“Although the current shutdown of businesses and activities has resulted in delay of the Merrill Historical Society’s 2020 History Hunt, there is no reason why people can’t enjoy Merrill history,” says Bea Lebal, president of the Merrill Historical Society.
This year’s history hunt theme is “Merrill in the Roaring 20’s”, and in preparation for the hunt, a 52-page guidebook was prepared. With the hunt delayed pending reopening and catching up, the guidebook is being offered for sale by MHS, as it stands alone in detailing activities in Merrill, the United States, and the world during this pivotal decade. From the initiation of the Volstead Act enacting prohibition at the beginning of 1920, to the stock market crash at the end of 1929, the 52-page book shows the social and economic changes taking place.
Prohibition and woman’s suffrage headlined the political and social changes, leading to advancements in morals, fashion, music, movies, etc. Technological advancements brought in electricity, radio, everyday acceptance of the automobile and good roads to travel upon.
Merrill made great advancements in industry, with new businesses like Page Milk, the vegetable cannery, and Fitzgerald Manufacturing (now Merrill Equipment Co.) coming to town. Infrastructure improvements such as bridges, the hospital, and other important buildings were also constructed.
The book extensively exhibits examples of Merrill business advertising during this period to give the flavor of everyday life. “Merrill in the Roaring 20’s” is available from Merrill Historical Society for $10 plus postage if mailed, or can be picked up at Merrill Historical Society, 100 East Third Street.
Guidebooks from previous history hunts, “Merrill, City of Parks” (2019) with history or Merrill’s parks, and “Shaped by Fire” (2018) with details of the major fires in Merrill’s history, are also available, as are numerous other books on Merrill’s history. See www.merrillhistory.org or call 715-536-5652 to order. A rescheduled date for this year’s history hunt and the reopening of the museum (which also features 1920s exhibits) will be announced as soon as conditions allow.
If you would like more information, please contact Pat Burg at 715-536-5652 or email at [email protected].
The Merrill Historical Society is a private nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Our mission is to educate the public about our heritage using the unique historical and cultural resources we collect and preserve.