Carol “Annie” Randall
Time period/Baraboo: 1979 - 2017
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Carol “Annie” Randall knew that she loved music and horses at an early age. Born and raised in Lodi, Wisconsin as an only child, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison as a performance major in bassoon. But soon the great outdoors beckoned her home. She returned to the horse world and in 1979 founded Devilwood Morgan Farm. She became a lifelong skilled equestrian – showing, training and breeding her beloved Morgan horses, announcing and judging horse shows throughout the area. Locally and nationally Annie has tirelessly promoted competitive carriage driving and served in nearly every office of the Wisconsin Morgan Horse Club.
After working in Madison Wisconsin as a buyer and retailer of books, the literary world and the ambiance of small town called to Annie. She rented a space in downtown Baraboo and started a used and rare edition bookstore she named The Village Booksmith. Her store soon became home to readers, writers, poets, musicians, actors and all manner of folks looking for a outlet for their creativity, for homegrown entertainment, or just for some good company. With enthusiastic encouragement from Annie, community members – from novices to professionals – shared her stage, thankful for the opportunity to perform and listen. The Village Booksmith is a treasure that brings locals and new visitors to our downtown Baraboo.
The Village Booksmith is a home-like gathering place for people who would otherwise be alone at the holidays – always with Annie as part hostess, part chef. Whether organizing Easter, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve parties, arranging outings to American Players Theatre, riding her Morgan horses in area parades starting a women’s sextet (The Cheddar Chicks), organizing singers to carol in downtown stores at Christmas, lavishly decorating her Christmas tree at the Historical Society, or participating in nearly all of Baraboo’s festivals, Annie is an ambassador of good will and hospitality.