OAHT 1610: Norris Farm & School
Charles Wilkins Norris (1849-1916) purchased a large tract of land next to Hewitt’s Point from Israel McConnell in 1870. The 70-acre tract stretched between Oconomowoc and Okauchee lakes. Norris was the son of Greenleaf Dudley Norris and Alice Brooks. At age 18, Charles began his employment with his father’s Milwaukee company G.D. Norris and Company. They manufactured boat sails, tents and awnings. After Greenleaf died, Alice formed a partnership with A.M. Joys. This was the forerunner of today’s Laacke and Joys.
In 1880 Norris married wealthy Fanny Wells (1852-1937) whose father made his millions as a lumber baron. They had one son, Neil. The Norris family had the seven room Norris School designed and built on their property. It became the Okauchee School, which is no longer in use as a school (located a few blocks east of here on the same side of the road), the name Norris is still blocked on the front of the building. The concrete posts next to the school are all that is left of the entrance to the estate.
In 1907 fire at the farm destroyed the barn, grain house and ice house. It was believed that it was started by sparks of a passing train. In 1936, Neil sold some of the land to his neighbors and set up a foundation for the Norris School and Norris Farm. The boathouse is still being used today. Neil donated much of his estate to charities. The home on Oconomowoc Lake has been restored and is probably the oldest structure on the lake.
Permission of placement: City of Oconomowoc Electric & Water Utility