Plymouth Historical Society
420 East Mill Street
Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073
(920) 893-1876
email us
We are opening new spring goods continually and can show you the largest assortment in dry goods, notions and fancy good, clothing, carpets, wall paper, lace curtains, oils shades and more. We have many specialties in dress goods and corsets not found elsewhere. Our stock includes men’s, youths and children’s hats, fur, wool and straw. We have this spring put in a larger stock of fancy groceries such as canned fruits, vegetables, fish, etc. than ever before, and are prepared to stand a raid of the entire county for months.
Huson & Zerler
Plymouth Reporter – April 20, 1882
Postmaster Karpe has just erected a new and elegant iron picket fence, of a handsome pattern, fronting his premises adjoining the Post Office on the west. Grading down the lots, cutting out the shrubbery and otherwise improving and beautifying the premises, will immediately follow. When completed the premises will present as handsome an appearance as any in the city. Mr. Karpe is to be commended for his artistic enterprise.
Plymouth Reporter – July 6, 1882
The eleven girls that were invited to spend Friday afternoon with Miss Nelda Bade found much amusement in untangling the strings which were twined over the large and handsome lawn and park of the Bade home on Forest avenue. After securing the article which was at the end of each string, hats were made out of tissue paper, Miss Jennie Kaestner being awarded the prize for the best one. Miss Emelyn Joerns of Sheboygan was successful in guessing the names of cities whose letters had been transposed; and in guessing the number of beans in a bottle, Miss Lorena Stahl of Milwaukee was nearest correct, her guess being 400 and the number in the bottle was 488.
Plymouth Review – Aug. 27, 1902
Notice to members – the members of the Plymouth Hook & Ladder company are requested to assemble at the Fire Engine House at 1 o’clock this afternoon to attend the funeral of their treasurer, C.F. Timm.
Plymouth Reporter – May 10, 1913
Many Plymouth friends attended the St. Luke’s School of Nursing capping service which was held Tuesday evening. Twenty-seven students received their caps which symbolizes the successful completion of the six months pre-clinical period. Among these students was Miss Caroline Faas, 925 Eastern Ave., sister of Mrs. Edward Foley Jr., of this city.
Plymouth Review – March 11, 1933
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History of Plymouth Historical Society
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 first floor 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 kitchen and dining room.
Over the years the store front saw many businesses including a meat market, a shoe doctor, podiatrist, clothing store, cookie outlet, and 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 displays of local interest. Future projects include expansion of the lower level which will house “The Plank Road Trail,” a depiction of Plymouth 1869. Three store fronts will display a millenary, an apothecary, and a general store. Visitors will walk on a plank road which once lead travelers from Sheboygan to Fond du lac. Future expansions will include a vintage kitchen and additional display and educational areas. The Stahlman Research Library will offer reference materials of local interest.
The Stahlman Library - NEW
The Stahlman Library is located on the second floor of the museum. The research library was established in honor of Jim Stahlman who, along with his wife Peg, founded the Plymouth Historical Society in 1990. Library resources may be viewed in-house. Because the library contains rare and unique collections, we do not allow items to be removed or checked out. Learn more about what we now have housed in our library.
Preserving Plymouth's Past
Operated by the Plymouth Historical Society, a nonprofit group, in the heart of 
Plymouth Wisconsin, the museum contains a variety of exhibits and artifacts specific to the local area. Our family friendly museum features changing exhibits throughout the year.
Past and present exhibits have included a general store, a vintage parlor, cheese making, the Curtis Collection of vintage clothing, an extensive collection of Indian arrowheads and artifacts, World War I & II, railroading, school days, early plat maps of the city, toys, Hattie Crogan paintings, and so much more. Since we change displays throughout the year there is always something new to grab your attention.
Museum Hours
The museum is open to the public. School groups are welcome and guides are available when requested in advance. Summer hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10 to 2 pm. Winter hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 to 2 pm. Call for information, 920-893-1876.
What's New?
Our friends at Channel 14 often offer the Historical Society time to update the community with “what is new” and “what is coming” to the museum. Presentations are also available at the museum for viewing at your pleasure.
Wanted
We need docents to fill our volunteer calendar for the coming months. This is a fun job and as any docent can tell you, we not only have people from Plymouth and Wisconsin, we’ve had visitors from Japan, Venezuela and Denmark, just to name a few places. What a great opportunity to represent Plymouth and have fun visiting with fascinating people who come right to our door. Visit with old friends and make new. For more information call Vi at (414) 892-4784.
"Images of America: Plymouth"
(Pictorial book on Plymouth)
Fascinating tidbits and more than 200 additional short, descriptive narratives accompany old-time photos in the newly published, 128-page paperback, titled “Images of America: Plymouth.” A treasure trove for history buffs, this book spans 160 years of Plymouth’s history, from 1845, with the construction of the Cold Spring House, a log inn and tavern – to 2005, with the dedication of Veterans Memorial Trail.
“Images of America: Plymouth” is available for $19.99 through the Plymouth Historical Society, the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center; the Sheboygan County Museum; online through Arcadia Publishing and at regional and local bookstores, including Book Heads, 216 E. Mill St., Plymouth.
A collaborative project of two non-profit organizations – the Plymouth Historical Society and the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, this book is the first pictorial history book exclusively about Plymouth, Wisconsin. Profits from the book sales by the two non-profit organizations will be used as a fundraiser for their operational expenses. Proceeds from sales through those two organizations remain with the individual organizations that sold the books.
Volunteers
Our volunteers help in a variety of ways, from maintenance, tidying up, baking, and display set up, cataloging, organizing, prep work for events, and so on. On Tuesday mornings a group of volunteers gather to work on projects that vary from week to week. The museum is a great place to meet new and old friends, net work and share information. We are always in need of assistance and would love to have you join us. Stop by or call the museum at (920) 893-1876, if you would like to help out.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop offers a variety of items from reading materials, photographs, vintage jewelry, toys, ornaments, Plymouth mugs, postcards, wooden toys, and authentic Plymouth street signs and more.
Santa Steam Train DVD
The Santa Stream Train video is a fantastic production with amazing footage and a story to tell.
Through the Years(manuscript)
The Walter Bade manuscripts – “Through the Years,” by H.C. Bade. Written in 1945 this 25 page manuscript tells of early recollections of Plymouth 1860 to the 1880’s. His son Walter, a well known historian of Plymouth, wrote a manuscript called “Through the Eyes of Walter Bade.” Walter recalls the early days of the Quic Qui Oc settlement and Plymouth.
We offer Historic Plymouth attire including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats with Plymouth logos and a t-shirt with our restored flour mural. Various sizes are available and may be purchased at the museum gift shop our print out order form and mail to Custom Craft Trophy, 220 E. Mill Street, Plymouth WI, 53073. Checks should be made payable to the Plymouth Historical Society. Feel free to call the museum for more information at (920) 893-1876.
History of Plymouth WI
Much can be learned about local history by viewing the exhibits at the Plymouth Museum. Gain insight into Plymouth's past by attending Historical Society programs and functions. Throughout the year the Society offers a variety of activities which explore topics from arrowheads and genealogy, to photo preservation and wood carving. Become a member today!
Programs
The Historical Society has presented a wide range of programs to educate its members, to preserve our heritage, and to socialize. A few of our past programs have include
- Vintage Bridal Show
- Union Cemetery Tours
- Historical Church Tours
- Wade House Programs
- Polish Dinner
- Ladies Tea
- Christmas Walk
- Porches on Reed Street
- Russian Pottery
- Vintage Music
- Antiques Road Show Appraisal Night
Our Traveling Trunk
This is an on-going program whereby historical items are placed in an antique trunk that is circulated among the public and private 4th grade classes in our school district.
Newsletters
Members receive our quarterly newsletter filled in information on the Plymouth Historical Society as well as brief snippets of historical intrigue. Feel free to look at our past issues. Become a member of the PHS to receive your copy! View sample newsletter
City History Membership Contributions
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