Mellen City Hall
a.k.a. Morse Town Hall
Bennett and Main Sts., Ashland, WIThe Mellen City Hall is significant as a long-time seat of local government activities, as well as the scene of many social, educational, and cultural events. There is no other building in the small town of Mellen that has touched the lives of nearly all residents with such a variety of functions. The building was designed by a notable northern Wisconsin architect and is typical of many of the public buildings he designed in the northwestern part of the state. It has changed very little on both the exterior and interior since its construction in 1896.
The existing Mellen City Hall was the first structure to house city government offices in this community. The offices of the city clerk, treasurer, justice of the peace, and police are all housed here. Taxes have been collected, elections conducted, town meetings held, and an occasional marriage ceremony performed at City Hall. In the early days of the city hall's existence prisoners were housed here and, since 1907 when the city was incorporated, fire-fighting equipment has been stored here.
Ever since its construction, the city hall has served the community as a key focus of social, educational, and cultural activities. Several community groups have gathered in the meeting rooms of City Hall. The Commercial Club, whose membership included area farmers and businessmen, met there from 1913 until about 1923. The American Legion and the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion both met at City Hall. Established in 1919, the American Legion met in the downstairs west room until the library occupied that space. Then they began meeting upstairs.
For several years the American Legion sponsored dances every Friday night. Mr. Charles Markee recalls that music was provided by the "one-man band" from Butternut, a Mr. Klein. This versatile musician played his concertina, drums, and other instruments to create waltzes, polkas, and two steps (Charles Markee, interviewed by Mary Maller, February 1979). Other dances were held there too. Mrs. Minnie Anderson recalls that "during World War I whenever a contingent of enlistees would leave Mellen to go to the war, there was always a farewell dance given upstairs in City Hall" (Minnie Anderson, interviewed by Mary Maller, February 1979).
Local significance of the building:
The existing Mellen City Hall was the first structure to house city government offices in this community. The offices of the city clerk, treasurer, justice of the peace, and police are all housed here. Taxes have been collected, elections conducted, town meetings held, and an occasional marriage ceremony performed at City Hall. In the early days of the city hall's existence prisoners were housed here and, since 1907 when the city was incorporated, fire-fighting equipment has been stored here.
Ever since its construction, the city hall has served the community as a key focus of social, educational, and cultural activities. Several community groups have gathered in the meeting rooms of City Hall. The Commercial Club, whose membership included area farmers and businessmen, met there from 1913 until about 1923. The American Legion and the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion both met at City Hall. Established in 1919, the American Legion met in the downstairs west room until the library occupied that space. Then they began meeting upstairs.
For several years the American Legion sponsored dances every Friday night. Mr. Charles Markee recalls that music was provided by the "one-man band" from Butternut, a Mr. Klein. This versatile musician played his concertina, drums, and other instruments to create waltzes, polkas, and two steps (Charles Markee, interviewed by Mary Maller, February 1979). Other dances were held there too. Mrs. Minnie Anderson recalls that "during World War I whenever a contingent of enlistees would leave Mellen to go to the war, there was always a farewell dance given upstairs in City Hall" (Minnie Anderson, interviewed by Mary Maller, February 1979).
Politics/government; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Wisconsin was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was created by the United States in 1787. It later became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805, and then part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
About Ashland County
Ashland County Timeline
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Ashland County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ashland County, Wisconsin.
- 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
- 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
- 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
- 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
- 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
- 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
- 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
- 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
- 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
- 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline