Military museum to reopen July 7: Work progressing on additional museum space

By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – The “Lest We Forget” military exhibition will reopen July 7, at the 2nd Street Community Center, 112 E. Second St., Marshfield, in the lower level.

The museum closed for removal of asbestos and reconstruction of the library/community center building.

Marshfield Historian and Volunteer Shirley Mook said that while the military portion of the museum is reopening, the intended expansion will take more time due to workload and setbacks due to the prior reconstruction of the main floor for the community center.

“We did acquire more space to continue our dream of creating an exhibition of the history of the City of Marshfield,” said Mook.

“We were able to build a replica of Louis Rivers log hotel; however, when work could commence on the remainder of our area much prep work has been done, such as dry walling all exterior walls, spraying the ceiling black, etc…

“The concept for the history of Marshfield is that you will ‘walk down the streets of time.’ To date, we have spaces for early logging (B.F. McMillan), Upham, St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Joe's School of Nursing, and a portion of the schools completed  Our talk now is to create the displays.

“A frame is built for the Great Marshfield Fire, which we will bring out of storage soon. When these sections are completed, we will open that portion to the public.”

Mook said that the group has restored the military exhibition and added a new section; that portion will open July 7.

“There were portions of our military which were not able to be displayed before for lack of room,” said Mook. “We still have run out of space.

“In addition, people have donated more items and uniforms. We have two mannequins, in the addition, with uniforms from World War I and a Marine uniform worn by Graham Olson's son, who was Bucky Badger when he attended (the) UW.

“Mike Feirer makes all our mannequins out of PVC pipe and other volunteers stuff the body.  Mike also makes fingers that are movable. He is a master!

“A major change in our original exhibition is the addition of a new Civil War exhibit which will be dedicated to the memory of Tom Drendel, who was an avid Civil War historian and re-enactor. “

The military museum is open 1:30- 4 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, call 715-384-5867.