New year, new us. Starting next week, we’ll be sending our newsletter to your inboxes on Thursdays instead of Saturdays. Expect the same hyperlocal content, just delivered a few days earlier to help you plan your weekend.
To Madison, with love
One of Madison’s prettiest gifts, the Yahara River Parkway. | Photo by 608today team
It’s a beaut, Madison, it’s a beaut. This holiday season we’re unwrapping a few presents you won’t find under a tree or in a store. From city-themed artworks to monetary donations and historical artifacts, check out these gifts given to Madison through the years.
Brittingham Family contributions | The Brittingham family has been a staple in Madison for more than 100 years. The patriarch, Thomas Brittingham, is believed to have been the wealthiest person in Madison when he died in 1924. The family’s contributions include donations that helped Madison General Hospital, creating the Wisconsin Trust Grants (which support arts and humanities projects), and along with Daniel Tenney, George Burrows, and William Vilas, helping transform Monona Bay into Brittingham Park.
Wisconsin’s Capitol Tree | Rick Burke and family donated this year’s tree. Standing 30 ft tall, the Balsam fir has 2,000 multi-colored lights and ornaments created by students, teachers, and families from across the state. This year’s theme is “125 Years of Wisconsin State Parks.” The tree will be on display through the end of the year.
These extraordinary gifts not only add character and value to our city but also show how generosity can have a lasting impact.
Events
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Did you know? 608today is part of a team of 28 newsletters across the country. And we want you to get to know all the cities we call home... but we didn’t go easy on you.
A one-minute bond repair hair mask from OGX. With a 4.7-star rating, it deeply nourishes hair to visibly reduce signs of damage for strong, smooth, shiny hair.
It’s cold, and I want something hot to drink. If you’ve ever wondered how Hidden Cave Cidery over in Middleton makes its cider, this behind-the-scenes look is strangely soothing to watch.
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