Weston in Marathon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Callon was once humming with activity
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 18, 2019
1. Callon was once humming with activity Marker
In the 1800's, Callon was a busy stop for trains transporting lumber, potatoes and pickles from local farmers. The power of the Eau Claire River inspired the construction of many sawmills, including the portable mill operated by William Callon. The town of Callon provided lumber for homes, a cheese factory, a saloon, a mission church and even a school.
Sawmills in Callon
The first portable mills built by Charles Weston and William Callon were eventually replaced by large mills like Roy Gavitt's sawmill. Mr. Gavitt's large mill employed about 20 workers that rotated work shifts and slept in the "cook's shanty" that also housed the full-time cooks.
Memories of yesteryear
Today you have to imagine the trains with their cars full of logs, horses pulling logging carts and the whining of sawmills. In front of you is Kluck's saloon, right where it was established in the late 1800's. Take a moment to imagine what it was like to live in Callon 100 years ago.
Erected by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Park System, Friends of Mountain-Bay State Trail, Mark Kluck, Marathon County Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Over the Hills and through the Woods... (approx. 2.1 miles away); Welcome to the Mountain-Bay State Trail (approx. 2.3 miles away); Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine (approx. 5.3 miles away); Fallen Soldiers Memorial (approx. 5.9 miles away); Pine Grove Cemetery G.A.R. Memorial (approx. 6.2 miles away); Historical Memorial Park (approx. 6.3 miles away); Cutler Post Monument (approx. 7.1 miles away); World War I Guardian Angel Monument (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Weston.
Additional commentary.
1. Callon and Weston
Callon was an unincorporated place until 1996 when it became part of Weston when Weston incorporated as a village.
— Submitted September 4, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Photo from Mark Kluck Collection
2. Callon was once humming with activity Marker - left image
Kluck Saloon.
Photo from Earl Gavitt Collection
3. Callon was once humming with activity Marker - middle image
Photo from Earl Gavitt Collection, August 18, 2019
4. Callon was once humming with activity Marker - right image
R.E. Gavitts Mill
Near Callon, Wis. 3-19-12
Near Callon, Wis. 3-19-12
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 18, 2019
5. Callon was once humming with activity Marker
View looking toward the east on the Mountain-Bay State Trail. County Highway J is at the stop sign. Kluck's Saloon is behind the trees on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 4, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
