Sally, Sorry to disappoint you, but I really don't have any real knowledge. I just sort of picked Wisconsin out of mid air, I could have easily written Chicago or Iowa. In reading these papers there seem to be quite a few who visit "the West" and also many from states to the west who come to Vermont to visit, many after very long absences. Ruth Ruth, I would love it if you would comment re the man who had a party for his forty-first birthday, not his fortieth when he may have been sick or "off visiting in Wisconsin". I'm particularly interested in what you may know re the relationship between Vermonters and Wisconsin. My maternal grandfather's roots are deep in southern Vermont, yet his father, Leslie, was born in Wisconsin. Leslie's father, Lewis, had an uncle and other family members in Wisconsin, which is probably why they went. Any light you could shed re Vermonters moving to Wisconsin would be appreciated. Thanks so much. Sally in Western MA -- Ruth Barton mrgjb@sover.net Dummerston, VT