WATCH FOR US ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL'S PROGRAM 'SECRET PASSAGES'!   

 The Historic 1856 

Octagon House

276 Linden Street

Fond du Lac, WI  54935

920/922-1608     costumes@charter.net

2008 Special Events Calendar

Browse and Dine Group Tours!

IS IT REALLY HAUNTED?  CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

CLICK HERE FOR NOTED PSYCHIC'S OBSERVATIONS ON THE HOUSE!

 

A View of the South Bedchamber and the Unique 'Indian Lookout' WindowsThe Platform hides the entrance to a Secret Room and a message left by a runaway slave!  Crawl in and see!

This National Registered Historic Home is first and foremost a private residence.  

Built in 1856 by Isaac Brown, with architectural design of Orson Fowler, it holds both mystery and fascination.  

Constructed on an established 1814 settlement and trading post, this 12 room grout home became the wedding gift to Edwin Brown (son of Isaac) and his bride Ruth Pier, as residence until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.  

The Octagon House features 9 secret passageways including an underground tunnel, found by current owner, Marlene Hansen during restoration in 1975.  Used for a safe house in the 'underground railroad' the home would have kept its secrets forever, if not for the foresight of the Hansen's and their efforts to save this landmark from demolition.  

Today this Talking House is at the head of Fond du Lac's Historic District, preserving history for generations to come!

 

Click HERE for our new FOR SALE site!

Many collections are housed in the house, including:

porcelain dolls

native artifacts

early cookware

vintage china

heirloom clothing

millinery (hats) and hat pins

jewelry fancies

perfume bottles

seasonal collectibles

antique tools

vintage photo equipment

kerosene lamps

... and countless more unique items of interest!  all FOR SALE!!! 
You won't Believe It!

A view of the Dining room... what a rare opportunity to own a jewel of history!  This 12 room home features 2 full baths, and a double lot.  The woodshed is a crafters paradise, while the carriage house offers an additional income being a single family rental included in the purchase!  There is even a hexagonal garden shed in the lawn.  How adorable!  So how can our family sell it?  well, we haven't yet, and it will take a historically minded buyer to carry the torch.  Until then, the home will continue to be shared as it has been, since the time of the runaway slaves; a few guests at a time.  My family have been 3 generations of time keepers thus far.  Time ticks on.  Won't you join us?

Click here for tickets.

  • American History

  • Architecture, 

  • Wisconsin History

  • Civil War History

  • The Underground Railroad, 

  •  Early Pioneer Daily Living, 

as they pertain to Fond du Lac, are all part of the Historic Octagon House's rich past.  This home once was an Indian fort, then a civil war fort, was a safe house on the underground railroad, and was a mayors home to boot!

Click HERE to request more information

Spacious rooms, poured wall construction, and many updates make this home comfortable, and still unique.   Available for an additional fee are the furnishings and acrouterments featured throughout the home, as many would not have the antiquities to furnish her!  The home has upgraded heat, electrical, and even central air, for the comfort of all to visit.

At the head of the Fond du Lac Historical District, the Octagon House seeks a new owner.  The Hansen Family has painstakingly preserved her for the past 31 years, but the time has come to pass the torch.  Are you the one who will be the next keeper of history?  The Fond du Lac Octagon House, at 276 Linden Street, is waiting to meet you!

 the Costume Closet  

...

one of the finest rent or buy theatrical supply facilities to be found. HAS MOVED TO MARLENES, JUST OFF HWY 151, EAST OF FOND DU LAC.  EXPANDED TO OVER 20,000 GARMENTS! 

While mannequins model vintage fashions, the closets swell with  beautiful reproductions!

CUSTOM ORDERS OUR SPECIALTY!  

 

Whether dressing  beauty or the beast,  The Costume Closet   has it all!

Call 1-920-923-5656  

for more information

Do you like Dolls? 

Marlenes Country Doll Museum has over 4,000 of  them!  This family owned collection of playthings started 6 generations ago, and has grown!  Just out of the city, Marlenes museum is located at the Silver Wheel Manor.  Call for an appointment and bring your friends

920-922-1608.

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