Plymouth Historical Society
420 East Mill Street
Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073
(920) 893-1876
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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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Preserving Plymouth's Past

Operated by the Plymouth Historical Society in Plymouth, Wisconsin, the museum contains a variety of exhibits, artifacts and intrigue specific to Plymouth, Wisconsin. Our family friendly museum features a blacksmith display, vintage clothing, an armed forces display, Native American artifacts and Fire Department exhibit. Other displays change throughout the year, allowing the Society to feature smaller displays and pieces of special interest.

What's New?

Keep your eyes on Channel 14.  Jim Stahlman recently interviewed Zane Hartle which will be broadcast soon.

The historical society board has given the go ahead for the purchase of a flat screen TV.  It will be wall mounted and will enable us to run historical programs and interviews on a continual basis. 

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.

Home & Garden Tour's "Porches on Reed Street"

Enjoy home and garden talks, tips, and tours. Learn more!

Extended Museum Hours

The Plymouth Historical Society is now open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 - 2 pm. We are also open by appointment by calling the museum at (920) 893-1876 or (920) 892-6228.

Plymouth Baseball Exhibit

View early photos and articles on Plymouth baseball. Take a peek at a scrapbook on Jimmie Pokel, Plymouth's most noted baseball player.

Chuck Strobel Collection

This wonderfully fine collection includes over 200 items representing the best of Plymouth memorabilia. Reminisce as you look at samples of freebies given away by Plymouth businesses over the years.

"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

Volunteers have surpassed 1,600 hours, ripping out walls, paneling; dry walling, painting, cleaning – you name it, they have done it. On July 31st, the 420 E. Mill St. sign was removed and to everyone’s surprise revealed hidden signage underneath, – “Pixie Shop.” The museum entrance will be on the west side of the building with the center entrance serving the upper stories. The museum will be moving in to our new location in October. Help is needed! Financial Sponsors as well as volunteer workers are needed to help this project become the success we envision. Call us to sign up (920) 893-1876.

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.

Gift Shop Goodies

Our gift shop is growing! Stop by and check out the new items for sale. Lots of great Plymouth paraphernalia!

2008 Santa Steam Train DVD
The DVD can be purchased in the museum gift shop at a cost of $ 20.  It’s a fantastic production and twice as long as the 2007 DVD.  There are great pictures of the train and Plymouth and the people who undertook this monumental project. 

Through the Years (manuscript)   
H.C. Bade wrote about incidents he recalled from the 1860’s to the 1880’s.  Written in 1945 this 25 page manuscript has been reproduced and is available at the museum gift shop for $5.

Through the Eyes of Walter Bade (manuscript) 
A manuscript written by Walter Bade.  90 pages.  Walter Bade was a historian of Plymouth and wrote about the early days of Plymouth and Quic Qu Oc Settlement.  This publication is available at the museum gift shop for $10.

  • Plymouth Mugs = $15 each
  • 1 Pound assorted chocolates (Oaks Candy Company - Oshkosh) = $15
  • Wooden Toys = $3 each
  • Plymouth Postcards = 50 cents
  • 1889 Plat Maps = $12 each
  • Authentic Plymouth Street Signs = $5 each

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

Since 1990, the Plymouth Historical Society has presented a wide range of programs to educate its members and to preserve the history and heritage of Plymouth. A past sampling of the programs included:

  • Vintage Style Show
  • Plymouth Furniture Manufacturers
  • Movie Theaters
  • Flour Mills
  • Union Cemetery Tours
  • Historical Church Tours
  • Bergin Native American Collection
  • Railroad Related Programs
  • Wade House Programs
  • WWII Related Programs
  • Walking Tours
  • Campfire Girls Presentation
  • 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.

Historic Plymouth Attire

Stop at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Custom Craft Trophy, or Plymouth Art Center and take a peek at samples of apparel promoting our quaint town of Plymouth. Items include t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and button-down Henley shirts. Sizes are unisex. Members receive a $2 discount on each item!

Sagestone T-shirt = $20
Natural Henley Shirt = $24
Khaki Brown Sweatshirt = $24
Hats (one size) = $15
Sizes: S – M – L – XL
For XXL please add $2

Print order form and mail to Custom Craft Trophy 220 E Mill St., Plymouth WI 53073. Please include your payment along with your order form. Checks may be made payable to the Plymouth Historical Society. Proceeds benefit our new museum and historical programs.

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

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 historical society purchased the building and began extensive renovation.  Today the first floor space is home to many exhibits which change throughout the year.  The second floor has a meeting room and is utilized for cataloging and The Stahlman Research Library will be home to many publications related to the immediate area.  Future projects include the lower level which will offer additional exhibit and storage space. 

 

 

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