Plaza officially dedicated to Rouman family

The City of Rhinelander has settled the question of how to memorialize the Rouman family following the loss of beloved local businessman George Rouman earlier this year. The common council voted unanimously Monday to rename the city-owned plaza at the corner of Rives and N. Brown streets Rouman Family Memorial Plaza.

The vote came after the council formally approved a new ordinance outlining the process for renaming public areas.

The ordinance sets forth the following “criteria” for choosing names for public parks, public facilities, and/or streets:

• Neighborhood, geographic, or common usage identification.

• An historical figure, place, event, or other instance of historical or cultural significance.

• An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Rhinelander.

• Natural or geological features. 

• An individual (living or deceased) who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the community or who has had the contribution made “in memoriam” and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation.

According to the ordinance, “the Common Council shall be solely responsible for designating the names of all public parks, public facilities, City-owned buildings, and/or streets. The city council may choose to make its selection after receiving a written recommendation from the City’s Plan Commission or an ad-hoc appointed committee, based upon public input from individuals and organizations. Such written recommendation shall state how the proposed name(s)meet(s) the criteria (listed above). If a contest or competition is to be held to determine the name of a public park, public facility, City-owned building, and/or street, the Common Council shall establish guidelines and rules for the contest. No city funds shall be used for any contest prizes. Proposed Street name changes brought forth by the public, for Common Council consideration, shall be accompanied by a petition that demonstrates that, at a minimum, 51% of the property owners on that specific street, or section of street, proposed for renaming support the proposed name change.”

The city has been discussing potential Rouman memorials since early summer. 

Local attorney Brian Bennett first broached the topic during the public comment portion of the June 26 council meeting, referencing the loss of George Rouman in a car accident on June 9 as well as the death of patriarch Mike Rouman in August 2023.

“We’ve suffered in our community a terrible loss. Completely and utterly unexpected was the death of George Rouman following the death of his father last year,” Bennett said. “And it really cannot be overstated the positive impact on our community the Rouman family has had. And a lot of folks have, as they oftentimes do when we have a sudden tragedy in our community, a desire to do something.”

Bennett referenced a change.org petition suggesting that Eisenhower Parkway — which is situated between the current Rouman Cinema and the former site of the Rouman Drive-in — be renamed in honor of the family in recognition of its over 100 years of service to the community.

Three generations of Roumans have kept the Rhinelander community entertained 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 as it is located in the neighborhood where George and his sister, Patti, grew up.

The alderpersons expressed support for a memorial but directed city administration to gather more input in the form of a survey, the results of which were reviewed during the panel’s Aug. 26 meeting.

As it turned out, the highest vote-getter was the plaza at the corner of Rives and N. Brown. 

The council appeared interested in that location, with some suggesting it would be a good fit because it’s across the street from the State Theater.

After confirming the plaza was not already named, the council decided it would be best to establish a formal naming policy for the city before deciding on the Rouman tribute. With the policy now in place, the discussion on Monday was focused only on the precise verbiage that should be used. In the interest of history, Jopek also reiterated that the city should, in a timely manner, include signage explaining why the city chose to recognize the family in this way.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].