You’re Going to Love Greendale!
ALL OF US who live in this charming village think it's "The Best Blooming Town in the Country"! If you come during the summer months, you'll understand the blooming part; more than 40,000 flowers are planted annually along the downtown streets, in hanging baskets, in beds and flower boxes
A Bit of History. Greendale is one of just three "Greenbelt communities" in the U.S. started by the Roosevelt Administration in 1936 during the Great Depression. Its goal was to provide needed housing for families as well as work for the unemployed. Located 10 miles southwest of Milwaukee, the site was chosen for its gentle hills, thick woods and scenic ponds next to 660-acre Whitnall Park.
The original downtown area included just one of each basic business needed-a grocery store, restaurant, drugstore, barbershop, etc. Still today those downtown buildings have a distinctive New England flavor to them, due, it's said, to the fact the original architect was from that area of the country. Likewise, the Village Hall at the north end of Broad Street looks like a miniature version of the main building at Williamsburg, Va., right down to the rooster on its tower, because the Williamsburg structure was said to be one of the architect's favorite buildings.
"Backward" Houses. It took 2 years, from 1936 to 1938, to complete the village's original homes-a total of 572 living units. You'll likely note that the homes are all positioned very close to the street and are set "backward", with the living room at the rear of each house. The architect purposely did this to allow the pioneer residents a better view and appreciation of their large, picturesque backyards instead of the street.
By May 1938, Greendale was ready for its first settlers, and over 100 eager families moved into the new homes in the first few weeks. All the homes, as well as the downtown buildings, were owned by the government and rented to the tenants. In 1953, the government sold all the houses to the tenants.
"Alphabetical Streets. "It was easy to find where friends lived in Greendale, and it still is today. That's because a series of alphabetical "sections" were parceled off as the "A" Section, "B" Section, etc. Every street and court inside each section began with the coinciding letter of the alphabet.
A drive through the residential areas today reveals this clever concept has been retained and is still in use. For example, to the west of Broad Street along Northway you'll note that every street begins with the letter "A"-Arrowwood, Apricot, etc. East of Broad Street, you'll see each street begins with "B". So when a Greendaler says, "I live in the D Section," a fellow Greendaler immediately knows that exact area of the village.
Eleanor's Courtyard. Just across Broad Street to the west of the Reiman Publications Visitor Center is a large fountain and courtyard area. It's called "Eleanor's Courtyard" to commemorate the personal visit of Eleanor Roosevelt to Greendale in 1938 to see one of the "Greenbelt Projects" her husband created. She spent 36 hours here, walking about the downtown area and clambering through the two-story houses.
While saying Greendale was "absolutely wonderful and laid out beautifully", she lived up to her reputation for speaking her mind by commenting that the houses "must have been planned by a man-no woman would have put the laundry room next to the coal bin!" There are four plaques around the fountain that tell more of Greendale's history, and it's worth the walk to read them. What's more, there are plenty of comfortable benches available to allow you to sit, enjoy the view and chat with friendly Greendalers.
There's lots to see and do in Greendale. You can even catch a covered pedal cab for a guided tour of Greendale. In summer, the cabs are located south of the Village Library on Broad Street. To learn more about the community, visit http://www.greendale.org.
Downtown Businesses
EAST SIDE OF BROAD STREET
Reiman Publications Visitor Center. Gives visitors a glimpse of the company’s history and what makes this publisher of 14 magazines so unique. Includes a working test kitchen, video room, various displays and a Country Store Outlet on the lower level offering various catalog items at closeout prices. (Colleen Fechtmeyer, Manager)
The Norman Rockwell Collection—an array of Rockwell items on display including his covers for The Saturday Evening Post and a life-size wax replica of his Triple Self-Portrait.
Margo’s Village Boutique. A true boutique. Specializing in unique women’s apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts. Also featuring handcrafted jewelry and clothing created by local artists. (Margo Kuehn, Owner)
Apples of Eden. Delicious one-of-a-kind gourmet apples, chocolates, desserts and fine gifts. (Julie Quebbemann, Owner)
Once Upon A Time—The Village Bookstore. Come browse the wonderful shelves of books and you’re sure to find something for everyone. (Lesley Connor, Owner)
Seasons of the Heart. Seasons of the Heart offers tasteful decor and furnishings to brighten every room in your home, seasonal gifts, candles, framed prints, lighting, country furniture and more. (Anne Schimmel, Owner)
Ferch’s Malt Shoppe & Grille. Nostalgic ice cream shop offers homemade custard mixed to any flavor. Full menu of sandwiches, soups, salads and grilled specialties. (Jeff & Betty Ferchoff, Owners)
Lotions & Potions. Bath and body custom scenting, Crabtree & Evelyn, Burt’s Bees, the Thymes and much more! (Dee Dee Ternes, Owner)
Village Hair Design. A full-service family salon. Redken gift products, manicures and pedicures. (Judi, Owner)
Cherri’s Savor the Flavor. Wisconsin products including Wisconsin wines, fresh spices, kitchen gadgets, wonderful gift items and more. (Cherri Hollis, Owner)
Serendipity Design. Specializing in handmade greeting cards, custom invitations, stationery and business greetings. Original art, photography and jewelry, too. (Marissa Kazmerchek & Angela Blohm, Owners)
Heavenly Presence. Angels (Willow Tree Platinum Dealer), wedding candles and accessories, unique home decor, dolls and more. (Dick & Syl Maskowski, Owners)
Pawprints Across Your Heart. Gift ideas abound for dogs and cats, and their “moms” and “dads”. Pet accessories, mouth-watering treats and fun, educational toys. (Jeannette Jacobe, Owner)
Gerrene’s Fashion Shop. Founded in 1954, Gerrene’s offers fashions for women, unique jewelry, accessories and gifts. For over 52 years, Gerrene’s staff has been making women look their best. (Rick and Carolyn Andrejat, Owners)
WEST SIDE OF STREET
Heinemann’s Restaurant. Serving high-quality food at affordable prices. We feature menu items prepared from Taste of Home recipes.
Grandhaven business office. (Anne Marie Pelkofer, Manager)
Manchester Investments. Investment advisory service for individuals and small businesses. (John & Teri Bill, Owners)
Ricardo’s Pizza. Thin-crust pizza, sandwiches, salads, pasta and a bar. Open 4 p.m. daily. Carryouts available. (The Loch Family, Owners)
Batley’s Barber Shop. Jim and his daughter, Kris, can give you a quick trim. (Jim & Kris Batley, Owners)
Prescott Miller Jewelers. This full-service jewelry store specializes in custom designs. (Kathy Schnagl & Katie Raddatz, Owners)
Broad Street Coffee Company. Fresh roasted cof fee fruit smoothies, juices, chai, scones and muffins. (Jim Birmingham, Owner)
Great Harvest Bread Co. Fresh-baked breads made from scratch! Cookies and other handmade bakery items, too. (Dawn & Jeff Wright, Owners)
PARKING STREET (west of Broad)
Wear America. Offers souvenir shirts and caps; does custom screen printing. (John Bochniak, Owner)
House of Charles. A full-service family hair salon. (Charles Buetow, Owner)
Origins Therapeutic Massage. Offering massages, facials and other pampering products to enrich your life.(Linda Giuffre , Owner)
Edward Jones. Investment service.
The Shoppe Around the Corner. Adornments for your home. Gifts for every occasion. Shoppe with panache.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO
On the east side of Broad Street, next to Ferch's Malt Shoppe, you'll note a corridor with a large white trellis over the entrance. This corridor leads to the bridge over Dale Creek and to Dale Creek Park just beyond.
In the park is a large daffodil garden in the shape of a "sunburst". The bulbs for those daffodils were sent to Reiman Publications by subscribers in every state and every province of Canada! It's worth a walk over the bridge to have a look at this beautiful daffodil bed. In all, the subscribers sent over 50,000 bulbs, more than could be used in the garden, so they're planted throughout the village as well. This is why Greendale is becoming known as "The Daffodale Capital of the Country".
You'll also note lots of birdhouses and feeders in this park as well as in other parks throughout the village. Many of those were sent by subscribers to Birds & Blooms magazine for its national birdhouse contest. As you can see, Reiman Publications subscribers have helped make Greendale the special place it is.
If you can, you should really come back at Christmastime. With over 50,000 twinkling lights framing the roofs of the downtown buildings and covering the trees, and holiday carolsplaying from the carillon in the tower on the corner, visitors often say, "It looks just like a Norman Rockwell Christmas card!"
Nearby Sights. Southridge Mall, the largest shopping mall in Wisconsin, is just north of downtown Greendale across Grange Avenue (refer to our map). Whitnall Park, over 600 acres big, is less than a mile away-just follow Grange Avenue west to 92nd Street; turn left and go to College Avenue. Turn right and follow the signs to Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Inside Whitnall Park are the Boerner Botanical Gardens, internationally recognized for its 40 acres of roses, wildflowers, perennials, annuals, herbs, etc. In all, 5,000 plants of over 500 varieties are featured. Call 414/525-5650 for more information.
In the same area west on Grange Avenue is the boyhood home of Jeremiah Curtin, a famous poet. Next on the left is Trimborn Farms, where the stone home and outbuildings were built before the Civil War! (Call 414/273-7275 for tour information.)
We hope you enjoy Greendale as much as we do. We think you'll see why it's a real "birds and blooms haven", and why we feel it's one of the most charming, picturesque places in the country!
