• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Major History

One of the things I have always liked about living in Milton is its history.

When we found a home in the Milton College Historic District, it was like a dream come true for me. Nothing against subdivisions, but I would much rather look out my window and see historic buildings and homes, each with its own story to tell.

Of course, when you put “Milton” and “history” in the same sentence, what immediately comes to mind is the Milton House. As Rock County's only National Historic Landmark and only documented stop on the Underground Railroad, as well as the first structure in the country made of grout, it is truly a treasure.

It's sad to read about the city of Janesville's ongoing struggles to maintain the Tallman House, a gem in dire and obvious need of repair. We have been fortunate that here in Milton, the Milton Historical Society has done a terrific job of keeping the Milton House well-maintained. This was not without significant effort, as the building went through a massive rehabilitation and restoration a few years ago. Not only was the Historical Society able to raise the funds to make the necessary repairs, but they built a new attached wing similar to one that once stood on the south end of the hexagon.

I was initially against the building of the wing, fearful that it would compromise the historic integrity of the Milton House. However, I have changed my thinking on this – in retrospect, it was clearly the right thing to do. It is a real plus to have the Society's office on site, along with a nice gallery and community room.

I have gained an appreciation for what it takes to maintain a historic building. Our home is “only” 80 years old, and it seems like we're in a constant cycle of fixing things. Yet our house is a relative toddler compared to many in town, including our next door neighbors' domicile, which is nearly twice that age.

Even though Milton College was still open when I was in high school here, I only recall being on campus on two occasions. One was a post-prom dance at the student union (now an office building) and the other was a concert in the college gym (now empty) featuring the rock band Off Broadway. (Remember Off Broadway? “Stay in time, boy, don't get out of line, bo-oy...”) I missed my chance to see future NFL star Dave Krieg, too wrapped up in high school stuff to go see the college Wildcats play.

As time marches on and memories of the college get fainter, it is nice to see a couple of new developments on the old campus. A group of plaques recently appeared around the school grounds, supplying visitors with facts about the school. For example, as you enter the driveway leading to CESA 2 (formerly the Daland Arts Center), you'll learn that enrollment peaked at over 800 during the Vietnam War and ebbed at 53 during World War II. But my favorite recent discovery is the unearthing of an old brick walkway that once ran between Main Hall and the Administration Building, complete with a blue “M.”

Milton clearly loves its history. There are many examples of old buildings that have been lovingly restored and put back into use – the Old Junction Mill and the Northleaf Winery immediately come to mind. It's just one of the things that makes this community unique.