Goodman was founded in 1908 by the Goodman Lumber Company.

Brothers James, Robert and William Goodman came to the northwoods in 1907 to plan for their new mill. The steam-driven sawmill was completed in 1909.

“They had already been logging in the northern area and moved the cut softwood — pine — by floating them down the river,” said Joan Flannery, GHS president and treasurer. “However, the hardwood wouldn’t float, so they decided to build a mill in the forest.”

Flannery explained they chose Goodman as the new mill site because of the railroad access and water supply.

Goodman Historical Society President and Treasurer Joan Flannery and Vice President Jean Bauer show the military section of the museum in Goodman, Wis. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The company built a department and grocery store, office, clubhouse, hotel, bank, schools and more than 100 homes.

“They owned the entire town,” Jean Bauer, GHS vice president said. “You couldn’t live in Goodman unless you worked at the mill — you rented from them.”

She added at one time in addition to the ballroom and bar, the clubhouse housed a theater, bowling alley, barbershop and post office.

Robert Goodman, known as “R.B.,” ran the lumber company until they sold in 1955. “It changed hands a number of times over the years,” Flannery added. “They closed permanently last summer — it was very hard for the town and still is.”

The Goodman Historical Society was formed in 2012. “The idea came about when the Class of 1961 was planning their 50th reunion,” said Joan Flannery, GHS president and treasurer. “That talk got the ball rolling.”

Since it formed in 2012, the Goodman Historical Society has been focused on saving town artifacts and memorabilia for future generations. The Goodman Historical Society is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are also open at 7 p.m. Thursday during the Music in the Square. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

After establishing their non-profit status, the group faced the task of seeking a home for the museum. “We weren’t sure where to have it, we thought of some of the old houses in town,” Flannery said.

It was at that time the portable school next to the grade school was closed because of decreased enrollment. “The building was sold for $1 to the town of Goodman,” Flannery said.

The town offered to lease it to the society; however, they would need to relocate it off the school property.

Albert Goodman, the grandson of R.B. Goodman, donated the needed funds to construct a new foundation and move the structure to its current location, as well as build a deck across the front.

“We couldn’t have done it without Albert (Goodman),” Flannery said. “The society appreciates everything he has done for us.”

The renovated war memorial that features the original eagle from the 1919 monument in the courtyard of the Goodman Historical Society museum in Goodman, Wis. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

From that time on, the society began collecting town artifacts and memorabilia.

Bauer said it’s a continual process of organizing display exhibits throughout the museum as they receive new items.

As expected, they have acquired several collectibles from Goodman mill, such as typewriters, adding machines and payroll invoices that show the deductions for health care, rent, milk, store, etc.

“Mill employees were paid every two weeks and would run out of money, so Goodman decided to get brass coins and give them out in between paychecks,” Flannery explained.

They also have several photographs of the Goodman family and employees.

The military section highlights many of the local veterans from different branches of service.

“We have several uniforms within that display,” Bauer said.

On exhibit is the original Western Union telegram to Austin R. Fuszard’s sister that informed her that he was killed in action in 1944. They also have his medals.

Goodman resident the late John Draxler, who was wounded as a result of hostile actions in war, never received any of his war medals before his death in 1974.

Flannery said his daughters and granddaughter, Bernie Draxler Laurich, began work to obtain his deserved Purple Heart medal. His daughters accepted it in 2014.

“We had a big celebration and the family donated his medal to the museum,” she said. “We have also received a number of his military gear, including a gas mask, helmet and canteen to be added to the display.”

Flannery noted for a small town they had many locals that served in the military, including a prisoner of war and two young men killed when their ship was sunk during World War II.

Goodman also produced a newspaper, “The Service News,” from 1942 to 1945. “Those are kind of fun to look through,” Bauer said. “It’s interesting to read that several times guys would run into others they knew while just walking down the street in another country.”

A war memorial was built in 1919 in the courtyard after the war. The memorial has since been renovated but still has the original eagle at the top of the gazebo.

The town’s oldest quilt sits prominently on display in a handcrafted wooden case. “Signatures of residents from that time are hand-stitched in each square,” Flannery said.

A few of the museum’s fun features are hats from Mary McClain and a crib used by a midwife who delivered more than 700 babies.

“An interesting fact was Goodman had many sets of twins,” which is shown in a photograph on display, Flannery added.

A 1940s wedding dress was donated that was made from parachute material.

Boxing champion Theron McClain’s “Golden Gloves” are prominently hung in a glass case for public viewing. “They are actually gold,” Bauer said.

Many high school uniforms, trophies, photographs and early yearbooks are included within the school section at the museum.

Flannery noted that in the early years the Goodman team was the Millers. “This was because we had a saw mill, veneer mill, planing mill and chemical mill, so they thought that name fit,” she said. “It was only a short period of time after that they changed to the Falcons.”

“The Catholic school even had their own basketball team at one time that was coached by the priest,” Bauer said.

Bauer points out the volunteer fire department and American Legion are two important parts of Goodman’s history as well.

In addition, they have collected an array of other pieces of interest that are on display.

The Goodman Historical Society hosts a Craft Show in September at the Town Hall that is its largest fundraiser. They will also have their 2026 calendars available at the craft show.

Anyone who has any artifacts can contact Flannery or Bauer. They noted they are still searching for high school yearbooks.

The public is welcome to do research at the Goodman Historical Society museum during its hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are also open at 7 p.m. Thursday during Music in the Square.

Arrangements can be made for those who would like to come on weekdays.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.