News: Clark Co. 1897 Clark County Jail Museum (June 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Roberts, Dziekin, Smith, Schwantes, Erpenbach, McCombie,

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 709/2014

The 1897 Clark County Jail Museum (June 2014)

The June monthly meeting of the Clark County Jail Museum was called to order by President Steve Roberts. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Steve reported the Museum would be open Saturday afternoon, July 12, 2014, during the Heritage Days celebration in addition to the usual Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May and June have already seen a very full tour schedule of school groups and senior groups from other areas of Wisconsin, as well as Clark County. All present expressed their appreciation for the landscaping done by John and Irene Dziekin, master gardeners of Loyal, which brighten up the museum entrance.

Jerry Smith and Evelyn Schwantes donated several new items to the museum collection. Natalie Erpenbach also added a booklet about the 1911 floor in Jackson County. We are always on the lookout for photos of businesses and event, especially from the 1950s to the present time. Many families have photos they might want to share with the museum, as we can scan them and return the originals along with a digital copy for the family to keep.

Adrienne McCombie has been in contact with the museum regarding the old Tioga community with the remaining store and depot that still stand near the intersection of CTH I and CTH M. It is important to maintain these vestiges of the “ghost towns” of Clark County that once were stops along the many rail lines that connected communities.

Natalie and Shirley participated in the Neillsville Improvement Corporation Placemaking brainstorming meeting in down town Neillsville to generate ideas about drawing attention to Neillsville’s best features.

There are so many ideas and projects that could add interest and value to the museum and its activities. The web site needs more frequent updating. The player piano need repair. A lot of data needs to be entered into the museum inventory and other digital records. A set of ‘prisoner uniforms’ or a board display with paintings of “prisoners” with holes for visitors to put their faces through for photo opportunities would be such fun!

Current and new members, volunteers or interested parties are all welcome to attend monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 215 E. 5th St. Neillsville. If interested in volunteering time or talents, take a tour or interested in doing some local history or family research, call or email the museum for more information. Visit the Museum’s web site at www.1897clarkcountyjailmuseum.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/1897CCJM. Come see what treasures are inside!