Laona (community), Wisconsin

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Laona, Wisconsin
settlement_type = Unincorporated community
nickname =
motto =

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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Laona, Wisconsin


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Wisconsin
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Forest

government_footnotes =
government_type = unincorporated
leader_title =
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timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes = GR|3
elevation_m = 479
elevation_ft = 1572
latd = 45 |latm = 33 |lats = 26 |latNS = N
longd = 88 |longm = 41 |longs = 18 |longEW = W

postal_code_type =
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blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 55-42500GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 1583528GR|3
website =
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Laona is an unincorporated community in the town of Laona in Forest County, Wisconsin, United States. U.S. Route 8 travels east-west through the community and Wisconsin Highway 32 travels south and west of the community. The community park has a sign stating that the community donated the 1979 Christmas tree at the nation's capitol.

History

The town was established in 1903, although settlement had begun in 1896 by William D. Connor, a lumberman working for his father's R. Connor Lumber and Land Company. The community was named for the daughter of Norman Johnson, an early resident; the first child born to a settler.

A classic company town, Laona's hospital, store, school, library, and housing were all built by the Connor company. The town's economy revolved around the company's lumber mill. During business downturns of the 19th and early 20th century, "company scrip" or privately issued company money was issued and used as currency in the town.

Laona remains a foundation of Wisconsin's lumber history. The private forestland surrounding the town has been selectively managed for the past 100 years and the town is an example of sustainable management.

Business

Nicolet Hardwoods Corporation is one of the midwest's largest hardwood sawmills. Totally optimized and running the most sophisticated, technologically advanced equipment available, the sawmill claims zero waste product.

W•D Flooring, LLC, the region's largest flooring mill, manufactures residential and commercial flooring, including gymnasium and sport flooring. They have made flooring for landmarks including the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. W•D Flooring also claims to produce zero waste product.

Recreation

The community is the site of the Lumberjack Steam Train, an operating turn-of-the-century passenger train and award-winning museum. This operates during the summer months.

In the winter, Laona is home to the 100 Mile Snow Safari or "100 miler", one of Wisconsin's oldest snowmobiling trails. It offers nearly convert|100|mi|km of undeveloped trail riding in a managed trail system. With dozens of undeveloped lakes and miles of undeveloped timberland to ride through, it is one of Wisconsin's most popular snowmobiling trails.

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References

External links

* [http://www.laona.k12.wi.us/ Laona, Wisconsin school district website]