Captain Joseph Keyes House

This Lake Mills landmark is the oldest house remaining in Lake Mills. It was built in 1843 by Captain Joseph Keyes, the founder of Lake Mills. In 1849 it was sold to the Phillips family, who made numerous additions over the years. An extensive farm was connected to this dwelling and, from 1905-1951, a commercial dairy facility operated on the property. This two-story clapboard house is built in the Greek Revival style.

The Captain Joseph Keyes house, built by Keyes, was constructed in 1843. Sided with clapboard, it is a two-story building with a gable roof. It has a sunroom near the rear. Many additions have been added, including a two-bay garage built around 1950. The building shows its Greek Revival style through its columns as well as its triangular roof.

Joseph Keyes was one of the founders of Lake Mills, a mill-wright by trade just as his father was. He first came to the area around 1836 and, seeing as how he liked the area, decided to settle the region. He erected a dwelling later that year (Not to be confused with this house) and built a sawmill the following year. As time went on, a schoolhouse was built in 1841, and he continued to be a big part of the community until 1850. At that time, he moved to Menasha, where he spent the majority of remaining life.

Historical Society, Wisconsin. “340 S Main St: Property Record.” Wisconsin Historical Society, 1 Jan. 2012, https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI6977. 

Galassie, David. Joseph Keyes, 10 Aug. 2015, http://menashabook.blogspot.com/2015/08/joseph-keyes.html.