Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Photo of Oscar Rennebohm listing to a radio broadcast

Madison, A Capital Idea


Read More About It

"Oscar Rennebohm, 79, State, Civic Leader, Dies" Wisconsin State Journal, Oct. 16, 1968

"Rennebohm Won't Seek Reelection" Wisconsin State Journal, May 25, 1950

"Rennebohm Dies" The Capital Times, Oct. 15, 1968

"Oscar Rennebohm: A Pictoral Memoir" The Capital Times, Oct. 15, 1968


Vocabulary:

majoring
pharmacy


Interesting Fact:

Rennebohm started in 1912 with one pharmacy and two employees. His business expanded to include 20 pharmacies, 900 employees and a catering service.


Study Questions:

  • What were the major issues Rennebohm faced while governor?
  • What prompted Rennebohm to enter the race for lieutenant governor with no previous political experience?
  • What was the name of his pharmacies?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on May 25:

    1935: Babe Ruth hit his 714th and final home run.
    1979: The worst U.S. aviation accident occurs when 275 people are killed as an American Airlines DC-10 crashes during takeoff in Chicago.



    • May 25

    Wisconsin's Governors

    May 25, 1889: Oscar Rennebohm, the 32nd governor of Wisconsin, was born on May 25, 1889 in Leeds, Wisconsin. His family moved to Milwaukee where he first worked in a drug store. He attended the University of Wisconsin, majoring in pharmacy. Soon after graduation Rennebohm bought a pharmacy. He entered politics in 1944 when he was elected lieutenant governor with Governor Walter Goodland. When Goodland died in 1947 Rennebohm became acting governor and was elected in 1948. He returned to his pharmaceutical business in 1950. Died: October 15, 1968.

    Wisconsin History Day By Day homepage
    January - December calendar page