Events History

THAT’S A LOT OF CANDLES: The City of Eau Claire is Turning 150, and You’re Invited

2022 marks the city’s sesquicentennial, and the festivities include a special issue of Volume One

V1 Staff |

Happy birthday, Eau Claire! In a few short weeks, the City of Eau Claire will celebrate its 150th birthday – a milestone marking the date when three little logging villages on the banks of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers put on their big municipal pants and formed the City of Eau Claire.

That happened way back on March 19, 1872, and to celebrate the city and several businesses and institutions – including Volume One – are planning a variety of commemorations. The sesquicentennial celebration will kick off on Saturday, March 19, with a birthday party at the Chippewa Valley Museum in Carson Park, where residents will come together to celebrate a century and a half of hard work, creativity, and transformation that have made Eau Claire what it is today. (To answer your first question: Yes, there will be cake!)

A bit before that – on March 10 – Volume One will publish a special keepsake issue to celebrate our hometown’s 150th year. The issue will feature unique stories, photos, and designs, all commemorating the history of our people, our community, and the notable businesses that have stood the test of time and helped shape our story over the decades. 

A sneak peek at the cover of our March 10 issue.
A sneak peek at the cover of our March 10 issue.

Volume One has also created the official branding for the sesquicentennial, making logos and images that are freely available for the community to use to promote 150th birthday commemoration. You can find these and other resources on a new website created by the sesquicentennial’s promotional partners, including the City of Eau Claire, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., the Chippewa Valley Museum, Volume One, Visit Eau Claire, and Leadership Eau Claire. 

 The website includes info on upcoming events, ideas to celebrate the sesquicentennial for businesses, sponsorship opportunities, and marketing materials that can be used to promote the yearlong party. (See www.visiteauclaire.com/150th/ to learn more.)

Of course, the history of Eau Claire really goes back farther than 1872 – the settlement first sprouted decades earlier, and people have been in the Chippewa Valley for literally thousands of years – but 150 is a nice, round number, and that’s as good a reason as any to celebrate a bit while reflecting on the hard work and history that got us here. Over the coming months, join us as we reflect upon and celebrate the world-class place that “Sawdust City” has become over the course of 150 years.