Calumet County Historical Society-Chilton Wisconsin

09/03/2026

It’s time for the Calumet County Fair! Did you know that the Calumet County Fairgrounds used to be a POW camp?

From June through August 10, 1945, Camp Chilton, a branch of Camp McCoy, housed up to 300 German prisoners of war during World War II. The camp was under the supervision of Captain David Fine, along with two Army officers, 35 enlisted personnel and two medics. Between 1944 and 1945, 34 POW camps were established across Wisconsin to house captured German soldiers.

Prisoners of Camp Chilton worked for local canneries and farms, harvesting sweet peas, sweet corn, and other summer crops.

Who knew the fairgrounds had such an unexpected history?

Photos of the Calumet County Fairgrounds in 1948 a few years after they were used to house prisoners.

Post credit- Cara CCHS Intern

08/28/2026

08/21/2026

The things you find when you clean out a storage cabinet at school.

08/05/2026

Come to the show on Aug. 8 & 9th to meet and chat with our friendly Blacksmith, Eugene.

08/05/2026

Less than 2 weeks until show time. We still have room for additional toy vendors, crafters and flea marketers. If interested, Please call the contacts at the bottom of the poster.

07/18/2026

A monument that once stood tall at the Calumet County Courthouse has a new home in the city of Chilton.

07/15/2026

Charles F. “Chuck” Schuknecht, age 85, of Chilton, died on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah.  He was born February 13, 1941 in Madison, Wisconsin, son of the late Frederick & Mary (MacLean) Schuknecht.   Chuck grew up in Port Washington and following his gr...