Introduction

I've decided to put on my blogger-wings and dive into the blogosphere since just about everyone else at WCLO, WJVL and the Gazette has immersed themselves in it. It's not that I'm frightened by the thought of blogging, but rather that I first wanted to find something that will be of interest to residents in the area... and maybe even a few outside the area. I think I've accomplished that, but I'll let the readers be the judge.

As you can see by my banner, I'll be concentrating my topics and subject matter mainly in the Beloit area. But I may stray, occasionally, to areas and topics at other locations. My main purpose is to touch on subject matter that I feel is worthwhile, but at the same time may be unknown or unfamiliar to residents living in and around Rock County. I also love trivia, history, and little known facts about this area and you will find tid -bits sprinkled throughout my blog.

I will begin with what I think is an interesting subject, where the name Beloit came from. If you look at the written and recalled history surrounding the name you will not find a definitive answer to what the name means, who named it, or even when it was named. Unlike Janesville, which was named after Henry Janes, one of Janesville's first settlers and a ferry operator I believe, Beloit does not have such a beginning.

The following information comes from the Pioneer Beloit, a book written over 30 years ago by Rock County Judge Arthur Luebke. He writes, the first known reference to Beloit was in a letter dated Oct 6th, 1846. In it, Lewis Taylor describes traveling through the area to a settlement on the Rock River. He claims Beloit is of French origin, and signifies "fine sight", "beautiful situation", and "delightful to look upon." Taylor also claims about 1,700 people inhabited the area at that time. According to a letter written by Horace Hobart dated Aug 28, 1837, the town was named Albany. But a mere six weeks later, a letter from the same individual bears the heading Beloit and is dated Oct 9th. There is also evidence the town was first called New Albany. There appears to be some confusion, even among early residents, as to what Beloit was called.

I will end with a bit of trivia. Several years ago I was curious about a concrete structure in a small park on the southeast corner of West Grand Ave. and Bluff St. It is currently being used as a planter. I was very surprised to learn that it is over 100 years old and served a much different purpose in its original form, and at a different location. Does anyone know what it was used as, and where it was originally located?