Why is Montello, Wisconsin so mean? (Oshkosh, Portage: renting, buyers, public school)

[antiquer51012]

We need to find a house within the city limits of Kronenwetter. That encompasses a large area but would like to have a bit of "land" - an acre up to a few acres if possible - I am an avid gardener and love the outdoors and yard work. The type of house really doesn't matter. Got any ideas? I am going up there this weekend.

[susancruzs]

I had to look on the map to find Kronenwetter! I love the name! Now that I'm living in Wisconsin I need to do some serious exploring and visiting to various areas.

I've driven through Wisconsin to get to the UP more times than I can mention also when my sister lived in NE Iowa we always took 18 to Prairie du Chien. Dating a photographer who went to school in Stevens Point, I got there alot. My cousin has a time share in Minocqua been there, too. I used to work races at Road America so I got there alot and of course, Lake Geneva.

Point of all this is, I need to visit to take some time and look around the state, get to know it, now that I am living here! I really want to see Bayfield and that area, I have relatives that live there, my mother always talked about it.

Can't wait for Spring to get here and I will explore!

[escapetacoma]

Originally Posted by spieker

Alright, you guys are scaring me. I'm planning on moving back to WI, but hopefully Sheboygan Co not Montello. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for 18 years and have to say that the complaints about people not being friendly are true everywhere I've lived here.The diference here is they act very friendly but it's just superficial. They don't want to go beyond that.

That was my experience out there as well after more than 35 years in the Tacoma area.

Our experience in Waupun has been much, much better

What is also worrying me after reading this thread is the conservatism.

We've heard a lot about that, too. Several of our neighbors are pretty conservative but they never seem to hold it against us that we're not, so we extend them the same courtesy.

[KateDaum]

You are right that people being friendly is a common complaint. We found it to be very true out east. But being 6th or 7th generation to live in the same community they had no reason to reach out to newcomers. When we lived in NH my kids laughed that most of the kids in the school were related to each other. It was like vanilla ice cream. Pretty bland after awhile. They all hung out with aunts, uncles and cousins all the time.
People around us have always run the gamut from conservative to liberals. I like talking to people with different beliefs then me.

[Snowmon]

Originally Posted by spieker

What is also worrying me after reading this thread is the conservatism. Are there really still people whe sign there names Mrs. husbands first name, husband's last name? Whew. I suppose I better do a lot more research.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

I have to wonder about the conservatism too, I'm thinking about moving to rural Northern Wi, and am very excited but a little wary after reading some forums...
My mom signed her name that way! At the time I never thought about it but now I joke to my fiancee about signing her name that way! Luckily she has a good sence of humor

[KateDaum]

Older people that I know, no matter where they live will sometimes still sign their name using their husband's name. But I have an aunt who is 87 and been widowed for over 12 years and she uses her own first name. I came across some stuff that was my grandmothers, she has been dead for over 25 years and she always used her husband's name.

[escapetacoma]

Originally Posted by KateDaum

Older people that I know, no matter where they live will sometimes still sign their name using their husband's name.

I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen this. I'm positive that my grandmothers' both signed their own names but neither of them is/was (they've both been widowed for more than 20 years) the classic stay at home type - they were both working outside the home in the late 40's.

[KateDaum]

I think at one time, like back in the 50s it was proper etiquette to sign your name, Mrs. John Smith. My grandmother was 90 when she died so this would have been in her time frame. I think it was a sign of respect. I still use my maiden name as my last name so you would never have me sign my name that way!

[susancruzs]

Don't worry! Just do your homework on the area you pick and you'll be fine.

I left NE Illinois last Sept. and moved to Two Rivers - on my own, no friends, no family, just cold turkey!!! :-) My sister lives in the UP, 180 miles north of me and now there is a conservative area and a little tough to break in. Our mom was from there though and her family name is recognized.

I find alot of transplants in the Two Rivers/Manitowoc area. Almost everyone has an Illinois connection in some way. My next door neighbors daughter lives in Bristol, Wisc. and she knows people I know from my years at VW. I also find that people here have UP connections, too.

My immediate neighbors aren't overly friendly but I moved in late Sept. so people were starting to hibernate except for going to work. My next door neighbor is great, we go out to lunch, take each others mail in, watch for packages, etc. People that go by if I'm outside they stop and talk.

I've joined Curves, I have a group of people I go to lunch with on Fridays, I've been here 6 mos. and I am not lonely. I'm 60 joined the senior center but I haven't been there yet. I'm just a firm believer in life is what you make it. If you want sour grapes, you can have them. Me, I'll make sweet wine!

[KateDaum]

I would add to make sure you take the time, once you are settled, to really explore the state too. We try and do something different every week and sometimes during the week too. Join things that interest you, if you like to read, find a book club. Most towns have bowling leagues or volunteer opportunities.
My husband was just asked to join a softball team this summer. He is so excited, he hasn't played in years and can't wait. Me, I am stocking up on Ben-Gay!
If you are willing to be open minded to new experiences you will be fine.