History of Community
Avoca was incorporated on February 10,1870. A historic village in Iowa County, whose first settlers were primarily loggers and farmers, were drawn to the Wisconsin River and bountiful land. Avoca was named after a place in Ireland. The village became a focal point for local business and agriculture and is still know today for the Avoca Prairie.
Once the railroad arrived in 1856, Avoca grew rapidly. A Commercial store was built, followed by a hotel, a post office and then a school a year later.
After Avoca's incorporation, Avoca Union Free High School was established (1875-1876).
Notable figures from Avoca's past include:
Dan Bohan - Depot Agent for 60+ years
William Marshall - Founder of the Marshall Bros. Circus
Bertha Reynolds - A well-known local doctor
In 1958, after World War II, the train depot was converted to function as a feed mill until 1997.