Hales Corners Historical Society 5885 South 116th Street, Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130  Turn-of-the-Century  Hales Corners

We hope you enjoy the following photographs from turn-of-the-century Hales Corners.  You can enlarge any of the photographs by clicking on the image.

The Bosch Hotel was built in 1904-05 by Herman Bosch to serve passengers on the Rapid Transit which had a station immediately across the street to the east.  The Bosch Hotel and Tavern was the site of many parties with a dance hall on the second floor that remained in operation until 1930.  In 1995-96, the building was restored by a private owner; it is now "The Bosch," a restaurant and tavern.

The rail service was owned and operated by The Milwaukee, Light, Heat and Traction Co. (M.L.H.& T.).  Later the company was known as the T.M.E.R.& L., The Milwaukee Electric Railroad and Light Co.

The Opera House was built by Adam Conrad near his saloon.  It was located at about 10539 W. Forest Home Avenue.  Spring and fall dances were well advertised and attended and the first movies (silent) seen in Hales Corners were shown here.  Political rallies were also held at the opera house but no operas were ever performed.

This view is looking northeast from the triangle along Forest Home Avenue toward Milwaukee.  To the left is the Dreyfuss Hotel with its flagpole, to the right is John Schubring's Saloon and the residences of Henry Schmidt and August Ruehle.

The first Hales Corners school was constructed in 1844-45 on the triangle formed by Janesville Road, Forest Home Avenue and Highway 100.  The second school, a white one-story frame structure with room for 30 students,  was built on the same site.

The photograph above shows the third school, built about 1900 at the same location.  It was a two-story clapboard building with a bell in the steeple.  Primary classes were held on the first floor.  The upper grades, as well as a few high school classes, were held on the second floor.  This building was destroyed by fire in the 1915-16 school year.

More historic photographs can be found in the book Hales Corners Wisconsin: A History in Celebration of 150 years available from the Hales Corners Historical Society (go to Publications ).

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