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Trivia contests highlight Rock County 150th celebration

By
Lori Sorenson

The first settlers to Rock County saw nothing but prairie grass and a few tree-lined rivers and streams when they arrived in the early to mid-1800s.
The Blue Mounds and surrounding Sioux quartzite outcroppings were the most notable geographic characterization, so when the county formally organized in 1870 it made sense to name it Rock County.
This information might come in handy at the first Rock County History Trivia Contest at Take 16 Brewing Co. at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12.
Shirley Klosterbuer is working on the questions and format and shared a couple of sample questions.
“Which early town in Rock County was called Virginia?” (Steen) and “In 1917, 143 men shipped to active duty training where?” (Camp Cody, New Mexico)
The Rock County Library has long been hosting Trivia Night at the brewery, but for the next several months, the theme will be Rock County History to celebrate Rock County’s 150th anniversary.
Rock County Historical Society and Rock County Library are teaming up to host the Thursday night contests (prizes will be awarded) on March 12, April 16 and May 14.
Klosterbuer said there will be five rounds of play with a distinct theme from Rock County history for each round (maybe schools or businesses) and 10 questions for each round.
Anyone can play, but the most informed and best-prepared contestants will have an advantage.
Teams are encouraged to “research” by visiting the History Center, checking the History Center Facebook page and reading Betty Mann’s “Bits by Betty” column in the Star Herald.
 
Telling Rock County history, one community at a time
Rock County Trivia Night is just one piece of the broader 150th celebration, according to Betty Mann, Rock County Historical Society president.
She said celebrating milestone anniversaries is an important way to learn about our past, and that’s always a goal for any historian.
“You can’t live in the past, but you need to learn from it,” Mann said, when asked why history is important.
“Those of us who are older realize what a great past we’ve had. There were ups and downs, but it’s all part of what makes us who we are.”
Mann is leading a local committee to coordinate with all Rock County communities planning special events in honor of the anniversary.
Hardwick will observe its place in Rock County history during its annual Jubilee Days weekend in late June. Ash Creek and Kanaranzi will team up to celebrate at the Palace, since those towns don’t have their own public gathering spaces.
Other towns are making their arrangements and will firm up dates and details Monday night at the Rock County 150th Committee meeting where other anniversary plans will be discussed.
For more anniversary information, visit  www.rockcountyhisorical.com.

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