Port Washington Wisconsin Historical Society
February 8th, 2010The Port Washington Historical Society (http://www.portwashingtonhistoricalsociety.org/) is making it ever easier for locals and tourists to interact with the history of Port Washington. Like a captivating book, Port Washington’s history is a ‘good read’ but especially inclines one to an on site investigation of the pre-civil war buildings including the 1860 Historic Lighthouse, now a museum that’s open weekends May-October.
A self-guided walking tour of prominent downtown historic buildings has been a favorite with guests of the Port Washington Inn, who are often attracted to the inn by its history.
In fact, the history of Port Washington Inn is connected to the German brewing tradition by George Blessing who built this home for his family when he moved to Port Washington from Chicago after purchasing the Port Brewing Company.
This past fall (2009) the Port Washington Wisconsin Historical Society featured all establishments that produced or served beers within Port Washington’s history. This event was attended by one of the Blessings’ grandsons who shared several stories of his Grandfather Blessing. This grandson has visited the Port Washington Inn several times and each time we are regaled with his memories of time he spent here with his grandparents and extended family.
As with any community, there were ‘movers and shakers’ who propelled Port Washington’s growth from a meager Lake Michigan harbor to a thriving center of trade and the county seat of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.
The evidence is recorded in a ‘Homecoming’ Book published around 1908 in which are pictures and advertisements of significant businesses as well as prominent residences, the George Blessing home among them. A copy of this book was gifted to the inn by the Blessings’ grandson. The Port Washington Inn now has had several of the photos from the book professionally copied and framed; they are on display in the parlors.