About Lodi
Demographics | History | Susie the Duck | Lodi Chamber of Commerce
The City of Lodi, was incorporated November 6, 1941 and is located in the heart of scenic south central Wisconsin, Columbia County. The City is situated in a beautiful valley among gently rolling hills near the Wisconsin River. Spring Creek meanders through the City including the Main Street Area. Lodi is approximately 25 miles from the State Capital and is currently home to 2,929 residents. Residents of the City of Lodi enjoy several beautiful City Parks and a free public pool in Goeres Park. The City also offers a nine-hole public golf course. The newly constructed state of the art middle and high schools make the City an excellent place for families with children to live. The City also has a local library and is serviced by one of the best volunteer fire and emergency medical service in the State. Local merchants and an area farmer’s market welcome visitors to the City.
A Mayor and a six member Common Council govern the City of Lodi. The City provides a wide range of municipal services, including public safety (police, fire, and emergency medical service), public utilities (electric, water, and sewer), public works, parks, library, and general government services.
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History
“If an immigrant has …any relish for splendid scenery, let him come to these parts, where he will find in every direction where he may cast his eye, all that is lovely and beautiful to look upon, while at the same time he will have a soil as fertile as any outside of old Eden, and a climate equally salubrious.”
-The Lodi Flag, 1856
Spectacular natural beauty, an abundance of water power and rich soil are what drew early visitors and settlers to the area now known as Lodi. Though part of an 1836 purchase by eastern land speculators known as the Western Land Co., the Lodi area’s first known settlers were brothers M.C. and G.M. Bartholomew, who ventured north from Illinois in late 1844, early 1845.
In 1845, Judge Isaac Palmer discovered the area while traveling from nearby Madison on a hunting trip. He quickly purchased 40 acres on the banks of Spring Creek. In 1846, he erected a log cabin for himself, and shortly thereafter built a sawmill.
By the late 1850′s the Main Street commercial district was similar to what we see today, mainly two blocks of storefronts between Portage Street and Columbus Street. In 1871, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad tracks were laid through town and the next year, Lodi was officially incorporated as a village.
From 1893 to 1898, the population of Lodi grew by 238, and was listed at 974 at the end of 1898. During that time period, improvements included electric streetlights (1894), municipal waterworks (1895) and telephone service (1897). Lodi saw a significant building boom during this period. Many of the homes in Lodi’s two Historic Districts (Portage Street District and the Lodi-Prairie Street District) were constructed during this period.
The Lodi Canning Company, producer of Lodi’s Idol canned peas and creamed corn, was created in 1917 and remains Lodi’s largest seasonal employer. By 1919, Lodi had become home to 1200 residents.
Like many areas, Lodi was greatly affected by the Great Depression. However, in 1935, Lodi Canning Co. president and founder, Dr. T.O. Goeres persuaded the CWA to fund construction of two parks, which are now known as Veterans Memorial Park and Goeres Park. During this time period, much of the stonework along Spring Creek, as well as the Corner Street/Primary School wall were constructed. Today, they continue to provide rest, relaxation, beauty and contemplation for residents and visitors alike.
Lodi was reincorporated as a city in 1941. It has continued to grow, with a population of 2093 in 1990, and a present day total of about 3,000.
Much like the early economy driven by the power of Spring Creek, Lodi today remains a vibrant city, closely connected with the water. Whether as the gateway to the Wisconsin River Scenic Byway, Lake Wisconsin, the Merrimac Ferry, Wisconsin Dells or other points North, or as home to Susie the Duck, Lodi still draws it’s energy from the creek that first inspired visitors nearly 170 years ago.
Download a Historic Lodi Walking Tour Brochure
(intended for 11″ by 17″ page)
View Historic Lodi Photo Gallery
Susie The Duck
The Legend of Susie the Duck…
A long time ago, (1948) a country mallard made Lodi her home. She settled in the downtown area and laid her eggs in a large masonary basket full of beautiful flowers. When her eggs hatched, she drew quite a bit of attention as locals and visitors came to observe her brood.
Lodi’s then police chief and his granddaughter also came to see the small fuzzy baby ducklings and their mother. The chief asked his granddaughter what she thought the mother duck’s name should be? She replied “Susie”.
Susie has faithfully returned to her flower basket for years, raising many ducklings and much media attention.
Through the years, many “Susies” have nested in the flower basket. Each year Lodi hosts an annual “Susie the Duck Day” celebrating the famous fowl who nests in the heart of Lodi.
View Susie the Duck’s Photo Gallery
About the Chamber
Mission
The Mission of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce is to be the voice of its members: promoting economic growth and encouraging community development to enhance the image of the Lodi area as a great place to live, work, and visit.
Download a membership application.
Board of Directors 2010
President -- Karla Faust, F&F Construction & Properties
Vice President - Jon Plumer, Karate America
Executive Director -- Irene “Beanie” Ludlum
Tom Wendler, Edward Jones
Eric Hilton, Capital Newspapers
Bud Styer, Smokey Hollow Camp Grounds
Peggy Joutras, First Weber Group
Stephanie Schmidt, Brian Schmidt Enterprises
Jason Rasmussen Rasmussen Mortgage
Diane Riley Associated Bank
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