A Quiet Moment of Introspection

As I sit here in my office, early morning, staring at a blank screen, sipping on a hot cup of coffee, desk lamp shedding some much-needed light, and a ceiling fan whirring slowly over my shoulder, my mind wanders to days gone by. To a time before electricity. To a time before all the modern conveniences we’ve come to depend on.  

A time before laptops, coffee makers, light bulbs, and ceiling fans. Before just about everything we use in our daily lives today. And unless we find ourselves in a quiet moment of retrospection, like I did, we tend to take it all for granted, don’t we? 

So, what would it be like to live without all our stuff? What would it be like to live like an early settler here in central Wisconsin? 

It’s no secret, life as a pioneer, without modern conveniences, was unquestionably challenging and demanding. It required strength, resilience, and ingenuity. Without electricity, families did all that needed doing during the daylight hours and relied on candlelight or oil lamps when the sun went down. 

Cooking was done over open fires or wood-burning stoves, and water had to be hauled from nearby streams or wells. There were no supermarkets or stores nearby, so pioneers grew their own food, raised livestock, and made their own clothing, tools, and furniture. 

But despite the hardships, pioneer life fostered a strong sense of community, self-reliance, and a true appreciation for the simple things in life.

Too bad those days are long gone. Or are they?

Well, yes, of course they are. But every once in a while, as if we climbed aboard a time machine, we’re afforded an opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse of pioneer life, as it was, right here in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. 

Every June, since 1989, the bountiful banks of the Wisconsin River transform into a spirited tableau of 19th-century life at the annual Point Basse Pioneer Festival. This immersive event invites visitors to step back in time and experience the daily rituals, challenges, and joys of the area’s early settlers.

Point Basse, once a bustling hub for explorers, lumbermen, and traders, now serves as a living history site dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of its past. The festival offers a rich tapestry of activities, demonstrations, and engaging reenactments that bring the pioneer-era to life. 

Attendees can witness skilled craftsmen demonstrating traditional techniques, from blacksmithing to woodworking, and savor authentic period foods that offer a taste of the past. 

For those eager to delve deeper into pioneer life, activities such as tomahawk throwing and "Tea at Two" sessions offer interactive opportunities to actually engage with the way things used to be. Children and adults alike can participate in these hands-on experiences, making the festival a family-friendly event that not only educates, but entertains as well.

Sometimes, in a quiet moment of introspection, I wish I could have lived back then. Sometimes I wish I could see if I had the mettle to make my own way. To hunt and gather. To build and farm. To survive in a simpler time, that wasn’t really so simple at all, was it? 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or someone simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Pioneer Festival at Historic Point Basse offers a captivating journey into Wisconsin's rich heritage. 

For more information, visit their official website: historicpointbasse.com. And be sure to check out all the other exciting events happening throughout the year including the ever-popular Civil War Days presented the last weekend in July.

Point Basse is located at 364 Wakely Road, Nekoosa, Wisconsin, 54457.

Written by: Lydell Capritta