History

Built in 1843 by Alexander Mitchell, grandfather of General Billy Mitchell, the current clubhouse has been a fixture of the rich history of Milwaukee and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.

While the Wisconsin Club (formerly the Deutscher Club) has been in existence since 1891, the mansion where the Club resides got its start in 1848, and has long been considered an architectural treasure. Both the mansion and the Club have a rich heritage and have been an important part of Milwaukee's history.

The Wisconsin Club owes much of its success to its leadership and member involvement. We would like to acknowledge our past presidents and their dedication to making the Wisconsin Club one of the most successful clubs in the nation!

In 1891, three Milwaukee businessmen - General E.C. Winkler, George Koeppen and Henry Gugler - held several meetings with sixty other men in the old Plankington House Hotel to organize the founding of a new social club. The purpose of the club was to promote and provide a venue for German-American understanding and fellowship, a reflection of the large German immigration to Milwaukee at the end of the nineteenth century.

The first home of the new club, called the "Deutscher" or "German" Club, was in the Stadt Theater, the site of the present Pabst Theatre. In early 1895, a fire broke out and severely damaged the clubrooms and a new home had to be found. Several alternatives were considered, including disbanding the club which was in a poor financial state. When the vacant Mitchell Mansion on Grand Avenue (now Wisconsin Avenue) was brought to the attention of the club members shortly after the death of Alexander Mitchell, all thoughts of dissolution vanished.

The Deutscher Club began renting its new quarters in early 1895, and on May 1st, the Club held its opening night party in the Mitchell home with over 450 attendees. In 1898, an offer to purchase the mansion for $165,000 was made and accepted and the Deutscher Club began to settle in for a long stay.

The Alexander Mitchell residence grew with the fortune of its owner. In 1848, he built a modest brick house between 9th & 10th Streets and Spring Street. He gradually bought up the remaining properties on his block and expanded the home. In 1858, it was remodeled in the fashionable Italianate style.

In 1872, Alexander Mitchell hired noted Milwaukee architect Edward Townsend Mix and over the next five years, the home was transformed into the French Second Empire mansion it is today. Wings were added to both sides, the porch enlarged and bay windows were installed.

Many rooms were added, including third floor ballroom/art gallery, a library, and a conservatory. The conservatory featured a small stream, palm trees and many exotic plants. Artists from Europe were commissioned to adorn the interior of the home with elaborate hand carved mahogany woodwork, stained glass, plaster and inlaid tile.

The Grand Staircase in the East Hall of the home has 24 lions' heads carved into it which took a single craftsman seven years to construct.

The Oriental Room features more than 1,600 hand carved pansies on the ceiling and the walls of the Moorish Room are covered in embossed panels poly-chromed in red, blue and gold arabesques.

The Belvedere was designed and built by an Italian woodcarver. It's one of Milwaukee's most historic structures as well as being known as the finest structure of its kind in the country.

By 1876, Alexander Mitchell controlled the banking and insurance industry in Milwaukee as well as owning the Milwaukee Railroad and serving as a member of Congress. His fortune was said to have been in excess of $20 million at the time.

Spring Street was renamed Grand Avenue and Alexander Mitchell had already reoriented the front entrance of the home from the East side to the South side so that it would bear a Grand Avenue address, like other prominent Milwaukee families.

From the late 1900's until 1950, a porch and terrace on the East side of the mansion were used as an outdoor dining room. Polly Prospect of The Daily Wisconsin News wrote, "...the East Porch at the Club is a popular spot these days, especially with women members. Enlarged by means of screens covered with stunning blue and tan striped awnings and surrounded by window boxes fitted with bright flowers, it makes an ideal place for bridge parties. Pierrot lanterns hang from the ceiling and the chairs are covered with white linen decorated with designs symbolizing the carnival spirit."

Over the years, many famous and noteworthy guests have been entertained in the mansion including Julia Ward Howe, Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, Prince Henry of Prussia, General Grant and Presidents Cleveland and Roosevelt.

The Alexander Mitchell Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 28, 2012.

Click Here for a detailed history of the Mitchell Mansion and the Wisconsin Club.