Eagle River Historical Society

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

THIS WEEK 74 YEARS AGO...

In 1952, the Gambles Store in Eagle River had a "Summer Dress Fiesta" Sale for Cinco de Mayo. Offering cotton dresses for a low price of $2.79 or adjusted for inflation, just $34.77 today.

The Gambles Store is what is now the Cotton + Birch Collective on Railroad Street, formerly known as Antique-a-Mania.

05/02/2026

TAKE A LOOK !

This month's featured Historic Film is of historic boat racing on Historic Yellow Birch Lake! In anticpiation of the summer coming, enjoy some film of boats going around bouys and a crowd watching from what was called Gagen Hill/ Mitchell's Point! This film is from 1942-1943 and made avilable from the Cutris Family's Collection!

You can watch this original, historic film and many others on our YouTube Channel where we also share our Oral History Collection!

Our YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/?si=asyhPIEWyxl2ZukW

Thanks for watching, and be sure to Like & Subscribe!

04/30/2026

WE HAVE SOME BIG NEWS TO SHARE!

Recently, we acquired from the Vilas County News-Review a massive collection of artifacts from 1890-2010 from their storage rooms! On Tuesday we received the following:

- Nine Filing cabinets of original negative photographs of various businesses, sports, parades etc from 1940-1990
- Three Card Cabinets of 6x7mm negative film of churches, schools, politicians, businesses, etc from 1940-1990.
- Six binders of Original pictures and 35mm negatives
- Seventeen boxes of 3x5in color photos from 1995-2007
- Bound, original newspapers from 1890-1940
- Bound, Vacation Week Specials 1960-2000

This collection covers the majority of Vilas County and part of Oneida County, namely Presque Isle, Sayner, Plum Lake, Conover, St. Germain, Phelps, Land O' Lakes, Three Lakes and much more!

We received this collection in anticipation of our Heritage Center breaking ground this summer as we are quickly growing into the largest historical authority in the county! We are $43,000 away from our funding goal for the addition to our Main Museum, so any support from the community to help us reach this milestone!

This is your moment to make a huge impact on preserving Eagle River History! DONATE TODAY!
https://square.link/u/rc1UPLwa

04/30/2026

We were happy to do this for our community and local school!

04/30/2026

This year marks the 40th anniversary of what Northwoods Wildland firefighters still call Black Tuesday, a day so intense and so unprecedented, that even now, nothing’s come close to matching

04/28/2026

Throwback Tuesday!

Did you know the old First National Bank at the corner of Railroad St. and Wall St. or what is now Shepherd’s Wool, was built for $30,000 in 1923? - That's about $579,321 today adjusted for inflation!

"Eagle River First National Bank after Construction" c.1923

Did you also know that Eagle River also had its own currency printed from the Federal Government and this bank was robbed in 1936?

If you want to hear more about it go on one of our DOWN TOWN WALKING TOURS! Get Tickets Here:
https://book.peek.com/s/68cd7cb2-7e8f-4127-9f8f-b02acd5a9729/B0EVy

04/25/2026

GET READY TO STOMP GRAPES THIS SUMMER!

We are happy to be bringing back our Grape Stomp Festival & Annual Chair-ity Auction fundraiser at Bortolotti's Cin Cin on July 19th! Your ticket will get you six wines to sample, dance to some live music from the 1950s-1980s by the band "TOPHAT", a $10 Credit for the food truck, desert from our Heritage Cookbook, and A "traditional" Grape stomp (don't worry, we wont be making wine with this!) with a chance to earn some prizes!

This is our annual fundraiser that pays for our additional programming and projects. Your generosity here helps pay for our scanning projects, new exhibits, school tours for the 4th grade, and paying for our staff. We will have the following items that you could win!

- Raffle Baskets with a variety of Northwoods Goodies!
- Our 3rd ANNUAL GARDEN ART AUCTION! Where lucky bidders can have a chance to win uniquely painted garden art -Whether it be chairs, antique tools, and other special pieces to add to your garden scape this summer!
- Unique experiences to go and explore our beloved northwoods!
The Event will have a cash bar available the entire time, please RSVP as soon as possible! We cant wait to see you there!

GET TICKETS HERE!
https://book.peek.com/s/68cd7cb2-7e8f-4127-9f8f-b02acd5a9729/LRJPm

04/25/2026

If you're here because you LOVE history.... Get involved!

It's Spring 2026, and now’s the perfect time to channel that passion into something awesome: volunteering at one of our amazing local history museums! The Northwoods is packed with incredible spots that bring the past to life, but they can’t do it without people like you.

Whether you’ve got a few hours a week or just a bit of time this summer, there are flexible, fun, and even paid opportunities to get involved. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity!

So what are you waiting for? Check out the list below, click a link, shoot them a message, and become a part of history (literally).

Pioneer Park Historical Complex – Rhinelander
7 museums in one! Explore the country’s oldest Logging Museum (93 years old), a Sawmill Museum, Hodag exhibit, Civilian Conservation Corps Museum in a replica camp building, an authentic One Room Schoolhouse, an Antique Fire Truck Museum, and an Outboard Motor & Boat Museum, and restored Soo Line Depot.

Minocqua Museum - Minocqua
Step into the story of Minocqua’s early days and discover the people who built this iconic Northwoods community.

Dr. Kate Museum & Historical Society – Woodruff
Celebrate the legendary “Angel on Snowshoes”! This gem honors Dr. Kate and the Million Penny Parade, features local Woodruff history, and even includes a classic Soda Fountain Museum.

Rhinelander Historical Society Museum – Rhinelander
Housed in a beautiful historic home, this museum showcases rich local history right in the heart of Rhinelander.

Three Lakes Historical Society and Museum – Three Lakes
Attached to the library, this treasure trove includes several historic buildings and exhibits on Carl Marty, the Northern Aire, snowmobiling, and more.

Eagle River Historical Society – Eagle River
Two museums, one town! Explore Eagle River’s fascinating history and check out the beautifully restored CNW Depot.

George W Brown Jr Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center – Lac du Flambeau
One of the most complete collections of Lac du Flambeau history. Enjoy seasonal workshops, cultural programs, interactive exhibits — and a record-breaking sturgeon!

Snowmobile Hall of Fame - St. Germain
The Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain celebrates the legends of snowmobiling with vintage sleds, racing memorabilia, and a tribute to the sport’s most influential pioneers.

Langlade County Historical Society - Antigo
Preserving local heritage of Antigo and the greater Langlade County area through archival collections, public exhibits, and community storytelling since 1892. Housed in a well preserved Carangie Library!

Land O Lakes Historical Society - Land O Lakes
NorthernWaters Museum in LOL, and The Land O' Lakes Historical Society which formed in the early 1990's to encourage and advocate historical preservation in the Land O' Lakes area.

Essley-Noble Museum & Mercer County Historical Society - Mercer
Enter into an authentic railroad depot and take a step back in time. Here you will find books, artifacts, pictures and vintage clothing of Mercer since it was established in 1894. Mercer became organized as a town in 1908.
History is calling — will you answer?

ELCHO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. - Elcho
This up-and-coming group is in the process of opening a Elcho history museum in a wonderful old "Grange Hall". This is a museum you could get involved in on the ground floors. How exciting!

Tomahawk Area Historical Society - Tomahawk
The Tomahawk Area Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of the Tomahawk area through exhibits, archives, and community storytelling.

Dive into your local museum scene today. Help out, learn something new, and make your summer unforgettable. SHARE THIS LIST WITH YOUR FRIENDS 🙂

This is also a great list of museums to go check out this summer!

*Photo of docent Gloria Mikkelson with young visitor at Pioneer Park Historical Complex in Rhinelander

04/24/2026

The OFFICIAL Hodag Heritage Festival schedule for May 16th. Don't forget to wear your green!!! 💚 https://hodagheritagefestival.com/

04/23/2026

The Eagle River Historical Society mourns the loss of one of our most dedicated, longtime members.

Colyn Carter passed away last week in Arizona. Colyn and his late wife, Mary, were generous with both their time and their financial support of the Society over many years. We are happy to carry on the Carter Legacy that was built by Frank and Colyn, especially as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Society this Year.

Colyn’s father, Judge Frank Carter, was among the founders of the Historical Society back in 1966. Colyn, together with his parents and siblings, made lasting contributions to Eagle River, including operating a law practice here for many years.

We are grateful for Colyn’s enduring support and extend our condolences to all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service is planned in Eagle River later this summer. Rest in Peace Colyn Carter: September 9, 1936 – April 14, 2026