Historical Society member and our very own Rotarian Sandie Carter took us back in time this past Monday. She described her great-grandfather’s journey launching Dames Bottling Co., a local staple that produced seltzer and soda in distinctive 8” tall transparent bottles.

Long before Coca-Cola dominated the scene, local families navigated the regulations and challenges of a small-scale trade. From the local taverns to the shifting opportunities of the era, Sandie’s presentation provided a fascinating look at the grit required to build a local industry right here in Oconomowoc.