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As part of the 175th anniversary of the settling of Beaver Dam the Dodge County Historical Society is recreating “Indian Night.”

Arrangements have been made through the Ho-Chunk Nation to put on a performance at Swan City Park Tuesday at 6 p.m. The tribe has an educational/entertainment group that will perform. The program will include dancing and Native American music performed in traditional garb.

Everyone familiar with Beaver Dam is aware of Swan City Park. The spring there was a gathering spot for Native Americans. Dr. George Swan bought the property in the 1880s and made it into a resort called Vita Park. People from all over the country, and some from outside the U.S., came to Beaver Dam for the “healing waters.” In the early 20th century the city acquired the property and made it into a city park. During the late 1930s a band shell was built with “dancing waters,” coordinated with lights and music, in front of the shell.

A plan was developed for utilization of the band shell and regular programs started in 1940. Each summer the community band performed several concerts. Additionally there were two special nights. One was “Circus Night” which featured acrobats, clowns, animals, a ringmaster and circus music. The other was “Indian Night” which included dancing and music related to Native Americans.