Downtown plaza emerges as potential site for Rouman memorial

A final decision has not been made but the Rhinelander Common Council moved closer Monday to answering the question of which city-owned space should be renamed to honor the Rouman family following the tragic loss of George Rouman in a car accident in June and his father Mike Rouman’s passing last summer.

Shortly after George’s death, city residents approached the council with a petition to rename Eisenhower Parkway after the family.

The short street was suggested because it is situated between the current Rouman Cinema and the former site of the Rouman Drive-in, both locations “that have brought movie magic to countless Hodags,” according to the petition.

Three generations of the Rouman family have kept the Rhinelander community entertained for more than a century as proprietors of the Majestic Theatre, the State Theater, the Rouman Drive-in and the Rouman Cinema.

George Rouman was serving as president of Rouman Amusement Company at the time of his death. An enthusiastic community leader, he was also the owner of the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe on Brown Street and a gelato catering business. 

As the memorial project gained steam, others suggested renaming West Side Park in honor of the family as George and his sister Patti grew up on the west side.

The alderpersons were quick to express support for a memorial but directed administration to gather more input in the form of a survey, the results of which were reviewed on Monday evening.

Over 84 percent of the survey respondents were in favor of a memorial but the choices as to the best location were split — Diel Plaza was chosen by 31.52 percent of the respondents, 30.43 percent chose Eisenhower Parkway and 21.74 percent preferred West Side Park. 

Approximately 8 percent suggested renaming a portion of Brown Street and approximately 7 percent suggested other locations.

The survey was viewed 1,318 times but only 150 people completed it. Respondents were asked whether they were citizens of the City of Rhinelander as only city residents’ responses were counted.

“We didn’t get the response I was hoping for,” City administrator Patrick Reagan said, noting that the survey was publicized on the city’s website and Facebook page. “It was looked at a bunch of times, it wasn’t taken a ton of times.”

“I thought we’d get a lot more participation but we didn’t.”

The vote count was 29 for Diel Plaza (adjacent to Diel Insurance Group), 28 for West Side Park and 20 for Eisenhower Parkway.

The other votes were for other locations or cast by non-residents.

The alderpersons appeared surprised to learn that Diel Plaza was the highest vote-getter, as some did not recall discussing that area as a potential location.

Alderman Luke Kramer suggested Diel Plaza would be a fitting location as it’s a high traffic area and it’s across from the State Theater “where the Roumans started it all.”

“The only caveat with that location is we should probably do some research if that name (Diel Plaza) has to stay based on land being donated to the city at some (point),” Mayor Kris Hanus noted.

Aldermen Steven Jopek and David Holt stressed that visibility is important as is the addition of a plaque to explain who is being honored and why. 

As the discussion continued, city attorney Steve Sorenson suggested the council establish a naming policy with specific criteria for taking this sort of action that can be defended if anyone were to take issue with a particular decision.

Ultimately, Reagan was directed to research the naming policies established in other communities.

Reagan was also directed to research whether there are any obstacles to renaming Diel Plaza in honor of the Rouman family.

“I’ll do my best to bring something back (to the council) post haste,” he responded.

To watch the entire discussion, visit www.hodagtv.com.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].