NEW LONDON, Wis. — Green Bay Packers legendary quarterback Bart Starr and his wife Cherry spent years in the spotlight for Bart’s play on the field and their giving nature off it.
Cherry Starr declined biography offers over the years, instead opting to share their story in a museum.
“This whole museum is around because of Cherry’s dream to be able to tell the story, not just of Bart the celebrity but Bart and Cherry and how they lived their lives,” said Alan Loux, Rawhide Youth Services president and CEO.
The museum is divided into several themed rooms. One room includes home movies of the Starrs and their family.
For Rawhide Chief Growth Officer Heather Stern, who worked closely with Cherry Starr on designing the museum, her favorite area is called “The Love Story,” a section loaded with letters from Bart to Cherry.
“I got the chance to read every one of these beautiful, sometimes saucy love letters, as Cherry would say. Wow, what a love story, better than any Hallmark movie you could ever watch,” said Stern.
Stern said the museum reflects Cherry Starr’s vision.
“The experience was an honor. This will be the passion project of my career,” said Stern.
Rawhide Youth Services near New London has served at-risk youth since 1965 and was an integral part of life for Bart and Cherry Starr.
“A big part of why Rawhide means so much for them, these kids had a hard start in life, rough chapters, and so did they. They came from humble, meek beginnings,” said Stern.
The museum takes a personal look into the lives of the Starrs, including handwritten letters from their son Bret, who died of a drug overdose.
Beyond personal items, football fans can view championship rings and Bart’s Hall of Fame induction jacket.
Loux explained how Bart Starr’s demeanor was perfect for both the Packers and Rawhide.
“Off the field, the kindest man you would ever see. On the field, he was known as the toughest guy out there and he would drive to win at all costs to do whatever the team needed to do. When you look at his face, you can just see the intensity,” said Loux.
Loux explained how the Starrs became involved with Rawhide when founders John and Jan Gillespie needed funds for what was then called the Rawhide Boys Ranch.
“Out of the blue, they decided to look in the phone book. Believe it or not, Bart and Cherry Starr’s number was in the phone book, and then gave them a call and Bart invited them over for dinner that night. By the end of that dinner, they had agreed to get behind Rawhide in a big way,” said Loux.
It was the perfect fit for the Starrs, who, according to Loux, were already thinking of creating a ranch for at-risk youth.
At the center of the museum sits the shiny red Corvette Bart Starr was awarded as the MVP of Super Bowl II.
“Bart and Cherry were driving a dilapidated old station wagon. They decided to raffle it off,” explained Loux.
The car, worth $15,000, brought in $40,000 for Rawhide.
“Rawhide is here today because of this car, but it symbolizes the generosity and selflessness of both Bart and Cherry,” said Loux.
The Starrs became the faces of the organization; the museum included a stack of old television sets that feature the couple in old Rawhide commercials.
The couple remained dedicated to the cause when the cameras weren’t rolling.
“They would spend the whole day out here. Play football with the kids, whatever it was, but they were hands on and they took time with all the staff and thanked them for their work,” said Stern.
Bart and Cherry Starr passed away before the museum was completed, though Cherry saw images of the rooms before she passed.
“Just hearing her admiration and respect for everything that Bart wanted to accomplish in this world and how she stood alongside him and not just cheered for him, but walked alongside him. It was something that made them an entity,” said Stern.
According to Stern, their impact will live on for many generations.
Despite their iconic status, the Starrs came from humble beginnings and left a lasting impression.