The Octagon House was considered an architectural feat when it was built in New London.  A sketch of the house is shown in Bailey's 1871 map of New London.  Therefore it is said that the House was built approximatley in 1868.    In 1869 an assessment roll states that the property was worth $980.

The Octagon House was quite a showplace.  The parlor contained a pump organ with ornate glass figurines and pedestals.  Two plush couches adorned the room and a library table held velvet albums and a stereoscope with many pictures.   Large portraits with beautiful frames were placed on easels throughout the room.

The east wall featured French doors opening into a porch.  The cupola was in the center of the house and had steps leading up to it.  Round oak heaters warmed the house.

Remodeling changed the house.  The French doors, the porch and the copula disappeared.  The ceilings were lowered.  The dining area was made into a more modern kitchen, and the small bedroom was converted into a bathroom.

After years of discussion about what to do with the house, the New London Area Chamber of Commerce located  an anonymous donor to finance the removal of the building and provide materials for restoration provided a Historical Society could be formed to maintain the structure.

The New London Historical Society was organized in late 1977.  After nearly a year of planning and preparing a location for the house, the move finally took place in the summer of 1978.  The building, originally located near present-day Hardee's on North Shawano Street, was moved to a property owned by Sara Lee Foods (formerly  Hillshire Farms & Kahn's), just south of the City limits near US 45.

On November 8, 1984, the Chamber Board of Directors decided they were willing to deed the house to the Historical Society.  Ownership was transferred on February 11, 1985.  In 1989 the house was moved to the Historical Village adjacent to Memorial Park where restoration work was completed.