Vogt Woodshed/Radue Gas Engine
Vogt Wood Shed
The Woodshed was located on the Karl Vogt property on the east side of Granville Road just north of the Lindenwood School. It was constructed between 1895 and 1900 and was moved to its present location in 1985.
Karl Vogt immigrated to the Freistadt community from Germany in 1844.
During the mid 1800's, wood was the primary source of fuel. Coal, gas, and electricity weren't widely available or practical at that time. Wood fires were used in heating homes and cooking food. Therefore, it was very important to keep that crucial fuel source dry and ready to use.
The early settlers of the area would harvest their firewood in winter and early spring when it was still cold out, cut the wood into logs, stack it, and let it dry out all summer long. In fall they would move their winter supply into the woodshed.
Though the wood shed was used all year long to store smaller amounts of wood, it had to be fully stocked in fall to last the long Wisconsin winters. They would split the wood as needed throughout the winter. Many people knew the common phrase "Cut your own wood and it will warm you twice".
Radue Gas EngineThis Lawson, water cooled, gasoline burning engine was located on the same farm as the Chicken Coop, about one mile east of this location, on
this page online
Unlike modern gas burning engines, the Radue Gas Engine has no spark plugs, but includes an igniter that makes a spark. It also has an electric generator.
It was given to the Freistadt Historical Society for its 125th Church anniversary.
The Gas Engine was used as a source of power from approximately 1890 to 1930, before electricity was available in the area. It was used to power milk machines, pump water, churn butter, run a washing machine or whatever was needed to be belt driven on the farm. It could be moved to wherever it might be needed, such as when grinding feed for cattle, or running a silo elevator. At 1.5 horse power, this engine was used in place of horses in many areas.Erected by Trinity Historical Society. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 43° 14.051′ N, 88° 2.79′ W. Marker is in Mequon, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County. Marker can be reached from Church Place, 0.1 miles south of Freistadt Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in the Trinity Freistadt Historical Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mequon WI 53097, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cemetery Outhouse (here, next to this marker); Radue Chicken Coop
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
