11.01.2023

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Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

Dying to find Madison’s luminaries?

Honor the Day of the Dead by learning more about Madison cemeteries

Forest Hill Cemetery began in the 1850s. It is the final resting place of many Madison luminaries. | Photo by 608today

It’s the Day of the Dead, a holiday widely celebrated in Mexico to offer remembrance of family members and friends who have died.

Before you grab a box of tissues and watch “Coco” for the umpteenth time, here’s a brief guide to Madison’s historic cemeteries, taking note of those that are buried there.

Forest Hill Cemetery

In 1857, the city, not two decades old, purchased 80 acres that would become Forest Hill Cemetery. The Argus and Democrat noted at the time, “It is beautifully located, contains a fine growth of thrifty timber, is high and undulating in all directions, and commands from nearly every part a fine view of the City, Lakes Mendota, Monona, and Wingra.”

Let’s take a look at some prominent people from Madison’s history who are laid to rest here.

Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette Sr. (1855-1925)

Buried in a simple grave near the rest of his family, including his son, Senator Robert La Follette Jr., “Fighting Bob” represented Wisconsin in both chambers of Congress and served as Wisconsin’s governor from 1901 to 1906. He ran for president in 1924 under his own Progressive Party. He lost to Calvin Coolidge but garnered nearly 17% of the nation’s vote as a 3rd party candidate.

He died just short of his 70th birthday of cardiovascular disease.

Eston Hemings Jefferson (1808-1856)

Thomas Jefferson’s son is buried in Madison. The son of one of our Founding Fathers and the enslaved Sally Hemings, Eston entered Madison’s community white-passing, becoming a prominent cabinet maker and musician.

His entire family is buried at Forest Hill, including his son, John Wayles Jefferson, who served as a white officer in the Civil War.

Eston Hemings Jefferson died in 1856.

Resurrection Cemetery.JPG — Resurrection Cemetery was created to be the final resting place for Madison’s Catholic residents. | Photo by 608today

Breese Stevens (1834-1903)

The mayor of Madison in 1884 and 1885, Breese Stevens practiced law, was involved in banking, and served as regent of UW-Madison. He was active in many civic organizations, including the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Passing on October 28, 1903, an article in the Minneapolis Journal reported that he “died at his home today from stomach trouble.”

More-tuary here

Events

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Tatsuya Nakatani Gong Orchestra | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | $15-$20 | You and your gong, err, gang, should go to a gong concert.

Thursday, Nov. 2

Kids Consignment Sale | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Tributary, 2102 E. Springs Dr., Madison | Free | Fill your kids’ closets with consignment clothes.
Public Health Vaccine Clinic | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 10:30 a.m. | Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., Madison | Free | COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots administered by Public Health Madison and Dane County.
Comedy at the Cabaret | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | North Street Cabaret, 610 North St., Madison | $10 | A monthly stand-up comedy show, hosted by Allie Lindsay, with music by Jake Snell.

Friday, Nov. 3

Taste the Future | Friday, Nov. 3 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Warner Park, 2920 N Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Enjoy small plate offerings from chefs working out of FEED Kitchens.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason | Friday, Nov. 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison | $8-$66 | Say “Cello” to cello prodigy Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Saturday, Nov. 4

Hmong New Year Celebration | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 9 a.m. | Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | $5 | Celebrate the Hmong New Year with singing, dancing, food, and more.
Madison Herb Fair | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | Have you herb the news? The Madison Herb Fair features speakers, vendors, and more.
Teejop & Beyond: Ho-Chunk Food Tasting | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 1 p.m. | Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N. High Point Rd., Madison | Free | If you haven’t tried frybread, you’re in for a treat.

Sunday, Nov. 4

Loreena McKennitt | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | The Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave., Madison | $55 | McKennitt, with her inspired Celtic music, has garnered two Grammy nominations while selling over 14 million albums.
Brain Hacks: Harnessing Neuroscience for Leadership and Success | Sunday, Nov. 5 | Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave., Madison | $269 | Get brainier at a lecture about, well, your brain.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Concert

Experience “Majestic Brahms” with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

portrait image of a male pianist in front of a piano

The season opens with a “Symphony No. 13 in D” by Haydn and “Love’s Labour’s Lost Suite” by Finzi, and closes with Brahms’ mighty “Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major” played by Lando. | Photo by Chris McGuire

You won’t want to miss this, Madison. On Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m., The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra kicks off their 2023-2024 Masterworks season with award-winning guest pianist Maxim Lando.

Since Madisonians last saw him, Lando was awarded the First Prize at the New York Liszt International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall in 2022. Don’t miss your chance to see a pianist who — in his early 20s — is becoming one of America’s greats.

Reserve your tickets

News Notes

Edu

The Madison School Board has put its pencils down and authorized $591 million in spending in the district’s 2023-24 budget. It is the last time the district can call on referendum dollars and pandemic relief funds to help balance its budget. The district is facing a $15 million deficit. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Development

UW-Madison’s Athletic Department hopes to score $75 million in a fundraising push to construct a new $285 million indoor practice facility for the Badgers football team. Replacing the nearly 70-year-old Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center, it is the largest capital project in program history. (Channel 3000)

Sports

The UW-Madison women’s hockey team is undefeated at 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation. The team’s next game is on Friday, Nov. 3 at St. Cloud State. You can watch online on Big Ten Plus. (Sports Illustrated)

Eat

To celebrate UW-Madison’s 175 years, Babcock Dairy Plant is looking forward to 175 s’more. It has created a new ice cream called “175 S’more Years.” The chocolate ice cream, filled with marshmallow swirls and a graham cracker crunch, is now available on campus and will be sold at select retailers. (WKOW)

Civic

Much of Henry Vilas Zoo’s facilities are long in the tooth. With aging exhibits, the zoo is relocating animals and is in need of funds to address failing components and safety issues. Next month, the Dane County Board may approve capital borrowing totaling $10.8 million for the zoo. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Development

There are some cracks in the wall with residents complaining about a large concrete slab at the Madison Yards development. Deemed “ugly” and “puzzling,” locals have been assured the wall isn’t a permanent eyesore, just unfinished. Construction on the apartment complex is expected to start in spring 2024. (Cap Times)

Eat

There’s been lots of praisin’ for Braisin’ Hussies. The food cart came out on top of the city’s annual food cart review process for the third straight year. Described as a “modernist diner with comfort foods from around the world,” the cart can often be found downtown on the Capitol Square. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Art

You’re invited to say greetings to two new sculptures at a public art dedication on Wednesday, Nov. 15 on the 200 block of South Pinckney St. There, you’ll find two new sculptures, Greeting Arc I & Greeting Arc II, by Minnesota-based metal artist Sunghee Min.

Fun Fact

Do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese? Many in Madison do, it turns out. That’s because they’re the most spoken languages in Madison after English and Spanish. However, German is more common across Wisconsin — so why not learn them all?

Business

Bucky, meet Buc-ee

Construction is planned to begin in 2024 for Wisconsin’s first Buc-ee’s in DeForest.

City Editor Jonathan is quite excited about the new Buc-ee’s. | Photo by 608today

Bucky Badger is going to have a new friend in town: Buc-ee the beaver.

It was announced some months back that the beloved chain of gas stations, Buc-ee’s, would have its first Wisconsin location in DeForest.

Now, DeForest city officials are asking state planners for a larger highway interchange near the site of the not-yet-built travel stop. Why? The village expects an influx of travelers and new development in the area.

Over a gas station? Yes. Buc-ee’s has a cult-like following. Originating in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee’s has become a Disneyland for gasoline and an oasis for those wanting the “Best Bathroom in America.”

They’ve got beef jerky bars, brisket sandwiches, Buc-ee’s apparel and Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets. They’ve also got world records for largest convenience store and longest car wash.

Wisconsinites love their Kwik Trips. Will they spread their love when construction begins on the new Buc-ee’s in 2024?

Asked

Will you stop by Buc-ee’s, or will you stay loyal to Kwik Trip?

A. Team Buc-ee’s
B. Team Kwik Trip
C. Other

Let us know

The Buy

The Buy 11.01.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Lume whole-body deodorant. It goes on as a lotion (yes, it’s true) and targets the bacteria that cause odor to keep you smelling good for 72 hours.

Answered

Last week we asked what type of book you would write, and here’s what you said:

608 nanowrimo results poll — Most of you would try to write a fiction novel. | Image by 608today

The majority of respondents would opt to try their hand at writing a fiction novel.

Are you planning on participating in NaNoWriMo? Fun fact: City Editor Jonathan has written five (unpublished) NaNoWriMo novels, including one about a small town vying to make the world’s largest pumpkin pie. Alas, mayhem ensues.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jonathan

From the editor

My dad was a high school history teacher for decades, so we went to a lot of cemeteries growing up. I’ve seen the graves of Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee; Jim Morrison and Doc Holiday. To know who is buried where, check out Find a Grave.

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