In 1871, one year before Eau Claire formally became a city, Herman and Augusta Schlegelmilch built a new house in downtown Eau Claire. The home was built of brick in the hopes of surviving the numerous fires that ravaged the "sawdust city" in that time. This was especially important to them since Herman's hardware store had recently been destroyed by fire. Their idea was sound.

Today the Schlegelmilch House is preserved by the Chippewa Valley Museum as an example of a middle-class, turn-of-the-century home. It is filled with furnishings from the earliest days of its long history, including some items belonging to the Schlegelmilch family.

More on the family >>

Click here for a photo tour of the historic home. Opens in a new window; close that window to return here.

Museum-sponsored programs, classes and dinners are held at the Schlegelmilch House. In addition, the house may be rented for private functions, such as weddings, luncheons, receptions, class reunions, business retreats, and anniversaries.