Reflecting on Lake Hallie

Patti See

Lake Hallie. That blip on the map, the sidewalk crack between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. To many, an unknown place that is often forgotten. To the long-time residents of the village, a treasure. The recreational body of water within the village is surrounded by merely 26 homes, which are filled with individuals who have lived in them for many years. 15 of these people, with ample love for and stories about their town, were captured on a recording by local documentor Patti See and two students. See, a UW-Eau Claire professor, writer and Lake Hallie resident, along with Pa Nhia Xiong and Brett Dekan, spoke with these locals about the history of their homestead to create the short film “Lake Hallie Lives.” The 23-minute video will feature still photos illustrating the details of the village’s past, joined by the voices telling their stories. The premiere will take place in the Eau Claire Room at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library on Sept. 7 at 7pm, where See will also share other Lake Hallie-themed writing projects of her own. Get to know your neighbor town you’ve ignored all these years, or relive your history through these oral recordings of loyal Lake Hallie natives. 

“Lake Hallie Lives” video presentation • Sept. 7 • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St. • 7pm