Images of Grafton

Longtime Grafton resident Debbie Krueger is doing her best to give people a vision of community history.

With help from the Grafton Historical Society, she recently completed a book filled with dozens of photos covering nearly 200 years of local heritage.

“Images of America: Grafton,” was released in November by Arcadia Publishing Co. Krueger said more than 200 copies have already been sold, and all proceeds will go to the Grafton Historical Society. 

“It took about a year to go through thousands of photos. I really like reading the ‘Images of America’ books, and I always wanted to read one about Grafton,” Krueger said.

“I hope other people share my opinion on Grafton’s interesting history, and I have enough photos for another book.” 

The “Images of America” book series collects rare images and stories of communities throughout the country.  

Krueger credits Historical Society  board member Nick Schanen with helping her gather and select photos. Schanen is a lifelong Grafton resident who collects memorabilia from years past.

“I’ve been a collector of everything since I was a teenager, from matchbooks to old county newspapers,” the 72-year-old Schanen said.

“A lot has changed in Grafton. I remember Hwy. 141 before it became Port Washington Road.”

Krueger’s book begins in 1838, when Timothy Wooden purchased land on the banks of the Milwaukee River to create a settlement now known as Grafton.

The pictures and captions recount how settlers discovered limestone deposits throughout the region. By 1890, there were nine kilns operated by the Milwaukee Falls Lime Co. 

The book also details how Grafton became a center for blues music when New York Recording Studios operated in the Wisconsin Chair Factory building on the Milwaukee River. 

“Grafton has a really rich history that really embodies early America,” Krueger said. “We wanted to recount scenes of everyday life in Grafton, from the public markets to people working on farms.”

Krueger said she plans to give presentations at Grafton schools and the local library and to various civic groups.

Krueger, a Grafton resident for 37 years, holds a bachelor of arts degrees in history and journalism from Marquette University. She is the secretary of the Grafton Historical Society and a member of the Ozaukee Historical Society. 

In addition to the Grafton Historical Society, photos in the book were provided by the Ozaukee County Historical Society, Cedarburg Cultural Center, Grafton Fire Department and private collections of area residents.   

Krueger said there was a lot to encapsulate in the 126-page book. She also said it was a challenge to follow the publishing company’s guidelines.

“They have a limit on the amount of words you can use per caption and the number of photos you can use per page,” she said. “That was a little disappointing, but the editor didn’t make many changes.”

The book costs $21.99 and can be purchased through the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce by visiting www.grafton-wi.org. 

“I think this book can be a great holiday gift for loved ones who are interested in the history of their hometown,” Krueger said.

“I’ve heard many of the books are being purchased for people who no longer live in the area, and I hope that helps them remember their roots.”