Originally constructed in 1850, the Delton Academy was a one room Baptist Boys Schoolhouse. In 1865, it became the Delton Methodist Church. In 1894, the church was expanded and the entryway and side room additions were built. What was originally the entrance was replaced with the G.A.R. stained glass window and the bell tower was added. During this period it was also used as the G.A.R. Hall. The Grand Army of the Republic was the Civil War version of the V.F.W. for the Union army. In 1868, General Order #11 of the G.A.R. called for May 30th to be designated as the day of memorial for Union veterans; originally called "Decoration Day", it later evolved into the U.S. national Memorial Day holiday. The G.A.R. was also active in pension legislation, establishing retirement homes for soldiers, and many other areas which concerned Union veterans. The influence of the G.A.R. led to the creation of the Old Soldiers' Homes of the late 19th century, which evolved into the current United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The back room, bathroom and kitchen addition was added sometime in the 1950's. In the 1970's, the building was then purchased by a group of local residents and it became the Old Delton Academy Antique Mall. In the spring of 2007, the building underwent a revamping and became what it is today; the oldest public building in southwest Wisconsin and home of the Brat House Grill. The building still retains it's original wood floor, wainscoting and window frames. It's remarkable what great shape the building is in after it's extensive and varied history.
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