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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Winfield Museum Update
Work done on the Elliot Building is exhibited by Museum staff
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WINFIELD - Since its donation to the Winfield Museum in 2021, the historic, 1907-built Elliot building at 108 N. Locust in Winfield has received significant work. However, there is still much more left to do. The support of the public is crucial in saving this structure, one of the last original brick storefronts in downtown Winfield.
Before its donation, the building, which boasts a large rear door, housed a mechanic. This ended in a minor disaster, when a car fell partly through the floor.
The damaged floor joists have been replaced, soft brickwork repaired. During removal of old stucco, a faded mural was unearthed, advertising Gold Medal Flour. Windows in both the basement and the streetfront have been properly sealed. The roof was, thankfully, still in good condition.
This work relied heavily on donations. Donations from across the country, from Winfield school alumni and their families. Dues from museum memberships, starting at just $10 a year. With $200,000 of interior work left to be done, if the Elliot building is ever to be finished, it will require significant support from the community.
"We are so blessed to live here,” said Linda Haight of the museum. “Every donation has been so appreciated."
There is also plenty of volunteering to be done, from construction labor to simply moving artifacts and displays between buildings.
The museum hopes to move many of its exhibits to the Elliot Building once repairs are completed. The current location, at the Mason Building, is rather cramped.
"In this crowded area, we don't have the ability to have a large group of students,” said Susan Beard, a museum board member. “We couldn't even have a class of students tour.”
And, after all, imparting the value of history upon the younger generation is a crucial part of carrying that history into the future.
"When I was a kid... there was a guy in town, who was a huge historian,” added Linda Haight. “He came to the Girl Scouts, and talked about the history of Winfield. That triggered the history bug in me. I carried it all throughout my life. When I was asked to come on the board, I never really thought about it before, but when I was asked, it's been a great thing for me."
Nevertheless, it is hoped that the museum will be able to maintain a presence at the Mason Building. Their current location once held Erickson's Variety Store, and its basement, clad in red paint and tinfoil, holds an exhibit on the store’s once-legendary Christmas toy displays. Many older Winfield residents still cherish their memories of these exhibits.
Those wishing to visit the museum may do so on Monday, from 10 a.m. to noon, or contact the Winfield Museum on Facebook to arrange a tour.
The public can mail their donations to Box 184, Winfield, 52659 IA.
Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com
