The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Hack House gets boost
Display to honor settlers and lifestyle of early Milan
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 5, 2007
What was once a bedroom and more recently a meeting room at the historic Hack House is now a bright changing exhibit space where artifacts will be displayed honoring the settlers and lifestyle of early Milan.
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The renovations were funded, in part, by generous donations from the Squires family in memory of Arleigh Squires. Gary and Mary Lou Squires Rooney, William and Isabelle Squires, Newt and Linda Squires and Chad and Rachelle Nyitray contributed to the new Museum Room at the Hack House.
Arleigh Squires was an entrepreneur, longtime active resident of Milan and author of "Ancient and Modern Milan: 1830-1976." Compiled with assistance from his wife, Margaret, the book includes the story of Milan, surrounding communities, the minutes of village and City Council meetings, and family histories from more than two dozen of the area's earliest settlers.
The new exhibit room received a facelift, including new wiring, lighting and wallpaper and plastering repairs to the ceiling. The work was completed during the winter. Last Saturday, volunteers met to move display cases and furniture back into the fresh room.
Joan Cullip and members of her coffee group helped with the moving, along with historical society members Bonnie Jurgensen, Ken Baumann and other volunteers.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hack House was built circa 1888 in the Victorian style by Olive Friend, William Hack's sister, a wealthy widow. The 14-room home was then occupied by William and Mary Hack until 1905.
Their son, James, and his wife, Daisy, lived at the house, which is just east of downtown Milan, for 72 years. William was the son of pioneer settler Bethuel Hack.
The Milan Historical Society has maintained the grand house, its four outbuildings, including a three-seat outhouse, and grounds as a museum since 1980, when it was donated by the Owens-Illinois Corporation.
The society also has developed a historical museum using the Hack House to preserve Milan's past for Milan's future. Local history, artifacts and items from Milan families are on display.
The Milan Garden Club and city of Milan tend the period gardens surrounding the buildings. This spring, the garden club will be landscaping the aviary.
Intricate restoration work has been done over the years to Hack House, including the creation and installation of three etched glass door panes three years ago.
The Milan Historical Society will host its first spring program May 17 at the community center and will feature a presentation by society treasurer, Ken Baumann on trench art, works created by World War II soldiers.
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