The Country Museum
Open weekends 11 AM - 3 PM
A Window Back in Time
Simpler, but not easy, was how early settlers found life in Lake County, and across the states, as they established family roots and ties to the land.
What was it like to live in Lake County during the mid to late 1800’s? What is the agricultural history of Lake County? This history comes to life for our visitors.
Here is a map showing where you’ll find the Museum.
The museum’s collection includes a stage coach, farm equipment and tools used by early pioneers to carve out their homesteads. A historic barn has been completed and small town jail and a blacksmith shop are in process for restoration as finished exhibits.
The main floor of the house is furnished as it may have looked in the 1870’s. Decorations change with the seasons. The upstairs rooms serve as curation and office space for the Historical Society.
The house was built in the 1860’s by James Jamison at the intersection of 5 stage roads. Due to its location, it was a gathering point for cattlemen to bring their herds for the annual drive to Calistoga. In 1887, Benjamin Ely Sr. and Jr. purchased the land and Ely’s daughter and son-in-law ran it as a horse changing station, public house, store, post office, and school for local ranch kids.
The Historical Society is continuously seeking photographs, artifacts, and equipment to enhance our collection, as well as donations of building material and labor. Contact us at info@lakecountyhistory.org
