Marathon County Historical Museum

Indulge your sense of wonder with a guided tour of the historic Yawkey House Museum. Explore and learn about the elegant house built in 1901 as you travel back in time to a home that showcases history, architecture and furnishings from an era vital to the growth of Wisconsin.

Stunning details and a commitment to quality are evident in both the interior and exterior of the Yawkey House Museum. The exterior showcases Classical Revival architecture with stately lines and original decorative element, and also includes a beautiful outdoor sunken garden with a carriage house unique to the needs of the early twentieth century. Inside, experience the style and warmth of Arts and Crafts influenced design with built in cabinetry and extraordinary stained glass features.

The home is also a chance to learn about the history of Marathon County. Cyrus, Alice and beloved daughter Leigh Yawkey were major influences in the local logging and paper business, art and other civic areas.

History of the Yawkey House Museum

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This is the home of Cyrus and Alice Yawkey, built in 1900-1901 in the Classical Revival style. Designed by the Milwaukee architects Henry Van Ryn and Gerrit de Gelleke, it features large ionic columns and a pedimented portico. When it was built the cost was $35,000 - said to be the most expensive house in Wausau. Only six years later, the Yawkeys hired George W. Maher to remodel. The first floor was completely remodeled, a two story addition was added to the back, and a sun porch was added on the east side of the house. In 1974, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A three million dollar restoration was finished in 2008.

Originally from Michigan, the Yawkeys moved to northern Wisconsin in 1889 when Cyrus joined with his uncle and a business partner to form the Yawkey and Lee Lumber Company. Alice Yawkey named the town that was founded by the venture, Hazelhurst, because of the abundance of hazel trees in the area. Ten years later in 1899, the Yawkeys moved to Wausau where Cyrus was the uncontested leader of the Wausau Group. The Wausau Group was composed of wealthy lumbermen who polled their resources in hopes of improving Wausau's economy as the logging industry was dying in the area. They founded several businesses, utilitiy companies and the first paper mill in the area (Wausau Paper Mills in Brokaw).

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