oulu businesses past and present
Oulu branch coop
According to the Historic Sketches of the Town of Oulu, a March 22, 1914 meeting at the Warren school led to the organization of the Farmers’ Co-operative Mercantile Association.
The Oulu branch of the Iron River Co-op was organized in 1916 on land purchased from the Henry Kortesmas. The store closed in 1984 after 68 years of service.
Today, the site is vacant after years of use by Nordic Auction.
Johnsons berry patch
The Johnson Strawberry Patch operated for over 50 years on the site of the Rankinen (Rankinson) homestead.
In 1951, the Johnson family planted 1/2 acre of Arrowhead and Robinson strawberry plants. 1952 their first harvest bore fruit, with Arnold at age 16, and an irrigation system was set up in 1964 for frost control.
Average acreage for the first 50 years was 5 acres with a maximum of 8 1/2 acres.
Over the last few years of operation the Berry Patch harvested a little less than 3 acres anually.
In addition to being an income producing venture for the family, the Johnsons provided seasonal employment for over 200 different youngsters in this time.
oulu glass gallery & studio
The family enterprise of artists Jim and Susan Vojecek operate their Oulu Glass Gallery & Studio at their home in Western Oulu.
Stained glass, blown glass, and glass jewelry are among the original works of art enjoyed by visitors to this unique studio.
Oulu Glass is internationally acclaimed and is equally in demand at their shops in Oulu, Bayfield and Arizona. Jim and Sue, a retired art teacher, have practiced their arts since the 1960s.
For more information see their web site at: ouluglassgallery1.com
walt johnson & sons
Walt Johnson was a self-taught backhoe operator who was known for digging ditches, basements, waterlines as well as maintaining roads throughout the local townships. Not only was he also well known as a talented singer/entertainer, but was a friendly, hospitable, caring individual who had a jolly, outgoing personality, which made him a natural as a future entrepreneur.
In the middle 50s when Eino Ruska decided to sell one of his backhoes, Walt jumped at the chance to buy it and to start his own excavating business.
As his business flourished, Walt purchased a dump truck and a bulldozer to expand his business.
There is no real record of how many basements Walt dug, but they were numerous as he was the “go-to-guy” in the area. He was known for giving his clients a fair deal. As his wife Ailie would have said, “He dug basements for a living, but the pleasure of meeting people was his main purpose.”
Read more about Walt and his family here.
oulu corn maze
Welcome to the Oulu Corn Maze! We are located in northern Wisconsin, not far from the shores of Lake Superior. Just a short 40 minute ride from Duluth/Superior or 45 minutes from Ashland or Hayward. The field is tucked away in beautiful Bayfield county on Ken Johnson’s farm. When you get here, come right into the barn and get your ticket to the maze. Hop on the wagon for a hayride up to the corn field. Once at the maze you will begin your hunt for the hidden posts. After your adventure, stop back in the barn for some warm apple cider or a cup of hot cocoa. You can hangout, visit or meet some of our animals friends. The maze is perfect for a fun day with the family, an adventure with your friends or a romantic walk with your sweetheart.
Bring your camera and wear your boots!
Open Late September through Halloween. Cal Ken at 715-372-4148
the workshop
The WORKSHOP is a facility located at 74370 County Highway B in Oulu and is owned by the Larry Falter family. On the sign outside it reads simply, “the WORKSHOP - dedicated to community enrichment”.
Purchased with funds from, remodeled, and dedicated to Stanley R. Sander, Margie Falter’s father, The Workshop is leased to a non-profit organization called the Gitche Gumee Theater & Recreation Association, Inc. The G.G.T.& R. is a 501 c(3) non-profit charitable organization whose mission is “To provide and promote, within the community, the opportunity for the arts, culture, youth development, and family enrichment.” The G.G.T.& R. has maintained and improved the facility through countless hours of volunteer work, fundraising, and personal donations.
The WORKSHOP is available for use to anyone. Suggested donations towards its upkeep are welcome. It is currently busy with regular use by the Gitche Gumee 4-H Club, the Oulu Dance Academy, and the Oulu Community Theater.
For more information on events or usage, call Margie, chairman of the G.G.T.& R., at 715-372-4102.