Saving a Dam: and the Heart of a Community

Follow the true story of how a group of citizens banded together to fight for what they believed in! The historic dam in the downtown area of Grafton, Wisconsin that was considered its “major aesthetic feature” was in jeopardy. Follow the politics, rising from local to state to federal – politics that were directly at odds with the will of the majority of the people. This is a true story, a historical record that describes how citizens became united in the fight to save a dam and how a grass-roots activity got started and evolved into taking action. Details and events are captured in an attempt to explain what happened and to help others who may be facing a similar situation. Press releases, timelines, task lists, letters, presentations, records requests, petition drives, referendums, dam research and regulations, and connections to the fish ladder are all included. Personal accounts of the citizens are supplemented by newspaper articles, emails and letters to the newspaper editors that show the passion around the effort. It is a fascinating story that reaffirms the faith in America’s democratic processes.