The Florence County Historical Society has been preparing for the opening of the museum for 2025. Florence County Historical Society President Karen Wertanen, left, and FCHS Secretary/Treasurer Debbie DeMuri work on the new Vietnam-era display in the military room. The museum will honor veterans from 10 a.m.-noon today with a special tour of the museum and lunch social. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

FLORENCE, Wis. — The Florence County Historical Society will honor local veterans at the museum’s season opener today.

Veterans and their families are invited from 10 a.m. to noon to tour the Florence County Historical Museum at 201 Florence Ave.

After visiting the museum, all are invited to a light lunch and social gathering at the historic Webb-Judge house, compliments of Rachael and Don Egelseer.

New to the military room is a Vietnam-era exhibit that highlights three local servicemen — Martin Neuens, Ron Ruoho and Edward Mouw.

“We have a lot of information on Marty Neuens, who was a prisoner of war for seven years,” FCHS Secretary/Treasurer Debbie DeMuri said. “He was shot down on a combat mission in 1966 and freed in 1973.”

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Ronald Ruoho of Commonwealth, Wis., was killed in action in 1967. “We have a copy of the etching of his name from the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C.,” she said.

In addition to his medals and photographs, on display is the uniform of Marine Capt. Edward Mouw, a guerrilla trainer in Vietnam.

The Honor Flight exhibit will continue for the 2025 season, featuring stories and photos of Florence County veterans who took part in one of the flights.

The historical society will have information available for veterans interested in participating in the Honor Flight.

“We are encouraging all area veterans or family members to attend this special event,” DeMuri said.

Visitors will observe other significant memorabilia from local veterans, ranging from the Civil War Grand Army of the Republic through to Desert Storm. Amongst those are World War I hero Charles Whittlesey, who was commander of what was to be called the “Lost Battalion.”

FCHS President Karen Wertanen said during the off months they worked to create new pieces for fresh displays in the main room of the museum.

This year, they are featuring the history of Riverside Supper Club in Spread Eagle, Wis., and the five forest fire lookouts constructed in Florence County during the 1930s.

The idea for Riverside came after a donation of original photos of the long-time establishment, DeMuri said.

Brothers Jim and Rudy Manci built the three-story building in 1937 and opened it the next year.

“They had a large room to seat 250 people and the bar was 70 feet long,” DeMuri said. “It was a very elegant place for its time.”

“They had really classy entertainment from all over the world,” Wertanen added.

DeMuri said ownership changed hands a number of times before the supper club closed about 1962.

In the 1970s, the new Riverside reopened after a renovation.

“After it was vacant for a time, Tommy Fontana purchased it in 1986, and in 1987 the restaurant burned to the ground,” she explained, adding, “It never was rebuilt.”

Only one of the five fire towers is left today, she said — the Buckeye Tower on County N, now on private property. The owners recently climbed the 84-foot tower and were able to take photographs inside.

On display is Compass Rose that shows the degrees of where the fire would be from the Buckeye Tower, she said.

They also have documents that were left in the towers.

The history of the county’s founding families, logging and mining remains a staple in the museum.

The society always welcomes donations of photos and artifacts relating to Florence County’s history.

The society will host its annual Quilt Show and Strawberry Social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Maxsells Suites and Celebrations on U.S. 2 in Florence. Strawberry shortcake and a beverage will cost $5.

“The fundraiser is hosted outdoors, where a lovely view of Fisher Lake can be enjoyed along with your dessert,” Wertanen said. “This is a popular event each year.”

Local quilters are encouraged to display their quilts of all ages and sizes. The society appreciates the creative quilters from the surrounding area who share their works of art to display, Wertanen said.

Raffle tickets for the first-prize quilt — made in the “Beautiful Charming” design by Joan Spears and long-arm quilted by Patti Wabitsch — will be available all summer at the museum and from historical society members. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. The drawing will be Sept. 5 at the museum.

Anyone wishing to take part in the quilt show can contact DeMuri.

The Florence County Historical Society will again conduct two walking tours that encompass the Historical Florence Walking Tour book. Dates will be announced later in the summer.

DeMuri created a virtual tour that focuses on the three cemeteries — Woodlawn, Commonwealth and St. Mary’s — and presented the programs at the library.

“It was quite successful,” Wertanen said. “We will continue with those as well in the future.”

They can help with genealogy research as well, including obituaries, they said. Residents can call or stop in the museum during open hours.

DeMuri said the society continues to be active with the fourth grade class at Florence County School District School, hosting tours and giving presentations.

The Florence County Historical Society acknowledges the generosity of Rachel and Don Egelseer for providing space for the museum since 2007, as well as use of the facilities for special functions.

The museum will be open for the summer season from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday through Saturday.

The museum doesn’t charge admission, relying solely on donations and its annual fundraiser for revenue.

The society meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month during the summer in the Tiderman house, which is next door to the museum. Those attending should use the Florence Avenue entrance.

The Florence County Historical Society welcomes new members as well as volunteers to assist with tours, Wertanen said.

For more information, call Debbie DeMuri at 715-528-3597 or Karen Wertanen at 715-528-4744.