
My friend Cathy has been keeping us all entertained with updates on her neighbor, Gerald the Turkey, who wandered into Appleton’s bustling northside about a year ago and, understandably, never wanted to leave.
One of the most hospitable people I know, Cathy owns and keeps stocked and comfortable Appleton’s first Little Library, complete with a bench and shade tree. So, it came as no surprise to any of us that she, a very recent empty nester, has been mother-henning Gerald since she first spotted him strolling down her street.
We followed along on Gerald’s adorable adventures, playing peek-a-boo with the mailman, racing cars and napping on sunny front lawns. Cathy’s cheerful updates gave us all a reason to smile.
Gerald never meant to hurt anyone, but the truth is that city life is not very accommodating to a fearless gobbler and, because he is game for anything (though hopefully not anybody), he Dennis-the-Menaced himself into some awkward situations. (He stared down a siren-screaming ambulance and refused to budge in one dicey instance). Eventually, Cathy’s updates took a turn.
“Does anyone have a weighted fishing net?” she posted, hoping to relocate her four-foot-tall, 25-pound pal before he got hurt.
With help from the Appleton Police Department, Gerald finally relocated to a more hospitable, hopefully fowl-er area of Wisconsin near Black Creek.
Cathy, who is also a talented artist, commemorated the successful transplant with a doodle. Then, even better, she transformed her doodle into a mug and, because she owns one of the coolest shops in town, you can now buy a Gerald Mug at Blue Moon Emporium.
So, here’s the thing. We’ve had a rough week here in Appleton and most of our downtown vendors and surrounding restaurants lost power during what could have been a very busy weekend for them. So, I encourage everyone to get out this weekend and support your local businesses.
Head to the Farmer’s Market, lunch with friends, shop local, buy yourself a Gerald Mug.
Is this the cutest community or what?
With permission, I took these pictures from Cathy’s Facebook newsfeed so you can all enjoy her charming updates…










Thank you for Gerald’s story. I saw him numerous times, using his calm cool talents to help humans slow down.
That’s an excellent point. I’m learning more and more about Gerald and I sure wish I’d have met him. Maybe someday 🙂