Citizen Activism
History Kit Inventory
Original Artifact and Documents
 “Recycling” button, late 1970s. Eau Claire County recycling began as a volunteer
effort organized by the Eau Claire Ecology Area Ecology Association in 1971.
 "Stop Nuclear Power" bumper sticker from the Tyrone Nuclear Power Plant protests,
mid-1970s.
 Mother Earth News, 1974. First published in 1969, the magazine marketed itself to
"today's turned-on people of all ages. The creative ones. The doers. The folks who
make it all happen." It emphasized ecology, working with nature, and sustainable
living.
Documents (all reproduced)
1. “Student attention turns from Vietnam to problem of environmental pollution,” February
2, 1970. The Spectator, the student newspaper for Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire
(now University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire).
2. Label from a bottle of insecticide manufactured by Exito Laboratories in Eau Claire,
mid-1960s. The insectide included DDT, a substance banned in the U.S. in 1972
because of its harmful effects on wildlife.
3. Northern States Power (NSP) and Dairyland Power Cooperative ad placed in the
Durand Courier-Wedge, October 26, 1978. The ad states that Western Wisconsin will
eventually be using more electricity — “the issue isn't “why Tyrone?” but “when?”” —
so a new electrical generating plant was needed. Lucille and Harold Bauer.
4. "The Love Canal, A Landfill of Hell…., " Family Weekly, October 28, 1978. The article
summarized the Love Canal story and its implications for the nation. Lucille and Harold
Bauer.
5. NSP “Keeping You Informed" advertisement, from Hi Lites, a publication of the Eau
Claire Leader-Telegram," March 26, 1976. Lucille and Harold Bauer.
6. Tyrone Nuclear Energy Park proposed power corridors map, about 1973. Jon Dodge.
7. "Environmental Action" press release about the first "Teach-In," March 11, 1970. The
Teach-In came to be known as Earth Day. Wisconsin’s own Senator, Gaylord Nelson,
organized the first Earth Day. On that day, 20 million Americans demonstrated for a
healthy and sustainable environment. Eau Claire Area Ecology Action papers, UW-Eau
Claire Special Collections & Archives.
8. Gaylord Nelson newsletter for first Earth-Day, 1970. Eau Claire Area Ecology Action
papers, UW-Eau Claire Special Collections & Archives.
9. Gaylord Nelson newsletter for first Earth-Day, second page, 1970. Eau Claire Area
Ecology Action papers, UW-Eau Claire Special Collections & Archives.
10. Oak Park Dairy advertisement, promoting its use of glass as a way to preserve the
environment, mid–1970s. Eau Claire Area Ecology Action papers, UW-Eau Claire
Special Collections & Archives.
11. Coca Cola advertisement mock-up sent to the Ecology Club at Wisconsin State
University-Eau Claire. Eau Claire Area Ecology Action papers, UW-Eau Claire Special
Collections & Archives.
12. Newsletter excerpts from Eau Claire Area Ecology Action (ECAEA), later Northern
Thunder, 1974-1977. The ECAEA organized in 1970 in response to the first Earth Day. Its
original publication was “Eco News,” but was re-titled “Hard Rain” when the
organization changed its name to Northern Thunder. Eau Claire Area Ecology Action
papers, UW-Eau Claire Special Collections & Archives.
Graphic Aides for discussing U.S. pollution, printed in 1971. Set of nine (9).
Photographs (all reproduced):
1. Picketers in front of NSP in Eau Claire protesting proposed nuclear plant at Tyrone,
October 1973
2. Discussion between Robert Simpson, Dunn County sheriff deputy, and an NSP
representative during sit-in at proposed Tyrone Nuclear plant site, September 6, 1978.
3. Protesters on their way to the proposed Tyrone nuclear plant site to stage a peaceful
sit-in, September 6, 1978. The group was attempting to halt test well drilling by NSP,
protesting what they claimed to be illegal drilling of the site by NSP. They also wanted
to prevent NSP from spending more money. At that time, the Wisconsin Public Service
Commission (PSC) was reviewing NSP’s nuclear plant construction application.
Protesters believed that if work and spending were allowed to continue, the PSC
would lose its option to reject plans for the plant because of the money already
committed by NSP and two other utilities.
4. Collection of protesters, known as the Tyrone National Guard, leave proposed Tyrone
Nuclear Plant near Durand after six-day sit-in, September 11, 1978.
5. Demonstrators march away from site of proposed nuclear plant after six-day sit-in,
September 11, 1978. NSP halted test well drilling, one of the demonstrators’ key
demands.
6. Citizens rally in support of the proposed Tyrone Nuclear Energy Plant, December 11,
1978.
Multimedia (in binder)
 CD with the following resources: Lesson Unit • Document, photo, and cartoon analysis
worksheets • PowerPoints created for Unit