WHYSCONSIN
Not So Mysterious: Past And Present Masonic Temples Build Community
There are several Masonic Lodges of Freemasons in the Northwoods, but the network has always had an air of mystery. But what is the role of a Masonic temple in a community? WXPR's Mackenzie Martin headed to the Rhinelander Masonic Temple and the former Wausau Masonic Temple to find out.
This story is part of Wisconsin Life and WPR's WHYsconsin project. What have you always wondered about Wisconsin, its people or its culture that you want WHYsconsin to look into? You ask the questions, and we find the answers!
LATEST STORIES
Power On, Dr. Evermor: Wisconsin’s Forevertron Sculptor
Editor’s note: Dr. Evermor turned bits of metal and other salvaged parts into fantastic sculptures. People can find his truly one-of-a-kind works of art behind Delaney’s Surplus near Baraboo. Starting in 1983, he created a whole world of mechanical creatures, insects, birds, and other contraptions.
Michael Perry’s Dispatches From The Little Writing Room Above The Garage
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re all being urged to stay “safer at home.” So, Wisconsin author Michael Perry is trying to “hunker down” the best he can right now, just like the rest of us.
Wisconsin 101: Pasties
Imagine this: It’s early morning in a small Wisconsin town about a century ago. The sun hasn’t risen, but parents bustle around the kitchen.
They’re making pasties.
One’s for dad, who’s preparing for a day in the mines.
Once Upon A Time … In Waunakee: Actor Mike Moh On His Dream Role
Mike Moh runs Moh’s Martial Arts school in Waunakee, Wisconsin and he has a budding acting career, as well. He landed the role of Bruce Lee in Quentin Tarantino’s award-winning “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” alongside actor Brad Pitt.
Living (And Working) In Isolation During a Pandemic
Life in the era of COVID-19 is really weird right now. It’s tough. Sometimes it’s hilarious, sometimes it’s really scary.
People have lost their jobs. Others are working from home. And then there are the fine folks still heading to work every day…going to hospitals, grocery stores, factories and restaurants.
Power On, Dr. Evermor: Wisconsin’s Forevertron Sculptor
Editor’s note: Dr. Evermor turned bits of metal and other salvaged parts into fantastic sculptures. People can find his truly one-of-a-kind works of art behind Delaney’s Surplus near Baraboo. Starting in 1983, he created a whole world of mechanical creatures, insects, birds, and other contraptions.
Woodpile Envy And The Never-Ending Task Of Staying Warm
For those of you who use a wood burning stove to heat your home during the winter, you understand the never-ending task of keeping wood burning and your pile stacked. Chris Hardie writes about the feelings he has about other people’s woodpiles during these cold months.
Cloud Eating: The Power Of Homemade Tortillas
Many of us have strong memories tied to making food with our families. Writer Araceli Esparza shares a poem about the bonds that are nurtured while making fresh, fluffy tortillas from scratch.
Door County Pond Hockey Tournament Brings Together Friends, Volunteers
It’s been a warm and wet winter in northeast Wisconsin. Bill and Kay Nelson live on Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor. In February, the Door County couple said there was enough ice to get on the lake with snowshoes.
What Was Milwaukee’s First Hip-Hop Song? ‘Backspin’ Podcast Digs Into History
If you’re a big music history nerd, you know there’s a ton of information out there about hip-hop’s roots in New York City. But what about hip-hop in Wisconsin?
Our friends at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee decided to dive into this story by asking, “What was Milwaukee’s first hip-hop song?”
Book Across The Bay: Lake Superior’s Starry, Nighttime Race
For 24 years, the annual tradition called Book Across The Bay has brought hundreds of skiers and snowshoers to Chequamegon Bay in Northern Wisconsin. The mission: To cross a frozen, 10-kilometer stretch of Lake Superior under the night sky.
Moms Don’t Cry: The Challenge Of Modeling Emotional Health For Your Kids
Takeyla Benton has always tried to be strong for her kids. But, the Madison storyteller wonders if that has come at a price.
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It’s a rare thing to get a glimpse of yourself from the outside.
