Judge Eghart's Wake

The Judge Eghart House is displaying Victorian mourning and funeral traditions throughout the month of July. During the Victorian Era, wakes were held in the home, and when Judge Eghart died in 1901, his funeral wake was held in the parlor of his home at 302 W. Grand Avenue.

For this special exhibit, a cast iron casket is on display in the parlor, as it would have been in the late 19th century. In keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, the curtains are drawn and the clocks are stopped. The mirrors are shrouded with crape or veiling to prevent the spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass, and photos are placed face down to prevent possession of family members by the dead one.

During the Victorian Era, the body was watched over every minute for three to four days to prevent premature burial due to coma. The casket left the house feet first to prevent the dead one looking back into the house and beckoning a loved family member to follow. These and other traditions will be explained to visitors during their visits.

Judge Leopold Eghart resided in Port Washington from 1881 until his death in 1901. A county judge, he was described in his obituary, published in the Port Washington Star on April 20, 1901, as “a man of sterling worth and unimpeachable character, and a faithful public servant for more than a quarter of a century.” Victorian mourning card replicas memorializing the Judge will be given to guests who visit the house during the month-long display.

The Judge Eghart House is located at 302 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. The house is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Group tours may be arranged by calling Gina Taucher, 262-284-2875, for an appointment. The Eghart House entrance fee is $2 for adults, $1 for children and $5 for families. Please see www.egharthouse.org for more details.