About Us
Who are the Friends of the Saxonia House?
We are people probably just like you. Persons who love Wisconsin and are passionate about participating in something of historic substance.
We are a dedicated group of descendants, historic preservationists, and German-American cultural conservationists, who are developing plans to restore the Saxonia House to serve as a model of rural historic preservation. Once preserved, the revived community space will offer robust and varied programming, gallery space, beer hall, and an archive documenting the house's and area history.
Thank you for finding us today! We welcome you to our story of historic and contemporary fellowship.
Prost!
OUR MISSION
- To create the Saxonia Heritage Conservancy, a self-supporting, not-for-profit organization focused on the preservation of the Saxonia House and its accompanying buildings and property.
- To provide cultural, arts, culinary and historic programming at the Saxonia House, which will be professionally restored and furnished to the year 1855. The reconstruction of its Beer Hall will provide a welcoming space for modern multi-use events and functions.
A Welcome From Our President
Hello current and future Friends of the Saxonia House!
Ever since 1974, when I first saw the old Saxonia House country inn and brewery outside of Fillmore, Wisconsin, I have been intrigued with the mysteries and stories that could be discovered there.
The first thing I thought was that this could be one of the largest commercial uses of the ancient German building technique called “half-timbering” in Wisconsin, perhaps in the United States. Secondly, why did the previous owners install a modern picture window and glass patio doors on the first-floor? Last, I thought that people would enjoy visiting and learning how this early Wisconsin family home and inn was used as the main public gathering place in Washington County, and its relevance today!
In 1998 a small group of local preservationists and family members of the original owner purchased the Saxonia House property and began the long and involved task of restoring it to its former appearance and use as a country inn and brewery. That property is now on the National and State Register of Historic Places and is a Washington County Landmark.
Today, the Board of directors of the Friends of Saxonia House Inc. are welcoming your participation in this journey of saving and activating this historic site for entertaining, educational programs into the lives of Wisconsin’s German pioneers.
Whether it’s experiencing a visit to our 1860 beer cooling “Beer Cave,” touching the original brick and mortar infilled walls and hand-shaped timbers, or the hand-crafted doors and vaulted brick cellars of the house, you will be surrounded by the feeling of old Germany in the “New World.”
Thanking you in advance for the interest you have already shared for this experiential, historic place. Please click on through more of what this site and our organization is all about.
Prost!
Alan C. Pape
President, Friends of the Saxonia House Inc
A 501©3 Federal tax-exempt educational organization.
