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Property Location
Property Features
This dwelling was constructed in 1862 and remodeled in the 1950s. John L. Mather, who is associated with this dwelling, was a very early businessman in the community of Sparta. The Monroe County Drugstore was owned by John L. Mather, who in 1859 built a large two story store (40 x 50 feet) no the corner of Oak and Water Streets (not extant). Mather was a wholesaler and dealer in drugs, patent medicines, and other items. His establishment lasted well into the 1880s.
In 1868, John L. Mather and his partner O.L. Irwin built a paper mill called the Sparta Paper Mill located itself along the La Crosse River in Sparta. They used the La Crosse River as a source of water power for the mill. When the paper mill was first built, the establishment was valued at $40,000. It started by turning out wrapping paper, but later began producing printed paper as well. During the 1870's, the paper mill employed some twenty workers who used 5,000 tons of straw daily to produce 6,000 pounds of low quality wrapping paper, paper bags and newspaper for local papers. In 1870, sold out the business to his partner. The paper mill is no longer extant.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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150 S OF SE CNR OF BRANT-ST JOHN RD; N7680 CTH BB
2820
Located in Woodville, Calumet County
