History of the South Wood County

Historical Museum Building

On the site of Isaac’s boyhood home, Anton Billmeyer built Shadowlawn for Isaac Witter in 1907. The house was built on grounds consisting of 230 feet of frontage on Third Street and 230 feet on the Wisconsin River.

The house was built in the neoclassical style, with 23 rooms (not including the large halls), and had a central vacuum system. An elevator was installed after Isaac became ill.

In 1947, Isaac’s brother-in-law, George W. Mead, purchased the Witter home and grounds for $15,000.00 and presented it to the city to house the T.B. Scott Public Library, which opened in 1948.

After the McMillan Memorial Library was built and opened in 1970, the building and land were deeded to the South Wood County Historical Corporation for the museum, which opened in 1972.

Board of Directors

Leon Schmidt, President

Phil Brown, Vice-President

Meg Daly, Secretary

Mary Anne Getzin, Treasurer

Richard Bender

Nick Brazeau Jr.

Mary Olson

Robert Zimmerman

Grant Deuel

John Omernik

Carol Elliott

Scott Paterick

 

Mission Statement of the South Wood County Historical Corporation

The South Wood County Historical Corporation preserves and interprets the rich heritage of South Wood County, Wisconsin, by collecting, conserving, researching, and exhibiting historical materials that reflect the region’s people and environment. Through permanent and traveling exhibitions—including those of national significance—the Corporation fosters education, inquiry, and public engagement to benefit current and future generations.

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South Wood County Historical Scavenger Hunt

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