McMillan Memorial Library
Philleo Nash (1909-1987) was a professor and anthropologist.
Philleo Nash attended the University of Wisconsin (B.A., 1932) and University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1937). He taught at the University of Toronto, 1937-1941, and American University, 1971-1976. Between 1942 and 1966, he held several positions with the federal government, including
Special Assistant to the Director for White House Liaison, Office of War Information 1942-46; Special Assistant to the President, 1946-52; Administrative Assistant to the President,
1952-53; Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1961-66. He served as
Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, 1959-60. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was a private consultant in applied anthropology. At the end of his life, Nash managed a family cranberry business in his native Wisconsin.
The Malinowski Award
was presented to Nash in 1986 as "an outstanding senior scholar who is recognized for a lifetime
commitment to the application of the social sciences to contemporary issues."
He was awarded the Franz Boaz Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology
in 1984.
Nash's papers are collected at the National
Anthropological Archives and the Harry
S Truman Library.
James Daly was a stage actor who made a great many appearances
in television dramas. Some of his most notable credits included
roles in the television series "Medical Center" (1969-1976) and the
movie "Planet of the Apes" (1968). He was nominated for an Emmy
in 1966 for his role in "Eagle in a Cage". He was the
father of actress Tyne Daly, best known for her television roles in "Cagney
and Lacey" and "Judging Amy", and actor Tim Daly.
James F. Daly, from the Lincoln High School annual 1936. (Click to
enlarge) He was active in: English; Play Contest 2,3,4; Gamma Sigma 1;
Oratorical Contest 2,3,4; Band 1,2,3,4; Orchestra 1,2,3,4; Prom Chairman
3.
Internet Movie Database
entry
Bonnie Bartlett is a television and
movie actress who won an Emmy Award in 1986 and 1987 for her portrayal of Mrs.
Ellen Craig in the television series "St. Elsewhere." (1982-1988).
She also was a regular on "Little House on the Prairie" in
1976-77. With her husband, actor William Daniels, she became the first
real-life married couple to win Emmy acting awards on the same night.
Her recent credits include "Tuesdays with Morrie",
"Primary Colors" and "Ghosts of Mississippi".
Internet Movie
Database entry
Myron "Grim" Natwick trained in art schools in Chicago, New York and Vienna before becoming an animator in 1921 with Hearst Film Service. He later joined Max and Dave Fleischer, where he created the character Betty Boop. In 1935 he went to work for Disney and was lead animator in the Disney movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). Natwick later directed the animated feature Gulliver's Travels (1939). He was involved in numerous cartoon shorts for theatrical release and television and illustrated Will Rogers' book Ether & Me: or "Just Relax". Natwick's nickname reportedly refers to his solemn persistence and dedicated work habits.
Natwick working on
Snow White.
Other Resources
Internet Movie
Database entry
Grim Natwick Interview
The South Wood County
Historical Museum has a collection of Natwick's work and other
related materials.
Dick Trickle (October 27, 1941- )
Dick Trickle has won over 1200 races in his career and was NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 1989.
Trickle wins the pole
at Dover.
Bryan Reffner (November 6, 1963- )
Bryan Reffner is a rising star in Craftsman Truck series.
Reffner the racer.
NASCAR
biography
Ed "Strangler" Lewis, born Robert H. Friedrich
in Nekoosa, was in the eyes of many the greatest wrestler who ever
lived. His trademark move was the headlock.
A standout athlete, Lewis attended the University of Kentucky and played professional baseball. Over the span of 11 years Lewis held the title of World Heavyweight Champion four times.
He gained recognition as the World's Champion from the New York State Athletic Commission in the early 1930s and held that distinction for over a year. In the early 1940s, Lewis gained the MWA Title belt which he held for over six
months. He was later named the first commissioner for the sport of Professional Wrestling. Lewis died after a series of illnesses in 1966 at his home in Oklahoma. He was one of the early legends in the sport.
His lifetime record was 6,742 wins and 35 losses. Lewis was inducted
into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1951.
The story they
couldn't tell about Ed (Strangler) Lewis
Professional
Wrestling Online Museum
Top 20 Professional Wrestlers of the 20th Century
- Lewis is ranked #3.
Harry Tracy was born in Pittsville, but didn't become
famous until age fifteen, when he embarked on a life of crime in Utah,
Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington which ended with one of the
most lengthy and bloody manhunts in American history.
"Wild Bunch"
member Harry Tracy. 
"Harry Tracy, Desperado,"
a movie based on his life starring Bruce Dern, was produced in 1982.
The Hunting of
Harry Tracy chronicles his escape from prison and the ensuing
manhunt.
"A Look Back" The Legacy of Tracy & Lant
- an article on the escape.
MANHUNT : The Pursuit of Harry Tracy - A sample chapter of the
book shown above.
"Red" Blanchard of Pittsville was a long time entertainer best known for his work on the National Barn Dance. Blanchard started on the popular country music show in 1931. It was broadcast by WLS and later by WGN radio and TV, as well as ABC. Originally a singer and musician, he later moved to comedy. He was part of a combat entertainment team during WWII, playing before an estimated one million G.I.s and receiving six battle stars during his service. In this photo, Red is receiving the key to Pittsville, with his parents in the back.
Local Authors
Check our local authors page.Sports
Jim (James Henry) Delsing of Rudolph played from the White Sox, Yankees, Browns, Tigers and A's between 1948-1956. A solid outfielder, he is remembered as the pinch runner for midget Eddie Gaedel in 1951.Currently Famous
Who's Who in America (2005) lists the following Wisconsin Rapids residents:Richard Allen Drew, retired electrical and instrument engineer
LeRoy A. Engelhardt, retired paper company executive
Miles Gene Knuteson, advertising executive.
Martha Mary Kronholm, elementary education educator
Andrew Macdonald, entrepreneur
George Wilson Mead II, paper company executive
Linda Kathryn Olson-Hellerud, elementary education educator
Arnold John Parker, minister
Randall Puhl, principal, parochial school educator
William Clyde Sheker, dentist