Main Building

Visitors to the Pierce Historical Society Museum enter the complex through a new 3,000 square foot building. The main part of this large building is a virtual main street of of Pierce's past.

You will see Clark Moore's drug store soda fountain, first installed in the 1930's. On designated days during the summer, root beer floats and sundaes are sold from the fountain.

Then take a visit to the office of Dr. W. I. Devers. Items comprised in this area is equipment from Dr. Devers, a long time general practitioner who served the Pierce area for many years. He was past 90 years of age when he retired.

Next door is the print shop with old printing equipment, including a printing press over 100 years old and still operable. Next is the theater with a variety of movie projection equipment. Adjacent to that is the telephone office with three old-time swtichboards.

A display honors Pierce's once famous Gesundheit Band, including their band instruments and uniforms. In 1921 Evan Thompson started a career as a Pierce rural mail carrier. His 1921 horse pulled mail wagon is on display.

The Pierce Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1902. The old fire department hose cart and ladder cart are on display. They were pulled to fires by the volunteers.

Religion has always been an important part of Pierce's history. Pierce area churches are honored with a display of pictures and historical items.

In the center of the large room is a fine display of military uniforms and other memorabilia.

The Historical Society has a large amount of interesting reading, such as scrapbooks and memoirs of long-departed citizens, books, Pierce County Leader newspapers and other reading material. A special reading area has been set up in the building for visitors to stop a bit and read some of this fascinating history of early day Pierce.

From the main building enter into the museum grounds and visit the 1880's Chicago & North Western depot, county school building District #7, Frank Kratochvil's blacksmith shop, and a large display building of old farm equipment and horse drawn wagons.

Look for the world globe that was found unscathed after a tornado, the M.A. Gidney Company's pickle parade float, the combination baby high chair/baby stroller, a handmade washing machine, and much much more.

Inside View of the Main Building.