Post Messenger Recorder -

Many New Glarus visitors this weekend will be enjoying the Wilhelm Tell Play.  Edwin Barlow was the founder and director of the play. Barlow enlisted local residents to present a Wilhelm Tell pageant, in German, on Labor Day in 1938.  The success of the Tell pageant reinvigorated pride in Swiss heritage, inspired other initiatives promoting Swiss culture, and led to the development of “America’s Little Switzerland” as a tourist destination. 

Barlow’s strong desire to see New Glarus retain its ties to Switzerland can be felt throughout the village. His other legacy is the Chale...