'Fighting Bob LaFollette' to be Celebrated in Argyle

On Saturday, June 13, Argyle, WI, will celebrate its most famous historical resident – “Fighting” Bob LaFollette. The date of June 13th was chosen to celebrate the birth of Bob LaFollette, who was born on June 14, 1855.
Free events hosted by Historic Argyle will celebrate the opening of his childhood home to the public. The day’s events will begin at 1:00 p.m., with tours of the house. A program will be held at 2:00 p.m., with descendants of Bob LaFollette in attendance. At 3:00 p.m., the crowd will be entertained by the Peggy Miller Irish Quartet, and the Fever River Band will play from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A silent auction will be held during the day to raise money for restoration efforts. Food and beverages will be available.
Bob spent his formative years in Argyle (1862-1870) and would eventually become Governor of the Wisconsin, a U.S. Senator, and run for the Presidency of the U.S. as a Progressive. At the time LaFollette lived in Argyle, the home he lived in stood at the crossroads of what is now the intersection of Highways 78 and 81. The house was moved in 1910 to make way for the L.A. Rossing Department Store. Historic Argyle purchased the home in 2000 – at the present location at 204 N. State Street. The home is called the Saxton House for Fighting Bob’s step-father, John J. Saxton, who built the house in 1850.
Historic Argyle Inc. was formed to preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage and architectural history of the people and places of Argyle, Wisconsin. The organization began in the fall of 1999 with only three people. A casual conversation, which began with, “something should be done to save the old Saxton House,” has blossomed into a full-fledged effort at restoration.