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Lake Mills was a place some called Keyesville and was part of Aztalan Township in early pioneer history. Today Lake Mills is a showcase growing communty with parks on Rock Lake, access to I-94, a historic downtown and other assests. Lake Mills is a place where visitors always return. Aztalan, a name derived from a ancient Aztec tradition, was a Native American village hosting a blending of Mississippian & local culture. It later became a bustling pioneer center, and is now a wonderful memory of the past.
Aztalan Day is the first Sunday in July, 11am to 4pm on the museum grounds. Aztalan Day features outdoor exhibits, music, food & a trash or treasure bargain sale. |
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Members List:
Links Section
President:
Mike Ayers
Secretary:
Cheryl Peterson
Treasurer:
Vera Ranzau
Records Curator:
Dr. Roland Liebenow
Webmaster:
Steven Steigerwald
More of the Museum
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Inside the Lake Mills/Aztalan Museum
The Museum has a section on Early Lake Mills
The Museum has a display of Lake Mills Newspapers
Petty Cabin
This cabin was the first one built in the township of York (northwest of Waterloo, Wisconsin). The cabin was built in 1843 for John Petty, his wife and their 6 children. They had come from Ohio in 1840 to Aztalan where they rented a place before taking up their claim in York. They lived in this 1843 cabin (in York) for 2 years while they built their permanent home. Later the cabin was used as the first schoolhouse in the Township of York. The Petty Cabin was given to the historical society by Mr. Waive White of Waterloo and is a fine example of a temporary home.
Zickert Cabin
This home was built by Vincent Faultersack shortly after 1867 in the Township of Medina in Dane County. Various additions of frame construction were added to the home. The Zickert family started to live in the house in 1907. In 1963 the house was threatened by the construction of I-94. It was at this time the log portion was moved from the junction of I-94 and Missouri Road to the Lake Mills Aztalan Museum. The house was given to the Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society by Mr. & Mrs. Vilas Ward. The Zickert Home displays items from the latter half of the 19th century.
Bornell Cabin
The Bornell Cabin was built in London, Wisconsin in the year 1849. It was given by Fred and Ruth Bornell and moved to the Lake Mills/Aztalan Museum in 1958. The Bornell Cabin is set up as a small old time store.
The Aztalan Schoolhouse (on HWY Q fire # N6273)
The Aztalan Schoolhouse is much as it was the last year of use before school consolidation. The historical society purchased the Aztalan schoolhouse at public auction in 1958, for a little over $2,000.
Map of Museum Grounds
Pioneer Anne Pickett is given recognition at the Museum
White Robin Quilt
50th Anniversary Quilt (1992) of the Lake Mills/Aztalan Museum, depicting the visit of a white robin.
Admissions Cabin
Loren Soter sr. of Columbus was in charge of the reconstruction and redesign of this Norwegian log cabin from the 1860's. The cabin was given a roof overhang to shelter museum visitors from rain. Mr. Lorens sons Loren jr., and Lloyd helped in the reconstruction of the cabin. Nearly the entire cabin is built from materials of original buildings. The walls are from a cabin built in the 1860's between Waterloo and Hubbleton. The roof rafters are from an old building near Sullivan. The photo shows the cabin with new cedar shingles that were installed in 2006.
Kurt Sampson of the Aztalan State Park Friends Group points to an ancient stone point in the museum.
