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Tuft's Mansion
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Tufts' Museum was established in 1892 when Jennie Tufts bequeathed her home tothe city of Neillsville. The original home was built in 1879 by William H. Mahar. Emery Bruley, a local businessman and inventor, purchased the home in 1885. Mr. Bruleyadded the southern wing, pump house and carriage house which can be seen today. Many of the special touches that he added,the etched glass windows, Italian marble fireplace mantle and the fountain in the front yard still remain. In 1886 he traded homes with Richard Dewhurst, a local banker and county judge. Richard's wife, Maria, added the portecochere with Grecia Ionic columns around 1908. The Dewhurst family
remained in the home until their daughter, Mary Hemphill, died in 1958 when the home was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stoll.
Colonel William & Jennie Tufts bought the home in 1961 and began extensive remodeling including the grand staircase in the home's entrance. In 1996 the city sold the home to Joseph & Stacie Boe. The Boes restored much of the home back to its Victorian roots. In the spring of 2004, James & Dawn Voss, with the support of family and friends, opened Tufts' Mansion, "The B&B with all that jazz..." You may now stop in Neillsville and enjoy a cozy getaway filled with the class and elegance of yesteryear.
The Bed & Breakfast is now open year round with four spacious bedrooms, each with a private bath. Each room offers its own unique charm and amenities including jetted claw tubs and fireplaces. Inviting common areas and gardens give guests plenty of room to explore. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee wafts through the house each morning before breakfast is served.
Tufts' Museum holds a large collection of portraits and personal antiquities of its past owners dating back to 1885. Relive yesteryear with a tour including original patents by Emery Bruley, Richard Dewhurst's copper tub or Jenny Tufts' imported hand-stamped wallpaper. Tufts' Museum is open Sundays 1-4 p.m. June - September or by appointment. The hours were changed to coincide with the 1897 Jailhouse Museum. Now summer visitors to Neillsville may take in both historic museums in one afternoon.
Tufts' Mansion also hosts "Jazz at Tufts'" featuring its own house band Front Porch Swing. For a special night on the town its hard to beat the relaxing atmosphere of live music, fine wine and good friends. Tufts' has also brought in local bluegrass favorites, Half Past Five, as well as hosted everything from The Red Hat Society to a 20-year class reunion. From romantic getaways to fully catered parties with family and friends, Tufts' Mansion offers a wide range of entertaining possibilities.
"All That Jazz..."
Come and enjoy an evening filled with jazz preformed by Tufts' very own
Front Porch Swing. Admission: $5.00 I Doors Open At 6:30 p.m. I Music Starts At 7:00 p.m.
Tuft's Mansion Link
Tuft's Museum Tour Dates
Tours Are Available On The Following Dates From 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2008 Tours
May 25
June 8
June 15
June 22
June 29
July 6
July 13
