The Brookfield Scene

Patriotic feelings are high in America during July. America claimed her independence from Britain on the 4th of July. Democracy and the American Dream were born.

The holiday gives us a chance to celebrate our country and our freedom. Our families celebrate the patriotic holiday with picnics, barbeques, parades, flags and fireworks. Elected officials and others praise Amrican traditions and values on July 4th.

On July 4, 2005 I was on a river cruise in Russia with 200 other Americans. The dining room was decorated in red, white and blue. Dinner included fried chicken and apple pie. That evening the ship’s Russian captain commended our country’s independence. We sang the national anthem and watched as the ship fired fireworks in our honor.

I’ll never forget that 4th of July.

The 1843 Dousman Stagecoach Inn is Brookfield’s only National Historic Landmark. It is located at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway, midway between Bluemound and Gebhardt Roads. On June 24, the Elmbrook Historical Society celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the home’s current location.

John Behling, whose family lived in the home for nearly 100 years, gave the building to the Elmbrook Historical Society. It in turn, raised funds to move the building from the corner of Bluemound and Moorland Roads.

On June 20, an historic site in Elm Grove celebrated an open house. Built in the 1920s, “Old St. Mary’s Church” was nearly razed. A small group of people are responsible for saving the building. Newly restored, it is now home to Torke, Wirth, Pujara, Ltd.

There’s another property in Brookfield worthy of National Historic Landmark status - Ruby Farms. The farmhouse on Calhoun Road was built about 1860 by one of Brookfield’s early settlers, Jacob Ruby. According to the Historical Inventory of Brookfield, Ruby Farms' barn with cupola west of the house is one of the best in the Township. The farmhouse and the horse barn are important community landmarks.

The Ruby Farms property was sold to VK Development in 2005. Commercial development plans have not been publicly shared.

The city claims Calhoun Road needs to be widened to accommodate the anticipated freeway interchange. Although construction of the freeway interchange will not occur until at least 2010, the city government sees an imminent need to widen Calhoun next year.

As the first two examples show, historic buildings can be preserved. Vision is required. Does the widening of Calhoun Road – and the proposed development of sixty acres - need to result in another loss of a piece of our heritage?

1. Enjoy the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
2. Swim at Wirth Aquatic Center
3. Shop at some of Brookfield’s 250 shops
4. Dine at one of its 90 restaurants
5. Listen to a Civic Plaza Concert (it’s free)
6. Browse the library
7. Visit the Senior Center (if you are 60 or older)
8. Spend a Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market
9. Stroll along a sidewalk
10. Cherish Brookfield’s history


Number of shops and restaurants from Brookfield Convention & Visitors Bureau