By Chris Barlow
Charles Hart built a Mill on the Menomonee River in 1835, and the roots of a future city took hold. With the mill at its center, the Town of Wauwatosa was born in 1842 and the city was chartered some 50 years later.
There are many opportunities to celebrate what defines Tosa, as a city and cultural center. Looking back at the specific entities that shaped our past, and are currently holding significant anniversaries, is a fun way to honor what we have become.
“It is amazing to see all the Wauwatosa organizations that have a long history and staying power,” Mayor Kathy Ehly said. “It’s a real testament to the love volunteers have for this community and their desire to make Tosa such special place.”
Wauwatosa Woman’s Club
The Wauwatosa Woman’s Club (WWC) is celebrating its 125th anniversary with an Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29 at its clubhouse, 1626 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa.
The event will be free and open to the public. Highlights of the afternoon will include a proclamation from Mayor Kathy Ehley, and the opening of a time capsule sealed in the cornerstone of the clubhouse in 1924.
WWC was founded on Sept. 22, 1894, when 22 women met to create its constitution. The document described its purpose as “the social and intellectual development of women through a free interchange of thought, by a course of careful study, essays and discussions.”
“I’m pleased to see newer initiatives like the Farmers Market celebrating anniversaries and having the same staying power,” Said Mayor Ehley. “These engaged organizations build a strong community which bodes well for Tosa’s future.”
Lincoln Elementary School Centennial
Rebuilding for the future while celebrating its’ past, Lincoln Elementary will be honoring their 100th Anniversary with a special evening at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Oct. 11, 2019.
“The theme of the PTA’s centennial celebration – celebrating our history, building our future – really captures the heart of the moment,” district spokesperson Keller Russell said. “Lincoln has such a rich legacy within the community – generations of families have attended the school – and we look forward to honoring that history within the new school building in some really special and creative ways.”
The school is getting a reboot, and this summer saw the complete demolition and removal of some parts of the school, including a building that was built in 1958 and the entire playground. The construction project will be ongoing and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2020. The original 1919 building will remain and be completely renovated. The other two additions will be demolished and rebuilt.
Niemanns Candies and Ice Cream centennial
The 100-year-old candy store moved to its current location at 7475 Harwood Ave. in 1970 and now has three locations
Run by third generation owner Jim Niemann, they make candy utilizing the same recipes his father and grandfather used in the store.
Tosa Chamber of Commerce 80th
The chamber marked their anniversary with a golf outing Aug. 5 at Western Lakes Golf Club.
“We had a wonderful celebration,” Executive Director Terry Estness said. “We try to be attentive to the needs of our members by providing valuable networking opportunities for our members.”
Tosa Farmers Market turns 10
What began as a one-day farmers market event by a handful of Tosa residents ten years ago, has now blossomed into a community icon.
“Our mission is to provide seasonal access to Wisconsin farmers, food producers, local makers and educational opportunities in the heart of Tosa to support a sustainable community,” said Nicole Adrian, Tosa Farmers Market board member and Marketing chair. “And that mission has remained the same, in essence, for the last decade.”
The Market will celebrate their 10th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 28, with what Adrian called “the community, through fun activities.” Those activities include a silent auction, a photo board that will span the last 10 years, and food and drink.
Tosa Connection
Your favorite Tosa quarterly lifestyle magazine will soon be celebrating an interesting anniversary of our own. The always popular “Back to School” issue in 2020, will be our vicennial (20th).
“I find it amazing that we have already published so many issues,” said TC publisher Peter Haise. “It is truly a testament to the depth and richness of our community. We feel, that every issue gets better at delivering the stories and introducing the people that make Wauwatosa such a special place to call home.”
