Will Milton College Become A Ghost Town?
The big news in Milton this week was that CESA 2 is leaving its home in the Milton College Historic District for a shiny new building in Whitewater. The news was sad, but not totally unexpected; rumors had been out there for a while. It's still a bummer, though, when the shoe actually drops.
CESA 2 is currently housed in a building that was once the Daland Fine Arts Center on the Milton College campus. When we moved here a decade after the college closed, the building was already in a state of disrepair, a chained-up mess that would have looked more at home in an abandoned big city neighborhood.
CESA's arrival was a shot in the arm for the old campus. The Daland building was renovated and expanded, and the crumbling tennis courts next to it were replaced with a parking lot to accommodate the offices.
Unfortunately, the positive effect of CESA's arrival was soon canceled out by the close of the Whitford Hall antique shop. For several years now, Whitford Hall has sat empty and lifeless, occasionally marked with a For Sale or For Rent sign to signal its availability.
The departure of CESA will follow the closing of another nearby antique shop, Campus Antiques Mall, which called it a day in 2009 after operating for years in the former Milton College gymnasium across High Street. Where the Milton College campus used to be a gold mine for antique hunters, now only one shop remains – the delightful Goodrich Hall Antiques run by Terry and Joe Williamson, who also live in the top floor of this former college dormitory.
When people think about Milton College, they generally think of the three buildings that face College Street (Main, Whitford and Goodrich Halls), the Daland Center, and the administration building. With the exception of Goodrich, CESA's departure could leave the campus as little more than a ghost town. Main Hall has occasional activity in its beautifully remodeled chapel, but for the most part, it's pretty quiet. The administration building is a privately-owned vacation home only occupied for a brief part of the year.
Unfortunately, the quiet campus has become a target for vandalism. Just last week, flood lights illuminating the front of Main Hall were destroyed. Earlier in the winter, windows were broken at the administration building. Kids are often seen loitering on and around the vacant buildings. Stolen property has been found on several occasions in the small wooded area next to the college green. It's alarming to those of us in the neighborhood. We realize that we need to be more alert as citizens and it has prompted us to start a Neighborhood Watch group as well as step up our involvement in CrimeStoppers.
Fortunately, CESA doesn't leave Milton until early 2011, which allows time to try to find a new tenant. But even a new tenant for that building is just part of the cure. What Milton College really needs is a visionary with a lot of money to invest who sees the potential in making this historic district a vibrant place once again – someone who could do for Milton College what Ken Hendricks did for Beloit Ironworks, Arrow Park and scores of other buildings. Alas, people like Ken are as rare as white buffalo, and in the current economy, perhaps rarer.
I feel like we've constantly missed opportunities as a community to take advantage of the draw of the Milton House. When all three antique stores were open on campus, I always felt that we were close but could never quite close the deal. Milton could have been a great day trip, a day of history and antique shopping, and while you're here, grab a bite to eat and a bottle of our local wine.
Perhaps something like this will still happen eventually. Here's hoping that my concerns about another empty campus building will turn out to be moot.
Mar 28, 2010 at 3:31 p.m.
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I attended Milton College in 1961-1963 and am so saddened to read of the campus's demise. As a Goodrich Hall dorm resident (top floor) I have many fond memories there...including "panty-raids" by the college boys! Not having been back to the campus for almost 50 years, I visited there last fall and was shocked. I hope something can be done to preserve it.
Feb 2, 2010 at 6:23 p.m.
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Thanks! It's going to be an awesome event. 11 area musical acts are volunteering their time and talent to perform. the great folks at United Arts Alliance, SpotLight on Kids and Theatre Unlimited teamed up to sponsor the show, which means that 100% of the proceeds collected that night - every single penny - will go to the American Red Cross Haiti relief fund. A press release with more details will be coming out in a day or two. It's Friday, Feb. 26 at JPAC, from 6:30 to 9 pm. Please plan on attending - great music for a great cause!
Feb 2, 2010 at 1:40 p.m.
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Thank you for your support of the earthquake survivors - God Bless!
Feb 2, 2010 at 11:38 a.m.
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Mouse - I have no doubt that you are a thoughtful, caring person, as evidenced by your support of relief for the Haitian earthquake survivors. (By the way, I am part of a committee that is organizing a "Music for Haiti" benefit at JPAC on Feb. 26. Please come.)
However, I am a little disheartened that you misperceive my writing about Milton; unless I'm misunderstanding YOUR meaning, it appears that you believe I am in favor of a private, little all-white gated community reminiscent of Pleasantville. I do believe that bigger is not always better, but there are plenty of small communities that successfully mine tourism with destination shopping and attractions to create a vibrant business community.
There is no shame in enjoying the benefits of small-town living. But small-town living doesn't automatically equate to closed-mindedness and elitism. If I am misinterpreting your remarks, please accept my apologies. I just want you to know my meaning on this. Thanks for reading...
Feb 2, 2010 at 11:09 a.m.
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Do you expect the visionary to come from within, or from "Fuhgeddaboutit" communities?
You make valid points in your blog, but expect businesses to invest in what you previously stated is a "Bigger isn't always better" environment.
Milton is a nice town, but maybe it's the mindset of some that gets in the way. Good luck!
Feb 2, 2010 at 4:43 a.m.
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THANKS to JIM LYKE for his continuing discussion about MILTON, WI through his blog! We LOVE MILTON, WI! Our children (2) went through the whole K-12 system. Now our grandchildren (2) are going through the K-12 system. We truly believe that MILTON, WI is a wonderful small town.
As one discusses the issues of the MILTON COLLEGE CAMPUS, I would like to learn more as to the IMPACT when the "GREAT STATE OF WI" created the UW-college system with 13 campuses throughout WI. Was there thoughtful & careful evaluation of locations? WHY was UW-Rock County built in Janesville, WI? So close to the long standing UW-Whitewater and closer to MILTON COLLEGE and very close to the Beloit College!!!! It has been my perception that the "GREAT STATE OF WI" killed Milton College. WHY did they do that?! When we mvoed to Milton in summer 1972, Milton College was still active. Someone needs to re-assess the WHOLE UW system to reduce the number of campuses and to RATIONALIZE the system. NOTE: Taxpayers and voters need to be aware of the fact that while there is talk about the "UW system" in the singular, in reality it is a system with 13 4-year campuses and 13 2-year campuses. These 26 units compete with one another at every level! This causes time and money (a very limited resource now in WI!) to be WASTED on internal competition.
We are NOT going to resurrect Milton College, UNfortunately! One comment suggests making it another UW campus! HELP! NO! NO! NO! Let's reduce the numbger of UW campuses in WI!!!!
Milton might attract one of the excellent PROPRIETARY colleges (there are over 3,000 of varying quality throughout the USA, including: University of Phoenix, Milwaukee Career College, DeVry University, American College of Education. Wikipedia has a good feature article on proprietary colleges: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary....)
One wonders whether or NOT the owner of the former Milton College buildings has been forthcoming and realistic in negotiating rents with the tenants. One wonders whether the CITY OF MILTON has been as forthcoming vis-a-vis the former Milton College Campus as they were for recent corporate developments, e.g., ethanol. Yes, one wonders... add your comments - What do YOU wonder about, Miltonians?
KEEP UP THE GOOOOOOD WORK, JIM! Here we go...
John
Feb 1, 2010 at 9:04 p.m.
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Well goodrichlady you are the minority,and you are also talking about a business started 13 years ago. I am talking about the last five years more close than stay open. I'm sure you can check with city hall on those numbers and see I am right.
Feb 1, 2010 at 7:59 p.m.
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Thank you Jim for the kind words about our business in the former Milton College dorm, Goodrich Hall Antiques. I am also concerned about another college building being vacated. CESA is the current occupant. This organization brings many people in from other areas when they have seminars. This is good for the city, I know this first hand because during breaks these teachers and workers come out into our community and spend money.This was also the case when Campus Antiques was here.I think someone should try to work harder to keep the tenants they have so we dont lose them to other communities. As for the comment made by browneyes, I am offended that you would say "forget the shops" bring in the jobs. Tourism is also a very vital way to help out any community. Small shops may not employ alot of people but they are still important to the economy of any City. Tourism brings in good money, and could in the end bring in bigger Industry. Now to cardtrader- we have been in business for 13 years and are not planning on closing anytime soon, so please dont make a big assumption about all little shops. You are right about one thing they are not supported enough by the locals, that is sad. I dont mean to offend anyone just wanted to clear up a few things. Thanks
Feb 1, 2010 at 9:52 a.m.
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This is Milton Alderman Brett Frazier.
In the coming year I will be offering ideas and a vision to the council and the Historic Preservation Commission (which is looking for new members, by the way...) on how we as a city can address the revitalization of the Milton College campus buildings. I believe these buildings were and can be again the centerpiece of our city and 2010 is the year we start to move deliberately in that direction.
I would love it if there were a college in our city again someday and I believe we should pursue that type of venture, but the college buildings need a more immediate intervention, I'm afraid. I believe that these old buildings can become our city center and the face of Milton. If live in the city of Milton, you believe in this type of work and you've got an evening free once a month we'd love to talk to you about the Historic Preservation Commission's current openings.
You can contact me or the staff at City Hall through www.ci.milton.wi.us
Jan 31, 2010 at 7:44 p.m.
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I was sad to read of the decline in the Milton College area, especially the adminstration
building. I worked there from 1974-1979 and tell friends still today, it was the best job I ever had. I now live in Las Vegas, NV, but still read the Janesville Gazette on-line. I hope, somehow, the Milton College area can be saved for future generations. It's a part of
Wisconsin history.
Jan 31, 2010 at 5:41 p.m.
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A "teen" center would be great! Focus on the 16 to 20 group. There are a lot of graduates around, 18-20, that have nowhere to hang out. Most are already in the work force, and have to say no thank you to the "socialization" of the "working crowd"... or, break the law to enjoy a night out. Give them somewhere to go, and something to do that is legal. Meet new friends, and not feel like a "third wheel". There is just nothing out there for this age group.
Jan 31, 2010 at 5 p.m.
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Was sitting here thinking about the gym building. Too bad the Y, or the youth sports groups couldn't use it for their games and practices. Better yet get the teens in the area together like Edgerton did and have a teen center in the building.
Jan 31, 2010 at 3:42 p.m.
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This Milton College alum wishes that this beautiful campus was still as vibrant as it once was. But, those days are gone and it's time for Milton to move forward. Perhaps, as Jim Lyke suggests, an investor will see through the vandalism and old buildings and resurrect this former private college into a UW-satellite school or a campus for new industry. Forget the shops...bring in the jobs because Milton and Rock County need it. I wish you all the best Milton!
Jan 31, 2010 at 9:29 a.m.
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Milton is a great little town to live in as far as a place to start up a business not so great, it seems to me more little shops open and close within a year there is just no local support unless your selling alochol as a main menu item.
Jan 31, 2010 at 8:36 a.m.
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"could have been" make that can be you mover & shaker!!!
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