Washington House

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

When West Bend Brewery owner Balthazar Goetter developed an eye infection, he decided to give up brewing and moved into the hotel business. Situated half way between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, hotels were in high demand in West Bend. The first Washington House was built in 1852 by Balthazar Goetter to serve as a hotel and meeting space.

Images

The Washington House around 1910. WCHS 020,186

A "tall tale" postcard with a faked trolly in front of the Washington House. From around 1908. WCHS 015,012

This clock was rescued from the 1864 Washington House Hotel fire. WCHS 1993.18

Clock rescued from the 1864 fire. The bell attached to the inside was installed in the early years by Balthazar Goetter. It was connected to a gadget on the front door and was activated when the door opened alerting the proprietors that someone entered. WCHS 1993.18

1950s program from the Mermac Theatre. WCHS 2003.316

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

On January 1, 1864 the original wooden structure caught fire and was completely destroyed. One of the only things that was saved was an old stove that was, ironically, thought to be the cause of the fire!

Balthazar Goetter rebuilt the Washington House, this time from brick. It was one of the first brick buildings in West Bend. Lumber was brought from Fond du Lac and cut at the site. A well was dug in the root cellar of the building and a separate wine caller built. On the third floor was a large dance hall, which was later remodeled into apartments. The new hotel was much bigger, and featured a ballroom where he threw a grand ball upon re-opening. Since that time, the Washington House has been home to The Mermac Theatre, The Geib Hotel, and most recently a pub and restaurant with upper level apartments.

Sources

Leadership West Bend Class of 2018. Historic Downtown West Bend Walking Tour. West Bend, Wisconsin. 2018.

Rathburn Associates. Final Report: Intensive Architectural/Historical Survey, West Bend, WI. West Bend, WI:1988.

McAlpine, Linda. "Brick House." The Daily News (West Bend) January 21st 2016. .B8.

Anderson, Jack. "Behind the scenes at an old hotel." West Bend News (West Bend) March 26th 1985.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Unknown photorapher. Original owned by the Washington County Historical Society.

Unknown artist. Original owned by the Washington County Historical Society.

From the object collection of the Washington County Historical Society. Property of the Washington County Historical Society.