Belly Up As Wisconsin fights over its future, take time to eat like a pioneer

In the thick of a momentous struggle for the future of our great state of Wisconsin, paying tribute to the pioneers who forged the way feels right. On March 6, beginning at 1 p.m., the annual Milton Historical Society Pioneer Dinner will celebrate the arrival of Joseph Goodrich to what is now Milton, Wisconsin. Goodrich, who built a stagecoach inn called the Milton House in 1844, was part of the Underground Railroad, and helped to conceal runaway slaves in a basement under the Milton House. (History can be intriguing: The in-and-out system access included a trapdoor and a series of subterranean passages.) The annual commemoration of Goodrich and the town of Milton looks to be a collection of locals and history buffs gathering over a homemade meal at the Seventh Day Baptist Church (720 E. Madison Ave., Milton, 608-868-7772). The food each year is sturdy Wisconsin farm fare: a buffet of homemade soups, chili with corn bread, baked potatoes with sour cream and chives, bread, cheese, and homemade cakes and pies. The feast will be followed by a talk from Jerry Apps on “Remembering Our Rural Heritage.” (Apps is the author of more than 25 books, many drawing from his childhood on a Wisconsin farm.) Tickets ($9 for Milton Historical Society members, $10 for non-members) should be purchased in advance at the Milton Historical Society, Dave’s Ace Hardware, Northleaf Winery, the First Community Bank, the Bank of Milton, or Milton Savings Bank.

FATSOMETER: 8. That hearty farm food really sticks to the ribs.