National Dairy Shrine to Showcase 75th Anniversary of Klussendorf Trophy - Cowsmo

National Dairy Shrine to Showcase 75th Anniversary of Klussendorf Trophy

The National Dairy Shrine Museum and the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wis. are pleased to feature an exhibit celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Klussendorf Trophy.  Opening the week of Tuesday, September 18, 2012, the exhibit will run through the end of October, during a six-to-eight-week period centered around World Dairy Expo.

The exhibit will feature photos and memorabilia of past winners as well as the Klussendorf Trophy made by Tiffany and Company.
The idea for the Klussendorf Trophy developed from the untimely death of Arthur Klussendorf in 1936.  Klussendorf was considered one of the most popular and talented cowmen of his time.  Three of his close friends, Harry Strohmeyer, Earl Hopper, D.V.M., and Gordon Hall met after his funeral to discuss a memorial trophy in honor of the beloved dairyman.

The trio raised funds and selected Tiffany and Company of New York, N.Y., to craft the trophy.  The trophy would be awarded to the individual who exemplified the qualities that made Art so popular amongst his peers, sportsmanship, ability and endeavor. In 1937, Mrs. Klussendorf presented the trophy to the first winner, Olaf Kjome of Minnesota.

This prestigious award gave birth to many other awards to recognize outstanding dairymen.  Awards such as the Klussendorf-MacKenzie Award, Al Hay Award, A.C. “Whitie” Thomson Award, McKown Award and the Merle Howard Award were created to remember past Klussendorf honorees.

The Klussendorf exhibit follows other successful one-time exhibits, including 2010’s 125th Anniversary display of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine and last year’s Brown Swiss exhibit.  A decision has been made to continue with special exhibits in the Historical Museum’s Mary Hoard Gallery each year during the time of World Dairy Expo to showcase the dairy industry.

The National Dairy Shrine Museum and the Hoard Historical Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson.  The museum is normally open Tuesday through Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  However, during World Dairy Expo week, the museum will be open Sunday, September 30th and Monday, October 1st.  There is no admission fee; cash donations are gratefully accepted.  For more information, call 920-563-7769 or email [email protected].

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