16680 W North Ave

Summary

George H. and Frances Daubner House
Brookfield, Waukesha County
Architect/Carpenter: Unknown
Date of Construction: House (c1866-1870); Barn and Outbuilding Foundation Remains (c1878)

George Holmes Daubner, along with his parents, immigrated from England and were among the early settlers in the historic township of Brookfield, settling there in 1848. The Daubner family’s successful farming pursuits allowed George to build this finely crafted home following his service in the Civil War. Located approximately two miles from the historic village of Brookfield (then known as Brookfield Junction), the G. H. Daubner farm at one point consisted of 150 acres. Crops raised on the farm included the expected corn and oats, while potatoes, butter, hay and orchard products added to their income. Included among Daubner’s livestock were Southdown sheep, for which he won numerous awards at local and state competitions.

In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Daubner was also active in politics, as well as served for a time as town assessor, town supervisor and Justice of the Peace. Underscoring Daubner’s prominent position in the community was his substantial, brick-constructed, Italianate-style home, which, no doubt, stood out from the neighbors, such as it does today. Exhibiting wide overhanging eaves and projecting first-floor bays, unique raised brick, arched window surrounds dominate the home along three of its four elevations. Additional window elaborations include rope form moldings and sawn ornamentation. Although not an entirely accurate representation, a fully recognizable artist’s interpretation of the Daubner property was included in the illustrated 1878 Historical Atlas of Wisconsin. The Daubners remained on the farm until 1906. Frances died in 1911 and the farm was ultimately sold in 1912, two years prior to George Daubner’s passing.

In 1943, the farm was purchased by Gustave and Phyllis Sokol so that they could grow their own food amidst the food-rationing of World War II. They raised pigs and chickens and cultivated a substantial vegetable garden and strawberry patch, along with an existing pear orchard. During their tenure, the parcel was named “Melody Farm,” in recognition of Phyllis’s love of music, as a trained musician and concert violinist.

Daubner House is a private home and is not open to the public.

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