Landmark History
2022 Preservation Month
Waukesha Preservation Alliance, along with many other partner organizations, is proud to host Historic Preservation Month, May 1-31, 2022. This annual event brings local history to life for all ages. Schedule of Events: Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum101 W. Main Street, 10am – 4pm The museum will hold outdoor games (weather permitting) and crafts in the Waukesha State Bank Education Center. The Landmarks Commission will be onsite with an information table to learn more about historic preservation in the city. At 2pm, local historian John Schoenknecht will present a special “Ask-Me-Anything: Historic Sites in Waukesha” program. Attendees are...
Read MoreMoor Mud Baths
The Moor Mud Baths/Grand View Health Resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places. It has earned these distinctions because it is a relatively intact example of a resort from the Springs Era. The property is also a designated local landmark in the City of Waukesha. The entire site is designated, including the golf course, clubhouse, and springhouse. The Waukesha County Board heard and passed a resolution in January 2014 to rid the county of this storied building, despite having local, state and federal historical designations. “If there are no willing bidders to purchase and move the old Health and Human Services...
Read MoreAlexander Randall House
The Alexander Randall house at 120 McCall St. originally sat on East Avenue. Alexander Randall was governor of Wisconsin during the Civil War. He later became Postmaster General of the United States. When the railroad was put through in the 1800’s, the house was moved to McCall St by the Rankin family. In the 1920’s the house was stuccoed and remodeled. The last owners started renovations to the house, but lost it to foreclosure. Working with the Waukesha Preservation Alliance and the City Landmarks Commission on a plan for the property, the new owners removed the stucco and discovered that there was original siding and trim boards underneath that were in...
Read MoreSenator William Blair House
Constructed in 1876 for William Blair by Samuel Dodd, the house is considered one of the finest examples of classic Italianate style in the city. The house is listed on the National Register and is eligible for tax credits. William lived the American dream. He came to America as an immigrant and developed into a highly respected businessman and civic leader. William Blair served as state senator in WI for 6 years; he was stockholder, president, and director of the State Bank and Waukesha Co. National Bank; President of the Village Board for many years; and long-time trustee of the Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys. February 6, 2014 UPDATE: The Blair house 434 Madison...
Read MoreMichael Kelleher House
The Michael Kelleher House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an excellent example of the Gothic Revival Style. Kathy Shea and Mary Emery have been researching the history. The home which is in the Cutler and Dakin’s subdivision of Waukesha, was built in 1879 for Michael Kelleher. He was a clothing merchant here in Waukesha. In 1883 the Michael and Catherine Kelleher sell the property to Dr. Margaret Caldwell. We found a hand written note from a later occupant of the house stating that Dr. Caldwell used the house as a hospital. This story is not substantiated and may or may not be true. We do know that Dr. Caldwell used it as a rental...
Read MoreVolney Moore House
This Italianate house with its massive tower was built in 1877 for homeopathic physician Volney Moore. In addition to wonderful exterior details, the interior has plaster medallions, pocket doors, and original staircases. The tower originally had a third story on it, but that story was dismantled to use the brick to build Jimmy’s Grotto Pizza stand next to the house. Jimmy’s Grotto now has a building across the street and the original pizza stand was demolished. The Volney Moore house has sat vacant since about 2004. The previous owners started some work on the interior, but the house went through foreclosure proceedings and is currently owned by the bank...
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