Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Conrad, Vinger, Mech, Craig
----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 1/09/1975
Conrad, Phyllis (Community Service - 1975)
Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)
Phyllis Conrad, secretary for Badger State Credit, located in the lower level of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, Greenwood
According to one of the many definitions of the word “service” found in Webster’s New World Dictionary, one is very fitting in describing the personality, and belief of Phyllis Conrad. The definition, “ready to serve or cooperate with anyone” seems to fit in with her work, whether it be at her daily job as secretary-treasurer for Badger State Credit located at Greenwood, or with her work in the county 4-H programs, the homemakers’ association, or her work in the county health program. Service is her belief!
Born in southern Wisconsin, her family moved to the Longwood area when she was a child. Following her graduation from the Greenwood High School, she became employed as secretary-treasurer for Badger State Credit, under the founder Palmer Vinger. Today, the president of the company is Vern Mech, who serves as President for Farmers and Merchants Bank of Greenwood. Explaining the purpose of the office, she points out that the main goal is to help individuals with personal property loans, of which she notes a growing increase.
Getting away from her daily business, one may turn to a number of projects she is affiliated with. For approximately 18 years, she has served as treasurer for the Clark County Fair Board.
Asked about her involvement with the fair and 4-H members, she notes that she has been an active member in the organization, and for the past 23 years has served as general leader of the Longwood Center.
Her interest in the fair also brought about the fairest of the Fair Pageant which she began nine years ago. Commenting on the yearly pageant, she states that the number of entries is usually larger than the state contest, and that this week she and other Clark County officials will accompany Sarah Craig, Clark County Fairest of the Fair to the state contest. Besides coordinating the pageant on the county level, she has also served as chairman of the State Pageant, which is being held at the Mark Plaza in Milwaukee.
Further commenting on 4-H and the county fair, she reflects back on the past fairs, and notes a growing interest in the county fair with more exhibits, and classes. One of the classes that she is pleased with is the Senior Citizens Exhibits which gives this group of people a chance to be a part of the fair. Such a program is now in its third year and has proven to be a worthwhile project. She also served as chairman of the 4-H plat book which is now for sale.
Phyllis also notes that one of the things she finds to be “outstanding” about the 4-H program is the opportunities if gives to the youth, such as the exchange programs which allow many to get out of the local area, and see how different cultures live and learn. In addition, she stresses the friendship, and educational value that the program gives to those involved.
Phyllis also finds time to be involved in the county Homemakers. She is also serving as chairman of the county Homemakers health program, and this year will stress health through different functions. Within her homemakers she enjoys many types of arts and crafts, along with the many other functions offered to one in the organization.
In another field, Phyllis serves as secretary of the Clark County group of the West Central Wisconsin Health Planning Commission. Asked about the purpose of the commission, she comments that its main purpose it to review and assist in getting grants and health needs into Clark County. Clark County is one of ten counties associated with the program.
In the past she has also taken an active part in promoting June Dairy Month and today, continues to do so on an individual basis.
Living at rural Longwood with her husband Fritz, they enjoy the farm which has been in the family for three generations. The Conrad’s do not farm the land, but raise some heifers and hogs. Mr. Conrad is employed at the Clark County Home and Hospital.
There is no doubt that Phyllis Conrad is a fitting example of Webster’s definition of one who gives “service.” She not only gives it to her home area, but to the county, and state level. Commenting on her many fields of work and service, she states that she believes in helping people and just recently became a fully licensed insurance agent which will help her in her daily work.
Summing it up … the words could be lengthy but perhaps in simple terms one could add two words before service which would be “believe in.”
