Grand Army of the Republic Hall Open House

    Boscobel's John McDermott Post #101 G. A. R. Hall is the last continuously active hall in Wisconsin and one of the last in the nation.  The Hall, which is a repository of rare Civil War memorabilia, will be open to the public from 9 to 4:30 daily during the event.

    The interior of the Hall is much as it appeared while still in use by the Old Guard.  Gazing across the dining room at the large old wood-fired cook stove, one can almost smell the oyster dinners they enjoyed at meetings in the past.  The parlor is lined with collections of flags, photos, ornate original enlistment rosters, and numerous other historical items.  

    The Hall, located on Mary Street just off Wisconsin Avenue, is owned and operated by the GAR Hall Preservationists, Inc.  It is home to the John McDermott Women's Relief Corps #32, which has used it as a meeting place for over 120 years and preserved its history of uninterrupted service since the demise of the GAR. The Hall is also home to the L. G. Armstrong Camp No. 49 of the Sons of Union Veterans.  In addition to being open during the event, it is open most Saturdays during the summer and at other times for special occasion or by request.  Muskets & Memories makes a donation to the Hall each year for special projects.

(To view larger photos, click on images below)

J. McDermott Post #101    GAR Hall main parlor          GAR Hall Dining Room      Rechartering Camp 49

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