We're in the process of updating our website! Learn more about what that means and how you can help create history..
click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 5503 W. BLUEMOUND ROAD |
|---|---|
| County | Milwaukee |
| City/Village | Milwaukee |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1897 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 2020 |
| Historic Use | park shelter/building |
| Architectural Style | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Wood |
| Architect | E. Brielmaier and Sons |
| Other Buildings On Site | Y |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments | A 'site file' exists for this property under the name "Calvary Cemetery." It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Calvary Cemetery was established in 1857 and is the oldest extant Roman Catholic Cemetery in the city. Milwaukee pioneer Solomon Juneau and other prominent Milwaukeeans are buried here. Unusually ornate cemetary gate house. Designed to resemble a castle and still retains its integrity of form and nearly all of its original details. •Gatehouse (1897) (The following information, including any bibliographic entries [see above], was taken directly from the Determination of Eligibility for Calvary Cemetery, prepared in 2013 by Mead & Hunt, Madison.) The main entrance to the cemetery on West Bluemound is marked by a large, multi-story, Victorian Gothic-style gatehouse. Built in 1897 by Milwaukee architect Erhard Brielmaier, the gatehouse has two distinct parts, the arched gateway for vehicles and pedestrians and the residence with a three-story, castellated tower bell tower. Both are of wood construction, on a raised stone foundation, and are covered by an asymmetrical hip roof. According to historic photos, the building originally had a tile roof with wood castellated finials at the corners, but they have since been removed. The roof is now sheathed with asphalt shingles. The roofline is adorned with wood dentils. The archway, located on the east side of the building, has both the large arch for vehicles to drive under and a covered walkway for pedestrians. At the center of the archway is a wood, crenellated decorative feature, which has a large cross at its pinnacle. To the west of the arch is a large, three-story bell tower. At its base is an entrance on the front (north) side. While originally an open, one-story porch, it was enclosed during the historical period and the window from the interior wall las been moved to the exterior wall. The house itself is two stories. An additional bay with the same size and decorative features was added to the building sometime during the historical period. A three-season porch was added to the east side of the building sometime in the early 1900s. A large Palladian window is centered on its second floor. The majority of windows on the façade are original two-over-two, double-hung, wood sash windows. A new, plate glass window has been added in the center of the first floor. The interior of the gatehouse was originally used for the office of the cemetery and for the residence for the cemetery caretaken and their family. According to newspapers from 1897, “the residence consists of two stories and a basement. The basement is planned for store rooms and a laundry. On the first floor are offices, waiting rooms, and two private parlors. The second floor will contain three bedrooms.” After it was expanded, an additional room was added to the second floor. Currently, only the enclosed porch and the recently updated kitchen are used by the workmen of the cemetery. The first and second floors remain intact, though some carpet has been added. Almost all the original hardware, floors, and moldings are in place. |
| Bibliographic References | Chasco, Randal S. “Self-Guided Tour of Historic Calvary Cemetery.” Milwaukee, WI: Archdiocese of Milwaukee, 2004. (This publication can also be found on-line at http://www.cemeteries.org/Catholic-Cemeteries/PDF1/CalvarySelfGuidedTour_Final.pdf.) “New Entrance of Calvary Cemetery.” The Milwaukee Journal, 28 February 1897. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Not Listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | |
| State Register Listing Date | |
| Contributing | Yes |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Contact Us
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
Go to top
