Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Schecklman, Hemmersbach, Trunkel, Lindner
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/2018
Greenwood – Branstiter Museum Promotes (Local History – 2018)
Branstiter Museum Promotes Local History
The Branstiter Museum of Greenwood features storefronts of the businesses of Greenwood as they may have looked in yesteryear. Shown here is the City Hall, Post Office and a Farmers and Merchants Bank. The museum also houses many antiques. (Phot by Valerie Brecht/Clark County Press)
By Valerie Brecht
The Branstiter Old Streets of Greenwood Museum offers visitors a step back in time. The walls of the museum are set up to look like the storefronts of old businesses.
According to the Clark County Visitor Guide, “The museum houses a collection of over 400 items which include both tools and equipment used in the early dairying and lumbering days, along with over 170 photographs of early Greenwood depicting people, places and events.
“Visitors will enjoy collections of antique miniature cars, coins dating back to 1934 … a stamp collection, an American Legion display … an old-fashioned kitchen, and a quilt celebrating Greenwood’s centennial (1890-1991). Many items in the museum have been donated by local residents as well.”
“It seems so much bigger on the inside,” said Greenwood Mayor Jim Schecklman. Schecklman visited the museum a couple years ago.
Schecklman said the museum is a great asset to the city.
It’s really cool,” he continued. “I went with a group of about 25 people, and every single person was fascinated by it.”
As part of the Greenwood End of Summer Fest, the museum held an open house Sept. 8. Visitors got to take part in a wine and cheese tasting and listen to folk songs played by Steve Hemmersbach. There was also pie and ice cream available for purchase.
Additionally, there was an antique toy display and antique and textile display. Notable items included a set of “Little Women” dolls based on the book by Louisa May Alcott and a collection of “Dick and Jane” books. Another room in the museum houses a collection of 228 toy tractors of different 13 manufacturers.
Other items include Wizard of Oz memorabilia, an old military uniform, a piano and organs and an old Greenwood fire engine.
Recently, the Branstiter Museum hosted a presentation of the “Railroad Adventure” by Jeff Trunkel. The event was well attended by area residents. Trunkel’s father, Bob, told of Trunkel’s interest in the railroad from a young age. Trunkel discovered the railroad right-of-way across the road from their home and ended up walking the right-of-way from Fairchild to Withee.
The railroad presentation is just on example of the various events that take place at the museum, said Pat Lindner, museum committee member. The museum has also hosted class reunions, groups like the Red Hat Society, presentations and school tours. She encouraged Clark County residents to come check out their local history at the museum.
The Branstiter Museum is located at 600 South Main Street, Greenwood and is open by appointment. To schedule a visit, call the Greenwood City Hall at 715-267-62050 or Pat Lindner at 715-267-6355.
