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Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie

Name: Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie
Address: 101 Maple Street, Walworth, WI, 53184, US
Telephone: +12623943309

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Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie

The goal of the Historical society is to collect and preserve the history of Walworth and the adjoining Big Foot Prairie.

Historical Society of Walworth and Bigfoot Prairie

05/21/2026

Following a winter that seemed like it would never end, we suddenly find ourselves thinking about the upcoming commemorations of Memorial Day. This is a perfect time to visit the museum of the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie.

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, it was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John A. Logan and first observed on May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers.

The proclamation called on Americans “to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace.”

In 1966, Congress officially recognized a century of Memorial Day observances held in Waterloo, which had been proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Shortly afterward, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, enacted in 1968 and effective in 1971, designated Memorial Day as a national holiday and moved its observance from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

Museum Display

The Historical Society’s museum features a fascinating display of military uniforms and armed forces artifacts, offering an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of local men and women who served our country long ago.

As Memorial Day approaches, consider adding a visit to the museum and taking time to reflect on and appreciate our community’s military history and traditions of remembrance. The museum is open Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. What a meaningful way to pay homage to those who served our country.
The Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie is located at 101 Maple Street, Walworth, WI 53184 in the former Walworth Memorial Library building.

05/05/2026

A Different Look
Behind current BP gas station on South Main Street in Walworth. Unfortunately the date and photographer are unknown.
If you zoom in, you will see there are figures in front of the house. Does anyone know anything about this photo, house, or time period? Can you imagine life in Walworth back then?
Thanks to Fred Noer for sharing this photo and glimpse into our community's past.

04/21/2026

Rick Schoenbeck recently shared his story of Reproduction Provisions with the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie, one that few people know and even fewer would ever expect.
It all started with “A.I.” While that term is a buzzword today, Rick’s introduction to A.I. came long before A.I. was a technological concept. In this case, A.I. refers to artificial insemination, a well-established practice in the livestock industry. The history of Reproduction Provisions and Rick’s introduction into artificial insemination is a very interesting story indeed, and it continues to grow. Reproduction Provisions is now the third largest reproduction supply company in the world.
In addition to the manufacturing facility located at the former Walworth Woodcraft and Slim’s Tractor Service, Rick and Debbie also own and operate Main Street Country Store and The Gathering Grounds. This popular destination for pet food and supplies, gifts, their own farm-raised meat and eggs along with specialty coffee drinks and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, stands at the former location of Stu Peterson’s Service Station. Local historians will enjoy knowing that the Schoenbecks took down two buildings at Peterson’s Service Station only to put them back up again, this time on their farm near Hebron, IL, where they still serve the farm operations today.
And there’s more to come. Rick and Debbie are excited to share their plans to build a new facility across from Mecum Auctions later this year. The space will house their business offices, introduce a farm-to-table concept, and offer expanded gathering space for the community.
Their goal is simple: to create something special and unique for Walworth and the surrounding area.

04/10/2026

Then… and Now
Do you remember Peterson’s Service Station on S Main Street in Walworth—across from Subway on Hwy 14? Or the well-known cabinet maker next door, Walworth Woodcraft? These familiar places were once true icons in the community. Though they might live on in our memories, the scene today looks quite different.
At first glance, it may be hard to visualize the old service station. But close your eyes and think back 34 years, and you can almost see Stu Peterson working on countless cars, just as he was at this very spot. Now open your eyes and fast forward to today!

Join in the memories as the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie takes a closer look at this transformation. The next program will feature Rick Schoenbeck of Main Street Country Store and Reproduction Resources, who will share how this location has evolved over the past three decades—and what lies ahead.
The program begins at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the Walworth Memorial Library meeting room (525 Kenosha St, Walworth). As always, Historical Society programs are free and open to the public.
Come discover how a local landmark has transformed into an international business—right here in our hometown of Walworth. Hope to see you Thursday!

04/08/2026

This vintage sign, now on display at the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie Museum, is sure to bring back some great memories.

Mr. Anthony’s was once located just three miles northwest of Walworth on Highway 14, at the intersection of Brick School Road and Willow Bend Road. While the building has been gone for years, it was a favorite gathering spot for locals—especially teenagers—meeting up with friends on weekends or after a game. Owned and operated by Mr. Anthony O’Dierno and his family, it was more than just a pizza place… it was a place where memories were made.

Do you have a favorite memory of Mr. Anthony’s? We’d love to hear it—share a story or two!

The Historical Society Museum, located at 101 Maple Street in Walworth, is open to the public every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Invite a friend to join you for a visit and enjoy the rich history—and so many memories—of our community. It’s sure to be time well spent. (Okay, now I'm hungry for a pizza!)

03/30/2026

From - Black Point Estate and Gardens

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Over the next 250 days we will be highlighting historic people, places or things from around Walworth County.
Up next is the Village of Walworth
In 2026 the village of Walworth celebrates its 189th anniversary. Early settlers like James Van Slyke, Cyrus Church, and Carlos Douglass came from New England and New York to the Big Foot Prairie in 1837.
The first tavern was at the house of Christopher Douglass, but in 1917 a “bone dry” ordinance was passed, remaining in effect until the village referendum of 1939.
Walworth remained little more than a hamlet until an electric railway was built from Harvard in 1899, followed in 1901 by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul railway line from Chicago to Janesville.
In future years, Walworth became known for its annual Corn & Brat Festival, Pearce’s farm stand, and the Kikkoman Foods plant that opened in 1973.
The Friendly Village on the Square is represented by the Geese in Flight stone fountain designed by local farmer Howard Rohner in 1968.
Destroyed in a traffic accident, it was restored and now rests in the southwest corner of Heyer Park.
Walworth@250 #89

03/22/2026

Check out this throwback—just in time for the Milwaukee Brewers home opener on March 26, 2026!
This “Walworth Braves” uniform—along with much more local baseball history—can be seen and enjoyed at the Historical Society Museum in Walworth. The uniform was worn by Bob Voss during his glory days when he played semi-pro ball with the Walworth Braves.
Bob has a lot of great memories from those days—not the least of which include playing for the Walworth High School baseball team, then coached by Dale McReynolds. Bob especially remembers Dale’s willingness to help young players, like the time he pulled Bob aside to point out that he was holding his bat too high. After making the adjustment, Bob went on to hit 4 for 4.
McReynolds later went on to start the high school baseball coaches association. Even more notably though, “Mac” became a local celebrity as a professional league baseball scout. He began his scouting career with the Cincinnati Reds for 13 years, spent 6 years with the Kansas City Royals, and then moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he retired from scouting after 25 years with the organization. In 1987, he was named Scout of the Year for the West while with the Dodgers. Undoubtedly, he played a role in their 1981 and 1988 World Series championships as well. (These days, the Dodgers are better known as the Milwaukee Brewers’ nemesis—but lest we digress!)
This community has a long and storied history with baseball. Thankfully, the legacy of Dale McReynolds—along with Bob Voss’s memorabilia and much more—can be appreciated for years to come at the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie.
Be sure to check it all out at the museum, 101 Maple Street, Walworth, WI 53184:
• Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
• Fridays & Saturdays: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

03/07/2026

Here is a quiet reminder of days gone by, when these once-familiar places were the center of everyday life. In this photograph, entitled “Losing Track of Time,” Fred Noer captured a memory of Walworth’s old train depot in the late 1970s. It’s a fitting title as the years seem to pass faster than the trains once did. And speaking of time—don’t forget to spring those clocks forward one hour this weekend as daylight saving time returns. Sunset on Sunday will be at 6:56 pm …… if the clouds clear up and we can see the sun that is! Here's to warmer, sunnier days, later evenings and a lot more memories in the making. (Thanks to Fred Noer for sharing this great memory with us.)

02/13/2026

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 – Happy Valentine’s Day, Historical Society members!
As you celebrate this day, take a moment to reflect on a little piece of our local history. This photo entitled, “Center Stage,” captures the north side of the Village Square—the very spot where our community first took root. Today, it’s also where many of you might find yourselves sharing a Valentine’s meal at Sammy’s on the Square, proving that some traditions—like gathering in the heart of town—never go out of style. So whether you stop by the Square for a stroll down memory lane on a beautiful day, or enjoy dinner with someone special, take pride in the rich history beneath your feet. And just one friendly reminder: no matter how long you’ve been together, under absolutely no circumstances should you refer to your Valentine as a “historical artifact.”

Photo entitled: "Center Stage"
North side of square, downtown Walworth. The date it was taken and the photographer are unknown but the photo was donated by Fred Noer. Thank you, Fred!

01/23/2026

Another one is in the books! The annual show and tell meeting of the Historical Society of Walworth and Big Foot Prairie is now “in the books” as they say. That would be history books, of course. Thursday’s meeting saw chilly temperatures outside but the stories inside warmed everyone. Several members showed items from years ago and told their accompanying stories. These two contributors brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Surprise guest, Becky Rasmussen happened to be home from Virginia for a family event so she came along with her brother, Richard Rasmussen and shared some memories of their father, well known local attorney, Warren Rasmussen. Becky showed some of her Dad’s favorite sports equipment from many years ago; Warren’s baseball and mitt, along with his softball. Becky talked about how her father enjoyed this summer sport and despite a lot of years of wear and tear, the gear was in amazingly good condition.
Another unexpected presentation was done by the Historical Society’s own board member, Diana Bird. Diana appeared to come dressed for chores, but she assured everyone that she was not wearing her normal daily attire. Instead, Diana shared the story of a farmer’s most comfortable fiend, bib overalls, while modeling a pair of Key Apparel bibs (founded 1908). Diana came prepared with all the gear and provided a real-life demonstration on what each and every pocket was intended for. Diana also shared a little history of the well-known brand of bibs, OshKosh B'gosh which was founded in 1895 in OshKosh, WI. Today OshKosh B'gosh is a part of a well-known children's clothing manufacturer, Carters.

Address

101 Maple Street
Walworth, WI
53184

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 12pm
Friday	1pm - 3pm
Saturday	1pm - 3pm

Telephone

+12623943309

Website

facebook.com

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