Milwaukee County Historical Society

Collections - Architecture

Cream City Brick

Cream City Brick
MCHS Number: M1982.029.001

This ivory-colored brick gave Milwaukee its trademark name during the 19th and early 20th centuries: The Cream City. The cream color in the bricks originates with the chemicals found in the clay used to produce them. While the brick’s stamp indicates the year that it was made (1844), it is unknown as to what building this brick originated from. Unfortunately, the number of buildings constructed with cream city brick decreased dramatically during the 20th century, but several have survived, including St. John’s Cathedral.

Tamarack Sewer Pipe

Tamarack Sewer Pipe
MCHS Number: M1938.010.001

Sewer pipe. Cross-section of a Tamarack log that was used as Milwaukee's first water piping system in 1844. The wood was petrified when it was discovered in 1935. This particular section was part of a main that ran from a spring to the United States Hotel, which was operated by pioneer James H. Rodgers. The pipe ran from East Wisconsin Ave. between North Jackson and North Van Buren to the hotel site at East Water Street and Huron St.

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