The City of Oconomowoc has announced a brand new promotion to help celebrate both Valentine’s Day and the City’s 150th birthday. Up until February 5, citizens of Oconomowoc are being given the chance to fill out a “love letter Valentine”. The Valentine template is available to be downloaded and printed off, or a pre-printed copy of the black and white Valentine can be picked up at City Hall. On the page, residents are encouraged to write out all of the things they love about Oconomowoc. Once returned, the City has promised to display the letters for everyone in the community to see and read. The letters will be displayed at the Oconomowoc Public Library. For citizens who are looking for a different way to express their love for the city, a coloring page is also available.
The Love Letters to Oconomowoc is a part of the city’s sesquicentennial anniversary celebrations. Throughout 2025, the City of Oconomowoc has prepared several fun activities and ways to honor the City’s past, present, and future. Earlier this year, the City kicked off the festivities by celebrating the first baby born in during the special year. Ella, born January 2, was honored with a special certificate signed by the current Mayor Robert P. Magnus. On January 7, the Oconomowoc Common Council kicked off their own festivities. In an announcement from Mayor Magnus, they named January 16 as ‘City of Oconomowoc Day’.
The City was first settled in 1837 by two men who built log cabins in the area. Businesses were added and the small settlement grew steadily over time. In 1875 Oconomowoc was officially incorporated as a city as it had ascertained over 3,000 residents. Since then, the community has only grown, forging a rich identity throughout the years. The City of Oconomowoc has high hopes that the anniversary celebrations will be a way to honor its local history.
Several more events are scheduled for the 150th anniversary. Included among these are concerts, museum displays, and a July 4 time capsule burial. Currently, the City is still searching for the oldest resident, whom Mayor Magnus wishes to recognize in honor of the City’s anniversary. The qualifying ‘Oldest Resident’ must currently live in Oconomowoc and should reach out to the City Marketing and Communications Specialist to be considered a nominee.
