Drive-Thru History
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Description
Take a journey throughout Sheboygan County! Explore the area, discover historic locations, and learn a little something about the rich history of our county.
1. Fountain Park Time Capsule
On Friday, August 13th, 1953, a time capsule was buried at Fountain Park to celebrate 100 years since Sheboygan's incorporation. The capsule is intended to be opened 100 years after its creation, in 2053. The time capsule is filled with a variety of items representing Sheboygan's history, including a poem, top hats, and the centennial edition of the newspaper. In addition to the time capsule, Fountain Park is the home of a Civil War memorial and a memorial honoring the soldiers of the Spanish American war.
2. Taylor Park
This beautiful park was named after prominent Sheboygan resident David Taylor. Taylor was born in 1818 and migrated to Sheboygan from New York in 1846. Once in Wisconsin, Taylor was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a role he would fill until his death in 1891. While David Taylor himself moved to Fond du Lac in the early 1870's, he remained an important name in Sheboygan County, with Taylor Park providing one example of his influence.
3. Esslingen Park
Esslingen Park is a popular location for canoeing and fishing, and sits on the site of a former Native American village. Its name references the relationship between Sheboygan, WI and Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. These sister cities first established their relationship in 1967. Sheboygan celebrates its relationship with Esslingen every year at Esslingen Fest.
4. The American Club
The American Club was built in 1918 by the Kohler Company. It was originally designed to house immigrant workers employed at Kohler. By the late 1970's its usefulness was waning and the Kohler Company decided to convert the building into a luxury hotel. This project cost about $2.3 million dollars and transformed the property into the beautiful hotel it now is.
5. The Mill House
This 1837 building is the current home for the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, and holds the title of oldest building in the county. Originally built to house workers of the lumber company, the building has also been a boarding house and private residence. Thanks to the tireless work of local individuals, the building has been preserved and continues to stand as a representative of Sheboygan County history.
6. Firehouse Pizza
The site of the Falls Firehouse Pizza restaurant has been home to a number of various business ventures. Originally a carriage factory, the building has housed the fire department, Holtz Home Repairs, and a temporary YMCA among others. Falls Firehouse Pizza opened in 1987 and has continued to use the building to the current day. Enjoy a delicious meal while appreciating the history of this building.
7. John F. Kuhn's Meteorite
As you walk through the Sheboygan Falls cemetery, you will come across an unusual grave marker. This large stone marks the grave of John F. Kuhn, who claimed that the stone was a meteorite from space. Although that claim has not been officially confirmed, it is quite possibly true. Even if it isn't, the stone makes an impressive memorial and contributes to the landscape of this beautiful cemetery.
8. The Old Dam and Pump House
Throughout the years Settlers Park has been home to a variety of buildings and businesses, including a flour mill, a hydro-electric station, and a wagon and sled company. In the 1990's the buildings on the land were razed and the land donated to the city of Sheboygan Falls. A landscaper was hired to plan Settlers Park, and it opened in 2002 to the public. Today the park hosts a number of events, including weddings and the Sheboygan Falls Chamber summer concert series.
