The local historical society here in Iola has recently acquired a new building and I more or less have been chosen to be in charge of the railroad displays. At one time there actually was a railroad from Waupaca through Scandinavia up to Iola that was named the Iola Northern. It was eventually taken over by the Green Bay and Western and the tracks were later torn up in the late 1950's.

As I was attempting to put together a small display of interesting tickets and passes with some connection to this area of the state, I soon checked the Web site of Terry Cox where he has listed all known North American railroad stocks and bonds and also has various railroad memorabilia for sale: www.coxrail.com.
 
Checking through his items for sale, I placed a small order. Much to my surprise, the weekly pass I had ordered from Cox for the Milwaukee Electric Railroad & Transit Company is a special pass with an encircled Irish harp at left for St. Patrick's Day issued in 1939. Measuring 90 x 51 mm, it was good for the Milwaukee and Racine areas.