click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
DESCRIPTION
This small log building has a side gable form, a low-pitched roof, and a side wing. The large logs are hand-hewn and filled in with chinking. The corners are dovetailed. Windows are multiple-pane double-hung sashes.
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING SIGNIFICANCE
There are a number of log structures reported to be in the city; many of them covered with siding. This house is one of the best preserved known example of log houses in Mequon.
2011: The tollgate north of Thiensville was built on the northwest corner of Highland Road and Cedarburg Road. The intersection has been considerably widened over the years. Due to this, the tollgate likely sat within the present-day southbound lane just north of Highland Road. The accompanying photo shows the position of the tollgate from the north facing south towards Thiensville. Aside from this photo, plat map location and a few references in various travelers manuals, there is very little historical evidence of this tollgate or its use after 1912. The building was removed at some point after 1912.
The tollgate south of Thiensville was located at 10164 N. Cedarburg Road, approximately 1/4 mile south of Donges Bay Road. The accompanying photo shows the position of the tollgate from the south facing north towards Donges Bay Road/Thiensville. The original log tollbooth was was built by Frederick Milbrath in 1864 on land purchased (and gifted) by his father, Charles, in 1839. In 1884 the land and its contents, including wagons and animals, were assessed at $3500.00. Milbrath sold his home and property to John Oppel in 1885. Oppel shared the duties of tollgate operator with his sister Anne. The plank road was eventually sold to Milwaukee County on March 7, 1899, and the tollgate was discontinued in 1912.
The log building which housed the south tollgate remained in very good condition throughout the 20th century. According to current property owners Lynn and James Wagner, the log building was used as a private residence for almost 100 years before being removed to accommodate their wish to build a larger home. The Wagners did not seek out a historical designation for the log structure, allowing them to consider several options for the future of the building. They eventually sold the structure to a private owner who had the cabin disassembled and moved to a property in Winter, Wisconsin in September, 2008 where it was reassembled to its original form.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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.
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.
