Watertown Plank Road Overpass

This bridge in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, was built in 1910 by the Cleary-White Construction Company of Chicago for the Milwaukee, Sparta & Northwestern Railroad, as part of a 9-mile double track line that opened in 1911 from West Allis north to Butler, location of a 21-track yard with a capacity of 1500 freight cars intended to relieve congestion from the yards in downtown Milwaukee. The 175-foot 7-panel riveted Parker through truss main span was built by the Pennsylvania Steel Company of Steelton, Pennsylvania, and carried the railroad over the route completed in 1855 by the Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad, a predecessor of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Four approach spans built by the American Bridge Company of New York extend the bridge to a total length of 490 feet, crossing Underwood Creek and Watertown Plank Road, which began as a toll road in the 1830s. In 1912, the Milwaukee, Sparta & Northwestern Railroad was taken over by the Chicago & North Western Railway, which was merged into the Union Pacific Railroad in 1995. Meanwhile, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad was purchased by the Soo Line Railroad in 1985, which was subsequently absorbed by its parent company Canadian Pacific in 1992. This picture was taken from Mayfair Road during the Milwaukee School of Engineering Society of Model Engineers New Member Orientation Program in December 1997 and was saved from the SOME files.

Southridge Mall Train Ride

This train ride operated inside the Southridge Mall in the Milwaukee suburb of Greendale, Wisconsin. The Southridge Mall opened in 1970. This train (later repainted to resemble Thomas the Tank Engine) apparently operated until 2012 before being replaced by a trackless train in 2013. This picture was taken during the Milwaukee School of Engineering Society of Model Engineers New Member Orientation Program in December 1997 and was saved from the SOME files.

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, more commonly known as the Mitchell Park Domes, consists of three glass conoidal domes designed by Donald L. Grieb Associates and built between 1959 and 1967, covering 45,000 square feet. During the winter, one of the domes features a garden railway display. This picture was taken during the Milwaukee School of Engineering Society of Model Engineers New Member Orientation Program in December 1997 and was saved from the SOME files.

MSOE E-Building

1001 North Milwaukee Street

MSOE E-Building in 1969

Eventually known as the Milwaukee School of Engineering's E-Building, this was originally Milwaukee’s second Presbyterian church, and was one of the very few examples of pre-Civil War Gothic Revival architecture in Milwaukee.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

This cream city church was originally built for the North Presbyterian congregation in 1854.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

The North Presbyterian congregation merged with First Presbyterian to form Immanuel in 1870, and this church was purchased by Welsh Calvinistic for the Welsh Presbyterian church in 1871 and the cast iron cresting was removed from the tower.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

In 1891 the church was raised several feet by architect Charles F. Ringer, and in 1908 the entry was remodeled by architects Ferry & Clas.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

The Milwaukee School of Engineering bought the church for use as a bookstore in 1954 and also used it as an auditorium.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

The Milwaukee School of Engineering's Society of Model Engineers model railroad club also built their first HO-scale layout in the basement shortly after the organization was founded in 1965.

MSOE E-Building in 1969

The E-Building was demolished in 1988. It was the last example of Ante-Bellum Gothic Revival architecture in downtown Milwaukee. The site remains a parking lot to this day.

Interior of the MSOE E-Building in 1966

These photographs are from the Society of Model Engineers photo albums and show the E-Building in 1966 and 1969 during TrainTime, the organization's annual model train show.

For more about the model train layout that was in the basement, click on the following links.

MSOE Society of Model Engineers Layout in the 1960s
MSOE Society of Model Engineers Layout in the 1970s
MSOE Society of Model Engineers Layout in 1980

Nestlé Chocolate Factory

Nestlé chocolate factory in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

The Nestlé chocolate factory in Burlington, Wisconsin, was built in 1966, and after it was built Burlington received the nickname “Chocolate City, USA.”

Nestlé chocolate factory in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Cooperative Plus, Inc. Grain Elevator

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

This is the Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin.

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Cooperative Plus, Inc. was founded on April 20, 1937.

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

In 1944, Cooperative Plus, Inc. purchased the Farmers Feed and Fuel Company facilities in Burlington, which included a feed mill, feed warehouse, and a coal business.

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

At that time, the Burlington Co-op had 17 employees and an annual payroll of $35,000.

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

The Farmers Feed and Fuel Company had dated back to at least 1921.

Cooperative Plus, Inc. grain elevator in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Saint-Gobain Containers Glass Plant

Saint-Gobain Containers glass plant in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

The Saint-Gobain Containers glass plant in Burlington, Wisconsin, was built in 1965 by the Foster-Forbes Glass Company of Marion, Indiana. This was the first glass factory in Wisconsin to produce glass bottles by machine.

Saint-Gobain Containers glass plant in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Foster-Forbes was founded in 1911 as Upland Flint Glass Company and became Foster-Forbes in 1929. In 1995, Saint-Gobain purchased both Foster-Forbes and the Ball Corporation, merging them to form Ball-Foster Glass Container Company. Ball-Foster Glass Container Company was renamed Saint-Gobain Containers in 2000.

Saint-Gobain Containers glass plant in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Murphy Brothers Feed Mill

Murphy Bros. Feed Mill in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

In 1909, Chicago-area dairy farmers organized the Milk Producer's Co-Operative Marketing Company to get better prices for their milk. The organization spread through Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and in 1920 the Burlington, Wisconsin, chapter incorporated as the Badger Dairy Company, and built a dairy plant on this site.

Murphy Bros. Feed Mill in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

In 1921 brothers James and Lawrence Murphy established the Murphy Brothers Company to manufacture and sell livestock feed. In 1925, they purchased the office and factory buildings of the Badger Dairy Company. The original factory was destroyed by fire in 1951 and a new Murphy Brothers Feed Mill was built, with various additions added over the years until 1972. The Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee purchased Murphy Brothers in 1971, and was in turn purchased by the Stroh Brewing Company of Detroit in 1982. 

Murphy Bros. Feed Mill in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

The former Murphy Brothers buildings were later purchased by Maple Leaf Farms of nearby Yorkville for use as a duck feed mill. In 1996, Purina Mills purchased the mill and restored it to full-scale feed operation following a $500,000 renovation. The former Murphy Brothers buildings were demolished in 2018 to make way for new development.

Echo Lake

Echo Lake Dam in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

Echo Lake is an artificial lake in Burlington, Wisconsin, created by the 10-foot-high Echo Lake Dam where the White River from the south and Honey Creek from the north meet and flow into the Fox River.

Wisconsin Central railroad bridge over Echo Lake in Burlington, Wisconsin, on November 21, 2001

The Wisconsin Central rail line crosses the lake on this bridge near the middle of the lake.

Horn Feeds, Inc.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

This grain handling facility at 728 Clarendon Avenue in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was built around the turn-of-the-century.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The granary was originally operated by Buell & Goodman.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

It was built adjacent to the Wisconsin Central Railroad tracks, providing farmers with a method to ship their products to distant markets.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

Over the years, the facility was expanded to handle other material, such as with these tanks to handle a variety of fuel supplies.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

Additional newer tanks are at the northeast corner of the property.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The grain handling operation has also been modernized over years, with newer buildings added alongside the historic wooden structure.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

These tall metal grain silos form the central part of the modern facility.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

Structures were added at various times, creating a disjointed appearance.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

This shed provides covered parking for grain trucks.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

This brick building is the public entrance to the business.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

This facility has been Horn Feeds, Inc. since 1978.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

This structure appears to be fuel-related, with a Mobil Pegasus sign and gas pumps outside.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The fuel tanks at the northeast corner of the property are a fueling station.

Horn Feeds, Inc. Volvo FE6 in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

Based on the Volvo FL first introduced in the summer of 1985, the Volvo FE6 was introduced for North America in 1986. Usually powered by a Volvo TD63 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, they were also available with a lower-priced 6.6-liter Caterpillar 3116. Also available was the FE7 model, with a larger 7-liter Volvo TD73 diesel engine for heavy-duty applications. The Volvo FE received a minor facelift for 1992, with the front turn signals moving to the corners of the bumper, and continued to be offered in North America through 1998.

Horn Feeds, Inc. in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

These small grain bins sat at the northeast corner of the property.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Co. Mukwonago Lumberyard

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The W.S. Heddles Lumber Company was established on this site at 616 Grand Avenue in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, in 1897. It was the third lumberyard to open in Mukwonago within 10 years. It was purchased by the Alexander Lumber Company of Chicago, Illinois in December 1924. Their first manager at this location was Peter Christisen.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

John Alexander was the youngest of the Alexander family who came to Wisconsin from Scotland in the 1870s. In the 1880s he was hired by the Stewart family of Wausau, Wisconsin, to open a lumberyard in Aurora, Illinois. In 1891, John Alexander opened his own lumberyard in Aurora, the Alexander Lumber Co., with the help of partners Tom Brittingham and Joe Hixon and a $5,000 loan from the Continental Illinois Bank of Chicago.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The company continued to expand and by the 1920s Alexander operated more than 100 lumberyards. In 1929, he bought out his partners and acquired the Brittingham & Hixon lumberyards in Wisconsin, which he continued to operate using the Brittingham & Hixon name as a subsidiary.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

During the Great Depression, Alexander continued to expand by purchasing additional lumberyards. His son, John Alexander, Jr., was named president of the company in 1932, and starting in 1940 the day-to-day operations were managed by vice-president Otto Unteed. John Alexander, Sr. died in 1944 and his son assumed full control of the company.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

The Soo Line passenger train depot was located next to the lumberyard at 610 Grand Avenue. It was demolished after the Soo Line discontinued passenger service on the line in 1961, and the lumberyard appears to have expanded onto the former depot property.

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001

Following the retirement of Otto Unteed in 1966, control was passed on to the third generation as Walter Alexander became company president, a position he would hold for 45 years until his retirement in 2014. This lumberyard closed between May and September of 2008.

Mukwonago Railroad Bridges

Bridge over State Highway 83/South Rochester Street in Mukwonago, Wisconsin on November 20, 2001

The Wisconsin Central Railroad completed its line through Mukwonago, Wisconsin, between Chicago and Waukesha in 1885, and this trestle over Wisconsin State Highway 83/South Rochester Street was built in 1920. This bridge was the last known rail-related historical resource in Mukwonago when it was replaced by a through plate girder bridge by 2007.

Bridge over the Mukwonago River in Mukwonago, Wisconsin on November 20, 2001

Just south of the bridge over Wisconsin State Highway 83/South Rochester Street is a deck plate girder bridge over the Mukwonago River.

Railroad Bridges in Mukwonago, Wisconsin on November 20, 2001

The Wisconsin Central Railroad was reorganized as the Wisconsin Central Railway in 1897 and was leased in 1909 by the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway, which itself was controlled by the Canadian Pacific Railway. On September 1, 1944, the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway was reorganized as the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. The Wisconsin Central Railroad entered receivership in 1932, declared bankruptcy in 1944, and was reorganized as the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company in 1954. On January 1, 1961, the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad and the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company were merged with the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad to form the Soo Line Railroad. On October 11, 1987, the Soo Line spun off the former Wisconsin Central line to the new independent Wisconsin Central, Ltd. The Wisconsin Central was purchased by the Canadian National Railway on October 9, 2001.

Mukwonago River Bridge Footings in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001