RATHDRUM — This weekend is the last chance to tour the Old Kootenai County Jail and Westwood/Rathdrum Historical Society Museum before they close to set up for the annual Halloween Haunted House.

The museum will be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with a suggested donation of $2.

Three spirited volunteers, Pauline Jensen, Lisa Peterson and Sue Culver, said they need the public's help.

As the nonprofit operates on a small budget, the society is raising funds to repaint the exterior of the building.

“We want to get our name out there more,” said Peterson. “I don’t think people really realize that we are here.”

Nestled in a quiet corner at 7940 Second St., the historical building served the city as jail from 1892 until 1908. But that wasn't the only thing the building was used for.

“I call it the multi-purpose home,” said Jensen, secretary for the society.

The modest building served as a refuge for residents who were ill or needed a place to stay. Up to 25 people at a time were housed there besides jail inmates.

Museum displays are changed regularly and the team focuses on acquiring additional artifacts. They find items at garage sales and some are donated to the museum.

Specifically looking for furniture pieces from 1890 through 1910, they accept items on donation or for loan.

“Over time we learn new things,” said Culver.

Recently two sisters who grew up in the area returned to town for a family reunion and discovered that the museum had childhood photos of them in one of its photo albums.

“People come in, see the history and reminisce,” said Jensen.