Richfield Historical Society

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 🇺🇸

08/19/2026

The answer to the August 12 question: “Do you know where this dam was once located in the Town of Richfield?” had 2 correct answers.

The dam was located on the property where the Messer/Mayer Grist Mill is currently located. This wooden dam was built in 1856 to divert water from the Cooney Creek (Coney River) to the grist mill. It collapsed in 1913 and was replaced with a concrete dam which failed in 1923. Another concrete dam was built, and it failed in 1968. Remnants of the last concrete dam can be seen on the property located at 4399 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Next question: “Do you know what Pleasant Hill business was housed in this building and who operated the business?”

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

08/19/2026

Butter wasn’t just a kitchen staple for pioneer families — it was a daily chore, often done by children.

From milking the family cow to skimming the cream and churning it by hand, butter‑making was a true farm‑to‑table skill that kept households running.

Want to see more pioneer foodways and meet a Wisconsin icon?

Alice in Dairyland will be visiting the Richfield Nature & Historical Park during theRichfield WI Farmers Market on Saturday, August 22nd from 10–1pm!

Stop by to explore history, celebrate Wisconsin agriculture, and enjoy a beautiful day in the park.

08/17/2026

Goat milk has deep roots in early American farm life.

Settlers at Jamestown and Plymouth Rock brought dairy goats with them, relying on these hardy animals for fresh milk and homemade cheese.

Pioneer families depended on goats as a steady, personal source of nourishment — a true farm‑to‑table tradition.

See hands‑on demonstrations like this at the Pioneer Homestead during Richfield Historical Society events like the Richfield Historical Society’s 27th Annual Thresheree & Harvest Festival! September 19-20th, where history comes alive in everyday skills.