Many don't realize this but the Kickapoo indians were first known in southern Wisconsin and they relocated all over the U.S. They were very hostile to the white man and have quite a history. I don't think they would ever have appreciated a gas company named after them! As I'm sure you know, 'Portage' means to carry your canoe on your back and the city of Portage, WI was named after a narrow neck of land between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers where trappers, traders, settlers, etc had to portage their canoes from one to the other. It was orignally named "Wau-wau-onah" for 'carry on the shoulder' in Winnebago but the French named it 'Le Portage' during their occupation. Being from Portage, WI I had to learn its history in school. At least there were many interesting historical sites to visit there.

Interesting pictures:

On the main page is a picture of Pauquette Park. I learned to ice skate on the ponds there:
http://www.portagewi.com/

http://www.portagewi.com/photogallery/gallery/10.asp
(What is funny is the corner doesn't look much different!)

http://www.portagewi.com/photogallery/gallery/15.asp
(The hotel became the Ram Hotel later on)

http://www.portagewi.com/photogallery/gallery/18.asp
(This was a typical school trip)
History:
http://www.portagewi.com/visitor.asp


You may find the Winter Code of Ordinances interesting:
http://portageparkrec.tripod.com/

Hard to imagine there being that much of a problem with people feeding wild animals inside the city! :o)

I don't live in Wisconsin now because of the snow and ice removal rules! :o)
Burrrr!!!!!!!!!!


>>I remember gas costing 29.9 cents at the Kickapoo gas station in Portage, Wi! That was a long time ago...
>
>Neat names! :)