed Johnson School, Olson School, and then again Johnson School—as most students had those surnames. The teachers were: At the Eggleston: Laura Kinney At the Johnson School: Nona Kinney, Francis Dalton, Anna Quam, Inga Quam, Etta Murphy, Clara Lundmark, Cecile Taylor, Cora Swenson, Elaine Ozemaa, Retta DeBraie. (There had been no school at this school in 1905-06) Olson School: John Burgeron https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608256969974-ECJ11G5YMPSLU4NXOEBM/image009.jpg Schools - SOUTHERN SCHOOL (1914-35) The Southern school served the mid-Southern area of Oulu from 1914-35 and was located in section 28. Teachers included: Angela Miesbauer, Saima Rantala(Pudas), Marie Moran (Pudas), Albert Mitchell, Alina Aalto, Hjalmer Frostman, Ellen Henshall, Helen G. Wells, Lydia Franson, Hilda Pudas (Jarvis), Ellen Savage, Marxa Pelkola, Ruth Peterson, Marjorie E. Barr, Amelia Frostman (Lauste) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608332449086-8CVZ6JG92TA4VW5IKCFI/image011.jpg Schools https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608255163222-GKEBCB0S2FG4C31UT6F4/image023.jpg Schools - LOG SCHOOL (1895-1903)/ RANKINSON (1903-17) Located in section 29, the original Log School on this site operated from 1895-1903. While waiting for the building to be completed Mrs. Jacob Rankinson offered to board the teacher-Stella Dodge, who had also been the first teacher at the Red School, Oulu’s first school. A newer, more modern school was constructed of lumber in 1903 and became known as the Rankinson school. The building is presently used as the town hall and is one of the oldest buildings in Oulu. An Honor Roll Plaque is proudly hung in this building as a tribute to the men and women from the community who served during the second world war. The Loyal Homemakers gave the building a facelift for the Bicentennial in 1976. It served as the History Center during the 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2004. Teachers at the Log and Rankinson Schools included: Stella Dodge, Emelia Lauri (Suomala), Minnie Klino, Sarah Watson, Edna Whiting, Nora Nagel, Cecil Lowry, Hjalmer Frostman. Alma Nelson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608254481638-VJ28FA8FDF1CIJXLZE54/image033.jpg Schools - LINCOLN SCHOOL (1913-1943) In 1923, the Lincoln School was built directly west from the Oulu Branch of the Iron River Co-operative Store. This school was the most modern of the time. During the summer school, a Finnish reading class was also provided for area students. Teachers at the Lincoln school over the years included: Clarice Tester, Saima Rantala (Ozema, Pudas), Angela Miesbauer, Hjalmer Frostman, Bertha Nelson, Lillian A. Leonard, Emily Maki (Mrs. Fred), Rosella Evans, Charlotte Hammar, Adolph Hanson, Maxine Yeakey, Ailie Erkkila (Pihlaja), Joe Moran, Ione Rosberg, Dorothy Frostman (Kangas) Lorraine Pelto, Jennie Fastelund Source: County Superintendent of Schools, Jessie Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608254826667-2TJF1HVHKZL4YVABYDW3/image047.jpg Schools - LITTLE RED SCHOOL(1891-1930) & PIONEER SCHOOL (1930-48) The Oulu educational system began in 1891 with the Little Red School which was built on land provided by Fred Johnson for $1.00. This school in section 8 was open from 1891-1930. Principals and teachers at the Little Red School included: Stella Dodge, Mrs. K.M. O’Connell, Anne Nelson, Hannah Ives Peterson (Tartar), O.C. Custer, Emelia Lauri (Suomala), Josie Anderson, May Peterson, Eva Morris, Anna Guam, Laura Farlund, Lautie Goodenough, Margaret Maher, Pearl LaQuee, Celia Taylor, Carrie Dougherty, Cora Swenson, Mae Smith, Anna I. Johnson, Esther Johnson (Ehlers), Elaine Ozemaa (Aalto), Anna Micken, Josie Jacobson (Taipale), Esabella Johnson, Fredricka Johnston, Evelyn MacDonald, Ann Torbol, Agnes Rude, Esther Hare, Aileen McGrath, Kathryn Tikkanen (Newland), Saima Rantala Ozemaa (Pudas), Hilda Pudas (Jarvis), Ethel Eliot (Heritage), C. W. Hammar. C. W. Hammar was the last teacher at the Little Red School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608256763797-ZOU2ILOALPVNX0NN53LL/image051.jpg Schools - NATHAN (1900-04) NORTHERN SCHOOL (1914-35) The Nathan/Northern school was built to serve the Northwest corner of Oulu. The school was built on land in section 4 that had been provided by Selma Hill. It was originally open from 1900-1904. When the Nathan School reopened in 1915, it was known as the Northern School. The school had been moved a short distance to land provided by Fred Reinholm. Teachers at the schools included: Teckla Maki, Della Collins, Benjamin Dougherty, Edna Anderson, Louise Briggs. Hazel Bryan, Ethel K. Elliot, Esther Erickson (Johnson), Kathryn Tikkanen (Ozemaa), Olga Suomala (Bock), Irene Corrigan, Hilda Pudas (Jarvis), Ailie Ruuska, Selma Nuopponen, Anne Martin, Joe E. Moran Source: County Superintendent of Schools, Jessie Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608254322619-VCURISJU5KKOGQ8S9A97/image025.jpg Schools - GARFIELD SCHOOL (1917-1940) The Garfield School operated from 1917-40 in the South West corner of the community in section 30. Teachers at the Garfield School included: Margaret Daly, Elaine Ozemaa, Olga Suomala (Bock), Eva Moran (Johnson), Mrs. Levi Lauri, Emily Maki, Selma Anderson, Jennie Johnson, Fay Hensley, Doris E, Anderson, Edna Goff (Mehtala), Olive Abell, Agnes Johnson (Leppala), Velma Suomala, Ida Wentela (Christiansen), Esther Kortesma (Hakkinen). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608254603459-04EQ7WYG9NDRCOKJSZA3/image063.jpg Schools - WARREN SCHOOL The school was located in section 23 at the intersection of the present Airport Road and Bayfield Line Road. Teachers and principals included: Clarice Tester, Isabel Johnson, Thea Swanby, Fred Rux, Hjalmer Frostman, Alice Hobbs, Celia Teppo, Mabel Halvorsen, Stella Welsh, Saima Rantala (Ozema, Pudas), Angela Meisbauer, Mary Felix, Esther Marinson, Myrtle O’Toole, Eva B. McCormick, Mary Tuura, Helen Wells, Martha Verville, Selma Anderson, Elvie Bloomquist, Stella Harris, Edith Pearson, Ethel Elliot, Lyla Dagsgaard, Dorothy Kelly, Eino Kortesma, Irene Corrigan, Margaret Taft, Angela Rock (Hissa), Irene Daly, Bernard Lindelof, Helen Johnson, Ruth Lund, Joe Moran, Nancy Sever, Dagney Lindelof (Pihle), Dorothy Pudas (Maki). Dorothy Pudas was the last teacher at the school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608256875274-1YQX76EPBJ2NAUOMQZ2M/image013.png Schools - OULU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1953-99) The Oulu Elementary School was built and opened in 1953 to replace the dated Washington school. It was the first school with indoor plumbing and central heating. This was also to be the last school in Oulu. It operated from 1953 until closing in 1999, having been open longer than any other Oulu school. The first principal at the Oulu Elementary school was Bernard Lindelof. The first teachers included: Ailie Pihlaja, Amelia Lauste, and Shirley Gustafson (Kinney). In 2003, the school was converted into a twelve unit apartment complex. As the only apartment facility in the community, it provides rental housing for individuals and is allowing some of the seniors to stay in the community https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1608257067289-A6BJQF5HZF1VW112Y8YL/image006.jpg Schools - WASHINGTON (1918-1953) AND O’MALLEY SCHOOLS (1904-1918 The O’Malley School was built in section 36 to provide education to students in Oulu’s most southeastern corner. It was later moved. The school was closed when the larger Washington School was built across the road in 1918. O’Malley teachers included: Eva Morris, Josie Taylor, Carrie Dougherty, Laura Haugen, Cecile Taylor, Theresa Ayr, Mary Olson The Washington School was built in 1918 to replace the O’Malley School. Later, the school had a third room added to house High School grades for a period of time. When the Washington School closed, it became the Baptist Church from 1953-65.. Source: Bayfield County Superintendent of Schools, Jessie Smith Teachers and Principals at the Washington School included: · Marguerite O’Toole, Lylith Lund, Marie Moran (Pudas), Eva Moran (Johnson), Mrs. Chas Tuura, Constance Wells, Eva McCormack, Lucy Moran (Hoefling), Gladys Meisbauer, Florence Kvarnes, Ione Murphy, Ray McGettigan, Lillian Rock, John Kortesma, Lois Wert, Joseph Daindock, Eino Kortesma, Ailie Erkkila (Pihlaja), Ida Wentela (Christiansen), Velma Suomala, Esther Hakkinen, Dorothy Frostman (Kangas), Ethlyn Johnson, Amelia Lauste, Angela Hissa, Delphine LaCrosse, Marian Hissa, Agnes Hecimovich (Liska), Bernard Lindelof, Shirley Gustafson (Kinney). The first high school teacher was Ray McGettigan . https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/walt-johnson daily 0.75 2021-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609536573290-KS2IOQEYBU7OWLZYT2KQ/waltandailie1.jpg Walt Johnson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609536647589-25NCVQ5IQP67IR4346XR/waltondeck.jpg Walt Johnson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1609536614920-PBB9MQT63SWTIFFBPG71/waltjohnson1.jpg Walt Johnson https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/rafflewinners daily 0.75 2025-07-01 https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/summer-fest-2024 daily 0.75 2024-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/0ea7bea8-9d61-4ec9-9a63-aa3c3c503aba/Juhannus+Juhlat+2024.png https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/donations daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1693360258250-MUGX20CMV9JAO868H2LZ/image-asset.jpeg https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/oulu-fest-2024 daily 0.75 2024-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/a9942173-5ffd-4515-9aa5-79c717869137/Oulu+Fest+Poster+2024.png https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/summer-fest-2025 daily 0.75 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/eba439f4-6f1f-493b-b39f-0aae21e5d37c/Midsummer+Fest+Poster+UP+2025.jpg https://www.ouluculturalcenter.org/ouu-fest-2025-1 daily 0.75 2025-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd826d2481f942658c42adc/1354e8f2-6364-479b-bdb4-5c74f3088d59/Oulu_Fest_2025_Poster.jpg