OAHT 1507: The Oconomowoc Depot
History of the Depot:
Chartered in 1851, the Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad reached Oconomowoc in December 1854. Oconomowoc’s first depot, a red brick building, had been built in the summer of that year and served as the western terminus of the line through most of 1855. In following years growth of Oconomowoc and increasing traffic on the line created the need for a new depot, which was completed, also of brick, in 1879.
Oconomowoc established its reputation as an important resort during the decade of the Civil War. A substantial number of hotels and resorts, including Draper Hall, the Woodlands, Jones House, Townsend House and Giffords were n operation by mid 1870’s. By conveying wealthy vacationers from Milwaukee and Chicago, the railroad was vital not only to the success of Oconomowoc’s resorts but also of estates and throughout its heyday the railroad was the chief means of transporting guests and residents alike to the area. By the mid 1890’s the need for a new depot had become quite apparent.
Oconomowoc’s new depot was completed in 1896 (which still stands today) and served passengers until 1972, when the Milwaukee Road discontinued its Cannonball commuter train. Since that time an agent has been on duty, but the depot has largely remained empty and unused. The Milwaukee Road sold the depot to Kathleen Wussow on May 31, 1978.
On January 29, 1980 the Oconomowoc Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
At various times it has been the site of a taxi service, a youth center and various restaurants and remains a popular restaurant today. It is thought to be the only remaining Fieldstone Depot in the country.
About the location of the Geocache: Please park on Collins Street. Do not go on the other side of the train car or restaurant, it is located closer to Collins Street. Please stay away from the train tracks on the other side of the restaurant.
Permission was granted to hide this cache by the manager
