The only constant is change

During the upcoming Heritage Days, we have the opportunity to remember Neillsville’s history. It is important to recall where we have been and plan for the future.

Neillsville was always known as a progressive, forward-thinking community. Electricity, the railroad, and the telephone were planned and developed at the end of the 19th century. The second house in Wisconsin built with electric service was the sheriff’s residence in Neillsville. Regular train service meant that residents could spend the day in Marshfield shopping and return at night. Dr. Sarah Rosenkrans would take the train to Chicago to sing on the radio station.

In the early days of the city, the center of commerce was in the area of Water Street (now 8th Street) and Hewett Street (now 7th Street) near the railroad depot. Businesses included the Omaha Hotel, Wasserburgers, Bollom’s Meat Market, a poultry business, a feed mill, and others. East Street (now Hewett Street) later became the focus of development, with two banks, two jewelers, Sniteman Pharmacy, a millinery shop, a Red Owl grocery, and many other businesses. Several barber shops served the area, sometimes in basement locations.

Currently, Division Street has more room for development. Over the past 20 years, Gesche’s Funeral Home, five insurance companies (American, State Farm, Herbrand, Marshfield, and Westland), four financial institutions (Citizens State Bank, Thrivent, BMO, Simplicity), Kwik Trip, Dollar General, and city hall have opened for business on this busy highway.

The 1897 Clark County Jail Museum collection and research files track the changes that Neillsville has experienced, especially the changes in businesses. The existing buildings in downtown Neillsville have housed a parade of shifting stores and services, often changing almost overnight. Stop in at 442 Hewett St. (The History Room) if you have questions about what you remember (or are not sure about!). We also appreciate seeing any photos that you may have that include the exterior or interior of businesses in Neillsville. We can scan and digitize the photo and return the original to you. (When you visit, see if you can answer the trivia questions posted in the window!) Our hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It is tempting to believe things were better in the past and wish to reclaim it, but we cannot go backwards. The only constant is change.

Neillsville