Building a sense of place while supporting historic preservation.

by Cody Schreck

The publication focused on several main themes that made Ephraim unique: natural landscapes, architecture, culture, and history.  The examples given for each of the themes are still fixtures of the village today that many take for granted, including: a well-maintained historic district, active and philanthropic religious organizations, a beloved Scandinavian ethnic festival, a thriving group of artists and musicians, renowned restaurants and small businesses, and of course preserved historic buildings and museums. 

 Through themed sections, the brochure provides a clear overview of what makes Ephraim unique, but the central message laid out in the “Village of Values” was a warning. Changing tourism, housing demands, increased traffic, unchecked development, and water pollution were all explicitly mentioned as threats facing the Village of Ephraim. Despite this seemingly gloomy outlook, the brochure was not boasting anti-change rhetoric; the message was more nuanced. That nuanced message is best explained as it was written in the brochure: 

The sentiment and approach laid out so plainly here is one that would set the tone not only for the Ephraim Foundation’s future efforts, but also for the efforts of the Village and other community organizations. Ephraim Village Board is credited in the brochure for actively preserving Ephraim through zoning, statutes, and commercial licensing; The Peninsula Arts Association is acknowledged for preserving the artistic and cultural heritage of Ephraim; Ephraim Business Council is mentioned for its concerns promoting sustainable commercial interests; and the Ephraim Men’s Club is noted for its assistance in supporting various efforts in the village. All together these groups, as well as the Ephraim Foundation, were positioned as champions of a newly posited ethos, “The Ephraim Idea.”

Individuals today, whether they are regular visitors, property owners, or members of local community organizations, would benefit greatly from reading the small unassuming brochure from the 1970s. "Ephraim: A Village of Values" is a shining example of history’s relevance to our life today. Copies of the original brochure, and some early drafts, are preserved in the Ephraim Historical Foundation archives. To view these documents, contact us to make an appointment for the Svalhus Research Library.