Welcome to the Plymouth Historical Society
Plymouth Wisconsin USA
Plymouth Historical society & museum
Historical Society & Museum
- Founded in 1990, the Plymouth Historical Society operates a museum in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Wisconsin. Our mission, to educate, preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of Plymouth, is accomplished through, exhibits, events, publications, and educational offerings. We gather information related to Plymouth, and the immediate area, for our archives and the Jim Stahlman Research Library. Exhibits and displays change throughout the year. The society is a non-profit corporation 501c(3) and is affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
- The Historical Society is operated by a volunteer board of directors. There are no paid staff. The board develops and monitors a budget and establishes yearly goals, while operating the museum in a professional manner. Other volunteers assist with visitors, computer entry, fund raising events, cleaning & organizing, baking, and the like.
The Museum
Building History Our current home, built in 1876, was owned by William Sebald, and built of cream city brick. In its early beginnings Sebald sold root beer and ale’s on the east side while raising his family and living on the second floor. In the lower level was a cistern which was utilized to keep the beverages cool as well as a summer kitchen and dining room. Gus Knauer operated a meat market on the west side (pictured above). Over the years other businesses have included the Plymouth Reporter, a podiatrist office, dress shop, cookie store, and a barber shop. In 2006, the society purchased the Sebald building and undertook extensive renovations. Today the first floor, which is handicapped accessible, is home to many changing exhibits of local interest. The lower level is home to the Plank Road Trail and Vintage Kitchen exhibit while the upper floor is utilized by museum staff and the Jim Stahlman Library.
Plank Road Trail
In the lower level we have created the Plank Road Trail, a street scene of downtown Plymouth. Walk on an actual plank road and gaze into the storefront windows once present in the 1850-60's; a millinery (hat shop), pharmacy and general store. The 20th century section features Dr. Spiegels optometrist office, toy store, furniture shop, a church display with stained-glass windows salvaged from a local church, a pump organ, and a barber shop, including a colorful barber pole.
william sebald bldg, circa 1876 - home of the musuem
-Our mission, to educate, preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of Plymouth-
The William Sebald building, pictured about 1910. Gus Knauer operated a meat market on the left side, while the Shoe Doctor was located on the right. Note a large ladies boot which hung on the building. The historical society acquired the building in 2006 and completed extensive renovation.
A Grand Opening
The late Jim Stahlman, organized the historical society in 1990, and was instrumental in the rehabilitation and development of the museum. An official dedication was held November 25, 2006.
Welcome to the museum
During rehabilitation, the original front center doors were found hidden away in the basement. Through the generosity of the Richardson Foundation, the doors were brought back to life, reinstalled and dedicated, October 9, 2008.
Activities
Wall Dog Murals
For decades, a mural graced the east side of the museum. Murals such as this were a common sight in rural America advertising a variety of products. Though faded, research found the original mural advertising Cream of Wheat Flour. Dedicated in 2009, this lead to the Wall Dogs coming to Plymouth in 2011, designing and painting 21 murals on various buildings throughout the community.
Union Cemetery Walk
Union cemetery was established in the 1850's and here you will find many of Plymouth's earliest settlers. Nestled in a park-like setting, many of the monuments are works of art. Through society research, we are able to offer self guided tours with high school drama students and other volunteers.
City Park Concerts
Band concerts in city park have been a decades long tradition. Long lasting memories are made visiting with friends or making new, enjoying a variety of music, but more importantly, the iconic cake & concession stand. Held June, July & August, we offer brats, hamburgers, potato salad and beans, at one or two of the concerts. And save room for those home-made cakes! Food is available at 4:30 p.m. with music beginning at 7:00 p.m. The forested park is located on Grove street on the north side of Plymouth. Take outs available.
Mill Street Festival
A decades long event, once known as Sidewalk Sale, our downtown is filled with vendors galore, from one end of Mill street to the other, selling all kinds of goods. Stop by for a grilled cheese sammitch and check out the museum. We also offer a variety of reasonably priced publications and Plymouth mugs. It's usually hot and the museum is air conditioned!
Ladies Tea
A long standing fund raising event. Beautifully decorated tables, fine linens & china, afternoon tea, tea breads and sweets, with good company and conversation. Past programs have included presidential first ladies such as, Dolly Madison, Mary Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as Laura Ingalls Wilder, and others. An entertaining and educational event for young and old alike.
Christmas at the Musuem
The museum is beautifully decorated and open Thanksgiving weekend for our annual Christmas cookie sale. A variety of homemade, one pound assortments, as well as a variety of raffle/auction baskets, await your arrival. The city's night-time Christmas parade begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday with the arrival of Santa Claus.
Following our mission
Indian Artifacts
Billy Bergin once walked the Sheboygan Marsh and nearby farm fields. Over the decades he collected Indian arrowheads and artifacts covering a time line of Indian life, from the Early Paleo period of about 10,000 BC, to the Late Woodland people up to 1600 A.D. We are proud to have his collection on exhibit.
Exhibits
A few of our exhibits are permanent while others change throughout the year. Newer exhibits include vintage cigar boxes, Plymouth high school & annuals, snow storms, and the John Sexton murder story.
Landmarking
Beginning in 2007, the Historical Society & City of Plymouth have honored historically significant properties, local landmark status. Plaques placed on these properties provide details and information. A walking/driving brochure is available at the museum, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and other businesses in the community.
Huson Tower
Henry Huson, an early settler, and second mayor, built a home on Collins street. A water tower, built in 1886, provided fresh water for his home and barns before municipal water was installed. In 1964, the Huson family donated the tower and land to the city, creating the Henry H. Huson Park. Fire destroyed the tower in 2015. The historical society and City of Plymouth had an exact replica built with the historical society providing financial support for the windmill.
Hattie Crogan School of Art
Plymouth resident, Hattie Crogan, was an acclaimed artist, whose career began in the late 1800's. Born in 1871, Hattie attended a boarding school in Beaver Dam and later studied at the Chicago Art Institute. In 1893 Hattie and her husband moved to Plymouth and opened an art studio in their home. Hattie provided lessons while also working at a chair factory in Sheboygan. Many of her paintings were acquired at auction by a local resident and donated to the historical society.
C.H. Bade Barn
The C.H. Bade barn dates to the 1850's and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Plymouth. It has been relocated to the museum grounds and is undergoing renovations. Once completed, the barn will offer a carriage and blacksmith shop exhibit. The 1870's Settler's Club building, a meeting place for Civil War veterans, will be moved to the grounds to compliment the barn. This area is north of the museum on Main street.
more exhibits
Plank Road Trail
The Plank Road was an early wooden road that traversed through the wilderness from Sheboygan to Fond du lac. Early settlers traveled by foot and carriage on this road as they settled in Sheboygan county and elsewhere.
Huson & Smith General Store
One of the stores on the Plank Road is a general store. This was the first store in the area (then called Quic-Qui-Oc), selling goods to early settlers and trading with Indians.
Vintage Kitchen
In 1876 the lower level of the museum housed a summer kitchen and pantry. On display is an 1880's wood range, 1920' electric range, and 1930's gas stove. Other early kitchen pieces and utensils, as well as a stocked pantry, make for an fun filled exhibit.
Photographs
This photo, taken in 1952, was a Kraft Company summer picnic, held in City Park. Attendees enjoyed brats and hamburgers and an afternoon of Schopskoff (sheepshead - a card game!) We welcome donations of local vintage photographs for our archives.
Rotating Exhibits
We would rather display artifacts than store them, so there are a few permanent exhibits within the museum. To provide new experiences for our guests, many of exhibits change throughout the year. You will always find something different and leave knowing something new.
Activities
The society aims to remain fresh and interesting throughout the year. A variety of activities and entertainment are held for members and non-members alike.
membership
At this time we do not offer on-line membership, but will make this as easy as possible for you.
Individual - $20
Sustaining - $35
Family - $25
Sustaining Family - $65
Business Professional - $65
Sustaining Business Professional - $100
Please mail your name, address, city , state and zip code. An email address will allow us to send you a newsletter electronically. We will not share your information.
Check payable to: The Plymouth Historical Society
Mail to: Plymouth Historical Society, P.O. Box 415, Plymouth WI 53073
When then was now
Dynamite Bill. Before &...
One Sunday afternoon in October of 1946, a 16-year old Plymouth boy sat on a fender of a car and fired at a sparrow perched on the wheel of a contractor’s wagon. That shot hit a wagon and exploded more than 1,000 pounds of nitroglycerin dynamite that Dynamite Bill had stored there.
...After
The blast shook a half dozen counties and Plymouth streets were awash with shattered glass. One Plymouth resident was just about to sit down to listen to the radio. The davenport rose to meet him. Everyone rushed outside to see what had happened. All that could be seen was a hole in the ground 10 to 12 feet deep and 15 to 20 feet across. The wagon and the sparrow disappeared.
When photography was new
This photo certainly has a story to tell. Work jackets advertise the name R.H. Hand Lumber Co. and the horse, Keifer & Witkopp Furniture and Undertaking. Note what the gentlemen are holding. A saw, hatchet, hammer, level, and two with a mug of beer, one holding a mug and a bottle. All appear to have arms, legs, fingers and toes intact.
Hotchkiss-Pulman Mill. Before &...
The Hotchkiss-Puhlman Mill bustled with activity and was important in the development of Plymouth. Farmers arrived from surrounding counties with wheat to have ground into flour.
...After
In 1966 the mill was torn down and a commercial office building was constructed onto its foundation.
Trolley Service
In the early 1900's, Plymouth residents utilized trolley cars for transportation. The trolley line operated from Sheboygan to points westward with a trolley station right here in Plymouth. Car 26, at one time a common site, now operates at the Trolley museum in East Troy, Wis.
hub city chronicles
Plymouth is the Cheese Capitol of the World
October 2014, volume 24, no. 5
On the south side of Plymouth there was once a thriving business area known as “Cheeseville.” Located along the rail line, Cheeseville included warehouses, cold storage facilities, and processing plants. This area was located from the present day Borden facility north to Reed street. In this bustling center cheese was collected, stored, aged, graded, packaged and shipped.
Why Cheeseville? One only needs to look back to the dairy history in Sheboygan county. In 1871, there were 20 cheese factories in the county, 125 by 1905 and down to 91 in 1936. But as the number of cheese factories declined those remaining produced larger quantities of cheese. The problem which presented itself is that cheesemakers did not have facilities to store their product.
Early on cheese dealers would purchase cheese from the cheese factories and hold it until suitable buyers could be found. As the industry grew, professional buyers would travel from cheese factory to cheese factory to purchase their cheese. This however fell from favor as the cheese factories often received pennies on the dollar.
In 1912, farmers became dissatisfied selling their milk to cheesemakers who in-turn sold their cheese through dealers. Farmers thought they would be better off establishing a co-op of their own cheese factories, or at least force the cheesemakers to sell to a Federation which the farmers would own. This would bypass the cold storage warehouses and other dealers who bought cheese.
Senator Henry Kumrey of Plymouth led the effort for the farmers to organize. 1,500 farmers organized the Wisconsin Cheese Producers Federation in 1913. The Federation was located in northwest part of the city on Schwartz street. At its peak the Federation had a membership of 435 cheese factories from many counties. The Federation manufactured “Mello-Crème,” cheese that was aged in wood.
The Federation ceased in 1965 and the buildings were sold to Howard Stoll who developed Plymouth Creameries Inc.
For decades Plymouth has proudly been known as “The Cheese Capitol of the World.” The Wisconsin Cheese Exchange was located in Plymouth with its board meeting weekly to establish the price of cheeses worldwide. We would liken it to the New York Stock Exchange for cheese. Virtually every buyer and seller of American cheese used the proceedings from the Cheese Exchange as a guide to pricing.
The roots of the exchange can be traced back to 1873 when it was known as the Sheboygan Falls Board of Trade. In 1918 the Exchange was established and further changes in 1936 officially created the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange. In 1944 this was the only such exchange in the nation. Membership came from coast-to-coast.
The workings of the board was a simple process. Buyers and sellers convened in a boardroom on the corner of Mill and Stafford streets. A blackboard had the names of cheese factories and quantity and type of cheese they had to offer. Bids were solicited and when the bidding was completed, the board’s secretary would contact each factory, making a check mark on the board if the factory accepted or passed on the bid.
Within Cheeseville, there were two types of warehouses. Cheese assemblers and cheese processers. The cheese factories would bring cheese to the assemblers who would paraffin it and then sell it to the processors. Processors would package the cheese or blend it with other ingredients to make processed cheese or spread.
Some of the assemblers included Bamford Cheese Co., Barber Cheese Co., Blanke Cheese Co., Brookshire Cheese Co., Conover Cheese Co., Dairy State Storage, Davis Cheese Co., and Plymouth Cheese Co. Processers included Pabst-Ett Co. and Kraft Phenix Co. (maker of Philadelphia Cream Cheese), which later became Kraft (maker of the celebrated “Kraft Loaf Cheese”), Borden’s, and Lakeshire-Marty, a division of Borden’s.
Pabst-Ett has an interesting history. Kraft bought the Sheboygan Cheese Co. and moved its operations to Plymouth. During prohibition the Pabst Brewery produced cheese in its Milwaukee plant. After prohibition they moved their cheese making equipment to Plymouth and Kraft opened the Pabst-Ett Co. in 1933. A combination of Pabst, the Sheboygan Cheese Co., and Kraft.
During the 1930’s and 40’s the population of Plymouth was 4,400. 1,000 of those citizens were employed in the cheese industry. In the 1930’s employees worked 12-hour days or longer and 10-hour days on Saturdays. Men earned a starting salary of 35 cents an hour while women earned 30 cents. Women who worked at Lakeshire-Marty were not allowed to work once they married.
Various types and sizes of cheeses were made in Plymouth. Cheddars, twins, daisies, longhorns, squares and loaf. Italian varieties included Provolone, Romano, Asiago and Parmesan. These cheeses were not only sought after in major cities of the United States, but shipments were also made to Montreal, London, Liverpool and Glasgow.
The demise of Cheeseville began when Kraft moved its operations to Chicago in 1949. As cheese factories became larger there was no longer a need for assemblers and cheese was sold directly to processers and wholesalers. Shipping methods also changed from rail to refrigerated trucks and newer, modern facilities, no longer needed to be built along rail lines.
The Cheese Exchange continued operations in Plymouth until 1970 when it relocated to Green Bay.
While Cheeseville no longer exists, a few of the buildings still dot the landscape along the rail line south of Reed street.
Hub City Chronicles
A benefit of membership is our newsletter, Hub City Chronicles. Published 4-times a year, we offer interesting articles, photographs, events, and more, for your reading pleasure.
We share a feature article from 2014.