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From Lake to Railcar: The Rise and Fall of Rock Lake Ice.
Knickerbocker Ice House on the south shore of Rock Lake, Lake Mills, Wi Ice harvesting in the northern United States dates back to colonial times, when winter ice was stored for summer use to preserve meat and dairy products. By 1799, blocks of ice were being shipped commercially from New York City to Charleston, South Carolina. During the 1800s, this trade expanded rapidly into a major industry, with breweries and meat packers becoming the largest consumers. Early settlers i
Robin Lynn
Jan 236 min read


Tyranena Golf Course
Tyranena Golf Course circa 1930's The Tyranena Golf Club traces its beginnings to 1926, when a group of Lake Mills businessmen purchased the former George Everson farm, an 80-acre property first settled in 1866. The old farmhouse on the land was adapted into a clubhouse and, despite many additions over the decades, still forms the heart of the building today. In 1927, 140 men invested in the dream of a hometown course, formally organizing the Tyranena Golf Club with Ty Neuper
Robin Lynn
Jan 104 min read


Bringing Holiday Joy-Tradition of handbell concerts continue to ring across generations.
Today’s, December 6, 2025, performance by the Bell Crazy Handbell Ensemble celebrates a remarkable chapter of Lake Mills history—one shaped by the life and legacy of early handbell pioneer Raymond Royce (1855–1945) . This information and photos from the display board are posted on our website blog: lakemillsaztalanhistory.com Ray’s story began just a few blocks from where community life still thrives today. Born in Wisconsin in 1855, he moved with his mother to Lake Mills at
Robin Lynn
Dec 6, 20253 min read


Aztalan Day 2025
The Lake Mills/Aztalan Historical Society, Inc. will host its 58th annual Aztalan Day Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the museum site, from 12...
Robin Lynn
Jun 25, 20252 min read


Emancipation Celebration History in Lake Mills
As the nation marks Juneteenth, our local history connects our community to the celebration uniquely through our former residents who...
Robin Lynn
Jun 19, 20253 min read


2025 Preparing for the Season at the Museum Site
OPENING WEEKEND JUNE 7 & 8, 12pm-4pm Heavy Hands Forge- blacksmithing demos on Saturday. For eighty-three years the volunteers of the...
Robin Lynn
May 14, 20252 min read


Red Light, Green Light: Stop Lights in Lake Mills
Back in 1932, it was a significant event when stop lights were installed at the intersections of North Main Street and Madison Streets....
Robin Lynn
May 1, 20252 min read


The History of the L.D. Fargo Library -122 years- The Heart of Lake Mills
UPDATE: The pdf of the presentation is now available as well as the video via the LD Fargo facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/...
Robin Lynn
Jan 12, 20251 min read


Celebrating Our Community's Longstanding Support of Local Businesses
Lake Mills has a longstanding tradition of supporting local business.

Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society
Dec 17, 20242 min read


Lake Mills Thanksgiving Reflections 1904- Through Elisha W. Keyes Eyes
Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition in the United States, a day filled with feasting, family, and gratitude. But how has this celebrati

Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society
Nov 26, 20244 min read
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