Shorewood is Celebrating its Quasquicentennial (125th Anniversary)

Happy Anniversary Shorewood, 1900-2025!

The area we now know as Shorewood was home to just over 300 people in 1900. They were governed by the Town of Milwaukee Board who did not respond to resident’s pleas for help with muddy streets.  And public utilities were not  a priority.  In early 1900, a few disgruntled residents gathered in the back of Pete Mead’s tavern on Oakland Ave (at Newhall) and decided to file a petition for incorporation as the Village of East Milwaukee.

Alarmed by the impending loss of a large slice of tax paying property, the Town of Milwaukee opposed the petition contending that the territory did not have the sufficient population required by law (300). A new census counted 325 people and Milwaukee County approved incorporation.  The final step was resident approval. After an election in which 68 votes were cast, 45 for incorporation and 23 against, the village of East Milwaukee became a legal entity.

East Milwaukee was re-named Shorewood in 1917. Today, close to 14,000 people call Shorewood “home”.

Celebratory activities will be held throughout the year. Walk with the Historical Society in the 4^th of July Parade.

See Village History and Walking Tours for more information.