The Merrill Historical Society 2023 History Hunt – On Location with Bill Rebane – was held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, and coordinators say it was a fun and successful day.
Eleven teams participated in the Hunt, with creative names to mesh with the theme of this year’s event: B Movie Squad, Rebane’s Reelz, Event Horizons, Doering Gang, PB&J, Blood Monster, The 3 Cs, Raabe Team, Alpha Coincidence, Rebane A-Go Go, and Local Extras.
In addition to several local teams, the event also drew teams from Stevens Point, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Director Bill Rebane has quite a following, organizers said.
The teams went all over Lincoln County, collecting history and finding some of the shooting locations for Bill Rebane’s films.
Event coordinators also want to thank the many sponsors and participants in this year’s History Hunt.
Cora had some amazing stories to share around Schultz Spur, Tomahawk Historical Society pitched in and offered history to share (braving the rather cold, windy day), the Gin Mill in Tomahawk, Rusty & Linda DeBroux at the Bethany Church Studio, Angie at 17 Scoops in Gleason for some great stories (and a gift certificate), Marie Rein at the Brickyard School house where a scene from Devonsville Terror was shot, Paul Proulx reminiscing with the history hunters at the Sheriff’s Office (and Sheriff Schneider for letting us use the squad and parking lot), and sponsors Johnson Gifts, Sweeter Times, and West Side Market (who gave prizes but also got in the fun interacting with history hunters).
Additional sponsors that offered prizes were Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Incredible Bank, AmericInn, Cosmo Theatre, and Sutton’s Wine Bar. And Ballyhoos did a wonderful job of hosting the After Party with great snacks, organizers said.
The Merrill Historical Society also raffled autographed Bill Rebane posters.
Rebane’s Reelz and Blood Monster tied for the Best Costume award; Alpha Coincidence won Best Team Name; and B Movie Squad received Best Social Media Presence. A special award was given to PB&J as the Longest Participating Team.
“We are so appreciative of our community businesses for their continued support of all the activities in Merrill,” Johnson said.
“The Bill Rebane exhibit will be up at the Merrill Historical Society Museum for several months yet, so if you missed the hunt, come and see what the excitement was all about!” said Brandon Johnson, Merrill Historical Society.
