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Pewaukee, Pewaukee Lake, and the history of Waukesha Beach

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker

Pewaukee Lake homes for saleDriving along the beach front looking out at Pewaukee Lake you wouldn't think of the history and activity that existed there at one point. My grandmother used to tell me of the Waukesha County Lake homestimes they would go and spend the day at Waukesha Beach. It wasn't too long ago that we could always congregate at Calvanos for a Monday night open music party, at least from what I can recollect. Now all that is gone and there is a magnificent board walk of buildings in the whole streets place. prior to that, it was a simple life and enjoyment, trolley cars, picnics, and eventually an amusement park. That is all gone now and the only thing that is certain in ones eyes is the same magnificent Pewaukee Lake. My grandmother used to tell me that everyone in Waukesha would come out and spend the day and evening at Waukesha beach. It was, for all practical purposes, the place to be. The name was conceived by two businessmen that purchased a parcel in 1893. P.J. Buckley and T.E. Ryan purchased a portion of land along the southern side of Pewaukee Lake. The two named their new plot Waukesha Beach.

Waukesha County Lake homesRight around the turn of the new century, Foster C. Phelps, owner of a Waukesha resort hotel and mayor of the City,Waukesha County Lake homes purchased Waukesha Beach. In the beginning, Waukesha Beach was a nice, calm place to go and relax a bit. Visitors could take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront or go diving from an enormous platform. Then, in 1910, the fate of the Beach changed as a small roller coaster, called the Figure 8, was constructed. The ride was immensely popular, drawing crowds in ever growing numbers, and in turn causing an explosion of activity. All kinds of rides, concession stands, and games began to appear.  More boats began to make stops at Waukesha Beach, and trolley lines began to arrive with visitors on a daily basis. Two new roller coasters were added,and many other amusements awaited visitors, as Waukesha Beach. Time, and the economy had it's way with Waukesha beach and now what stands a test of time is just that Waukesha Beach at Pewaukee Lake.

 

Have a productive day and I will see you at closing!

tom braatzWaukesha County Real estate,Waukesha County Lake homes,Lake Country Real estate,Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate,Waukesha County Lake property for sale

Oconomowoc Wisconsin Real Estate,or any Waukesha County Real Estate or LakeCountry Real Estate Email me at tom@tombraatz.com or call directly at 262-377-1459 What's my home worth? Market Analysis Want that perfect home? Dream Home Finder The MLS,on-line info,& more: www.buyingvip.com

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Comments(4)

Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Loved hearing about the history of the Lakes & Beaches in your area Tom!  Have a safe holiday weekend!

Jul 03, 2011 06:03 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Tom

That's certainly a neat bit if history, one that has likely been repeated, in some way, and many beachfront towns.

Hope you have a great 4th.

Jeff

Jul 03, 2011 08:34 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Renee

Thank you for stopping by and your words on encouragement and your vote of confidence as well

Jan 26, 2015 01:01 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Jeff

Thank you for stopping by and your words on encouragement and your vote of confidence as well

Jan 26, 2015 01:01 AM