De Pere Historical Society Trivia
• Where is it?
The former Roffers Hotel is located on the corner of Fifth and Grants Streets in West De Pere. The building is now “The Sports Corner”.
The Roffers Hotel was built by P.H. Roffers in 1912. According to an article in the De Pere Democrat dated August 23, 1912, “the two story brick building was heated by steam, lighted by electricity, and provided with all modern improvements. On the ground floor was a large and spacious lobby, the barroom, billiard and pool room, a dining room with a seating capacity of over one hundred and the landlord’s living rooms, besides a 20 x 75 foot store in the southwest corner of the building, which is offered for rent. The second floor contains, in addition to bath and toilet rooms, 24 guest rooms, very neatly furnished, all opening to a wide corridor and every room provided with one or more outside windows. All rooms have hardwood floors; the first story finished in oak, the second has a natural Georgia pine finish.” The owners guarantee “prompt treatment and satisfactory service at all times”.
Which U. S. President gave a speech at Voyageur Park?
President Bill Clinton gave a speech at Voyageur Park in De Pere on Labor Day, September 2, 1996.
"It's a beautiful park. I love being here," President Bill Clinton said Monday, Sept. 2, [1996] after he returned to the podium to wish the crowd of nearly 40,000 people in Voyageur Park in downtown De Pere "Happy Labor Day." Clinton made his holiday speech to the largest crowd he has seen since he became president, according to a report City Administrator Kevin Brunner received from Clinton-Gore campaign personnel. After his 25-minute speech, the president mingled with the crowd for nearly as long, then returned to the podium with his parting comments.
This De Pere resident was named Miss America in 1973.
After winning the title of Miss Wisconsin in 1972, Terry Anne Meeuwsen was named Miss America in 1973.
Terry Anne grew up on Erie Street and graduated from East De Pere High School. During her reign as Miss America, Terry appeared on TV talk shows, Bob Hope specials and the Tonight show. After her reign as Miss America, Terry traveled as a member of the New Christy Minstrels musical group. Today Terry lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband and seven children. She currently works with the 700 Club, Pat Robertson and the CBN-Christian Broadcasting Network.
What part of De Pere was once known as Nicolet?
West De Pere
In 1864 the population center located along the river in the Town of Lawrence became the Village of West De Pere. In 1883 the Village of West De Pere officially became a city and changed its name to the City of Nicolet. A few years later the west side citizens again changed the name of their city to the City of West De Pere. In 1890 both the City of De Pere and the City of West De Pere united and became the present City of De Pere.
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Updated: 12/12/2011