History of the Vista
Vista Wee Yon Wa
Untka, Inc.
1961 Father Joseph
A. Fischer purchased 123 acres of farm land on Crooked Lake
(east of Dundee) from William A. Koch for $17,500
1961 July 24 - Vista Wee Yon Wa Untka
(Sioux Indian for "Our Lady of Hope")
was incorporated
1962 The Wisconsin State Conservation
Commission condemned the land with
the intention of
incorporating it into the State Park
1963 98.5 acres of
land on Cedar Lake (present site of the Vista) was offered
to Father Fischer, along with a payment of $31,000.
1963-64 Six
dormitory cabins, one main lodge including kitchen and
dining facilities,
and one 'rectory’ cabin were
constructed by the P.J.Jansen Co. of Milwaukee
1964 July 17 - Vista Wee Yon Wa Untka
was blessed and dedicated to Our Lady of Hope
by
Archbishop William E. Cousins
1967 An adjoining 122 acre farm was
purchased for $21,500 (present site of the "St. John
Vianney Home" and the "farm house".)
1967 Father Fischer left Our Lady of
Good Hope Parish and was appointed pastor
of Our Lady of
Angels Parish, Armstrong
1970 August 16 - forest fire at the
south end of the Vista which burned for almost a week.
Water was pumped from the lake for a week before it was
finally extinguished.
1972-73 "Our Lady of the Vista Chapel"
was erected
1973 August 15 - "Our Lady of the Vista
Chapel" was blessed and dedicated
by Archbishop William
E. Cousins
1977 A large addition to the Dining Room was constructed
with showers in the lower
level and a small apartment
1980 June --
Father Fischer retired to the Vista.
1980 September - Father Fischer was
asked to be pastor of St. Andrew Parish, LeRoy
1984 February - Father Fischer retired
to the Vista from diocesan work after having
suffered a
stroke
1984 -
80 acres of land across the lake was purchased from two
Milwaukee doctors,
Dr. Kou and Soo, for $120,000. An
additional 6 acres of land along
Airport Road was
purchased from the Dundee Gun Club for $5,000.
1984 September - Father Fischer moved
into the rectory at Our Lady of Angels Parish,
Armstrong, to help with parish work there and St. Michael
Parish, Dotyville.
1988 June - Failing health forced
Father Fischer to completely retire and return to the Vista.
1991 “St. John Vianney Home” was built
where Father lived until his death
1997 May 4 - Father Joseph A. Fischer
was called to his eternal reward. Father Mike
Shea, CSsR, was elected president of the Vista
1998 Paul P. Gergen replaced Fr. Mike
Shea as president of the Vista followed in 2002
by Mary
Gergen.
2002-03 Extensive repairs to the dormitory buildings
including new roofs on all
the buildings, outside and
inside painting.
2004 New roof put on main lodge and
Trading Post - 2 of the small cottages (#104 & #103)
"rebuilt" with new windows, new roofs, new kitchen cabinets
and bathroom fixtures
2004 New carillons blessed and
dedicated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan on October 31
2005 Extensive repairs to the Wangler
Home and Oratory (being used at that time
by
Archbishop Timothy Dolan); Cottage #101 renovated
2006 45th Anniversary of the Vista was celebrated on October
8 with a special Mass with
Bishop Richard Sklba, main
celebrant, followed by dedication and blessing of
the
Vista Archives
2008 May 13 - lease given to
Andrew and Anna Fidziukiewicz of Chicago
to direct and
maintain the Vista.
Under the Direction of Andrew and
Anna Fidziukiewicz:
2008 - Foundation for Energy Building
constructed
All electrical wires buried
One cabin was
remodeled, insulated, new windows and doors, including bunk
beds; washrooms enlarged and improved to include showers
gas tanks relocated
2009 - Two more cabins were completely
remodeled, insulated, new windows and doors,
and bunk beds
installed. Washrooms
in each cabin were enlarged and improved to include
showers. Steps were erected leading from the cabins to the
lakefront and swimming area
Beach and swimming area
extended to include a volleyball court on the beach.
Lower level of
the dining room (formerly used as a dormitory) was remodeled
to be used as a game/meeting room to include a canteen
corner to make snacks
and beverages available to
campers.
Trading Post was converted to Arts & Crafts
Cabin
2010
- Construction of Wind Turbine began, Remaining cabins
renovated; windows replacement
fixed drywall and painted.
Replaced trimming.T hree Larger septic systems installed
Cottages remodeled and improved. New stage by athletic
field constructed
Two acres of land bordering
Airport Rd purchased from Narges Estate to protect
the
Cedar Lake from any chemical spray or powders that might be
use by farmers
Satelite internet installed
2011 - main
building painted, some old windows replaced, three east
cabins painted
Replaced satelite internet for At&t
wireless internet (limited access)
2011 September 18-19 50th Anniversary of Vista Wee
Yon Wa Untka - Camp Vista