Historic Wauwatosa
Explore the stories that shaped Wauwatosa.
The Historic Wauwatosa newsletter has been a cornerstone of the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s mission — preserving and sharing the rich history of our community, one story at a time.
Browse decades of articles written by local historians, longtime residents, and passionate researchers dedicated to bringing Wauwatosa’s past to life. From neighborhood landmarks and founding families to forgotten moments and celebrated milestones, each issue reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping local history alive and accessible.
Members also enjoy exclusive access to full PDF versions of the original newsletter issues — a treasure trove for anyone who wants to experience the history exactly as it was shared.
New articles are added regularly, so check back often — there’s always another piece of Wauwatosa’s story waiting to be discovered.
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Lowell Damon House, Wauwatosa’s Oldest Residence, Is Sold
Built in 1844, Wauwatosa’s oldest residence, the Lowell Damon House, has left public hands after decades as a museum. New owners will preserve it under a permanent easement.
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Waterworks, fire department founded after 1895 fire
The historic fire of 1895 in Wauwatosa’s Village was the catalyst for the creation of the waterworks and the fire department.
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Postcards of Wauwatosa
Explore the history of American postcards from the Golden Age to modern photochromes through Len Borkowski’s collection at the Wauwatosa Historical Society.
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Broken Barrier
Twice, arsonists burned Zeddie Hyler’s house frame. So he and eight armed men spent a night in his basement, ready to defend his right to be Wauwatosa’s first Black homeowner. He lived there 49 years.
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Back to the Highlands
Published in 2015, this article provides background on the homes in the Washington Highlands that were part of that year’s tour of homes.
