For eight years, Roger and Margaret Chase have been making wreaths to sell at Christmas and then donate the proceeds to the Walls of Wittenberg for more murals.
Margaret, 77, was born in Green Bay and then moved with her family to Minnesota. After graduating from high school, she earned a degree in physical education from Bemidji State University. Margaret taught two years in Clearbrook, Minn., two years in Gonvick, Minn., one year at Hilbert High School, and 31 years at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School. She retired in 1996.
Roger, 77, was born in Detroit Lakes, Minn. After graduating from high school, he earned a degree in social studies and business education from Bemidji State University. Roger taught two years in Gonvick, Minn., one year in Hilbert, 10 years in Shawano and 10 years in adult education for the Menominee Indian Tribe. He returned to school to get a degree in multi-categorical special education, then taught special education in Elcho for 10 years. He also retired in 1996.
Roger and Margaret have two children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They live in Wittenberg and in the winter go west to enjoy downhill skiing.
Q How did you start the wreath making?
Roger: “We wanted to think of ways to raise money. Lois Smith, who started the Walls of Wittenberg, asked us if we could help. We have a small tree farm and I had been making wreaths.”
Q How has it progressed?
Roger: “The first year was slow. We made $250. Then last year we hit a bonanza of $7,700. We don’t advertise. We have a lot of repeat customers from as far away as Madison, and some bring their ornaments back from the year before. People bring their friends. Our wreaths aren’t flat, they are full. We try to keep the price down, The lowest is $20 and the highest is $30. Just about anybody can afford them. We also ship the $20 ones for $35.”
Q Where do you get the decorations?
Roger: “We buy the decorations after Christmas. We hit all the sales. We find pine cones and customers bring them to us.”
Q Why do you help?
Roger: “I enjoy doing it because it’s a good group of people. We all work together. There’s a camaraderie among us.”
Margaret: “I like to help the community, and I like Christmas.”
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