NO. 238 MAY 2017 HISTORIC WAUWATOSA PUBLISHED BY THE WAUWATOSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. KNEELAND-WALKER HOUSE PRESIDENT’S LETTER Board weighs Beige: 20c 20m 40y 0k Burgandy:name 40c change, 80m 70y 50k Green:dues 60c increase 0m 95y 40k Around the country historical societies are reexaminingHISTORIC theirWAUWATOSA: image with an Belwe eye Condensed BT Bold 62.4/ 74.88 toward appealing to more people. LetPUBLISHED it not be said thatBY THEWauwatosa’s WAUWATOSA “so- HOTORICAL SOCIETY INC.: Myriad Pro Regular 9/13 ciety”KEELAND-WALKER is stuck in the past. We’d HOUSE: like our Myriad Pro Condensed 9/13 name to better refect what we ofer, re- mind us that our history gives context to our present and help us decide our future. Tat’s a lot to bundle into a title. We’re considering dropping the word “society” and switching to Historic Wau- watosa, long the name of this newsletter. Te Kneeland-Walker house has a big front door, and we welcome all kinds of people: lovers of big, old houses, vol- unteers who help us fundraise at our events, gardeners who stroll the grounds to see what has been planted each season, students who sharpen their skills dur- ing internships, and generations of sec- ond graders who visit the 19th Century Schoolhouse. We want our big front door to stay open for a long time to come. Te board also is considering increasing annual dues. Tat’s something we haven’t done in 22 years. Tanks to vigilant stew- ardship, our fnancial reserves are strong. We need to protect those reserves, catch up with infation and sustain a vibrant WAUWATOSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY pay-as-we-go organization. AT LITTLE RED STORE THIS JULY Please send us an email at staf@wauwa- DETAILS ON PAGE 3 tosahistoricalsociety.org or call 414-774- 8672 to let us know your thoughts. — Chris Vogel President HOST VENUE NAME (ALL CAPS) ore than Address/Locationa few Tosans might velopment in America. And it all started at Blue Mound put wonder why Blue Mound Golf & West Park (now Washington Park) in 1902, Country Club got its name since where a six-hole golf course had been cre- Mit’s several miles north of Blue Mound Road. ated with the support of County Tosa in golf’s Te reason is that, more thanDATE any other (ALLPark CommissionerCAPS) August Rebhan. sport, golf is built upon traditions. Con- But William F. Stark, one of three found- sider, for example, how hard it is, and has ers of the Blue Mound Country Club, ‘fore’ front been, to change the game’s rules. wrote: “We all lived in continual fear of Te history of Blue Mound Golf & Coun- hitting one of the many outraged park users, By JERRY SLASKE try Club is interesting not only because of who invariably insisted upon going across its name, but also because it places Wauwa- tosa smack dab in the middle of golf’s de- See GOLF, page 4 NOTEWORTHY WHS SPECIAL EVENTS AT the Kneeland-Walker House: In addition to sponsors previ- n The Wauwatosa Histori- LITTLE RED STORE 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 29 ously announced, a late addition cal Society (WHS) col- and Tuesday, May 30. was the Cordon Family Founda- lects, preserves and dis- Te Little Red Store’s season of seminates the history of n 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, May tion. Wauwatosa. Founded Saturdays starts 8 a.m.-noon May 31, and Tursday, June 1. in 1977 the society is a 27 in conjunction with Sneak donor-supported non- Te sale is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, HELP NEEDED FOR EXHIBIT proft organization with Peek on State Street and the rib- more than 600 individ- June 2. Members who call in ad- AT FIREFLY ART FAIR ual family and business bon cutting for the new Village vance get frst crack at purchases members. WHS is an fountain. Te theme for the Firefy Art afliate of the Wiscon- 15 minutes before the sale opens sin Historical Society Tosa Farmers Market vendors to the public. Fair exhibit Aug. 5-6 is “Chil- and is supported by also plan special demonstrations individual gifts, mem- Contact Peggy Devitt Katz at dren’s Pastimes.” bership fees, and foun- June 17 and July 29 outside the For many kids, every day dation grants. [email protected] with ques- Little Red Store. Plans are still tions or to volunteer to help. meant chores, sports, pretend 2017 OFFICERS being frmed up, but the demon- and dress-up, clubs and hobbies. PRESIDENT strations will focus on compost- HELP PLANT FLOWERS Te historical exhibit inside the Chris Vogel ing and beekeeping. AT K-W GARDENS Kneeland-Walker House and the coach house will feature scenes VP DEVELOPMENT ART BY STUDENT CONTEST Grab your trowel and join and artifacts of kids’ diversions Bill Cummings WINNERS TO BE DISPLAYED volunteers in planting annuals at and activities. VP EDUCATION the Kneeland-Walker House. Te Do you have anything to lend Carol Rosen Students from a record 10 planting times are: that will bring back the memo- Wauwatosa schools competed n 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 23 ries? Artifacts and memorabilia VP MARKETING with how many entries in the an- n 6:30-8 p.m. Tursday, May 25 from all time periods are wel- Beth Jaworski nual WHS Student Art Contest n 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 27 come. Please call the WHS ofce TREASURER promoting appreciation of local n if you have an item to lend. historic buildings. 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, May 29. David Axtell Nearly 200 students entered the Questions? WHS garden chair- man Carolyn Dressler can be MARK YOUR CALENDAR SECRETARY contest, chaired by Claudia Shea. FOR FALL TOUR OF HOMES Peggy Devitt Katz Here are the winners and their reached at [email protected] or 414- 453-0666. DIRECTORS schools: Saturday, Oct. 7, is the date Grade 5K: 1st: Grace Burns, Wilson; 2nd: Amelia Also, mark your calendars for John Goudie Deprey, Wilson. Grade 1: 1st: Charlotte Mulkerron, the annual Friends of the Garden for the WHS Tour of Homes. Mary Kogler Wauwatosa Montessori. Grade 2: 1st: Caleb Wag- Reception, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednes- Tis year’s tour will showcase six Erik Madisen ner, Eisenhower; 2nd: Zofa Zarczynski, McKinley. day, July 19. (Rain date: July 20.) homes along Warren Avenue. Grade 3: 1st: Isabel Taormina, Eisenhower; 2nd: Tis important fundraiser Peggy Rooney Jude Dunlop, Wauwatosa Montessori. Grade 4: Melissa Stippich 1st: Mae Torgerson, Eisenhower; 2nd (tie): Yazmelia BLARNEY RUN/WALK GAVE involves a large number of vol- Phil Warner Ramirez, Eisenhower, and Sukhmanpreet Singh WHS A WELCOME BOO$T unteers, many of whom serve as Ghotra, Eisenhower. Grade 5: 1st (tie): Gillian Frey, docents during half-day shifts. STAFF Wauwatosa Montessori, and Maggie Wiedower, St. Rugged competitors in the If you’re interested in helping, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joseph; 2nd: Cayleigh Kennelty, Jeferson. WHS Blarney Run/Walk brought contact Chris Vogel, tour chair, Natalie Wysong Winning entries will be dis- plenty of enthusiasm to cope with at [email protected] or 414-257- played 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR weather on March 11 that was so 2982. May 27 at the Little Red Store. frigid that hot toddies might have Nancy A. Penksa Winners also will be recognized been more welcome at the fnish TRIBUTES HISTORIC WAUWATOSA at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, by EDITOR than trophies or ribbons. WHS recognizes gifts of the following: the Wauwatosa Common Coun- With no one chairing the event Dave Vogel cil. this year, WHS staf and the Tribute to many volunteers also might have CONTACT US GET READY FOR SPRING JANEL RUZICKA staf@wauwatosahistoricalso- enjoyed a hot toddy or two. Blar- ciety.org HOME AND GARDEN SALE ney is a major WHS fundraiser, 414-774-8672 Valerie Davis WHS’ third annual Home and but the event may be discontin- Historic Wauwatosa [ISSN ued unless someone steps forward Tom and Jill Gaertner 0195-2951], published six Garden Sale is fast approaching. times a year, is a WHS mem- to lead the run/walk in 2018. bership beneft. Full mem- Donations will be collected at Stephanie Merz bership levels start at $10 for individual seniors and $50 for businesses. TOUR ESCHWEILER BUILDING Here’s You can receive Historic what the Wauwatosa digitally, right AT MAY MEETING in your email inbox. Going administra- paperless is fast, easy and tion build- convenient, and it helps WHS members meet at 6 p.m. Tues- WHS save on printing and day, May 9, at the old domestic school ing looked postage costs so your sup- like before port has an even greater of agriculture administration building, impact. Send us an email renovation. and sign up now. now center of the Echelon Apartments complex on Innovation Campus, 9810 Come and Historic Wauwatosa wel- see how comes submission of arti- Echelon Lane. Park in non-numbered cles and photographs. WHS it looks does not assume responsi- spaces in front of the building. bility for statements made today. by contributors.

WWW.WAUWATOSAHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG HISTORIC WAUWATOSA PAGE 2, MAY 2017 RACIAL LEGACY Wauwatosa played early role

1926: U.S. Supreme Court validates in 1960s use of racial deed restrictions. Deeds for some Wauwatosa homes still By DAVE VOGEL include the restriction. [email protected]

1948: U.S. Supreme Court rules such Te Wisconsin Hiastorial Society civil restrictions unenforceable. rights exhibit WHS is hosting in July is called “Crossing the Line,” a reference to 1955: Zeddie Hyler is frst black to Milwaukee marches in 1967 and 1968 from own a home in Wauwatosa. black neighborhoods on the north side to white neighborhoods on the south side. 1962: Milwaukee Ald. Vel Phillips In Wauwatosa, that line was crossed in proposes fair housing ordinance. 1966 when the NAACP Youth Council, led Common Council repeatedly shoots by Father James Groppi, arrived by bus and down proposal. marched for 11 nights outside the Wisconsin Avenue home of Circuit Judge Robert Can- 1965: Lawsuit seeks end to Milwau- non. Tey were protesting the judge’s mem- kee Public Schools segregation. bership in the “whites only” Eagles Club. Te protesters were not warmly received. 1966: Ronald and Norma Britton, a In a Wauwatosa News-Times editorial that black couple, turned away from rent- September, editor Jack Cory wrote: ing home in Milwaukee. Ald. Phillips “Te Wauwatosa invasion was completely leads picketing of homes of fellow pointless. No public ofcial worth his salt aldermen with black constituents. would before he joins a lodge or any other group, ask the approval of a group of teenage 1966: For 11 nights in August and Negroes directed by the assistant pastor of St. September, Father James Groppi Boniface .” and the NAACP Youth Council march One of the counter-demonstrators was outside Wauwatosa home of Cir- John F. Lamp, 18 at the time. He still lives in cuit Court Judge Robert C. Cannon, Wauwatosa. protesting the judge’s membership in “We were just a bunch of young punks the “all white” Eagles Club. who decided to put a stop to it, or at least make our opinion known,” Lamp said in a 1967: Civil disturbances, called a riot recent interview with Historic Wauwatosa. by many, break out July 30 at 3rd Lamp, who was arrested for disorderly and North. National Guard called in conduct during the protests, described one to quell violence. Curfews imposed particularly tense night. throughout county. Order restored by “Tere were probably 50 kids out there, Aug. 3. black and white. Everybody suddenly seemed to shut up for just a second and at that mo- 1967: Fair housing supporters cross ment someone dropped a pipe. Clang, clang, Milwaukee’s 16th Street viaduct Aug. clang. Everybody just took of.” SEE FREE EXHIBIT 28 for frst of 200 days of protest. Asked if he thought he and his friends had Counter-demonstrators from south accomplished anything, Lamp said: “Noth- AT LITTLE RED STORE side hurl rocks, bottles and garbage ing other than make a statement that we at marchers. weren’t going to be pushed around by punks from Milwaukee. Tey didn’t belong there.” 5:30-7 p.m. 1967: Milwaukee Common Council Te National Guard was called in to main- passes fair housing law Dec. 12 that tain peace while Ku Klux Klan counter-dem- Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 duplicates state law protesters called onstrators also made an appearance. Four inadequate. people were hurt by cherry bombs thrown by spectators, and bricks were thrown at the 1968: Marchers gather April 8 for protesters’ bus. 8 a.m.-noon fnal time to memorialize Martin Lu- Groppi ignored Archbishop William E. Saturdays, July 8, 15, 22 ther King, who had been assassinated Cousins’ plea that the marches cease. a few days earlier. Three days later, After the Wauwatosa Common Council Congress passes federal Fair Housing approved a fair housing ordinance in 1968, Act. Cory wrote: 12:30-2 p.m. “It holds out false hopes to Negroes that 1968: Wauwatosa Common Council Tosa now is open to them regardless of Sundays, July 9, 16, 23 votes 9-7 for fair housing ordinance whether they have enough money to buy or undays, July 9, 16, 23 that duplicates state law. build here.”

WWW.WAUWATOSAHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG HISTORIC WAUWATOSA PAGE 3, MAY 2017 Architect’s drawing of Blue Mound’s clubhouse, which opened in 1926 on the Swan and Gilbert farms.

GOLF, from page 1 ter included “93 men and two ladies.” father of American golf course archi- “Te only logical place for the club- tecture. the fair ways (sic), and then the air house was a beautiful knoll that had Te clubhouse followed a year later, would resound with a volley of fran- a commanding view of the entire 70 a sprawling Lannon Stone edifce tic ‘Fores.’” In addition, the course acres and was on the edge of a natural resembling, according to a book on became so popular that “there was a oak and hickory grove,” Stark wrote. the 100th anniversary of Blue Mound continual rush for position, with a On the top of the knoll sat a farm published in 2002, an English Cots- long wait after each six holes,” he wrote cottage that was used as the caddie wold District manor house. in a 1926 edition of the Blue Mound shack. Te cottage eventually was It was designed by the architectural Bulletin. moved to make way for the No. 8 tee; frm of (Charles Jr.) Kirchhof and So Stark, George Wright, and Vernon it later burned down. (Tomas Leslie) Rose (both club mem- Wakefeld got together in the back On May 30, 1905, with a sprawl- bers), known for its Majestic Ofce room of Wright Drug Store to orga- ing wood frame clubhouse built (see Building and Teatre in downtown nize a golf club. Tey advertised for photo on page 5) and only six of the Milwaukee, the Palm Garden Schlitz a suitable location and, among many nine holes completed, the Blue Mound Hotel, and the Wauwatosa Woman’s replies, the best ofer was for 70 acres Country Club formally opened for Club clubhouse, among others. Blue of pasture and woods owned by Jacob play. Mounder Fred Oelfein ofered his Wellauer. Te club’s early years were spent in construction company to build it. A 15-year lease on the land north of quiet dignity. According to its rules, On Memorial Day 1926 the new Blue Mound Road and west of 68th Stark wrote, “… games of chance were facility opened. (See drawing above.) Street was signed, and on November not allowed on the premises, and cards Blue Mound continued to operate the 11, 1903, the club’s articles of incorpo- were not tolerated on Sunday. It was old course on a daily fee basis until the ration were drawn up by the Milwau- even against the rules to smoke in the lease on the land expired in 1929. kee law frm of Austin, Fehr & Gehrz club’s dining room, and on the links to Te clubhouse has remained virtually (14 Grand Avenue). Later that month, talk above a moderate tone was consid- unchanged. In the club’s 1926 Bulletin, the frst club meeting was held at the ered a breach of golf etiquette.” Kirchof wrote: “Te walls were not Recreation Hall on 19th & Wells by Within three years, club membership built similar to the recently developed the 30 charter members for the elec- had grown to the point that an 18-hole system of applying a thin stone veneer- tion of ofcers and directors. course was planned. Between 1907 ing to an ordinary wooden framing; Te club’s name came from its loca- and 1908 additional land was acquired but are a solid stone concrete construc- tion. But where did the road’s name and in 1909 another nine holes were tion as durable a combination as the come from? added. art of building has yet devised.” In the 1830s, Blue Mound Road Leading up to the Great War and He added: “Te location of the was a federal highway (a “smooth” dirt during the Roaring ’20s, golf four- clubhouse and grounds with its natural road) that started at Milwaukee and ished throughout America and a whole foliage and rolling lands makes it one ended at the village of Blue Mounds industry grew up around it, including of the beautiful sites in the middle in southwestern Wisconsin because course architecture. west. Nevertheless, with all that nature the project ran out of money. French Because the Wellauer land lease ex- has given us, we have assisted in the missionaries named the area for three pired in 1929, a committee was set-up beauty of the club and its grounds by nearby mounds that had a bluish hue to fnd larger quarters. In 1923, Blue planting many trees and shrubs and the probably caused by a glacier. Hence, Mound signed purchase agreements to golfer will have many beautiful views the road and club’s name. Blue Mound acquire the adjoining Swan and Gilbert to please his eyes as he plays around Road eventually became Wisconsin’s farms, at the club’s present location. the course.” frst divided highway. Bulletin So … Fore! Te game of golf was on Ground was broken for the 18-hole A 1924 edition of the said its way to Wauwatosa. course, designed by renowned architect the course “promises to be one of the Construction of the clubhouse and Seth Raynor of New York in 1924. fnest golf courses west of New York. nine-hole course began in March 1904. Raynor was a protégé of Charles Blair Every hole on it will be modeled after At the time, the club’s membership ros- MacDonald, considered to be the some well-known or famous hole on

WWW.WAUWATOSAHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG HISTORIC WAUWATOSA PAGE 4, MAY 2017 golf courses in the United States and clubhouse’s front door. In addition, in stroke over George Sargent and Jock Europe.” Apparently Blue Mound also 1962 Mayfair shopping center sup- Hutchison. pioneered the recent interest in build- ported the project and suggested that After the victory, the Club’s 75th ing replica golf courses. a tunnel under the extension could be anniversary history book records: “Te At the time of Blue Mound’s open- built to allow club members to use its old clubhouse reverberated that night ing, Wauwatosa was a small city whose practice range. Te efort failed. with song, sociability, and stories. One activities centered around Hart’s Mill Nevertheless, various developers con- of the favorites was the fash of Hagen’s and Lefeber’s General Store. North tinued to target parts of Blue Mound temper that almost cost him the tro- Avenue was a dirt road. in the 1970s and 1980s for residential phy. He missed a birdie putt on seven, Te stock market’s angrily whacked the crash in 1929 devas- ball 100 yards away, tated the club. From and had to play it out full membership (325 for a fat seven.” members), it went to Te 1933 PGA 161 members in 1933. Championship was In 1932, the club was held at Blue Mound unable to pay the inter- Aug. 8-13. At the est on its bonds, and on time, there were only Feb. 23, 1933, the Cir- three majors and this cuit Court of Milwaukee was one (the others County appointed a being the U.S. and receiver to take charge of British opens). Te the property. Unable to course was length- raise the money to bring ened from its 6,270 the club out of receiver- yards to 6,400 yards, ship, it was dissolved on and Gene Sarazen, Oct. 10, 1935. another of golf’s Te next year, a num- legends, won by beat- ber of former members, ing Craig Wood in a including Herman playof. Ladish, William S. In 1940, the Wom- Harley, Walter David- en’s Western Golf son, Gerald P. Hayes, Tournament, featur- and I.R. Smith, formed ing Babe Didrikson a new corporation, Blue Blue Mound Zaharias, the greatest Mound Golf and Coun- manager female athlete at the try Club. Te club was Charles Parker time, came to Blue resurrected. (above right) Mound. Te fnal Membership steadily and family re- match (36 holes) was grew until it reached 300 lax with staf won by the Babe over in 1951. In an efort to members at Mrs. Russell Mann, a reduce precious resources the old Blue Blue Mound mem- needed during World Mound. At left ber, before a crowd War II, membership is the sprawl- of more than 4,000 growth took a backseat. ing clubhouse spectators. Blue Mound economized built on the Te Miller High by reducing the size Wellauer land. Life Open arrived in of greens and tees and 1955 and included eliminating a number such luminaries as of the 72 original Seth Jack Fleck (’55 U.S. Open winner), Raynor bunkers (sand traps). and retail projects, all unsuccessfully. Arnold Palmer (’54 U.S. Amateur One of the unusual aspects of Blue In the 1960s the Club itself considered champ), Sam Snead, Gene Littler, Cary Mound is that unlike most country moving to locations in Waukesha and Middlecof (’55 Masters champ), and clubs in the area and throughout the Ozaukee counties, going so far as to Julius Boros. With spectator atten- country, it is strictly a golf club. No buy an option on 240 acres in Wauke- dance for the four days of more than swimming or tennis facilities were built sha County’s Town of Summit. 50,000, Middlecof shot a total 265 to when it moved to its new location. Blue Mound’s excellence has been capture the title, the $6,000 frst prize Trough the years such amenities were manifest in the quality tournaments it and a new Dodge. considered but always turned down. has hosted throughout its early history. While Wauwatosa has undergone One of its challenges in the late In 1916, the prestigious Western momentous change over the last 90 1950s and early 1960s was that the city Golf Tournament was held at the old years and Blue Mound Road has gone of Wauwatosa considered an extension Blue Mound course. Te tourney was from horseshoes to horsepower, Blue of Center Street from Menomonee held Aug.17-18 with golfers playing 36 Mound Golf and Country Club has River Parkway to Highway 100, holes each day. Walter Hagen, then 23 remained basically the same since it which would have gone through Blue years old and just beginning his career opened in 1926 at its present location, Mound’s parking lot and past the as one of the game’s greats, won by a retaining the charm of another era.

WWW.WAUWATOSAHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG HISTORIC WAUWATOSA PAGE 5, MAY 2017 NON-PROFIT ORG. HISTORIC WAUWATOSA U.S. POSTAGE PAID HISTORIC WAUWATOSA MILWAUKEE, WI 7406 HILLCREST DRIVE PERMIT NO. 3397 WAUWATOSA, WI 53213

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THE LITTLE RED STORE, DRAWN BY GRACE BURNS, A SENIOR KINDERGARTENER AT WILSON SCHOOL, IS AMONG WINNERS IN THE ANNUAL WHS ART CONTEST. STORY ON PAGE 2.

COLLECTIONS

GLASS-PLATE NEGATIVES WITH WAUWATOSA SCENES OF YESTERYEAR GET A FRESH LOOK About 1,400 glass-plate negatives donated to WHS in 2002 are getting a fresh inspection and being inventoried by volunteer Katie Gardner, a professional photographer who also has a background in art history. Prints are being made from many of the negatives in the J&C Lefeber Glass Negative Collection, donated by Don- ald L. Lefeber of League City, TX. Don is a descendant of the owners of the Village’s old Lefeber general store. Gardner started working on the project in January and occasionally has been posting some of the old photos on WHS’ Facebook page. She has been working with volun- teer Barb Benton, who has been organizing print photos donated to WHS. Most of the photos were taken by James and Cornelius Lefeber between 1890 and 1930. Sorting through the negatives is a long-term project, but the hope is that samples from the collection eventually will be exhibited. Katie is one of many regular WHS volunteer researchers on hand on any given Wednesday at the Kneeland-Walker House. Katie and her husband, Bill, have two children, Eleanor and Henry, and have lived in Wauwatosa about 10 years. More volunteers always are welcome. Call the WHS of- Volunteer Katie Gardner is conducting an inventory of glass- fce and mention your interests. plate negatives of Wauwatosa scenes from 1890 to 1930.