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 last three blogs started exploring Brookfield in the 1860s.
In doing more research, I learned more about our local history. The earliest recorded landowner, William Howe, arrived in Brookfield in 1820 with a presidential land grant. Robert Curran and Augustus Story arrived in 1837. George Putney arrived from New York in 1839.
In 1839 Brookfield became a town with 36 square miles of land. Waukesha County was formed in 1846. Brookfield Junction was one of the county’s sixteen townships. Wisconsin became a state in 1848. The pioneering families became involved in farming and lumbering – and led spartan lives.
As the town was settled, some claimed the title of the “first.” For example, Jacob Stamm (a German settler) became the first blacksmith. Dr. John Bevier became the first physician. Charles Hart built the first sawmill. Solomon Wales and Caroline Quiner are each reported to be the first child born in Brookfield (1839).
Brookfield Township grew over time. The city of Brookfield was formed in 1954. The village of Elm Grove was formed in 1955. Their roots were the town of Brookfield.
Some readers have remembrances of people and places that have been highlighted. One person recalled that his grandmother’s farmhouse had mud floors and a “root” cellar (to store fruit and vegetables). That home was built about 1890 and a portion of the farmland became Wisconsin Memorial Park.
Another reader owns the Cushing Home (1848). The property was once part of a 160 acre parcel of land owned by Ahmanz (Ahimaz, Ahimeaz) Gove in 1839. (It’s hard to discern the old cursive handwriting.)
In his youth, one reader lived in a farmhouse on land that became Brookfield Square (1967). He recalls the metamorphosis of Bluemound Road.
Others remember farms that were turned into subdivisions – such as Kinsey Garvensdale (Garvens), Joyce Acres and Simons’ Brookhollow condominiums. Streets are often named after landowners and prominent people. Dechant, Woelfel, Carpenter and Gebhardt.
Of course, there are many more places and people to mention. Start noticing the names of streets you travel on, learning about your own family’s origins and the history that surrounds you.
To quote one reader, “Many Brookfield residents travel extensively to see historic homes “Out East, down South, out West” or wherever they can find remnants of our past. We also travel around the world to see historic sites. Few travel very far to see the latest shopping mall or chain restaurant. I wish our city fathers would see the value in preserving our past and take steps to save what little is left. “
