Shop ‘til You Drop! – A Unique Look at Sauk County Commerce and Manufacturing
May 2 – October, 2025, Wednesday – Saturday, Noon to 4 PM
The Sauk County Historical Museum in the historic Van Orden Mansion in Baraboo opens on Friday, May 2 with a new signature exhibit called Shop ’til You Drop! - A Unique Look at Sauk County Commerce and Manufacturing. Fun new displays will fill the museum. A 20th Century millinery shop is being set up in the front parlor to show off the Society’s collection of gorgeous ladies’ hats. Items for gentlemen shoppers such as pocket watches, top hats, cigars are being set up in the study.
In the living room, one of the first 25 cars ever purchased in Sauk County can be seen. The whole car has been moved into the museum! Nearby a room-sized exhibit on mail-order shopping shows what “online” shopping looked like 100 years ago when you could send away for anything from a thimble to an entire house you could build yourself.
Upstairs in the mansion, an entire room will be filled with items made in Sauk County from 1850s pottery to 1905s plastic yo-yos, (All Duncan Yo-Yos were once made in Sauk County!) celebrating the rich heritage of manufacturing in Sauk County which continues to this day.
Another display will feature advertising give-a-ways like free yardsticks, matchbooks, calendars, and a plethora of other items from local businesses, past and present.
The museum will be open with expanded hours this year from May through October. Admission is free and visitors can stop by from 12 to 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
The Sauk County Historical Society Museum is located at 531 4th Avenue, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913
To Learn more visit:
https://saukcountyhistory.org/schs-events/shop-til-you-drop
Event Description:Shop ‘til You Drop! – A Unique Look at Sauk County Commerce and Manufacturing