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The Middleton Sesquicentennial Wooden Nickels celebrate and recreate an old tradition—and hopefully turn that tradition on its head! After all, holders of Middleton Sesquicentennial Wooden Nickels will be entitled to some great deals and discounts at a variety of Middleton shops, restaurants and businesses. So, hold onto those wooden nickels!

In addition to all sesquicentennial events Wooden Nickels can be picked up at :

Middleton's public library
City Hall
Chamber of Commerce (7507 Hubbard Avenue)
Tourism Commission office (1811 Parmenter Street - the Depot)

Also, Commemorative Posters available for sale at:
City Hall
Chamber of Commerce
Library
and certain Sesquicentennial events
1 for $3.00 2 for $5.00

History of Wooden Nickels

The phrase, “Don’t accept any wooden nickels” is thought to date back to the early 1800s. Some sources claim that the saying probably originates from a Russian phrase meaning “wooden ruble,” in which the word “wooden” signifies “worthless.” The warning not to accept any wooden nickels, therefore, was meant to warn against rip-off artists and con-men.

Although the saying is much older, the first recorded wooden nickels in the U.S. came from Blaine, Washington in 1933. Shortly thereafter, other towns in the region followed suit, issuing round, wooden coins—all of which were of dubious value.

The practice of minting wooden nickels became more widespread in the 1930’s as various cities and organizations used wooden nickels as a way of commemorating local celebrations. These wooden nickels were often redeemable for goods and services, although they had to be in solid condition to be redeemed and nearly all had an expiration date recorded on them. After this date, the wooden currency became worthless and you were left with, well, a wooden nickel.

The Middleton Sesquicentennial Wooden Nickels celebrate and recreate an old tradition—and hopefully turn that tradition on its head! After all, holders of Middleton Sesquicentennial Wooden Nickels will be entitled to some great deals and discounts at a variety of Middleton shops, restaurants and businesses. So, hold onto those wooden nickels!