RURAL, WI

 Rural is characterized by many people who visit as a "New England Village" in the heart of Wisconsin.  The village illustrates what a mid-19th century Yankee community was like. The village got its name from its first settler, James H. Jones, who named the area his "Rural Holdings". In 1852 he was made Justice of the Peace and in 1853 its postmaster. The post office was then moved to his stagecoach inn (The Halfway House) and he shortened the name to Rural.  Rural was built almost exclusively by Yankees from the eastern United States who could trace their heritage to Great Britain. Unlike many communities, no wave of other European immigrant groups came to Rural. And unlike many communities, the vast majority of the founding families stayed on in Rural and intermarried with other founding families. Even today, descendants of these families remain in Rural. The level of preservation of the Rural buildings is unusually high.
There is a clear sense that citizens of the village desire to maintain the charm and historic character of their community. Rarely does one find a group of people voluntarily working to preserve the architectural character of their community as we observe here in the Rural on the Crystal - designated as a National Historic District.
We welcome you to join us for the day to walk the village streets and tour the beautiful homes. Allow yourself to take a step back in time and experience the charm that our quaint historic village offers.  

The Rural Historical Society is committed to the continuing responsibility of this rich heritage. The Society endeavors to reinforce the significance of this Historic District to its neighbors, the state of Wisconsin, as well as our nation. The pulse of the community of Rural is alive and well, but we invite you to share in the heartbeat of this remarkable village.  Your membership in the RURAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY could assist us in continued responsibility to its rich history. Research and preservation for future generations are recognized as obligations of good citizenship. So little can do so much. We need your assistance in our continued responsibility to this beautiful historic village. 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

SINGLE.....................................................................................................$10

FAMILY.....................................................................................................$15

CONTRIBUTING..................................................................................$20

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL.......................................................$50

LIFE MEMBERSHIP.............................................................................$100

 CHECKS CAN BE MADE PAYABLE & SENT TO:

RURAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS

E1449 Main Street, Waupaca, WI 54981

Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.