Richfield Historical Society

09/05/2026

🌲✨ Enchanted Forest Day is here at the Richfield WI Farmers Market! ✨🌲

Today • 10 AM – 1 PM

We’re excited to welcome everyone out this morning for a magical market day. Stop by and visit us — we’ve brought fresh local honey and a fun little peek at what the Richfield Thresheree has in store in just two short weeks.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the market, explore the Enchanted Forest activities, and get a taste of the history and excitement coming soon.

📅 Mark your calendar:
September 19 & 20 — the Richfield Historical Society’s 27th Annual Thresheree & Harvest Festival!
A weekend full of tradition, demonstrations, community, and fall fun.

We can’t wait to see you in the forest today — and again at the Thresheree!

09/03/2026

The Thursday crew may have gotten rained out today, but mother nature put on quite a show this morning over Richfield. Turn up the volume!

09/02/2026

The answer to the August 27 question: “Do you know the name of the hotel that was once across the tracks from the Richfield Depot?” was the Laubenheimer Hotel. (See 2nd photo below.) There was one correct answer and another good guess!

In 1868, Philip Laubenheimer erected a large stone building on the west side of the railroad tracks. The building served as a general store, a tavern and a hotel. In 1875 an addition was put on. Philip’s sons, Henry and William, ran the business later. During its early life, the old tavern was known as “Northwestern” and the “Railroad House". Locals often referred to it as the “Laubenheimer Hotel”. The Laubenheimer Hotel burned in 1932.

Next question: “What business was once housed in this building in downtown Richfield?”

Return later for the answer and another question. For more information about the Richfield Historical Society, visit: richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

08/29/2026

We’re counting down the days until September 19 & 20 — Richfield Historical Society’s 27th Annual Thresheree & Harvest Festival! our biggest fundraiser of the year for the Richfield Historical Society.

Thank you to Washington County Insider for the great glimpse into the history you’ll see on display in just a few short weeks.

VIDEO | From threshing machines to combines: Herb Lofy shares John Deere Legacy

08/28/2026

The answer to the August 19 question: “Do you know what Pleasant Hill business was housed in this building and who operated the business?” was Sarah Kurtz Furniture Store & Funeral Parlor operated by Sarah Kurtz. (See 2nd photo below.) There was 1 correct answer – great! It was a tough question.

We don’t know much about this particular business, and the building is no longer in existence. Sarah Kurtz was Jacob Kurtz, Jr.'s 2nd wife. You may be interested in learning why a furniture store and a funeral parlor were in the same building (this was quite common.) Funerals were once held in homes. As crossroad communities grew, a need for funeral parlors developed. Since the owner/operator of a furniture store was usually a carpenter or cabinetmaker, he was able to build coffins. Combining a furniture shop with a funeral home allowed these businesses to keep their capital and labor busy year-round. In good times, they made cabinets and furniture; in bad times, they prepared coffins and handled funerals.

Next question: “Do you know the name of the hotel that was once across the tracks from the Richfield Depot?”

Return later for the answer and another question. For more information about the Richfield Historical Society, visit: richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

08/26/2026

If you’ve ever wanted a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Mill like Alice in Dairyland, here’s your chance!

Mark your calendars for the Richfield Historical Society’s 27th Annual Thresheree & Harvest Festival! — September 19 & 20. Our historic buildings will be open, the Mill will be open, and volunteers will be ready to share the deep agricultural roots that make Richfield so special.

Come explore, learn, and experience history in action.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

08/26/2026

Remembering Our Friend, Dave Reich

The Richfield Historical Society is deeply saddened by the passing of David J. Reich, a truly special friend of our Society and our community.

Dave was a faithful member of our Thursday volunteer crew, always there to lend a hand and always willing to work at our events. He gave his time generously, but what made Dave so special was the person he was. He was a friend to everyone.
Dave had a wonderful habit of always saying “thank you” to everyone he came in contact with. Whether someone had helped him, worked alongside him, or simply crossed his path, Dave made sure they knew their kindness was appreciated.

Dave served his country in Vietnam, worked for 43 years at Stainless Foundry, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We are grateful that he chose to give so much of his time and friendship to the Richfield Historical Society.

His family has asked that memorials in Dave's name be made to the Richfield Historical Society. We are deeply honored by this thoughtful gesture and will remember Dave every time we gather to work, preserve, and share Richfield's history.

Dave, you always said thank you to everyone else.

No, Dave. Thank you.

Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your helping hands.
Thank you for always being there.
And most of all, thank you for being Dave.
You will be greatly missed by all of us at the Richfield Historical Society.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Sharon and the entire Reich family.

08/23/2026

Come see the Richfield Historical Society float in the parade starting at 11AM downtown Richfield 🇺🇸