Carriage House

The Carriage House

A Building of Transition and Purpose

The Carriage House at Old Falls Village Park is a reminder of a pivotal period in transportation history—when communities moved from horse-drawn travel to the age of the automobile.

Originally located on the property of Harry Bruskevitz at W140N8758 Lilly Road, the structure was donated and relocated to Old Falls Village in June 1972. The Village of Menomonee Falls contributed $600 toward the cost of moving the building and preparing its new foundation.

Designed for the Horse-Drawn Era

Carriage houses, also known as coach houses, were typically freestanding buildings designed to store horse-drawn carriages and related equipment. Most were built as two-story structures with large central doorways, allowing drivers to easily maneuver vehicles in and out.

Many carriage houses also included additional features such as:

• Storage for harnesses and tack

• Stables for horses

• Living quarters for carriage drivers or farm staff

The Carriage House at Old Falls Village reflects this traditional design, with its two-story layout and loft space, which may have been used for housing or storage.

A New Purpose in Preservation

When the building was moved to Old Falls Village, it served an important practical need. The Menomonee Falls Historical Society required a suitable location to store two vintage fire engines that had previously been kept in inadequate facilities.

The Carriage House provided a centralized space for preservation, while also housing artifacts that reflect the area’s equestrian and transportation history, including a horse-drawn carriage.

Over time, however, the limitations of the building—particularly its lack of heating—made it unsuitable for long-term storage of certain sensitive items, such as historic fire apparatus.

Changing Uses Over Time

Carriage houses like this one were most common in the late 19th century. With the rise of automobiles in the early 20th century, many were converted into garages, reflecting a major shift in transportation and daily life.

The Carriage House at Old Falls Village represents that transition, bridging two eras of mobility and technology.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, the Carriage House is primarily used for storage, but it continues to inspire ideas for future use. Community discussions have explored possibilities such as transforming the space into:

• A blacksmith shop

• A firehouse exhibit

These proposals reflect a shared interest in revitalizing the building while maintaining its historical integrity.

A Continuing Story

Though modest in appearance, the Carriage House plays an important role in telling the story of how people lived and traveled in the past. From horse-drawn carriages to early motor vehicles, it represents a period of rapid change and adaptation.

As part of Old Falls Village Park, it remains a valuable piece of the community’s heritage—waiting for its next chapter to be written.