Reviews
"With the introduction to Wisconsin's Lost Towns, Author Rhonda Fochs states that she wishes she would have paid more attention to her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and parents growing up-don't we all? Through their stories family is revealed and, along with that family history, the development of the community. As time passes, those communities rise and fall. In this very rare gift of a book, Rhonda presents the reader with information about Wisconsin's lost towns-ghost towns-that have been long sought out, but many of us have not had the time to research. The very definition of a ghost town is included here, along with the approximate location of each one of these once-thriving communities. This book is a must for historians through general readers and provides us with the next-best telling of our past save for the family that's no longer around." Laurie Scheer, faculty associate/writing mentor, UW-Madison Liberal Arts and Applied Studies, "The mills, schools, cheese factory, post office, and stores are all gone, but not so the memories of Knox Mills where I was born and spent my growing up years. As a place with so many fond memories, keeping the stories alive is special and important, as are all the tales of long ago, lost and nearly gone locations. Rhonda's book tells their stories and in so doing keeps many towns alive, at least in the memories and in the heart." Joyce Bant, historian, Hazelhurst, Wisconsin, "Rhonda Fochs brings to life stories of Wisconsin's past as told by communities that have faded from our roadmaps, but not our memories. She reveals how these places were rooted in the land's resources and the people who pinned their dreams on the prosperity they offered. These "ghost towns" whisper secrets that provide a glimpse of our past and lessons for the sustainability of our future." -Catherine Techtmann, author, Rooted in Resources-Iron County, Wisconsin, 1893-1993, "With the introduction to Wisconsin's Lost Towns, Author Rhonda Fochs states that she wishes she would have paid more attention to her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and parents growing up--don't we all? Through their stories family is revealed and, along with that family history, the development of the community. As time passes, those communities rise and fall. In this very rare gift of a book, Rhonda presents the reader with information about Wisconsin's lost towns--ghost towns--that have been long sought out, but many of us have not had the time to research. The very definition of a ghost town is included here, along with the approximate location of each one of these once-thriving communities. This book is a must for historians through general readers and provides us with the next-best telling of our past save for the family that's no longer around." Laurie Scheer, faculty associate/writing mentor, UW-Madison Liberal Arts and Applied Studies