Can you envision a place where professionals, socialites, & storytellers alike tend to gather? Picture this: A cozy interior, decked out with a full kitchen and the most reputable wine selection from here to St. Louis. This “place” is the historic Washington House– a structure of vitality, cherished well beyond its glory days.
An Entrepreneur with a Vision
Balthazar Goetter, an entrepreneur at heart, saw the abundant opportunities in Washington County. After traveling from Germany, he settled in West Bend in 1850 to build a brewery along the Milwaukee River.
Noticing that West Bend was a pitstop for railroad travelers between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, Goetter saw the need for an inn. He built the Washington House in 1852, and a bridge across the Milwaukee River so travelers had walking access from the railroad depot to his inn.
The original wood-framed structure was destroyed in a fire, but the 1865 brick rebuild still stands today.
The Everlasting Gathering Place
The historic Washington House quickly became a gathering place for both travelers and locals. Goetter co-founded the Old Settler’s Club, a group of “males of good moral character” who would gather on behalf of the early settlement of the area and discuss their ties and ideas of revival for the county.
They’d often indulge in good cooking and fine wine in Washington House’s dining room.
Come one, come all!
Later, the hotel became a core meeting place for many other groups and gatherings, including the West Bend Rotary Club and West Bend Women’s Club, and contained a popular dance hall in the early 20th century.
Author, Carl Quickert, lived and wrote in Washington House for 40 years, publishing several books that recorded the earliest printed recollections of a new Washington County.
He would become one of the most famous storytellers in Washington County history, journaling his everyday observations and local stories.
Washington House at the Turn of the 20th
Later the Washington House would be home to the Mermac Hotel & Theater and Gleib Hotel Annex, and many famous names would sit down for a meal within those walls, including Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, and actress Joyce Holden.
Pictured above: Peace Celebration, end of WWI 1918 and Mermac Lobby Interior 1925
… to today
Washington House celebrates being one of the oldest standing business buildings in the city, celebrating 100 years of legacy and counting.
Parting Words
The Tower Heritage Center celebrates entrepreneurial stories of the past and present.
Learn how we’ve reactivated our historic spaces into gathering places for business owners, nonprofit leaders, and company start-ups here.
Preserving the past, for tommorrow
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.