The IXL Historical Museum will host its annual Vintage Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday on the museum grounds.

This year’s theme is America’s Semiquincentennial, which marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

“This is the museum contribution to the nation’s year-long celebration,” said Mary Zychowski, museum volunteer.

A highlight of the event is the open tours of the multi-building complex at W5551 River St. in Hermansville.

Marilyn Popp, president of the IXL Historical Museum, shows off the inside of the recently restored 1910 caboose. The outside has been repainted, along with a new logo. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The small town was founded in 1878, and was built around the lumber business — specifically hardwood flooring.

The IXL Museum, which was constructed as the headquarters for the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company, is a living testament to the history of the town, she said. The large two-story structure contains many artifacts and original features of its time.

“Many people have asked what IXL stands for,” said Zychowski. “It stands for a flooring factory that once produced the best tongue-and-groove flooring — I excel — in the business.”

In addition to the main museum, visitors can check out the “company house,” carriage house. company warehouse, train depot, caboose and other out buildings, Zychowski said.

“There have been several new additions and changes to this year’s exhibits,” she added.

The “Company House,” said to be the oldest home in Hermansville, will also be open for tours Sunday during Vintage Day at the The IXL Historical Museum in Hermansville. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Local blacksmith David Hudson of Hermansville will do live forging demonstrations in the permanent blacksmith shop.

Zychowski noted that it was the last building to be added to the grounds within the past couple years.

They will also conduct a raffle for a homemade knife.

Museum volunteers will sell pasties and refreshments. They will also host a bake sale in honor of June Schoen, who passed away recently. Schoen made her popular sugar cookies for years as part of the museum fundraiser.

We Be Poppin’ will again be on the grounds offering kettle corn.

A Craft and Vendor Market will be set up with booths throughout the museum grounds.

Zychowski noted the vendors will have a large variety of homemade pieces, including woodcrafts, metal art and jewelry.

The Renegade band of Oneida, Wis., will provide entertainment for the crowd, playing a variety of country and rock music.

Attendees are reminded to bring a lawn chair and umbrella for shade to enjoy the day at the museum.

Everyone is encouraged to spend the afternoon at the museum. “Come sit, relax and enjoy lunch and the entertainment,” Zychowski said.

Admission to the museum grounds is by donation.

Regular museum hours are 12:30 to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. They will be open again Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, and will close for the season after Labor Day weekend.

The museum is looking for volunteers for next year, when they will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Anyone interested can call the museum at 906-236-5163 or leave a message on the Facebook IXL Historical Museum page.