Driving around the area and stumbled across this sign for a museum in a three story old building which looked out of place in the area around the mall so my attention was grabbed. I walked inside and was confronted by a general store layout with gift shop and nice display of doctor items from a local doctor whose family had a long history here. From there, the tour starts on the first floor where we experience a harness maker's shop, cobbler, food service area and community room with items from surveyors and local history. I esp enjoyed seeing the hurdy-gurdy. This place is considered to be set up as an early mall where people traveling through could stable their horses, get shoes repaired, buy some goods and eat a meal. It was also a nice place for meetings and dances. The second floor was extra space for stores and currently house a music room with old sheet music and instruments, railway items, millinery shop, Susan B Anthony display, flags on display, a science room for those that like old time electrical and phrenology and lastly a room dedicated to agriculture. The final floor is the grand ballroom which saw a theatre, concerts, dances, etc. While pretty much bare, it does give a nice look back on the history of the building. Outside there are some gardens to browse. To truly appreciate upper floors, you need to be able to walk the stairs but otherwise this is a great museum collection for this area that I was not familiar with. The are open thru Sept and this weekend is the last til next year so it interested, please check it out. This is a great place to support.

It’s a look at a late 1800’s general store and more. Great educational trip, especially for school kids.