Plain, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Plain, Wisconsin
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Looking south at Plain on Wisconsin Highway 23
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Location of Plain in Sauk County, Wisconsin.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Sauk |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.83 sq mi (2.16 km2) |
| • Land | 0.83 sq mi (2.16 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 810 ft (247 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 773 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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766 |
| • Density | 919.57/sq mi (355.14/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 608 |
| FIPS code | 55-63125 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1571574 |
Plain is a small village located in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. According to the 2010 census, about 773 people live there. It's a quiet community with a rich history and fun local events.
Contents
Geography of Plain
Plain is found at a specific location in Wisconsin, marked by coordinates 43.277580 degrees North and 90.044563 degrees West. The village covers a total area of about 2.16 square kilometers (0.83 square miles). All of this area is land, meaning there are no large lakes or rivers within the village limits.
History of Plain Village
Plain has an interesting past that dates back to the 1850s.
Early Settlement and Names
The area where Plain is now located was first known as Cramer's Corners. This name came from four Cramer brothers (John, Jeremiah, Adam, and Solomon, Sr.) who moved there in the early 1850s. They came from Ohio. Later, because many rough buildings were put up, the area also got the nickname Logtown.
Becoming a Village
A post office was planned for Plain in 1858. This helped the community grow. Plain officially became a village in 1912. This meant it had its own local government.
Origin of the Name "Plain"
There's a popular story that the village was named after a famous shrine in Austria called Maria Plain. However, there are no old documents to prove this. Instead, writings from that time suggest a simpler reason: the village was "called Plain because the inhabitants were plain people." This means they were seen as simple and down-to-earth.
In 1915, someone even wrote to the local newspaper wanting to change the name. They felt the village had grown so much that "Plain" didn't fit anymore. They wanted a name that sounded more important, like "Plainville" or "Plain City."
Local History Museum
The Old Franklin Township Historical Society (OFTHS) was started in 2004. It's located in the former Town Hall building. This society helps preserve the history of Plain and the surrounding area. They have museum exhibits that are open to the public at certain times.
Plain's Sister Cities
Plain has special connections with towns in other countries. These are called "sister cities" or "twinned" cities. It's a way for communities to share culture and friendship.
- Remlingen (Unterfranken), Germany, and some villages in the Czech Republic (formerly Sudeten-German villages of Schwansdorf and Tschirm). This connection started in 1999.
- Waldmünchen, Germany. This partnership began in 2022.
Population and People of Plain
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 324 | — | |
| 1930 | 331 | 2.2% | |
| 1940 | 405 | 22.4% | |
| 1950 | 512 | 26.4% | |
| 1960 | 677 | 32.2% | |
| 1970 | 688 | 1.6% | |
| 1980 | 676 | −1.7% | |
| 1990 | 691 | 2.2% | |
| 2000 | 792 | 14.6% | |
| 2010 | 773 | −2.4% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 766 | −0.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Plain's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 773 people living in Plain. These people lived in 321 households, and 224 of these were families. The average household had about 2.41 people.
The age of people in Plain varied:
- About 24.2% of residents were under 18 years old.
- About 17.7% were 65 years old or older.
- The average age in the village was 40.8 years.
There were slightly more males (50.8%) than females (49.2%) in the village.
Fun Festivals in Plain
Plain is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. These events bring the community together and celebrate local traditions.
- St. Luke's Parish Festival (Sommerfest): This festival is held every year in June. It's a fun event organized by St. Luke's Parish.
- Plain Fire Department and EMS Celebration: In July, the local Fire Department and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) host a three-day celebration. It includes exciting activities like kickball, baseball, entertainment for kids, a parade, and a fireworks show on Saturday night.
- Strassenfest: This festival takes place on the first Saturday in October. "Strassenfest" is a German word meaning "street festival." The village highlights local businesses with music, food, and crafts. It's a great way to celebrate the community's early Bavarian heritage.
- Christkindlmarkt: This German-themed festival is held on the weekend after Thanksgiving. It offers activities for all ages, including horse and carriage rides, a visit with Santa, an Elf workshop, and an open house at the local history museum. You can also find craft markets and holiday vendors. The evening ends with a procession to St. Luke's church, where German hymns are sung.
Notable People from Plain
- Rose Thering (1920-2006): Sister Rose Thering was a very important person from Plain. She was a nun who taught about Catholic-Jewish relations at Seton Hall University. A film about her life, Sister Rose's Passion, was even nominated for an Academy Award in 2005!
Images for kids
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A wide view of Plain, Wisconsin.
See also
In Spanish: Plain (Wisconsin) para niños
