In 1838, Timothy Wooden purchased land on the banks of the Milwaukee River and began the settlement that would become Grafton, Wisconsin. Grafton soon became an agricultural and industrial community as the rich "yellow" earth attracted settlers from Germany, Ireland, and England to raise wheat, grazing grasses, and garden crops. Those early settlers discovered vast limestone deposits throughout the region, and by 1890, there were nine kilns operated by the Milwaukee Falls Lime Company. Industries were also created along the banks of the river, and in 1902, William Roebken opened the Badger Worsted Mills, the only worsted wool mill west of Philadelphia. By the early 20th century, Grafton became a music industry center when New York Recording Studios moved into the previous Wisconsin Chair Factory building on the Milwaukee River. Blues greats from all over the country made the trip to Grafton to record their music. Today's Grafton carries on the traditions of its founders by preserving historic buildings and creating new residential and recreational spaces for its residents. With a revitalized downtown, Grafton has become a commercial center for Ozaukee County.
Nestled in the hills 38 miles west of Boston, the area that would become Grafton originally belonged to the Nipmuc Indians. In the mid-1600s, John Eliot, a Puritan missionary, traveled throughout Massachusetts converting the natives to Christianity. He created a series of 'praying Indian' villages, including Hassanamesit. In 1728, most of Hassanamesit was purchased by a group of investors, and in 1735 it was incorporated as the town of Grafton. By the early 19th century, Grafton was a national leader in leather tanning and shoe production. Textile mills appeared along the rivers, attracting emigrant workers from Canada and Europe. Three geographic areas evolved, each with its own identity: Grafton Center, North Grafton, and South Grafton. Today, residents celebrate the differences and salute the forces that brought them together to form one united town. Grafton is the birthplace of the famous Willard clock makers -- Simon, Benjamin, Ephraim and Aaron -- whose home and clock shop are now the Willard House and Clock Museum. Grafton is the birthplace of Robert Bailey Thomas, the founder, editor, and publisher of the 'Old Farmers Almanac'. Native Jerome Wheelock invented a steam valve system, revolutionizing transportation worldwide. Grafton is also the childhood home of noted American poet Frank O'Hara." -- Page 4 of cover.
Nestled in the hills 38 miles west of Boston, the area that would become Grafton originally belonged to the Nipmuc Indians. In the mid-1600s, John Eliot, a Puritan missionary, traveled throughout Massachusetts converting the natives to Christianity. He created a series of 'praying Indian' villages, including Hassanamesit. In 1728, most of Hassanamesit was purchased by a group of investors, and in 1735 it was incorporated as the town of Grafton. By the early 19th century, Grafton was a national leader in leather tanning and shoe production. Textile mills appeared along the rivers, attracting emigrant workers from Canada and Europe. Three geographic areas evolved, each with its own identity: Grafton Center, North Grafton, and South Grafton. Today, residents celebrate the differences and salute the forces that brought them together to form one united town. Grafton is the birthplace of the famous Willard clock makers -- Simon, Benjamin, Ephraim and Aaron -- whose home and clock shop are now the Willard House and Clock Museum. Grafton is the birthplace of Robert Bailey Thomas, the founder, editor, and publisher of the 'Old Farmers Almanac'. Native Jerome Wheelock invented a steam valve system, revolutionizing transportation worldwide. Grafton is also the childhood home of noted American poet Frank O'Hara." -- Page 4 of cover.
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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
In 1838, Timothy Wooden purchased land on the banks of the Milwaukee River and began the settlement that would become Grafton, Wisconsin. Grafton soon became an agricultural and industrial community as the rich "yellow" earth attracted settlers from Germany, Ireland, and England to raise wheat, grazing grasses, and garden crops. Those early settlers discovered vast limestone deposits throughout the region, and by 1890, there were nine kilns operated by the Milwaukee Falls Lime Company. Industries were also created along the banks of the river, and in 1902, William Roebken opened the Badger Worsted Mills, the only worsted wool mill west of Philadelphia. By the early 20th century, Grafton became a music industry center when New York Recording Studios moved into the previous Wisconsin Chair Factory building on the Milwaukee River. Blues greats from all over the country made the trip to Grafton to record their music. Today's Grafton carries on the traditions of its founders by preserving historic buildings and creating new residential and recreational spaces for its residents. With a revitalized downtown, Grafton has become a commercial center for Ozaukee County.
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