Discover the fascinating history of Appleton with the Appleton Historical Society and Appleton Public Library! Join us for engaging, monthly presentations where history comes alive – every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm (no December meeting). Each session features a different speaker and topic, all dedicated to celebrating and exploring Appleton’s rich past. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to everyone – no membership required! Learn more about Appleton Historical Society at https://www.appletonhistory.com/.
This month’s presentation: History of Fox River Lines
Come explore the story of Appleton’s first transit system, Fox River Lines, founded by Doris and Olaf Lundquist in 1924. The history of the company will be shared by Cassie Carter Boyd, the proud daughter of Sherry McIntyre, granddaughter of Gloria Kuepper, and great-granddaughter of Doris and Olaf. Growing up, Cassie spent time helping at the family-run company, often sweeping buses as they returned from a day of carrying passengers throughout the community. Fox River Lines thrived for decades, expanding into charter services and the school bus network before closing in 1980, two years after the City of Appleton purchased its urban-transit division and launched what is now Valley Transit.
Cassie’s favorite memories include riding in the company buses during the Christmas Parade and appearing on the family’s parade floats along College Avenue. Although she has lived in Denver since 1996, she continues to honor her family’s legacy by visiting the original headquarters whenever she returns home, paying tribute to the man who began it all: Olaf Lundquist.