The Brookfield Scene

Brookfield's Saturday morning Farmers' Market ended yesterday.  A few weeks ago Mr. Speaker spoke of it as a important "destination" for residents.  I agree.  Many people gathered there for produce, fresh meat, eggs, bakery, flowers and plants.

It's great during the growing season. Now we need to find other activities for Saturday mornings.

What else provides fresh air and wholesomeness in Brookfield?  Well, we could visit parks or take walks.  Save the spa and shopping for inclement weather.

Years ago, there was a distinction between social classes (upper class, middle class and lower class) in the United States.  That emphasis seemed to dissipate.  Now a recent Time article contends the differences among people are economic.  It referred to the “haves” and the “have nots.”

Based on the demographics the city has published on its website, the people I know are probably among the “have nots” than the “haves.”  They have comfortable lives and lifestyles.  But, their incomes are less than the median income ($76,725 in 1999).  The word median refers a midpoint...that is, half the incomes are above and half are below that amount.

The “haves” are more likely to be found at upscale restaurants than the “have nots.”  The “have nots” are generally found at smaller restaurants or eating at home.  You may find those 55 or over lunching at the Senior Community Center.

The “haves” are more likely to be found at the Wilson Center for the Arts than the “have nots”.  The “haves” are more likely present at elegant fundraisers around town than the “have nots.”  They’ll be pictured in the Exclusively Yours and Elegant Living publications among others.

Compared to the “have nots,” the “haves” seem to have more influence over city government.  Elected officials and the “haves” seem to have common interests.

It’s a hidden treasure in Brookfield – the Dousman Stagecoach Inn.  It was built in 1843, five years before Wisconsin became a state.  It once stood on the wood plank road that extended from Milwaukee to Watertown. 

During the stagecoach days, hundreds of travelers stayed at the Inn when making the 58 mile journey between Milwaukee to Watertown.

It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is Brookfield’s only historic structure.

It was owned by the Behling family for nearly one hundred years.  Behling gave his home to the city of Brookfield when North Shore Bank bought the land. The city created a public park for the building. 

The city leases the home to the Elmbrook Historical Society.  The lease specifies that the Society is responsible for all costs associated with the building.  This included the substantial costs of moving the structure in 1981 and the cost of restoring the building to its days as a Stagecoach Inn. All traces of the 20^th century were removed from this historic treasure.

The society continues to maintain and care for the home.  Membership dues contribute to the expense of operating the home.  Most fund raising is accomplished through public and private tours, and events such as the Civil War Re-enactment (in May), Days Gone By (October) and Christmas at the Inn (December).

The Dousman Stagecoach Inn is in its 164^th year.  The original siding is decaying and requires complete restoration.  The cost exceeds $115,000.

The Elmbrook Historical Society, a (501) (c3) organization needs your help.  Please send your tax-deductible contribution to:   Elmbrook Historical Society; Capital Campaign; P.O. Box 292; Brookfield, WI 53008-0292

Help preserve this irreplaceable historic treasure.

We've all heard this adage.  Someone I met recently was lamenting living in Elm Grove because there are no sidewalks.  She's lived there 17 years.

These were exactly the things that appealed to my family. We had lived in the city on a busy street and no longer liked all the traffic noises.  We chose Elm Grove forty years ago because there were no sidewalks, no streetlights and because of the spacious lawns.

When downsizing three decades later, the choice was Brookfield.  The decision points were affordability, proximity to family and to familiar locations. Sidewalks were not a 'selling point.'

Brookfield does have many sidewalks. 95% of the time there's not a soul on them.  Brookfield is not a walking city nor a campus town. Just remember all the parents who drive their children to school.

The Department of Transportation does do highway "traffic counts" periodically.  But the city doesn't do pedestrian counts for its sidewalks.

Do you feel sidewalks (on both sides of a street) are needed?  Please use the commenting tool.

The Packers play Sunday night, so your family (and you) have a whole day to enjoy Fall activities.

One event you shouldn't miss is "Days Gone By" at the Dousman Stagecoach Inn in Brookfield. The 1843 Greek Revival Inn once stood on the corner of what is now Bluemound and Pilgrim Parkway.  It's on the National Register of Historic Places.

There's fun inside the Inn:  A G-scale model train will extend the length of the Inn's ballroom.  Nearby there is a collection of children's antique toys, and photographs of early Brookfield.  While there, be sure to visit the bedrooms, the men's tap room, "ladies parlor," dining room and state-of-the-art kitchen. 

Children and adults can enjoy a one-room school.  Listen for the ringing of the old Woodside school bell.  Lessons will be taught by "schoolmarm" Jean Stackpole (Brookfield) at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30.   More lessons may be added.

Since it is now Fall, it's time to start thinking about winter.

Outside, our early settlers (Tom and Mary Ramstack) will be getting ready for Winter.  They'll need much "hands on" help from on-lookers.  You'll find an ice house nearby and you can even view antique carriages at the Smithy's Shoppe.  Listen to the banjo music (after 1 pm).

• Stop at the food stand
• Take part in 'hands on" activities
• Race with a "stuffed animal" - remember to bring your favorite
• Browse / shop at a tent full of antiques, collectibles, crafts and food products
• Find a pumpkin (from Simon's market) to take home.
• Take a chance on winning a handmade queen sized quilt

Sunday, October 7, from 10 am to 4 pm.  The address is 1075 Pilgrim Parkway (between Bluemound and Gebhardt Road). On-site parking.  $5 Adults, $3 Children (5 or over). 

Call 262 782 4057 for more information, or check www.ElmbrookHistoricalSociety.org.