Meyer of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, who built and operated a saw and shingle mill utilizing the abundant native cedar and pine growing in the area.

A passenger rail depot, general stores, taverns, a bank, library and post office were established, as was a multi-grade public school.

Other industry developed in the area as well, aided by the town's proximity to abundant rail freight service and local natural resources.

The town's growth slowed and eventually declined, due to the rapid deforestation and subsequent scarcity of the timber that drove Hermansville's economy.

[1] As an aid to transport of lumber and for recreational and domestic purposes, the Little Cedar River, a small waterway that passes west of the village, was dammed in the early 20th century, creating a reservoir named Hermansville Lake.

The main exhibits of the museum are housed in the well-preserved office building of the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company, a fine example of Queen Anne architecture completed in 1883.

Other buildings on the museum grounds, most relocated from other locations and restored, are also part of the tour – including an early company (worker) house, a railroad depot, and a vast collection of antique turn-of-the-century machinery.