Bringing History to Life

We're immensely proud of the progress we've made in fulfilling our mission of preserving the history of Stanley and the surrounding area by collecting historical artifacts and written materials, and educating the public through displays and programs.

When you visit our museum of over 12,000 square feet, you'll be able to view exhibits of artifacts that make connections with local history. You can research in our library containing family histories, old plat books, and digitized Stanley Republican newspapers and Stanley or Stanley-Boyd High School annuals.

We invite you to visit during June through September from 1–4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Use of our gathering space and tours are available to public and private schools, homeschool groups, class reunions, Red Hat Society and other organizations year-round. Contact us via email, or call Betty at 715-644-5492 from May through October or Dave at 715-644-5880 from November through April to schedule.

Introducing Our Newest Publication

"Only in Stanley, Wisconsin"

By Betty Plombon

Lifelong Stanley resident and museum director

Searching through mountains of notes about the early days of Stanley, Wisconsin, Betty found stories that have never been published in their entirety due to their controversial nature. Prepare yourself to embark on a journey that reveals a few interesting and previously hidden aspects of Stanley's history, including:

Why two Catholic Churches in a town of 2,500 people?
Stanley’s wild road to Prohibition.
No Sunday movies or concerts.
The KKK arrives.
And much more!

In the early 1900s, Stanley was at war, with people fighting against one another. It was a war of nationalities — church against church, drinking versus nondrinking, and the invasion of the KKK against the Catholics. All this was creating havoc and hatred against one another in this little town.

As the town rapidly grew in the early 1800s, both religion and saloons were essential to the occupants. This community of 2,500 people had 12 saloons and about as many churches. By 1904, there were 13 registered saloons. The recent startups of two large industries — a sawmill and tannery — required hundreds of workers. As some workers with families arrived, they quickly needed homes to be built. However, many came without families. Those single men needed and sought comfort — something to make them forget their long nights spent alone and someone to listen to them.

Arriving in Stanley about 1900, one could easily hear the sounds of an organist sitting in front of a church organ, his hands gracefully moving over the keys playing hymns and other sacred music with a reverent and steady rhythm, setting the tone for a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. In the background, the sounds of a rattling old upright piano also could be heard through the thin walls of a saloon as the player pounded out old-time honky-tonk, slightly out-of-tune saloon music, such as “The Entertainer.”

Then one fateful day, a new figure arrived in Stanley, forever altering the town's path. The implications of this arrival — whether for better or worse — are for you to decide. Either way, as you read these stories, you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat.

You can’t make this stuff up!

Stop by the museum on Tuesdays through December from 9–11 a.m., weather permitting, to pick up your copy. To have a copy mailed to you, send a check for $25 to Stanley Area Historical Society, PO Box 142, Stanley, WI 54768-0142. Please note on your check the name of the book.

Visit our Bookstore page to get information about other available books.

"Vintage Views of Stanley Wisconsin

Brought to Life with Color"

By former Stanley resident David Plummer

in collaboration with fellow SAHS members, Dave Jankoski and Betty Plombon

Still available!

This beautifully rendered, color photo book presents a vivid reimagining of Stanley, Wisconsin’s past. The book features over 200 historically significant photographs previously depicted in black and white, now brought to life with cutting-edge colorization technology and meticulous historical research, resulting in a rich depiction of Stanley's heritage.

Vintage Views of Stanley Paperback Cover 80lb Rev A2.jpg

Stop by the museum during open hours, or download the order form, print and complete, and mail with your check to:

Stanley Area Historical Society

PO Box 142

Stanley, WI 54768-0142

Cost:

Softcover: $35
Hardcover: $45
Shipping: $11 ea.

Visit our Bookstore page to get information about other available books!