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Built
in 1874, the Oak Creek Town Hall served as the local government headquarters
and was in use until 1963. Many of the meetings that took place between
town officials and citizens during the legendary incorporation battle took
place in this very building in 1955. The battle for Oak Creek to become
a city involved a incredible test of nerves and wits to fight off an attempt
by Milwaukee to annex Oak Creek. When a new city hall was to be built at
the same site the town hall was at, city officials had this historic building
slated for destruction. A group of citizens, led by Henry Mahr, decided
the Town Hall was too precious to be destroyed and decided to raise funds
to save it. After numerous fund raising events the money needed to move
the town hall was in hand, but a location was needed. The then owner of
the Forest Hill Cemetery, Jack Haueter, donated land on the north west corner
of the cemetery grounds and the building was moved there. This great accomplishment
was the start of the Oak Creek Historical Society, and through the years
4 more Oak Creek area historic buildings were moved to this site. When
Henry Mahr died in 1988, the Town Hall was renamed the Henry Mahr Memorial
Town Hall as a tribute to his hard work and vision to preserve the area's
local history and heritage.
The Hughes Cabin The Summer Kitchen The Print Shop The Farm Shed The Blacksmith Shop
