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Norrie, Township of

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Author:
Mary Moltzan

Location:
T. 28 N. - R. 10 E.

Formallized:
December 30, 1886

Background:

Population: 1905-1062, 2000-967

The township was formed out of portions of Knowlton and Weston Townships in 1886 and named after Gordon Norrie, treasurer of the Milwaukee, Northshore and Western R R (later C&NW). Norrie was once a logging town. The area was heavily wooded, but little logging was done until the railway came through in 1880. By 1900, almost all the township had been logged over, and the land was being converted into farmland. It reached its present size in 1887.

After pine logging peaked during the 1890s, wealthier residents of the City of Wausau built summer residences along the shores of the area's lakes.  They traveled to the area on the same rail lines which were built to haul lumber and were now transporting agricultural products.

First Public Official:
I. M. Jennie, Chairman

Post Office Established:
June 17, 1880, Norrie

First Postmaster:
Mindon Maynard, Norrie

About The Post Office:

Norrie P. O.  is still in service and is located in sw 1/4, Section 19 of the township.

Railroad:

The Chicago and Northwestern Railway came in 1880.

See Background

Churches:

See villages of Norrie and Hatley

Schools:

According to the 1901 Plat Map, only two schools existed: one in Section 6 and the Hatley School in Section 19.

According to Marchetti's History of Marathon County, 1913, there were 5 schools with as many districts.

Business:

See Village of Norrie

Industry:

Logging

 Sawmills

Farming:

By 1900, almost all the township had been logged, and the land was being converted for farming.  German and Scandinavian immigrants began to farm the area.

Stories:

During Prohibition, the town became known for its illegal alcohol stills.  According to residents, bootleg bottles remain scattered about the town.  The Village of Hatley was once part of the town, but because Norrie remained a dry town after Prohibition, the Hatley residents created their own village.