Preserving Local History: Group Urges New Generation to Join Effort

Barbara Schaefer was there at 2 a.m. when the 1843 Dousman Stagecoach Inn was carefully hoisted onto a flatbed truck trailer and slowly driven north in the dead of night to its new location as a public historical museum.

That was May 14, 1981.

More than three decades later, the museum at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway entertains and educates thousands of area residents at numerous annual events and tours, such as the Civil War Days Encampment, Christmas at the Inn and Days Gone By. The Elmbrook Historical Society has raised more than $600,000 to restore, repair, maintain and operate the Inn and other buildings.

Schaefer remains an active society member, long after she helped move the Greek Revival inn from the northwest corner of Bluemound and Moorland Roads, where now sits.

But Schaefer is one of a shrinking number of volunteers, as the society works to entice younger generations of residents to devote time and money to historic preservation.

The group's estimated 250 members in 2008 has dropped to 136, so increasing membership is a top priority.

"We truly need volunteers and people to be involved in preserving our history," said Sheila Christiansen, president of the Elmbrook Historical Society.

"Membership would expand so many places for us," said Betsy Haushalter, the society's membership coordinator.

More events could be added, such as the Halloween at the Inn.  

The society is working on plans to build a Greenway Trail system shelter using materials preserved from the Ruby Farmstead barn when it was demolished in the widening of Calhoun Road from Bluemound Road to Greenfield Avenue. The new shelter, built with reused barn posts, beams, siding boards, logs and foundation stones, would provide information about the Ruby farm and local farming history.

The group also would like to:

• Create a one-room school house in the basement of the Dousman Inn (it needs to find antique desks, a teacher's desk, school bells and other 1860s-era furnishings)

• Restore and re-install the former Woodside School bell tower

• Increase the number of volunteer docents, gardeners, handymen and event helpers

• Increase donations to the "shutter fund" to help maintain the inn

"There are lots of volunteer opportunities," Haushalter said. "We have families who are members, and some of their children are involved."

Local high school key clubs or other students who need to perform service projects could volunteer for a single weekend event or over the summer.

"I think there's satisfaction in knowing they're preserving history in the area," Haushalter said.

The society also is always looking for historical exhibits and collections that people are willing to donate or share for a time.

To sign up as a member or volunteer or get more information, email Betsy Haushalter at rbhaus@aol.com or fill out the form on the society's website.

The historical property closes for winter but will reopen for its Civil War Days Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 and 6.