Ashland Historical Society Museum

10/30/2026

May 3, 1917 - Chicago & North Western yard on the east side of Ashland, Wisconsin.

Enjoy. Jim.

10/30/2026

1887 drawing of Ashland, Wisconsin.

Enjoy. Jim.

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

I was doing some research and came across some listings and photos showing that The Avalon Bar was for sale in Benoit, Wisconsin. Joyce Poppe (1943-2026) was known for some of the best fish fries in the area. Maybe in the comments we could hear about the future of The Avalon Bar and some stories about its past. Please post any photos you may have.

Here's a little history about The Avalon Bar (some taken from the Town of Keystone website):

The Avalon Bar, located at 24010 County Highway F, Benoit, Wisconsin, has been a cornerstone community staple for the Benoit and Moquah areas near Ashland, Wisconsin, since the 1930s.

The history of the property began when a small building was constructed in 1920 just east of a Massey Harris implement dealership. The implement shop and the small building were owned by the local Dymesich family. Over the decades, they grew and transformed that initial small structure into The Avalon Bar, restaurant, and dance hall.

For nearly a century, the Avalon has functioned as a central gathering place for the rural community surrounding County Highway F. It historically hosted major life events for locals, serving as the default venue for weddings, funerals, and general community gossip.

Before an addition was officially built onto the nearby Benoit School in 1952, The Avalon's dance hall was routinely used to host local school Christmas plays.

The Avalon is best known by locals and visitors for its classic Tuesday Burger Nights and its traditional Friday Night Fish Fry.

Enjoy. Jim.

10/28/2026

The Clarkson Coal Company dock, owned by Worrell Clarkson and located at the mouth of Bay City Creek at the foot of 11th Avenue East (Whittlesey Avenue back then), was built in 1905, and was almost doubled in size the following year, in 1906 (see attached newspaper clippings).

I remember many great times as a child fishing down at the end of the dock and playing on the coal piles.

Attached are various photos and newspaper clippings from over the years, along with a photo of Worrell Clarkson.

Let's hear your stories of knowing someone who worked here, fished here, or played here.

Enjoy. Jim.

10/28/2026

Can anyone put a date on this photo and/or identify any of these beautiful young ladies?

Enjoy. Jim.

10/27/2026

February 27, 1940 - The Evening Telegram - The burner at the John Schroeder Lumber Company, Ashland, Wisconsin, stubbornly comes down.

The John Schroeder Lumber Company, Ashland, Wisconsin, was later the location of Schroeder's Beach (named after the lumber company), later Sunset Park, and now is where Kreher Park is located. Who remembers swimming at Schroeder's Beach?

Enjoy. Jim.

10/26/2026

1890s - Camping party near Ashland, Wisconsin. That looks like comfortable camping clothing.

Enjoy. Jim.