...Is the theme of the month-long celebration sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "This Place Matters" provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and states and enable more American's to become involved in the growing preservation movement. In Brookfield, Preservation Month - May 2008 - will be observed by the Elmbrook Historical Society.
The Elmbrook area dates back to 1839. When Brookfield Township was formed it consisted of 36 acres - of farmland and prairie. The town of Brookfield is smaller than it was over 100 years ago, but it still exists. Portions were assimilated into the city of Brookfield (1954) and village of Elm Grove (1955).
The Elmbrook Historical Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the 1843 Dousman Stagecoach Inn, once located on Watertown Plank Road and Bluemound Road. The home is Brookfield's only preserved landmark on the National Historic Registry. The grass roots effort that saved the Inn continues to support and maintain it. Members share our area's rich history through:
- Guided tours (on the first and third Sunday afternoons) from May through October.
- Sponsoring the Civil War Re-enactment this weekend (May 3 and 4) from 10 am to 4 pm. Several homes in Brookfield date to the Civil War era.
- Hosting free lectures on historic topics, such as "Ten Chimneys & The Lunts." Join us May 19 at the Brookfield Park & Recreation Center at 7 pm.
- A Memorial Day ceremony at Brookfield's Oak Hill Cemetery (Brookfield Road north of Capitol). Many early settlers were buried there, including Nathan Hatch, a revolutionary war soldier.
These and other activities throughout the year help individuals understand the importance of history. Each family (whether dating back to early Brookfield, or not) is creating its own memories and traditions. Gregory Filardo said, "...What greater homage to our native homelands could we pay than to preserve buildings in remembrance of our ancestry or roots? As we reach for the stars let us not forget where we came from."
The historical society has also encouraged other historic preservation efforts - such as "Old St. Mary's Church" in Elm Grove. Once slated for demolition, the church is now home to Torke Wirth Pujara, an architectural firm. It also appears that VK Development is sparing the Ruby family farm house and pony barn from demolition.
For more information about the Elmbrook Historical Society, visit http://www.elmbrookhistoricalsociety.org/ or telephone 262 782 4057.
The city of Brookfield does not have a historic preservation ordinance.
