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The Monticello Historical Society was founded in 1995 by Mrs. Marlene Schmalbeck. She saw Monticello’s history being sold at garage sales and felt something had to be done. Mrs. Ruth Knight Sybers in 2001 purchased the former Woelffer Drug Store and donated it to the society to use as a museum for Monticello history.
After undergoing restoration, it opened on May 12, 2007. A special commemorative postmark was created for that day and extras are for sale at the museum.
We went in the museum, the docents greeted us and thanked us for coming. From the Historical Society website.
Hours of Operation
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or by appointment. Closed for the season November thru April.
For special group or individual tours call the museum at (608) 938-4216 or send your request to mahs@tds.net.
We were there on a Saturday, many people came to visit that day. There are many artifacts donated by residents. On the right is a soda fountain re-creation, perhaps like one the drug store used to have. Some of the displays are rotated out every two years, they will be changed out for 2015.
Monticello once had a Woolen Mill, dating back to 1866. It had burned down in 1950 and was not rebuilt since the demand was no longer there. Some items produced at the mill were on display.
Sewing display
School Display, with pictures of former one-room schools in the area.
A tribute to the women who worked just as hard on the family farm as the men, very nice!
A laundry exhibit. It sure has become easier to do since then!
Church Basement Ladies serving up a feast. And the kitchen display this picture is a part of.
