Wing House Museum / Wing House Museum

Lucius M. Wing (1839-1921), Civil War captain, county sheriff, and prominent businessman, purchased this residence in 1882. That same year he served a term as mayor. Making notable contributions to the industrial, financial and social life of the city, he was the long-time president of a local bank, a manufacturer of cigars, and founder of the Bon Ami Social Club. The house remained in the family for three generations until acquired by the Branch County Historical Society in 1974 for use as a historical museum. This impressive Scond Empire-style home with mansard roof was constructed in 1875 for Jay M. Chandler (1850-1884) and his young bride, Frances. On this site from 1847-71 had stood the Parrish flouring mill. Jay, the fourth son of locally prominent Albert Chandler, followed his brothers into the family hardware business. Albert founded the Coldwater Sentinel and served as the city´s first mayor. Jay Chandler sold his home to Lucius Wing in 1882.