Clinton Community Historical Society

08/27/2026

Do you know where Tiffany is located today? It has undergone a significant relocation from its original site. Much like Clinton Corners, which was moved to become Clinton Junction, Tiffany has seen a shift in its geographical position.

The original settlement plot for Tiffany was nestled in La Prairie Township, approximately a mile northwest of where it sits now. Historical records, including an 1858 map, indicate that Tiffany was initially established near the intersection where the Union Pacific railroad crosses Belding Road, about one mile north of the Town of Turtle Public Services Center. This area also hosted the first railroad depot, known as Shopiere Station, a pivotal point for transportation in the early days of the community.

On March 6, 1857, the Tiffany post office came into existence, marking an important milestone in the area’s development. Peter Smith was appointed as the first postmaster, overseeing operations from a location in the southeast quarter of Section 34, Township 2 North, Range 13 East in La Prairie Township.

While the specific reasons and timing for Tiffany's relocation to its new site at the intersection of Townline Road and Creek Road remain unclear, it is widely believed that the move corresponds with the flourishing of businesses along Creek Road, contributing to its growth and evolution as a community hub.

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Next open museum is Saturday, September 5, 11am-2pm.

08/21/2026

Everyone is warmly invited to come to the next open museum at the Cobblestone on Saturday, September 5th. Bring a friend, and learn something new about your community.

08/20/2026

A new Facebook group called 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙄 𝘾𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 has been launched, focusing on topics related to the individuals resting in the cemetery as well as aspects of Shopiere's history. The group is administered by Peggy Walrath, who will facilitate discussions and share information that honors the memory of those interred there.

This is the link to join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666230021143605

The group contains early posts that include historical records detailing the acquisition of the Shopiere Store by Arthur Gad Briggs (who is Betty's grandfather) in 1925. Notably, this significant purchase was reported in the 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙚-𝙏𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨, a publication that was launched in July 1925 by H J Kent.

(From the 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙄 𝘾𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 group)
The C. E. Thomas store in Shopiere has been sold to A. G. Briggs, who will take possession of the business this week. Mr. Briggs has been manager of the Cutler Furniture company store in Beloit for the past eight years, and prior to then was manager of the store for the former owners for several years. His family will move here this week.

Mr. Thomas has purchased Mr. Briggs' residence. He and Mrs. Thomas and daughter, Jane, plan to leave soon on a trip to northern Wisconsin where they may possibly spend the winter.
This is the third change in management of Shopiere and Tiffany stores within little more than a year.

Both Mr. Briggs and Mr. Thomas contemplated the transaction for several months, and the announcement came as a surprise to the people of this community. Mr. Thomas observed his fourth anniversary in Shopiere, and during his business career has built up one of the finest community stores in southern Wisconsin.

The building was improved by the addition of new living quarters two years ago. It has recently been painted and decorated.

THE NEWS joins in welcoming Mr. Briggs to our ever-growing and attractive village, which is, without question, a most desirable place which to live and grow. His past experience in business should enable him to to enjoy the custom and friendship of a large number in this community. Mr. Thomas will remain at Shopiere for a week or so to help Mr. Briggs become settled in his new business.

08/13/2026

The Limestone Sentinel of Turtle Creek

Rising over Turtle Creek near Shopiere, the Tiffany Stone Arch Bridge is a towering 387½-foot long monument of pioneer craftsmanship.

Built in 1869 and modeled after a historic rail bridge in France, its five grand arches were painstakingly hand-hewn from local limestone by master builders John Pryor Watson and Henry Crane.

Standing virtually unaltered for over a century, the bridge owes its modern strength to a targeted 1930 safety reinforcement added specifically to the underside of the arches to support heavy freight traffic. This is the story of a living legend carved into the Wisconsin landscape.

This video overview is based on historical records, personal recollections, and documented events preserved within the community archives. To provide a complete narrative and capture the "flavor" of its history, certain stylized illustrations and creative embellishments may be utilized for storytelling purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on available materials, these presentations are intended as a pictorial review and may not account for every unrecorded detail or historical omission

08/10/2026

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our Cobblestone tuckpointing project. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone whose contributions made this achievement possible.

if you haven't visited the home of your Clinton Community Historical Society, stop by at our next "Open Museum" hours, 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, Sept. 5. Thank you!

08/06/2026

Today’s historical presentation will provide an insightful overview of the early development of Avalon, Wisconsin, highlighting key events and milestones that shaped the community.

This video overview is based on historical records, personal recollections, and documented events preserved within the community archives. To provide a complete narrative and capture the "flavor" of Avalon's history, certain stylized illustrations and creative embellishments may be utilized for storytelling purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on available materials, these presentations are intended as a pictorial review and may not account for every unrecorded detail or historical omission

08/05/2026

CCHS received a special delivery donation shipped from Florida. Do you know people who worked at Green Giant in Belvidere or Libby's in Darien? We would love to hear from you...