Wapsi Mill

12/07/2023

As the 29th state, Iowa turns another year older on December 28. Come explore some of our 99 counties.

https://bit.ly/FINDIowa_OurCounties

12/07/2023

FRIDAY - "Artifact Spotlight" - aerial view of downtown Independence showing 2 bridges (on 1st St. and 2nd St.) what else do YOU see?

12/03/2023

THANKS everyone for baking, donating time, volunteers, Presbyterian Church, and most of all YOU THE BUYERS at the annual Christmas Cookie Walk. Sponsored by the Buchanan Co. Historical Society. The cookies and candies were great and just one small tray left for the local Fire dept. THANK YOU!!

12/01/2023

This weekend the fabulous car collection that we have had on loan will hit the auction block in Kansas City. It has been a joy for us to witness the reactions of people viewing this collection since we opened in 2007.

While we put plans together as to how the space will be utilized in the future we have a deal for all of you who have a great car and would like to show it off in our Museum. Hit the link and fill out the form. We will be in touch if you’ve got what we’re looking for. A donation will be required to display your vehicle.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4ffTlwFX_o5YDrVSYn9eEshizpS36KvfXSgfropxgZjBUjg/viewform?usp=sf_link

11/30/2023

FRIDAY - "Artifact Spotlight" - remember when? It took skill NOT to spill the tray and root beer INSIDE THE CAR.

11/29/2023

It snowed - more like Christmas is in the air. The Lee Mansion is warm and full of charm - stop by any weekend 1-3pm. Don't forget the annual cookie walk IS THIS SATURDAY at the Presbyterian Church 10-noon. $5 for an empty box for YOU TO FILL.

11/28/2023

Lee Mansion - gift shop open on weekends 1-3pm. (ck or cash only, no credit cards-thanks) Shop local and learn some local history. 809 1st St. E aka old "People's Hospital" by library.

11/27/2023

Lee Mansion - I few visitors early this am in the fresh snow

11/25/2023

Lee Mansion - remember we are open this weekend - Sat. & Sun. 1-3pm one of the quilts on display in the 'sewing room'

11/24/2023

Lee Mansion is open this weekend 1-3pm Sat. & Sunday. See all of the updates and enjoy

11/24/2023

We're 'thankful' for all who VOLUNTEERED to our organization this year. Wapsi Mill, Lee Mansion and Heartland Acres. remember we are a 501C3 non-profit, remember us in your 'year end' giving. THANKS giving.

11/23/2023

FRIDAY - "Artifact Spotlight" - another early Independence ad. Label from Independence Canning Co. bldg. is where Tyson's just recently closed

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving

11/22/2023

Lee Mansion - arrow heads from Buchanan Co. displayed in the Civil War room.

11/21/2023

Lee Mansion - love this time of year. Take 'time' to visit, you'll 'like' us. Upstairs open stairway with local artists drawings/paintings.

11/20/2023

Lee Mansion - tin ceiling and antler lighting in 'civil war room' . Upstairs (22 steps later)

11/19/2023

Lee Mansion - 2014 when Marjorie (Frank) Boyle and her son visited the Lee Mansion. Thank you Marjorie for all the artifacts donated by your family.

11/18/2023

Happy Thanksgiving week the Lee Mansion will be OPEN on Sat. & Sunday 1-3pm November 25-26th

11/17/2023

Lee Mansion - former atty. desk in front office of the mansion. Formerly used by Attys. Don Hoeger, Carl Greif.

11/16/2023

Lee Mansion - friends and relatives visiting over Thanksgiving? Remember the Lee Mansion is OPEN every weekend from 1-3pm. The front porch is an inviting family portrait waiting to happen.

11/16/2023

FRIDAY - "Artifact Spotlight' - corner of 1st St. E and 'Chatham' aka 2nd Ave. NE - 2nd story was 'Closson Family Medicines' in 1892 he had 21 lady clerks. He also put '3 medicine wagons' on the road where they visited 1,800 towns in 12 months. Dr. Charles Closson of Walker was one of his 6 children.

11/14/2023

annual Christmas Cookie Walk is coming....Sat. Dec. 2nd 10-noon at Presbyterian Church Independence, Iowa. empty box is $5.00 (we furnish the box) Hope to see YOU there.

11/14/2023

Lee Mansion - another exhibit in the 'Doctor Office' upstairs.

11/13/2023

Lee Mansion - afternoon tea ideas?

11/12/2023

Thanks to all who visited the Lee Mansion on Veterans day Nov. 11th. If you missed coming the mansion is OPEN EVERY WEEKEND from 1-3pm. Take time to enjoy our past.

11/12/2023

A fun thanksgiving turkey-shaped fruit and cheese platter !

11/11/2023

Grand Opening at the Lee Mansion today 10-3pm first picture was 2008 and then now. We've come a long way baby.

11/10/2023

11/10/2023

Lee Mansion - Clarke Family photos on display

11/10/2023

FRIDAY - "Artifact Spotlight" Buchanan Co. Courthouse block 1939 when the houses were moved to make room for the 'new courthouse bldg.'

11/08/2023

hope to see YOU Sat. at the Grand Opening of the Lee Mansion 10-3pm. donations appreciated to continue restoration work. A small gift shop (cash and checks only-no Cr. cards) thank you

11/07/2023

Lee Mansion - more of the exterior. New aggregate sidewalk out front and more 'rocks' in the Victorian Garden.

11/06/2023

Lee Mansion - porcelain candelabra from Shellito family

11/06/2023

11/06/2023

A Tribute to Our Past Exhibit is open Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 am - 8:00 pm. Experience the history of Independence! Travel Iowa City of Independence, IA Government Buchanan County Tourism Wapsi Mill City of Independence Iowa, Fire Department

11/04/2023

just a reminder - Lee Mansion GRAND OPENING on Sat. Nov. 11,, 2023 10-3pm hope to see you there

11/04/2023

Lee Mansion - more displays 1904 Iowa Law books

11/03/2023

Lee Mansion - cupboard full of local china painting. There was a group of Independence ladies that drove to Dubuque once a week for china painting lessons. Some were: Nina Freeman, Polly Frank, Maxine Cappel and others.

11/02/2023

more of the Lee Mansion - a short 'history book' with the obits. of the doctors from the Independence, Iowa area. (may be seen in the 'Doctor Office' in the Lee Mansion) Also the saying from Dr. Hersey office - 'Don't worry, it may never happen'. taken from fireplace when his office (later school adm. office) was demolished.