The hubby and I kept seeing signs for the Old Jail Museum when we drove through Neillsville. Of course, I had to Google it. It turns out that it is only open a handful days a year but nevertheless I added it to our short list of things we wanted to do.
The Old Jail Museum is located in Neillsville just off of Hwy 10. It is open 6 days a year -- the 2nd and 4th Sundays of June, July, and August from 1-4. That is what made it so tough for us to stop. We decided we were going this year and made sure to get there. It was $3 a person to take a guided tour. Last tour left at 3:30.
The Old Jail Museum was built in 1897 and was used as the county jail and sheriff's house until 1978. At that time, it was turned over to the Clark County Historical Society and turned into a museum.
Each sheriff brought their own furniture and belongings so none of the pieces are original to the house but there are pieces from the era. You saw the parlor, the music room, kitchen and the living quarters for the sheriff and his family. It was all very fascinating.
After we toured the living quarters, we were passed on to another guide who led us through the jail. The first floor housed the drunk tanks or holding cells and processing room.
The second and third floors held jail cells. All but one was converted to show different business in the county. The one cell was left as a jail cell.
The details of the different cells were amazing. They really put a lot of work into the museum and collecting of artifacts.
Along the corridor of the 2nd floor were various radios and TV sets through out the years.
Also on the 3rd floor was display of different military uniforms starting with the Spanish-American War.
I was figuring since the last tour started at 3:30, the tour was going to be about 30 minutes. We were there over an hour. Our tour guides were phenomenal and we probably could have been there longer if there was not another tour behind us.
I would highly recommend going to Clark County Jail. However, we might have visited on the last day ever. The roof is in desperate need of repair and might be too costly. The whole building could be condemned. I really hope not as it is amazing museum that was well worth our time to stop. The hubby said it was probably the best thing we did all summer. I find it hard to believe it beat out the Illinois Railroad Museum but you never know. Keep an eye on their website and hopefully they can get some funding to save the building so more people can enjoy this time capsule.
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