Rosendale – Just

 

Rosendale Wisconsin is a well known speed trap. One might argue the definition of a speed trap. One can not argue that Rosendale writes a lot of tickets for a town of its size. For the record, I travel through Rosendale on a regular basis and have never been stopped. The speed limit drops through town, but signs are placed prominently. If you get a ticket in Rosendale, you have only yourself to blame.

 

There is a reason that Rosendale enforces speed limits. Imagine the horror of this 13 year old girl. It was a foggy morning near Rosendale. The bus stopped to pick her up. A car behind the bus stopped behind the bus. She watched as a truck slammed into the car and pushed in under the bus. There were 4 people in the car. They all died. One of the students on the bus died. All that little girl could say was “The bus stopped, the car stopped, the truck didn't”. 5 people died. She saw it. It didn't need to happen.

 

Rosendale is on the shortcut from Oshkosh, WI to Waupun, WI. It cuts a few miles off of the trip. It is typical for anyone from the Fox Cities from Oshkosh to Green Bay to use WI state highway 26 when traveling towards Madison, or anywhere southwest. They may be heading towards Saint Louis or Des Moines of parts past there. It is the most efficient way to go. Needless to say, for a town of 1,063 people it has a disproportionate amount of traffic running through it.

 

The history of Rosendale is full of traffic fatalities. It has had an ambulance accident that claimed the life of a young neo natal surgeon. It has had haz mat spills. It has had meat renderings spilled all over its roads. If they ask me to slow down, I will. I am their guest. It isn't a bad town. I often spend the night in Rosendale. Tabbert's restaurant at the south end of town has plenty of room to park. You can wake up to a nice hot breakfast at a good price. Stop in for their lunch or dinner specials and you will be treated to a good meal at a good price.

 

I have parked there and ridden my bicycle on the Rose – Eld trail all of the way to Fon Du Lac. It is a good trail about 2 miles north of Tabbert's. There is a sidewalk so walking or running from Tabbert's is easy and safe. Tabbert's does not open until 06:00 and I am typically up before then. No, problem it is a short walk to the gas station for a cup of coffee to go until the restaurant opens.

 

There are Rosendales everywhere. As truckers we may view them as a hindrance. We have to slow down and they impede our progress. We need to realize that all of these towns have histories and people. Start thinking that we are traveling through their home. As a guest we should obey the house rules. then the bear won't get you. Disobey them often enough and we won't be invited back. We will all be forced to take the long way.

Comments (4)

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark of Kewaunee, WI has been driving a truck for 24 years. He has been an owner operator for 11 years.

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Yes, we save so little time by speeding through these little towns, it just is not worth it.

April 25, 2015 3:45:52 AM

I travel that way on occasion. There is no reason to complain, or not obey, posted limits in small towns.

April 23, 2015 20:13:11 PM

We raised our girls in the very small town of Elkhart KS and a highway passed through the east side of the city. The highway ran between the city and the swimming pool up on the hill and the kids had to cross this highway. To many people did not follow the posted speed limit and there were to many close calls with at least one child getting clipped. Small town residents often move slower then their big city cousins and I can attest that life in Elkhart KS was much more relaxed then Saint Louis, MO. Slow down and enjoy the scenery when going through a small city and like Jeff said we are guests.

April 20, 2015 4:05:27 AM

There is a reason ! Respect the reason !

April 20, 2015 3:51:50 AM