Merrill Historical Society is pleased to announce that Weinbrenner Shoe Company of Merrill is a major financial sponsor of the 2016 History Hunt.

Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Inc. was established in 1892 by Albert H. Weinbrenner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The company moved its manufacturing facilities to Northcentral Wisconsin in the 1930s in an effort to stimulate business and provide opportunity for working families in the area.  Best known for its Thorogood Shoes brand of occupational footwear, Weinbrenner Shoe Company has been handcrafting American made footwear in Wisconsin for nearly 125 years.

Bianca Boettcher, Marketing Manager for Weinbrenner Shoe Company, was on hand to deliver the sponsorship check. “It’s an honor to be a part of the Merrill community and to join forces with the Merrill Historical Society to give back to a community that has supported our business for so many years,” she said.

The 2016 History Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. “This year the History Hunters will solve a fantasy crime,” says event co-chair Jane Francoeur. “It was while we were doing research for the event that Bianca became involved, fact-checking the information on Weinbrenner that is included in the Hunt clues.”

“We are very grateful to Weinbrenner Shoe Company for underwriting the expenses of the History Hunt and also to the many other local businesses who are contributing prizes for the drawings and allowing us to send the Hunters into their establishments searching for clues,” says Tom Burg, event co-chair. “Merrill and Gleason have such a fascinating history.  We’re excited for the History Hunters to learn more about this area.”

To register for the History Hunt, pick up a brochure at the Merrill History & Culture Center during regular business hours of Tuesday-Friday 9 am-1 pm or Wednesday and Saturday 11-3.  You can also register online at www.merrillhistory.org.

The Merrill Historical Society’s mission is to educate the public about our heritage using the unique historical and cultural resources we collect and preserve.  For further information on the programs and activities of the Merrill Historical Society, or to become a member, please contact the Society at 715-536-5652 or merrillhs@frontier.com, or see the website at www.merrillhistory.org.