Janet, a Town of Brookfield resident, has lived in the Elmbrook area for nearly 40 years and is an avid gardener and volunteer. Her blog focuses on the city and town of Brookfield – past, present and future.
The 1843 Dousman Stagecoach Inn is Brookfield’s only National Historic Landmark. It is located at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway, midway between Bluemound and Gebhardt Roads. On June 24, the Elmbrook Historical Society celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the home’s current location.
John Behling, whose family lived in the home for nearly 100 years, gave the building to the Elmbrook Historical Society. It in turn, raised funds to move the building from the corner of Bluemound and Moorland Roads.
On June 20, an historic site in Elm Grove celebrated an open house. Built in the 1920s, “Old St. Mary’s Church” was nearly razed. A small group of people are responsible for saving the building. Newly restored, it is now home to Torke, Wirth, Pujara, Ltd.
There’s another property in Brookfield worthy of National Historic Landmark status - Ruby Farms. The farmhouse on Calhoun Road was built about 1860 by one of Brookfield’s early settlers, Jacob Ruby. According to the Historical Inventory of Brookfield, Ruby Farms' barn with cupola west of the house is one of the best in the Township. The farmhouse and the horse barn are important community landmarks.
The Ruby Farms property was sold to VK Development in 2005. Commercial development plans have not been publicly shared.
The city claims Calhoun Road needs to be widened to accommodate the anticipated freeway interchange. Although construction of the freeway interchange will not occur until at least 2010, the city government sees an imminent need to widen Calhoun next year.
As the first two examples show, historic buildings can be preserved. Vision is required. Does the widening of Calhoun Road – and the proposed development of sixty acres - need to result in another loss of a piece of our heritage?
