Bio: Jantsch, Jim - Publishes History of Dorchester Book

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Jantsch

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 30 Nov 2005

(Article written by Karyn Nelson)

It took five years and 544 pages, but amateur historian Jim Jantsch finally achieved his vision: a written history of the village of Dorchester.

The paperback book, "Dorchester: Small in size, big in history and hap-penings," is now available for sale. All proceeds will go to support the Dorchester library.

Jantsch said the book started as a way to pass the time during the winter in 2000. A year ago, he decided what he was finding out needed to be shared with others.

"I saw I had really good material worth putting into print," Jantsch said. "My interest level reached such a height that I just couldn't stop."

The information came from three sources: newspapers from Abbotsford, Colby and Medford, Clark County deeds and land records, and old Dorchester newspapers.

"Without the newspapers, I would not have had any good research material," he said.

With so much information, Jantsch decided to divide it into 36 chapters about each topic of interest. For example, there are chapters on businesses, homes, agriculture and newspapers.

"I wanted to break it down into some type of system I could cope with," he said.

Many of the stories are pieced together from bits and scraps of information from several different sources. Jantsch estimates this process took him about 6,000 hours.

"I guess maybe I have a higher level of interest in history than most people," he said.

The book begins about the time Dorchester was established on July 2, 1874. As a railroad town, timber drove the industry. Back then, today's valuable hardwoods were considered "junk." Tall white pine trees were in demand for construction.

Besides just the facts, Jantsch goes into detail about day-to-day life in Dorchester's early years. For example, he gives detailed descriptions of the leather tanning and charcoal manufacturing processes.
Jantsch characterizes his book as "good winter reading," and says it would make a great Christmas present for past and present residents of Dorchester.

The book is dedicated to Jantsch's mother, Loretta, who at 97 is the oldest person born in Dorchester who still lives there.

"And she still scrubs the kitchen floor on her hands and knees," he said.

For now, Jantsch is selling the book out of his home. After investing $5,000 of his own money, Jantsch received 300 copies from Prism Publishing Center, Minneapolis, Minn. He is charging $25 per copy with all proceeds going to support the Dorchester library.

Jantsch will also mail the book to anywhere. At a hefty weight of four pounds, there is a $5 charge for ship-ping.

After the first 300 copies are sold, Jantsch will take orders for books. Once he reaches 100, he will order a new batch from the printer.

The book contains no photographs except for 69 small prints of the oldest homes in Dorchester. He is also selling a CD of 368 old photographs for $10 each.

To purchase of copy of the book, contact Jantsch at 654-5432. He can also be reached via e-mail at the4js@pcpros.com.

(Picture of Jim holding the first copy of the book)