Institution

During its peak in the 1940s, upwards of 80% of Antigo families had at least one member employed in some capacity by the Chicago &amp; Northwestern Railroad Company ("the C&amp;NW") - the importance of the Company, and the national railway system at large, to Antigo's history cannot be understated. The town's founder, Francis Deleglise, hinged his plans to found Antigo on convincing the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and Western Railroad (MLS&amp;W) to change course to travel through what would become Antigo, and by 1907 the town was the headquarters of the C&amp;NW's Ashland Division encompassing much of the state's northwestern quarter.The museum's Railroad Room is meant to supplement the much larger steam locomotive exhibits located just outside, visible from the window. Dioramas, maps, and photographs detail the railroad's operations and significance in the early 20th century.

Antigo was a major rail hub for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad throughout the first half of the 20th century. In the 1940s the C&NW used the image of Pete Rasmussen, the stationmaster at nearby Summit Lake, in a nation-wide campaign to promote the importance of the railroad in the war effort.

A companion of the 440 Locomotive outside, the Railroad Room offers more details about Antigo's rich historical connections to the railroad industry. Antigo grew up as a railroad town, raised up by the Chicago &amp; Northwestern Railroad Company as a hub for freight and passenger traffic throughout northern and eastern Wisconsin. This room features uniforms, dioramas, maps and photographs that help bring Antigo's golden age back to life.

Railroad Room

<h2>The Antigo Public Library and Antigo Library System: History</h2>Attempts to establish some form of library system in Antigo, Wisconsin began as early as 1879; this attempt took the form of a small rental library run by a local shopkeeper. As the community grew in size, local interest in establishing an official library grew in tandem. Although the city met this demand and formally established a library system in 1900, this organization remained without a dedicated home for years and had to provide its services from local private properties and later the city hall. To remedy this situation, the city applied for a Carnegie grant of nearly $13,000 to construct a committed library building, and in 1903, the city’s application was accepted. Designed in the Georgian Revival style by architect Allan Conover, construction of the library began in 1904 at 404 Superior Street in Antigo, Wisconsin. Construction was complete by 1905, and in the same year, the Antigo library system began to provide its services to the people of Antigo from the brand-new Antigo Public Library.During its time in the Antigo Public Library building, the Antigo library system was integral to the proliferation of library services throughout Langlade and other nearby counties. In 1961, the Antigo Public Library served as the headquarters for a “bookmobile” initiative that provided limited mobile library service to the Langlade, Oneida, Florence, Lincoln, Forest, and Vilas counties. Plans were discussed in 1962 to make the Antigo library system the head of a more formal cross-county library system, and later in the same year the Oneida County Board passed a resolution to enter into a joint agreement with the nearby Langlade, Florence, Forest, and Vilas counties to have the Antigo library system provide library services to the aforementioned counties for 1963. In 1997, the Antigo library system transferred from the Antigo Public Library into a new building located at 617 Clermont Street, Antigo, Wisconsin.<h2>The Langlade County Historical Society: History</h2>The Antigo Public Library also served as the home for the organization that would eventually take over the property in its entirety: the Langlade County Historical Society. The proceedings to create a historical society for Langlade County were well under way by 1921, but it was in 1929 that the Langlade County Historical Society was officially founded. By 1930, the LCHS was accepting donations of Langlade County-related historical artifacts, and the organization was actively involved in the planning and hosting of community events including picnics, public talks, and more. The LCHS was also active in the historical society community, sending representatives to participate in state historical conferences attended by various local historical societies throughout the state of Wisconsin.In 1933, the Langlade County Historical Society moved its museum and meeting location into a room on the second floor of the Antigo Public Library, beginning the long association of the LCHS with the Antigo Public Library building and the accompanying Deleglise Cabin. When the Antigo Public Library moved into its new facility in 1997, the LCSH took over the building and repurposed the library into its current form: an expanded headquarters and museum for the Langlade County Historical Society that continues and expands upon the Society’s past activities.<h2>The Deleglise Cabin</h2>Aside from the Antigo Public Library building, the property at 404 Superior Street also includes another historic building: the Deleglise Cabin. Built in the late 1800s, this log cabin was the first home constructed in Antigo and was also the home of the city founder, Francis Deleglise. It is worth noting that the Cabin was not originally a part of the property where it now resides; in 1914, the Cabin was moved from its original location to its current place in light of local movements to save the Cabin from being torn down for a new building.As a local historic building, the Deleglise Cabin helped attract additional visitors to the library and the Langlade County Historical Society; as early as 1959, the library hosted a museum in the Cabin sponsored by the LCHS. Still under the operation and supervision of the LCHS, the Delesglise Cabin remains an open attraction for the public to appreciate.

The Langlade County Historical Museum (historically known as the Antigo Public Library and Deleglise Cabin) was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and serves as a reminder of the proud history underpinning Antigo, Wisconsin. The site encompasses two historic buildings: the Antigo Public Library and the Deleglise Cabin. Built in 1904 and remaining in service until 1997, the Antigo Public Library was integral in providing library services to Langlade and the surrounding counties. In 1997, the Antigo library system moved to a new building, and the entirety of the Antigo Public Library became the home of the Langlade County Historical Society.The Deleglise Cabin was built in 1878 by the founder of Antigo, Wisconsin and is widely recognized as the first home built in the city. In 1914, the cabin was relocated to 404 Superior Street.

Langlade County Historical Museum

The Langlade County Historical Society is lucky enough to possess several incredibly preserved pieces of history, including the first log cabin built by a European colonizer in Langlade County, an early 20th century steam locomotive similar to those that passed through Antigo regularly in its heyday, and the museum building itself, which was built in 1905 as a public library and was turned into a museum in 1997.

The cabin, built by Antigo's founder Francis Deleglise and his associates in 1878, serves as an excellent model of building typology in northern Wisconsin during the period of its settlement. During the time of early Wisconsin settlement, the Native Americans in the area were generally friendly and relations between the indigenous and settler populations were peaceful. Settlers traded with the natives and often married them.The early homes of upper Wisconsin follow a common pattern: log structures with minimum openings, lean-to additions, and wood shake or scooped roofs. They were built as the most efficient means of providing shelter in an area where wood resources were prevalent. When Francis Deleglise arrived in what would become Antigo, he built a crude shack without any windows—a simple shelter for himself while he surveyed the area. This house stood near what later became north Superior Street (Highway 45), now Antigo’s major roadway.In 1879 the scooped roof was removed, the walls raised several tiers, and a new gable roof was erected. A 10-foot by 16-foot log addition with a shed roof was then built on the left end as an office for Deleglise. It had its own door facing the street. A new staircase replaced the original ladder which provided access to the upper attic space, and the windows and hardware were brought from Wausau. A few years later a 10-foot by 24-foot frame wing was added at the rear of the building to serve as a kitchen and dining area and main bedroom. Set near a beautiful spring, the river provided cool, fresh drinking water. It is interesting that this home was never remodeled as often happened with others of its type.The Deleglise family built a second home in 1886, several blocks to the south, and the cabin was used for other purposes. The original cabin was vacant at the time it was moved to the library grounds in 1916 to be refurbished. The cabin remains as a strong reminder of Antigo’s past. Its highly visible location at the Historical Museum’s site makes it a draw for visitors and residents alike.

Originally the home of Antigo's founder, Francis A. Deleglise, built in 1878, the Deleglise Cabin used to be located two blocks to the north of its current spot. In 1916, it was moved to the current location outside of the library (currently the museum). It was the first home of a European settler in what would eventually become Antigo, Wisconsin.

Deleglise Cabin

The locomotive is a 2-8-0 Baldwin, constructed in 1900 and a close relative of the Chicago &amp; Northwestern locomotive 175, the last steam engine to travel through Antigo in 1957. It was a compound locomotive that used steam twice, first being admitted into smaller, high-pressure cylinders and then exhausted into larger, low-pressure cylinders. This increased efficiency but more practical methods soon developed.In 1915 the locomotive was modified and renamed the 440. It was used by the Union Pacific in Kansas and Nebraska before being retired in 1955. It was preserved and donated to the Mid-Continent Railroad Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin in 1975. In 2005 it came to Antigo and was restored.The caboose generally provided shelter and quarters for crew members and was positioned at the end of the train. The crew would look out the window to watch for problems such as shifting loads and broken or dragging equipment. The conductor would have a desk and kept records in the caboose. This caboose, dating from 1955, had bay windows which offered a better view. Originally, tradition had it to paint cabooses red but that gradually changed and the caboose was painted the same color as he engine.

The 440 Locomotive was constructed in 1900 and is a close relative of the last steam engine to travel through Antigo in 1957. It was acquired by the Langlade County Historical Society in 2005 and restored. It sits on display outside the Langlade County Historical Museum as a reminder of Antigo's storied past as a railroad hub.

440 Steam Locomotive

Exterior

The museum's main floor contains its most important utilities - the front desk, the visitors' center desk, and the elevator. It also displays many artifacts which tell us about Langlade County's tribal history, European colonization, and 20th century culture.

The Welcome Center features a (no longer functioning) fireplace, previously bricked up for decades, a large map of Langlade County and its attractions, a veritable library of brochures and informational pamphlets, and a small exhibit of various baubles from throughout the county's history. Most days, a desk is manned by staff from the Economic Development Commission, who can answer questions about local activities, give directions, and inform visitors about the community. A small vestibule, built as an addition in 2021, is open 24 hours a day and also contains a large amount of brochures, pamphlets, and posters relating to local businesses, activities, maps, events, and more. This section of the museum also features an elevator with access to all floors.

The Welcome Center was added to the building in 2021, and is run by the Langlade County Economic Development Commission. It contains information about local attractions and events in Antigo as well as surrounding Langlade County. This area is also occasionally used for meetings, receptions, and other events, such as visits with Santa Claus or documentary premieres. It is staffed most days of the week by an employee of the Economic Development Commission who will answer visitors' questions about the area and attractions that Langlade County has to offer.

Welcome Center

Funded by a philanthropic grant from the Carnegie Foundation in 1905, the Langlade County Museum was originally Antigo's public library. The last building designed by prominent Wisconsin architect Alan D. Conover, its historical architecture and artistry have been preserved throughout many renovations over more than a century. The main floor is one of the most prominent examples of these 19th century stylings, with several large wooden pillars and intricate wood trim that has been stained an august russet color by sheer age.This section of the museum contains many diverse artifacts from throughout Antigo's 19th and 20th centuries. Instruments and decorations emblematic of the old Antigo Opera House adorn the northern wing, along with uniforms and equipment used by various professionals in the early 20th century. An old moonshiner's still is displayed in the vicinity of many photos and tools related to Antigo's old brewing and lumber industries, harkening back to the town's rough-and-tumble Wild North origins.Numerous artifacts and informative displays about the area's original and still-present inhabitants, the Menominee and Ojibwe tribes, whose land the city called Antigo is built on, can be found along the eastern and southern walls, including beadwork, clothing, and historical context.Many other miscellaneous objects can be found in the many display cases throughout this central room.This area also features a reference room with an indexed archive of many local and regional historical documents, including photographs, books, and newspaper articles. Depending on how busy things are, visitors can ask to use the reference room or request assistance in researching specific questions about local history.

The main floor, once used as a library, now displays artifacts from Langlade County's history. Current exhibits include early logging, Native American beadwork, and 20th century medical equipment. It also contains a research room with extensive archives of local documents. The central main desk is staffed by the curator and volunteers, who can answer questions about the building or artifacts on display, as well as take visitors on tours of the cabin and train. Photographs of the artifacts are allowed and even encouraged!

Main Area

This area contains many assorted curios, and has one of the highest densities of artifacts in the museum, simply by virtue of the dozens of framed photos, portraits, paintings, and maps lining the walls up and down the stairwell. Many of these are portraits of real, historical residents of Antigo and Langlade County, and offer a glimpse into the fashion, style, and demeanor of bygone eras. Many visitors have found that, despite being just a staircase, a liminal space between the museum's three floors, they can get lost on the stairs for ages, simply studying the many storied pictures around them - it's an exhibit unto itself!However, if stairs aren't your thing, an elevator with access to all three floors is available in the south entrance by the Welcome Center.

The front entrance to the museum contains the central stairwell and has rotating displays. This staircase is another excellent example of the fine woodwork that went into the building's construction and that has been preserved over the years. Numerous portraits and artifacts from throughout Langlade County's history adorn the walls.

Foyer

Main Floor

The lower level contains a wide array of antique tools, equipment, and posters relating to Antigo's industry and economy.

Coming down the staircase from the foyer is a display case with some information about the Vulcan Company, a manufacturing company which used to be prominent in the region and which produced various wood products, perhaps most famously bowling pins. In the hallway leading to this level's main area, one will be flanked by displays of various 20th century gadgets, most prominently a large camera used for both portraits and aerial photography.Inside the main room, the walls are packed with a dizzying array of tools and equipment from many different eras and industries. Displayed in the center of the room are a handcrafted cedar boat and a farmers' plow, while the hallway leading to the right, towards the elevator, features several unusual 20th century household appliances and tools.

Formerly the children's section of the library, the museum's lower level now displays a diverse range of artifacts, primarily farming and logging equipment, but also a collection of antique camera equipment and various other curios. Fishing, dairying, woodworking, farming, and manufacturing all feature prominently in this section - anybody interested in Antigo's economic and industrial history won't want to miss the lower level.

Lower Level

The upper floor is a diverse area containing a public art gallery, a large collection of military antiques, a recreation of a 20th century schoolhouse, and a room of railroad dioramas and posters.

One of the most eye-catching features of this room, besides its size, are the various military uniforms from many different service branches and eras displayed prominently throughout. Various display cases feature a plethora of different objects, including cavalry sabers, combat helmets, service medals, scale-model warships, flags, patches, and equipment. A rack towards the back of the room sports a dozen antique firearms from several eras.An area in the very rear of the room, atop the old stage, is dedicated to John Bradley, Antigo's most famous veteran and likely its most well-known historical figure as well. Bradley participated in the first flag raising on Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater of World War 2 in 1945, and is the subject of the 2000 book Flags of Our Fathers, written by his son James Bradley, which was also adopted into a 2006 film directed by Clint Eastwood.

Originally an auditorium for plays and public presentations, today this room is home to myriad relics associated with Antigo's military history. From the Civil War to Desert Storm, there are many historical uniforms, weapons, posters, portraits, and other curios. The rear of the room, up on the stage, is primarily concerned with World War 2 and John Bradley, of Iwo Jima fame, one of Antigo's most well-known historical residents, while the rest of the room varies in time period and focus.

Military Room

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) has been partnered with the Langlade County Historical Society for many years and is a valued part of both the Historical Society's operation and the community at large. The organization welcomes artists of all backgrounds, skill levels, and mediums. AVA holds many events throughout the year both at the museum and elsewhere throughout the community. This is one of their several galleries, and cycles out artwork based on seasonal art shows and sales. Visitors to the museum are welcome and encouraged to enjoy and even purchase the art.For more information about Antigo Visual Arts, please visit their website which is linked below.

Managed by Antigo Visual Arts, this space displays and sells diverse works of art created by members of the community. Many of these works can be purchased by bringing the item to the front desk on the main floor. The room also contains an exhibit of clothing and domestic artifacts.

AVA Gallery

While the main floor of the museum used to be a public library, the upper floor had myriad uses by many organizations throughout the building's history. Among these were many education-related functions, including the Teacher Training School, Antigo Public Schools, Girl Scouts, Peace Lutheran School, and a University of Wisconsin-Extension center. Meanwhile, the lower level of the museum was a children's section for much of the library's existence.This little "schoolroom" is adorned with photographs of several old schools and schoolhouses from throughout Langlade County's history, as well as many children's drawings, a number of old-style desks, and a large collection of old books.

A quaint recreation of a historical classroom from the days of one-room schoolhouses, which were common in the area until the 1960s. While Antigo had larger, urban schools, many rural students were served by small schoolhouses. This room is not meant to represent any specific school or year, but rather captures the spirit and feeling of a mid-20th century classroom.

Langlade County Historical Museum

Railroad Room

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources