Oconomowoc Area Historical Society & Museum

Oconomowoc Area Historical Society & Museum We inspire and educate by preserving and sharing Oconomowoc area history.

Another twofer entry in our weekly "Guess the Lake" series. Which Oconomowoc area lakes are these? Throw your answers an...
05/27/2026

Another twofer entry in our weekly "Guess the Lake" series. Which Oconomowoc area lakes are these? Throw your answers and memories in the comments!

This week, we received a donation from the Generac Foundation to support our mission to inspire and educate by preservin...
05/22/2026

This week, we received a donation from the Generac Foundation to support our mission to inspire and educate by preserving and sharing Oconomowoc area history. Thank you for your generosity!

This Throwback Thursday, we're looking back fondly at last Thursday night's caricature workshop with Anjl Rodee (BrushCa...
05/22/2026

This Throwback Thursday, we're looking back fondly at last Thursday night's caricature workshop with Anjl Rodee (BrushCapades). There was lots of laughter from this group as they learned the art of caricature. We are grateful to Anjl for leading this experience. Thank you to our participants for joining in the fun!

**Update with the answer: If you said Oconomowoc Lake, you are correct! Check back tomorrow for the penultimate entry in...
05/20/2026

**Update with the answer: If you said Oconomowoc Lake, you are correct! Check back tomorrow for the penultimate entry in our weekly "Guess the Lake" photo series.

Another week, another edition of “Guess the Lake!” Put your guesses, along with memories of the lake, in the comments. We’ll reveal the answer in an update next Tuesday. Good luck, and happy reminiscing!

The old slogan goes, “when you’re out of Schlitz, you’re out of beer.” Hopefully that old slogan isn’t true, because it ...
05/19/2026

The old slogan goes, “when you’re out of Schlitz, you’re out of beer.” Hopefully that old slogan isn’t true, because it looks like we’re about to be "out of Schlitz" for good. Did you know there was an establishment in Oconomowoc that at one time exclusively served “the beer that made Milwaukee famous?"

Built in 1901 by L.J. Flotow, the brick structure that still stands at the corner of South Main and Collins Streets (now home to Thirsty Bird Saloon) began serving Oconomowoc and its guests in 1902. Identified by early signage as "Hotel Schlitz" but commonly referred to as the Schlitz Hotel, it was part of the “tied house” system where taverns exclusively sold a specific brewery’s products. When the hotel opened, guests could enjoy steam-heated rooms, a large dining room, a parlor, and twelve upstairs sleeping rooms.

Following the end of Prohibition, the building became known as the Schlitz Palm Garden and Taproom, complete with tropical-inspired “bier garden” décor. Later photos show changing beer signage on the exterior, reflecting the availability of more options after the tied house system ended. The business changed hands a number of times over the decades but the building itself remained a familiar neighborhood gathering place. Today, you can spot a "ghost sign" on the back of the building that once read "Hotel Schlitz."

The long tradition of gathering at the corner Collins and Main and the story of this venerable building will hopefully last long after the last bottle of Schlitz has been drank.

Thank you to our board members and other volunteers who came out this morning for our outdoor cleanup day. And check out...
05/16/2026

Thank you to our board members and other volunteers who came out this morning for our outdoor cleanup day. And check out the updated sign!

Address

103 W Jefferson Street
Oconomowoc, WI
53066

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Thursday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+12625690740

Website

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