Woodside One-Room School Bell
Between 1839 and 1867, the first settler in this area built seven schools throughout Brookfield and Elm Grove. Education was very important to these early residents and they wanted all their children to be able to attend school. This 600-pound cast iron bell is the last bell that remains from the seven pioneer one-room schools.
Today, in the 21st century, Elmbrook residents are still dedicated to making sure all their children receive a good education. This bell represents all the students who have attended our schools; their hopes and dreams for a bright future that started with a good education.
We dedicate this bell to all Brookfield and Elm Grove students, past, present and future, and to long time member and past president of the Elmbrook Historical Society, Sheila Christiansen, whose vision made this project a reality.
The new tower, reconstructed by Braatz Building Inc., proudly houses this one remaining bell.
Erected 2019 by Waukesha County Historical Society, the Elmbrook Historical Society & the Christiansen Family, Tom and Cindy Kilkenny, Andrew Braatz. (Marker Number 02-05.)
Topics and series.
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Location. 43° 2.663′ N, 88° 6.452′ W. Marker is in Brookfield, Wisconsin, in Waukesha County. Marker can be reached from Pilgrim Parkway, ¼ mile north of West Bluemound Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in Elmbrook Historical Society Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1075 Pilgrim Pkwy, Brookfield WI 53005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The William Donaldson House (here, next to this marker); The Dousman Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away); City of Brookfield (approx. 1½ miles away); Caroline Quiner "Ma" Ingalls Birthplace (approx. 2.4 miles away); Hamlet of Calhoun (approx. 2.6 miles away); Calhoun (approx. 2.6 miles away); New Berlin Hills Golf Course (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookfield.
Additional commentary.
1. Original use of the one-room school building
There was a restaurant/ice cream shop across Lily Road called "Kovacs" and a deep woods behind and to the side of the school grounds.
Editor's note: Thank you for your comments. Feel free to submit additional photos or information if you have them.
2. Where were the seven school houses?
Between 1839 and 1867, the first settler in this area built seven schools throughout Brookfield and Elm Grove. It would be great to know where where the other school houses were, roughly.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2020, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 23, 2020, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on June 7, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 23, 2020, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
