Kenosha Country Club

Kenosha Club Buys Golf Source Site
Purchased by Southport Organization
One of the finest sites for a golf course in the state of Wisconsin has been purchased by the Kenosha County club through the A.F. Stahl Agency of Kenosha, situated near the intersection of the Berryville Road with Sheridan Road between Racine and Kenosha.
The purchase of the Kenosha County Club includes 175 acres of land and it is the intention of the club to erect on this land a magnificent clubhouse. The Lingies, Linstroth, and Benson farms make up the parcel of 175 acres, and the consideration, although not made public, should be in the neighborhood of $30,000.00.
The situation of this land is nearly ideal for a country club. All roads approaching the place are improved, and the main road is a cement highway. The interurban railway passes right at hand. Should there ever be a movement to unit Racine and Kenosha golfers, this club is as easily accessible to Racine as to Kenosha.
The Kenosha County club will continue in its present quarters for some time, but an effort will be made to get the new clubhouse and golf links ready for use in 1921.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, Feb. 27, 1920)

New Golf Course Planned in Kenosha
Contracts for the construction of the new golf course of the Kenosha Country Club have been let and the work of the construction is to start on March 15. The contract provides for the completion of the course by October 15. It is expected that close to $60,000. will be expended in the construction of the course and it is planned as one of the finest golf courses to be found in the middle west, members, say.
The actual work of building the bunkers and the sand pits and laying out the greens is to be started on April 1. The seeding down of the new course will be done in August and it is expected that the course will be ready for play in May or June of 1922.
Plans are now being made for the erection of a clubhouse, to cost $50,000, it is estimated. The plans in clued provision for dining rooms, a large dance hall, and locker rooms.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, March 2, 1921)
 

Harvest Party at Kenosha Country Club on Saturday

First Annual County Fair to be Inaugurated As Theme of Season’s Last Party
The days back when the County Fair was the one big event of the year which was looked forward to and planned for during the four seasons, will be revived at the Kenosha Country Club next Saturday evening.
The Club members are to have a real fair, their first annual, for the entertainment committee in the zest of planning for the event feels that even as the old-timers, the Club will clamor for a similar fete each year.
The County Fair will be a feature of the annual Harvest Home dinner dance, which each year caps activities at the Club, and the entire Clubhouse will be utilized for the exhibits of bumper crops, prize “preserves” and the other excellent entries of the Fair.
Suitable exhibits have been arranged for all the members, and they will be grouped about the tables, and in other conspicuous places with the name of the exhibitors in plain view.  And like all County Fairs, there is to be a “Midway” where ballyhooers will announce special entertainment for the farmers and farmerettes “coming to town.”
To carry out the spirit of the party still father, the entertainment committee has requested all members come in rural costumes.  The matter of costumes will also revive an old custom in vogue at Harvest Home parties a number of years ago, but which fell into the discard the past few seasons.
More than two hundred and fifty reservations have already been made for the vent, and only a few more can be accepted.  None will be taken after Friday morning.
(Source:  Kenosha Evening News, September 11, 1929)

 William Still
William Still, 72, for many years the professional golf instructor in the early history of the Kenosha County Club and known as “The Father of Kenosha Golfing” died at his home near Jacksonville, Florida.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, October 7, 1939)

Directors Elected 1910 (Club in Kenosha)
"The annual meeting of the Kenosha Country Club was held at the clubhouse on Monday evening and the annual reports of the officers showed that the season now drawing to a close had been one of the most successful in the history of the club.  Many new members have been added to the lists during the year and the greatest interest has been taken in the club events.  The report of the treasurer of the club showed that there was a deficit of about $800 for the season but this total deficit was made up by popular subscription before the close of the meeting.  The deficit was largely due to losses incurred through the operation of the dining room at the club and it is not an unexpected deficit.  members of the club realize that it is impossible to serve meals such as are served at the club with a profit.
Considerable work has been done in adding to the club's property this year and all of these improvements are paid for.
At the annual election of directors, Charles W. Allen, Charles Chester Allen, and Chester D. Barnes were elected to succeed themselves as members of the Board of Directors.
While there are not more big tournaments scheduled for the season the links will be kept open until late in October.  The recent rains have placed the greens and fair green in excellent condition and it is certain that the enthusiastic Kenosha golfers will keep the ball rolling until driven off the field by the early snows of winter.  The election of officers for the new year will not take place until the regular winter meeting of the Board of Directions to be held next February."
(Source:  The Telegraph Courier September 8, 1910)

Krueger

Christian Friedrick and Louisa Klapproth Krueger
(Photo Source:  City and Kenosha County Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke 1916)

Christian Friedrich Krueger

C.F. Kreuger, who is a highly esteemed resident of Somers Township, has been identified with agricultural interests in Kenosha County for many years and is now living retired, having gained a competence by his well directed labors.  His birth occurred in Germany in 1837, and he received a good common school education that country.  Later he learned the wagon maker’s trade, which he followed successfully until he was thirty-one years of age, when, in 1868, he emigrated to the United States.  He at once made his way to the middle west and for four years worked at his trade in Racine, Wisconsin, at the end of which time he purchased sixty-three acres on Section 6, Somers Township, Kenosha County, where he has since resided.  In the meantime, however, he disposed of part of his land but still holds title to twenty-nine acres.  He has improved his farm in various ways and while actively engaged in agricultural pursuits he was recognized as one of the most progressive and most successful farmers of his locality.  He managed his business affairs well and practiced thrift and in time gained a competence that now enables him to enjoy a period of leisure.

In 1868 occurred the marriage of Mr. Krueger to Miss Louisa Klapproth and they became the parents of eight children but only three survive, namely Mathilde, (Tillie) now Mrs. Frank Linstroth, who has four children: Emma, now Mrs. William Scheckler, who resides in Racine and has three children; Herman F. who married Lydia Limper and is farming in Somers Township.

Mr. Krueger believes in the principles of the Republican Party but at local elections supports the best man irrespective of his political affiliation.  His religious faith in indicated by his membership on the Evangelical Association  and has many sterling traits of character have gained him the respect of all who know him.  The success which he has gained is due entirely to his own efforts as when he began his independent career he had neither capital nor influential friends.

(Source: City and Kenosha County Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke 1916)

C.F. Krueger and Louisa Klapproth Krueger Obituaries

Louise Klapproth Krueger Obituary
Newsclipping from personal collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson



C.F. Kruger Obituary
Obituary newslipping from the personal collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson

More About The Krueger Family
Louise Klapproth Krueger was born October 2, 1844 in Hannover/Brunswick Germany.  She was the daughter of Heinrich Christian Friedrich Klapproth and Hanne Justine Louise Christiane Pinnecke Klapproth of Germany.  Christian Friedrick Krueger was born February 13, 1837 in Germany.  C.F. and Louise were married in Germany May 12, 1868.

Children of C.F. and Louise Krueger: Birth records below from First Evangelical Church parish records.

Mathilde (Tille) Emilie Krueger, born August 24, 1869 in Racine.  She married Frank Linstroth October 20, 1892 at First Evangelical Church in Racine.  They had four children:  Friedrich Heinrich (Fred), Edward H., Gladice Louise (Gladys) and Frank Wesley.
Louise Ottolie Krueger, born October 23, 1870 in Racine.  Louise died February 21, 1891 of acute pharyngitist.  Buried in Mound Cemetery, Racine.
Herman Friedrich Krueger, born February 14, 1872 in Racine.  Herman married Lydia Sophia Limper about 1900 in Sheboygan.  They had four children: Edward Charles, Alice, George Leslie, and Grace Lydia.  Herman died of prostrate cancer with spread to lungs and spine on August 10, 1943 in Kenosha and is buried at Green Ridge Cemetery in Kenosha. 
Edward Hugo Krueger born September 5, 1873 in Racine.  He died at Berryville on October 27, 1897 and is buried in Mound Cemetery, Racine.
Emma Martha Krueger born July 15, 1875 in Racine.  She married William Scheckler March 8, 1894 at First Evangelical Church in Racine.  They had three children:  Guy and Myrtle (twins) and Edward.
Martha Helena Krueger born November 17, 1877 in Racine.  She died in Berryville on July 24, 1890 and is buried in Mound Cemetery in Racine.
Lydia Amalia Krueger born December 27, 1881 in Berryville.  Lydia married G. Walter Derby (also from Berryville) on September 18, 1906 at First Evangelical Church in Racine.  Witnesses for marriage were John Hansche and Hattie Krueger.  Lydia died age age 40, the same day as her infant son.
Hadwig (Hattie) Hermina Krueger born June 10, 1911 in Berryville.  Died at the age of 24 of pulmonary tuberculosis.  Buried in Mound Cemetery, Racine.
(Source:  Courthouse records, First Evangelical Church parish records researched and collected by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)


"The Ladies' Aid Society of Berryville will give an ice cream social at Krueger's Grove on Thursday evening, July 26, to which everybody is cordially invited."
(Source:  The Telegraph Courier, July 26, 1926)

"Mrs. Herman Krueger is spending some time with her daughter, Mrs. A. Kleunder, in Milwaukee.  Mrs. Tillie Lindstroth is staying at the Krueger home."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 28, 1935)

Emma Martha Kruger Scheckler and William Scheckler Children
Guy and Myrtle were twins born October 3, 1895 in Mt. Pleasant, Racine County, Wisconsin.  Miss Myrtle Scheckler died January 1984.  Her last known address was Franksville, Wisconsin.
Guy B. Scheckler died 1938.
Edward W. was born Dec. 21, 1905.  He died Aug. 14, 1958 in Kenosha.  He married Bernice Rhode in 1928.

Krueger Wedding Anniversary (May 13, 1918)

1877 Class of Berryville School

(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Kenosha News June 15, 1935 Centennial Edition)

Linstroth

1908 Partial Map of Somers Township
Section 6, H. Linstroth parcel
(Note:  Also is Section 6, parcel owned by H. Klapproth is relative and Section 6, parcel owned by C.F. Krueger is relative. See this web site for further information)



Frank and Matilda Krueger Linstroth October 20, 1892
(Photo: Courtesy of Ancestry.com public site of kaybriggs53)

Frank Linstroth
Frank Linstroth, who is operating a farm on Section 6 in Somers Township was born upon that place on the 22d of September 1866, a son of Henry and Mary (Rapp) Linstroth, both natives of Germany.  The father, whose birth occurred on the 19th of July 1828 began working as a farm hand in his native country after completing his public school course.  He remained there until 1855, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way to St. Louis, where he remained for a year.  At the end of that time he came to Kenosha County, Wisconsin where he lived during the remainder of his life.  He worked at the shoemaker's trade and also operated the forty-seven acres on which he lived.  He supported the Republican party at the polls and served as a member of both town and school boards.  In religious faith he was a German Lutheran and belonged to the church of that denomination at Racine, being one of its oldest members at the time of his demise.
He was married on the 12th of May, 1858 to Miss Mary Rapp, who survives and resides with our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. Henry Linstroth became the parents of five children:  Fred and Henry, deceased; Chris, who married Helen Rode and has three children; Frank, a twin of Chris, and one who died in infancy.
Frank Linstroth received his education in the common schools of Somers Township, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age.  From that time until his father's death he assisted the latter with the operation of the home farm, and he still resides upon that place, which he is now farming on his own account.  He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and as he is enterprising and practical is meeting with gratifying success as an agriculturist.
Mr. Linstroth was married on the 20th of October 1892, to Miss Mathilda Krueger, and they have four children:  Fred, Edward, Gladys, who is attending business college, and Wesley, at home.  In religious faith he is a Methodist.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha A Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916)

More about Mathilda "Tillie" and Frank Linstroth
Date of Marriage"  October 20, 1892 at First Evangelical Church in Racine
Children:
Friedrich Heinrich (Fred) born September 25, 1893 in Racine
Edward H. born about 1897
Gladice Louise (Gladys) born January 31, 1899 in Somers
Frank Wesley born october 4, 1900 in Somers
(Source:  Personal Family History of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson







1877 Partial Map of Somers Township
Herman Linstroth parcel, Section 6, Berryville
Note: Kenosha County Land Records state Henry Linstroth purchased acres February 21, 1856 and February 20, 1867, March 17, 1873, January 17, 1882, and October 22, 1886.

Linstroth and Rapp
Note:  See additional information about the Rapp family, who were neighbors of the Linstroth's on this web site.

Linstroth and Krueger
Note:  See additional information about the Krueger family, who were neighbors of the Linstroth's on this web site.

More About Linstroth
"The apron sale at the home of Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville should be well attended as the proceeds are to go toward the payment of a piano recently purchased by the PTA of Berryville School."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 29, 1922)

"Wanted:  Onion weeder.  Take North Shore Line south to Berryville Road.  Good wages.  Fred Linstroth, farmer."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 14, 1919)

"Man leaves rig at Berryville after departing at night.  Queer actions.  Residents of Berryville reported the queer actions of a young man who drove into that place yesterday afternoon and left his horse and buggy at the farmhouse of Frank Linstroth.  The fellow took the first car that came along for Kenosha , saying that he was going to Kenosha first, then to Racine, and would be back after the outfit at 6 o’clock.  He failed to return last night and the rig was still there at 10 o’clock this morning, and the farmers are now wondering what has become of the owner.  Some are of the opinion that the outfit was stolen and abandoned and others that the owner came to this city, became intoxicated and forgot all about his property."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 31, 1907)

"Yesterday was a notable day in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Linstroth of Berryville, it being the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day.  While they had made arrangements to spend the day in quiet at their home near the new electric line at Berryville, their son and friends had arranged differently and the celebration which was held came as a great surprise to the aged and popular couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Linstroth were united in marriage May 12, 1857 in the German Lutheran Church on Villa Street, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Jacob Conrad who was the pastor at that time.  To them were born two sons, Frank, of Berryville, and Chris of this city.  For fifty years they made their home on the farm where they now reside and regularly attended divine service at the church in this city.  Yesterday they attended the service in the morning and remained for the special service immediately after.  At this service attention was called to the fact that it was their golden wedding anniversary and they were congratulated by their many friends and acquaintances.

In the afternoon fifty of their local friends called on them at their home where a regular service was held, being conducted by Rev. Emil Wauther, who is taking the place of Rev. Conrad Jaeger, the regular pastor.  At this time a letter from Rev. Jaeger was read in which was contained his congratulations.  The residence was beautifully decorated with yellow flowers.  They were presented with a number of fine gold gifts, tokens of the high esteem in which they are held by their many friends, both in the city and county."

(Source:  Racine Journal May 13, 1907)

"Miss Gladys Linstroth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville, and Harold Smith, of Kenosha, were married Saturday afternoon, September 25.  L.M. Hargett performed the ceremony."
(Source:  Racine Journal September 29, 1920)

"Mr. and Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville celebrated their 20 year wedding anniversary.  The high school orchestra furnished the music for the occasion.  The home was decorated in autumn leaves, flowers and leaves."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 24, 1912)

"On the 21st day of April 1910, Mr. Henry Linstroth of Berryville passed away at the age of 82."
(Source:  Racine Journal April 21, 1910)

"Mrs. Mary Linstroth, widow of the late Henry Linstroth, died at her home in Berryville, at 10 o'clock Saturday night at the age of 84 years and 6 months.  She was born in Germany in 1833 and came to this country when a young woman.  She was married on May 12, 1857 to Henry Linstroth.  Two of the four children survive:  Frank who is living on the homestead and Chris of Racine.  Mrs. Linstroth was a charter member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Villa Street in Racine.  She was a kind and loving wife and mother and a woman of a quiet-disposition."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 24, 1918)



Frank Linstroth Obituary
(Source:  Racine Journal cut out from personal collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

Fred Linstroth
(Photo Source: Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Gladys Linstroth, circa 1917
(Photo Source:  Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Dutch Linstroth
(Photo Source: Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Berryville School History

The First Berryville School - 1855 

Berryville's first school, above, now is used for grain storage on the John Hansche farm in Berryville. The log structure was completed in 1855, and set amidst an area long known for the variety of berries growing around the farms. A second school was built in 1872 (see photo below) was later used for onion storage, and torn down about six years ago.
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

Berryville School - Class of 1877

(Source: Photo Courtesy of Kenosha News June 15, 1935 Centennial Edition)

Berryville Schoolhouse - Built 1872 

This is the second Berryville Schoolhouse, built in 1872.
33 students
"Dutch" Linstroth and his cousin "Dan" Klapproth (born 1894)
Click on photo for larger view.
(Original Photo Source:  Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.)

Berryville School - 1835 and 1872 buildings

located on east side of Lake Shore Road
According to W.S. Dearsley (see map below) one of the oldest settlers on the Lake Shore Road in the Berryville area north of Kenosha, the first school in Berryville District No. 11 was built about 1835. In 1855 an addition was built. A new building was constructed in 1872, when 36 pupils were in attendance. Both buildings occupied sites on the east side of Lake Shore Road. The first is being used as a granary on the J.W. Hansche farm, and the second is now a part of the home of Emil Julius on the Dearsley Road.

In 1923 the C.F. Kreuger family (related to the Klapproth family) sold property on the corner of Lake Shore Road and Berryville Road for the purpose of erecting a new modern schoolhouse. See location and map below. Construction cost was $31,000.00. A four room wing was added several years later for a cost of $75,000.00. Enrollment at Berryville School averaged 300.

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County, showing the community of Berryville
See "box" on east side of Lake Shore Road - intersection with Berryville Road (now Highway A)
Notice unusual curve in Berryville Road and Country Club Road (now known as 13th Avenue)

Early teachers
 Among the early teachers were: William Longmore, Helena Ozanne, Mary Cunningham, Alice Moss, Alice McCormick, G.M. Hoffman, Alice Stannard, Mary Moran, G.M. Kerkhoff, Edna Perry and Frank Swingle taught in schoolhouse #2.
As the population along the lake shore increased it was necessary to build again, and today Number 11 is one of the finest red brick on the west side of the highway, with a large playground and community hall, now employing five teachers.
(Source: My Memoirs, by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948--Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Berryville Classes in the 1930's



Berryville School
Warren Kramer's 4th Grade Class
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School
First Grade, 1935
Teacher: Mr. Terrill
(Source: Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School
Grades 3 and 4.  Date 1936 (see blackboard date)
(Source: Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.



Berryville School - "x" Irvin Klapproth (born 1923) 2nd Grade
Date Approximate 1930
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School Mother's Club Picnic at Petrifying Springs Park
"Me" is Vernetta Klapproth
Date Approximate mid-1930's
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

Berryville School Class Photo
"X" is Melvin Klapproth, born 1931
Approximate Date:  Early 1940's
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
Click on photo for larger view.



Berryville School
First Grade Class of 1935
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville Kindergarten class photo taken in front of the schoolhouse.
Noted by the blue arrow, Melvin Klapproth.
1930's
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.)

Berryville School Principal
Miss Dorothy Shlax will be the principal of Berryville School and will teach the seventh and eighth grades.  Miss Mildred Severson has been engaged as the music and kindergarten teacher.  Miss Marie Terrill will teach the first and second grades, instead of the first as in former years.  Mrs. Marion Goss will teach the third and fourth grades and Mrs. Vida Gimmels again will teach the fifth and sizth grades. 
(Racine Journal Times August 19, 1943)

Berryville students loaded in a neighborhood farmer's livestock truck on their way to a picnic in 1936.  Typically all the picnics were held at Petrifying Spring Park about a mile away on Berryville Road.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Berryville School - New Building 1923




Berryville School.  View from Lake Shore Drive (known as Sheridan Road or Highway 32).
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

This is the view of the new addition (kindergarten classes with wall of windows.  Looking north/northwest
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.  Photo date 1960)



Berryville School with new addition.  View to the northeast.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Aerial view of Berryville School looking toward the northwest.  See Chicago Railroad Tracks.
See softball diamonds and round area in the grass that served as an ice rink in the winter.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Mid City Outdoor Theatre.  View to the west.  Notice the shore line of Lake Michigan.
See the white fence and Berryville School to the right of the Theatre.
The road to the right is Berryville Road (now Highway A) which runs east and west.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Marilyn Ward on swings in the schoolyard.  Mid City Outdoor Theatre and fence to the right.
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Marilyn Ward swings on the monkey bars in the schoolyard. 
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Mrs. Ward, first grade teacher, at her desk in the classroom.  Her daughter Marilyn patiently sits in the desk.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Mrs. Ward, first grade teacher grades student papers at her desk.
1963
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Mrs. Ward's classroom and bulletin board "Santa Claus is coming to Berryville"
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Marilyn Ward builds big snow balls in the schoolyard.  Notice the ice skating rink in the foreground, a favorite of the students.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Marilyn Ward plays on the merry-go-round in the playground.  Notice the bike racks for those students who would ride bikes to school.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

What happened to Berryville School?

In 1855 the first Berryville School opened its door.  125 years later, in 1980, Berryville School closed due to declining enrollment.

The third generation of pioneer families, those who created and built Berryville School, many of who still resided in the area, and were passionate about retaining a neighborhood school that had caring and talented teachers who taught not only curriculum but reinforced parental teachings such manners, kindness, citizenship, and community involvement.  They experienced the benefits of a neighborhood school and wanted this to continue for future generations.  Parents of this small school all had an investment in their child’s education and they drew together by volunteering and fund-raising on behalf of their children.  The close knit relationships and teaching environment could not be replicated by merging into a large school district.  The arguments were good ones and they could not be denied.   However, in the end, it became of matter of affordability.

In 1989 the Somers Fire Department conducted a fire inspection and report on the schoolhouse.  The schoolhouse included eleven classrooms, one kindergarten classroom, toilets, basement, multi-purpose room, kitchen, service and storage areas. The inspection identified cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, exposed duct work, a cracked and defective chimney and missing and rotten shingles.  The coal bin still existed and needed removal, plumbing was poor, electrical was poor, asbestos was present in the floors and insulation and the windows needed replacement along with a new roof.  There was evidence of vandals gaining entrance which resulted in broken plaster, holes in floors and ceilings, and other damage.

An architectural review by Robert M. Kueny on September 29. 1989 made the following conclusions:

1. There are questions of educational philosophy, location, student population, transportation and providing equal or equivalent programs and facilities studied district-wide before investing in an old, marginal building in a remote location.


2. Too many problems with the building that, when it was in its prime condition, was no more than average quality.  To turn on the water, gas, electric, add a little repair work and paint and have a serviceable school is not possible.


3. $30 a square foot and a total cost of $600,000 to bring an abandoned building with little or no care for the last 9 years is a very poor investment.


4. To construct an addition in an attempt to provide a quality comprehensive grade school capable of delivering a program comparable to Bose and Jeffery would cost within 75% of a new building.  The 3 acre site is too small and has inefficiencies of layout, supervision controls, and would be too expensive – and on going.

Berryville School was located on a 3 acre site on the southwest corner of Highway 32 (Sheridan Road) and county Highway A (Berryville Road).  The school was demolished.  Today the property is a residential condominium development.

Announcement Berryville School sold.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Kenosha News, 1991. Clipping courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Collection.)

Mrs. June Ward stands in the front door of Berryville School.
Open classrooms in the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Kenosha News, Nov. 15, 1991.  Clipping courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Collection.)

Mrs. June Ward stands in the arch of Berryville School.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

Mrs. June Ward stands in one of classrooms for the last time.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

View looking west.  The last remaining archway of the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

2nd floor hallways in the schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

Kindergarden Classroom
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)



Mrs. June Ward stands in the front door of Berryville School.
Open classrooms in the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.  Circa about 1991)

Mrs. June Ward, long term beloved first grade teacher, takes one last look at her Berryville School.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source:  Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

Berryville School "In the News"

"Mrs. Frank Heinen was hostess to the Berryville Junior Mothers' Club at her home Wednesday afternoon.  The time was spent in sewing, after which lunch was served.  The date for the entertainment for the members' families was set for Sept 29.  The next meeting will be held at Mrs. Boyd Christensen's."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 8, 1934)

"Berryville Mothers' Club met at Berryville School Wednesday afternoon with 19 members and one guest present.  Plans were made for a box social to be held at the school Friday night, Sept. 21.  Potluck lunch was served.  The next meeting will be held at the school on Sept. 19.
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 8, 1934)