Local Author Dan Sitka spoke about his new book Looking Back and Looking Ahead, a history of the Rhode Theater. This is his second book, his first was When Lincoln Met Wisconsin’s Nightingale, about Cordelia Harvey’s campaign for Civil War soldier care. Dan spent a little over 2 years doing research at the History Center, reviewing newspapers. Some interesting facts: 1891 – Peter Rhode, entrepreneur was asked to build an entertainment venue here. In 1896 it was destroyed by fire, but within 10 days, rebuilding was begun. 1925 the building was purchased by a building company and tore down in 1926 and rebuilt as the Gateway theater in 1927. 1963 – new ownership again and became the Lake Theater until 1984 when it was closed and taken over by the city, eventually becoming the home for the Lakeside Players. Famous Facts: John Phillip Sousa performed at least 6 times over the different venues and the Wizard of Oz movie held the very first Premier here in 1939. His books are available for purchase.