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Waupaca Historical Society
Waupaca Historical Society
321 S. Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981

Historic Photos of Waupaca and the Chain O'Lakes

The Waupaca Historical Society has an extensive collection of historic photographs, including the complete archive of Henry Estberg, the area's premier photographer during the early 1900s.

Grand View Hotel, Rainbow Lake
Grand View Hotel boat dock on Rainbow Lake
North Main Street, late 1930s
South Park, 1920s
North Main Street, 1930s
Waupaca Railroad Depot, 1940s
Blacksmith and Wagon Shop on East Fulton Street
Truesdell's Drug Store, late 1800s
South Main Street, 1940s
Beer wagon by Nelson's Bar on East Union Street, early 1900s
Edmunds Dock on Taylor Lake
Indian Crossing bridge, 1890s
Indian Crossing Casino porch, looking toward Columbia Lake
Indian Crossing Casino porch, 1960s
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Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!

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Come visit us at the Holly Center at 321 S. Main Street during our open hours on

Wednesday through Friday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

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What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society!
(all programs are at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)

2025 HOLLY CENTER HOURS: Wednesday-Friday,

10 am-2 pm

  • Sun., March 2, 3-5 pm at the Waupaca Depot: Self-Guided Winter Hike (program with the City of Waupaca Parks & Rec and the Waupaca Area Public Library); stop at the Depot for a hot beverage and tour!
  • Thurs., March 20, 6 pm: "Brownie the War Dog: Veterans' Best Friend" with author Kelly Nelson
  • Mon., April 14, 6:30 pm at the Waupaca Area Public Library (a Winchester Academy program):"Waupaca’s Sesquicentennial: A Look Back at the City of Waupaca’s Early Years" with Tracy Behrendt
  • Thurs., April 24, 6 pm: "Plank, Wheel & Rail: Wisconsin's Transportation History" with Jim Willaert, Wade House Historic Site

Looking for other events taking place in Waupaca? Check out the Waupaca Chain O'Lakes Community Calendar here!
Check us out on Facebook!

Appointments outside of open hours at any WHS buildings can be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the Holly History and Genealogy Center at (715) 256-9980 or emailing 

Tracy Behrendt at 

director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.