Ford County Historical Society and Water Tower Museum

11/09/2023

09/19/2023

Let me know what you would like to see in Ford county. 123 go!

09/19/2023

Stay tuned ford county! More regular content coming soon!

10/10/2022

The entry/flag room.

The large flag with 31 stars was made by Mrs. Jane hunt, Dixson, for her brothers, William and Jakob, who fought in the Civil War. Jakob may have carried the flag in the battle of Atlanta, and which he was killed.

The other flag, which has 45 stars, is that you have been carried in the battle of San Juan hill. It belonged to Les Earrig of Kempton. The flag was later carried in a torchlight parade on the Ford county line when Teddy Roosevelt ran as the progressive party candidate.

We have a case containing rifles and edged weapons used in the Civil War.

Another case contains other Civil War artifacts, in honor of the Civil War sesquicentennial in 2011.

10/03/2022

In 1984 plants are made to dismantle the water tower and pumphouse. Eight feet of the top of the tower had crumbled, the wooden roof had rotted, the interior stairs had disappeared, and the door and windows were broken or missing. The city gave the then-newly formed Paxton foundation time to explore the possibility of restoration and preservation. The foundation raised $50,000, with fundraising, matching grants, and help from the city; volunteers cleaned out the rubble, and in 1987, the tower was re-dedicated. The building received recognition as a national historic site. This was 100 years after the groundbreaking for the original construction.

The building still belonged to the city of Paxton, however, in 2004, because the city purchase more office space, they decided to let the buildings go, selling them to the Paxton in Foundation for $1. The restoration of the interior begin in 2005 and the planning for the museum displays begin in late 2006.

10/01/2022

We are ready for our visitors! You can find our building behind the Paxton City Hall. &ChocolateWalk2022

10/01/2022

We can’t wait to see you today!

Going to be a beautiful day for Wine & Chocolate!
Over 20 merchants will be part of Paxton’s 4th Annual Wine & Chocolate Walk from 11am-4:30pm today Tickets are still available for $25

Visit any or all of the participating businesses throughout Paxton! When you purchase your ticket you'll receive a card to have signed at each location. Enjoy sweets and a beverage, do a little shopping at each business then come to Pueblo Lindo Event Center to drop off your card and be entered for drawings! You'll also earn an entry for every $10 you show on shopping receipts from those businesses. Wine, chocolate, shopping and PRIZES-- what could be better!

Public is invited to the After Party--enjoy the sounds of Candy Foster to wrap up a great day! They will be playing at Pueblo Lindo Event Center 4:30PM-7:30PM. $5 cover donation for After Party or FREE if you purchased a ticket to the Wine & Chocolate Walk.

Wine & Chocolate Walk tickets still available for purchase Hudson Drug Shop or Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Register at 103 N Market and enjoy a day of fun!

08/13/2022

Established in 1903, Paxton Carnegie Library remains one of Paxton's finest historical landmarks.

08/13/2022