Chippewa Falls in Chippewa County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Norway House & the Birthplace of Alexander Wiley
Photographed By Keith L, April 27, 2011
1. The Norway House & the Birthplace of Alexander Wiley Marker
Built in 1871 by Alexander Wiley Sr. and Nels Elikson, the rooming house over the years was home for hundreds of immigrants, lumber jacks, mill workers, farm hands and log drivers (known as river pigs). In 1887 Wiley Sr. became the sole owner and operated it until 1895 when he sold it to Erick and Johanna Myrman. The Myrmans operated the Norway House until 1915 after which it was rented to various other operators until 1939 when the building was razed.
In its heyday, room and board was $4 per week. Horses were fed and bedded down in a large connected barn for 25 cents per day.
This site was also the birthplace of Alexander Wiley Junior. Born here in 1884 to Norwegian immigrants, Alex and Sophia, he went from the lumberyards of the northwoods to the Capital grounds of Washington, D.C.
Not satisfied with his first job as a lumberman which paid 15 cents per hour, Alexander attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis and then received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He returned to his hometown and practiced law for thirty years and also was elected to three consecutive terms as Chippewa
this page online
Elected to represent Wisconsin in 1939 as a United States Senator, Alexander was a diligent worker for U.S. foreign affairs, military and industrial research, preservation of natural resources and veteran's rights. He served a distinguishing twenty-four years in Washington D. C., retiring in 1963.
Erected by Chippewa County Historical Society. (Marker Number 27.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 44° 56.191′ N, 91° 23.635′ W. Marker is in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in Chippewa County. Marker is on West Grand Avenue west of North Bridge Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 West Grand Avenue, Chippewa Falls WI 54729, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Federal Building & Early Mail Service (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edward Rutledge Charity (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Oldest Commercial Building in Chippewa Falls (about 700 feet away); Trinity United Methodist Church (about 800 feet away); The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge
Photographed By Keith L, April 27, 2011
2. The Norway House & the Birthplace of Alexander Wiley Marker
Also see . . . Alexander Wiley. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on May 25, 2011.)
Photographed By Keith L, April 27, 2011
3. Site of the Norway House and the Birthplace of Alexander Wiley
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,110 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
