An “Ode to Bessie” the cow
Many area residents are fond of “Bessie,” the “Big Cow” that stands sentinel near the intersection of Highway 26 and Interstate 90/39 in Janesville. It caused a stir when the Oasis, her home for decades, was demolished for new developments a few years ago.
The developers repositioned Bessie near that same location, however, after she got a fresh coat of paint.
More recently, some residents complained when the United Way of North Rock County draped a temporary promotional banner over her. That shows the sentiments and ownership many residents feel about Bessie.
Last week, I got an e-mail from a writing acquaintance, Linda Schumacher, who wrote a poem about Bessie. Linda intended it as a letter to the editor. I explained that we do not publish poetry in our letters column because one person’s poetic creation is another reader’s annoyance.
However, I offered to share her poem with my readers here.
“Ode to Bessie”
“She guards the City of Janesville
“And keeps intruders at bay
“Who’ll ever take her seriously
“If as a billboard she’s displayed?
“Bovine dignity firmly in place
“She makes Janesville a wonderful place.
“Many travelers have stood
“Beneath her weathered brow
“Our Bessie, our lady
“Our much beloved
“Famous Janesville cow.”
--Linda Schumacher, 2010
Linda used to work as a receptionist at WCLO/WJVL. Though she lives in Edgerton, she shares our passion for Bessie. She thinks Janesville could do more to enhance her as a cultural icon.
“Every time I drive by the empty Mexican restaurant and see Bessie out there with a sign on her side, I get depressed,” Linda wrote in her e-mail.
“Like many other people in this town, I have fond memories of visiting Bessie when she stood by the Oasis restaurant. And yes, I’ve had my picture taken with her.
“Time goes on and things change, this I do realize.
“BUT, if there needs to be a sign near Bessie, why not one that says ‘Welcome to Janesville’? Maybe a smaller one that also explains who she is and what she means to Janesville?
“This won’t influence world peace, global warming or solve the hunger problem. What it could do is give people something fun to look at, preserve some Janesville history and not just see another billboard.”
I think Linda has a good idea. Don’t you agree?
Greg Peck
Feb 2, 2010 at 9:05 a.m.
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Honestly, I really wish that people would spend more time on issues that matter. Linda needs to get a life. Look the other way when you come into town. The United Way needs support. LIVE UNITED on the side of Bessie. Big deal. And most recently the YELLOW ribbon around her neck in honor of our troops returning home. Let it be Linda. Why not spend your time on matters that merit concern?
Jan 18, 2010 at 11:16 p.m.
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Bessie and Elsie were named back in the 60's just after they were placed at the Oasis.
Bessie stood in front and Elsie behind her in the parking area at the Oasis. I'd like to know the location of Elsie, is she in Nielsville? or is she up by LaCross or Eau Clair?? I know the Big Black and White cow went North.
Right now Bessie has Private owners. She should be purchased by the county and placed under the Public Landmark Protections. Then all of us in Rock County would be careing for her.
Thanks
Please let me know where Elsie is ok?
Jan 13, 2010 at 3:18 p.m.
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The name "Bessie" goes back at least as far as August 2007, when a story we ran noted that at least two Web sites touting giant cows in the region listed Janesville's statue as "Bessie the Cow." I used the term "Old Bessie" in a tongue-in-cheek editorial that same month.
In a 2006 story, we referred to her simply as the "Big Cow."
Greg Peck
Jan 13, 2010 at 1:16 p.m.
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Good grief, Bessie IS advertising.
Jan 13, 2010 at 12:27 p.m.
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There once was a cow from nantucket.
Jan 13, 2010 at 12:01 p.m.
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Nice job Hockeyjockey!
Jan 13, 2010 at 11:53 a.m.
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To Sarah, I want to know how she got her name also. Can someone find out somehow? I wouldn't know where to start!
Jan 13, 2010 at 10:36 a.m.
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We're a bunch of poor slobs
Who are losing our jobs
But all we care about now
Is how we dress a fake cow
Jan 13, 2010 at 9:04 a.m.
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stopwhining: Change your username; you're whining.
Jan 13, 2010 at 9:02 a.m.
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Cute article and ty Linda.stopwhining if you dont like it dont read it. and stop whining
Jan 13, 2010 at 6:53 a.m.
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There was a poor cow named Bess
And poems about her abounded
But ‘twas really a barnyard mess
When they were posted and sounded:
*
Dactyls with iambs were mixed
Rhyme schemes ungainly were seen
No alliteration was fixed
No thematic material keen.
*
But as day on this chapter closes
At least we have one thing for now
However garbed old Bessie poses
She’s still not too bad for a cow.
Jan 13, 2010 at 6:28 a.m.
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Some of you sad, sad people truely need to get a life. Please consider expending your energies doing, not blogging, something positive in our community. (This would include you as well Linda)
Jan 13, 2010 at 4:57 a.m.
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How'd she get her name anyway? I'd rather see her called Jane.
Jan 12, 2010 at 10:54 p.m.
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My apologies Greg, but since the print space is on you, I am sending along another "ode". As a self proclaimed expert in the cow universe as my name would indicate, I feel obligated to contribute to the greater good.
*
There once was a Janesville cow
and the locals would dress her and how
poor Bessie was not fussy
even dressed like a hussie
but she stands buck naked for now.
Jan 12, 2010 at 10:38 p.m.
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There once was an ode to a cow
not to be confused with an Iowa sow
she is repleat
with four fiberglass teat
and spotted hide uncovered for now.
Jan 12, 2010 at 8:59 p.m.
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It's private property...they can do what they want with it.
If you don't like it...buy it.
That's the beauty of our society.
Jan 12, 2010 at 8:48 p.m.
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I'm happy to be greeted by Bessie whenever I come into Janesville from the North. I don't see a problem with non-profit, charitable organizations taking advantage of the cow's popularity. The community benefits from United Way's successes, so what's the big deal? Nobody is commercializing the cow!
Jan 12, 2010 at 6:34 p.m.
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I agree, No more advertising on Bessie, The first failed attempt was the "costume" Del Taco tried to place on the old gal, look what happened to them..and it does not matter if the "advertising" is for a charity... It you want to advertise, put a small community events style board near Bessie
Jan 12, 2010 at 3:56 p.m.
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They started a precedence when they put a banner up from United Way. Where does it end, and who gets their banner put up?
Jan 12, 2010 at 2:33 p.m.
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No More Signs on Bessie. She is part of our fondness for the past and now holds a permanent welcome off the I. I was sad that no organization could place a wreath around her neck at Christmas time, also a great memory. The Natters took good care of her..the businesses of Janesville should pick that up and run with it now and for the future. WB great publicity I would think.
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