| Stereograph of an old log structure surrounded by buildings, wagons and wagon parts, fences and trees. It was demolished about 1900. Text printed on the front: "Photographed and Published by L.H. Cook, Delton, Wis." "Curiosities Beauties and Attractions of Wisconsin Scenery." "Sparta and Vicinity, 'An Ancient Land-mark.' For Description, see other side." Text printed on the reverse: "An Ancient Land-Mark--A Tribute.
The subject of this sketch whose portrait appears on the face side of this card, holds the same relation to the city of Sparta, that the acorn does to the tree. It was built by R.J. Castleman in the fall of 1851, and still occupies its former site on the borders of Beaver Creek. Its first covering was made of "oak shakes" stayed with poles; after being well chinked the "rough places were made smooth," within and without, with several coats of "mud plaster," after which it served as a residence for Mr. Castleman and family; it was also immediately converted to a hotel for the convenience and comfort of the weary traveler.
The winter following, the Rev. Frederick Walrath (now deceased) of the M.E. persuasion, caused its walls to echo with its first holy invocation, and spake to the few who assembled, the gracious words of LIFE. In the spring of '52 a postoffice was opened in one corner, the mail arriving regularly once a week from La Crosse.
In the fall following G.H. Ledyard rented the front room and filled it with goods, opening the first merchantile establishment within the "Ancient Landmark's" walls.
Here Dr. G.W. Millegan also made his home for several years during Sparta's early days.
Thus, it served as "residence," "hotel," "store," "postoffice," "medical dispensary" and a "place of worship;" and, although well advanced in years it has not yet wholly outlived its usefulness, being now used as a "storage building" by Andrew Thorbus.
Ah! Ancient landmark! while in deep meditation we stand gazing upon thy quaint old weather-beaten and time-worn sides, thou seemest to tell of joyous and sorrowful scenes, of hardships endured and victories gained, of pleasant greetings and painful partings, of happy marriages and sad deaths which have transpired within thy rustic walls in the days and years gone bye. What a history thou could'st give us, what a tale thou could'st unfold, what incidents thou could'st disclose if thou had'st but the power of speech! but as thou art fast crumbling by decay, and soon will be numbered among the things of the past, therefore, as a tribute to thy sacred memory, we photograph thy wasting form, from which we will prepare mementos and offer them to the residents of this beautiful city now surrounding thee, of which thou wert the forerunner, that in the years to follow they may have something with which to refresh their memory in reference to the first building erected on the site where now stands the fast-growing and prosperous city of Sparta with its 5000 inhabitants. The Publisher." |
