Property Record
14302 PIONEER RD
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | MEEME HOUSE INN |
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| Other Name: | SESSLER'S BAR |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 26775 |
| Location (Address): | 14302 PIONEER RD |
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| County: | Manitowoc |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Meeme |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 17 |
| Range: | 22 |
| Direction: | E |
| Section: | 23 |
| Quarter Section: | SW |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | NW |
| Year Built: | 1847 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1975 |
| Historic Use: | tavern/bar |
| Architectural Style: | Greek Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Asbestos |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. See card for owner interview notes. RETURNED EAVES, BRACKETS UNDER EAVES. The following text is from a student paper and is for informational purposes. This property has not been nominated to the National Register or State Register of historic places. 6/12/1995: Summary The building's five acre site lies mid-way between the cities of Manitowoc Rapids and Sheboygan Falls on the Green Bay Road, a military freeway which served as an original settlement trail for northeastern Wisconsin, established in 1840i . The rectangular parcel stretches along the thoroughfare on the western side. The site includes a 2 1/2 story, gable ended, Greek Revival stage coach inn with cornice returns, widely overhanging eaves supported with Italianate brackets and a compound plan (ca. 1855); a 1 1/2 story, gable ended, wooden livery barn with a rectangular plan (ca. 1855); and a single story, gable ended polling house with a rectangular plan (1900). All of the buildings maintain a very integral relationship with an original section of Green Bay Road (now called Pioneer Road)and lie approximately 20 feet from its edge. Meeme House Inn (ca. 1855) Exterior- The inn's foundation is constructed of field stone and a single story, full-facade, Doric porch with round columns wraps around the eastern and southern faces of the building. The porch is not original to the structure and was added sometime after the late 1900's.ii This Vernacular Greek Revival building originally had a symmetrical facade with eight windows on each floor divided by a central doorway on both floors. Originally comprised of several six-over-six pane windows, many have been replaced by aluminum storm windows and several have been altered from their original locations. On the first floor, two windows have been infilled and another has been shifted slightly from its original location. Also, the original main entrance has been replaced and the sidelights surrounding it have been covered. The original second story, four paneled door has been retained while its sidelights have been covered as well. One window on this floor has been infilled and a series of three consecutive windows were added when a photographer had his studio in the second story ballroom.iii The roof line is characterized by widely overhanging eaves with cornice returns, decorative brackets and dentils, and a wide band of trim which is present on the north, east and southern facades of the building. These details are believed to be original. The original clapboard siding has been covered with vinyl. The roof is comprised of asphalt shingles and the building is capped at either end by a recessed brick chimney. In general form, the inn has several characteristics which relate it well with four other Wisconsin stage coach inns; all of these were constructed during the early coaching days. These include the Dousman Inn (NRHP 1978), the Wade House (NRHP 1971), the Hawks Inn (NRHP 1971) and the Okauchee House (NRHP 1977). "It might be noted that in general architectural style, the important survivals have numerous affinities, the common characteristics including the 2 1/2 story mass with a gable roof, classic cornices with returns at the ends, [and] a large chimney at either gable end of the roof. . ."iv Interior- The basement of the inn consists of three separate cells defined by field stone foundation walls. The first floor of the inn historically consisted of the town's post office and tavern, but much of this was altered during a renovation in the middle part of the 20th century. The floor now consists of a bar, game room, and living quarters. The most notable aspect of the building's interior is the second floor which is still very much intact. In plan, it consists of three small lodging rooms, an open ballroom and a stage area. The ballroom itself is a large open space with a large, oil burning stove along the southern wall. All of the original four paneled doors are present and a small bar/serving area lies along the northern edge of the ballroom. The original wooden floor is also intact. An arched cavity recessed into the west wall is one of the most notable elements in the hotel, comprising the inn's stage and entertainment center. A canvas stage curtain which rolls over the cavity is adorned with a painting of a rural landscape. A pair of Moorish columns are present in the foreground, while a small bridge straddles a stream leading back into a mountain range. The mountain denotes the Swiss Alps in a German countryside while painted details such as the tasseled teaser along the top of the canvas, and a butterfly curtain (popular through the 1870's and 90's) date the mural from the late 1890's to the early 1900's.v Behind this cover, the stage consists of several sliding canvas panels stretched over wooden frames with painted woodland scenes. Virtually all of these props are original. The attic reveals the general frame construction and several of the large timbers and wooden pegging methods that were used to construct the building. In plan, the inn has undergone several expansions. Originally, the building is thought to have consisted of the large rectangular inn and a small kitchen outbuilding with cornice returns and a large chimney. The buildings have eventually been connected by a large 2 1/2 story "L" addition off the back of the structure and another 1 1/2 story addition on the south side. Livery Stables (ca. 1855) To the south of the inn lies the livery barn, a 1 1/2 story, red, wooden building, whose gabled peaks lie parallel with the road. Two additions have been attached along the east and west sides, apparent by mismatching roof angles. Both the original central portion as well as the western addition have field stone foundations. It is believed that this was the inn's original livery stable and served to house stage teams. Several six-over-six pane windows suggest that several of these were taken from the inn itself when replacements were made. Polling House (1900) The Town of Meeme polling house lies on the northern edge of the property and was constructed by the previous proprietor Joseph Schwartz in 1900. This small, gabled structure has a rectangular plan and the gabled roof line lies perpendicular to the road. Sided with wood, the structure has a front and rear entrance; the original four-paneled front door is still present. Four two-over-two pane windows punctuate the walls of the structure and a band of plain trim underlies theoverhanging eaves. "The interior has curtained booths with shelves for voters to fill in their ballots that were then deposited in locked boxes."vi Separating the Inn and the polling house is a park-like swath of trees. The inn reflects an important era in the nation's history when public transportation was accommodated via stagecoach prior to the wide use and construction of railroad lines. The development of roads and use of the stage coach gave rise to stage inns which were critical oasis's for early settlers. Greek Revival, known to be the first true American style of architecture is reflected in the building and was common in Wisconsin for its estimated date of construction. The building's relationship with the Green Bay Road, an original settlement trail for northeastern Wisconsin, has also been retained and is of extreme significance. Furthermore, the Meeme House Inn is the only known Wisconsin stagecoach inn which retains its original livery stable, also located approximately 20 feet off the road. This structure was critical to the inn's role as a stage stop as it housed patrons' teams of horses. Social History Immigrating to the United States in 1847, Michael Herr settled in Section 23 of Meeme the same year. Hailing form Bavaria, Michael was one of the town's first settlers to farm the land. Eventually he constructed the Meeme House Inn along the Green Bay Road (ca. 1855), initially serving as a stage inn and tavern while the second floor ballroom hosted dances and social events. The second floor stage and scenery, still completely intact and consisting of original German folk artwork (ca. 1890), served as a platform for public entertainment as traveling shows and local acts gave performances for local townspeople. Housing Meeme's post office from January 10, 1887 to February 12, 1902vii (at which time the rural free mail system was established in the area), the inn served other civic duties as well. Initially the inn itself served as the town polling house until the construction of a small structure on the northern edge of the property, thereby providing immigrants with a place to exercise their new-found right to vote. Also, town meetings were reportedly held in the second floor ballroom and the inn facilitated both of these functions until the construction of a new town hall in 1983. Purchased in 1909 by Joseph Schwartz, also of German heritage, the inn is now operated by his daughter Valeria (Schwartz) Sessler and has remained in the family for over 86 years. An original poster which adorns a wall on the first floor advertises a coming traveling act to "Joe Schwartz Hall" in 1916. Remarkably, the building has consistently provided service to the community for over 140 years and, considering it's many years of service, is in incredibly good condition. Transportation Originating as a Native American trading route as early as the 1820's, the winding corridor connected the Green Bay trading post with the Town of Milwaukee. Completed as a military road in 1840, the Green Bay Road connected Fort Howard in Green Bay with the Illinois border. It's greatest role proved to be in serving as a catalyst for settlement for European immigrants. As the primary form of public transportation, especially in the winter months when Lake Michigan's shoreline was frozen over, the section of road connecting the cities of Sheboygan Falls and Manitowoc Rapids was a principal thoroughfare for stage lines. Through analysis of several plat maps from the 1870's, it can be noted that a general cluster of four hotels lie in the Meeme Township, the midpoint between the two villages which are approximately thirty miles apart. Located along the Green Bay road, all of these inns denote the area as a major stopping point for the stage which generally would have needed to replenish its team every 10 to 15 miles. The Meeme House's denotation as a hotel on these plat maps as well as the presence of the original livery stables indicates its historically critical role in stage travel and lodging for travelers along an original settlement artery. Architecture The Meeme House Inn is constructed in the Greek Revival style of architecture, noted as being the first true "American" style, and reflecting the architecture of ancient Greeks who pioneered democracy, the nation's new political philosophy. "The largest surviving concentration of Greek Revival houses are found today in those areas with the largest population growth during the period from 1820 to 1860. These include. . . Wisconsin."viii Typical of commercial buildings from the period, the Meeme House stands in close proximity (approximately 20 feet) from the thoroughfare. Of five surviving Wisconsin Stage Coach Inns, Wade House (NRHP 1971), Hawks Inn (NRHP 1971), Okauchee House (NRHP 1977), Dousman Inn (NRHP 1978), and the Four Mile Inn (Old World Wisconsin), only two of these lie in this critical context and retain their relationships with an original freeway. While outwardly the inn itself has undergone several alterations, according to landscape architect Alan Papeix , the Meeme house is the best example of only five remaining stage coach inns on the Green Bay Road. In comparing the Meeme House Inn with Wisconsin's most renowned stage inn, the Wade House, Pape stated that, ". . . the Meeme House has more original fabric intact where the Wade House were stripped to its bare structural components and rebuilt during renovations in the 1950's." Most importantly, the five acre site is a unique collection of historically significant buildings, all in their original locations, and each having served important roles. A further aspect which sets the Meeme House Inn apart from other "Yankee" stage inns is the apparent Germanic influences of the Bavarian settler who constructed it. The inn is a German adaptation of the traditional Yankee stage coach inn with characteristics of a German "gasthaus." This is apparent in the relatively few number of rooms and by the uniquely spacious ballroom. The presence of only three lodging rooms implies a greater emphasis upon celebration and hospitality rather than profiteering through lodging. An isolated swath of trees in the surrounding farm fields, adjacent to the inn, is strongly reminiscent of a German beer garden or "grove," and further indicates the ethnic heritage of its owners, the Herr and Schwartz families. Bibliography Anderson, Donald N, "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form for the Old Wade House," March 1971. Anderson, Donald N, "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form for the Hawks Inn," September, 1971. Baer, Marcie, "Historical Meeme House Still Serves Food, Libation," Manitowoc Herald Times, January 20, 1992. Cram, Thomas Jefferson, as quote appears in, Wisconsin Highways 1835-1945, Madison, Wisconsin, 1947. pp.'s 4-6. Donath, David A., "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form for the Dousman Inn," July, 1978. Draeger, James, Architectural Historian with the Wisconsin State Historical Society, conversation on 4/3/95. Falge, Dr. Louis, Editor in Chief, History of Manitowoc County, Volumes 1 and 2, Goodspeed Historical Association, Chicago, Illinois, 1911. Foote, C.M. and J.W. Henion, 1889 Plat Book of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin: Drawn From Actual Surveys and the County Records, C.M. Foote and Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 46 cm, 44 pages. Lacher, J.H.A., "The Taverns and Stages of Early Wisconsin," Proceedings, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1914. Hagen, Jeff, "Sessler's Inn at Meeme," Wisconsin Weekend, December, 1981. Harney, E.M., 1872 Map of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, Winneconne, Wisconsin, 140 x 124 cm. Holzhueter, Jack, conversation at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin on 4/4/95. Hundt, Katherine E., "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form for the Okauchee House," September, 1977. McAlester, Virginia and Lee, A Field Guide to American Houses, Alfred A Knopf, Inc., 1984, 525 pages. Pape, Alan, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Ethnic Settlement Trail, Telephone conversation of 4/3/95. Plumb, Ralph G., A History of Manitowoc County, Brandt Printing and Binding Company, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, 1904. Sessler, Val, Proprietor of Sessler's Meeme House, and daughter of Joseph Schwartz, conversation on 2/25/95 at Sessler's Meeme House. Wisconsin Inventory of Historic Places, 11/14/75, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706. Wisconsin Inventory of Historic Places, 2/92, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706. U.S. Federal Population Census, Manuscript Schedules for 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910. "Record of Appointment of Postmasters: 1832 to September 30th, 1971," The National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington, 1973, volumes 18, 20b, 31, 54 and 92. Prepared By name/title Jeremy Gustafson organization Department of Landscape Architecture date 4/23/95 street & number 1450 Linden Drive, Rm. 25 city or town Madison state Wisconsin zip code 53706 i Cram, Thomas Jefferson, as quotes appear in Wisconsin Highways 1835-1945, Madison, Wisconsin, 1947, pp.'s 4-6. ii As per photograph taken of the facade during the latter part of the 1900s. iii As per conversation with Val Sessler, proprietor of inn, on 2/25/95. iv Anderson, Donald N., "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Old Wade House," March, 1971. v As per conversation with Jack Holzhueter on 4/4/95. vi Baer, Marcie, "Historical Meeme House still serves food, libation," Manitowoc Herald Times, January 20, 1992. vii Record of Appointment of Post Masters: 1832-September 30th, 1971, The National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington, 1973, volumes 18, 20b, 31, 54 and 92. viii McAlester. ix Alan Pape's accomplishments include managing the Wade House for four years, moving and reassembling the Four Mile Inn at Old World Wisconsin, and serving as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Ethnic Settlement Trail. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Date of construction: Manitowoc Herald-Times, 1/20/92. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |