Neighborhood History
The history of the HWTN area and of our historic homes and other buildings goes back to the beginnings of Milwaukee history and reflect the changes we’ve seen in our city and the way we live. Fortunately, the homes and other features of the HWTN area have been preserved for all of us to enjoy and for generations in the future to learn from.
Recognizing this important history, the City of Milwaukee has created four residential historic districts, one business historical district and specific designations for three other significant buildings – all within HWTN’s boundaries.
The National Register of Historic Places has created five separate districts within HWTN’s boundaries and named several notable buildings separately. More than 1,000 area homes and buildings are listed in the National Register!
In creating the city districts, the following studies were written to document the histories of our neighborhood and its homes and other buildings. See North Point North, North Point South, North Lake Drive, North Lake Drive Estates, Downer Avenue Commercial, St. Mary’s Hospital, Lloyd Smith House (Villa Terrace) and North Point Water Tower.
Listen to John Gurda’s Talk about East Side’s History
Click below to hear the fascinating talk about the history of Milwaukee’s East Side that local historian John Gurda gave to HWTN at our November 2011 annual meeting. John’s talk, “Weaving The East Side Fabric,” covered the East Side’s history from its beginning far from the new community of Milwaukee through the present day. John is author of a number of great local histories, including “The Making of Milwaukee,” and a captivating speaker.
AUDIO: “Weaving The East Side Fabric”
Historic Photos of Neighborhood
Historic Photos Gallery
Water Tower & Water Tower Park Gallery
Historic Post Card Collections
Historic Postcard Gallery
WIReader/Galleries/Milwaukee
UWM Library Postcard Collection
Penny Postcards from Wisconsin
Other
- Free city pamphlets, publications and walking tours: www.ci.mil.wi.us/hpc/Publications
- Lake Park Friends document the history of this renowned, Frederick Law Olmsted-designed historic park. www.lakeparkfriends.org/history.shtml
Books on Historic Water Tower Neighborhood and Homes
- Free book to HWTN members: Every member can receive a free copy of the out-of-print “The Heritage Guide,” by H. Russell Zimmermann. This book includes mini-histories of numerous historic buildings in our neighborhood and the metro area.
- The book “North Point Historic Districts – Milwaukee,” by Shirley de Fresne McArtuher, is the best book specifically on the HWTN area. It is available at the Milwaukee Public Library. Some book stores, such as Boswell Books on Downer Avenue, may have the book or be able to procure it. Highly recommended.
- Milwaukee historian John Gurda’s exellent “The Making of Milwaukee,” includes the history of the East Side along with the rest of Milwaukee.