As we continue our story at the beginning of the new century, Unity is a thriving settlement, yet a change was imminent. The large Spaulding mill which had employed about three hundred (300) men had closed. About then Peter Fritz had started a mill north of town (later known as the A. Perschke Mill); this was a much small mill and could not give employment to all. Many bought land which the railroad companies offered for sale.

The task of clearing the land of the stubborn stumps was hard work and seemed endless. The pioneer spirit prevailed; the remains of the verdant forests gave way to the open fields. Men tilled the fertile soil and agriculture became an important industry to this area. Once again a new frontier had opened.

The evidence that this was a flourishing community is included in an essay, "A Look Backward", written by Mrs. John Fuller (Mary Sheldon) for her graduation from high school in 1906 in which she concluded saying, quote, "Unity now has four stores, three hotels, two halls, one drugstore, shoe shop, a blacksmith depot, post office, two butcher shops, two hardware stores, one furniture store, barber shop, feed store, and sawmill."

In 1903 our stalwart citizens, always wanting to progress, became interested in incorporating into a village. A census was taken in April, showing a population of four hundred five (405). After all the preliminary work was done, a group of twelve businessmen presented their case to the Marathon County Judge in Wausau. There seemed no doubt that the petition would be granted. However, those opposing the movement presented material claiming an error in the census. The petition was nullified. The determination to achieve their goal was not quelled, so in 1904 another census was taken and a land survey was made. The population in 1904 was four hundred twenty-four (424). Again the petition was presented. The issues set forth by the opposition held up the verdict for two years. The village became incorporated in 1906. This perhaps was the first major difference of opinion felt by the people; however, soon all were involved in the progress of the new "village". Alfred Cook, an early settler who was very interested and active in the community was elected as the first president. He served in that office for seventeen (17) years.

The people were contented. They had labored hard and were proud of their accomplishments. They had encouraged new businessmen to settle here, welcomed new families; in fact, all seemed to be progressing well. In the winter of 1909 disaster came to the village. Fire started in the Button-Mumbrue store and spread to the Fred Wescott tavern, and the Forest Hotel. Then it spread to the south and engulfed the Zell Bros. General store and August Weide’s meat market. It was halted directly north of the post office. It was at first a bit discouraging for these settlers to see their business places completely ruined. However, all helped to clear away the debris and soon new but fewer buildings were ready for use and business was resumed.

In Marchetti’s History of Marathon County an account of Unity in 1913 lists the following information:

The article continues,

In February of 1917 we experienced another fire. This started south of the Post Office, destroyed the Drugstore, the building housing the Clark County Telephone Exchange and Millinery Store, and two dwellings. Once again the people united to help clear away the rubble.

As time went by the village entered into a state of general decline. The mills closed, business activities decreased. Fires had destroyed many which were not rebuilt. Older men retired as their products and services were no longer needed because of progress in the scientific field. Our failure to attract industrial development has been our greatest setback. Gradually the people left to seek employment elsewhere. For many years we have been known as a "retirement town".

 Street Scene looking west – Unity.

Last Unity High School.

Fire Station – Unity 1961.

Our village has been incorporated for many years. We have had dedicated officers who have worked diligently to promote the welfare of our community. Several have served for long terms in their respective offices. In recent years a fire department has been organized, new equipment has been purchased, and a building erected for their use. We now have a sewage disposal plant for village use, this being a big improvement. Our present board members are: Calvin Cook President; Mrs. Sandra Kocian, Clerk; George Weiler, Corwin Dallmann, Norman Kuehling, Leon Jost, Jerome Fischer, and Roderick Cook as Trustees.

Following is a summary of the educational, social, and economic endeavors and accomplishments of our village.