Live the 19th Century in Mequon on Sunday

Last weekend I, along with nearly 300 others, toured Trinity Freistadt as part of Cedarburg Cultural Center’s Architectural Tour. 

Honored as Wisconsin’s oldest congregation, Trinity church was first constructed in 1838 (before Wisconsin was even a state) from 12 inch thick logs. The lesser-known part of Trinity is the living museum tucked away in the corner of the “back 40” original acres.

Items brought from Pomerania and products and buildings created in America were salvaged, donated and purchased over decades and lovingly maintained by Trinity’s Historical Society.  

Dedication must be a volunteer prerequisite because leaders Al Dobberfahl and Leroy Boehlke embody it completely.  They personally toured me around for a sneak peak of the antique furnished buildings displayed this Sunday.

This original Baesman cabin was saved from demolition when the road was widened and was moved to its current Trinity location. Inside it showcases original items and exhibits how settlers lived, slept and bathed in the 1840s.

After the chicken coop and tool shed, we toured the summer kitchen. According to Al Dobberfahl, homemade bread is still occasionally cooked in the old brick structure after being heated with sticks.  But Al’s expertise truly shone in the replica 1890 black smith shop.  Amidst strange tool displays curated by Al, the game equally fun for both of us was Al’s response to my question, "What does this do?"

I wasn’t able to stump him, but I welcome anyone to the challenge.

Leroy Boehlke is Trinity’s much loved and respected historian.  But Leroy’s history lesson comes to life through personal stories, grudges and politics from a century ago that provided the foundation (good and bad) for our modern lives in Ozaukee County.

Ever wonder how property lots were marked before it was done by guys with spray cans? The current exhibit of historical surveying equipment and maps shows what was used in the 1830s. I won’t give away the surprise … but man, was that a lot of work!

An item not to miss is the loom. This room-sized (cabin-sized) loom was set up with hundreds of cotton threads for real-life weaving demonstrations. Only a few months later, those hours of tedious work were in vain when the threads tragically tangled after a squirrel broke into the building.

Although there aren’t chickens or horses, this is the most authentic glimpse into 19th century life. No displays are behind glass or roped off.  Exhibits were created to immerse the visitor in the era of the settlers. As if the educational component wasn’t enough, this is by far the most entertaining and friendliest tour I’ve ever had!

Come see for yourself
All 12 buildings filled with historic displays will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Unlike my sneak peak, Sunday’s event will also offer ice cream and soda. All are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Trinity Freistadt Historical Site, 10729 W. Freistadt Rd., Mequon, is just southwest of Granville and Freistadt Roads. No cost for attendance, but donations are welcome to benefit the Trinity Historical Society.