Shannon Pelky Communications Specialist | The Chamber of Manitowoc County
Shannon Pelky Communications Specialist | The Chamber of Manitowoc County
The Manitowoc County Historical Society has unveiled its latest restoration project: the Meeme House, a structure dating back to around 1854. This historic building, which once served as a stage stop, bar, store, and community meeting place, is now open to the public at Pinecrest Village.
The origins of the Meeme House trace back to 1847, when the Herr family emigrated from Germany to Wisconsin. Michael and Andreas Herr, along with their father Karl and a cousin, settled in Manitowoc County and acquired land along the Green Bay Road. Recognizing the potential of the heavily traveled route, they expanded their modest home around 1854 to create the Meeme House, a large square building strategically positioned along the highway connecting Green Bay's Fort Howard and Fort Dearborn in Chicago.
During the Civil War, a notable rally took place at the Meeme House, and the following day volunteers marched to Manitowoc to enlist with the 27th Wisconsin Company D.
The building, which served as a business hub with a store, bar, dining room, and hall, was relocated to Pinecrest Village in 2017. The recently completed restoration of the Meeme House cost $1.5 million, though funding efforts continue to address a remaining $400,000 debt.
Additional information about the Meeme House, including its history, restoration details, and photos, can be found on the Historical Society's blog at https://www.manitowoccountyhistory.org/mchs-blog/meeme-house. The house is accessible during the museum and village's general admission hours, which vary between spring and summer schedules.
For those interested in visiting the Meeme House or seeking further details about the Manitowoc County Historical Society, information is available on their website or by calling (920) 684-4445.
The Manitowoc County Historical Society's museum, set in the picturesque Ice Age Kettle Moraine countryside of Eastern Wisconsin, offers a comprehensive experience of local history. It includes a Welcome Center featuring exhibits and research services, alongside the outdoor Pinecrest Historical Village, which encompasses over 25 historic buildings depicting life in early 1900s Wisconsin.
For inquiries about the Manitowoc County Historical Society, visitors are encouraged to reach out via the provided contact details.
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