Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society

Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society The Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society was formed in 1980.

Don't take everything in at once-take things one step at a time.
02/25/2026

Don't take everything in at once-take things one step at a time.

Wisconsin Genealogy Day. Thanks to Sarah and Frank for letting us come over and take a good sized load of Anne Keller's ...
02/21/2026

Wisconsin Genealogy Day. Thanks to Sarah and Frank for letting us come over and take a good sized load of Anne Keller's books. We are processing them and getting them onto our shelves for use.

DB’s 2026 Bluelight Special #7 307 North Bridge Street Most of us remember this building as being either...
02/18/2026

DB’s 2026 Bluelight Special #7
307 North Bridge Street

Most of us remember this building as being either J. C. Penney’s or Mason Shoe, but like all addresses it has a varied history.

The 1874 aerial view of Chippewa Falls shows a two story building

1883: Max Heller, dealer in China, glass, and queensware. And a quick Google search reveals queensware is a type of light, white earthenware with a brilliant glaze developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760’s. Alright, let’s get outta that rabbit hole and move on.

1889: Meyer Simmons crockery and glassware

1895: Meyer Simmons remains owner here, but is now a furniture dealer

1901: Mrs. M. A. Schmitt , milliner

March 1903: Anna B. Morris millinery. Interesting to note that John Morris is an undertaker next door at 305 North Bridge Street

1907:,Anna B. Morris fine millinery and hair goods

July 1913: Anna Morris sold her millinery establishment to Anna Aspel

June 1916: Andrew Thorpe fine tailoring

1917: Andrew Thorpe tailoring and Frank Stair confectionery.

December 1919: L. M. Jenson , dealer in player pianos and Andrew Thorpe tailoring

1921: Photo-Fit Tailor Shop, E. A. Israels proprietor

October 1922: Taplin Furnace Company, R. E. DeKraker district manager

1923: Meier’s Cafe, William C. Meier proprietor

November 1924: Krause’s Cafe, Alvin Krause owner

November 1939: Olson’s Cafe, Albert and Martha Olson owners

May 1946: Chippewa Cafe, John Kiernan owner

1948: Chippewa Cafe, Ermon Clough owner

1950: Chippewa Cafe, Irvine Thoreson owner

September 1955: Three Sisters clothing shop opens its 10th store in Wisconsin, Janice Johnson manager

1971: Vacant

1972: The Cut Price Store, James Nolan owner

1973: The Mason Shoe Store’s “ Back-Room” , George Perrenoud manager

October 1995: The Little Professor Bookstore, Glenn and Monique Woods co-owners

December 1998: Cellular Plus Communications and Sound-N-Logic, Rich Ward owner

2003: Chippewa’s Christian Bookstore

2008: Jordan Women’s Apparel Outlet Store

Eventually this lot was incorporated back into the Mason Shoe Store, which it remains today

I’ve included a map depicting the 1/2 block containing this address , and as you can see 307 lies just about dead center of today’s Mason Shoe Store.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment any additions or corrections you may know about. I’m always striving for accuracy and complete history.

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

In memory of Anne Keller. She was co-founder of Chippewa County Genealogical Society. She held every office in the organ...
02/16/2026

In memory of Anne Keller. She was co-founder of Chippewa County Genealogical Society. She held every office in the organization, plus Newsletter editor, researcher, did several programs for meetings, on the Executive Committee to get our new building built, co-author of three books that helped fund the History Center, and a whole lot more. Condolences to the family, she will be missed.

Have a great weekend!
02/13/2026

Have a great weekend!

02/13/2026

A very sad note to relay. Anne Keller - one of the founding members of the Chippewa Falls Genealogical Society- passed away this afternoon. RIP Anne, you will be dearly missed.

DB’s 2026 Bluelight Special #6 250 West Elm StreetOne of those local icons that over the years have ...
02/11/2026

DB’s 2026 Bluelight Special #6
250 West Elm Street

One of those local icons that over the years have served loyal patrons who extend outside the neighborhood the building was built in. Very few Chippewa Falls buildings have housed more memorable names for local watering holes.

1895 and prior: A private residence

1907: Thomas W. Sugars grocery

January 1931: West & MacDonell Cleaners. Charles P. West manager

May 1931: West & MacDonell Cleaners changed their name to Chippewa Careful Cleaners, Wilson P. Clark proprietor

1935: Babe’s Tavern, Louis B. “ Babe” Nowak owner. He eventually moved to 17 East Central Street and continued the business as Babe’s Tavern

1948: The Neighborhood Tavern, Alfred J. “ Fritz” Bowe owner

1952: Dutch’s Bar, Frank J. “ Dutch” Bromeisl owner

June 1969: Dutch’s Bar, Hugh Sines owner

1971: Tom’s Tap, Tom Fliehr and Irene Hamilton owners.

1977: Tom’s Tap,Leslie Armstrong owner

1981: Lee’s Keg, Lee Armstrong owner

February 1987: Jackie’s Bar, Jackie Blaeser owner

1994: Jackie’s Bar, Nicole Blaeser owner

2000: The West Hill Bar, Judy J. Blaeser owner

2010: A beer garden was added to The West Hill Bar

2012: The West Hill Bar, Todd Blaeser owner

And it continues to serve customers as The West Hill Bar & Grill yet today

I welcome additions or corrections to any of my posts. Accuracy is goal #1.

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

Do you have home movies on VHS or any recordings on cassettes? Be sure to transfer everything over to DVD and CDs to hel...
02/10/2026

Do you have home movies on VHS or any recordings on cassettes?

Be sure to transfer everything over to DVD and CDs to help preserve memories for future generations.

02/09/2026

Just a quick update. We did find the 1895 Chippewa Falls City Directory. Many thanks for your inquiries and concern- we have a great group here💚💛

Address

12 Bridgewater Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI
54729

Opening Hours

Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(715) 723-4399

Website

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