Richland Center native honored with Historic Marker

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – Former Governor and Richland Center native, Vernon W. Thomson was honored in Richland Center Wednesday (November 5) at a Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony at Krouskop Park on what would have been his 120^th birthday. Thomson was born in Richland Center on November 5, 1905. He served as Richland County Assistant DA and City Attorney. From 1944 to 1951 he served as mayor of Richland Center. Current mayor, Todd Coppernoll, welcomed those in attendance to the ceremony.

Thomson was elected as governor of Wisconsin, defeating William Proxmire in 1956. He served one tow-year term as governor, enacting some of the strictest lobbying laws in the nation. He approved providing group life insurance for state employees and revising the public retirement system.

In 1960 he was elected to Congress and re-elected to six additional term running 1961 to 1975. He was one of the original commissioners of the Federal Election Commission, served on Foreign Affairs and Small Business committees.

Vernon Thomson always made time to return to Richland Center. Bob Bellman was behind the effort for the Historic Preservation Commission to move forward with this recognition.

Fitzie Heimdahl is from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Many felt that this recognition was long over due including current mayor, Todd Coppernoll.

Vernon W. Thomson died on April 2, 1988 at the age of 82 in Washington D.C.  and is buried in the Richland Center Cemetery.

---