1. GET-YOUR-DANCE-ON DAY

If Volume One had existed in 1857, one of the few events you’d have found in its pages would have been a Dec. 19 dance at Reed’s Hall. The dance was one of the first recorded events at the hall, Eau Claire’s first venue for parties and meetings, making it one of the first-ever cultural events in Sawdust City. The dance ran from 7pm to midnight, and “No gentleman (were) admitted unaccompanied by a lady.” Take that, single guys.

2. TELLY-VERSARY

Sixty years ago Chippewa Vallians lucky enough to have TVs had to make do with snowy reception from stations in the Twin Cities. That changed Dec. 23, 1953, when Eau Claire’s WEAU-TV went on the air. Celebrate the day by dressing up like the legendary Sheriff Bob.

3. TWIST THE TAP MONTH

Even more important than being able to turn on the TV is being able to turn on the faucet, something Eau Claire residents did for the first time in December 1885 when the city’s first waterworks was completed. The spring-fed system included 23 miles of mains and 296 hydrants. We’ll drink a glass of tap water to progress!

4. LUCIUS FAIRCHILD’S BIRTHDAY

Who the heck is Lucius Fairchild? Only one of the baddest dudes in Wisconsin history and the namesake of Fairchild in eastern Eau Claire County. During the Civil War, Fairchild – born Dec. 27, 1831 – rose from the rank of private to brigadier general, helped lead Wisconsin troops in one of the most legendary units of the war, the Iron Brigade, and lost his left arm fighting at Gettysburg. Unhampered by his disability, he later became governor of Wisconsin and U.S. ambassador to Spain.

5. CHEAP MOVIE DAYZ

Barstow Street’s Cameo Theater – now known as Micon’s Downtown Cinema – opened in December 1946 with the film The Bachelor’s Daughters. Back then, it cost 40 cents to see a matinee and 50 cents for an evening show, compared with $4 now (and $3 Tuesdays). Accounting for inflation, it’s cheaper to see a movie there today!