Where it all began...
For 17 years, J.R. Watkins called Plainview “home”. It was in his house that he began his world famous business, mixing the first batch of liniment in a wooden barrel right in the middle of the kitchen! And now you can experience the humble beginnings of J.R. Watkins, “where it all began”.
The house, originally located on Broadway, was moved in 1911 to its present site to make way for a new home. In March of 2008, the Watkins house was purchased by the Plainview Area History Center with the purpose of showcasing the early years of the Watkins’ story. Displays and exhibits have been designed to be portable, allowing multiple uses of the facilities.
Room One- The Front Parlor
This room features the Watkins family and also provides a sample of
what life was like in Plainview during the Watkins stay. The
furnishings are not original to the family, but added to give
visitors a feel for the era.
Room Two- The Side Room
This room was added after the Watkins left Plainview. It features
the Watkins business and the legal battle between Watkins and the
Plainview firm of Landon & Burchard over the right to use the Dr.
Ward’s name. It also contains a display on Plainview’s “Watkins
Man”, Charlie Venables.
Room Three- The Back Room
This room was the original kitchen where J.R. Watkins mixed his
first batch of Dr. Ward’s liniment in a wooden barrel. The bay
window was added after the Watkins family left in 1885. The room
features a replica of the wooden barrel as well as a replica of J.R.
Watkins’ desk. It also contains displays of Watkins products.
The Watkins House is located at 140 3rd St. NW, Plainview, Minnesota
and is open Saturdays from 1-4 PM. Admission is by donation.
Other related sites about the Watkins family:
Winona County Historical Museum- Winona, Minnesota
The museum has several items of the Watkins family including J.R.
Watkins’ original desk, a bottling machine, daughter Grace’s
carriage, and other memorabilia.
Open Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM, Saturday & Sunday Noon -4. Closed
weekends in January & February.
Located at 160 Johnson Street, Winona, Minnesota 55987. Telephone
507-454-2723
www.winonahistory.org
Watkins Museum- Winona, Minnesota
The museum offers a glimpse into the past with its extensive
historical collection of Watkins bottles and wares and is a sales
outlet for the current line of Watkins products.
Open Monday –Friday 10 AM-4 PM Saturday 10 AM- 2 PM
Watkins Museum
East 3rd St. (between Chestnut & Liberty Streets)
Winona, MN 55987 (507-457-6095)
www.watkinsonline.com
Watkins Collectors Club
The club is an organization of people who collect Watkins
memorabilia. The group hosts an annual convention for members along
with publishing four information packed newsletters each year. A
great source of Watkins history. Calendar year dues are $20 with a
reduced fee of $17 if paid by February 28th.
Watkins Collectors Club
W24024 St. Rd. 54/93
Galesville, WI 54630
For more information, e-mail editor Marsha Watkins at
marshawatkins@yahoo.com
Greenwood Cemetery- Plainview
The graves of two of Watkins’ children are found here: an infant and
son, George.
The cemetery is located at the north end of Fifth St. NW.
Information on the site can be obtained from the Plainview Area
History Center.
