(BEAVER DAM) The community came together Saturday to dedicate two mosaic murals honoring Maddy Horn and Robert Rompre, local icons who made their mark on the international skating stage.
The display at the Beaver Dam Family Center Ice Arena was organized by Jerold (Chico) Lunde and made possible by donors Marilyn Thomas, Shirley Lunde, and Chico and his wife, and many community supporters.
The murals were designed by artist Stephen Bennett, founder of Faces of the World, a nonprofit that uses portraiture to promote global understanding through art.
A 1934 Beaver Dam High School graduate, Maddy Horn became one of the most accomplished women in speed skating history. She was a National and North American Champion, and the only woman selected to the 1940 USA Olympic team. (The games were canceled due to World War II). During her remarkable career, she set seven world records and won over 300 medals.
Robert Rompre represented the U.S. in the 1952 Olympics, scoring four goals in one game against Finland. After his playing career, he became a coach, scout, and leader who helped shape the sport of hockey in Wisconsin and beyond. His number 8 jersey was retired by the Fond du Lac Bears, and he was inducted into both the Minnesota and Wisconsin Hockey Halls of Fame.
Historian Roger Noll will give a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the temporary Beaver Dam Community Library, featuring stories and rare videos of Horn skating in her prime.
