Library History

Article Summary

In December 1995, William Hauge of Pleasantville donated $300,000 to fund the construction of a new public library in Osseo. The donation was formally announced by John Ward of Ward & Associates at an emergency Library Board meeting.

Hauge’s gift comes with two conditions:

• Construction must begin within one year (by November 25).

• The library must be named the Hauge Memorial Library in honor of his family.

The estate will divide funds among Osseo and other local institutions, including hospitals and churches.

The city had previously approved up to $298,000 for a new library, but plans were delayed in 1994 due to budget constraints. The proposed site at Eighth and Charles may be reconsidered due to parking concerns and tourist traffic, and other locations — including near City Hall or Central Park — are being discussed. Updated construction costs and revised plans are under review to ensure the project begins before the deadline.

Community Response

The Friends of the Osseo Public Library, who have been fundraising for furnishings and equipment, welcomed the donation enthusiastically. They emphasized that the new library would serve the community for many years and expressed hope that continued donations would help outfit the facility with modern equipment. At the time of publication, they had raised about $12,000 toward their goal.

Overall, the article highlights a major philanthropic gift that revived stalled plans for a new community library and generated strong local support.

Summary

In August 1993, members of the Hale & Hardy 4-H Club in Osseo launched a community can recycling drive to raise funds for the new public library.

After Delesa Boley suggested the project, the club set up aluminum can collection bins at several local businesses, including Kwik Trip, Super Valu, and Dairy Queen. Community response was overwhelming — donations poured in steadily, and the bins frequently filled up.

On August 9, a caravan transported the collected cans to an Eau Claire recycling center, where about 1,800 pounds of aluminum were turned in. The effort raised $1,000 for the library fund, with additional cans still waiting to be processed.

The article highlights the strong community support behind the project, especially the leadership of Jeff La Belle, who helped organize and transport the cans weekly. The club expressed appreciation to local businesses and residents for their enthusiasm and participation.

Overall, the piece emphasizes grassroots fundraising efforts and widespread community backing for building a new public library in Osseo.

Summary

William A. Hauge, described as a “quiet little man,” left $300,000 in his will to fund a new library in Osseo after his death at age 82 on Nov. 28. The donation may allow the library to move from its cramped basement location in City Hall to a new building.

Library Director Arlie Schwock said the gift came as a surprise and could cover most — if not all — of the cost of constructing a new facility. However, the funds must be used specifically to build a new library, and construction must begin within one year of Hauge’s death or the money will revert to the estate.

Friends and neighbors said Hauge, who lived a simple and private life near Pleasantville, was deeply committed to the project. Though often perceived as a loner, those who knew him described him as friendly, humorous, hardworking, and fond of visiting with people. Some misunderstandings about his reserved nature were attributed to hearing problems later in life.

Hauge made additional bequests to local hospitals, a nursing home, a church, and other community institutions connected to his family. Those close to him believe his generosity reflected a desire to honor his parents and leave a lasting legacy in the community.

Overall, the article portrays Hauge as a modest but determined man whose significant gift transformed the prospects for a new Osseo public library.

Summary

The Osseo Lions Club donated $1,200 to the Friends of the Hauge Memorial Library to support construction of the new library building. The donation came from proceeds of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament sponsored by the Lions Club and Nels Gunderson Chevrolet.

The check was presented to Ramona Herbert, president of the Friends of the Hauge Memorial Library, during a ceremony at the construction site.

Herbert explained that while enough funds had been raised for shelving, additional money was still needed for furnishings and equipment such as chairs, tables, magazine racks, computers, and desks. A general mailing seeking further donations was planned for September.

Donations to the Friends group are tax-deductible and may be made in honor of the Hauge Memorial Library or anonymously.

Overall, the article highlights continued community fundraising efforts to equip the new library building.

Summary

On June 3, 1996, community members gathered at the corner of Charles and Eighth Streets in Osseo for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new public library.

Sonia Herbert, personal representative of the William Hauge Estate, and attorney John O. Ward turned the first shovelfuls of sod using golden shovels to officially begin construction. The project was made possible by Hauge’s substantial estate donation.

E.G. Kramschuster, Inc. of Mondovi was awarded the construction contract on May 14, and work was set to begin immediately following the ceremony.

Speakers at the event included Librarian Arlie Schwock, Mayor Duane Fredrick, and representatives from the library board, city council, and Friends of the Library. Additionally, the Craig S. Olson VFW and American Legion Post #324 announced plans to donate a flagpole, along with U.S. and Wisconsin state flags, for the new library.

Overall, the article marks the official start of construction on the long-anticipated Osseo public library, made possible through strong community support and the Hauge estate gift.

Summary

Henry and Mary Hauge had three children:

• Marion Henrietta Hauge (born August 4, 1910 – died 1995)

• John Hauge (born November 11, 1911 – died December 12, 1911)

• William Harold Hauge (born September 13, 1913 – died November 25, 1995)

The page includes:

• An early photograph of Marion and William Hauge as children

• A later photograph of William Harold Hauge in 1983

Overall, the page provides brief biographical details and photographs documenting the children of Henry and Mary Hauge, including William Harold Hauge, whose estate later funded the Osseo public library.