Good Reads for a Rainy Day: Stories about Washington County's Past

Gray skies and rain-streaked windows got you down? Settle in and slip into the past with these handpicked stories...

A Cozy Read

What if... the espresso bar where you get your morning latte was once a teeming hotel for 19th-century travelers? Or if the theater downtown hosted vaudeville acts over a century ago?

Washington County, Wisconsin, is full of familiar landmarks that contain stories spanning over generations. As places that continue to be used every day, these historic buildings help sustain a vibrant economy and inspire a sense of community. 

Dive into these stories of 7 of Washington County’s historic landmarks, then and now.

Then & Now: 7 Historic Buildings in Washington County, WI

Learn about the past of Washington County’s most recognized historic landmarks, like Coffee Corner and The Orville.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Rainy Hour Escapes

Historic Graffiti inside the 1889 Courthouse Tower

Discover over a century of signatures inside the 1889 Courthouse Tower. Historic graffiti is preserved by The Tower Heritage Center.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

A Little Deja-Brew; The History of the West Bend Brewing Company

The West Bend Brewery played a central role in the development of Washington County’s brewing industry from the mid-1800s through the 20th century.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Remembering The Kissel Car Company: The Rise of Wisconsin’s Early Automaker

Explore the history of the Kissel Car Company, Wisconsin’s pioneering automaker known for the Gold Bug and Amelia Earhart’s “Yellow Peril.”

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Getting Out of the House

Entrepreneurs’ Edge: Quarterly Networking + Speaker Series for Driven Entrepreneurs

Networking for driven entrepreneurs in West Bend, Wisconsin’s entrepreneurship hub, The Exchange.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Young Entrepreneurs: Teen Summer Entrepreneurship Program

Hold-up. This isn’t just another summer program. Young Entrepreneurs is where ambitious teens gain foundational entrepreneurship skills (the kind of stuff you won’t learn in school). Join us for five days of instruction uncovering the daring venture of turning a ‘great idea’ into a ‘great business.’ * Session One:

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Preserving the Past, for Tomorrow

Community support keeps Washington County’s stories alive! Make a difference in preserving our community’s historic places and cultural heritage today - by becoming a member or making a donation.