Museum Update!
In October of 2008 the Jacksonport Historical Society became the owners of 4.3 acres of land on the South edge of Jacksonport on Highway 57. This property was originally owned by Joseph and Margaret Smith in 1872. The Smiths built a large home which was a gathering place for friends and community members to visit and celebrate holidays and enjoy “Aunt Maggie’s” delicious meals. Now it is time to make this area a new gathering place for the community. A log cabin donated by Kevin and Debbie Magno, son and daughter-in-law of Marlene (Cote) and Napoleon Magno has been moved to the property. The property, on which this cabin sat is on the west side of County A just north of County V, was originally owned by Charles and Mary Reynolds in 1885. In 1933 the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac purchased 60 acres from the Reynolds so the minister could earn some of his income by farming and also to build their church, vicarage, and guild hall. In 1935 Joe and Lena Urban purchased the piece of land where the log cabin was located. When the vicarage and guild hall burned in 1936 there is reference to “Father Hood now being comfortably housed in the Urban cottage nearby.” Historically this is the first reference we have to this cabin. In 1943 the Urbans sold this property to Joe and Lou Cote and then in 1989 Kevin, Joe and Lou’s grandson purchased the property from them. Now the little log cabin will be the beginning of another era in its new location in Jacksonport. It will be the start of the long awaited museum complex that the Jacksonport Historical Society has been working toward for many years. The Board of Directors has formed a site planning committee to oversee the renovation of the cabin and to further develop a complete site plan for the property. A finance committee has also been established to develop a financial plan for future construction. The Board of Directors is always looking for people who are willing to contribute their knowledge and talents to this endeavor. There will be many volunteer opportunities for one and all.
Cleaning up the property - Fall 2009
Cote Log Cabin
The Big Move - 2/16/2010
Preparing Location for Cabin - 5/1/2010
Pouring Cement for Foundation for Cabin - 5/27/2010
Cabin Set on Cement Foundation - 6/10/2010