The staff at the Mauston Habitat for Humanity ReStore knew that the antique sewing machine that came off the truck at the end of April was a special piece. The machine was beautifully painted, and the cabinet it folded into was made of solid, quarter-sawn, white oak. Recognizing the beauty as well as the historical value of the piece, Jim Abbs, president of the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Adams & Juneau County, decided the best home for the machine was one where its history would be valued.
The Elroy Historical Society, located in downtown Elroy, is home to over 400 exhibits featuring objects from Elroy’s past. Exhibits show what life was like in Elroy when it was a bustling railroad town, as well as objects related to farming and family life in early Juneau County. The museum did not, however, have an antique sewing machine. Donna Rawn, president of the Elroy Historical Society, jumped at the chance to incorporate such a unique piece into the museum’s exhibits.

The sewing machine, donated by Janet Ackerson of Wonewoc, was manufactured by the New Home company in Orange, Massachusetts. The serial number dates it from 1901. The unique “parlor cabinet” design was a highly sought after feature for sewing machines, and made it one of the most expensive types of machines on the market.
At the Elroy Historical Society’s museum, it will be used to illustrate what domestic life was like for many Juneau County families in the early twentieth century.

The Mauston Habitat for Humanity ReStore is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5. All proceeds from sales go towards supporting Habitat for Humanity of Adams and Juneau County. The Elroy Historical Society Museum is open from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment.

After a year of service to Habitat for Humanity of Adams & Juneau Counties and the local community, John Hunter will conclude his term with the AmeriCorps VISTA program this month. John has been the Donation Coordinator at the Mauston ReStore throughout his VISTA term. His work has included scheduling donations, marketing and advertising to solicit material donations to the ReStore, and writing and designing the newsletter.

Stepping in to the Donation Coordinator role is Kevin Anderson, who started his one year term as a VISTA in mid-June. Kevin recently moved to Mauston from just outside of Washington D.C. Last year he served a one year term with FEMA Corps, a branch of AmeriCorps dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and relief. Prior to working with FEMA Corps, Kevin studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Washington. He will be using the skills he learned there to help Habitat and the ReStore in designing marketing materials, which will be just one of many roles he will fill for Habitat.

As of April, Habitat for Humanity of Adams & Juneau Counties has moved into the third year of its partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This year the affiliate and ReStore will host three one-year VISTAs and three summer VISTAs.

This month the ReStore is also saying goodbye to Assistant Manager Elizabeth Cobosco. Elizabeth is originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and has also lived in Eau Claire.  She moved to Mauston last year with her husband, who is an active duty National Guard member.

Elizabeth started working at the Mauston ReStore in September, where she put the skills she developed as a Front End Manager at Menard’s flagship store in Eau Claire to good use. Her knowledge of building materials and sales ability have been a great asset to the ReStore, and she will be missed! The best part about working at the ReStore for Elizabeth has been the opportunity to help the community and get involved with Habitat.

Elizabeth and her husband are moving back to Eau Claire, where she plans to enroll at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to complete her biology degree.