Why Embarrass ?????

The Village of Embarrass took it’s name from the Embarrass River, which is formed by three branches that start in the Northwestern part of Shawano County. These are called the North, Middle, and South branches of the Embarrass River. They join together to form the River which flows through Waupaca County into Outagamie County and then empties into the Wolf River in New London.

In the mid 1800’s, in the Northeastern projection of Waupaca County, a settlement formed on the banks of the Embarrass River. The settlement felt they could better be served by incorporating, so in 1895 petitions were circulated and a survey of the land was made. A census of the people living in the proposed area was also required, and on March 20, 1895 it was determined there were 303 people living in the area.

On May 13, 1985, in the Circuit Court of Waupaca County at a special term, held at the Courthouse in the City of Grand Rapids (now known as Wisconsin Rapids), in Wood County, incorporation would be granted by Judge Charles M Webb, effective after an election to be held on June 8, 1895. A total of 59 votes were cast, 38 for incorporating, 18 against incorporating, and 3 blank ballots.

To this day, family names on the petitions, census, and poll lists still live in the Village and surrounding areas!