OAHT 1518: Pabst Farms 4 & 5
This Geocache WAS part of the 2015 Oconomowoc Area Historical Tour:
Across the street you can see remnants of were once Farms #4 and #5 of Pabst Farms.
From late 1906 to 1907 Fred Pabst bought over 1400 acres The property was divided into seven separate farms, each assigned a number between one and seven that reflected the order of purchase.
At Farms #4 and #5, a large Holstein herd was maintained in modern barns that were bright and full of fresh air. It was at Farm #5 that the spectacular dual ninety-four foot silos would be built. Reputed to be among the tallest in the nation, they not only provided a combined capacity of 550 tons of silage but also gave Pabst Farms another significant landmark. At Farm #5 was a cow barn, associated structures, small indoor riding arena and stable for boarding horses.
In the late 1950’s the Wisconsin Department of Transportation had stated its intention to widen the old highway that once crossed the southern end of the farm (Hwy 30, which is the road you are currently standing next to). The “widening” turned into the construction of Interstate 94. The interstate not only buried 46 acres of Pabst Farms under concrete but also isolated 159 acres, known as Farms #4 and #5. .
The buildings were razed 1977.
Permission was granted to hide this cache by: Peter Chladil, Highway Operations Manager, Waukesha County DPW/Highway Operations
