Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society

11/29/2025

The Chippewa Area History Center and the Chippewa County Genealogical Society Library are closed today due to the snow storm. We plan to be open tomorrow, Sunday. Stay safe and stay warm. ☃️

11/29/2025

Have a good weekend and stay safe!

11/28/2025

11/27/2025

From all of us from the Chippewa County Genealogical Society, Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving!

11/26/2025

DB’s 2025 Bluelight Special #45
225 West Spring Street

This week’s choice is 225 West Spring Street, the Chippewa County Courthouse from 1860 to 1875. It was constructed in the summer of 1860 and housed the county treasurer and county clerk on one side of the first floor, with the register of deeds and clerk of court on the other. The second floor housed the district attorney and sheriff. In addition, the County Board held its meetings here as well.
The building was commonly called the Pine Tree House, so named because of a lone white pine tree located in the street directly in front of the building. It remained there until 1898, when “ it became a victim of the axe”.
The rear section of the building served as the county jail, built with 2” x 10” planks spiked one upon the other. It served its purpose well as there was never an escape reported.
Following the 1875 construction of a new courthouse at 711 North Bridge Street, 225 West Spring Street served as a boarding house. An example of the renters in 1895 is rather interesting as I’ve included their occupations. You will see two “woodsman” listed, which is no surprise as the lumber boom was in full progress.
John Bowler, woodsman
Edward Card, student
John Elms, veterinary surgeon
William Gibson, woodsman
Edward Sinclair, proprietor
Archie Smith, foreman ( likely a foreman of a lumbering camp)
H.C. Stoddard, nurseryman
William Story, laborer
You will see 8 names recorded. Obviously that means 8 rooms in a standard size house-not much space to live in. You would no doubt spend much of your day in outside pursuits.
Intriguing side story from May 17, 1892. At about 4 AM patrolman John Thornton reported the Pine Tree House to be on fire. This was recorded on the fire alarm box at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and East Greenville Street, leading the fire department to head for that location. Luckily they spotted the flames on Spring Street as they were traveling on River Street, saving precious time in terms of fighting the fire. The loss of building and contents was reported to be $3,000.
In 1910 Mr. Thomas Cahill remodeled the building to serve as a wholesale feed store. It remained so until 1914, at which time the building was again used as a boarding house. This remained the case until it was razed in 1973. Paul Hebert used the lumber, front door, flooring, and staircase to build his house on rural route 2, Bridgewater Avenue.
The present day picture below shows the West Spring Street side of Chippewa Auto Body. The Pine Tree House would have been located just to the left of the large overhead door.
I’m always looking for corrections and additions to my posts, as long as I can verify them.
Respectfully, Dennis Brain
Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society and Old Chippewa Falls Facebook site

11/26/2025

As we kick off the 2025 Christmas season, this is a great reminder to take your research and turn them into Christmas gifts. There is the option to do a scrapbook, books, or DVDs-depending on how crafty or tech you are.

Not only are these great sedimental gifts loved one will cherish forever, but it's a great way to help preserve your family history.

11/23/2025

Thanks to Scott Sullivan for being our speaker at the meeting on the 22nd. Very nice program about his uncle, Brigadier General Dennis B. Sullivan. We heard how the family got together, eventually living in Chippewa Falls. Lots of great flying, golf, deer hunting, fishing stories about the family, and other gatherings. Scott was the person who got the signs for the military on the bridges around town. Great and fitting program for November, coming after Veteran's Day. Dennis is one of our own local big names, who never wanted or looked for the fame he deserves.

11/21/2025

Have a good weekend!

11/21/2025

Part of our Legacy Lights at the History Center, includes the gazebo that the Schafer family donated to St Joseph's Hospital. Over the last year, we moved it to the west side of our lot. We are thrilled to keep it and decorate it next to the Irvine Park lights. We did a bit of research on Gordy, including some yearbook shots and early ads. We are pleased the family has let us use it on our site.

11/20/2025

✨🎄 Don't forget...The 2025 Legacy Lights Lighting Ceremony is tonight at 5:30 pm ✨🎄.

We will be lighting lights in honor or memory of over 700 names. https://www.chippewaareahistorycenter.org/events

11/20/2025

The Chippewa Area History Center will continue the Legacy Lights program for the second year.

11/19/2025

DB’s 2025 Bluelight Special #44
513 North Bridge Street

The 1874 aerial view of Chippewa Falls shows no building on this lot.

1883: The structure now on this lot is an agricultural implement dealer, recorded as 515 North Bridge Street

1889: Anton Plante saloon and ci**rs, still 515 North Bridge Street

1890: The building now has two separate addresses- 513 ( the J.R. Trudell furniture store) and 515 North Bridge Streets

November 1896: Hebert Brothers Cigar Manufacturers ( George T. and Ernest J.) moved here when they were flooded out at 11 Bay Street

April 1897: Hebert Bros. Cigar Manufacturers and J.W. Henneman groceries and meats at 515 North Bridge Street

February 1906: J.H. Howe bowling alley in the basement and Hebert Bros. Cigar and To***co Manufacturers, Prinz Heinrich brand

March 1921: Hebert Bros. Cigar and To***co Manufacturers, Maronia brand

1925: The Hebert Brothers sold out their cigar/ to***co business and converted the building into Hebert Laundry and Dry Cleaning.

1950: Tip Top Laundry and Dry Cleaning, John E. Hanson and Douglas Gunderson partners

1952: At this time, 513 North Bridge Street was incorporated into 515 North Bridge Street and no longer existed as a separate address. Today the site is home to a car wash at 501 North Bridge Street .

Thanks for viewing and please remember I always welcome additions or corrections ( that i can verify).

Respectfully , Dennis Brain
Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society and Old Chippewa Falls Facebook site