Kickapoo Valley Association Records, 1977-1980


Summary Information
Title: Kickapoo Valley Association Records
Inclusive Dates: 1977-1980

Creator:
  • Kickapoo Valley Association (Soldiers Grove, Wis.)
Call Number: Mss 1018; M84-087; Audio 1370A

Quantity: 6.6 c.f. (12 archives boxes and 1 flat box); plus additions of 111 tape recordings and 2.0 c.f. of film out-takes

Repository:
Archival Locations:
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Records, 1977-1980, of the Kickapoo Valley Association (KVA), established in 1966 to promote recreation and conservation of the Kickapoo Valley and River Watershed. The records of the KVA consist of records created during a two year Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) and Local Employment Assistance (LEAP) Grant projects to clean up the Kickapoo River Watershed. Records include administrative subject files that document project director Tom Hovde's correspondence with the regional and state Manpower Offices, community members, KVA board members and employees, in addition to general project management and final project reports. Also included are financial and personnel files, and a two-volume history of the area with accompanying lesson plans, both products of the History Project.

Note:

There is a restriction on access to this material; see the Administrative/Restriction Information portion of this finding aid for details.



Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-mss01018
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Biography/History

The KVA was formed in 1966 “to promote the Kickapoo Valley as a scenic, recreational and conservation area.” Membership was made up of individual community members, local businesses and local units of government. In an effort to revitalize the Kickapoo River Valley and work towards meeting the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Law, P.L. 92-500 (Water Quality Law), the KVA and Crawford, Monroe, Richland and Vernon Soil, Water, Conservation Departments (SWCDs) applied for a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) and Local Employment Assistance Project (LEAP) grant in the spring of 1977.

CETA was a federally funded program signed into law in December 1973. In January 1977 the Carter Administration expanded the CETA program to include LEAP which encouraged projects that would not only provide employment but also give back to local communities through revitalization projects. As a CETA/LEAP grantee recipient, the KVA River clean up project intended to provide employment and training to unemployed residents of the watershed area. The CETA grant application stated that the KVA would support a river revitalization project that would not only improve the local economy but also help the river area comply with the amended Clean Water Act of 1977.

The initial goal of the project was to clean the riverbed and create a better environment for recreational use, create and clean area parks along the river, and create or re-grade hiking trails along the watershed. The grant was scheduled to run for one year but was extended for a second year in 1978 and was closed out in 1980. During the first year of the grant, additional projects were added in response to those needs expressed by the KVA, the SWCDs and the community. Those projects added were: Area History Project (1978 January 23), Kickapoo Valley (non-point pollution source) Survey Project (1978 February 13), and an Alternative Energy Project (1978 May 25).

The project ended in September 1979 leaving a number of participants with training but no job prospects. A few administrative staff, including Tom Hovde, were kept on payroll through early 1980 to close out the grant, file tax returns, and write final project reports for the KVA.

Arrangement of the Materials

This collection was received in multiple parts from the donor(s) and is organized into 2 major parts. These materials have not been physically interfiled and researchers might need to consult more than one part to locate similar materials.

Administrative/Restriction Information
Access Restrictions

Researchers wishing to use the Personnel series (Box 8-13) are asked to sign the archives “Use of restricted material form” certifying that they will not release any personally identifiable information.


Acquisition Information

Presented by Kickapoo Valley Association via Tom Hovde and Bernard Smith. Accession Number: M84-087, M84-289, M85-543


Processing Information

Processed by Alexis Braun (Practicum student), May 2006.


Contents List
Mss 1018
Part 1 (Mss 1018): Original Collection, 1977-1980
Physical Description: 6.6 c.f. (12 archives boxes and 1 flat box) 
Scope and Content Note

The records of the Kickapoo Valley Association consist of records created during the two year Comprehensive Employment Training Act Grant project to clean up the Kickapoo River Watershed. Records date from 1977-1980. Little in the collection documents the Kickapoo Valley Association as an organization.

The Kickapoo Valley Association records have been organized into four series: Kickapoo Area History, Grant Administration, Financial and Personnel.

The series KICKAPOO AREA HISTORY (undated) consists of two bound volumes of local history and 42 pages of lesson plans for area schools or community groups. All are a result of the KVA-History Project. Volume One includes four entries that detail the early history of the Kickapoo Valley: “Prehistoric Indians in the Kickapoo,” “Kickapoo Beginnings: The Meeting of the Two Peoples in the Fur Trade,” “Whose Land Was It? A Summary of How the Land in the United States Changed Hands,” and “Settlement: The Peopling of the Kickapoo Valley.” Volume Two includes five entries that continue the timeline of the Kickapoo Valley: “Forest-Union Settlement Study: A Melting Pot,” “Waterpower in the Kickapoo Valley,” “Sengin,” “From Muddy Roads to Steel Wheels,” and The Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933-1942.” The lesson plans are intended for students of all ages and focus on the history, geography and social history of the area.

The GRANT ADMINISTRATION series (1977-1980) consists of subject files created and maintained by project coordinator Tom Hovde. The original order has been maintained and thus items are filed alphabetically. The contents of these subject files clearly illustrate the accountability that was required for federal grant projects. Hovde maintained meticulous records of his correspondence, phone calls and progress meetings with various officials at the regional and state Governor's Manpower Office, as well as with area participants. Items within folders are typically in chronological order with related correspondence attached. Of general interest are the following files that contain valuable information about the running of the project: Correspondence, General, Comprehensive Employment Training Act, Reauthorization, Governor's Manpower Office, Grant Application, and Project Final Reports. These records show the reach of the projects, their details that went into carrying out the projects from year to year and are a comprehensive look at the implementation of a federal grant. Additional information regarding the general administration of the grant can also be found in the subject files of the FINANCIAL series and the PERSONNEL series.

The FINANCIAL series (1977-1980) is grouped under three headings, Project Time Sheets, Project Ledger and Journals, and Taxes. Project time sheets document the daily efforts being made to meet the goals set forth by the Kickapoo Valley Association and the Soil and Water Conservation Dept. in the initial grant proposal. Ledgers and Journals were divided by project type and then by grant year and provide information regarding the purchasing habits of each project. The heading Taxes includes Employee Tax Reports, and demographic information about participants, as well as subject files. Subject files include correspondence regarding a federal audit of the program, Comprehensive Employment Training Act reports that detail participant demographics and hiring practices of the project. The heading Time Sheets offer insight to the daily functions of project employees, including their daily activities, locations, and progress on the projects.

The PERSONNEL series (1977-1979) consist of subject files and employee files that have been organized alphabetically to increase accessibility. Records illustrate the hiring and firing practices of the project, documented by correspondence and official project forms. Eligibility to work on the project was determined by an applicant's unemployment status and so most personnel files contain an application essay where need and want for the job is stated. Hiring was not based on education, but educational backgrounds are on the applications. The project was an equal opportunity employer although preference was given to applicants from the Kickapoo Valley Area and there are only a small handful of participants who were not residents. The Personnel files therefore offer insight to who was living and looking for work in the area in 1977. This series has certain access restrictions (see restrictions note for further details).

Given the role of the Kickapoo Valley Association in initiating the grant application process, one would expect the collection to document the wider activities of the organization. The Kickapoo Valley Association is listed as the official grant recipient on all state and federal paper work, however there is little to no documentation of the organization. The importance of the collection is that it offers a complete and cohesive run of records from 1977-1980 that document the Kickapoo Valley community and its residents. When the KVA applied for and received the CETA/LEAP grant it was their intention to clean up a completely unusable watershed while offering a solution to the record levels of unemployment that plagued the community. The records clearly document community members hired to work within the various projects, the administrative responsibilities of project coordinator Tom Hovde, the daily functions of a federal grant project, and the outcome of the projects.

Series: Kickapoo Area History
Box   1
Folder   1
Lesson Plans, undated
Kickapoo Valley History
Box   1
Folder   2
Volume 1, undated
Box   1
Folder   3
Volume 2, undated
Series: Grant Administration
Subject Files
Access Agreements
Box   2
Folder   1
1977
Box   2
Folder   2-3
Signed, 1977, 1979
Box   13
Folder   1
Accounting Reports, 1977-1979
Box   2
Folder   4
Administrative Review, 1977-1978
Box   2
Folder   5
Administrative Service Grants, 1979-1980
Box   2
Folder   6
Affirmative Action Plan, 1978-1979
Audit
Box   2
Folder   7
1979 February 5-7
Box   2
Folder   7
1979-1980
Box   2
Folder   8
1978 October - 1979 September
Box   2
Folder   9
Project Budgets, 1977-1979
Box   2
Folder   10
Correspondence, General, 1977-1979
Box   2
Folder   11
Correspondence with Villages and Townships, 1977
Box   2
Folder   12
Comprehensive Employment Training Act, Reauthorization, 1978-1979
Box   3
Folder   1
Crawford Office of Emergency Government, 1979-1980
Box   3
Folder   2
Environmental Trainers Network Programs of Funding for Erosion Control, 1977
Box   3
Folder   3
Forms, Blank, 1977-1979
Box   3
Folder   4
Green Thumb Project, 1977
Governor's Manpower Office
Box   3
Folder   5
Contract, 1977-197?
Box   3
Folder   6
Eagen, Neuenfeldt, Besse, 1977-1980
Box   3
Folder   7
Grant Application, 1977-1978
Box   3
Folder   8-9
Western Regional Manpower Office, La Crosse, Correspondence, 1977-1980
Grant Modification
Box   3
Folder   10
Energy, 1978-1979
Box   3
Folder   11
History, 1978-1979
Box   3
Folder   12
River, 1977 October - 1978 September
Box   3
Folder   13
River, 1978 October - 1979 September
Box   3
Folder   14
Survey, 1978
Insurance
Box   3
Folder   15
Health, 1977-1979
Box   3
Folder   16
Liability, 1977-1979
Box   3
Folder   17
Job Descriptions, 1978-1979
Box   4
Folder   1
Report to Kickapoo Valley Association, 1977-1979
Box   4
Folder   2
Legislators Representing parts of Kickapoo River Watershed, 1977-1979
Box   4
Folder   3
Log Cabin Village, Crawford County Historical Society, 1978
Box   4
Folder   4
News releases, 1977
Box   4
Folder   5
New York City Workers, Time Sheets, Comprehensive Employment Training Act Youth Program, 1977
Box   4
Folder   6
Occupational Safety and Health Act, Safety Consultant Program, 1977
Box   4
Folder   7
Personnel, Eligibility of Margaret Lee, 1978
Box   4
Folder   8
Progress Reports, 1977-1979
Box   4
Folder   9
Projects, Final Reports, 1979
Box   4
Folder   10
Western Area Manpower Planning Board, Early River Project Material, 1977-1978
Box   4
Folder   11
River Project Meetings, General, Miscellaneous Matters, 1977-1979
Box   4
Folder   12
Rent Agreement, 1977
Box   4
Folder   13
Seeley Burg Park, 1978-1979
Box   4
Folder   14
Soil and Water Conservation Dept., Monroe, Crawford, Richland and Vernon Counties, General, 1977-1978
Box   4
Folder   15
Tax Exempt Status, History, Federal Surplus Property, 1977
Box   4
Folder   16
Training, 1978-1979
Box   4
Folder   17
Vernon Soil and Water Conservation Dept. Signs, Jersey Valley Hiking Trail, 1978
Box   4
Folder   18
Water Quality, Model Implementation Program, 1977-1978
Box   4
Folder   19
Workmen's Compensation Insurance, 1977-1980
Series: Financial
Project Time Sheets
Returned
Box   5
Folder   1
1977 June-September
Box   5
Folder   2-5
1977 October - 1978 June
Energy
Box   5
Folder   6
1978 June-September
Box   5
Folder   7
1978 October - 1979 March
Box   5
Folder   8
1979 April-September
History
Box   5
Folder   9-10
1978 January-September
Box   6
Folder   1-2
1978 October - 1979 March
Box   6
Folder   3-4
1979 April - 1980 September
River
Box   6
Folder   5-8
1978 June-September
Box   7
Folder   1-9
1978 October - 1979 June
Box   8
Folder   1-3
1979 July-September
Box   8
Folder   4
Survey, 1977-1979
Project Ledgers/Journals
Cash Receipt and Disbursement Journal
Box   8
Folder   5
1977 June - 1978 July
Box   8
Folder   6
1978 August - 1979 January
Box   8
Folder   7
History Project, 1978 January - 1979 October
Box   8
Folder   8
Energy Project, Ledger, 1978 July - 1979 September
Box   13
Folder   2
River Project, Ledger, 1979 February-November
Box   8
Folder   9
Survey Project, Ledger, 1978 February-September
Subject Files
Box   8
Folder   10
Audit, 1978-1979
Box   8
Folder   11
Comprehensive Employment Training Act, Close Out, 1979-1980
Box   13
Folder   3
Employee Tax Report, 1979
Box   13
Folder   4
Tax Filing Report, 1978
Box   8
Folder   12
Tax Exemption Request, River Project, 1977
Box   8
Folder   13
Unemployment, 1977-1979
Box   8
Folder   14
Wisconsin State Taxes, 1977, 1980
Series: Personnel
Access Restrictions: Researchers wishing to use this series are asked to sign the archives “Use of restricted material form” certifying that they will not release any personally identifiable information.
Applications, 1977-1978
Box   8
Folder   15-16
1977
Box   8
Folder   17
General, 1978 January-September
Box   9
Folder   1
Received, 1978 October 1 - 1979 September 30
Box   9
Folder   2
Energy Project, 1978
Box   9
Folder   3-4
History Project, 1978
Box   9
Folder   5
Survey Project, 1978
Subject Files
Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA)
Box   13
Folder   5
Grant Performance Reports, 1978-1979
Box   13
Folder   6
Participant Roster, 1978-1980
Box   13
Folder   7
Participant Characteristics, 1977-1978
Box   9
Folder   6
Personnel Policies, 1977-1979
Box   9
Folder   7
Sample Personnel File, 1977
Box   9
Folder   8
Status Change, 1977-1978
Box   9
Folder   9
Summer Youth Program, 1978
Box   9
Folder   10
Terminations, 1979
Personnel Files, 1977-1979
Box   9
Folder   11-18
A-BE
Box   10
Folder   1-46
BI -HE
Box   11
Folder   1-40
HI-OL
Box   12
Folder   1-42
PA-ZA
M84-087
Part 2 (M84-087, Audio 1370A): Additions, 1978-1979, undated
Physical Description: 111 cassette tapes and 2.0 c.f. of film out-takes 
Scope and Content Note: Oral history interviews and out-takes from the film Kickapoo Valley: Land of the Crooked River.
Oral History Project
1370A/1-2
Merle Brooks, Springville and Viroqua, 1979 May 17
1370A/3
Virgil Butteris, 1978 October 12
1370A/4
Virgil Butteris, 1978 October 12 (continued) and Viola Energy Office Music
Dale Muller Interviews: Bear Creek, Wisconsin
1370A/5
1979 February 27
1370A/6
1979 May 17
1370A/7
1979 June 20
1370A/8
Ray Nixon, Seeleyburg, Wisconsin, undated
1370A/9
Fred Morgan, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 June
1370A/10
Vernon Marquee, 1979 May 22
1370A/11
Harry Lounsbury, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 August 22
1370A/12
LaVern Green, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 June 2
1370A/13-14
Gervis L. Campton, 1979 March 15
1370A/15
Sadie Kyser, 1979 September 11
Chris and Ethel Glenn, La Farge, Wisconsin
1370A/16
1979 April 26
1370A/17
1979 May 1
1370A/18
1979 May 18
Phil Groves, Ross, Wisconsin
1370A/19
1979 June
1370A/20
undated
1370A/21
Ray Hodgeman, Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 March 10
1370A/21 (continued)
George Mullendore, Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 July 9
1370A/22
Eleanore McCoy, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 March 14
1370A/23
Sylvia Nale, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 March 1
Vera Steinmetz, La Farge, Wisconsin
1370A/24
1979 March 7
1370A/25
1979 March 26
1370A/26
Otis and Blanch Arms; Otis on piano and M. Wright on guitar
1370A/27-28
Laurence Bakke, Westby, Wisconsin, 1979 May
1370A/29
Henry Bakken, 1979 September
1370A/30-31
Tom Barden and Mark Wagler of Pine River Folklore Project on oral history work
LaVern and Cora Barnum, Barnum, Wisconsin
1370A/32-33
1979 July 25
1370A/34
1979 August 6
1370A/35
, 1979 August 6 (continued)
1370A/35 (continued)
Ed Eisermann, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 August 5
1370A/36
Helen Bassett, 1979 May 3
1370A/37
Mr. and Mrs. Loren Bergh, Westby, Wisconsin, 1979 August
1370A/38
Bernard and Anna Calloway, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 15
1370A/39
Josie Carrie “Chautauqua and Ent.” and ICC Hearing #2 Information
1370A/40
Eldred and Freda Clift, Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 June 28
1370A/41
Clarence Coles and Ted Hammon
1370A/42-45
DaWald Craig, Wauzeka, Wisconsin, 1978 October 12
Note: 1370A/44 and 1370A/45 are likely duplicates of 1370A/42 and 1370A/43.
1370A/46-50
Leslie and Dorothy (Perry) Currier, Cashton, Wisconsin, 1979 August 20
Note: 1370A/49 and 1370A/50 likely duplicates of 1370A/46-1370A/48.
1370A/51
Jim DeWitt Sr., Elk Run, Wisconsin, 1979 February 7-8
1370A/52-53
Ellna Ferries, Kickapoo Mountain Ginseng Company, undated
Note: 1370A/53 is a possible duplicate of 1370A/52.
1370A/54-55
Gerald and Irene Fleming, Gays Mills, Wisconsin, 1978 November 20
1370A/56
Mrs. Florence Fortney, Viroqua, on Women's Christian Temperance Union, 1979 April 4
1370A/57
Wayne Gates, Viroqua, 1978 October 4
1370A/58
Mrs. Victor (Regina) Hemmersbach, Cashton, Wisconsin, 1979 August 20
1370A/59
Railroad Interview: Lloyd Holiday and Clyde Bowen
1370A/60
Julius and Mabel Jacobson, Readstown, 1979 September 7
1370A/61
Earl Kessler on Kickapoo Railroad
1370A/62
Hazel and Alice Kinder, formerly of Gays Mills, 1979 May 12
1370A/63
Carl Larson, Readstown, 1979 December 8
1370A/63 (continued)
Valley History Project Song Fest, Viola, 1979 January 26
1370A/64
Eileen Larson, Readstown, 1979 June
1370A/65
Belvah Lehrback, Westby, Wisconsin, 1979 August 14
1370A/66
Fred and Julie Lepley, Warrens, Wisconsin, 1979 April 20
1370A/67-68
Henry Leum, Westby, Wisconsin, undated
1370A/69
Selmer “Bill” Lewison, Viroqua; and Ernest Bringe, West Prairie, 1979 March 22
Note: This tape may be a copy of material found also on 1370A/71.
1370A/70
Selmer Lewison (continued)
Note: Ernest Bringe no longer present.
1370A/71
Kickapoo Valley History Project Advisory Meeting Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 June 22
1370A/71 (continued)
Selmer “Bill” Lewison and Ernest Bringe, 1979 March 22
Note: Probably a copy of 1370A/69.
1370A/72
Ted Lund, Viroqua, Wisconsin, undated
1370A/73
Charlie Lysne, Fairview, Wisconsin, 1978 December 15
1370A/74
Clinton McClurg, Viroqua, Wisconsin
1370A/75-76
Hans C. Peterson and Oscar Midthun [Viroqua, Wisconsin] and Robert Reser [Readstown, Wisconsin], 1979 April 3
1370A/77
Selmer “Bill” Lewison, Viroqua, and Ernest Bringe, West Prairie, Wisconsin, 1979 March 22
Note: Possible copy of 1370A/69-71.
1370A/77 (continued)
Henry Mueller, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1978 March 19
1370A/78-79
Earl and Thea Nelson, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 June 28
1370A/80
Vera (Mrs. Ole John) Nesheim, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1979 February 21
1370A/81
Hans C. Peterson, Oscar Midthun and Robert D. Reser, 1979 April 3
Note: Possible copy of 1370A/75 or 1370A/76.
1370A/81 (continued)
Ellsworth Olson, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1979 March 29
1370A/82
Joe Phetteplace
Note: No location or date listed.
1370A/83-84
Mrs. Leita T. Slayton, Gays Mills, Wisconsin, 1979 June 19
1370A/85
Leita T. Slayton, Gays Mills, Wisconsin, 1979 June 19 and Pine Grove Nursing Home, Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin patients and nurses: Norris Davidson, Eldred Glick, Henry Hanson, Ina Hoffland, Darlene Snodgrass
1370A/86
Leita T. Slayton, undated and Hallie Green, , undated
1370A/87
Storytellers: Ernie Steele, Bun O'Caine, and others, 1979 April
1370A/88
Bernie Stefferud, Cashton, Wisconsin, 1979 March 14
1370A/89
Charles, Grace and Leslie Strahl, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 15 and excerpts from Michael Wright's article on water power
1370A/90
Charles, Grace and Leslie Strahl, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 7
1370A/91
Charles, Grace and Leslie Strahl, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 15 and Bernard and Anna Calloway, , 1979 September 15
1370A/92
Charles and Grace Strahl, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 7
1370A/93-94
Lars and Syneve Thompson, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1979 February 27
1370A/95
Kermit Veum, Westby, Wisconsin, 1979 September 1
1370A/96-97
Ben J. Ward, Sr. and Gudrun Ward, Readstown, Wisconsin, 1979 September 18
1370A/98
Veva Widner, 1979 August 30
1370A/99
Burnil and Shirley Woods, rural Dell (Cashton, Wisconsin), 1979 March 16
1370A/100
Burnil and Shirley Woods, 1979 March 16 (continued)
1370A/100 (continued)
Carl, Tom, Dan [no last names], La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979
1370A/101
Notes by Mike Wright: Terrell, John, The Land Grab and the Truth About Winning the West; Blumenthal, Walter Hart, American Indians Dispossessed...
1370A/102-103
Ontario Auto, 1979 March 20
1370A/104
Kickapoo Valley Association History Project Advisory Meeting, Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 June 22
1370A/105
Pearls from the Kickapoo: Laura Lind, Hazel Kinder, Mrs. Arnold Halsen, Dale Muller, undated
1370A/106
Coulee Antiques Engines, Inc. Show, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1979 June 16-17
1370A/106 (continued)
Discussion with Wilmer Homstad, Adeline S. Eumarian, William H. Varnum; Sing-along at Viroqua Fairgrounds, 1979 June 16
1370A/107-108
Kickapoo Music, Valley, Wisconsin, 1979 April 7
1370A/109
Kickapoo Music Radio Show, undated
1370A/110
Kickapoo Valley Association History Project Advisory Meeting, Viola, Wisconsin, 1979 June 22
1370A/111
Knights of Pythius, La Farge, Wisconsin, 1979 April 18
M84-087
Film Out-takes from the film Kickapoo Valley: Land of the Crooked River