Bay View Home Receives Wisconsin Historical Marker!
Johanna Brotch House Receives Wisconsin Historical Marker
The Historic Bay View Lake Captains Society proudly announces the installation of a Wisconsin Historical Marker at the Johanna Brotch House. This momentous event, featured in OnMilwaukee, marks a significant milestone as it is the first historical marker in Bay View in 27 years. The marker honors Johanna Brotch, Bay View’s only female ship owner, and stands in the front yard of her home at 515 East Lincoln Avenue, where she lived for 60 years.
Celebrating Johanna Brotch: A Trailblazing Ship Owner
The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The event celebrated Johanna Brotch's legacy and her contributions to Bay View's maritime history. It was attended by six generations of the Draves family, Johanna’s descendants, and over 80 guests who braved the heat to honor her memory.
Highlights of the Unveiling Ceremony
The ceremony was a grand celebration featuring notable speakers and musical performances:
William A. Draves, IV, Johanna’s Great-Grandnephew, shared heartfelt stories about Johanna's impact on their family and community.
Jeff H. Harrington, Johanna’s Great-Great-Grandnephew and President of LERN, Inc., gave a moving tribute, emphasizing her pioneering spirit.
Kira Henschel, Past President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, highlighted Johanna's role as a trailblazer for women in business.
The Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt, a group of Prussian Costume Singers, provided enchanting musical performances, adding a historical touch to the event.
Relive the Moment
For those who couldn’t attend or wish to relive the experience, the complete ceremony is available on our YouTube channel, “Bay View: Town of Lake CAPTAINS!” Watch the video titled “Bay View Gets a New Wisconsin Historic Marker!” to see all the featured speakers and musical acts.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event memorable. Despite the hot weather, the camaraderie and celebration of Johanna Brotch’s legacy made it a truly enjoyable experience. Special thanks to the Draves family members and our wonderful speakers for their contributions.
Stay connected with the Historic Bay View Lake Captains Society for more events and updates on our ongoing efforts to preserve Bay View's rich maritime history.
