SPRING VALLEY, WI – Despite the morning rain, Saturday, September 21, 2024, was a beautiful day for a reunion. Over 30 people showed up to share stories, memories, and laughter about their time working at one of the area’s biggest attractions – Crystal Cave.
The event, sponsored by the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce and graciously hosted in the picnic area at Crystal Cave by the current owners, Eric and Kristin McMaster, featured former employees from as far back as 1953, and from as recently as 2012.
From the collective stories told by former Cave tour guides, many were able to put the pieces together of a full tour. Some of the visitors worked for the original owners of Crystal Cave, the Friedes. Henry Friede, who is credited with commercializing the Cave, began the process of clearing the Cave of silt and debris in 1941. Following the original clearing of the first two levels, a building, (now the gift shop) entrance, and stairways were constructed to reach the first three levels of the Cave. The grand opening was set for May 29 and 30 of 1942 but was delayed until June 7 due to massive flooding in the Spring Valley area.
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