Muskego Historical Society

​Totem poles are monuments of religious, spiritual, and social significance. They are typically built by the Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest areas of the United States. The totem poles are used to show off affluence, prestige, and social standing of a family or individual.

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The present totem pole was carved by father/son team Donald Reidy, Sr. and Donald Reidy, Jr. in 1976 by the appointment of the Muskego Bicentennial Commission. It features Raven, Chief’s Wife, Beaver, Chief, Sunfish, Muskrat, Bear, and Frog.

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Raven is the trickster. He is intelligent, courageous, protective, and magical. Beaver is determined, strong-willed, constructive, and protective. Sunfish is healing, protective, and lucky. Muskrat is adaptable, resourceful, strong, and courageous. Bear is industrious, healing, strong, and powerful. He is protective of the world. Frog is transforming, sensitive, beautiful, and powerful.