Delavan Wisconsin Historical Society

Pioneer Wisconsin Cabinetmaker; Ithiel Tilden, August 23rd, 7pm, Presented by Patti Marsicano

• August 13, 2018,
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• Author: Patti
• Categories: Event, Fundraiser, Speaker

Pioneer Wisconsin Cabinetmaker; Ithiel Tilden

In 1855, Ithiel Tilden loaded a wagon with his family, personal possessions, three wide mahogany boards and a huge piece of rosewood leaving Utica, New York heading for the village of Delavan in Wisconsin.           

A cabinetmaker by trade, Tilden was considered a woodworking artist and his furniture was in high demand. Working with native woods like walnut and cherry, Tilden produced furniture for families who came here with the minimum amount of furniture and couldn’t afford to order pieces from places like Chicago.  The precious wood that he brought from New York was eventually used to make a parlor set for one of Delavan’s most affluent citizens.

Delavan Historical Society President Patti Marsicano will talk about Ithiel Tilden’s life, and share some of the rare Tilden pieces in the historical society’s collection at their upcoming program.

The program is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, August 23^rd at 7:00pm at the Delavan Historical Society Exhibit and Resource Center at 663 E. Ann St., Delavan.

Railroads in Delavan Presented by Richard Burnes, July 19th, 7pm

• July 16, 2018,
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• Author: Patti
• Categories: Event, Fundraiser, Speaker

On this Thursday evening, July 19 at 7 p.m. Richard Burnes, a railroad historian, will present a program, “Railroads in Delavan.”  A railroad enthusiast since he was a young child, Burnes’ first memory of trains is crossing the train tracks in Chicago at two years old.  A steam locomotive stopped and Burnes has been fascinated with trains ever since.

His uncle was the assistant superintendent of railroad sleeping and dining cars; that gave him a contact with railroad travel and service.  Although he was not a railroad employee himself, he served as a conductor for a time on the railroad that runs from East Troy to the Elegant Farmer and back.

He also has collected much railroad memorabilia and has “steam and coal smoke” in his system!  The program is free and refreshments will be served.  All are invited to the society’s museum at 663 Ann Street, Delavan.