Interview with Art Johnson
By Brittney G.

When did you move to this area?
Over 50 years ago, at the age of about 35 or 40 years old.

Why did you select Delavan, Wisconsin?
Art wanted to leave Chicago, to raise his four children in the country. He was also familiar with Delavan through time spent vacationing. A job offer also played a key role.

Did you feel welcomed?
Art felt very welcomed. Neighbors were friendly as well as young children living nearby, which allowed an easy transition for Art’s children.

What things did they do to make you feel that way?
Women had coffee with his wife. Art and his family also attended a diner club once a month, which allowed the family to socialize and meet more members of Delavan. Neighborhood kids also spent time with Art’s children.

Did you speak another language besides English?
Art spoke a little German.

What languages could be heard in Delavan?
Spanish was commonly spoken later on.

Where people accepting of the other language?
Some were.

What was done to make Spanish-speakers feel more welcomed?
Baseball games were put on, as well as Spanish speaking movies brought in by Mr. Hernandez. Teachers were also willing to teach English.

Do you think things have changed in Delavan since you moved here? How?
Yes, outsiders (Latinos, African-Americans) are better accepted today.
People weren’t willing to accept the new lifestyles. The Latinos came to Delavan in search of work, and housing was bad on the farms. The factory downtown serviced many workers, and housed many newly arriving Latinos in search or work in town at the apartments across the street.

Are there any stories about your life that you’d like to share?
Art was a member of Citizen Opportunity Services (COS). It was located on the 2nd floor of the local bowling alley, which is currently used as a bar, across from the post office. Rafael Hernandez received Spanish movies from Chicago when he made his weekly trip for supplies needed at his store “Hernandez”, that is now a restaurant. An insurance agent also picked up abandoned or donated furniture, and stored them in a rented barn on County O, or Dam Road. He advertised his service in Sunday bulletins at local churches. The service soon grew, and Art was needed to help pick up furniture, with the transportation of a truck.

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For a more information on the life of Delavan’s resident Art Johnson, check out article in Walworth County's The Week, May 20 to 26, 2001, section 14C, “Meeting Mr. Wright” at http://www.theweekextra.com/.