New summer exhibits among the discoveries awaiting both local residents and visitors to 228 Helgerson Street

Staff Report

Now open at 228 Helgerson Street during these warmer months, the Stanley Area Historical Society Museum awaits visitors Saturdays and Sundays this month from 1pm. to 4 pm.

Founded in 1975 A.D. (or else around 2728 A.U.C. according to the Roman Empire’s dating system), the Stanley Area Historical Society with museum off South Broadway offers much to see, whether you prefer diving right in or else just dipping your toe in the vast resources it has to offer.

With riverbed arrowpoints from pre-European settlement all the way to old dentist chairs and a just received Presbyterian pastor’s chair (we think) from old First Presbyterian, the Stanley Area Historical Society is sure to satisfy, including but not limited to the library, where you can find church census records,

Volumes on Waupaca and Pierce Counties, and until recently, books in Norwegian.

Maybe they’re still there, though with the public school system’s preference for English reading the language of one’s ancestors or of others could be challenging.

Of course, the old exhibits are still around, including but not limited to a vast array of beer tabs, the Schmidt Family with accompanying artifacts, an old Cadillac, and a rail map of demonstrating that Polley was also called “Lusk at one point. Explore and learn!

Included in this year’s exhibits is one on the old Legion Bar and Bowl.

Now no more in Stanley, the Apostolic Faith Church was once prominent north of the tracks, featured along with an opera house exhibit.

Round barns like this one near Little House Wayside in Pepin were once common. Why not browse the on-site library to learn more?