Elmwood came to life in the
1870s. Lumbering was the major
industry, as giant hardwoods
and elm trees covered the land
around Norwegian Hill. Many
logging camps and mills sprung
up in the area. The first saw
mill was located in scenic Cady
Creek. The industry’s success
was due in part to the deep
and swift Eau Galle River.
A log house
stands as a reminder of our
heritage. It was built by Otis
Hutchins in 1870, and you’ll
find it across the street from
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
on Public Street.
About 100
years later, several well-documented
and substantiated UFO sightings
in the late 1970s drew worldwide
attention to our coulee. The
media soon dubbed us “the
UFO capitol of the world,”
so we decided to have some fun
with it. During the last weekend
in July, Elmwood residents and
guests celebrate “UFO Days.”
Activities include street dances;
sidewalk and thrift sales; softball,
horseshoe and volleyball tournaments;
ball games for kids; medallion
hunt; queen’s coronation;
beer and food tents featuring
the famous “UFO Burgers”;
a grand parade; and a “cow-chip
throwing” contest at the
conclusion of the festivities.
