Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R. Hall

While many of Meeker County’s early residents were farmers, it wasn’t until around 1890 that many turned their attention to dairy farming. By 1899, there were twenty creameries in the county. Despite having only the fourth-highest dairy cow population in the state, the county produced the most butter. And, it was great butter, too, commanding the highest price in the markets.

Seventy-five years ago, much of Litchfield and Meeker County was “talking turkey.” For five Saturdays in November and December 1950, the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, along with many of Litchfield’s merchants, sponsored turkey prize drawings. Olga Hageseter, Frank Holtz, and June Bollin show off their turkey prizes, with Chamber of Commerce members Gary Hollaar and Martin Peterzen standing on the left and right of the winners. The Independent Review , November 30, 1950. At

With Veterans Day this week, we looked to see what the Museum might have in connection to the holiday. The day was originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. We turned to the WWI diaries of Robert Swanson, a member of the 17 th  Engineer Division and military band. Swanson’s diaries, tuba, and other items are at the museum. Civil War Veterans are followed by World War I soldiers in a Litchfield parade to celebrate the end of WWI, 191

A look at two spinning wheels at the Meeker County Museum and the stories they tell.