Mary Elise Antoine was born and raised in Prairie du Chien. She graduated from Marquette University with a BA in history and holds a master’s degree in history museum studies from New York State University–Oneonta. She resides in a restored French-Canadian house in Prairie du Chien.

 

Mary Elise has over 40 years of professional experience working in historic preservation and for historic sites. Returning to Prairie du Chien from New York, Mary Elise was curator of collections and research at Villa Louis State Historic Site for many years. She is on the board and past president of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society. She is the Wisconsin ambassador for the French Heritage Corridor and on the board of the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation.

 

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Latest Book:
An Elegant Edifice

On the banks of the upper Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, stands Villa Louis, the Italianate-style residence and estate built by the Dousman family in 1871.

An Elegant Edifice tells the stories of the women of the Dousman residence. Jane outlived her husband by fourteen years, oversaw the estate and maintained the family's presence in Prairie du Chien. Jane's daughter-in-law, Nina, managed the property and assumed the role of head of the family following her husband's death, ensuring stability for her children during times of tragedy. Finally, Nina's daughters Violet and Virginia helped to restore the family home in the 1930s, secure its future as a historic site, and record the Dousmans' history for posterity.

 

Price: $27.95